Do Industrial Air Curtains Work in Summer? Yes - Here's Why They're a Year-Round Specification
Yes, industrial air curtains work in summer! For temperature-controlled warehouses, food production facilities, and high-throughput logistics operations, summer is often when they earn their keep most.
Industrial air curtains are not just a cold-weather product. In warehouses, factories, food production facilities, and logistics centres, they solve a different but equally costly set of problems during summer, and specifying the right variant year-round is a decision that pays back quickly.
Why Do Warehouses and Factories Need Air Curtains in Summer?
When external temperatures rise, large industrial doorways stop being a cold draught problem and start being a heat gain, pest, and contamination problem.
High-traffic loading bays and factory entrances remain open for extended periods. Without an air barrier in place:
- Flying insects enter food production and processing environments, creating hygiene and compliance risks
- Cool, conditioned or ventilated air escapes freely, increasing energy costs
- Dust, airborne debris, and exhaust fumes infiltrate working areas
- Warm, humid external air enters temperature-controlled spaces, increasing the load on the refrigeration and cooling plant
- Internal temperature control becomes difficult in spaces that rely on mechanical ventilation
An industrial air curtain addresses all of these by maintaining a continuous high-velocity air seal across the opening, without restricting vehicle or pedestrian movement.
Summer-Specific Use Cases
Cold Stores and Temperature-Controlled Warehouses
This is arguably the most critical summer application. When dock doors are open during loading and unloading, warm, humid external air floods in. That humidity doesn’t just raise the temperature; it creates condensation on racks, floors, and product packaging. In a cold store operating at 2-4°C, a single open door on a warm day can introduce enough moisture to trigger icing on evaporator coils and disrupt the entire refrigeration circuit.
An ambient iForce unit installed above the dock door creates a continuous barrier during loading operations, dramatically reducing warm air infiltration without interrupting vehicle or forklift movement.
Food Production and Processing Facilities
BRCGS, SALSA, and retailer-specific food safety standards all require effective pest and contamination control at entry points. Flying insects are at their highest density in summer. A correctly sized and commissioned air curtain creates a discharge velocity that flying insects cannot penetrate, making it a primary compliance measure rather than a secondary comfort benefit.
The iForce is designed to maintain effective barrier velocity across the full width and height of the opening, not just at the centre of the discharge grille. This consistent coverage is what makes it reliable as a pest control measure.
Logistics and Distribution Centres
High-throughput distribution sites often have multiple dock levellers operating simultaneously across shifts. Keeping physical doors closed is operationally impractical. Air curtains at each bay allow continuous movement of goods while maintaining environmental separation, reducing both the cooling load on the building and the volume of external air, insects, and debris entering the facility.
Cleanrooms and Controlled Manufacturing
Positive pressure environments, such as those found in pharmaceutical manufacturing, electronics assembly, and precision engineering, rely on a controlled differential between internal and external air pressure. An air curtain at the entrance helps maintain separation, reducing the frequency and severity of pressure fluctuations each time the door is in use.
What Makes the iForce Industrial Air Curtain Suitable for Large Openings?
SPC’s iForce Industrial Air Curtain is engineered specifically for heavy industrial and commercial applications. It covers doorway heights up to 6 metres, making it suitable for loading bays, factory entrances, and distribution centre openings that standard commercial air curtains cannot adequately protect.
Key specification details:
- Three variants available: ambient (no heat), low-pressure hot water (LPHW) heated, and electric heated
- Available in widths of 1.5m, 2.0m, and 2.5m – units can be installed side by side horizontally or vertically to cover any opening width
- EC motors with 0-10V fan speed control for energy-efficient operation
- Heat outputs up to 70kW and airflows up to 3.2m³/s
- Heavy-gauge powder-coated steel casing with extruded aluminium outlet grille
- BACnet and BMS integration for full building management system compatibility
- Door contactor input and master/slave control for multi-unit installations
A common specification error worth flagging at the design stage: for summer applications where heating is not required, the ambient variant is the appropriate specification. However, if the same opening needs to perform in winter, the LPHW heated variant is the correct choice, the ambient model has no heating capability and cannot be upgraded after installation.
For sites that require precise waterside temperature control, the SPC Delta Waterside Controller integrates directly with LPHW units, modulating hot water flow for energy-efficient, accurate output.
What Is the Energy Impact of Running an Air Curtain in Summer?
EC motors across the iForce range are designed for continuous operation with low energy draw relative to the energy saved. Uncontrolled air infiltration through an open industrial doorway carries a significant energy cost, particularly where mechanical cooling, refrigeration, or air handling equipment is working to maintain internal conditions.
When an industrial facility has its cooling system running (chillers, DX units, or evaporative cooling), every open doorway represents a direct load on that system. Warm external air entering through an open dock door must be cooled before it reaches the rest of the building. An air curtain’s energy consumption is typically a fraction of the cost of the infiltration it prevents.
For BMS-connected installations, door-contact activation means the unit only runs when the door is open, further reducing unnecessary energy use.
Frequently Asked Questions
For purely summer applications, the ambient iForce variant is the correct specification. It provides the air barrier without heating capability. However, if the same opening will be used in winter and thermal comfort or energy retention is a factor, the LPHW heated variant should be specified from the outset; the ambient model cannot be retrofitted with heating. This is a decision best made at the design stage, not after installation.
Yes. An air curtain’s primary function is to create a physical air barrier across a doorway; heating is an optional addition, not a requirement. Ambient units discharge room-temperature air at high velocity to separate internal and external environments, making them effective at reducing air infiltration, blocking insects and debris, and supporting energy efficiency in cooling-dominated environments, without any heat output.
