Radiant heat for dog play area

SKP

I am located in northeastern Ohio and I am considering turning my 70' X160' (16' high) metal barn into an indoor playground for dogs. The building is a pole building and the only insulation is a thin layer directly under the roof metal.  For now, I plan to leave the footing as it is (sand).   I would have 3-4 seperate play areas fenced off.  The building would be used for several hours in the morning and then again for 3-4 hours in the afternoon/evening.  I am trying to determine if overhead radiant heat is the best heating solution.  Dog care attendants would be with dogs at all times so would an overhead radiant heating system keep the humans warm enough? I am just starting my investigation of heating systems for this project so any information and advice is appreciated!  What is involved in installing such a system?



Thanks!

Brad White

An ideal choice

in my opinion. Understanding that you will never likely get the building "up to temperature" especially in a way that will "hold", overhead low-intensity gas fired tube heaters are an ideal way to heat such a space.



I would argue against in-floor heating, not that you were considering it, because of urea and spills in livestock areas. 



As you know, overhead heating will yield better human comfort than, say, gas-fired unit heaters.  Do you have natural gas or are you using propane by the way?



The heaters are cost-effective in my experience and I specify them for aircraft hangers, warehouses, garages and the like, either supplemental to radiant floors or as prime heat where floor radiant cannot work.



A few tips:



If possible, duct-in the combustion air directly to the burner connection and insulate that.



Watch out for rolling doors and clearances to combustibles in all conditions.



Pay particular attention to mounting heights and reflector angles. Aim perimeter heaters to the joint of wall and floor; do not waste capacity heating up the wall unless people are gathered there.



Understand that these often work best "manually", on with occupancy, off when not. "Thermostats" are rarely satisfied and if they are "in the beam", the units will short cycle.



You will be surprised how comfortable you will feel even if the space temperature is still cool.



Names we specify are Detroit Radiant (Re-Verber-Ray), Roberts-Gordon (Co-Ray-Vac) and a few others. The true Co-Ray-Vac is a vacuum tube system, more money but better modulation. For your application I would recommend direct vent and two-stage firing.



But yes, yours is a good application. Follow the manual!

VictoriaEnergy

Heat for play area

Lucky dogs.



Play area, radiant heat, dog care attendants at all times....



I agree 100% with Brad.  Schwank has some nice stuff too.

Gordy

Overhead heaters

 I love those units like being in the sun, and you do not need sunglasses.