Heating an industrial building can be very expensive and complicated, especially when the variable price of energy sources fluctuates perilously. What are the difficulties of heating such a large working area? What is the most economical heating system for you?
Let us try to answer these questions; find out how to heat an industrial building without spending a fortune.
How to heat an industrial building?
There are four main options available, although some of them partly overlap:
- Electric heating
- Gas heating
- Heat pump heating
- Infrared heating
Choosing how to heat an industrial building is difficult because it depends on the requirements of the building, its insulation capacity and the type of activities that take place inside. Let’s look at some characteristics of the main heating systems:
Electric industrial heating system
An electric heating system can be the ideal solution to generate immediate heat in a very specific area, or to heat the air that will then be distributed through a diffuser system. The main disadvantage of this system is that the hot air generated will tend to rise to the top – where it will be of little use – and will disperse quickly.
In general, an electric heating system tends to be uneconomical for an industrial building.
Industrial gas heating system
A gas system works by means of a gas burner, the heat thus produced is then distributed via diffusers and ducts. Although the installation of a gas system is generally cheaper than other systems, poor insulation of the building – or its dimensions – can adversely affect the heating performance.
Other factors, such as the highly variable price of gas and the safety of the environment, must also be considered when assessing affordability.
Industrial heat pump heating system
A heat pump heating system uses the thermal energy in the air (or groundwater) to concentrate heat within the industrial space by compressing a refrigerant and passing it through heat exchangers.
This type of system tends to be more efficient and environmentally sustainable than other heating systems. However, installation and maintenance costs are significantly higher. A heat pump system also requires favourable outdoor climatic conditions and considerable space for proper installation.
Industrial infrared heating system
Using radiating panels that emit infrared rays, an infrared heating system generates heat by directly warming people and objects. This means that it is able to exploit the ability of infrared waves to heat the surfaces they come into contact with, but without heating the surrounding air (not directly).
An infrared heating system is the ideal solution for efficiently heating specific areas within industrial spaces without heat loss.
What is the most advantageous system for heating a warehouse?
Every industrial building has its own peculiarities, its own dimensions and its own specific requirements depending on the work that has to be carried out; that is why it is so difficult to know which system is the most specifically advantageous. The heating solution must ensure a perfect balance between installation costs and energy yield, always taking into account the price and availability of the energy source.
If a large work area with poor insulation capacity needs to be heated, and an initial large budget – such as that required to install a heat pump system – is not available, an infrared system is the best answer to heating an industrial building.
Discover our industrial infrared heating systems
At Star Progetti, we have been building infrared heating systems for more than 30 years for any type of space, including large industrial buildings, and we will advise you on the best solution for your specific needs.
- We guarantee maximum heat performance in all working conditions, even in large industrial spaces.
- Our infrared panels can be adjusted with great precision and programmed to be activated only when people are present.
- They do not require frequent maintenance and are easy to install.
- With over 25 years of experience, we can help you choose your heating system and provide you with the best possible service.
Moreover, infrared heating is safe and drastically reduces the risk of fire, it does not create air displacement and does not stir up dust.