Motion Activated Heater & Insulation

[Bubbles Galore]

I have 2 questions:

1. How can I set up my thermostat controlled heater in my dog wash to turn on when motion is detected in the dog wash? I want to maintain it at a set temperature, but have it turn on and warm up the room when a customer is present.
2. What recommendations would you guys make for trying to better insulate the dog wash? The room temperature is difficult to maintain since it loses so much heat through the walls and ceiling which are either block or concrete slab.

Thanks in advance!

John

 

[car washing systems inc]

I dont no if this would work but what about a second t-stat with a relay that is run off the timed hot for the dog wash then as long as the dod wash bay is in use it would be run off the second t stat.

 

[MEP001]

You'll probably have to stud out and insulate the walls and do a drop ceiling, or maybe put up a layer of 1" polystyrene covered by protective paneling.

You'll have to use two thermostats for the heater, one set to maintain your lower temperature and one on an occupancy sensor to come into play at your higher temp when someone is in the room.

 

[cantbreak80]

For the heater...I'd consider the Johnson Controls A419 digital controller and an occupancy sensor.

 

[under pressure]

invest in insulating the place properly, and I bet you could keep it a comfortable temp all the time and not have to mess with two t-stats and complicating the situation, Just a thought, good luck

 

[Bubbles Galore]

I didn't realize until last year how much heat I was losing through my cement slab ceiling until I got up on the roof when there was 6" of snow and that bay was free and clear. Studding out the walls and using some polystyrene would work well, but what should I use to cover it? The extrutech paneling seems pretty pricey.

Under Pressure - I agree with you on trying to maintain a comfortable temperature, but it just doesn't pencil out. I don't know if this is representative of all dog washes, but I really slow down in the winter and it just doesn't make any fiscal sense to keep the room in the mid 60's and up when I may not even wash a dog that day. The room heats up fairly quick and I am confident that with a 2 stat or motion activated system, it will be comfortable for the customer.

Thanks for the feedback guys!

 

[under pressure]

So if you have a motion activated t-stat, will it even really warm the place up by the time they are done, If they open the door and its freezing cold wont they just leave, or you might have to put up EVEN more signs at the place saying dont wory it will warm up in afew mins.. just tryin to help you out with some ideas...

 

[aberaleigh]

john there is a company called SBJ Enterprises in swartz creek on grand blanc road. They deal with caulk and they also sell reflective insulation that may work for what your trying to do. Call and talk to mark at 810-655-2000. I've used the insulation for the trough runs in attics of washes to keep the water lines from freezing with good success.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

So if you have a motion activated t-stat, will it even really warm the place up by the time they are done, If they open the door and its freezing cold wont they just leave, or you might have to put up EVEN more signs at the place saying dont wory it will warm up in afew mins.. just tryin to help you out with some ideas...

Good point. I will have to see what will work best. Thanks for the input. Any ideas on what might work best for a wall covering after I stud it out??

 

[Ric]

I can't remember what it's called but 20 some years ago when I converted a bay to a detail shop I had an insulation product poured into the core of the block wall from the top. This stuff creeped its way down through every nook and cranny and seemed to be effective.