When faced with the challenge of heating large commercial and industrial spaces, warm air heating systems often stand out as the most reliable and efficient option.
However, the best type of warm air heating system can vary due to site differences, usage patterns, costs, and sustainability goals.
The question therefore arises: should you choose an electric or gas-powered heating system?
In this blog, we cover the key differences between gas and electric fuel-type warm air heating systems so you can decide which option is best for your business.
Warm air heating works by drawing in surrounding air and heating it with either a gas burner or an electric element. Once the air has been heated, it is then distributed throughout the space using a fan.
Warm air systems are commonplace in commercial settings as they can efficiently heat high-ceilinged buildings, where radiant heating would struggle by comparison.
Types of buildings where warm air heating systems are most effective include:
For large indoor commercial spaces, warm air heating solutions are typically combined with destratification systems for even heat distribution.
This was the case when we helped manufacturer Sait Abrasives, who required an upgraded heating system to support the manufacture and storage of their products.
Our solution consisted of introducing 4 x 60 kW fully modulating warm air heaters, supported by 8 industrial destratification fans at ceiling height.
We offer a versatile range of gas warm air heaters designed to deliver flexible and efficient heating solutions for commercial spaces. Fuelled by either natural gas or LPG, these advanced gas warm air heating systems feature cutting-edge pre-mix burners and self-modulating fans that intelligently adjust output to reduce energy consumption without compromising comfort.
Ideal for quickly warming large areas, the heaters then automatically modulate down to maintain a steady, comfortable temperature throughout the day, helping businesses cut energy costs while keeping their environments consistently pleasant.
Looking ahead, OKEL’s natural gas models are also Hydrogen Blend Ready, capable of operating with up to 20% hydrogen mixed into the gas supply, future-proofing your heating system as the UK transitions to cleaner energy.
Our 3-phase electric air heaters are high-performance units that are purpose-built for commercial and industrial environments where reliable, powerful heating is essential.
For added flexibility, our 5kw and 10kw models are also available with a single-phase electrical supply, making them ideal for smaller spaces or sites with limited power infrastructure. Engineered for 100% efficiency, these heaters convert every unit of electricity into usable heat, supporting both performance and sustainability goals.
All models are ErP compliant and meet the latest Eco Design Directive standards, ensuring energy-efficient operation that aligns with your business’s environmental commitments. With a range of sizes from 5kw to 60kw, we offer tailored solutions to meet the heating demands of any commercial space.
As demand grows for more energy-efficient and sustainable workplace heating, HVAC manufacturers are continuously innovating, with R&D teams developing smarter systems to meet evolving customer needs.
While warm air heating remains a very popular choice, 2025 has seen a notable rise in interest and adoption of alternative temperature control technologies. Among these, the following systems are gaining traction for their ability to balance performance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility:
OKEL’s new hybrid heating solutions are smart, energy-efficient, and designed for businesses that want to move toward sustainability without committing to a full heat pump system.
Available as a fully electric model or with a gas-fired booster, the hybrid system offers the best of both worlds. On particularly cold days or at the start of a work shift, the electric or gas-fired booster quickly brings the workspace up to temperature.
Once the desired temperature is reached, the heat pump takes over delivering up to 5 kw of heat for every 1kw of power, therefore dramatically reducing the gas or electricity consumption.
This makes the hybrid system an ideal choice for premises where a full heat pump setup would be too costly or not suited to the existing infrastructure.
Air to Air Heat Pump Conditioning Systems offer an all-in-one solution for year-round climate control in commercial spaces.
Much like traditional air conditioning units, these systems cool in the summer, but with advanced heat pump technology, they also efficiently heat your premises in colder months.
By using eco-friendly R32 refrigerant and boasting an impressive Coefficient of Performance (COP) of around 4, these systems can deliver up to 4kW of heating or cooling for every 1kW of electricity consumed.
This makes them not only an environmentally responsible choice but also a highly cost-effective way to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year.
Finding the best temperature control system for your commercial or industrial space can feel daunting, given the many different models and fuel types available. It doesn’t have to be, OKEL is here to guide you every step of the way.
From your initial consultation to final installation, we’ll design a tailored solution that matches and delivers against your temperature requirements and with efficiency and future operating costs at the centre of our design.
Whether you opt for gas, electric, or hybrid systems, our fully qualified team of Gas Safe, NICEIC & FGAS commercial HVAC engineers can handle the job. Your dedicated project manager and lead installer will provide expert advice to ensure your system meets both performance and energy efficiency goals.
With decades of hands-on experience, OKEL has helped businesses across multiple industries upgrade their heating and cooling infrastructure for long-term savings and improved comfort.
Heating with gas is generally cheaper than using electricity. On average, gas costs around 8p per kWh, while electricity costs about 24p per kWh, making gas the more cost-effective option for large spaces.
No, gas warm air heating is not typically expensive to run. Due to the lower cost of natural gas or LPG, these systems offer lower operating costs compared to electric systems, especially in large commercial or industrial environments.
Gas is usually cheaper than electricity for heating. While electric systems are highly efficient and simpler to install, gas systems tend to have lower long-term energy costs, particularly when heating large volumes of space.
Warm air heating systems can be powered by either gas or electricity. The choice depends on the site’s infrastructure, budget, and sustainability goals. Gas models are common in high-demand settings, while electric models are preferred for lower emissions and easier installations.