I have a new to me old cabin, I am planning to purchase an Envi electric wall heater.

They were recommended/advertised in a couple of magazine I subscribe to.

When you say efficient, do you mean the lowest operating cost? If that is the case than a mini split would be the best solution. The mini split would also provide cooling. It is possible to purchase a DIY version. There are YouTube videos you can watch to see how involved the installation process would be.

The mini split is kinda what I was thinking. I have been watching a few videos and I think it’s pretty straight forward, but YouTube makes every job look easy

Split system heatpump or minisplit heat pump. The split systems are more flexible (and probably less expensive) but if you can't fit one in, then a minisplit with a couple of heads.

All of those would work but IMO none will help with a cold floor . Have you looked at infloor heating it might be possible and works very well . And really in WA not a huge need for AC usually.

Good insulation for floor and walls...good windows and sealing up leaKs...mini split seems best choice If operating costs are important. If AC not needed, then look into electric radiant in floor....what is your electric rate?...

TD

If there were gas wall heaters there, I'd replace them with new ones and be done with it. Gas wall heaters work well.

Electric heaters of any kind all have the same efficiency from resistance heating and can be expensive to use in areas with high electric costs.

An alternative to consider might be a through-the-wall PTAC heat pump, if this is an area that doesn't get too terribly cold. Same recommendation and proviso applies for Jim Mat too.

For Elmer....see original post...no natural gas....the Pacific NW is relatively mild climate...i would not want propane heat nor wall mounted heaters...still feel all electric is best course assuming reasonable electric rates...

TD

Electric also assumes that whatever panel feeds power in and to the MIL has the amperage to handle the load from the heater.

Sasha is exactly correct...breaker service needs to be checked...

TD

Thanks TD, i missed that.

Back to the PTAC heat pump suggestion for an economical solution, check first that the expected winter low temps are within its operating range. Maybe some have built in resistance strips as backup, I don't know. If not, that could be a reason to go with a minisplit, the better ones do produce heat at low temperatures.

Edit to add:

I checked one brand and that heat pump PTAC does have electric resistance strips as a supplemental heat source. When it turns on, when it turns off, would be something to check with the manufacturer or seller.

Check out Warmly Yours eclectic radiant heat. We used it in our lower level on top of concrete and under tile. It’s regulated on thermostats and we love it.