No matter what you need to use your commercial heating system for, whether it’s to keep products at a required temperature or just to keep your staff nice and warm in the winter months and provide them with hot water, having the right commercial heating system is important for meeting your needs. There are so many options out there for you to choose from and at South West Gas Services we are experts in commercial heating systems and we’re here to help your decision a little easier.

What are the different types of heating systems?

First things first is to know your options and what a commercial heating system is. A commercial heating system covers far more square footage than residential ones and there are several different types. Below are examples of commercial heating systems, but not all of them will be suitable for your needs.

• Furnaces– they use natural gas, oil or electricity to heat the air and this is then distributed throughout the space and the building via ductwork. This option isn’t suitable for every workspace such as offices and is more suitable for industrial sites or warehouses.
• Boilers- this is likely the most popular, modern-day option for many commercial settings. They heat water or steam, which is then circulated through radiators, baseboard heaters, or underfloor heating systems. Boilers can be powered by natural gas, oil, or electricity.
• Heat pumps- these are efficient heating systems that work by transferring heat from the outside to the inside during the heating season and vice versa during the cooling season so they’re great all year round.
• Rooftop units- Rooftop units are self-contained heating and cooling systems that are typically installed on the roofs of commercial buildings. They are a convenient option for many businesses.
• Radiant heating systems- this system uses hot water, electricity or hydronic tubes which are installed into floors, walls or ceilings (the structure of the building) to heat spaces directly through radiation. They’re popular for use in large open spaces.
• Unit heaters- these are typically used in commercial and industrial settings. They are self-contained, ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted units that blow hot air into the space. They are often used in garages, workshops, and warehouses.

The choice of heating system will depend on a variety of things such as the size of the space, the insulation level, location, budget and business goals.

What are commercial heating systems used for?

Just like in residential homes, commercial heating is used for heating the space and supplying hot water but there are other reasons for it too such as process heating and protecting equipment and materials. There may be health and safety factors to consider when it comes to temperature control, depending on the environment.

The specific use of a commercial heating system depends on the type of building, its function, and the local climate. Choosing the right heating system and maintaining it properly is crucial for achieving optimal comfort, energy efficiency, and safety in commercial and non-residential spaces.

Things to consider when choosing a commercial heating system

There are a number of things to consider when choosing a commercial heating system, from budget to goals and choosing the right company to install and maintain that system. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right system for your commercial space.

• Assess your needs- consider the need for a commercial heating system and what the purpose of it is. What space does the heating system need to cover, such as the number of rooms? Do you need a commercial heating system for business reasons or is it for staff?
• Energy efficiency and energy costs- think about what your goals are with energy efficiency and how much you can budget for energy costs as this will play a role in deciding which system is right for your business. Energy-efficient heating systems can reduce costs and have a positive environmental impact too.
• Fuel source- you also need to decide on the fuel source for your commercial heating system such as gas, oil or electricity.
• System type- choose between the different types of systems above as well as many other options. The best thing to do is to speak to commercial heating system experts, like us, to go through the best options for your business and goals.
• Maintenance- one consideration you need to make when choosing the system type is what maintenance is required and if you have the budget to maintain your chosen system. Speak to professionals to find out what maintenance and services are needed.
• Costs- consider the upfront costs of the system itself as well as installation costs, energy costs and maintenance costs.
• Regulations- you will need to ensure that your commercial heating system complies with current regulations.

Choosing the right commercial heating system is a tough decision that requires careful consideration across a range of factors. Speak to a professional for help and support in choosing the right one for your commercial space.

Choosing a commercial heating system installation company

You’ll need to find a reputable commercial heating system installation company with experience and expertise to make sure you get the right system for your space. To do this, consider recommendations from other businesses, look at reviews, verify a company’s credentials and look over their body of work.

A good installation company will be happy to support you in your decision about the right commercial heating system and will be able to answer all of your questions. They will provide you with excellent customer service and be able to show you their professional affiliations that make them suitable for the job.

At South West Gas Services, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with professional service and expertise. We would be happy to help you choose the right commercial heating system for your business and answer any questions you may have.

South West Gas Services: who are we?

Formed in 2016, we are a family-run business with an excellent reputation offering specialist gas and oil-fired heating services and solutions. We are based in Somerset so we’re proud to offer our services to our local community as well as beyond.

Our qualified and reliable, gas and oil-certified engineers are part of a committed team that supports not only business owners but homeowners, landlords and local authorities. We install systems that fully meet the current British Standards using only quality-approved products.

We are OFTEC-registered, which stands for Oil Firing Technical Association and it’s a leading trade organisation that has recognised our engineers in their competency in installing and maintaining oil heating systems. We work professionally to industry standards to make sure your system is safe and as efficient as possible.

Learn more about us and look at our gallery of work to find out what it’s like to choose us for your next commercial heating system installation or service. Contact us if you have any questions or queries and we will be happy to help.

How to choose the right commercial heating system

To summarise, choosing the right commercial heating system is a complex process that requires professional help and advice. Choosing the right one comes down to a number of factors such as the space, building type, purpose and budget. There are many different types of heating systems that all come with their own benefits and it’s important to explore those before making a decision.

Cost is a big factor to consider as it’s not only the cost of the system but the installation costs, running costs and maintenance costs. Speak to one of our engineers about which system is going to be the most efficient for your business.