Space Heaters

About Space Heaters

Space heaters are essential heating solutions designed to provide temporary or supplementary warmth in workshops, construction sites, warehouses, garages, and other commercial or industrial environments. Unlike fixed heating systems, portable space heaters offer the flexibility to deliver targeted heat exactly where it's needed, making them invaluable for tradespeople working in unheated spaces or during cold weather conditions. These powerful heating units are engineered to quickly raise ambient temperatures in large areas, ensuring comfortable and productive working conditions even in the harshest British winters.

Modern space heaters come in several fuel types to suit different applications and site requirements. Diesel and paraffin space heaters are particularly popular on construction sites where mains electricity may be limited, offering robust performance and substantial heat output measured in kilowatts (kW). Propane space heaters provide clean-burning convenience with bottle-mounted or cylinder-fed designs, whilst infrared variants deliver radiant heat that warms objects and people directly rather than just heating the air. Whether you're a contractor needing to maintain working temperatures on site, a mechanic heating a workshop, or a tradesperson drying out plaster or paint, there's a space heater configuration suited to your specific heating challenges.

Professional-grade space heaters from trusted brands like Sealey and Draper feature safety mechanisms including flame failure devices, overheat protection, and stable bases to ensure safe operation in demanding environments. Many models incorporate thermostatic controls for efficient fuel consumption, whilst jet force designs combine powerful fan-assisted air circulation with high heat output to warm even the largest spaces quickly and effectively.

Jargon Buster

• BTU (British Thermal Unit): A measurement of heat output, indicating how much energy is required to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Higher BTU ratings mean greater heating capacity for larger spaces.
• Jet Force: A fan-assisted heating system that propels heated air across greater distances, ensuring rapid and even heat distribution throughout the workspace. Particularly effective in large or draughty environments.
• Infrared Heating: A heating method that emits radiant heat waves which warm objects, people, and surfaces directly rather than heating the surrounding air. More efficient in draughty or outdoor conditions where convected heat would be lost.
• Thermostatic Control: An automatic temperature regulation system that cycles the heater on and off to maintain a consistent temperature, improving fuel efficiency and preventing overheating.
• Flame Failure Device: A critical safety feature that automatically shuts off fuel supply if the flame is accidentally extinguished, preventing dangerous fuel accumulation and potential fire hazards.
• Direct vs Indirect Heating: Direct heaters exhaust combustion gases into the heated space (suitable for well-ventilated areas), whilst indirect heaters vent fumes outside, making them appropriate for enclosed spaces with limited ventilation.

Who Uses Space Heaters?

Space heaters serve a diverse range of professional tradespeople and industries:

• Construction workers and site managers maintaining habitable temperatures in buildings under construction or renovation
• Builders and plasterers accelerating drying times for plaster, concrete, and screeds
• Painters and decorators ensuring optimal curing conditions and preventing condensation during application
• Mechanics and vehicle technicians heating automotive workshops and garages during winter months
• Agricultural workers and farmers protecting livestock housing, equipment stores, and crop storage facilities from freezing conditions
• Warehouse and logistics managers maintaining comfortable working temperatures in large storage facilities
• Event organisers providing temporary heating for marquees, outdoor venues, and temporary structures
• Garden centre operators and horticulturalists protecting plants and maintaining greenhouse temperatures
• Industrial cleaning contractors drying out flood-damaged properties and accelerating restoration work
• DIY enthusiasts heating home workshops, sheds, and outbuildings during cold weather projects

How to Choose the Right Space Heaters

Heat Output Requirements: Calculate the size of your space in cubic metres and match it to appropriate kW output. As a general guide, you'll need approximately 30-40 watts per cubic metre for well-insulated spaces, or up to 60 watts for poorly insulated or draughty areas. Larger construction sites and warehouses typically require units ranging from 20kW to 100kW or more.

Fuel Type Selection: Diesel and paraffin heaters offer excellent portability and high heat output without requiring electrical supply, ideal for remote sites. Propane models provide cleaner combustion with less odour, making them suitable for semi-enclosed spaces. Consider fuel availability, storage requirements, and running costs when making your choice. Electric space heaters offer convenience but may be impractical where power supply is limited or expensive.

Direct vs Indirect Heating: Direct-fired heaters are more efficient and cost-effective but exhaust combustion gases into the workspace, requiring adequate ventilation to comply with HSE guidelines. Indirect heaters with chimney systems are essential for enclosed spaces with limited ventilation, though they typically cost more and have slightly lower efficiency.

