An Introduction to Space Heaters

As a business owner, it is important to ensure that your workplace is comfortable and the working temperature for your employees is conducive to productivity. This includes having an efficient heating system, especially during the cold months. While central heating maybe a popular choice for heating a small office, it may not always be the most practical or option for every business. In such cases, space heaters can be a more efficient and cost effective alternative.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a closer look at space heaters and the common options available for commercial settings such as warehouses, offices, garages, and entertainment venues.

When choosing a space heater for your Commercial or Industrial business, there are several factors to consider, including :-

• Fuel Type: Space heaters can be powered by electricity, propane, or natural gas. Each fuel type has advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to consider which energy source is best suited for your business i.e what fuel is available in the premises and what would be the most cost-effective. FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Natural Gas and Propane are approximately 3.5 times cheaper to run than electricity.

• Building Volumetrics and Insulation: The size of the space to be heated and the quality of the building insulation, together with the required temperature, will determine the heat loss required for the building

• Heating Capacity: The heating capacity of a space heater is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. The higher the BTU rating, the more heat the heater can produce. It is essential to choose a heater with the right heating capacity for your space to ensure that it can effectively heat the area.



• Your approved installer should verify the heat loss of the building taking all of the above factors into account
  

There are several types of Space Heaters available

The most common types of space heaters include options for gas and electric :-

Gas Space Heaters

Gas space heaters are powered by natural gas or propane. They are more powerful than electric space heaters and are ideal for heating large spaces. Direct vent gas heaters vent their exhaust gases to the outside through a pipe. Gas Space heating is much cheaper to run than electric equivalents

Suspended warm air heaters 

Where floor space is limited, suspended warm air heaters can be installed in the ceiling area or wall mounted at height. The air flow is blown out horizontally, diagonally or vertically downwards. Suspended warm air heaters are ideal for commercial and industrial spaces such as workshops, garages, factories, warehouses, retail outlets or sports halls

Radiant Space heaters


Radiant heaters are designed to heat objects in a room, rather than the air. They work by emitting infrared radiation, which heats up the objects in the room. 

Both Suspended warm air and Radiant heating are energy-efficient and are ideal for heating large spaces such as warehouses and factories.

Electric Space Heaters


Electric space heaters are are ideal for commercial settings and, unlike gas space heaters, do not require a flue to remove exhaust gases.. They are easy to use and require very little maintenance. There are four main types of electric space heaters:

Convection Heaters

Convection heaters are designed to heat the air in a room. They work by pulling in cool air from the room, heating it up, and then circulating it back into the room. Convection heaters are best suited for larger areas and are ideal for commercial settings such as warehouses and factories.

Radiant Heaters

Radiant heaters are designed to heat objects in a room, rather than the air. They work by emitting infrared radiation, which heats up the objects in the room. Radiant heaters are best suited for smaller areas and are ideal for commercial settings such as offices and entertainment space.

Fan-Forced Heaters

Fan-forced heaters are designed to heat the air in a room using a fan. They work by pulling in cool air from the room, heating it up, and then blowing it back into the room. Fan-forced heaters are best suited for medium-sized areas and are ideal for commercial settings such as offices and garages.

Ceramic Heaters

Ceramic heaters use ceramic heating elements to provide heat. They are energy-efficient and are ideal for use in small spaces such as offices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, space heaters are an excellent option for providing heat in commercial settings such as warehouses, offices, garages, and entertainment spaces. They are affordable, energy-efficient, and easy to use. When choosing a space heater for your business, consider factors such as heating capacity, energy efficiency, noise level, mobility, safety features, durability, and warranty. Always follow safety guidelines to ensure the safe use of space heaters. With the right space heater and proper usage, you can keep your commercial or Industrial space warm and comfortable throughout the year