Is forced air OK in shop?

[bullnerd]

I keep seeing used HVAC systems on CL for good prices.

But dont see many on here being used in shops.

Is there a major downside to this that I'm not seeing? Besides the ductwork?

Are minisplits and unit heaters that much better?

I have a 30 x 40 x 10 and might section off a part or two.Being able to run ducts into the sections would be sweet.

****!...forgot to search.

 

[pseudorealityx]

thoughts

-Mini-splits ARE available in ducted models.
-many people only want to heat their garage, hence unit heaters.
-the guys who want both heating and cooling typically get the mini split heat pumps. They work well, are easy to install and wire up, and do a good enough job for an open shop. They are also small, quiet, and 'neat' looking, just sitting up high on a wall somewhere.
-The mini-splits are more efficient in cooling than most typical forced air systems.

 

[philjafo]

Used residential furnaces are used to heat shops all the time, however no one replaces the furnace in their home for no reason. 12 to 15 is the average life of a furnace, the reason most warrantys are only 10 years. Big cracks in the heat exchanger are easy to see, small ones can be easy to overlook if you don't know what your looking for.

 

[deter]

The reason people don't use them is cost of the unit. Another downside is the footprint they take from the floor. I would try to see it run first, or don't pay more than scrap value

 

[CNGsaves]

Used all the time by McGyver types who do install themselves or have HVAC buddy who will help install a used forced air unit . . . or new for that matter.

Major drawback is difficulty installing, thus generally high labor cost for a used forced air unit. For used unit, risk is the heat exchanger fails and furnace would be pouring out carbon monoxide.

Other drawback that HVAC installers always claim is the water condensation that comes out of typical HVAC installs don't really work well for garage as don't have freeze-proof solution for water drain. If you're in area that rarely has hard freeze throughout garage, that excuse goes away.

Friend of mine has forced air in his shop and it works fine.