As winter approaches, warehouses and factories face the challenge of maintaining a comfortable working environment for employees while also protecting equipment and materials from the cold. One crucial aspect of achieving this balance is determining the right heater hire requirements. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of calculating your heater hire needs to ensure a warm and productive winter season.
Assess Your Space
The first step in calculating your heater hire requirements is to assess your workspace. Measure the dimensions of your warehouse or factory, taking into account the height of the ceiling, floor area, and any partitioned areas. This information will help you determine the volume of the space that needs heating.
Calculate Heat Loss
Heat loss is a critical factor to consider. Warehouses and factories are often large, open spaces with various entry points, making them susceptible to heat loss. To estimate heat loss, consider the following factors:
- Insulation: Evaluate the level of insulation in your building. Well-insulated spaces will require less heating compared to those with poor insulation.
- Temperature Differential: Determine the temperature difference between the desired indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature during the coldest winter days. This difference is known as the Delta T (ΔT).
- Air Leakage: Identify potential sources of drafts or air leakage in your facility, such as doors, windows, and loading docks.
- Building Materials: Different building materials have varying thermal properties. Take into account the materials used in your facility’s construction.
Choose the Right Warehouse Heaters
Once you have calculated the heat loss, you can select the appropriate type of heater. Common heater types for warehouses and factories include:
- Forced Air Heaters: These heaters blow warm air into the space and are suitable for quickly raising the temperature in large areas.
- Radiant Heaters: Radiant heaters emit infrared heat, which warms objects and people directly. They are efficient for spot heating and can be used in areas with high ceilings.
- Ducted Heaters: Ducted heaters distribute warm air through ductwork, making them ideal for spaces with ventilation systems.
- Electric Heaters: Electric heaters are clean and easy to install but may not be cost-effective for very large spaces.
Calculate Heating Capacity
To determine the heating capacity required, use the following formula:
Heating Capacity (in BTUs or Watts) = Volume of Space (in cubic feet or meters) × ΔT (in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius) × Heat Loss Factor
The heat loss factor accounts for insulation, air leakage, and building materials. It typically ranges from 1.1 to 1.5, with higher values indicating greater heat loss.
Consider Redundancy
It’s wise to factor in redundancy when calculating heater hire requirements. Having a backup heater or a slightly larger heating capacity ensures that your facility stays warm even during extreme cold snaps or unexpected equipment failures.
Seek Professional Advice
If the calculations seem complex or you’re unsure about your requirements, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Newsome, we can help you understand your heater requirements and recommend the correct heating solutions to keep you operational this winter.
Conclusion
As winter arrives, ensuring your warehouse or factory remains warm and functional is crucial for the well-being of your employees and the protection of your assets. Calculating your heater hire requirements is a fundamental step in this process. By assessing your space, considering heat loss factors, choosing the right heater type, and calculating the heating capacity, you can create a comfortable and efficient working environment during the cold winter months. Remember to consult experts like our team here at Newsome if needed, as we can provide invaluable guidance in this essential aspect of facility management.