For many commercial and industrial buildings that do not require space cooling, non-centralized equipment such as unit heaters provide space heating to building occupants. Unit heaters are a traditional method of providing heat in large commercial and industrial facilities throughout the U.S.
Technologies that are commonly used in heating and ventilation of large open spaces are air turnover, recirculation, make-up air, infrared, unit heating, and high temperature heating and ventilation (HTHV).
When looking for the right commercial or industrial heating system, it is important to choose a solution that provides sufficient space heating, ample air filtration, and is both energy and cost efficient. Your solution will ensure a more comfortable environment for your employees and will be long lasting, saving you money in the long run.
Cambridge systems check all of these boxes and much more.
Learn more below about the details and mechanics of commercial and industrial heating systems—and how Cambridge can help you make your building safer and more comfortable for those inside.
How does a commercial or industrial heating system work?
Cambridge heating solutions use 100% outside air to heat buildings, and also serve as ventilation and air destratification equipment.
These systems mix fresh, outside air at a 10-1 ratio with existing air in the building, at a rate of 1,500 to 2,000 ft. per-minute.
Fresh, outside air enters the heating system through a double-width, double inlet and forward curve fan, which blows the fresh air into a proprietary burner system that can be fired by either natural gas or propane. No matter how the system is installed, whether on a rooftop, through wall, vertically or mounted on a horizontal outdoor stand, the commercial heating system functions the same way.
An engineer or space designer can help determine the right installation method for your building.
Understanding the Differences Between Heating Commercial & Industrial Buildings
Just like the heating needs vary from commercial and residential buildings, commercial buildings and industrial facilities have different heating requirements as well.
Industrial facilities, including factories, steel mills, assembly plants and aerospace hangers require more fresh, outside air since machinery, blast equipment and aircrafts can put off harmful byproducts. In comparison, a commercial facility such as an indoor sports arena or retail space may not have the same needs but could have several additional zones requiring heating.
Learn more about the unique characteristics of both commercial and industrial heating below.
Commercial Heating Solutions
According to the DOE, unit heaters account for nearly 18% of primary space heating energy use for commercial buildings, specifically in warehouses and distribution centers. Much of this space heating energy is wasted because of inefficient or outdated technologies. Cambridge Air Solutions line of heating systems for commercial buildings are high efficiency solutions that help reduce wasted energy while providing lower operational costs and improved comfort.
Industrial Heating Solutions
Similarly, industrial heating solutions from Cambridge are designed to provide lower operational costs and help mitigate wasted energy by utilizing state-of-the-art HTHV technologies. While industrial space heating is similar to commercial, the key difference is the application they are best suited for. Where commercial heating solutions are ideal for warehouses, distribution centers, and auto transport facilities; industrial heating solutions are best suited for manufacturing plants, mills, wastewater treatment plants, factories and other similar building types.
Different Types of Commercial & Industrial Heating Systems
While there are several types of heating systems such as central forced air with heat pumps, water heating, geothermal heating, and solar, Cambridge has perfected gas-based high temperature heating and ventilation (HTHV) technology.
HTHV is a technology classification created by the Department of Energy (DOE), producing a heating system capable of a discharge temperature greater than or equal to 150°F and a temperature rise greater than or equal to 140°F. HTHV heating systems are capable of effectively heating and ventilating both large commercial and industrial spaces, reducing energy consumption and increasing energy savings by 20-70% depending on the building, location, application, and installation.