Natural Gas Heating Systems

For garages, warehouses and other commercial facilities, gas heating can be provided by using high intensity infrared and low intensity radiant heaters. Examples of these appliances are to the right. High intensity heating is typically provided when it is desired to heat a workstation within a large open space. This type heating system enables you to heat a given area without heating the entire space. High intensity infrared heaters, similar to the one shown, are available in many output capacities.

Low intensity radiant heaters, such as the "tube heater" shown, operate differently in that they heat the "area." They are excellent sources of heating in garages and other areas where work is done at or on the floor. The heater, in essence, warms the concrete floor, and that heat is re-radiated to warm people. The heater is very efficient and therefor has a low operating cost. A number of brands are available through local plumbing and heating contractors.

Gas-fired unit heaters are also available for heating needs and are an excellent choice for open areas where no duct work exists, or for supplementing a remote heat source. These units are usually suspended from the ceiling or ceiling joists and directly heat the air. Unit heaters have low installation costs, help maximize floor space, and are available in many sizes.

Natural gas furnaces are one of the most common ways of heating utilizing natural gas energy. They burn fuel, transfer the heat to air and then blow the heated air through the building utilizing a system of ductwork. They are usually simple in construction, have a lower up front cost, and are easy to install.

Larger commercial and industrial heating is provided through packaged boilers, air rotation units, and packaged air handling units to mention a few. With the new guidelines governing fresh air and the number of air changes required for the space being conditioned, the heating requirements are getting larger. Makeup air heater and packaged air handling units typically provide solutions in these situations. These units are typically roof mounted but can be located on the ground depending on the conditions of the project. Typically these units will have both heating and air-conditioning capabilities. The heating is natural gas while the air-conditioning is electric. These systems must be closely engineered to provide the optimal size to meet the heating need from initial purchase price to expected operating costs.

Packaged boilers for the commercial/industrial sector come in basically two types, firetube, and watertube. The term "Scotch Marine" has been used to refer to the firetube boiler. These boilers are available for low or high pressure steam, or for hot water applications. Firetube boilers are typically used for applications ranging from 15 to 1500 horsepower. A firetube boiler is a cylindrical vessel, with the flame in the furnace and the combustion gases inside the tubes. Steam pressure in a firetube boiler is generally limited to approximately 350 psig. In the watertube design, the tubes contain steam and/or water, and the products of combustion pass around the tubes. Industrial watertube boilers are typically rated in pounds of steam per hour output at operating conditions and range from 10,000 to 150,000 lbs/hr.

Air rotation is the most effective, least expensive way to heat and cool a large, open building. It is less expensive because warm air that is constantly circulating through the facility doesn’t have time to collect at the ceiling where 80% of heat loss occurs. Secondly, air drawn back into the unit picks up and utilizes any latent heat generated by lights, equipment, and even people.

Packaged air handling units provide both heating and cooling for many applications. These units are usually used for the needs in hospitals, schools, and office buildings. Packaged air handling units are usually direct-fired gas units with electric air conditioning, but can be furnished as heat only units. They are mounted on the roof, suspended from the ceiling, or can be mounted in a vertical manor on framework attached to the floor.