Furnace vs. Garage/Workshop heater

[landlord30]

I'm insulating my garage now and debating on whether to install a furnace or a garage/workshop type heater.

The biggest benefit to a furnace would be I can add AC later on. A furnace could also be mounted near the ceiling to save floor space. I would need run some sort of duct work though.

The garage is 24'x40' with 12' ceilings.

What thoughts or considerations does anyone else have? I can install whatever size gas line I need to the garage.

 

[pseudorealityx]

What type of "workshop heater" are you comparing against?

 

[landlord30]

The Big Maxx type.

 

[pseudorealityx]

Furnace advantages:

1) Can add A/C later
2) Can actually mount a filter worth a ****
3) Ductwork, while additional work/cost allows more even heat throughout space and or specific localized heat

Disadvantages:
1) Cost
2) size (potentially)

 

[BadgerBoilerMN]

You can't buy a furnace small enough.

Air-air heat pump is the answer at 1/3 the energy cost of regular AC and about the same for heating in most markets.

 

[Falcon67]

I'd look for a takeout at any of the local AC companies. Around here, there are lots of older small houses and 2 ton units are not uncommon.

 

[sparky36000]

I have a 24x36 with a 14x36 loft space. I found a used 80% efficient NG furnace and installed it upstairs and ran duct work. It works awesome. I keep the garage at 40degrees all winter and crank it up when I'm out there. Fifteen or twenty minutes on the coldest North Dakota winter day and it's nice and warm.

 

[BD1]

It may be worth it to check with your insurance company to see what they will cover. Some will only cover a UL APPROVED UNIT for a garage space.

 

[theoldwizard1]

You can't buy a furnace small enough.

Air-air heat pump is the answer at 1/3 the energy cost of regular AC and about the same for heating in most markets.

I couldn't say it better myself ! A bit pricey up front, especially if you need the type of mini-split heat pump that works down to well below freezing. You will make you money back !

 

[pseudorealityx]

You can buy a 40k BTU furnace from any big name manufacturer. How is that not small enough?

 

[CNGsaves]

Sorry OP but your answer can't accurately be answered until GJ knows WHERE you are located ??

Big difference between "cold" and "hot" if you're in Canada versus Florida !!

UPDATE your Profile with City & State.

 

[yeldogt]

If you look at the specifications you will see that most furnace manufacturers list 55 or 60 as the minimum temp for returning air. Most garages are going to be running at temps lower than that. When you run gas equipment at low temps the combustion gasses will condense and rust out the heat exchanger -- especially when you have an oversized heater that is not going to run for long periods drying everything out. Oil equipment will do the same thing but since they run hotter and normally have thicker heat exchangers the rusting takes longer

I heat a 1800sf studio with a 80% 35k heater - I see people thinking they need 60k for a double car garage.