No. An air curtain is not a cooling device and should not be specified as a substitute for air conditioning. What it does is reduce the load on your existing cooling system by limiting the volume of warm external air that enters through open doorways. The two work together; the air curtain helps the cooling system work more efficiently, reducing run time and energy consumption.
Yes. Multiple units can be installed side by side to cover any opening width. This is a common approach on large loading bay openings and factory entrances where a single unit would not provide full coverage.
Yes, where correctly sized and installed. The iForce can be used across food production, food storage, and cold chain logistics applications. The air barrier helps to prevent flying insect ingress and limits the exchange of external air, both important factors in food hygiene compliance under BRCGS and SALSA standards.
The iForce Industrial Air Curtain provides effective protection for openings up to 6 metres in height. For taller openings, units can be stacked or mounted vertically along the sides of the door.
Yes. BACnet and BMS integration is available, and the unit supports door-contact activation for automatic operation when the door opens. Master/slave control is also supported for multi-unit installations.
Yes, and it is often the preferred choice. A heated air curtain at a cold store entrance would introduce warmth into a refrigerated environment, increasing the load on the refrigeration system. An ambient unit creates the same barrier effect without adding heat – separating the cold internal environment from warm external air during loading operations without disrupting the cold chain.
Specify an iForce Industrial Air Curtain for Your Site
View the iForce Industrial Air Curtain or use our online product configurator to explore configurations for your opening dimensions.
For a site survey or technical advice, contact the SPC team:
Why Ceiling Tile Fan Convectors Are the Practical Heating Choice for Office Refurbishments
Ceiling tile fan convectors are one of the most practical heating solutions for office and commercial refurbishment projects. Designed to sit flush within a suspended ceiling grid, they deliver immediate warmth without occupying wall space, disrupting existing layouts, or compromising the clean aesthetics that modern commercial interiors require.
SPC’s Belgravia Tilevector range offers ceiling tile fan convectors in a choice of configurations to suit a wide range of commercial environments, including projects where low water temperature systems such as heat pumps or condensing boilers are in use.
Why Do Architects and Specifiers Choose Ceiling Tile Fan Convectors for Office Refurbishments?
Office and commercial refurbishments present
present a specific set of challenges. Existing infrastructure is often fixed, floor space is at a premium, and there is pressure to complete installations with minimal disruption to occupants. Ceiling tile fan convectors address all three.
Because the units sit within the ceiling, they make use of space that would otherwise go unused. There are no wall-mounted units to work around, no floor-standing enclosures to accommodate, and no visible pipework to conceal. This makes them particularly well-suited to CAT A and CAT B fit-outs, open-plan offices where perimeter walls carry glazing, and phased refurbishments where work must be completed zone by zone without disrupting the wider building.
The Belgravia Tilevector units draw in room air and distribute conditioned air using powerful, reliable fans, bringing immediate warmth to the space below. The black casing sits above the ceiling line, and the room-facing grille is finished in white (RAL 9010), giving a clean, unobtrusive appearance within the ceiling plane.
Installation Flexibility Across Ceiling Types
The Belgravia Tilevector range is suitable for installation into T-bar suspended ceiling grids (600 x 600mm) and plasterboard ceilings, and the units can also be suspended from solid ceilings. This flexibility makes them a practical choice across the variety of ceiling types commonly encountered in commercial refurbishment projects, from modern open-plan offices to older buildings with more constrained ceiling construction.
The conventional Tilevector Solo has an overall size of 595 x 595 x 210mm and weighs 18kg, making it suitable for replacing a single standard ceiling tile. The Tilevector Duo measures 1195 x 595 x 210mm and weighs 35kg, replacing two standard tiles. Both units connect via 15mm copper flow and return connections.
What Makes the Belgravia Tilevector Plus Units Suitable for Heat Pump Systems?
Decarbonisation is increasingly a priority for commercial property owners and occupiers, and many office refurbishments now involve replacing gas-fired boiler systems with heat pumps or other low-temperature alternatives. The conventional Tilevector units are designed for optimum operation with the higher water temperatures generated by traditional boilers. Where a project involves a heat pump or condensing boiler, the Belgravia Tilevector Plus units offer an enhanced alternative.
The Tilevector Plus features an enhanced coil and increased airflow to optimise performance against the lower water temperatures produced by heat pump and condensing boiler systems. It is available in both Solo and Duo configurations.
At a flow/return of 45/35°C, the Solo Plus delivers 2.1-2.6kW and the Duo Plus 4.7-5.7kW, against an entering air temperature of 18°C. At 50/40°C, the Solo Plus delivers 2.7-3.2kW and the Duo Plus 5.8-7.1kW. Output figures stated are at low to medium fan speed.
The Plus units use high-efficiency EC (brushless DC) motors with forward curved double inlet fans. On high speed, the Solo Plus draws 30W and the Duo Plus 60W. Both operate quietly, with noise levels of 40 NR (Solo Plus) and 42 NR (Duo Plus) on high speed, dropping to 34 NR and 36 NR respectively on low speed – making them suitable for office environments where acoustic comfort matters alongside thermal performance.
For guidance on low-carbon heating specification, the Carbon Trust provides useful resources for organisations working towards net zero targets.
Which SPC Ceiling Tile Fan Convector Is Right for Your Project?
SPC manufactures four variants within the Belgravia Tilevector range at its Leicester factory, covering both conventional boiler-fed systems and low water temperature applications:
Conventional hot water systems:
Tilevector Solo
595 x 595 x 210mm, 18kg. A compact unit suitable for smaller zones or individual offices, designed for optimum operation with traditional boiler flow temperatures.
