An industrial hall can be heated entirely electrically. The best heating for an industrial hall depends primarily on the insulation, the ceiling height, and whether you want to keep the entire space or just the workstations comfortable. I…

An industrial hall can be heated entirely electrically. The best heating for an industrial hall depends primarily on the insulation, the ceiling height, and whether you want to keep the entire space or just the workstations comfortable. Infrared heating delivers heat directly to people and objects, while electric air heating heats the space with warm air.

A high-ceilinged hall with fluctuating occupancy requires a different approach than a well-insulated workshop where work takes place in the same spot all day. Storage, production, and logistics also each place their own demands on heat distribution. Ceiling height partly determines where the heat ends up and how efficiently it is utilized.

In this article, you will read when fully electric heating is a suitable choice and how local workplace heating compares to heating the entire hall. We also examine the needs of production, logistics, and storage areas, and how ceiling height plays a role in the choice between infrared heaters and panels.

Key points

• First, choose whether you want to heat a fixed workstation, a work zone, or the entire hall. This way, you tailor the heat distribution to daily use.
• For targeted heating, the mounting height plays a role: workplace panels are typically placed at approximately 2.5 to 3 meters.
• In high halls, take the heating range into account. Specially developed infrared panels for primary heating can be installed in heights of up to 35 meters.
• Tailor the solution to the function of the space: frost-free storage requires a different approach than a production or workspace.

Can I heat an industrial hall entirely electrically?

Yes, an industrial hall can be heated entirely electrically. The most suitable approach depends on the hall height, insulation, and desired heat distribution. It also makes a difference whether there are fixed workstations or if the entire hall needs to be heated evenly.

Radiant heat in high and large halls

Infrared radiation heats people and solid materials directly. Therefore, the heat does not first need to warm up all the air in the hall. To heat an entire warehouse, panels are installed at a height of 4 to 6 meters. With high ceilings, this targeted heat helps keep the work zone comfortable. Even when doors open, heat remains palpable on the irradiated areas and objects.

Air heating and radiant heat compared

Air heating blows warm air into the hall via ducts or directly. Radiant heat heats people and objects directly in the chosen zone. Air heating may be suitable when the entire space needs to remain evenly warm. Infrared heating is an option when only a few people use fixed workstations or when outside air regularly enters. Radiant heat can limit air circulation and therefore potentially move less dust or moisture. With a thermostat, you adjust the heat to suit the times of use.

Energy consumption of heating systems

The consumption of gas heaters, infrared panels, and heat pumps depends on heat demand, operating hours, and insulation. Infrared panels utilize at least 93% of the electricity used. Heat pumps operate efficiently with continuous heat demand and smaller temperature differences. Process heat requires heating at the location and time when production requires it.

Subsidies and tax schemes depend on the investment and the conditions of the relevant scheme. For commercial heating, regulations apply to the electrical installation, the building, and its use. Ensure that the installation complies with the applicable safety and building requirements.

The costs per square meter and per year depend primarily on insulation, ceiling height, set temperature, and operating hours. Gas-fired heaters distribute heat via warm air, but combustion requires proper gas exhaust and sufficient ventilation. Take these points into consideration when choosing between gas, infrared, and a heat pump.

Local workplace heating versus heating of the entire hall

With fluctuating occupancy, heating per workstation or zone is often more suitable than a single fixed temperature for the entire building. Which solution is suitable depends on where and when employees work.

Targeted heating of workplaces and zones

Zone heating directs heat to defined areas, such as a packing table, machine station, or inspection area. This allows you to heat active work zones without heating unused aisles just as intensely. With zone heating, the distance between panels and exterior walls must not exceed half the mounting height. This helps limit cold edges around the heated zone.

With spot heating, good distribution is important. Preferably, let the heat radiation come from two directions so that the radiation fields overlap. This can be pleasant, for example, at a workbench where someone stands for extended periods. The position of the devices and the fixed furnishings together determine which spots feel comfortable.

Workplace comfort and temperature setting

The desired temperature at a workplace depends on the nature of the work. The guideline ranges from 14 to 25 °C. Employees who move around during production may require a different setting than people who sit at a table for extended periods. A thermostat helps to adjust the temperature to the task and the use of the zone.

With targeted infrared heating, 19°C can serve as an example of a lower room temperature. The heat is then focused on the occupied area, rather than on every part of the hall. This allows you to tailor comfort to the activities without choosing a single temperature for the entire building.

Heating for fluctuating occupancy

For an industrial hall with fluctuating occupancy, adjustable zones or local heating are often suitable. This allows you to heat only where work is being done at that moment. For local heating, the guideline specifies a minimum of 2300 watts. Mobile infrared heaters are intended for localized heat, not as the primary heating for entire rooms.

Compare this to a hall that is occupied for the entire workday. In that case, it might be more logical to heat a larger part of the building. You can also divide the hall into smaller temperature zones. This way, a production area remains comfortable, while a temporarily empty storage zone requires less heat.

Suitability for various ceiling heights

Ceiling height determines where heat ends up and how you position appliances. A 1,000 m² hall with a 6-meter ceiling contains 6,000 m³ of air. That volume makes heating with warm air different from targeted heating of a work zone. Therefore, do not look only at the floor area. Also map out the height, insulation, and areas with heat demand.

For high-bay heaters, mounting is typically positioned 3.5 to 4.5 meters above the heated work zone. When installing, maintain at least 100 cm of clearance from people and objects. This ensures the radiation remains focused on the intended spot, without obstacles directly beneath the unit. For local supplementary heating, infrared panels are installed at a height of approximately 4 to 4.5 meters.

For infrared panels, the manufacturer recommends an installation height of 4 to 7 meters. Specially developed panels for the primary heating of industrial halls can be mounted up to a height of 35 meters. These greater heights are intended for industrial applications. The chosen design and purpose therefore determine whether heat is distributed locally or over a larger part of the hall.

