Gas-Fired Heater
The professional gas-fired air heater is the most economical heating solution for large warehouses, workshops, and hangars. At Climatik, we support French professionals in selecting gas-fired air heaters suitable for the constraints of industrial buildings requiring powerful and cost-effective heating.
Our range includes natural gas and propane air heaters from 20 to 150 kW, equipped with atmospheric or forced-air burners, mounted high for optimal diffusion. These combustion hot air generators offer the best operating cost/performance ratio for volumes over 500 m².
Gas technology: economy and power
The gas-fired air heater operates by burning natural gas (GRDF network) or propane (tank) in an integrated burner. The combustion gases heat a tubular stainless steel heat exchanger through which air is forced by a centrifugal fan. Flue gases are evacuated via a wall vent or chimney, depending on the installation. This technology generates a heating power of 20 to 150 kW with a combustion efficiency of 90 to 93%.
The major economic advantage: natural gas costs 8 to 10 cts/kWh compared to 18 to 20 cts/kWh for electricity. Over a heating season, a gas air heater consumes 40 to 50% less than an electric air heater of equivalent power. For a warehouse requiring 80 kW of heating 8 hours/day for 150 days, the saving reaches €4,000 to €6,000 per year in favor of gas.
The temperature rise is very fast thanks to the high power of the burner: a 60 kW gas air heater raises the temperature of a 1,500 m³ volume by 5 to 10°C in 20 to 30 minutes. This responsiveness is perfect for intermittently occupied premises or those requiring preheating in the morning before starting work.
Natural gas vs. propane
Natural gas is the ideal solution if your site has a connection to the GRDF network. Unlimited supply without storage, the most attractive cost on the market (8-10 cts/kWh), no replenishment management. Installation requires a gas connection compliant with standards by a qualified professional, a dedicated meter or existing meter depending on the total installed power.
Propane is the alternative for sites not connected to the natural gas network. Requires an external tank (above-ground or buried) from 500 to 2,000 liters depending on consumption. Slightly higher cost (12-15 cts/kWh) but still 40% cheaper than electricity. Ideal for rural areas, agricultural hangars, isolated sites. The air heater connects to the tank via a 37 mbar pressure regulator and a volumetric meter.
Unlike electric air heaters, which are limited by meter power and expensive to operate, gas air heaters offer unlimited power at a controlled cost. A standard 36 kVA electricity meter limits heating power to a maximum of 25-30 kW, whereas a gas connection allows several air heaters totaling 100 to 300 kW to be installed without constraint.
Installation and compliance
The installation of a gas air heater requires the intervention of a qualified PGN (natural gas) or PGP (propane) professional. The installer carries out the compliant gas connection, the evacuation of flue gases via a wall vent (80/125 mm or 60/100 mm) or chimney (Ø 130 to 200 mm depending on power), commissioning with combustion control, and issues the mandatory certificate of conformity.
Flue gas evacuation can be done in two ways, depending on the building configuration: wall vent (passage through an exterior wall near the appliance, the simplest and most economical installation), or vertical chimney (roof outlet, necessary if the exterior wall is too far away or there are obstacles). The wall vent limits investment and avoids roof penetration work.
Annual maintenance is mandatory: cleaning of the burner and heat exchanger, combustion control with flue gas analysis (CO, CO₂, efficiency), safety checks, and issuance of a maintenance certificate. Cost: €150 to €300 per appliance. This maintenance guarantees safety, optimal performance, and a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
Professional applications
Logistics warehouses extensively equip their platforms with several gas air heaters strategically distributed. For 2,000 m² with 6 meters of height (12,000 m³), installing 4 to 6 air heaters of 40 to 60 kW maintains 12 to 16°C continuously. Full season heating cost: €3,000 to €5,000 for natural gas versus €8,000 to €12,000 for electric.
Industrial workshops and heavy vehicle garages benefit from rapid heating for staff comfort. The high power of gas air heaters compensates for frequent opening of sectional doors. Agricultural hangars (storage, livestock, greenhouses) prefer propane for rural sites not connected to natural gas.
Climatik's support
At Climatik, we help you dimension your gas air heater installation according to surface area, height, insulation, and available energy (natural gas or propane). We guide you towards suitable professional models with reliable burners and optimized efficiency.
All our gas air heaters are available in stock with fast delivery throughout France from our Olivet warehouse.