Tilevector Duo
1195 x 595 x 210mm, 35kg. A larger unit offering wider coverage for open-plan spaces, designed for optimum operation with traditional boiler flow temperatures
Low water temperature systems (heat pumps and condensing boilers):
Tilevector Solo Plus
The same 595 x 595mm footprint as the standard Solo but with an increased depth of 260mm to accommodate the enhanced coil and heat exchanger. Weighs 20kg.
Tilevector Duo Plus
Overall dimensions of 1195 x 595 x 260mm, weighing 35kg. Enhanced coil and increased airflow for wider coverage in open-plan spaces.
All four units connect via 15mm copper flow and return connections, use high-efficiency EC motors, and feature hinged egg-crate grilles in all-aluminium construction. All variants are suitable for T-bar suspended, plasterboard, and solid ceiling installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
A ceiling tile fan convector is a fan convector unit designed to sit within or be mounted at a suspended ceiling. It uses a built-in fan to draw in room air and distribute heated water from a central plant system, providing discreet and consistent heating from a ceiling-mounted position.
Yes, when the correct unit is specified. The Belgravia Tilevector Plus units feature an enhanced coil and increased airflow, optimised for the lower water temperatures produced by air source and ground source heat pumps, as well as condensing boilers. The conventional Tilevector Solo and Duo units are designed for optimum operation with traditional boiler flow temperatures.
The Belgravia Tilevector range is suitable for installation into T-bar suspended ceiling grids (600 x 600mm) and plasterboard ceilings. The units can also be suspended from solid ceilings where required.
Ceiling tile fan convectors free up perimeter wall space that radiators would otherwise occupy, a significant advantage in offices where walls are needed for glazing, furniture, or storage runs. They also offer faster heat-up than radiators and can be specified with low water temperature coils for heat pump compatibility, which wall-mounted radiators often cannot match at typical ceiling grid spacings.
Yes. SPC’s sales and technical team can provide output data, product selection guidance, and specification support for office and commercial refurbishment projects. Contact the team on 0116 249 0044 or at spc@spc-hvac.co.uk.
Looking for Wall or Floor-Mounted LTHW Fan Convectors?
The Tilevector Plus range is part of SPC’s wider Belgravia fan convector family, which includes the Belgravia Supreme and Belgravia Classic – wall-mounted units also available with enhanced coils for heat pump and low temperature hot water systems.
Whether you need ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, or floor-level units, SPC’s Belgravia range offers a compatible solution for LTHW projects across commercial, education, and healthcare sectors.
Talk to the Team
For specification support or to discuss your office or commercial refurbishment project, contact the SPC team on 0116 249 0044 or email spc@spc-hvac.co.uk. Full performance data and technical specifications are available to download from our literature page.
SPC Launches the Tilevector Duo Plus: Ceiling Heating Built for Heat Pumps
SPC has launched the Belgravia Tilevector Duo Plus, a ceiling-mounted fan convector designed specifically for use with heat pumps and low temperature hot water (LTHW) systems. The Duo Plus joins the existing Tilevector range as the largest and most capable unit for low temperature applications, delivering up to 7.8kW at 50/40°C flow and return water temperatures.
Standard Fan Convectors and Low Temperature Hot Water Systems
Standard fan convectors are designed for optimum performance at traditional boiler flow temperatures, typically 80/70°C, and work extremely well in those applications. However, heat pumps and modern condensing boilers operate most efficiently at lower flow temperatures, usually in the range of 45-55°C. At these temperatures, a standard fan convector is simply working outside its intended design conditions.
That’s where the Tilevector Plus range comes in. Rather than replacing like for like, the Plus units have been specifically developed with an enhanced heat exchanger and increased casing depth, 260mm compared to 210mm on standard Tilevector units, to optimise performance at low water temperatures. The result is a ceiling fan convector that complements heat pump and LTHW system design, delivering the output those systems need without compromise.
Tilevector Duo Plus: Key Details
The Duo Plus is a double-tile ceiling unit measuring 1195mm x 595mm x 260mm, suitable for installation into standard 600mm T-bar suspended ceiling grids as well as plasterboard ceilings. Units can also be suspended from solid ceilings.
The unit weighs 35kg and connects via 15mm copper flow and return. EC motors are fitted as standard for energy efficiency, and the full range of Belgravia accessories and controls is compatible, including the SPC Modulo proportional controller.
The full Belgravia Tilevector Plus range
The launch of the Duo Plus completes a four-strong Tilevector lineup:
- Tilevector Solo – single-tile unit (595mm x 595mm x 210mm) for standard hot water systems
- Tilevector Duo – double-tile unit (1195mm x 595mm x 210mm) for standard hot water systems
- Tilevector Solo Plus – single-tile unit (595mm x 595mm x 260mm) for heat pump and LTHW systems
- Tilevector Duo Plus – double-tile unit (1195mm x 595mm x 260mm) for heat pump and LTHW systems
The Solo Plus delivers up to 3.5kW at 50/40°C, making it the right choice for smaller spaces or where a single ceiling tile position is available. Where greater output or larger room coverage is needed, the Duo Plus steps up with more than double the capacity.
Looking for wall or floor-mounted LTHW fan convectors?
The Tilevector Plus range is part of SPC’s wider Belgravia fan convector family, which includes the Belgravia Supreme and Belgravia Classic – wall-mounted units also available with enhanced coils for heat pump and low temperature hot water systems.
