Choosing the right industrial heater is not always straightforward. Every workspace, whether it’s a warehouse, workshop, logistics bay, agricultural shed or construction site, has unique heating requirements. Selecting a heater that is too small leads to cold, uncomfortable working conditions and higher running costs as the system struggles to keep up. Oversizing, however, creates its own inefficiencies: the heater will cycle on and off more frequently, wasting fuel and reducing lifespan. To avoid both extremes, accurate heater sizing is an essential part of planning a safe, efficient and productive work environment.
Correct sizing ensures the heater delivers the required output without energy waste, supports consistent working temperatures, and helps businesses stay aligned with UK workplace temperature guidelines. The HSE states that workplaces should generally maintain 16°C for static work and 13°C for physically active work, meaning businesses need heating systems capable of maintaining these baselines even in challenging conditions. Achieving this depends not only on heater capacity but also on insulation, ventilation and building volume.
For a comprehensive calculation on your space, try our free space heater calculator:
1. Calculate the Volume of the Space
The starting point for any heater calculation is understanding the total air volume that needs to be warmed. This is simply the length × width × height of the space.
Example Volume Calculation
| Area Type | Length | Width | Height | Total Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse | 20m | 10m | 5m | 1,000 m³ |
Knowing this number allows us to match it to the heating power needed for that specific space.
2. Estimate the Required Heating Capacity
Heat demand varies significantly depending on insulation quality, building structure, and exposure. In the UK climate, the following guideline figures work well:
Heating Requirement Guide
| Building Type | Typical W/m³ Requirement |
|---|---|
| Well-insulated | 30–40 W/m³ |
| Average insulation | 40–50 W/m³ |
| Poor insulation / draughty | 50–60 W/m³ |
To convert this into kilowatts:
kW Required = (Volume × W/m³) ÷ 1000
Example Calculation
A 1,000 m³ warehouse with average insulation:
1,000 × 45 ÷ 1000 = 45 kW
So, a 45 kW industrial heater is appropriate.
3. Understanding Different Types of Industrial Heaters:
Choosing the correct technology is as important as choosing the correct size. Different heaters deliver heat in different ways, and matching the right type to the right environment ensures safe, reliable performance.
Heater Type Comparison
| Heater Type | How It Works | Ideal Application | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Fan Heaters | Convert electricity directly into heat; blow warm air into space | Small/medium workshops, garages, enclosed areas | 100% efficient, clean, no fumes, simple plug-and-play |
| Diesel Space Heaters | Burn diesel to produce high-volume warm air | Large draughty warehouses, outdoor or semi-open sites | Very high output, portable, strong airflow |
| Oil-Fired Industrial Heaters | Use oil combustion for robust, sustained heat | Warehouses, logistics centres, construction drying | Durable, powerful, ideal for continuous operation |
| Infrared / Radiant Heaters | Heat objects and people directly instead of warming the air | Spot heating, open-sided areas, outdoor work | Extremely efficient for targeted zones |
Each technology fills a specific niche. For example, an electric heater is ideal when fume-free operation is essential, while diesel heaters dominate large warehouses where high airflow is required. Infrared heaters, meanwhile, excel in areas where heating the entire air volume is unnecessary.
4. Considering Running Costs:
Running costs vary considerably depending on the heater type, energy source and usage pattern.
Running Cost Overview
| Heater Type | Running Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | Higher cost per kWh | Clean, safe, excellent for enclosed areas |
| Diesel | Lower cost per kWh | Ideal for large volumes; needs ventilation |
| Oil-Fired | Moderate fuel cost | Very efficient for warehouses and construction |
| Infrared | Lowest when spot heating only | Only heats areas in use; highly efficient |
The most economical option depends on the building size, insulation, ventilation and whether the whole space or only part of it needs heating.
5. Orion Air Sales Recommendations
Orion Air Sales supplies a broad portfolio of industrial heating systems engineered for the demands of UK workplaces. Our most popular solutions include:
Industrial Heating Equipment
| Heater Type | Output Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Electric Fan Heaters | Up to 30 kW | Workshops, garages, temporary enclosed areas |
| Diesel Space Heaters | Up to 200 kW | Large warehouses, construction sites, outdoor zones |
| Oil-Fired Space Heaters | Up to 150 kW | Warehouses, logistics centres, drying applications |
These systems deliver dependable performance, functional efficiency and the durability required for industrial environments. Whether you need clean electric heat for enclosed rooms or high-capacity diesel heat for draughty warehouses, Orion provides equipment built for challenging, real-world usage.
