Hydronic vs. electric radiant heat?

[CMcAllister]

We are finally getting close to starting our new shop building. Heating is something that is still up in the air. This will be a 52'x40'x12' pole building with good insulation.

While trying to educate myself on the subject of radiant heat, I find electric vs. hydronic discussions and proponents of each. I find little mention of electric on here and assume there must be a reason. What would be the reasons for and against electric radiant heat in this application.

We are in Southern Pennsylvania and plan to eventually put A/c in this building if that matters.

Thanks.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Electric radiant heat is simply too expensive to operate for serious consideration in any new construction IMHO. Power rates (around here) are about 4 times as expensive as natural gas on a straight KWH to BTU comparisson.

If electric heat is the only option, and especially in a situation where you are going to have duct work for AC, you'd be world's ahead by going with a high efficiency air-source heat pump system. It'll use about 1/3 the power of electric radiant heaters.

If you can afford the up front cost of a well done gas-fired hydronic in-floor heating system...IMHO there's nothing that even compares. It's very comfortable to work on warm floors in the winter, even if you have to lay down under a vehicle for hours. It's almost silent, unlike any forced air heating system. It's really just about perfect...other than the upfront cost of installation and the drawback of needing a long lead-time to bring the space up to temperature. Meaning you can't just heat the building while you're in it. You really have to heat it 24 X 7. Of course, you run into the same quandry with a heat pump.

Phil