Compare business heating solutions

Just as homeowners want to keep their properties warm and comfortable, it’s important that your workspace is a suitable temperature for your team at all times — whether you work in a factory, salon, office, or somewhere in between. 

And while many home and business heating systems follow the same principles, there are some key differences to be aware of when choosing a heating type or provider.

1. Capacity: Depending on your workplace, you may need a system that can handle larger spaces like offices and warehouses.

2. Efficiency: This is key to keeping costs down — so look for heating options that save energy. 

3. Reliability: It’s also essential to know your system is reliable. While it’s important for homeowners, too, a heating failure could disrupt work and output in a commercial setting.

4. Eco-friendliness: Many businesses aim to reduce their carbon footprint and meet environmental regulations. If this is a priority for your company, it may shape the heating choices you make. 

5. Automation: Unlike homeowners, businesses often benefit from advanced heating technologies and automated controls. These systems help you manage the workplace temperature precisely and save energy. 

Remember, the right heating solution can make a big difference in your operating costs and environmental impact. It can also lead to enhanced employee comfort and potentially reduce absenteeism.

At SpotDif, our goal is to help you compare commercial heating solutions to find the best fit for your specific needs.

Normally, searching for a business heating solution means you’ll have to sift through many different quotes and sources of information. We understand how overwhelming this can be, especially when you’re redirected to multiple websites to find the information you need.

We’ve done the hard work for you and put everything you need to know about commercial heating all in one place — the positives and the negatives, the good and the bad. Everything you need to make an informed decision.

Traditional heating systems

Traditional heating systems for commercial spaces typically include gas boilers and radiators, known for their robustness and wide coverage. This type of heating system provides reliable heating, suitable for varying sizes of commercial properties.

Price range: £3,000 – £8,000

In the UK, traditional heating systems with installation can range from £3,000 to £8,000. This variation tends to depend on the complexity of the installation, the size of your available space, and the efficiency of the chosen system.

Although there have been many advancements in renewable heating solutions, traditional systems remain a popular choice. For many businesses, this is down to the fact that traditional commercial heating systems are effective and widely available.

Durability and maintenance

Traditional heating systems are praised for their longevity, often lasting 15-20 years with proper care and maintenance. We recommend regular servicing to ensure optimal performance and prevent costly breakdowns — this should be done annually. 

Eco-friendliness

While traditional heating systems are effective, it’s important to know that they can be less eco-friendly than renewable alternatives. This is because they rely on fossil fuels. 

Renewable heating solutions

Renewable heating solutions for commercial spaces use sustainable energy sources, such as solar thermal energy, biomass boilers, and heat pumps. A huge benefit of this business heating solution is that these systems can significantly reduce carbon emissions and may mean you could be eligible for government incentives. An environmentally and financially appealing choice in our opinion!

Price range: £4,000 – £20,000

Including installation, renewable heating solutions, including installation typically range from £4,000 to £20,000. This price range is down to the type of renewable technology you go for and the scale of the installation. 

It’s important to note that renewable heating systems often involve higher upfront costs. However, in the long run, renewable systems can lead to substantial savings — either through reduced energy bills or the potential to sell energy back to the National Grid.

Durability and maintenance

Renewable heating systems generally offer excellent durability, often lasting 20 years or more. Maintenance requirements tend to differ by technology. For example, various heat pump types need minimal upkeep, while biomass boilers require more frequent cleaning. We’d suggest keeping up to date with proper maintenance for the best long-term savings and performance.

Eco-friendliness

For the eco-savvy among you, renewable heating solutions are environmentally friendly, utilising sustainable resources to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

While there may be a higher long-term cost, we urge you to consider the long-term environmental benefits and energy savings. What’s more, these systems often comply with stricter future regulations on emissions, providing a forward-thinking heating solution.

Smart heating solutions

Smart heating solutions integrate advanced technologies like IoT-enabled thermostats and automated heating systems. (IoT-enabled thermostats harness ‘Internet of Things’ technology to connect to the internet). 

The overarching benefit? These systems offer precise temperature control and adaptability. You can also manage the system remotely, enhancing the convenience and efficiency of heating your workplace.

