Commercial Heaters

Find out more about Commercial Heaters

Commercial electric heaters come in various types, each designed to meet specific heating needs in different environments. Here’s a detailed look at the types of commercial electric heaters including fan heaters, infrared heaters, radiant heaters, outdoor heaters, and ceiling heaters:

• How They Work: Fan heaters use an electric heating element, typically made of metal or ceramic, to warm the air. The fan then blows this warm air into the room, rapidly circulating it throughout the space.
• Ideal Use:
• Quick Heating: Fan heaters are perfect for spaces that require fast, uniform heating, such as offices, small retail shops, or waiting rooms.
• Smaller or Enclosed Spaces: They are effective in smaller areas but less efficient for large, open spaces.
• Advantages:
• Quick Response: Heat is delivered quickly to the area as the fan circulates warm air.
• Portable: Many fan heaters are portable, making them easy to move around.
• Disadvantages:
• Noise: Fan heaters can be noisy because of the fan, which can be disruptive in quiet environments.
• Uneven Heating: While they warm the air quickly, the heat may not be evenly distributed, especially in larger or open spaces.

Infrared Heaters

• How They Work: Infrared heaters produce heat through infrared radiation, similar to the warmth of the sun. These heaters directly heat objects and people in their path, rather than heating the air itself.
• Ideal Use:
• Outdoor and Open Spaces: Infrared heaters are widely used in patios, outdoor dining areas, and other spaces where traditional heating methods would be inefficient or impractical.
• High Ceilings or Large Spaces: Infrared heaters are effective in spaces with high ceilings because they don’t rely on warming the air first. Instead, they warm people, furniture, and other objects directly.
• Advantages:
• Efficient for Open Areas: Infrared heaters can work in places with poor insulation or where conventional systems might struggle.
• Silent Operation: They produce no noise because there is no fan involved.
• Disadvantages:
• Limited Coverage Area: They only heat the area directly in front of them, meaning they may not be as effective for heating entire rooms unless multiple units are used.
• Direct Line of Sight: The heating effect is strongest in areas directly exposed to the heater, so people or objects that are out of the line of sight will remain cold.

Radiant Heaters

• How They Work: Radiant heaters emit infrared radiation to warm objects and people in a room. They are similar to infrared heaters but tend to have a broader, more diffused heat output.
• Ideal Use:
• Large, Open Spaces: Perfect for warehouses, factories, and retail spaces with high ceilings or areas with drafty conditions.
• Indoor and Outdoor Settings: Can be used in both enclosed and outdoor spaces.
• Advantages:
• Direct Heat: Provides warmth directly to people or objects, reducing heat loss and allowing for faster warmth.
• No Air Circulation: Ideal for spaces with poor air circulation or where heating the air would be inefficient.
• Disadvantages:
• Limited Area Coverage: Similar to infrared, radiant heaters are best for warming specific areas and are less effective in large, open spaces unless multiple units are used.
• Initial Cost: Radiant heaters may be more expensive than other types of electric heaters.

Outdoor Heaters (Electric Outdoor Heaters)

• How They Work: These heaters are designed specifically for outdoor environments. They can be infrared or radiant, using electric elements to provide heat to outdoor spaces like patios, decks, or restaurant terraces.
• Ideal Use:
• Patios, Decks, and Outdoor Dining Areas: Outdoor heaters are essential for extending the use of outdoor spaces during cooler months or evenings.
• Workplaces and Construction Sites: Can be used in outdoor work areas or temporary structures.
• Advantages:
• All-Weather Operation: Designed to work in wet or damp conditions, many models are weather-resistant or have enclosures to protect the heating elements from the elements.
• Efficient for Outdoor Comfort: They are efficient in keeping outdoor spaces warm without needing to heat the entire area.
• Disadvantages:
• Limited to Outdoor Use: These heaters are not typically designed for indoor use due to safety concerns with moisture and outdoor conditions.
• Higher Operating Costs: While energy-efficient, constant outdoor use can add to energy bills.

Ceiling Heaters

• How They Work: Ceiling-mounted heaters include a variety of heating types, including radiant, convection, or fan-forced systems, which are mounted on or near the ceiling to provide heat.
• Ideal Use:
• Large Commercial Spaces: Ceiling heaters are ideal for large, open commercial areas with high ceilings, such as warehouses, factories, and large offices.
• Spaces with Limited Floor Space: Since they are mounted on the ceiling, they free up floor space, making them ideal for crowded environments.
• Advantages:
• Space-Saving: Ceiling-mounted units keep the floor area clear and help maintain a neat, organised space.
• Even Heat Distribution: Ceiling heaters can evenly distribute heat across the space, especially in larger areas.
• Disadvantages:
• Installation Complexity: Installing ceiling heaters may require professional installation, especially if electrical wiring is needed.
• Slower Heat Response: Depending on the type, ceiling heaters might take longer to heat up the area, particularly convection-based models, compared to fan-forced heaters.

Conclusion

Commercial electric heaters come in various types suited for different environments and applications. Fan heaters are great for quick and portable heating in smaller spaces. Infrared and radiant heaters are excellent for targeted heating, especially in outdoor or large open areas. Outdoor heaters ensure comfort in patios or other exposed areas, while ceiling heaters are perfect for spaces with high ceilings or limited floor space, offering even and efficient heat. Choosing the right type of electric heater depends on your specific needs, such as the space size, usage, and desired heating effect.

Commercial Heaters FAQs

What’s the difference between infrared and radiant heaters?

Both infrared and radiant heaters work by emitting infrared radiation to heat objects and people directly. However, infrared heaters tend to use more direct and intense radiation, whereas radiant heaters often have a broader, more diffused heat output. Radiant heaters may heat a larger area, while infrared heaters focus on warming specific objects or individuals in their line of sight.

Which type of commercial electric heater is best for large, open spaces?

Ceiling heaters and radiant heaters are ideal for large, open spaces. Ceiling heaters can efficiently distribute heat in high-ceiling environments and provide consistent warmth across the area. Radiant heaters are also effective in large, open spaces with high ceilings, as they provide direct heat to objects and people without needing to warm the entire air volume.

Can outdoor electric heaters be used indoors?

Outdoor electric heaters are specifically designed for outdoor use, built to withstand the elements like moisture and humidity. They should not be used indoors unless specified by the manufacturer. Using outdoor heaters indoors can be unsafe due to electrical safety concerns and moisture exposure, which might damage indoor electrical components.

How do fan heaters compare to radiant heaters in terms of energy efficiency?

Radiant heaters are generally more energy-efficient than fan heaters in large or open spaces because they directly heat objects and people rather than heating the air. Fan heaters can be effective for quick, localised heating, but they often result in some heat loss as they rely on air circulation, which can be less efficient in larger spaces. Radiant heaters minimise energy loss by warming the people and surfaces in the room directly.

What maintenance is required for commercial electric ceiling heaters?

Commercial electric ceiling heaters require minimal maintenance, but regular checks are necessary to ensure they are functioning properly. It’s important to inspect the unit for dust build-up, especially if it uses a fan or ventilation system. Ensure that the electrical components are in good condition and that there is no obstruction around the heater. If it’s a radiant or infrared ceiling heater, check for any physical damage to the heating elements and ensure they are securely mounted. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations to prolong the lifespan of the unit.