Warehouse heating that warms the workstation, not the warehouse

The economics of spot heating

A warehouse is thermally leaky by design: roller doors, loading bays, high roofs and constant vehicle movement. Conditioning that volume is not a realistic target, and most operators accept a cold shell with local comfort at the positions where people actually stand still.

Radiant spot heating matches that operating model. A 1.8 kW panel above a packing bench delivers comfort to the operator within seconds, regardless of whether the surrounding air is 8 °C or 14 °C, because the energy is absorbed by the person and the bench rather than the air. Energy use scales with the number of positions in use, not with building volume.

Where to mount in an industrial space

• Directly above a fixed workstation at 1.8–2.5 m, or on a nearby column angled toward the operator — not aimed across an open aisle.
• Keep units clear of forklift and pallet-truck traffic; where vehicles pass beneath, use ceiling mounting with a minimum clearance agreed with your safety officer.
• Avoid positions in the direct path of loading-bay doors, where cold air movement will strip the radiant layer.
• Use IPX4 units in wash-down or damp areas; confirm the enclosure rating against your cleaning regime.
• Provide local switching at each position so heat runs only when the bench is manned.

What radiant does not do

Radiant heating does not dry a damp building, prevent condensation on stored stock, or protect water pipes from frost. Where those outcomes matter, radiant is a comfort measure layered on top of a building fabric and ventilation strategy — not a substitute for one. We would rather say that plainly than sell heaters as building services.