Space Heaters Explained: Choosing the Right Option for Your Needs
Introduction:
When selecting a space heater, it is essential to consider the area you want to heat, the insulation quality of the space, and the heater’s power source. Commercial users often have larger heating demands, such as heating warehouses or industrial spaces, requiring careful consideration of energy efficiency and fuel type. This guide covers key aspects of space heaters for both commercial and residential use, helping you make an informed decision.
Commercial Space Heating:
For large-scale applications, such as warehouses with heating requirements exceeding 100kW, selecting the right fuel type is critical to balancing energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Common fuel options include gas, electricity, and oil.
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Electric Heaters: Electric heaters are widely available but are limited in efficiency. For example, they consume approximately 4.1A at 240V (50Hz) to produce 1kW of heat. Most single-phase electric heaters are capped at 3-6kW, while higher outputs require a three-phase (415V) electrical supply. Spreading the electrical load across phases is essential for commercial applications.
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Gas Heaters: Gas heating is often preferred for large spaces due to its lower strain on a building’s electrical supply. A 30kW gas heater, for instance, imposes a far smaller demand than an equivalent electric model.
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Oil Heaters: Oil-fueled heaters are compact and capable of high heat output, making them suitable for spot heating or use in areas where electricity supply is constrained.
Calculating Heating Power Requirements:
To determine how much heating power a space requires, use this simple calculation:
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Measure the area in cubic meters (length x width x height).
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Multiply the result by 33W/m³.
For example, a room measuring 10m x 5m x 3m equals 150m³. The heating requirement would be:
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150 x 33W = 4950W (4.95kW)
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To convert to BTUs, multiply the kW figure by 3412.
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4.95kW x 3412 = 16,890 BTU
This method ensures accurate sizing of the heating equipment for optimal performance.
Fuel Efficiency Considerations:
Gas heaters are significantly more efficient than electric heaters for large spaces. For instance, a 30kW gas heater can operate effectively without overloading a building’s energy supply, while an equivalent electric heater would demand 125A. In buildings with limited electrical capacity, heat pumps and gas heaters are more practical solutions.
Spot heating, where only specific areas need warmth, can be achieved using compact options like electric fan heaters or propane gas heaters. While these are effective for localized heating, their operational cost may be higher than more centralized systems.
Residential Space Heating:
Home users typically have smaller heating needs and often prioritize convenience. Popular options include:
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Oil-Filled Radiators: Provide radiant heat that is comfortable and does not dry the air, making them ideal for prolonged use.
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Fan Heaters: Offer quick heat output and are suitable for spot heating but can be noisier.
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Ceramic Heaters: Compact and efficient, ceramic heaters are well-suited for smaller spaces.
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Halogen Heaters: Provide fast heat and emit light, which can be a secondary benefit.
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Convection Heaters: Compact and wall-mountable, these are great for continuous heating in well-insulated rooms.
If you’re unsure about the best heater for your needs, consider exploring rental options to test different models before committing to a purchase.
Our Range of Space Heaters:
We offer an extensive selection of industrial and residential space heaters, ranging from 2kW to 100kW. Renowned brands such as Olympus JetHeat, Broughton, and Kroll ensure reliable and high-quality performance. Available in single and three-phase configurations, our heaters cater to diverse needs, whether for small home spaces or large commercial environments.
About Us:
Orion Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Limited is a UK-based distributor of environmental products, including electric, gas, and oil space heaters. Since 2005, we have served clients in the UK and internationally, offering expert advice and reliable service. From HVAC professionals to government organisations, we supply quality equipment tailored to specific requirements.
Contact Us:
Orion Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Limited
10 Grisedale Court
Woburn Road Industrial Estate
Kempston
Bedfordshire
MK42 7EE
United Kingdom
Sales and Service: +44 (0)1234 841221
Email: info@orionair.co.uk
Skype: ORIONAIRSALES
Opening Hours:
9:00 to 17:00 GMT, Monday to Friday
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