Workshop heating - which system suits your hall?
The right hall heating depends on ceiling height, energy source and the required minimum temperature. This guide compares radiant tube heaters, warm-air units and infrared and maps them to workplace temperature rules.
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Which heating systems exist for workshops and halls?
Three principles compete in workshops and halls: radiant tube heaters (infrared from enclosed burner tubes), luminous and electric infrared heaters, and air-based warm-air units. Radiant systems heat people, floors and parts directly, while warm-air systems first heat the room air.
The difference matters in practice: in tall, well-ventilated halls warm air collects under the roof while draughts and cold remain at the workstation. Infrared avoids this because the heat arrives wherever the radiation lands.
How does ceiling height decide the choice?
Clear height is the most important selection criterion. Warm air rises, so a warm-air system loses efficiency with every metre of ceiling height unless destratification fans push the heat back down. Radiant tube heaters instead need a minimum mounting height so the radiation intensity at floor level stays comfortable.
- Up to about 4 m: warm-air units or electric infrared are usually economical.
- 4 to 6 m: a transition zone, radiant heaters and warm air with ceiling fans are close.
- Above 6 m: radiant tube and luminous heaters clearly win, with no stratification loss.
- Spot heating single workstations: use electric infrared or luminous heaters selectively.
- Open doors and frequent air changes: choose radiant, since heated air would escape at once.
Which energy source is the right one?
Gas (natural or LPG), electricity and oil cover different needs. Gas-fired radiant heaters and warm-air units are usually cheapest to run over large areas but need a supply connection and flue. Electric infrared installs without a flue and suits small or rarely used areas.
What minimum temperatures do the rules require?
The German Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) requires a health-compatible room temperature in work rooms. The technical rule ASR A3.5 sets minimum values that depend on the intensity of work and body posture. The heating must reliably reach them during working hours.
- Break, sanitary and first-aid rooms: at least +21 °C.
- If the temperature briefly drops in very cold outside conditions, measures such as workplace radiant heaters are permitted.
- With radiant heating the perceived temperature counts, which sits higher than pure air temperature thanks to the heat radiation.
Frequently asked questions
Radiant tube heater or warm-air unit for a tall hall?
From about 6 m ceiling height the radiant tube heater usually wins, because it heats people and floor directly without warm-air stratification. Warm air pays off mainly in low, sealed rooms or with destratification fans.
What minimum temperature must the workshop have?
Under ASR A3.5, depending on work intensity and posture, +20 °C (light seated), +19 °C, +17 °C or +12 °C (heavy work) apply. Break rooms at least +21 °C.
Does a gas radiant heater need a flue?
Directly fired units release exhaust into the room and need sufficient air change. Room-sealed radiant tube heaters route the combustion gases outside through a flue pipe.
Is electric infrared expensive to run?
The unit price for electricity is higher than gas, but there is no flue and less maintenance. For small areas and spot heating, electric infrared is often the most economical solution.
Looking for the right workshop heater?
We advise on radiant tube heaters, warm-air units and infrared - matched to ceiling height, energy source and the minimum temperatures of ASR A3.5.
Planned to the rules
Sizing to the minimum temperatures of ASR A3.5.
Height-matched
System selected to suit ceiling height and use.
All energy sources
Gas, LPG, oil and electricity in the range.
Expert advice
Our specialists support selection and sizing.