new shop heating help

[jeff_gates]

We are build a work shop in the Seattle area, the bottom floor is 2700 sq feet and upstairs is 1800 sq feet. What would you all use to heat it? It would be some sort if electric system.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[sands35]

Have you priced out alternatives to electric in your area?

If the floor isn't poured, in floor radiant is awesome.

You could do radiant in the floor of the 2nd story and radiators (passive or forced air) on the 1st.

Otherwise, you are going to be left with forced air or baseboard heaters if you want to stay with electric.

I guess there are IR panels too.

If you want AC in the summer (or at least de-humidification), you could do a mini-split.

Electric heat is 100% efficient, so that is a plus, but it comes down to your cost per BTU difference to other heat sources.

 

[jeff_gates]

We are in the permit part of the build so I have some time. We plan on radiant floor heating. What is the best option to heat the tubes?
We have had quotes from 30K-70K, what do you think of geothermal?
Because of costs it looks like electric is our best option.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[sands35]

Where do you live?

The local climate will help dictate options as will the local habits and practices for the area.

Do you also need AC in the summer?

Geothermal is a great solution, but expensive. I'd only contemplate that if I lived in a place where AC mattered more than heat.

The simple radiant solution is an electric water heater (either tank or tankless wall mount) and a DIY panel to circulate water, provide an expansion tank and remove air.

 

[jeff_gates]

The shop is in the Seattle area, cold wet winters, nice summers.