Heating a warehouse with an example area of 500m² is a challenge that requires the precise selection of the best heat source. In this article, we compare three popular heating methods: Heating with an electric heater, heating with an infrared heater powered by diesel, fuel oil and biodiesel. When analysing the costs and efficiency of both solutions, we will take into account the same insulation parameters of the hall and the heater powers of 16 kW.
Electric heater with power 16 kW consumes electricity, the price of which averages 0.80 PLN/kWh in 2024. At full load, such a heater consumes 16 kWh of energy per hour. This means that the cost of one hour of operation is:
16 kWh x 0.80 PLN/kWh = 12.80 PLN
To heat the hall for 10 hours a day for 30 days, the total monthly cost is:
12.80 PLN x 10 hours x 30 days = 3840 PLN
A 16 kW diesel-powered infrared heater uses an average of 1.3 litres of oil per hour. The price of diesel in 2024 is on average 7 PLN per litre. The cost of one hour of operation of the heater is:
1.3 l/h x 7 PLN/l = 9.10 PLN
In addition, a diesel-powered infrared heater consumes electricity to power the fan and control electronics. Assuming an electricity consumption of 80 W (0.08 kW), the electricity cost per hour is:
0.08 kW x 0.80 PLN/kWh = 0.064 PLN
The total cost per hour of heater operation is therefore:
9.10 PLN + 0.064 PLN = 9.164 PLN
When working for 10 hours a day for 30 days, the total monthly cost is:
9.164 PLN x 10 hours x 30 days = PLN 2749.20
Heating oil is often a cheaper alternative to diesel. The price of heating oil in 2024 is on average PLN 6 per litre. The cost of one hour of heater operation is:
1.3 l/h x 6 PLN/l = 7.80 PLN
In addition, the cost of electricity is:
0.08 kW x 0.80 PLN/kWh = 0.064 PLN
The total cost per hour of heater operation is therefore:
7.80 PLN + 0.064 PLN = 7.864 PLN
When working for 10 hours a day for 30 days, the total monthly cost is:
7.864 PLN x 10 hours x 30 days = PLN 2359.20
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that can be a greener option. The price of biodiesel in 2024 is on average PLN 6.50 per litre. The cost of one hour of heater operation is:
1.3 l/h x 6.50 PLN/l = 8.45 PLN
In addition, the cost of electricity is:
0.08 kW x 0.80 PLN/kWh = 0.064 PLN
The total cost per hour of heater operation is therefore:
8.45 PLN + 0.064 PLN = 8.514 PLN
When working for 10 hours a day for 30 days, the total monthly cost is
8.514 PLN x 10 hours x 30 days = 2554.20 PLN
Oil-fired heaters are therefore considerably cheaper to operate than electric heaters of comparable output. It is also important to bear in mind their high energy efficiency estimated at more than 80% achieved thanks to the triple afterburning system.
The fuel recovery system used in the appliances is not without its impact on savings and fuel consumption. Each time the combustion cycle is extinguished, the system redirects the fuel remaining in the combustion chamber back to the main tank. In the long term, this can result in measurable savings.
In addition to running costs, it is also worth considering the efficiency and comfort of both heaters. Electric heaters have the advantage of being easy to install and require no additional fuel source or flue pipes. They are also quiet in operation and do not emit exhaust fumes.
EMLO oil heater thanks to triple afterburning system is not cumbersome to use, by applied swivel wheels the heater is extremely mobile, large tank capacity eliminates the need for frequent refuelling a The included pump definitely makes the process easier.
Fuel consumption: 1.3 l/h Tank capacity: 50 litres
50 litres / 1.3 l/h = 38.46 hours
If the heater operates 10 hours a day:
38.46 hours / 10 hours per day = 3,846 days (Assuming continuous work)
Thanks to the built-in advanced temperature control system, the heater will automatically switch off the heating when the set values are reached, limiting consumption and will switch the heating back on when the temperature drops.
The Termofol-smart app will allow you to control the fuel level and manage the basic functions of the heater.
the comfort of an infrared heater fueled by diesel, fuel oil and biodiesel
Infrared heaters powered by diesel, fuel oil and biodiesel have a specific mode of operation that can affect the comfort of the warehouse. They emit heat in the form of infrared radiation, which heats objects and people in the operating range directly. As a result, the heat is felt almost as soon as the unit is switched on, which is beneficial if selected areas of the hall need to be heated quickly. Oil heaters increase the comfort of employees performing their tasks in the warehouse. It is important to remember here that health and safety regulations specifically define the minimum temperature that can prevail on the warehouse floor - you can find out more about this in our post - HERE.
One of the main strengths of infrared heaters is their ability to efficient heating of large, open and poorly insulated spaces. Infrared radiation is not susceptible to draughts, so heat is not lost through air exchange. This means that these heaters can be more effective in halls where doors are frequently opened or where there are other sources of heat loss.
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