Whether you need ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, or floor-level units, SPC’s Belgravia range offers a compatible solution for LTHW projects across commercial, education, and healthcare sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Plus variants have a deeper casing (260mm vs 210mm) and an enhanced heat exchanger with greater surface area. They are engineered to deliver effective heating output at the lower flow temperatures produced by heat pumps and condensing boilers, typically 45-55°C. Standard Tilevectors are rated at 80/70°C.
Performance data is published for the most commonly specified flow and return temperature combinations – 50/40°C, 45/35°C, and 50/35°C – which reflect the industry standard operating conditions for heat pump and LTHW systems. If your project requires data at different operating conditions, get in touch with the SPC team at spc@spc-hvac.co.uk and we can help.
Yes. The unit is designed to fit into a 600mm T-bar suspended ceiling grid and is also suitable for plasterboard ceilings. It can be suspended from solid ceilings where required.
Yes. The full range of Belgravia accessories and controls is available, including the SPC Modulo proportional touchscreen controller, remote thermostats, BMS connections, and fan speed switches.
The Duo Plus weighs 35kg including the unit casing and grille.
Talk to the Team
To find out more about the Tilevector Duo Plus or the full Belgravia fan convector range, contact the SPC team on 0116 249 0044 or email spc@spc-hvac.co.uk. Full performance data and technical specifications are available to download from our literature page.
Why Does British Manufacturing Matter When Specifying HVAC Products?
British-made HVAC products aren’t just a point of national pride. They offer specifiers, contractors, and facilities managers tangible, practical advantages. Shorter lead times, direct access to technical support, and products engineered specifically for UK building regulations and climate conditions are all reasons why sourcing from a British manufacturer makes a genuine difference on a project.
SPC has been designing and manufacturing heating and cooling solutions from its factory in Leicester for over 50 years, supplying commercial and industrial environments across the UK with a complete range of British-built products.
What does specifying British-manufactured HVAC products actually mean for your project?
When a product is designed and manufactured in the UK, the supply chain is shorter. That means more predictable lead times, easier communication when a project specification changes, and faster access to replacement or bespoke items when a project demands it.
For SPC, manufacturing in Leicester means the teams behind the product, from engineering and design through to sales and technical support, are all under one roof. There is no intermediary, no overseas factory to contact, and no language or time-zone barrier between specifier and manufacturer.
This matters most on complex or time-critical projects, healthcare facilities, school refurbishments, and large industrial builds, where delays or specification errors have real consequences.
Are British-manufactured HVAC products engineered for UK conditions?
SPC’s Leicester factory produces a complete range of heating and cooling solutions for commercial and industrial applications:
Radiant Heating and Cooling Panels
The Thermatile TEN-TWELVE range provides silent, efficient radiant comfort with no air movement. Heat pump compatible and independently tested to EN 14037. Suitable for offices, schools, sports facilities, and healthcare environments.
Fan Convectors
The Belgravia Supreme, Belgravia Classic, and Belgravia Tilevector ranges deliver rapid, flexible heating for commercial spaces. Heat pump ready, with Active LST control available for healthcare and educational environments.
Heating and Cooling Coils
Fully bespoke coil heat exchangers engineered to order for water, steam, refrigerant, and heat recovery applications. Manufactured to exact project specifications with pressure testing to 22 bar.
Trench Heating and Cooling
The Metropolitan range offers discreet, high-performance climate control installed beneath floor-to-ceiling glazing, available in powered fan-assisted, cooling, and electric variants.
Air Curtains
The AIRDOR Forcefield and iForce Industrial ranges cover commercial and industrial doorways from 3.5 metres up to 6 metres in height, with ambient, electric, and LPHW options.
Unit Heaters
The CiRRUS Unit Heater range delivers robust, high-output heating for factories, warehouses, distribution centres, and large industrial spaces.
What support comes with specifying SPC products?
SPC offers specification support, technical advice, and a programme of four CIBSE approved CPD sessions for building services professionals. Our CPDs cover decarbonisation of industrial and commercial heating systems, coil heat exchangers, radiant heating and cooling panels, and trench heating design, all available at no cost to practices and contractors.
ISO 9001:2015 certified, SPC has supplied UK projects across education, healthcare, heritage, industrial, and commercial sectors for over 50 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
British-manufactured products offer shorter and more predictable lead times, direct technical support from the manufacturer, and products designed to meet UK building regulations and climate conditions. For time-critical projects, this can make a meaningful difference to programme and specification confidence.
Yes. The majority of SPC’s range is designed for use with low-temperature hot water (LTHW) heating systems and heat pumps. The Belgravia fan convector range is heat pump ready; the Thermatile TEN-TWELVE radiant panels and industrial radiant panels are heat pump compatible; the Metropolitan trench heating range works with low-temperature systems; and SPC’s coil heat exchangers and CiRRUS unit heaters can be engineered or configured for low-temperature applications. If you’re specifying for a heat pump project, the SPC team can advise on the most suitable product for your application.
SPC supplies products for commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, heritage, and high-end residential projects across the UK. Product ranges are specified by mechanical consultants, M&E contractors, and architects, with direct support available throughout the specification process.
Yes. SPC offers four CIBSE approved CPD sessions covering decarbonisation, coil heat exchangers, radiant heating and cooling panels, and trench heating. Sessions are delivered on-site at your offices and are available at no cost. Contact us to arrange a session.
Contact the SPC team directly on 0116 249 0044 or at spc@spc-hvac.co.uk. Area Sales Managers cover the whole of the UK and are available to support specifications, site surveys, and project queries.
Ready to specify British-manufactured heating and cooling for your next project?
The SPC team is ready to support your specification from initial product selection through to technical sign-off.
