Heating a 50' x 80' x 14' pole barn

[Jessupftw]

Hi Everyone,

Need some opinions on how to "best" heat my shop.

Some background: Located in SE Wisconsin so winters can get nasty. Menards building but pretty well insulated. 2" of spray foam on the walls with R19 batts over that finished in steel. Ceiling has R38 and also finished in steel. Originally I was thinking about adding air conditioning but considering it never gets above 72 degrees inside even when its 95 plus outside I think the building is pretty tight

Anyways, falls here and I have to get it heated. My plan is to heat the entire 4000 sq ft to 40 or so degrees during the winter when I'm not out there working and then be able to get it up to 70 for either working or entertaining. My only option is LP and have a dedicated tank being installed next week.

After WAY too much time looking at web sites, I need your help!

The two models I'm considering are below. Both pull combustion air from outside and have dedicated blowers.

Modine BTS150
https://www.h-mac.com/modine-bts150.html

Reznor UDBS-150
https://www.ecomfort.com/Reznor-UDBS-150-AA2-AK1/p47228.html

So finally, my questions for all you garage heating gods....

First, Is the blower model a nice to have or needed? Adds quite a bit of cost and I do have 3 ceiling fans I can run to help distribute the heat.

Second, brand wise is this a chevy/ford thing? or is one appreciably better than the other?

Thirdly, Am I over thinking this? probably yes but realistically does this approach make sense or should I be considering something else?

The other option would be to get a residential furnace and run some spiral duct work down the middle but not to keen on the added costs...

So, what say you?

 

[ForceFed70]

It's a ford/chevy thing.

Do you need separated combustion? It adds cost and installation complexity.

That's a big building. I'd be very tempted to consider 2 x 75kBTU heaters vs a single 150K

 

[Jessupftw]

I really don't need separated combustion, just worried that since the building is tight if negative pressure will become an issue... no idea, again too much time reading online

I did think about doing 2-75kBTU, really wouldn't be that much more $ other than additional piping, etc. Biggest draw back in my mind was now having two roof penetrations vs. one but not sure if that is a big deal or not... Just curious, why do you think 2 would be better?

Thanks for the reply!

 

[ForceFed70]

If the building is too tight, the heaters will throw a code. Honestly - a tight building is good, but there is such a thing as "too tight". You do want to allow a little fresh air to enter/exit.
Can always add venting but I doubt you'll need it.

2x75K BTU will help with reducing hot spots and heat distribution. It also give you some flexibility - if you're spending the day working on 1 side of the building, you can turn on just the 1 heater. I've also seen shops where people install a curtain and only heat 1 side when needed. If you're like me - 1/2 the shop will end up being used for storage and doesn't need to be kept as warm as the side you're usually working in.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I did think about doing 2-75kBTU, really wouldn't be that much more $ other than additional piping, etc.

That is a HUGE building. Even with 2 units, I think you are going to have cold spots, especially when you are "entertaining".

 

[Fixin'Stuff]

Carefully read the manuals for those heaters. Most gas heaters have a warning to NOT use them to maintain a temp below 55 degrees or so. The low heat exchanger temp, combined with short run times to maintain room temp, leaves condensed flue gases on the heat exchanger. Those gases are slightly acidic and can eat through the heat exchanger. This will affect your desire to leave the space heated to 40 degrees when you aren't out there.

 

[6768rogues]

I have a 40 by 60 by 14 tall building in a similar climate with less insulation. I use a 100K BTU Reznor heater and it easily heats the building. I keep it about 45 degrees all the time and raise it when I am using the building. The temperature climbs quickly and it takes only minutes to get it warm.
My 36 by 48 by 14 building also uses a Reznor 100K BTU heater and I have been doing the same heating pattern since 1995 without a heater issue.

 

[Jessupftw]

Thanks for the insight everyone...

6768rogues, curious do you know which model Reznor you have? does it have a blower like the one below or do you think I can save some $ and go with just a standard, like the second link. thanks!

Blower Model:
https://www.ecomfort.com/Reznor-UDBS...K1/p47228.html

Standard:
https://www.ecomfort.com/Reznor-UDAP-150-AA2/p46933.html

 

[PCDan]

Thanks for the insight everyone...

6768rogues, curious do you know which model Reznor you have? does it have a blower like the one below or do you think I can save some $ and go with just a standard, like the second link. thanks!

Blower Model:
https://www.ecomfort.com/Reznor-UDBS...K1/p47228.html

Standard:
https://www.ecomfort.com/Reznor-UDAP-150-AA2/p46933.html

You might consider getting one of these.
https://airiusfans.com/air-pear/
I'm going to put one of the 25s ($400-ish) in my shop and run it 24/7 during the winter. Cool company too.

 

[Radix2]

Thanks for the insight everyone...

6768rogues, curious do you know which model Reznor you have? does it have a blower like the one below or do you think I can save some $ and go with just a standard, like the second link. thanks!

Blower Model:
https://www.ecomfort.com/Reznor-UDBS...K1/p47228.html

Standard:
https://www.ecomfort.com/Reznor-UDAP-150-AA2/p46933.html

They both have fans that circulate about 2000cfm - the difference is the "blower" model has a squirrel cage blower instead of a fan to move the air. A squirrel cage has more static pressure capability ( normal furnaces use them ) so you can drive air through ducts. If you are planning on mounting this in open air, I can't see the squirrel cage doing anything for you.

Save the money.

 

[bobbyjean]

for the bucks they cost you could check the modine condensing unit ,with your building being really well insulated you could size down some.
the furnace idea works ...you can hang horizontal and straight duct down the center as you mentioned...you can get better efficency that way and the option of that ac..love the options