Air heater
The industrial air heater is the most common industrial heating solution for warehouses, workshops, hangars, and high-ceiling halls. At Climatik, we support French professionals in selecting air heaters suitable for the constraints of industrial, agricultural, and tertiary buildings requiring rapid and homogeneous heating of large volumes.
Our range includes electric, gas, and hot water air heaters from 3 to 150 kW, designed to be suspended from the ceiling or mounted high on a wall. These professional warm air generators ensure a rapid temperature rise and homogeneous heat distribution through forced ventilation.
Warning against confusion: The air heater is a fixed industrial heating device, not to be confused with aerothermal heating, which refers to the principle of heat pumps capturing calories from outside air. The air heater directly generates heat (electricity, gas, or hot water) and pushes it into the room via an integrated fan.
Air Heater Operating Principle
The industrial air heater operates on a simple principle: a heat generator (electric resistance, gas burner, or hot water coil) heats the air drawn in by a powerful fan, which then pushes this hot air into the room. This forced convection ensures rapid and homogeneous heat distribution throughout the volume, unlike radiant heating, which only heats by direct radiation.
The speed of hot air diffusion allows for rapid heating of large volumes: a 50 kW air heater can raise the temperature of a 1,000 m³ warehouse by 5 to 10°C in 30 to 45 minutes, depending on insulation. This almost instantaneous temperature rise is perfectly suited for intermittently occupied premises or those requiring rapid preheating before work starts.
Air heaters are generally installed at height (4 to 7 meters), suspended from the ceiling or on a wall bracket. This elevated position optimizes the downward diffusion of hot air and avoids obstacles on the ground. Professional models include adjustable grilles that allow directing the airflow according to the room's configuration.
Professional Air Heater Technologies
The electric air heaters use shielded stainless steel resistances that heat the air blown by the fan. Powers from 3 to 30 kW in single-phase 230V, up to 150 kW in three-phase 400V. Simplest installation: wall mounting and electrical connection only, without smoke evacuation. Instant start-up and precise thermostatic control. Suitable for well-insulated premises of moderate size (<500 m²) where electricity cost remains acceptable. Completely clean and dry heat, ideal for dust-sensitive workshops.
The gas air heaters integrate a natural gas or propane burner that heats a tubular stainless steel heat exchanger through which the air is blown. Fumes are evacuated by flue or chimney. Powers from 20 to 150 kW. Combustion efficiency 90 to 93%. Economical solution for large volumes: natural gas costs 8 to 10 cents/kWh compared to 18 to 20 cents for electricity. Very rapid temperature rise thanks to the burner's power. Requires gas connection and smoke evacuation compliant with standards. More technical installation but very economical operation in the long term.
The hot water air heaters operate connected to a central boiler producing hot water (70 to 90°C) which circulates in a finned coil. The fan blows air through this coil, and the air heats up by thermal exchange. Powers from 10 to 80 kW depending on water flow and number of fin rows. Ideal for sites already equipped with a central boiler room (gas, oil, biomass boiler). Allows heat to be diffused in rooms far from the boiler room. Simple regulation by motorized three-way valve. Durable solution with 15 to 20 years of lifespan.
Professional Applications
- Logistics warehouses extensively use air heaters to maintain a comfortable working temperature (12 to 16°C) without aiming for costly domestic comfort. Several strategically placed air heaters cover 500 to 3,000 m² with ceiling heights of 5 to 7 meters. The rapid diffusion of hot air compensates for frequent opening of loading dock doors.
- Industrial workshops and garages benefit from targeted heating in work areas. 15 to 30 kW electric air heaters for mechanical workshops 200 to 400 m². 40 to 80 kW gas air heaters for heavy vehicle garages and production workshops requiring intensive heating. Forced air heating prevents condensation on equipment and vehicles.
- Agricultural hangars equip their livestock and storage buildings with gas air heaters to regulate temperature and humidity. Poultry houses, pigpens, dairy stables: maintaining 18 to 22°C improves animal productivity by 10 to 15% and reduces respiratory pathologies. Air heaters also ensure air circulation limiting excessive humidity.
Gymnasiums, multi-purpose halls, exhibition halls require a rapid temperature rise before occupation. 60 to 120 kW gas air heaters can preheat 2,000 to 4,000 m³ in 1 to 2 hours. Intermittent operation (a few hours before use then shutdown) optimizes energy consumption compared to continuous heating.
Advantages and Limitations of Air Heaters
- Main advantages: Very rapid temperature rise (30 to 60 minutes for large volumes). Moderate investment cost: €500 to €3,000 per unit depending on power and technology. Simple installation: wall mounting and energy connection, without major work. Homogeneous heat diffusion by air circulation. Ventilation-only function in summer (without heating) for passive cooling. Reduced maintenance: annual filter cleaning and combustion check for gas models.
- Limitations to consider: High energy consumption if the building is poorly insulated: an air heater compensates for heat loss but does not correct insulation defects. For ceilings >7 meters, requires complementary installation of destratifiers (fans circulating air from ceiling to floor) to prevent heat accumulation at height. Fan operating noise (45 to 65 dB depending on models) may be an issue in premises requiring quiet. Electric air heaters become costly to operate for large areas (prefer gas or hot water beyond 500 m²).
Sizing and Selection
The sizing of an air heater requires calculating the volume to be heated and evaluating heat losses. Approximate rule: 35 to 45 watts per m³ for a correctly insulated building with a standard height of 3 to 5 meters. Example: a 500 m² × 6 m warehouse = 3,000 m³ requires 105 to 135 kW total. Solution: 2 x 60 kW air heaters or 3 x 45 kW air heaters strategically distributed.
Increases to apply: poorly insulated or semi-open building +50 to 70%. Height >7 meters +30% (thermal stratification). Significant air renewal (frequently open doors) +40%. Very cold regions (outside temperatures <-10°C) +20%.
The choice of technology depends on available energy and operating costs. Electric if low power (<30 kW) and simple connection. Natural gas if GRDF network available = most economical operating solution. Propane if site not connected to natural gas (requires tank). Hot water if existing central boiler room with available capacity.
Climatik Support
At Climatik, we help you precisely size your air heater installation according to the volume to be heated, insulation level, ceiling height, and available energies. We guide you towards the most suitable and economical technology for your application: electric for small volumes, gas for large areas, hot water for sites with a central boiler room.
All our professional air heaters are available in stock with fast delivery throughout France from our Olivet warehouse. Complete technical documentation provided to facilitate installation and commissioning.