More Than a Manufacturer: The Technical Support Behind Every SPC Product
When you specify or install SPC products, you’re not just buying heating and cooling equipment. SPC’s sales and technical team provide support at every stage of a project, from pre-specification site surveys and application advice, through to on-site installation guidance and post-installation troubleshooting.
For contractors, consultants, and facilities managers working on live projects, that kind of hands-on involvement can be the difference between a smooth programme and an avoidable delay.
What Does SPC's Technical Support Include?
SPC’s support offer covers three stages of a project.
Before specification, Area Sales Managers can attend site to advise on product selection, application suitability, and design considerations. This is particularly useful on complex projects, such as a hospital refurbishment with strict LST requirements, a warehouse with unusual ceiling heights, or a school building where installation needs to fall within a short holiday window.
During installation, our teams are on hand to answer questions and provide guidance. In some cases, our Area Sales Managers or technical team may visit site to see how things are progressing. This is part of how SPC builds long-term working relationships.
After installation, support continues if questions arise in the field. The same people who know the products are available to provide guidance, not a generic helpline.
This applies across SPC’s full product range: Fan Convectors, Radiant Heating and Cooling Panels, Heating and Cooling Coils, Trench Heating and Cooling, Air Curtains, and Unit Heaters.
Why Does It Matter Who Supports You After the Sale?
Manufacturers who operate at arm’s length can leave contractors and consultants carrying problems that shouldn’t fall solely to them. With SPC, the team that knows the products is the team that shows up on site.
That means faster answers, more accurate advice, and fewer delays on site, regardless of whether the project is a commercial office fit-out, a school heating upgrade, or an industrial installation.
SPC has been manufacturing HVAC products in Leicester for over 50 years, and our technical support offer is an extension of that: the same standards of quality applied not just to the products, but to the relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
SPC’s sales and technical team are available throughout a project to answer questions, provide application guidance, and advise on product selection. Support can range from remote guidance to an ASM visiting site where the relationship and circumstances make it useful, but the focus is on being genuinely accessible and knowledgeable.
Yes. SPC’s Area Sales Managers can visit site ahead of specification to assess the application, advise on the most suitable product from the range, and identify any design or installation considerations. This service is available across all SPC product families.
Support is available across all SPC product ranges, including fan convectors, radiant panels, heating and cooling coils, trench heating, air curtains, and unit heaters.
SPC has Area Sales Managers covering territories across the UK, including the South West and Wales, London and the South East, the Midlands and East Anglia, and the North West and Yorkshire. On-site support is available nationally.
Many manufacturers provide support only at the point of sale or through a generic technical helpline. SPC’s approach is different: the same team that knows the products is available to answer questions throughout a project, and in some cases, where the relationship warrants it, an Area Sales Manager may visit site to see how an installation is progressing. It’s a more personal, knowledgeable partnership than most manufacturers offer.
Talk to the Team
Whether you’re at the specification stage or dealing with a question on a live project, SPC’s team is ready to help. For further guidance on specifying HVAC products, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) publishes technical guidance relevant to heating and cooling system design at cibse.org.
How to Heat a Warehouse, Factory or Workshop: Three Key Considerations
Selecting the right industrial heating system for a warehouse, factory, or workshop depends on getting three things right: managing heat stratification in high-ceilinged spaces, controlling heat loss through loading bays and open doors, and deciding whether to heat the full air volume or deliver warmth directly to the occupied zone. SPC has been manufacturing heating and cooling products for over 50 years, and these are some factors that determine whether an industrial heating installation performs well or wastes energy.
Why does ceiling height affect industrial heating performance?
In high-bay buildings, warm air naturally rises and stratifies near the roof, well away from the people and processes that need it. The result is that a significant proportion of the energy going into the system ends up heating unoccupied space at height, while the floor-level working zone remains cold.
The right industrial heating system needs to either deliver heat directly to the occupied zone, or generate enough air momentum to overcome stratification and push warmth down to where it is needed. This is one of the primary reasons products designed specifically for industrial environments differ from standard options.
How do loading bays and roller shutter doors affect heat retention?
Loading bays, roller shutter doors, and natural ventilation create a constant drain on any industrial heating system. Every time a large door opens, conditioned air escapes and cold air enters. In buildings with regular vehicle or forklift traffic, this can happen dozens of times a day and significantly increase the energy required to maintain a stable working temperature.
Reducing heat loss at the point of entry is one of the most effective ways to improve overall system efficiency. Industrial air curtains are specifically designed for this role, creating a high-velocity air barrier across the doorway that limits the exchange of internal and external air without obstructing access.
SPC’s iForce Industrial Air Curtain is available in ambient, LPHW, and electric versions and protects openings up to six metres in height, making it suitable for large warehouse loading bays where standard commercial air curtains are undersized.
Is it always necessary to heat the entire air volume of an industrial space?
In many industrial buildings, the answer is no. Heating the full air volume of a large, high-ceilinged space is energy-intensive and, in some environments, impractical. Radiant heating takes a different approach: rather than warming the air, radiant panels emit infrared radiation that warms surfaces and occupants directly; the same principle as the warmth you feel from sunlight on a cold day. The air temperature may be low, but the radiant heat reaching you feels warm. This makes radiant heating particularly effective in spaces where the air volume is large relative to the occupied area, or where air movement needs to be minimised.
Frequently Asked Questions
In high-bay spaces, the main challenge is stratification: warm air rising to roof level and away from the occupied zone. Unit heaters with powerful fans can project warm air across large spans at height, while radiant panels deliver heat directly to occupants and surfaces without relying on air circulation. The right choice depends on ceiling height, occupancy pattern, and whether air movement in the space is acceptable.
