Hello, everyone. I live in Montreal and enjoy smoking cigars. I’m thinking of setting up a transparent tent on my patio with a couple of chairs, a table, and a small electric heater.
My question is: during a sunny winter afternoon when it’s about -10°C (14°F), will the tent be warm inside just from the sunlight? Or am I being too optimistic, and I’ll need a strong heater to get it to around 15°C (60°F)?
Thanks in advance!
The tent will be warmer and less windy, but I’m not sure by how much. Be cautious with heaters—don’t use an extension cord unless it’s rated for the load.
It’ll feel warmer inside for sure. People have used cling wrap or portable greenhouses as makeshift tents, and they retain some heat. But managing cigar smoke while keeping the warmth in could be tricky.
@Dezi
Good point about the smoke. I’m thinking of using something like a tent stove for heat so I can manage some airflow. I’ll also check out portable greenhouses. Thanks for the suggestion!
Fallon said:
@Dezi
Good point about the smoke. I’m thinking of using something like a tent stove for heat so I can manage some airflow. I’ll also check out portable greenhouses. Thanks for the suggestion!
If you want internal heating, consider a Buddy Heater. It’s cheaper and easier than a stove, and you won’t have to deal with a hot stovepipe in a plastic tent.
@Dezi
Is there a carbon monoxide risk with a Buddy Heater?
Fallon said:
@Dezi
Is there a carbon monoxide risk with a Buddy Heater?
Buddy Heaters are designed for indoor use, with ventilation. They have a built-in oxygen sensor that shuts them off if levels get low. For extra safety, you could use a separate carbon monoxide detector.
@Dezi
Thanks for the reassurance! If it has built-in safety features, I’m not too worried. I’ll give it a shot. Thanks again!
Fallon said:
@Dezi
Thanks for the reassurance! If it has built-in safety features, I’m not too worried. I’ll give it a shot. Thanks again!
No problem. Since you’ll have ventilation for cigar smoke, that should handle any CO2 from the heater. My family has used propane heaters for decades without issues—just allow some airflow.
The sun alone probably won’t warm it enough. I used a blue tarp setup with a Mr. Buddy heater, and it worked great—even felt like too much heat at times.
Rayne said:
The sun alone probably won’t warm it enough. I used a blue tarp setup with a Mr. Buddy heater, and it worked great—even felt like too much heat at times.
Does the Mr. Buddy heater work safely in a closed space? I was worried about gas poisoning.
@Fallon
It’s safe if you have some fresh air coming in. It has a low-oxygen shutoff. Keep a flap open and use a larger propane tank—it’s more efficient than small ones.
Rayne said:
@Fallon
It’s safe if you have some fresh air coming in. It has a low-oxygen shutoff. Keep a flap open and use a larger propane tank—it’s more efficient than small ones.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll keep that in mind.
I have a bubble tent for colder seasons. It doesn’t stay super warm, but it blocks the wind, which helps. Mine is vented at the top, so cigar smoke won’t be a problem.
Casey said:
I have a bubble tent for colder seasons. It doesn’t stay super warm, but it blocks the wind, which helps. Mine is vented at the top, so cigar smoke won’t be a problem.
That’s good to know! Could you share the brand or model of your tent?
What exactly is a transparent tent?
@Fallon
Oh, that’s different from a typical camping tent. Looks like it might hold some heat, though.