Infrared heaters vs. traditional heating systems - which to choose?

Heating industrial halls, warehouses or workshops is a key element in ensuring working comfort and optimal storage conditions for goods. In Poland, where winter temperatures can be very low, choosing the right heating system is of paramount importance. In this article, we compare infrared heaters and traditional heating systems such as water heaters, air heaters and air curtains.

Infrared heaters

Infrared radiant heaters work by emitting radiation that heats objects and people directly, rather than the air. This is an effective way of heating large spaces, as it minimises heat loss and allows for spot heating of areas where employees are present.

Types of infrared heaters:

• Infrared gas heaters - are characterised by high efficiency and lower operating costs compared to electric solutions.
• Electric radiant heaters - recommended in areas where gas is not available, but are less economical than gas-fired radiant heaters.

Traditional heating systems

1. water heaters

Water radiators are a standard component of central heating systems, but their effectiveness in large halls is limited due to high heat losses.

2. air heaters

• Gas heaters - economical and efficient, they work well in large spaces, providing rapid heating.
• Electric heaters - expensive to operate but convenient to install.
• Oil-fired heaters - used mainly in areas where there is no access to natural gas.

3 Air curtains

Air curtains help maintain the temperature inside the building by reducing heat loss at entrances and gates.

Gas heating - the optimum solution

Gas continues to be the cheapest and most efficient source of heat, while meeting Ecodesign requirements. Gas infrared heaters and gas heaters are ideal solutions for industry, guaranteeing high efficiency and low operating costs.

The use of radiant gas heaters in storage halls brings benefits not only in terms of thermal comfort, but also in terms of economy and ecology.

• Lower operating costs: Thanks to their high energy efficiency, radiant gas heaters save on fuel consumption.
• Emission reduction: modern gas-fired radiant heaters emit fewer pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), in line with environmental trends.
• Compliance with standards: radiant heaters meet energy efficiency and environmental protection requirements.

What to choose?

The choice of the appropriate system depends on the specifics of the building, the availability of utilities and the expected operating costs. The most efficient way of heating cubic buildings is to combine radiant heating with supply heating. This makes it possible to take advantage of the most important aspects of infrared radiation, such as: 

• rapidly achievable thermal comfort, 
• the possibility of creating heat zones, 
• clean air, 
• reducing heat loss, 
• low gas consumption. 

It is good when the heating system is complemented by destratifiers, whose main function is to force air from the upper zones of the heated room towards the floor. The warmer air is transported to the occupied zone to increase people's comfort. The use of destratification devices makes it possible to achieve even to 30% energy savings.

Ideally, the heating system should be complemented by air curtains. They reduce the exchange of air between the room and the outside environment. This prevents heated air from escaping from the room, e.g. through the open during loading of goods, which significantly reduces heat loss.

Find out more about heating systems for industrial halls on our website, a Our experts will be happy to assist you in designing your heating system and selecting equipment. Find out how we can help you heat your hall - contact us!