Yes. SPC’s industrial radiant panels operate effectively at low flow temperatures, making them well suited to heat pump systems. CiRRUS unit heaters can also be specified with coil configurations suited to LTHW systems, though outputs will vary depending on coil row count and airflow. Air curtains are also available with enhanced heat exchanger options suited to condensing boilers and heat pump systems. Contact SPC’s technical team for guidance on system selection for heat pump-connected installations.
Industrial air curtains create an air barrier across open doorways that significantly reduces the volume of warm internal air escaping and cold external air entering. In buildings with high door-opening frequency, this can meaningfully reduce the load on the main heating system. Units are available in ambient (no heat), LPHW, and electric versions, so they can be integrated into existing systems or specified as standalone installations.
Yes. The CiRRUS Unit Heater supports BMS integration via 0-10V or BACnet, and the iForce Industrial Air Curtain can be connected to door contactors with delay relays for automatic operation. SPC’s technical team can advise on control strategies for individual projects. Contact us on 0116 249 0044 or at spc@spc-hvac.co.uk.
SPC Industrial heating products
SPC manufactures three product ranges designed specifically for industrial environments:
Our Industrial Radiant Panels use water-based radiant heating with anti-convective edge profiles that deliver 81% radiant output. Individual modules extend to six metres, with panel runs of up to 70 metres suitable for large industrial bays and aircraft hangars.
Our CiRRUS Unit Heaters use a powerful axial fan to project warm air into the space. The Ci8 delivers a throw of up to 27 metres at high speed and can be mounted at heights of 2.5 to 6 metres. Available with LPHW water coils; an electric version is also available as the Ci5.
Our iForce Industrial Air Curtains protect doorway openings up to six metres in height. Available in ambient, LPHW, and electric versions, including a three-row coil option suited to condensing boilers and heat pump systems.
Planning an Industrial Heating Project?
Whether you’re specifying radiant panels for a high-bay space, unit heaters for a factory floor, or air curtains for loading bay doors, our team can advise on system selection, sizing, and configuration.
What Is the Thermatile TEN-TWELVE and Which Installation Type Do You Need?
SPC’s Thermatile TEN-TWELVE is a water-based radiant heating and cooling panel range designed for integration into suspended ceilings. The range consists of two panel types: the Thermatile TEN, which uses 10mm copper D-tube technology for individual panels and shorter runs up to 3,600mm, and the Thermatile TWELVE, which uses 12mm copper D-tube for longer continuous runs where maintaining manageable pressure drops is essential.
Both share an identical smooth, matt white room-facing finish, so panels from either type can be mixed within the same space. Panels are also available in any RAL colour to suit interior design requirements, including black panels for drama studios or spaces where aesthetics are a key consideration.
What is the difference between the Thermatile TEN and the Thermatile TWELVE?
The names refer directly to the copper tube diameter used inside each panel’s heating cartridge.
Thermatile TEN
The Thermatile TEN uses 10mm D-tube technology. The D-tube design involves flattening a circular copper tube to maximise contact between the tube and the aluminium panel, resulting in 360° contact and high heat transfer performance. This makes the Thermatile TEN ideal for individual panels and runs up to 3,600mm, where the smaller tube diameter ensures turbulent water flow and efficient heat transfer.
Thermatile TWELVE
The Thermatile TWELVE uses 12mm D-tube and is the preferred option when panel runs exceed 3,600mm. The larger tube diameter keeps pressure drops at manageable levels across extended configurations. Individual Thermatile TWELVE panels are connected together using push-fit interconnecting hoses to form continuous runs of any length.
Both panel types are built on the same 3-layer composite aluminium panel (maximum 5.5mm thick), and both are independently tested to EN 14037. The maximum operating temperature is 85°C, and the maximum operating pressure is 10 bar (tested to a minimum of 16 bar). SPC’s in-house selection software automatically determines whether TEN or TWELVE panels are required, based on run length and water flowrate.
What installation types are available for the Thermatile TEN-TWELVE?
The Thermatile TEN-TWELVE is available in various installation configurations, designed to suit the ceiling systems most commonly found in commercial and public sector buildings.
T-Bar Grid – The standard configuration. Panels are sized to fit directly into the aperture created when one or more tiles are removed from an exposed T-bar suspended ceiling grid. Panels are supported on independent wire hangers, with SPC’s hanging wire kits providing easy single-handed height adjustment via discreet 1.5mm stainless steel wire.
Plasterboard – For projects where radiant panels need to be inserted into a finished plasterboard ceiling, this version uses a pre-fitted frame that is screwed into a supported aperture. Where repeatable access is required, for maintenance or system changes, a two-part frame with push-fit locking is also available.
Free-Hanging – Panels can be suspended freely from a structural soffit using wire or rod suspension systems, suitable for spaces without a suspended ceiling, such as open-plan offices, atria, or industrial environments.
Wall-Mounted / Angled Panels – Where ceiling installation isn’t possible or practical, panels can be wall-mounted at an angle using brackets, directing radiant heat down into the occupied zone below.
Sportsline Panels – A configuration designed specifically for sports halls and gymnasiums. Ball guards are fitted over the panels to protect them from impact, making this the recommended installation type for high-activity environments.
Need custom RAL coloured panels?
SPC can manufacture Thermatile TEN-TWELVE panels in any RAL colour to suit your project. Whether you need black panels for a drama studio, a colour matched to an interior scheme, or something more distinctive! Get in touch with the team to discuss your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Thermatile TEN uses 10mm copper D-tube and suits individual panels and runs up to 3,600mm. The Thermatile TWELVE uses 12mm copper D-tube for longer continuous runs, where the larger diameter keeps pressure drops manageable. SPC’s selection software automatically determines which type is required. Both have the same visible finish and can be mixed within a single installation.
