Improve Energy Efficiency

Radiant Heating in Warehouses

1st May 2018

What is Radiant Heating?

Incredibly efficient and relatively easy to scale up, radiant heating is the perfect way for businesses to heat particular, localised objects within warehouses.

Warmth generated by the sun is the most commonly used example of radiant heating. Radiant heating is essentially a method of warming objects using a heat source, rather than heating the space between the two.

Advantages of Radiant Heaters in Warehouses

There are a number of key advantages which radiant heaters have over conventional radiators. In terms of warehouse heaters, the most popular form of radiant heating system is the overhead panel, which has higher surface temperatures than other radiant heaters as well as having a positive impact in the efficiency, cost and comfort of warehouses:

  • Highly Efficient: Radiant heaters ensure the temperature in the warehouse will be satisfactory but require much less energy to produce.
  • Improved Humidity: Radiant heating helps keep a constant temperature in a warehouse, lowering humidity and bringing it to healthier levels for employees.
  • Money Saving: The high efficiency of radiant heaters means they require less power to run than other heating system. It also means fewer heaters are needed to heat the same space, a factor which lowers the power usage further and means lower energy costs.
  • Allergy Friendly: Due to lack of recycled air flow, radiant heaters do not distribute allergens like a forced air system does, improving working conditions for employees in the warehouse.
  • No Ductwork: Radiant heaters don’t require any duct instalments which would otherwise need to be cleaned and maintained.

Common Disadvantages of Radiant Heaters

Whilst radiant heaters are very efficient, if maintained well, and designated areas warm with less energy than for example, warm air heaters, there are a few disadvantages to the systems.

  • Expensive to Install: Whilst radiant heating systems can save a lot of money on energy bills in the long-term, the initial costs of buying and installing them can be very expensive when compared to other systems.
  • Accessibility: Most warehouses use overhead panel radiant heaters. These may help keep warehouses at a constant temperature, however, they are not always easy to access and maintain due to their placement.
  • Heating staff/cold spots: For a radiant heating system to warm people they will need to be in direct line of sight. Shelving, goods and so forth can become a barrier to radiant heating systems – blocking the heat from its intended target and creating cold spots.

Improving energy efficiency of Radiant Heaters

Some radiant heaters can be susceptible to a shortened life if the heat exchanger is constantly charged and discharged during use. Essential Control’s time-proportional control strategies will ensure the heaters are run in accordance with the manufacturers guidelines whilst still improving efficiency and reducing overall operating costs.

To learn more about how our experience and knowledge at Essential Control can assist in improving energy efficiency for warehouses using radiant heating systems call us on 0161 302 5718 or contact us here.

How can we help you today?

Try our Cost Calculator for an instant idea of how much we could save for your company, or if you would like a more detailed proposal, request a free energy survey for your business.