3 areas and 3 different needs

[alfy84]

My shed is 48x56 with 12’ ceiling. Walls and ceiling insulated with spray and blown in. No, I didn’t insulate the pad. I’ve been given a lot of differing opinions and pricing on HVAC. My family will use the shed but for random activities, kids playing, canning, butchering, lite mechanic work, gatherings, etc. I don’t need full time heat because it will be used about once or twice a week.

I have a 16x32 living/kitchenette in one corner. Inside that a 8x10 bathroom with all my plumbing. The shed portion I’m just looking for heat. The living portion I’m looking for Heat/AC when we are out there. The bathroom I need a heat source 24/7 as I live in Central IL. I have propane access.

How would you structure your overall HVAC?

 

[PoorUB]

If the space will be used once or twice a week you will want to heat it all the time. Granted, you can heat it to 45-55 degrees when no one is out there, and bump up the temps a couple hours before it is occupied. Force air gas, or mini splits. Mini splits will most likely be the most economical if the choices are propane or electric. What ever you use I would get internet ready thermostats so you can run the heat/AC from your phone.

 

[theoldwizard1]

My shed is 48x56 with 12’ ceiling.
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I have a 16x32 living/kitchenette in one corner. ... The living portion I’m looking for Heat/AC when we are out there

That is a huge space ! Is the living space walled off and insulated from the rest of your shed ?

Inside that a 8x10 bathroom with all my plumbing. ... The bathroom I need a heat source 24/7 as I live in Central IL.

Both of these areas are good candidates for a mini-split heat pump system. Easy installation compared to forced air with A/C. You will need 2 air handlers and a system that will let them run independently.

The biggest downside to a mini-split heat pump system is emergency/backup heating. With forced air, a 2,500W-5,000W generator will run run a furnace. You would need something larger for a mini-split.

The shed portion I’m just looking for heat. . I live in Central IL. I have propane access.

For such a large area, with only heating required, a couple ceiling hung propane furnaces would be the most practical.

What ever you use I would get internet ready thermostats so you can run the heat/AC from your phone.

Excellent suggestion !

SEGUE : Most (all?) mini-split heat pumps use inverter technology. One of the benefits of inverter technology is a built in "soft start" functionality. Therefore you should not have to be concerned with "in rush current" or "locked rotor current". In general, this means you can use a smaller backup generator.

Motor Inrush Current vs Locked Rotor Amps: The Difference

 

[alfy84]

That is a huge space ! Is the living space walled off and insulated from the rest of your shed ?


Both of these areas are good candidates for a mini-split heat pump system. Easy installation compared to forced air with A/C. You will need 2 air handlers and a system that will let them run independently.

The biggest downside to a mini-split heat pump system is emergency/backup heating. With forced air, a 2,500W-5,000W generator will run run a furnace. You would need something larger for a mini-split.


For such a large area, with only heating required, a couple ceiling hung propane furnaces would be the most practical.


Excellent suggestion !

SEGUE : Most (all?) mini-split heat pumps use inverter technology. One of the benefits of inverter technology is a built in "soft start" functionality. Therefore you should not have to be concerned with "in rush current" or "locked rotor current". In general, this means you can use a smaller backup generator.

Motor Inrush Current vs Locked Rotor Amps: The Difference

The living space and the bathroom are both insulated from other spaces allowing me to heat and cool differently. Thanks for the reply!