Yes. Both panel types work effectively at low water temperatures, typically 45–50°C, which is the normal operating range for heat pump systems. Their large surface area allows them to deliver meaningful heat output at these temperatures, making them more suitable for heat pump applications than radiators, which typically require higher flow temperatures.
Yes. Both Thermatile TEN and TWELVE panels can provide radiant cooling by circulating chilled water instead of hot water. For cooling applications, the panel surface temperature must be controlled to prevent condensation, typically requiring either a dehumidification system or careful chilled water temperature management. Contact SPC’s technical team for cooling system design guidance.
SPC’s zone control kit includes a Belimo valve and actuator, digital thermostat, and black bulb temperature sensor. The black bulb sensor measures resultant temperature, a combination of air and radiant temperature, which is a more accurate indicator of occupant comfort in radiant-heated spaces. Multiple panels can be controlled as a single zone, and the system can be integrated with a BMS for centralised control.
Yes. Active BIM objects are available for Revit, pre-populated with project-specific data from SPC’s selection programme, covering configurations and specifications for architects, designers, and contractors.
Specify the Thermatile TEN-TWELVE for Your Next Project
SPC’s technical team can support your Thermatile specification from initial design through to installation — including site surveys, selection software outputs, and full technical drawings provided with every quotation.
Do You Still Need an Air Curtain When the Weather Warms Up?
As temperatures climb during spring, many industrial facilities scale back their heating, but that doesn’t mean doorway protection should stop. Open or frequently used doorways still allow conditioned air to escape, cold draughts to enter, and insects and pollutants to get in.
SPC iForce Industrial Air Curtains create a high-velocity air barrier across doorways up to 6 metres in height, and are available in ambient, electric heated, and LPHW heated configurations to suit year-round requirements.
What Does an Industrial Air Curtain Do?
An air curtain discharges a continuous sheet of air across an open doorway, creating an invisible barrier that prevents air exchange between inside and outside. Unlike a physical door, it doesn’t interrupt the movement of people, vehicles, or goods — making it well suited to warehouses, distribution centres, and manufacturing facilities where large doors are in constant use.
Key benefits for industrial spaces:
- Prevents warm conditioned air from escaping through open doorways
- Reduces cold air ingress and draughts at floor level
- Acts as a barrier against insects, dust, and airborne pollutants
- Keeps operations running without the need to open and close physical doors
Choose the Right iForce Configuration for Your Site
Ambient Units
Ambient iForce units provide a powerful air barrier without any heating. They draw in room-temperature air and project it across the doorway as pure climate separation. Ideal for temperature-controlled environments, or wherever doorway heating isn’t required.
Electric Heated Units
Electric iForce units add two-stage heating output to the air barrier, using nickel chromium resistance elements; ideal where a direct electric supply is preferred over a hot water circuit
LPHW Heated Units
The most versatile option. LPHW (Low Pressure Hot Water) units connect to your building’s hot water system and are available with a 2-row coil for conventional boilers or an enhanced 3-row coil for condensing boilers and heat pump systems — making them compatible with low-carbon and decarbonisation strategies.
iForce: Built for Industrial Environments
Across all three configurations, the iForce is designed for heavy-duty, demanding sites:
- Doorway protection up to 6 metres in height
- Available in widths of 1.5m, 2.0m, and 2.5m — side-by-side or stacked to suit any opening
- Horizontal mounting above the door or vertical mounting along the sides
- High-efficiency EC motors with 0–10V speed control
- Heavy-gauge powder-coated steel casing with extruded aluminium outlet grille
- BMS and BACnet compatible for centralised control
- Supports door contactor input and master/slave arrangements
Frequently Asked Questions
An ambient unit creates an air barrier using room-temperature air, providing no heating. Heated units (electric or LPHW) add warmth to the air stream. If you need flexibility across seasons, specify a heated variant; ambient units cannot be upgraded to provide heat.
Yes. The LPHW iForce is available with a 3-row enhanced coil designed for lower flow temperatures, making it compatible with heat pump and condensing boiler systems.
Units are available in 1.5m, 2.0m, and 2.5m widths and can be installed side-by-side to cover any doorway width. For openings taller than a single unit, units can be stacked or mounted vertically.
Yes. All iForce units support BMS and BACnet integration, door contactor inputs, and master/slave control for multi-unit installations.
Yes, if you have open or frequently used doorways. Even without cold weather, an air curtain provides climate separation, pest control, and prevents conditioned air from escaping, so the benefits remain year-round.
Specify an iForce Industrial Air Curtain for Your Site
Need help choosing the right configuration or sizing for your doorway? Our team is happy to advise.
Why Should You Book a Site Survey for Your Heating Project?
At SPC HVAC, our Area Sales Managers conduct site surveys across the UK to help specifiers, contractors, and facilities managers find the right heating solution for their building. Whether you're modernising outdated fan convectors in a school or specifying heating for a new healthcare facility, a site survey ensures you get expert recommendations tailored to your specific project requirements.
What Does an SPC Site Survey Include?
Our experienced Area Sales Managers assess your space, evaluate existing systems, and provide detailed product recommendations based on your building’s needs.
Assessment of Existing Systems
We evaluate current heating equipment to identify inefficiencies, outdated units, or opportunities for modernisation. Many buildings still operate fan convectors or heating systems installed decades ago. While these may still function, they’re often inefficient, noisy, and incompatible with modern low-temperature heating systems or heat pumps.