Portability and Build Quality: Look for robust steel construction with protective guards, ergonomic carry handles, and stable wheeled bases for site mobility. Professional-grade units should feature reinforced fuel tanks, heavy-duty fans, and corrosion-resistant components to withstand demanding site conditions.

Safety Features: Essential safety mechanisms include flame failure devices, overheat protection, tip-over switches, and cool-touch handles. Models compliant with relevant BS EN standards provide assurance of safe operation when used according to manufacturer guidelines.

Running Costs and Efficiency: Compare fuel consumption rates (measured in litres per hour) against heat output to determine operating efficiency. Thermostatic controls significantly reduce fuel consumption by preventing unnecessary continuous operation, whilst models with adjustable heat settings offer greater flexibility and economy.

Popular Accessories

• Thermostat Controllers: External thermostatic devices for models without built-in temperature regulation, enabling automatic temperature maintenance and fuel savings
• Ducting Kits: Flexible ducting and distribution systems for channelling heated air to specific areas or multiple rooms from a single heater unit
• Fuel Containers: Approved diesel, paraffin, or propane storage containers and jerry cans for safe fuel storage and transportation to site
• Propane Regulators and Hoses: Replacement gas regulators and high-pressure hoses compatible with standard UK propane cylinders
• Ventilation Chimney Kits: Flue pipes and exhaust systems for converting direct heaters to indirect operation in poorly ventilated spaces
• Heater Stands and Trolleys: Elevating platforms and wheeled transport solutions for improved air circulation and easier site mobility
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Essential safety monitoring equipment for enclosed spaces where combustion heaters are operated

Safety Information

Ventilation Requirements: Always ensure adequate ventilation when operating space heaters, particularly direct-fired models. HSE guidance recommends sufficient fresh air supply to prevent carbon monoxide accumulation and oxygen depletion. Never operate combustion heaters in completely sealed environments.

Fuel Handling: Store diesel, paraffin, and propane fuels in approved containers away from ignition sources, following COSHH regulations. Only refuel heaters when cool and switched off, in well-ventilated areas away from naked flames. Check for fuel leaks regularly and address immediately.

Clearance Distances: Maintain manufacturer-specified clearances from combustible materials, typically at least 1-2 metres from walls, furniture, and flammable substances. Never use space heaters to dry clothing or materials draped over or near the unit.

Supervision and Placement: Position heaters on stable, level, non-combustible surfaces. Never leave operating heaters unattended for extended periods. Ensure units cannot be knocked over and are positioned away from high-traffic areas where they might be bumped.

Carbon Monoxide Monitoring: Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors when using combustion heaters indoors. Be aware of symptoms including headaches, dizziness, and nausea, which may indicate dangerous CO levels requiring immediate evacuation and ventilation.

Electrical Safety: For electric or fan-assisted models, ensure connections to suitable 230V supplies using appropriate extension leads rated for the heater's power consumption. Keep electrical components away from water and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size space heater do I need for my workshop or site?

Calculate your space volume (length × width × height in metres) and multiply by 40-60 watts per cubic metre depending on insulation quality. For example, a 10m × 8m workshop with 3m ceiling height (240 cubic metres) would require approximately 10-15kW heating capacity for adequate warmth in typical UK winter conditions.

Can I use a diesel space heater indoors?

Direct-fired diesel heaters can be used indoors only with excellent ventilation, as combustion gases exhaust into the space. For enclosed areas with limited ventilation, choose an indirect heater with proper flue installation, or consider alternative fuel types. Always follow HSE ventilation guidelines and use carbon monoxide detectors for safety.

What's more economical to run: diesel, paraffin, or propane space heaters?

Diesel typically offers the lowest running costs per kW of heat output, followed by paraffin (which can sometimes be used interchangeably in diesel heaters). Propane generally costs more per hour but offers cleaner combustion and easier fuel storage. Consider both fuel prices and heater efficiency ratings when comparing running costs.

How long will a tank of fuel last in a space heater?

Fuel consumption varies by heat output and model efficiency. A typical 20kW diesel heater consumes approximately 2 litres per hour at full output. With thermostatic control cycling the heater on and off, actual consumption may be 40-60% lower. Always check manufacturer specifications for precise consumption rates for your specific model.

Do I need any qualifications or certification to operate industrial space heaters?

Whilst no specific certification is legally required for operating space heaters, employers must ensure operators receive adequate training under Health and Safety at Work regulations. This should cover safe fuel handling, ventilation requirements, fire safety, and emergency procedures. Site managers should conduct risk assessments before deploying heating equipment.