Indoor Heating Systems
Heating systems can be designed as centralized or decentralized systems.
In a centralized system, heat is distributed from space heating equipment in a central location inside or outside the building. This type of system is well suited for heating large buildings. Centralized systems typically have fewer maintenance components and can be designed to efficiently handle a wide range of loads.
In a decentralized system, heat is generated from equipment located throughout the building. These systems generally provide localized heat and are especially suitable for low-rise office buildings and building add-ons. The initial capital costs for decentralized components are lower than centralized systems and are adaptable to multiple usages, changing needs and stringent facility space requirements. Common examples of this system are buildings with self-contained packaged units located in various areas on rooftops or on grade levels close to where heat is specifically needed.
Each system has its own merits and should be selected based on the configuration of the facility and the unique needs of the operation. Sometimes in renovation/expansion work, mixed systems (centralized and decentralized) are used to capitalize on the flexibility and cost effectiveness of natural gas space heating.
Types of Indoor Heating Systems
There are three general types of indoor heating systems, each with its own advantages for specific applications – forced air heating, hydronic (hot water) heating and infrared heating.
1) Forced Air Heating
Forced air heating is the most common method of heating spaces of any size. It is especially popular in closed environments like shopping malls, office buildings, hospitals and schools. There are several types of forced air systems, including furnaces, rooftop units (and high efficiency rooftop units), make-up air units, unit heaters, natural gas baseboard heaters, and through-the-wall combo heating and cooling units.
Furnaces
For more than 50 years, the standard forced air furnace has heated millions
of businesses and homes. Today’s technology includes high efficiency motors,
electronic ignition and multiple heat exchangers, all of which help to make
furnaces more efficient than ever before. Most use ductwork to deliver warm
air where it is needed. Set-back thermostats control the temperature in a
specified area, often controlling the air flow as well. They are available
in many styles and help reduce operating costs by reducing heating
requirements.
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details about furnaces.
Find manufacturer’s information on furnaces.
Contact a contractor for more information on forced air furnaces.
Rooftop units (and High Efficiency Rooftop Units)
Gas-fired rooftop space heaters can be used in a wide range of building
types, such as retail stores, schools and many office buildings. These units
are usually part of a decentralized system. As the name suggests, rooftop
units are installed on the tops of buildings, although they can be installed
on the ground level. A new generation of rooftop units, improved by the
latest technology are efficient, cost-effective heating solutions for
facilities/businesses.
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here for more details about rooftop units.
Make-Up Air Units
Make-Up Air units are designed to heat fresh ventilation air brought in from
outside and introduced into a space to replace the air exhausted from a
building. This ensures the building pressure is balanced and that there is a
ready supply of fresh air and improves the
indoor air quality for the occupants. Make-Up
Air units are especially important in apartment buildings, restaurants,
office buildings, laundry and industrial facilities. Make-Up Air units are
designed to run all year long.
There are several benefits of using make-up air units:
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Minimize negative pressure build-up as air is exhausted from the building by equipment and exhaust fans. (Example: severe drafts that occur at exterior doors and exterior doors which are hard to open).
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Keep oxygen content at normal levels and prevent build-up of CO2, which means less drowsiness and higher productivity.
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Ensures vented equipment operates properly.
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Prevents odours from traveling from one area to another, especially in foodservice situations.
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Contact a contractor for more information on Make-Up Air units.
Find more information improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
Unit heaters
Gas-fired unit heaters are ideal for heating open areas where no duct
work exists or where supplemental heat is required. Normally, these units
are suspended from the ceiling or ceiling joists and heat the air directly.
They are cost-effective, take no floor space, and can be installed in virtually any location. Some common areas where unit heaters are used are arenas, garages, warehouses, loading docks, greenhouses, and other large indoor areas. Click here for more details.
Contact a contractor for more information on natural gas unit heaters.
Natural Gas Baseboard Heater and Wall Heaters
Natural gas baseboard heaters are designed to replace existing electric
baseboard heaters, providing thermostat-controlled heat at a lower cost than
electric. Wall heaters are quiet, light-weight and dependable and many can
operate without electricity.
Through-the-Wall Combo Heating and Cooling
More than 2-million of these units have been installed in North America,
often replacing electric heating systems and adding the advantages of air
conditioning. They come pre-wired and pre-charged. Self-contained, they fit
neatly into a small closet.
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for more details.
This case study is on converting an electric apartment building to natural gas.
2) Hydronic (Hot Water) Heating
In hydronic heating, hot water is generated from the boiler and pumped to where it is needed through a pipe system. The heat is distributed through baseboard, freestanding, wall or overhead radiators. This is a proven and cost effective natural gas heating system.
Boilers
Common in industrial and commercial settings, boilers are an efficient way
to perform several tasks – space heating, water heating and process heating
– with one system. A boiler is part of a closed system that uses thermal
energy to produce hot water or steam.
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details.
This is a case study on converting an electric hot water system to natural gas.
Contact a contractor for more information on hot water boilers.
As with any system, regular boiler maintenance is required to keep a boiler system running at peak efficiency. Click here for more details.
Contact a contractor for more information on maintaining and cleaning boilers.
Radiant Panel Heating
Some spaces can be effectively heated by radiant surfaces. Hot water
from the boiler or water heater is directed through piping in the floor,
wall or ceiling, heating these surfaces which then warms the space.
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3) Infrared Radiant Heating
Infrared heating systems heat objects (including people) directly, by radiant heat. The absorbed heat then warms the surrounding air. A conventional forced air heating system, by comparison, heats the air and then circulates it so it can warm objects and people in the space. Since infrared heating directly heats objects, it is the best choice for spaces with high ceilings or open areas where heat can escape easily. Locations where infrared heating is commonly used are: garages, warehouses, patios, arenas, sport halls, as well as farm storage and livestock areas.
There are several benefits to an infrared heating system:
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Infrared heating delivers heat to where it’s needed directly to the people and materials in the space, without heating the air. Infrared radiation heat reaching the floor results in some ground level heating, close to where most people and activities will take place. This is the most efficient way to heat a large open area.
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These systems are very quiet because they do not use forced air fans or blowers.
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Infrared heaters are more efficient than forced air because they heat objects directly. In addition, the units use spark or hot surface ignition rather than a pilot light which reduces gas consumption.
Find manufacturer’s information on infrared heaters.
Contact a contractor for more information on infrared heaters.