Price range: £1,500 – £5,000

Smart heating solutions can vary in cost from £1,500 to £5,000, including installation. This is due to the sophistication of the technology. In many cases you’ll need the installer to integrate it with your existing heating systems. Compatibility with mobile apps for remote monitoring and control can also drive the installation price up. On the other hand, smart heating systems can lead to smarter energy usage and cost savings in the long term.

Durability and maintenance

Smart heating systems do what they say on the tin — they’re smart! They’re designed to be robust and require minimal maintenance, largely due to fewer mechanical parts and advanced diagnostics capabilities. We’d recommend looking for smart heating systems with good warranties to ensure long-term usability and performance enhancements.

Eco-friendliness

Smart heating solutions are noted for their eco-friendliness, enabling more precise energy use and reducing unnecessary heating. This, in turn, lowers your business’ carbon footprint. While these systems can be more expensive upfront, their precise control and efficient heating schedules can translate to significant environmental benefits over time.

Choosing the best commercial heating solution isn't just about picking a system and hoping it meets your expectations. We understand that heating is a huge investment, and one we want you to get right the first time around.

At SpotDif, we always dive just that little bit deeper, comparing the ins and outs of different workplace heating solutions so you can choose a system that meets the needs of yourself and your employees. Before we look at the best heating solutions for your sector, have you thought about improving your commercial space’s wall and loft insulation? Optimising your insulation can ensure you get the best results from your heating system. 

Best heating solution for small retail shops

For small retail shops with limited space, a traditional gas boiler offers a straightforward and efficient solution. Gas boilers are reliable, provide quick heat, and are cost-effective for smaller areas — especially where advanced controls and extensive distribution aren't necessary. This will ensure a warm shopping environment for all of your customers and employees.

Best heating solution for large office buildings

Large office buildings benefit significantly from smart heating solutions like automated HVAC systems. These systems can cleverly adjust temperatures across different zones of your workspace, reducing energy waste and improving comfort through sensors and programmable controls. More than ideal for managing varying occupancy and space-usage patterns within a large space.

Best heating solution for industrial facilities

Industrial facilities come with high heating demands and space for fuel storage, making them well-suited to biomass boilers. These systems can utilise on-site waste materials as fuel, providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution to support your large-scale operations with significant heat output.

Best heating solution for tech start-ups

Looking to adopt the latest heating innovation? For tech startups, we’d suggest integrating IoT-enabled thermostats for a cutting-edge, eco-friendly heating option. These devices allow for precise temperature control from mobile apps, fitting the high-tech ethos of a start-up while ensuring optimal comfort and energy efficiency.

Best heating solution for health clinics

We believe health clinics would benefit from radiant heating systems which provide consistent and gentle warmth without circulating dust or allergens. This makes it ideal for environments requiring clean air to protect patient health while maintaining a consistently comfortable setting for both patients and healthcare professionals on your team.

Best heating solution for eco-conscious businesses

We’re all on the lookout for the most eco-friendly type of everything nowadays. After all, it’s something we can all do our part in. If you’re an eco-conscious business owner looking to minimise your workplace’s environmental impact, why not consider a ground-source heat pump (GSHP)? There are plenty of government grants available from the HUG2 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to help you offset the cost. 

These systems use the stable underground temperature to provide heating and cooling efficiently, significantly reducing your carbon emissions and aligning with your sustainability goals. To really get the most out of your heat pump and maximise long-term savings on energy bills, consider pairing your GSHP with commercial solar panels

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The quickest and most transparent way to compare commercial heating prices is with SpotDif. Make the most of your search by filling out our business heating solutions comparison form and answering a few brief questions. We’ll just need your:

• Specific requirements: What type of heating solution are you looking for? Do you want any specific features or technologies to enhance your commercial heating needs?

  
  

• Financing options: If you require financing for your commercial heating, you can let us know during the search process — we’ll make sure you receive accurate quotes and information.

• Contact details: We will ask for your contact details to personalise the search results and provide you with the most relevant information. Rest assured that your information will be handled securely following our privacy policy.