Heater Condensers
An air heater warms air and distributes the warm air through the space with a fan. It is used when a room, commercial space, warehouse or industrial area needs relatively fast heating and active circulation of warm air.
What is an air heater?
An air heater combines a heating element and a fan: the unit heats the air and then distributes it through the space. Its main practical advantage is that the heat does not stay only around the unit - the airflow spreads it towards the room or the working area.
Air heaters can be used in:
- warehouses;
- industrial spaces;
- car service centres;
- workshops;
- commercial facilities;
- sports halls and other large spaces;
- technical rooms;
- various working areas.
Whether a specific model can be used always depends on its technical data and working conditions.
How does an air heater work?
The operation of an air heater can be seen in three main stages: the unit draws in room air; the air passes over a heating element or heat exchanger; the fan directs the heated air into the space.
Because of this principle an air heater is particularly effective where not only heat generation but also fast distribution of that heat is required. However, the efficiency of the unit depends on the space as a whole - its volume, heat loss and correct air distribution.
Where are air heaters used?
In a warehouse
Warehouses often have high ceilings and large volumes. In such conditions heating capacity alone is not enough - effective distribution of the warm air is required as well.
In an industrial space
In a factory it may be necessary to heat the working area of employees or the whole hall. Here the floor area, ceiling height, frequent door opening, heat released by the production process and the required working temperature all have to be considered.
In a car service centre or workshop
Opening large doors in cold weather causes significant heat loss. An air heater can be used to restore the temperature of the working area more quickly.
In a commercial space
A suitable model can be used in a showroom, shop or other large space, particularly where fast heating response is required.
How to select an air heater
An air heater should be selected not only by kW, but with the overall heating requirements of the space in mind.
1. What is the area and volume of the space?
Square metres alone are not always sufficient information. A 100 m2 space with a 3 metre ceiling and a 100 m2 space with an 8 metre ceiling contain completely different volumes of air. For large commercial and industrial spaces it is therefore advisable to take both the floor area and the ceiling height into account.
2. How well is the building insulated?
Heat loss is affected by wall insulation, the roof, windows, doors, the floor, the outdoor temperature and how often doors are opened. A poorly insulated building needs more heating capacity to maintain the same temperature.
3. What temperature do we need?
In a warehouse a relatively low working temperature may be sufficient, while a space where people work permanently may require a higher comfort temperature.
4. How fast does the space need to heat up?
If the main requirement is a fast temperature rise, not only the heating capacity but also the airflow matters. The fan has to be able to move warm air over the required distance.
5. How long does the unit run?
The operating mode can be periodic, only during working hours, long term or automatically controlled. This affects the choice of both the type of unit and the control system.
Electric or water air heater?
The heat source of an air heater can differ depending on the specific model.
| Type | Main characteristic |
|---|---|
| Electric air heater | Uses electricity for heating |
| Water air heater | Connects to a hot water heating system |
| Other type of solution | Depends on the specific unit and project |
An electric air heater is practical where suitable electrical power is available and there is no central hot water system. For a high power unit the capability of the electrical network, the number of phases, protective devices and installation requirements must always be checked.
A model equipped with a water heat exchanger can be used when the building already has a hot water heat source. In that case the water temperature, flow, system capacity, pipework and automation have to be assessed.
Are an air heater and an air curtain the same thing?
No. These two devices perform different primary functions.
| Parameter | Air heater | Air curtain |
|---|---|---|
| Main function | Heating the space | Creating an air barrier in an opening |
| Airflow | Distributed through the space | Mainly along the door opening |
| Installation | At various points in the space | Above or beside the door |
| Heating | The main function | An additional function in some models |
Some air curtains also have a heating function, but their main purpose remains creating an air barrier in an open doorway.
Why does airflow matter?
High heating capacity is not enough if the warm air is not distributed correctly through the space. In halls with high ceilings warm air naturally collects at the top. In one large space several correctly distributed units sometimes work better than a single very powerful air heater.
How to determine the required heating capacity
The correct heating capacity depends on the volume of the space, the thermal insulation of the building, the minimum outdoor temperature, the desired indoor temperature, the number of doors and windows, how often doors are opened, other existing heat sources and heat generated by the working process.
A simple rule such as "X m2 = Y kW" therefore cannot always give an accurate result. For warehouses and industrial facilities it is particularly important to assess not only the floor area but the real heat loss.
What are the most common mistakes when selecting an air heater?
Selecting the unit by floor area only
Without ceiling height and insulation, floor area is insufficient data.
Choosing the highest kW
Excessive capacity does not automatically mean better heating. The system has to match the real requirement.
Ignoring airflow
Generating heat and distributing it efficiently are two different matters.
Choosing the wrong installation location
Air directed the wrong way may heat only part of the space.
Not considering frequent door opening
An open door in a large warehouse or car service centre creates significant heat loss.
Not checking the capability of the electrical network
For an electric model, a high power unit requires suitable electrical infrastructure.
What information is needed to select an air heater?
It is useful to know:
- the floor area of the space;
- the ceiling height;
- the purpose of the facility;
- the condition of the building insulation;
- the desired indoor temperature;
- the existing heat source;
- the capability of the electrical network, if an electric model is considered;
- hot water parameters, if a water model is required;
- the size of doors and windows;
- how often doors are opened;
- the possible installation location;
- the operating mode.
This data makes it possible to compare different air heaters not only by capacity, but by how well they suit the specific space.
Air heaters at NB Group
NB Group supplies air heaters in Georgia for heating commercial, warehouse and industrial spaces.
When selecting a specific model it is necessary to assess the volume of the space, the required heating capacity, airflow, energy source, installation location, building insulation and operating mode.
The full technical data provided by the manufacturer should be checked for the specific model, particularly regarding heating capacity, air capacity, electrical data and working conditions. NB Group branches are located in Tbilisi and Batumi.
Frequently asked questions
An air heater is a unit that heats air and distributes it through the space with a fan.
They are often used in warehouses, factories, workshops, car service centres, commercial and other large spaces.
You need to consider the volume of the space, thermal insulation, the required temperature, heating capacity, airflow, energy source and installation location.
The exact capacity cannot be determined from floor area alone. The ceiling height, insulation, outdoor and desired indoor temperature and heat loss all have to be assessed.
The main purpose of an air heater is heating the space, while an air curtain creates an air barrier in a door opening.
The choice depends on the energy infrastructure of the facility. If a hot water heating system is available, a water model can be considered; otherwise an electric or another solution may be suitable.
No. The unit has to match the real heat demand of the space.
NB Group branches are located in Tbilisi and Batumi. Contact us for a consultation.
