Another Mini-split question, 40x60 open floor plan?

[Fierofiend]

I've searched quite a bit, but still unsure if this is doable. I have a 40'x60' steel building, 12' ceiling with 4 non-insulated roll up doors in NC. The walls and ceiling have the typical vinyl backed insulation. From online calculators it looks like I should run a 7-ton ducted system.

With that said, this isn't my career and just for weekend hobbies, hanging out, and car storage. I don't need the shop to be 70º year round, but want to be able to pre-heat the shop enough to maintain feeling in my fingers in the winter, and cool it enough to not sweat badly in the summer. I've made it so far with just fans and not tinkering on the bitter cold days, but looking for more comfort.

Can I get away with just two 36k single head Mini-split units? I'd prefer to not install a duct system. The shop has a dedicated 200a service but I am planning solar so I'd prefer to not run gas heat.

Thanks!

 

[jack stand]

To me, the "ductless" is the major advantage and I thought a major reason for the efficiencies?
Sounds like you're not overly demanding and you may be very happy with 3 "heads" (ductless) for decent distribution.

 

[grant00]

Check the minimum outside temp for whatever you look at. Some of the Fujitsu units I looked at yesterday had a -15F minimum temperature in a 24K unit which is nice. I haven't done the most research but I would think you should be able to run multiple ductless to get where you want.

 

[PoorUB]

I would think two 36K BTU units would do it. I come up with around 4 tons+ with properly insulated. The doors are a killer.