[markwondi]

I'm looking into different ways to heat and cool the garage i'm building (40x60x12). It'll be built in Knoxville, TN. I've looked into radiant heat which I had in my house I just sold, but due to the fact that the heat will be an on/off type deal in the winter only, it just doesn't seem practical. With a building that large, it would easily take a day to heat the space, with such large ceilings. I've looked into heat pumps as well, and since it'll be in the south, it should work alright.

I found this gas (either natural or propane) and electric A/C unit that seems very practical for my needs: http://www.eccohtg.com/links/Product...0Magic-Pak.pdf

It requires no vent and just a little ducting. Any thoughts, or experience from those that have done this.

[BlueStreak03]

I don't think you'll be very happy with the heat from that unit in the wintertime. Once it gets below 30 degrees anything short of a gas furnace or woodstove just isn't gonna do the job. Honestly since it's just a workshop and not the house itself, I would go for a small iron woodstove for heat and a 150,000 Btu or larger window A/C unit for cooling.

[markwondi]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak03

I don't think you'll be very happy with the heat from that unit in the wintertime. Once it gets below 30 degrees anything short of a gas furnace or woodstove just isn't gonna do the job. Honestly since it's just a workshop and not the house itself, I would go for a small iron woodstove for heat and a 150,000 Btu or larger window A/C unit for cooling.

Actually, woodstove won't work, since plans are now that I'll be building a 40x12 living area inside (to live in while the house is built, and then convert it to an office afterwards).

I currently only have propane on the property, natural gas will require some $$$ to be brought up.

[BlueStreak03]

Well that does kinda change things a bit. In that case I don't see why the unit you posted link to wouldn't work. I just tend to shy away from fancy things that claim to 'simplify and compact' complex systems such as a heat pump.

[jim293]

I have seen where people run hot water lines in the concrete of the garage floor which run off the hot water heater. I would think they would have a valve to turn during the summer months. I had a friend who did this in Idaho and he loved it.

[countymounty]

Well kind of kills the idea but I use a wood stove and one of those probable kerosene “ready heaters” the ready heater warms up the place and by that time the wood stove keeps it warm, I have a large shop fan behind the wood stove to circulate the air, works quite well and then I turn off the ready heater, there are some fumes from the kerosene but its not bad…….

[towman77]

I agree with the wood stove deal. To add a ventless propane wall heater those things will put of some serious heat and fast . Just go to lowes and find one for the correct sqaure footage along with the wood stove that should be great.