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Fixing to build a workshop, 1600sf in two stories, auto down, woodwork&misc upstairs. Looking at options for heat. Since I’ll be doing auto paint and spray finishes, I don’t really want an open ignition source.
What is available in the way of outside (outdoor unit with air handler) gas pack heat? I seem to remember seeing one before, but it had central A/C attached. Anybody make them now??
dp
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dp: How about a direct-vented heater? All the combustion air is drawn from outside and all the flue gases are conducted to the outside. Many have fans to increase the efficiency of the heat exchangers and some are so efficient (i.e. the flue gases are so cool) they use plastic exhuast ducting. While not rated for a Class 1, Division II environment like around a gasoline pump, they would meet your goal of not having an ignition source exposed to room air (like normal furnaces and hot water heaters do). Monitor has a line of heater for different fuel types - fuel oil,propane, etc. Kudos to you for identifing that safety issue early on. Ignition sources in garages are required to be 18" above the floor but considering all of the gasoline, solvents, propane, etc. that we all store at home - it's a still little scary.
If you're in snow country, check out the current discussions about the wonders of radiant slab heated garages. Kind of like hot food and flush toilets. Once you've had it, you can't imagine life without it. -David
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Thanks for the input. Where I am (central NC), I typically only have to heat the shop I'm using now maybe Dec 15-Mar 1, on average. I may not be able to get into the shop for a couple of weeks, then the need is usually urgent (something broken, or need stress relief). Radiant floor heat, while good, would not provide the quick temp rise that I want.
I like the idea of the direct-vent. I guess I should also partition off the stairs, so I would only have to heat either upstairs or down.
dp
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Fixing to build a workshop, 1600sf in two stories, auto down, woodwork&misc upstairs. Looking at options for heat. Since I'll be doing auto paint and spray finishes, I don't really want an open ignition source.
What is available in the way of outside (outdoor unit with air handler) gas pack heat? I seem to remember seeing one before, but it had central A/C attached. Anybody make them now??
dp
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The radiant heat slab sounds really appealing for the rest of the year (mar-dec)when you don't typically think of needing workshop heat. The problem I've always experienced with concrete slab (unheated) garages or shops is the warm weather condensation of ambient humidity. Tools, parts, nails, screws, bolts etc. etc. tend to rust rust rust.
Your second floor should be no problem in this regard, but you probably want a hard slab under the autos.
Anyone else have any experience with humidity/slab/rust problem?