I'm looking for advice on heating my workshop. The space has foundation stem walls, and I'm starting to plan for permits. I've been considering options but have concerns about forced air systems, as changing filters seems like it could be a hassle and could pull sawdust into non-woodworking areas. I've heard mini splits may not handle heavy dust well either. I'm leaning towards hydronic floor heating, especially since I'll also be building a 600 sq ft apartment above the workshop. I'm all-electric, so I'm unsure how efficient hydronic heating would be, and I don't want my energy bills to skyrocket during the winter months what with maintaining the apartment temperature around 68 degrees. Any suggestions?
1 Answer
In my current workshop, which is 750 sq ft in Zone 7 where winters get pretty cold, I use a propane heater. I've also got a mini split, but it's not super efficient. When I move to my new 1200 sq ft shop, I'm sticking with propane since it's the easiest option given the existing foundations. If I were building from scratch, I'd definitely opt for in-floor heating using propane. If you want to avoid propane, geothermal could be an option, and for milder climates, mini splits might suffice without breaking the bank.
It sounds like you're in a great zone for that! I usually manage with a lower setting around 65 degrees to save on costs. I'm also exploring heat pump water tank systems for hydronic heating. Just a heads-up to check propane prices in your area since it's not too common here either, and electricity rates aren't too bad!