Best Heating Solution for Garage with Loft

[mike22grady]

Hey Guys,
I'm about to start on a new garage project to replace my old barn garage that is beyond repair. I am allowed to build a new one of the same size (20' x 30'), and height (21') two stories on the same spot but no larger. I live in Southern Ontario, Canada. I will build an insulated garage. I store my electronic work equipment in my van on the main floor so I need to keep the temperature in the garage just above freezing like 40° fahrenheit throughout the winter. I intend to use the second floor as my office so I would need to heat it up to a comfortable temperature only sometimes. I am looking for some opinions on the best HVAC solution for this. Radiant in-floor heating? Gas furnace? Should I insulate under the slab? Spray foam or Roxul? Does it make sense to insulate between the two floors since they have separate zone heating requirements? Saving money is important to me, whether it's upfront construction costs or long-term energy bills.

 

[Alsv8vair]

Welcome. Ontario guy. Kool.
A friend of mine recently built his man cave dream shop. He did in floor heating. It is amazing. Not in my budget. But a very nice heat source.
Looking forward to seeing your new shop.

 

[Slowgsr]

In floor is the best, insulate under the slab, and thermal break the foundation (if applicable)
Second i like radiant tube heaters, if youve got the ceiling height.
Third is plain old forced air, and id insulate the 2nd level seperate if your going to have it at 2 temperatures. You could use a mini split heat pump for your upstairs. AC is nice for the office, insulation wise, i like roxul r19 walls r60 attic. Could go with r19 batts in walls/cdiling then blown in cellulouse, just do a good job with your vapor barrier as its important. If youve got the money i would do closed cell spray foam but just butter the ceiling then cellulouse on top. Your overhead doors will be your main loss, and keep a close eye on weather stripping