Space and Application Evaluation
Understanding your building’s requirements is crucial. We assess:
- Room dimensions, ceiling heights, and mounting options (floor, wall, ceiling)
- Usage patterns and occupancy (classrooms, wards, offices, leisure spaces)
- Aesthetic requirements and integration with interior design
- Noise sensitivity (particularly critical in schools, libraries, healthcare, and offices)
Tailored Product Recommendations
Based on our assessment, we recommend the most suitable products from our range:
- Fan Convectors – Belgravia Supreme, Classic, Tilevector Solo/Duo/Plus
- Radiant Panels – Thermatile TEN-TWELVE and Thermatile Electric
- Trench Heating – Metropolitan range for perimeter heating
- Air Curtains – AIRDOR Forcefield and iForce Industrial
- Unit Heaters – CiRRUS range for warehouses and industrial spaces
- Heating & Cooling Coils – bespoke coils for AHU and plant room applications
We explain why each product suits your application, provide technical specifications, and support your decision-making with manufacturer-direct expertise.
Which Sectors Benefit from Site Surveys?
Our site survey service supports projects across all commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors:
Education – schools, colleges, universities, training centres
Healthcare – hospitals, care homes, medical centres, clinics
Offices – corporate buildings, business parks, co-working spaces
Leisure – gyms, sports centres, swimming pools, recreation facilities
Public Buildings – libraries, community centres, council offices
Places of Worship – churches, mosques, temples, synagogues
Retail & Hospitality – shops, showrooms, hotels, restaurants, conference venues
Industrial – warehouses, factories, distribution centres, workshops
No matter your sector or building type, our Area Sales Managers bring practical HVAC expertise directly to your project.
Why Book a Site Survey with SPC HVAC?
Tailored Product Recommendations
As manufacturers with over 50 years’ experience, we have in-depth technical knowledge of our products and can provide specification support that third-party suppliers cannot match.
Nationwide Coverage
Our Area Sales Managers cover the entire UK, providing local support wherever your project is located.
Expert Consultative Service
We’re committed to helping building services professionals find the right solution, providing honest advice and practical recommendations based on decades of industry experience.
Support Throughout Your Project
From initial survey to specification, quotation, and post-installation support, we’re with you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most site surveys take 1-2 hours (or longer), depending on the size and complexity of the building. Our ASMs work around your schedule to minimise disruption.
Site survey costs vary depending on the project scope, location, and client relationship. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Any existing drawings, specifications, or details about your heating requirements are helpful but not essential. Our ASMs will assess the space and discuss your needs during the visit.
We have Area Sales Managers covering the entire UK. Contact us to find your local ASM and arrange a visit.
You’ll receive detailed product recommendations, technical specifications, and a quotation. Our team continues to provide support throughout your project, from specification to installation and beyond.
Book Your Site Survey Today
Our Area Sales Managers are ready to visit your site and provide expert heating recommendations tailored to your project.
Why Industrial Unit Heaters Excel in Warehouses and Factories
Heating large industrial buildings, from warehouses to workshops and garage spaces, presents unique challenges. High ceilings, frequent door openings, air changes and varied layouts make traditional heating systems inefficient or costly.
That’s where Unit Heaters shine: compact, versatile and designed to deliver effective warmth exactly where it’s needed.
What Makes Unit Heaters Ideal for Industrial Heating?
Fast, Efficient Heat Distribution
Industrial Unit Heaters use powerful fans to distribute warm air quickly and evenly throughout the space. In high-ceiling environments like warehouses and service bays, this helps reduce heat stratification and maintains comfortable working conditions on the ground level.
Flexible Installation
Whether mounted horizontally on a wall or suspended vertically from the roof, Unit Heaters adapt to the layout of your space. This flexibility makes them suitable for:
- Large open warehouses
- Garages and workshops
- Loading bays
- Manufacturing facilities
- Back-of-house retail areas
Energy Efficient and Cost-Effective
Unit Heaters are designed to work efficiently even with low-temperature systems such as heat pumps, aligning with business decarbonisation goals and helping to reduce operating costs over time.
Durability for Tough Environments
Industrial spaces demand robust heating solutions. Unit Heaters are built with strong steel construction and heavy-duty components so they stand up to challenging conditions day in, day out.
SPC CiRRUS Unit Heaters – Performance You Can Rely On
SPC’s CiRRUS range has been engineered specifically for industrial applications with features that set them apart:
- Multiple Heating Options: Available in LPHW, LTHW and electric configurations to suit different building energy systems and decarbonisation strategies.
- High Heat Output: Designed to generate powerful heat quickly and efficiently
- Overhead Installation: Frees up valuable floor space – perfect for busy warehouse operations or maintenance bays
- Zonal Heating Control: Target specific areas to avoid heating unoccupied zones and reduce energy waste
- Robust Build Quality: Engineered to withstand industrial environments while delivering reliable performance
Together, these benefits make CiRRUS Unit Heaters an excellent choice when compared with other industrial heating brands, each of which offers heavy-duty unit or warm air heaters for commercial spaces but may not match the combination of flexibility, efficiency and control that CiRRUS Unit Heaters provides.
Choosing the Right Unit Heater for Your Space
When specifying industrial heating solutions, consider:
- Fuel type: Electric, LPHW or LTHW depending on energy availability and decarbonisation goals
- Mounting height and airflow direction: Choose horizontal or vertical configurations to suit your facility’s layout
- Control integration: BMS compatibility helps optimise energy use across zones
SPC Industrial Heating Solutions offers expert guidance on selecting and specifying the right CiRRUS Unit Heater for your project. Speak to our team to discover how we can tailor a solution to maximise comfort, efficiency and performance in your industrial space.