Direct vs. Indirect Heaters: Which is Right for Your Workplace?
It’s important to keep your workplace warm and dry. And proper heating is necessary depending on your needs and the project you’re working on. The best solutions for heating your workspace are direct and indirect-fired heaters.
But what are the differences between direct and indirect-fired heaters, and which one should you use for your workspace environment? This guide will help you determine which one is the best for your needs.
Direct Fired Heaters
You may already be familiar with direct-fired heaters since they resemble gas stoves and grills. These heating units force air directly through the flame to warm the air. They are primarily used in construction sites, outdoor areas, and warehouses since they produce more heat.
Direct Heater Advantages
Direct-fired heaters are more efficient and easy to transport. On average, they are more affordable to rent or purchase and easier to maintain, and their redundant safety features make them safe for unsupervised usage. But with any machine, there are a few drawbacks to using direct-fired heaters.
Direct Heater Disadvantages
Direct-fired heaters need plenty of ventilation to maintain a safe workspace. If you put one in a tightly sealed structure, you will need some way to ventilate the area (windows, doors, etc.). You should also take care to use them only when needed since these heaters put a lot of moisture and carbon monoxide in the air.
Best Used In
These heaters have an exposed flame, which makes ventilation an important part of using one. You will generally find direct-fired heaters in one of these industries:
• Construction
• Food industry
• Petrochemical industry
• Mining industry
• Warehouses
Outside of these industries and locations, you may need to look into alternative options. As such, this is where indirect-fired heaters can come in handy.
Indirect-Fired Heaters
If you have ever had a gas or oil-burning furnace with a chimney in your home, then you are likely familiar with the concept of an indirect-fired heater. These heating units contain the flame in a burn chamber which warms a “heat exchanger.” Then, warm air is created when cool air passes over and around the heat exchanger.
They are mainly used in indoor workplaces that either lack proper ventilation or don’t already have a heating system.
Indirect Heater Advantages
These heaters produce 100% clean, dry air since contact is never made directly between the air and the flame. And since they don’t release carbon dioxide into the air, indirect-fired heaters work well in tightly sealed spaces. Most units also have built-in thermostats to make temperature control easier.
Indirect Heater Disadvantages
On the other hand, indirect-fired heaters are more expensive than rent or purchase. They are also less efficient, which doesn’t make them ideal for outdoor settings. You will also need to ventilate the heater’s exhaust as it can be toxic to breathe in. In addition, make sure that it has an outlet nearby to have power. And since indirect-fired heaters are much larger, they are harder to move around and transport.
Best Used In
Since these heaters don’t have an exposed flame, they’re ideal for indoor workplaces. However, they have their use in other industries as well. You will typically find indirect-fired heaters in these spaces:
• Chemical production industry
• Construction sites
• Hospital and healthcare facilities
• Retail industry
• University buildings
You may have to look into other options outside these industries and spaces. A direct-fired heater may be the best option in these cases.
Temporary Heater Rentals
Depending on where you and your employees need to work and how long you will be working in that space, an indirect heater rental is your best option to warm your workplace. You can establish how long you’ll need to use the heater and work with your rental company to find the best solution for your workspace.
Thinking about renting a heater for your workplace? If you aren’t sure what type of heater you should choose, you can contact your local heater rental store to find the right fit for your needs. Preferred Climate Solutions has the experience and knowledge to help you find the right choice for your workplace.
Which One is For You?
The bottom line is that if your workspace has a lot of ventilation, your best bet is to use a direct-fired heater. On the other hand, if the workspace is sealed-off with little ventilation, you should look into renting an indirect-fired heater.
Preferred Climate Solutions can provide 24/7 support for renting and setting up heaters where you need them. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
Related Questions
Here are a few commonly asked questions regarding direct and indirect heaters.
What are the benefits of fired heaters?
Fired heaters are more efficient than oil and water heaters because they allow you to control the temperature better.
Can a heater be 100% efficient?
No heater can ever be 100% efficient, but electric heaters come close because you can customize the temperature and timer settings. However, because they turn all electricity to heat, they can be expensive to keep running.
How long do heat exchangers last?
On average, heat exchangers last between 10 and 20 years. Though poor maintenance, design, or installation can severely reduce this time.
What causes a heat exchanger to fail?
Heat exchangers will primarily fail because of a dirty or clogged air filter. If you purchase a direct or indirect-fired heater, you will need to schedule routine maintenance inspections to ensure your heater lasts for years.
Are indirect heaters safe?
Indirect-fired heaters are designed to keep harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide out of the air once it’s produced. If you have a chimney stack or other outlet, these fumes will get rerouted out of the building for workers’ safety.
Like all heaters, you cannot have a completely safe heater as they pose a fire risk if they are used unattended or are placed near flammable materials. Therefore, monitor where and when you use the heater to avoid any accidents in your workspace.
