What’s the best way to heat a garage or shop?
The short answer
There are three ThermaRay options. Thermal mass panels go under a new slab. Radiant ceiling panels hide above the ceiling, new or existing. Architectural Series metal heaters mount on or hang from the ceiling where you can see them.
Thermal mass floor heat (new slabs)
For new construction, panels go under the concrete and turn the ground below into a 2 to 2½ foot deep store of heat. It qualifies for off-peak electric programs, typically costs about half as much to install as hydronic tubing, and costs 35% to 70% less to run than hydronic or forced air. A typical residential install takes 3 to 5 hours.
Radiant ceiling panels (new or existing)
Panels go above drywall, steel, OSB or wood ceilings and barely affect the construction schedule. They warm the floor and everything in the shop, and stay out of sight.
Architectural Series metal heaters
Metal radiant heaters are surface mounted or hung below the ceiling. They work the same way as the other systems, except you can see them, which suits shops with open framing or high ceilings.
Answer drawn from Premier Energy USA’s blog. Read the original post.
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Choosing and Installing
Won’t a radiant ceiling lose heat through the roof?
Not if the ceiling is insulated properly. Drywall has a very low R-value, and the radiant energy passes right through it, while the insulation above sends the heat down into the room. On a cold day, a thermal camera in the attic shows no heat coming through. -
Choosing and Installing
Can I add radiant ceiling heat to an existing home?
Yes. With attic access, the panels go above the existing ceiling. Without it, furring strips go on the existing ceiling, the panels go between them, and new drywall covers everything. -
Choosing and Installing
Can I heat a floor from below without tearing it up?
Yes. Floor joist heating hangs radiant panels 1½ to 2 inches below the subfloor, in the joist spaces. It doesn’t raise the floor, isn’t in the wear surface, and the flooring can be changed later without touching it.
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