How to Heat Large Spaces Effectively
As 2024 ends, the temperature continues to decrease across the United States and people are looking for ways to stay warm. There are many ways to combat the cold like wearing multiple layers or using blankets to keep warm.
While these ways to stay warm can help, there are more effective ways to stay warm, especially in large living spaces.
This blog discusses how to optimize heating in large spaces and provides general insulation tips to avoid heat loss.
How to Optimize your Large Space
One way to optimize your heat is through heating systems. Choose different heating systems based on the type of building: commercial, residential, or recreational.
For large spaces, it is important to know how to heat the space effectively. Before choosing which a high performing heat source, you should calculate the heating load.
The heating load is the amount of heat energy generated to properly heat a space. To accurately find the heat load, you can consult with a licensed electrician.
Next, determine the wattage and BTUs needed to heat your space. This is known as "sizing" a heater. Heaters need to meet specific power thresholds to adequately heat areas. The larger the space, the more powerful the heating system needs to be.
Wattage is the amount of power a heater uses to generate heat. While a BTU (British thermal unit), is the amount of heat needed to raise one pound of water at its greatest density.
The standard rule for sizing a heater is 20 BTUs for every square foot. Another method is to multiply the square footage by 10 watts.
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Infrared Heating
Infrared heating is a way to heat commercial spaces. Infrared heaters heat objects and people directly with hot air. These heaters come in BTU ranges of 20,000 to 250,000 BTUs per hour.
Infrared heaters provide immediate warmth and reduce energy costs by targeting objects instead of heating entire spaces.
Radiant heaters are infrared heaters that work by transferring infrared heat waves to objects in the commercial space. Most radiant heater offerings range from 30,000 to 160,000 BTUs per hour.
Radiant floor heating is a popular option for distributing heat. Radiant floor heating works by installing a heating element under the floor.
Shop HomElectrical for many radiant heater options.
Since large spaces take more time to heat, it is likely you will need more than one heater.
Having more than one heater is beneficial because it helps to disperse the heat. It also acting as a climate control by keeping consistent temperatures.
Furnaces
Investing in a furnace is also a way to heat a large space. Gas furnaces work by burning gas to create heat and then distributes throughout the space.
Gasoline heaters help to heat the area by delivering gas and burning fuel. Gas furnaces benefit from low energy costs than electric counterparts.
Oil furnaces are also great for heating your large space. These furnaces create high temperatures and heat large spaces evenly. They are also safer to use because they do not leak carbon monoxide into your home.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are common to use when heating large spaces. The different options for heat pumps include ducted, ductless, and packaged units.
Ducted
A ducted heat pump is a heating system that distributes heated or cooled air through ceiling ductways.
The two types of ducted heat pumps are split ducted and central ducted heat pumps.
Split ducted heat pumps have an outdoor unit and an indoor air handler. The compressor and handler work together to heat or cool the air.
While central ducted heat pumps have a single unit to distribute heat and cool air through ductwork that is connected to each room.
An example of a central ducted heat pump is the MrCool 3-ton heat pump. This heat pump is used to warm areas larger than 1500 square feet.
Ductless Heat pump
A ductless heat pump is another form of a heat pump. The most common type of ductless system is a mini-split system. Mini-split systems use an outdoor condenser and indoor compressor to distribute heating and cooling. For a mini split heat pump, each room needs its own indoor air handler for temperature management.
When selecting this type of system, size each indoor unit to meet the needs of the room it installs into. Also, work with a professional to buy an outdoor unit strong enough to supply for all connected air handlers.
Packaged Unit (Heating and Cooling)
Geothermal heat pumps are packaged units that provide heat. Geothermal heat pumps use heat from the ground or water to heat a space. They are more energy efficient than the other heat pumps.
Browse the HomElectrical website to find heat pumps.
Convective Heating
Convective heating is another way to heat your space. Convective heating works by transferring heat to the room and warming the air as it passes through a radiator or convector.
Examples of convective heaters include panel heaters, fan heaters and ducted central heating systems.
Insulation Tips
Hopefully you know more about certain heating systems for different spaces.
Wall insulation is one way to keep an area insulated and warm. Proper insulation acts as a thermos to keep heat in but many spaces suffer from poor insulation. If you find your insulation lacking and cannot afford new insulation try the following:
- Install Fiberglass: Fiberglass material has good thermal resistance, making it a popular choice for windows.
- Use Sealant foam: Sealant foam expands to fill gaps in insulation. Use sealant on floor boards, window seals, and cracks.
- Installing Door Sweeps: Door sweeps prevent drafts that remove heat from closed spaces.
- Keeping Door Closed: Only open doors when needed to prevent heat loss
Conclusion
Hopefully you were able to learn more about ways to optimize heating in large spaces. Shop HomElectrical to find heat systems that will help heat your large spaces and also give increase your energy savings.
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