Are you seeking the best solution for heating a large uninsulated space? Learn why infrared heaters outperform conventional heating systems for maximum efficiency.
When thinking about heating large uninsulated rooms or spaces such as warehouses, workshops or industrial areas, traditional gas-fired heaters or blowers fall short. These more conventional forms of heating focus on warming the entire volume of air, making them inefficient in high-ceiling bays where heat rises and energy is wasted. As a contemporary solution, infrared heating provides an innovative method which addresses the challenges of heating large uninsulated rooms or areas.
Industrial Infrared Heating for Large Uninsulated Rooms
Warehouses, in particular, present complex challenges for maintaining a stable temperature. These large, open spaces are more difficult and expensive to heat compared to smaller rooms or offices. As well as building affected by building fabric, heat and energy efficiency losses in uninsulated warehouse buildings increase significantly when loading bay shutters, doors, or windows are regularly opened. This allows inside air to escape easily, forcing traditional heating systems to work harder and consume more energy to compensate for the constant air exchange.
Infrared heaters work by radiating heat to objects, surfaces and individuals in its direct path, rather than warming the volume of surrounding air. Its premise makes infrared heating highly efficient for large uninsulated rooms where total volume heating would result in excessive energy consumption. With infrared, surfaces such as floors, walls and equipment absorb heat and then reflect it, creating a comfortable warmth which can be felt within an area. Unlike traditional heating systems, infrared heaters are not impacted by draughts or air movement, which can disrupt heated air circulation in a room. Infrared heating additionally doesn’t suffer from transmission losses via building structures such as roofs, walls, and windows, or through ventilation leaks and openings. As a result, IR is particularly effective for spaces with frequent air movement, such as those with roller shutter doors or high ceilings. Even in large spaces with high ceilings, infrared heating prevents the build-up of hot air near the ceiling, reducing energy loss by targeting heat to where it is required.
Zone and Spot Heating: Tailored for Large, Dynamic Uninsulated Spaces
Another significant advantage of infrared heating is its ability to provide zone and spot heating. In large spaces or rooms, not every area needs the same level of heat. Infrared heaters can create customised heating zones, allowing different parts of the space—such as packing areas, work benches, or inspection stations—to have their own specific temperature requirements. This reduces the overall energy demand, as only the necessary areas are heated to the required temperature.
Spot heating is an energy-efficient way to heat up a large uninsulated room. Instead of heating the entire space, infrared heaters deliver targeted warmth exactly where it is needed.
For example, storage areas with minimal human activity, such as shelves for spare parts or tools, don't need to be heated. This flexibility makes infrared heating particularly useful in dynamic environments where people move between different zones with varying heating needs.
Responsive and Precise Control for Maximum Efficiency in Large Uninsulated Rooms
One of the key benefits of infrared heating systems is how responsive they are. Unlike traditional systems that take time to heat an entire space, infrared heaters start delivering warmth as soon as they are switched on with no pre-heating, making them ideal for use with additional controls such as programmable thermostats, timers, and presence detectors. This allows for precise control over when and where heating is applied, leading to significant energy savings and enhanced comfort for the occupants.
With infrared heaters, there’s no need for pre-warming large spaces, and once the heating is switched off, there is no lingering heat to dissipate wastefully. This makes infrared technology a much more sustainable and cost-effective heating solution for large, uninsulated spaces.
How Do You Use Your Space?
When considering the best heating solution for your space, it’s essential to think about how the space is used. Are there packing areas, workbenches, inspection zones, or storage areas? How frequently are people in these areas? For example, dense racking or storage sections may not need to be heated. By only applying heat where it’s needed, you can dramatically reduce energy consumption and improve the comfort of your working environment.
Low Maintenance and Long Lifespan
Another significant advantage of infrared heaters is their virtually zero maintenance requirements. Unlike gas or oil heating systems that require regular check-ups and service, British manufactured infrared heaters from Tansun are high quality solid-state units with no moving parts, minimising wear-and-tear risks. The only recommended upkeep is occasional cleaning—simply dust the heater and wipe it down with a dry cloth to keep it in top condition. With no fuel sources to connect to and no complicated internal mechanisms, infrared heaters offer hassle-free heating for years to come.
Choosing the Best Industrial Heater for Large Uninsulated Rooms
For large, uninsulated rooms, infrared heating offers an energy-efficient, responsive, and low-maintenance solution. By targeting heat exactly where it’s needed and reducing transmission and ventilation losses, infrared heaters outperform traditional gas-fired systems in every aspect. Whether for industrial workstations, warehouses, or dynamic environments, infrared heating technology delivers the warmth and flexibility needed to optimise comfort and energy use.
Tansun’s infrared heaters have been engineered for over 40 years and is the only industrial shortwave heater made in the UK - providing a future-proof solution to the challenges of heating large spaces, making them the ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade from outdated systems.