Workshop Heating Solutions

Use our heat load calculator or give us a call. You might see equipment that is advertised as being able to heat up to 2000 square feet, but beware; it takes different types and numbers of heaters to service a 2000 square foot space in Portsmouth than it does in Scotland. Don't make the mistake of undersizing or oversizing your heater needs—give us a call so we can help you pick the perfect one through our engineering calculations specific to your project site's details.

A 24-volt thermostat must be mounted to the wall. If heat is needed, this thermostat will send a signal to the natural gas or propane heater telling it to turn on. Some upgraded models of this type of thermostat also have a switch for operating just the fan--this can come in handy during summer months when no heat is necessary.

Control relays may be required for this product. For more information, please contact the manufacturer.

Many people make the mistake of choosing a natural gas or propane unit heater for their commercial or industrial space based on the fuel input, without taking into account the unit's efficiency rating. However, doing this could result in an undersized unit that doesn't meet your heating needs. To avoid this problem, be sure to pick a unit based on its actual heat output rather than its nominal size.

Actually, the ideal place to put your commercial or industrial room's natural gas or propane unit heater is in the coolest area. Also, make sure it's slightly angled so that warm air hits the coldest wall. Usually, it's smarter to go with multiple smaller heaters rather than one large one. Even though you'll have to spend more at first, you'll save money on heating costs overall and will be able to control comfort levels better.

Make sure the thermostat is placed in a location that indicates an average facility temperature. If it's in a chilly area, the heater will run more frequently than it should. It will falsely turn on the unit heater if it is positioned in an exposed location or receives direct sunlight. The best position for the thermostat is within an insulated interior wall.

Most manufacturers will only make components for equipment that is at least 20 years old. It is assumed that the equipment will be replaced with more efficient technology after 20 years. You might be able to locate an aftermarket conversion kit from the manufacturer of the gas valve in some cases.

Call us. We can calculate your heating load and convert it into operating expenses ( £/hour) for various fuel types, based on the average cost of running your equipment.

Different fuels have different flow rates and pressures. The gas valve's springs and orifices must be modified to match the fuel type. On some machines, the igniter is also in need of an upgrade.

If you're not comfortable lighting a match in your home, you'll need a separate combustion unit to keep any open flames away from the heated area.

It's critical that you understand the installation instructions for your particular heater. Manufacturers do an excellent job of describing typical procedures. Venting requirements may be determined by local rules and override manufacturer recommendations. It is not a good idea to purchase a vent pipe as part of a "set."

There are several types of vent pipe available, and some inexpensive kits that are supposed to fit all installations do not always create a perfect seal. A kit with the word "flexibility" implies there are numerous expandable components and connections that must be plugged. The fewer connections you have, the safer your system will be. Place your heater in an area where it will receive maximum heat efficiency.

Use the following steps to correctly vent your plumbing fixtures: 

First, sketch out a plan for the amount and type of ventilation you need. Second, take this drawing to your local store that specializes in plumbing supplies. The staff will be aware of the codes in your area and can help recommend products that come in lengths that will minimise extra joints (joints are dangerous if they're not sealed properly).