Purchase and installation costs vary by system and project. They depend on factors such as the required power, mounting height, electrical connection, and any necessary building modifications. Therefore, compare not only the purchase price but also the installation and expected usage of infrared heating, gas heaters, and heat pumps.

A heat pump operates most efficiently with a continuous heat demand and limited temperature variations. This is more suitable for a hall that regularly maintains a constant temperature than for a space that is only heated occasionally. In industrial halls, insulation and operating hours also play a role. A well-insulated building loses less heat, meaning the system requires less supplementary heating.

Heating solutions for production, logistics, and storage areas

Tailor the heating to the work in the hall. In a production environment, machines, workbenches, and assembly lines may each have different heat requirements. In a logistics hall, loading activities and open doors influence heat distribution. A storage area may primarily require protection against the cold. Record the activities, occupancy, and times when heat is needed for each zone. This gives the installation a clear function in the daily process.

In a production environment, targeted infrared heating can be suitable for a fixed assembly station or inspection post. The radiation heats people and objects directly, which can be beneficial if employees do not move throughout the entire hall. In a logistics work zone, a combination of heated packing tables and cooler passageways may better suit the layout. When working with machines, ensure clear radiation paths so that shelving or materials do not block the heat.

For storage, the choice depends on the goods and the desired conditions. A space for frost-sensitive products requires a different control system than a warehouse with goods that are not very temperature-sensitive. Thermostats and temperature sensors can adjust heating schedules based on occupancy and working hours. For instance, a warehouse can be heated differently during loading and unloading than during quiet hours.

According to the available guideline, air heaters for industrial halls have capacities ranging from 8 to 120 kW. This wide range underscores that the hall function and heat demand are the determining factors, not just the name of the unit. Decentralized convection heating is used in very large halls and spaces with fluctuating occupancy. Electric air heating heats up quickly and requires little maintenance. In combination with solar panels, it can be a suitable electrical option.

Therefore, make the choice per process zone: determine which activities require heat, which goods need protection, and when the hall is occupied. This way, the heating solution aligns with production, logistics, or storage, without choosing the same approach for every building.

Warmteshop Infrared heating: Infrared heating

Warmteshop Infrared Heating helps you choose an electric heating solution that suits your space. First, determine which zones require heat and how you use the hall. This will help you better assess whether the best industrial hall heating aligns with your situation.

Would you like to compare infrared heating with electric underfloor heating or infrared heating with LED? Discuss your requirements and the layout of the room with Warmteshop Infrared Heating. Feel free to contact us for personal advice.

Make your next heating choice concrete

A suitable installation starts not with the appliance, but with how your company uses the space. Map out which zones are occupied daily, where employees work for extended periods, and which areas primarily serve as storage space. This clarifies where comfort is most important and which areas have different heating requirements. This inventory helps you choose a solution that aligns with your processes and allows you to approach the transition to electric heating thoughtfully. Also, take potential changes into account, such as a new layout or additional workstations. This ensures the choice aligns not only with the current situation but also with the current situation.

If you are looking for the best heating for an industrial hall, be sure to include the desired appearance and operation in your choice. Warmteshop offers, among other things, infrared heating, infrared LED heating, and electric underfloor heating. This allows you to view different spaces and comfort preferences from a single, cohesive approach.

Would you like to discuss your situation and discover which options suit your company? Contact Warmteshop Infrared Heating. This way, you can calmly take the next step towards pleasant, efficient heat where it is needed.

Frequently asked questions about heating in an industrial hall

How many watts in an industrial hall?

The required power depends on insulation and the heating objective. For supplementary heating, 60 to 80 watts per square meter of workspace applies. According to the guideline, a cold, unheated work zone requires 100 to 150 watts per square meter. Use these values ​​as a starting point for the zone in question, not automatically for the entire hall. Ceiling height and the desired temperature also influence the total heat demand.

Which electric heater is suitable for an industrial hall?

An electric infrared heater is suitable for targeted heat at fixed workstations or machines. For broader heat distribution, you can deploy multiple heaters across different zones. Industrial infrared heaters are available starting from 1200 watts. Choose the type and power based on the location you want to heat, the duration of use, and the mounting position. This allows you to tailor the heat to production, logistics, or storage.

How high should a high-mounted heater hang?

A high-bay heater is typically mounted 3.5 to 4.5 meters above the heated work zone. Additionally, keep at least 100 centimeters clear between the heater and people or objects. Measure the height from the workstation, not just from the floor. The heat range changes with a different mounting height. Therefore, take into account shelving, machinery, and other obstacles beneath the unit.

How much energy can I save with infrared heating?

The potential savings on heating costs can amount to up to 30 percent. This depends, among other things, on the current installation, insulation, usage hours, and the parts of the hall you heat. If you direct the heat to occupied workspaces, you can prevent unused zones from reaching the same temperature. Compare consumption over a representative usage period to assess the effect.

Is the installation complex?

During installation, placement, mounting, and electrical connection are particularly important. For example, a ceiling setup in a hall with machinery requires different planning than wall mounting at a separate workstation. The available electrical power and operation also play a role. Determine in advance which zones you want to heat and where appliances can be placed so that the installation aligns with the layout and daily operations.

Is this form of heating sustainable?

Infrared heating can be a more sustainable choice when using green power. In combination with green electricity, it causes no CO2 emissions during heating. You can also combine the panels with solar panels. Furthermore, sustainability depends on the size of the space you heat and how often. Targeting the settings for frequently used workspaces helps limit unnecessary electricity consumption.

Tags

industrial hall heating best industrial hall heating electric heating high industrial hall infrared heating logistics space production hall workplace heating

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