Best space heater for shop?

[Wolf Flower]

I have about 700 sq. ft. I need to heat, it's divided into three rooms but there is airflow between the rooms, as they are separated by dividers and not full walls. It is my pet grooming shop, so I need a heating solution that will be safe with pets around. The shop came with a functioning antique woodstove, which I rather like, but it's too much liability.

I will probably be getting a mini-split system for cooling in the summer, and I believe I can get a heat pump with that unit, but is that very efficient? I don't have access to natural gas and if I used propane I would have to get a whole 'nuther tank, as the one I have is clear across the property.

I am looking at these infrared units, , anyone use them? It says that they remain cool to the touch and that they are pretty efficient. There's one on my local Cragislist that's a pretty good deal. I've considered the oil heaters as well, but they do get hot to the touch.

Is there anything else I'm not thinking of, that ya'll could suggest?

[agmantoo]

Check out a PTAC heatpump with strip heat. This is the least cost to purchase heatpump package that the user can install and the cost of operation is attractive.
Here is a site for general info. http://www.ptacs4sale.com/ Search around for the highest seer ratings and the best price. There are reconditioned units available also for cheap.

[tamsam]

All the heat strip is in the heat pump is an electric heater element. Had one in NC and when it would kick in the power meter would go into overdrive. Don't get me wrong heat pumps work great until you need the heat strip. I don't know how cold it gets where you are and I would talk with a good heat and cooling person there. Good luck . Sam

[MELOC]

sincei tis such a small an basically open area, i would consider electric baseboard heat. everyone claims electric heat is 100% efficient, and this sounds like a good application for it. the heat pump sounds like a good option if you wish to cool the place in the summer and use the same unit. a window unit or two would probably do as well with a smaller investment. if you go with propane, i would consider using a ventless wall mounted propane heater. they are cheap enough.

just out of curiosity, does your shop have it's own electricity supply, or is it a circuit from the house? if so, what is the distance from the house and what is the wiring like?

[Wolf Flower]

Originally Posted by MELOC

just out of curiosity, does your shop have it's own electricity supply, or is it a circuit from the house? if so, what is the distance from the house and what is the wiring like?

The shop has decent power supply, but it does share the same panel with the house and we are really pushing it. We just had the wiring redone, so it is good.... but we have to be careful with amperage or we'll be tripping breakers like crazy.

[MELOC]

well, then maybe electric heat is not the best idea. consider propane and a wall mounted ventless unit. installation is quick and easy and it should require very little power depending on if it has a fan and electric start. a ceiling fan will really help to circulate that heat too.