need something for in law apt.

[dcouture29]

I'm building an in law above my garage 24x28. It'll be mostly used in the summer but will be used on an occasional weekend during winter.

I've been looking around for a source of heat that can accomodate my needs. I'm looking at everything except oil.

Preferably, I'd like something that could keep the place at 45-50 degrees during the time it's not in use, so I'd like something that I could set a thermostat low. I think propane might be my best option but don't really know what to buy. Looking for any advice.

 

[DAKSY]

What you need will depend on how much insulation you're gonna have in the walls & ceilings. If it's well insulated, you can get by with a relatively small unit. If you buy a larger one, it won't be a problem to turn it down, but it will have the added "oomph" to heat you when it's frigid outside. I have a 26 x 26 garage with a studio above it & although I installed a stove in one of the bays & built an insulated wall between them, it still has a concrete floor.
I put in a Jotul GF600 Firelight (40K BTU input) & it did the job very well. I had it controlled with a Skytech 3301 remote thermostat so it could be turned down when the occupants were at work.

 

[dcouture29]

Thanks for the suggestion Daksy. I'm going to look into the Jotul or an equivalent.

 

[tbuff]

Are you going to have domestic hot water in the apt? If so maybe a small high efficiency boiler with domestic hot feed. I'm guessing propane if nat gas isn't an option.

 

[dcouture29]

Tbuff. I'm getting domestic off the oil boiler in the house. I don't want to do baseboards because I'm not interested in keeping the temps at a constant 50+ temp. Propane is an option and is where i'm leaning.

 

[tbuff]

I know it's not a popular option, but if he apt is well insulated, electric baseboard would probably cost less to install and run then some other options. If you plan to put A/c in the apt, have you considered a heat pump with electric aux heat?