The Business of Space Heaters: Finding the Perfect Heating Solution

The large variety of space heaters on the market makes it possible to find the perfect heating solution, no matter what the space requires. Since many space heaters are small in size and quick to produce an effect, they are trusted as a simple and effective way of solving all heating issues. Although a space heater is a very versatile piece of equipment, it is recommended that businesses pay close attention to the potential benefits of different models, as investing in the right space heater can bring some real long-term benefits.

There is a lot of think about when it comes to choosing the best space heater for a business’s needs. Since different space heaters serve specific purposes, finding the right space heater for a particular environment can help to save a lot of time and money. To ensure your investment is being made in the best heating solution, it’s important to spend time analyzing the different types of heaters and deciding how they fit in with your long-term business goals.

Different Heating Methods

Before choosing the best model of heater, learning a little about the different types of heating solutions available can certainly help the decision-making process. Space heaters come in three different types: convection, radiant, and combination, all of which work in slightly different ways, either heating the air to warm a whole room or focusing on the objects within the room itself.

Convection heaters are designed to warm the air of a space, rather than the objects in space. They work by producing hot air, which rises to the ceiling and pushes the cooler air to the floor, therefore creating a system of circulation.

Radiant heaters are used to heat the people and objects within a room, rather than the surrounding air. They act quickly and effectively, however, they can be potentially dangerous if put too close to flammable or combustible materials.

Combination heaters take the best aspects of the previous two types, and combine them together. They use a fan to distribute heat throughout a room, while also heating the individual objects within it.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are the most common form of space heaters, and are often found within the home. The popularity of electric heaters lies in their fast-acting, localized effect, and their portability, as the majority come in a small size with handles. Electric space heaters produce a fast, dry heat—many coming with thermostatic control to ensure that the correct level of warmth is easily accessible.

While the majority of electric heaters are found in households and are tiny (usually about a 2kW size) a large range of heaters are available, going up to 40kW for industrial use. Since these heaters are so portable and easy to use (simply plug them in and go) they can offer a great emergency solution; yet, for those looking for a heating appliance to use regularly, these might not be the best choice, since they use a great deal of electricity that can quickly become rather costly.

Direct Diesel Heaters

Direct diesel heaters are a popular and pretty straightforward heating solution. They work through a system by which a fan blows air into a combustion chamber past an open flame, followed by a second fan that blows this warm air out of the machine. Hence, these heaters rely on both an electrical power source and diesel fuel in order to run.

Direct diesel heaters are designed to be used in large spaces, such as construction sites, or in open-doored warehouses. The most important point to be aware of when it comes to direct diesel heaters and their major downsides is that they need to be used in well-ventilated areas. The direct heater rapidly uses up oxygen in order to sustain ignition, which, when combined with the fumes created, becomes dangerous when in a confined space. Before investing in a direct diesel heater, it is necessary to ensure that it will only be used in well-ventilated spaces that do not contain any flammable substances.

Indirect Diesel Heaters

Indirect diesel heaters are a more sophisticated alternative to the direct diesel heater—they are a reliable, highly efficient option. They can be used in areas with limited ventilation and where people are present, as the heat they produce is clean, dry, and fume free.

This form of heating is commonly used within the events industry, as they can heat marquees or temporary structures without any noise, smell, or fumes. Since the flame of an indirect heater is kept separate from the airflow, they are also safe to use in as space that contains delicate or combustible materials. Ranging from 20kW to 50kW, it is quick and simple to find the perfect size of indirect diesel fan heater for any heating requirement.

Infrared or Radiant Heaters

For those wishing to heat up one specific area rather than a whole room, infrared heaters can be one of the best options. Infrared heaters work by passing electricity through a conductive wire, heating it with mostly radiant heat. This hot wire then emits infrared rays, which transfer heat to a solid surface rather than to the surrounding air. They are a completely silent and very cost-effective method, making them a very popular domestic heating solution.

Cabinet Heaters

Cabinet heaters are designed to maintain a baseline heat within an enclosed area. They are frequently used in a variety of different areas, from residential building sites to workshops. They are also used to ensure the safety of electrical devices that cannot be exposed to extreme temperatures. They are simple to install, usually placed against an external wall, and once installed can create fast and effective temperature changes. The variety of heaters available can differ greatly, both on the required fuels and on their heating potential.