Understanding How Radiant Heating Works in Large Factories

Heating large factory spaces poses unique challenges. With open areas, high ceilings, and varied zones of activity, finding an efficient and cost-effective heating solution is vital.

Radiant heaters have become an increasingly popular option for large industrial spaces, and this article explores their advantages, how they work, and factors to consider when choosing them for your large factory.

How does Radiant Heating Work?

Radiant heating operates by emitting infrared radiation, directly heating surfaces, people, and objects, rather than the surrounding air. This method contrasts with traditional warm-air systems, which simply warm the air itself. Radiant heaters are especially efficient in large factory environments where traditional systems struggle to maintain consistent temperatures.

Radiant heaters also excel in areas with high ceilings or where doors frequently open and close, such as loading bays. The direct heat ensures that warmth isn’t lost to drafts of wind whenever these doors open, which can be quite common in factory’s and industrial spaces?.

Benefits of Radiant Heating for Factories

There are various benefits to using radiant heaters in large industrial spaces, including factories. The main benefits include:

Energy Efficiency:

One of the primary advantages of radiant heaters is their efficiency. By heating only the necessary areas, energy consumption is reduced compared to systems that heat entire buildings, even unused sections. 

The CoRayVac is an energy-efficient radiant heater thanks to its vacuum-operated, burners-in-series architecture. In laymen’s terms, this lowers the CoRayVac’s exhaust temperatures, which allows the CoRayVac to provide more heat to an area and ultimately reduces waste through the exhaust, which results in increased energy efficiency and fuel savings.

Minimal Air Movement:

Since radiant heating doesn't rely on air circulation, it eliminates drafts and the movement of dust and contaminants, which is particularly important in environments where air quality needs to be controlled. This feature can enhance worker comfort and improve health and safety in industries such as food processing or pharmaceuticals?.

Low Maintenance:

Furthermore, radiant heaters are easy to install and maintain over time, with routine checks being much rarer compared to traditional heating methods.

Related: 3 Ways Your Industrial Space Could Benefit from a Warm Air Heating System

Considerations Before Installation

Although radiant heaters provide an array of benefits, there are a few vital considerations to make before completing an installation. The various case studies Combat have partaking in over the years, like our Radiant Heating System installation for Freddie's Flowers, have highlighted these 4 key considerations before completing an installation of a radiant heating system inside a factory.

Factory Layout:

The effectiveness of radiant heaters can be influenced by the layout of your factory. Since radiant heaters heat directly, their placement needs to avoid obstructions such as shelving or large machinery, which could block the infrared rays. Ensuring that heaters are installed where they can provide unobstructed coverage will maximise their efficiency?.

Type of Radiant Heater:

Following on from factory layout, you will need to decide which radiant heater best suits your space. For help regarding this, you can contact Combat HVAC for guidance on this.

Environmental Impact and Cost Efficiency

With increasing pressure on industries to reduce carbon footprints, radiant heaters can contribute significantly to sustainability goals. Using fuel efficient and cost effective radiant heaters, such as our previously mentioned CoRayVac system, can further develop your environmentally conscious business decisions.

Radiant Heating for Large Industrial Spaces

Combat HVAC offer highly efficient, flexible, and cost-effective Radiant Heaters for large industrial spaces, including factories. Our heaters ability to provide targeted heat, low maintenance requirements, and strategic energy usage, making them a compelling choice for all industrial settings.

For further information about our range of radiant heaters or just our heat design services, please contact a member of our team via telephone: 0121 506 7700 or email: [email protected].