A heating system will provide sufficient heat in an office building, warehouse, or manufacturing plant. Usually, it is merged with other units to create an HVAC, which means heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
Commercial heaters typically contain a furnace, boiler, and a heat pump to generate heat, which is then transferred via conduction, radiation, or convection. They also use different types of fuels, which also include gases, solid, and liquid fuels. Alternatively, electricity can also be used to heat up a room.
According to estimates, the heating equipment industry was worth $33.56 billion in 2018, with a 5.4% compound annual growth rate from 2019 to 2025.
In some cases, the size of the commercial heaters might not be sufficient to heat a room. This is where service providers can help you. They will size up the total square footage of the space then compute the wattage necessary to provide enough heat. Generally, each square foot needs 10 watts of power. For example, if your office building is 1,600 square feet, you likely need three 8,000 watt units to provide the occupants with the needed warmth during the cold seasons.
A typical heater has a lifespan of 10-20 years, but it will depend on several factors. For example, if your system is too small for the size of the room, it tends to work harder and be more prone to breakdowns. Other factors include:
- Frequency of preventative maintenance
- Frequency of filter change
- The climate
- Weather conditions
- Frequency of use
- The quality of the installation
A normal heat pump has a lifespan of 15 years, while a boiler may still work after 30 years.
When Do You Need to Call In Repair and Replacement Specialists
There are some ways to know if you have to call in help. Here are just some of the signs you look out for:
- It is not generating heat even if the thermostat is at the max level — The thermostat control may not be the problem here. It could be some components or parts that are not functioning correctly. For instance, a blown fuse could be the culprit or the circuit breaker.
- You hear a strange noise — If you hear whistling, screeching, and clanking noises whenever your heater is running, it is time to call in the technicians. It could be a damaged blower wheel, motor bearing, or combustion. Sometimes, a foreign object might be stuck in the blades, which also produce a different kind of noise.
- The pilot light is on yellow — Usually, the pilot light for commercial heaters is blue, which indicates that everything is working correctly. If the light indicator is yellow, there might be something that interferes with its smooth operation. The next step is to call in a repair specialist immediately.
- Your electricity bill skyrockets — If you notice a sudden spike in your utility costs, the HVAC could be the culprit. You must always take note of your monthly bills, particularly during winter, to determine averages. If you are paying today much more compared to the last cold season, check your unit.
Even if you do not notice any of the symptoms above, you need to contact specialists for maintenance. It is only to maximise the lifespan of the units.
