Keeping a large shop or warehouse warm in winter can be challenging and expensive. With their cavernous spaces and high ceilings, these commercial buildings lose heat rapidly and require powerful heating systems to maintain a comfortable temperature. Selecting the right heater is crucial for providing sufficient warmth while controlling energy costs. The best heaters for large shops combine power, efficiency, and reasonable upfront costs.
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Key Considerations
When evaluating heaters for a large shop, some key factors to consider include:
Heating Capacity
The heater must be powerful enough to warm the entire space. Calculate the square footage and height of your shop to determine the required BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heating power. Go with a heater sized 30-50% larger than your calculations to account for heat loss through the building envelope.
Cost
Look at both equipment and operating costs over the lifetime of the heater. While gas heaters often have lower upfront costs, the ongoing expense of fuel may exceed the price of an electric heater over time.
Efficiency and Zone Control
Maximize efficiency by dividing your shop into zones and only heating occupied areas to desired temperatures. Look for heaters with modulating outputs that adjust based on demand.
Radiant vs Convection Heating
Radiant heaters directly warm people and objects. Convection heaters require moving air to heat the space. Often a combination works best.
Ventilation and Air Quality
Ensure adequate fresh air circulation and venting of exhaust. Gas-fired unit heaters produce combustion byproducts that must be vented outside.
Maintenance and Warranty
Consider ease of service and part replacement. Look for heaters with long warranties on major components.
Types of Large Shop Heaters
Some top options to heat a large commercial space include:
Gas-Fired Unit Heaters
Gas-fired unit heaters use propane or natural gas to produce heat directly within the space. They offer rapid heating and can be suspended high on walls or ceilings. However, they require venting infrastructure and annual servicing. Models with separated combustion chambers vent 100% of exhaust outdoors. Thermostat controls and multiple fan speeds regulate temperature. Infrared radiant tube heaters provide directed spot heating for work areas.
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Electric Unit Heaters
Electric powered unit heaters offer an efficient, clean heating solution without vents or combustion byproducts. Models rated up to 50kW can heat large areas. Electric heaters have a higher upfront cost but provide 100% energy efficiency. No annual maintenance is required. Thermostat setback can cut costs during unoccupied hours. Position electric unit heaters to optimize airflow throughout the space.
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Radiant Tube Heaters
Radiant tube heaters consist of a natural gas or propane fired burner within a steel tube to produce infrared radiant heat. The tube is typically mounted overhead and emits heat directed at the floor space below. Radiant tubes offer fast, targeted warmth exactly where needed. Models rated up to 115,000 BTU are available. Use radiant tubes to provide heat for specific work stations and high traffic areas.
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Air Rotation Heaters
Air rotation heaters are compact, electric powered units that draw in air, heat it, and discharge it horizontally to circulate warmth. Output ranges from 10-50 kW. Rotate the discharge louvers to direct heat where needed. Air rotation heaters offer fast heating with minimal noise. Use them as primary or supplementary heat sources. Models with multistage outputs adjust heat based on demand. Thermostats control temperature and save energy in unused areas.
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Indirect Fired Heaters
Indirect fired heaters use gas or oil burners to heat air, water, or thermal fluid in a separate chamber. The heated liquid or air then circulates through coils or ducts to warm the space. This hydronic heating allows flexible delivery to different zones as needed. Customizable configuration makes indirect fired heaters suitable for heating large or complex shops.
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Key Considerations by Shop Type
The optimal heating solution depends on your shop’s size, layout, use, and budget:
Small Autobody, Repair, or Restoration Shops
Gas-fired unit heaters offer an affordable heating method for small shops up to 4,000 square feet. Models ranging from 75,000-150,000 BTU provide convection and radiant warmth. Position them for maximum heat distribution. Radiant tube heaters add targeted heat by work benches.
Medium Sized Warehouses and Workshops
Efficient air rotation heaters excel at heating mid-size spaces from 5,000-15,000 square feet. Airflow can be directed as needed between storage, production, and office areas. Electric infrared heaters provide additional comfort by doorways.
Large Distribution Centers and Manufacturing Facilities
An indirect fired heating system allows customized delivery to multiple temperature zones in extra large shops exceeding 15,000 square feet. Water or thermal fluid heated in a central boiler circulates to air handlers and radiators placed around the facility. The system integrates easily with the building’s ventilation ductwork.
Uninsulated Buildings with High Ceilings
Powerful gas unit heaters up to 400,000 BTU mounted near the ceiling compensate for poor insulation and stratification in buildings with inadequate weatherization. High output radiant tube systems directed downward also help combat heat loss through the roof.
Conclusion
Choosing the right heating solution is crucial for providing efficient, cost-effective warmth in your large commercial shop or warehouse. Consider factors like square footage, layout, use, and construction when selecting the best heater. Gas-fired unit heaters work well for smaller spaces that require both convection and radiant heat. Electric models excel where clean operation and lower maintenance are priorities. Customizable indirect fired systems allow zoned heating in very large buildings. Work with a qualified HVAC contractor to design an optimal heating strategy tailored to your specific space. Investing in the correct heater will keep your facility comfortable while controlling energy costs.
Additional Considerations
Beyond just the heating system, a few other factors can improve warmth and efficiency in a large shop:
Insulation
Adding insulation to the roof, walls, and floor reduces heat loss tremendously. This allows the heating system to work less to maintain comfort. Prioritize insulating any surfaces bordering unheated spaces.
Sealing Air Leaks
Caulk and weatherstrip doors, windows, and openings to minimize cold air infiltration. This prevents the heater from constantly struggling to offset heat loss through leaks.
Thermostats and Zone Control
Install programmable thermostats to lower temperatures in unused offices or stockrooms during closed hours. Zone control systems further optimize heating by regulating different areas independently.
Space Heaters and Radiant Floors
Supplement central heating with portable space heaters in offices or breakrooms. In-floor hydronic radiant loops also provide targeted warmth for frequently occupied areas.
Preventative Maintenance
Keep heating equipment tuned up and filters cleaned for maximum efficiency and service life. Perform periodic inspections to ensure flues and vents remain intact.
Investing in the proper heater while optimizing your shop’s insulation, air sealing, and temperature controls results in the best performance. This allows you to keep energy costs affordable while maintaining a comfortable work environment all winter long. Consult an expert to determine the ideal heating solutions for your specific space and usage.