Gas, Electric or Heat Pump? Choosing the Right Heating for Modern Commercial Projects This Winter

As commercial and industrial buildings evolve to meet tougher energy standards, heating design is facing its biggest transformation in decades. From logistics hubs and workshops to retail warehouses and production spaces, today’s HVAC decisions must balance EPC compliance, carbon reduction, and running cost control — all while ensuring reliable comfort across large, often challenging environments.

The drive for improved EPC ratings is pushing many businesses to consider low-carbon and all-electric solutions. Yet, with electricity costs still several times higher than gas, and limited grid capacity in many regions, purely electric heating isn’t always practical or affordable. Meanwhile, gas infrastructure remains widely available, offering a proven and cost-effective energy source that continues to play a major role in modern heating strategies.

The result is a far more complex choice for specifiers and building owners: gas warm-air heaters, electric unit heaters, radiant systems, heat-pump technologies, and LTHW-based solutions all have valid places depending on the building’s size, use, and energy priorities.

This article explores how each option performs in real-world commercial applications — comparing efficiency, carbon impact, and running costs — to help you identify the most efficient, compliant, and cost-effective heating solution for your next project.

The Big Picture

Three key factors now shape heating design in commercial projects:

1. Energy pricing volatility – gas and electricity costs shift quickly.
2. Decarbonisation and compliance – EPC, ErP and net-zero targets drive technology choices.
3. Building adaptability – zoning, renewables, and retrofit readiness affect long-term value.

Understanding how each technology behaves helps you make an informed choice.

1. Electric Unit Heaters

(direct-electric warm-air)

Pros:

• Simple to install – no flue, no combustion, no gas run.
• Compact and flexible for retrofit or small zones.
• 100% point-of-use efficiency and zero on-site emissions.
• Supports strong EPC outcomes.

Cons:

• Higher running cost (UK tariffs typically 25–35 p/kWh).
• Requires sufficient electrical capacity.

Best for: Workshops, smaller warehouses, and refurbishments with intermittent use and no gas connection.

2. Gas Warm-Air Heaters

Pros:

• Lower fuel cost (typically 6–12 p/kWh).
• High heat output and fast response.
• Proven technology for large-volume spaces.

Cons:

• Needs flueing, gas pipework and combustion servicing.
• Fossil-fuel emissions and future decarbonisation risk.

Best for: Large, continuously heated buildings where gas is already available and cost per kWh is critical.

3. Commercial Heat-Pump Unit Heaters

(air-to-air reversible systems)

Pros:

• Delivers 3–4 kW of heat per 1 kW of electricity (SCOP ≈ 4).
• Provides both heating and cooling in one system.
• Strong alignment with carbon-reduction and EPC goals.
• Pairs well with on-site solar PV or green electricity.

Cons:

• Higher capital cost and more complex control.
• Efficiency reduces slightly in sub-zero conditions (modern models operate down to -15 °C).

Best for: New builds and refurbishments focused on low-carbon performance, long operating hours, or year-round temperature control.

4. Electric Radiant Heaters

Pros:

• Instant, targeted warmth – ideal for task or zone heating.
• Simple to install, no flue or combustion.
• Excellent for high-ventilation or partially open areas.

Cons:

• High cost per kWh of heat.
• Only warms surfaces and people within line-of-sight.

Best for: Loading bays, workshops, and intermittent-use areas where warm-air systems would lose heat quickly.

5. Gas-Fired Radiant Heaters

Pros:

• High efficiency for spot and zone heating.
• Lower running costs than electric radiant.
• Works well in high-bay, draughty environments.

Cons:

• Requires gas, flueing, and combustion checks.
• Limited air-temperature rise; localised comfort only.

Best for: Warehouses, vehicle bays, and large workshops with high ceilings or frequent door openings.

6. LTHW (Low-Temperature Hot Water) Systems

Pros:

• Highly versatile – can use boilers, heat-pumps, or district heat.
• Compatible with fan coils or radiant panels.
• Centralised control and easier maintenance.

Cons:

• Pipework and hydraulic balancing increase design complexity.
• Heat output depends on flow temperature and pump efficiency.

Best for: Multi-zone or campus-style buildings seeking flexibility and future integration with low-carbon plant.

Energy Efficiency and Carbon Outlook

• Electric & Heat-Pump Systems help boost EPC scores and meet 2030/2050 net-zero roadmaps.
• Gas Systems remain cost-effective but must comply with ErP 2021 and low-NOx standards.
• Radiant and hybrid solutions are gaining traction — combining gas or electric radiant for local comfort with warm-air or LTHW for background heating.

Comfort, Air Movement & Controls

Across all systems, comfort depends on effective air movement, destratification, and control:

• Use destratification fans in tall buildings to reclaim up to 20% of lost heat.
• Zone spaces by activity level and occupancy.
• Employ smart controls with time schedules, setback modes, and BMS integration.

These simple measures can transform energy use without changing the heating source.

Making the Right Choice

There’s no single “best” technology — the right heater depends on building type, energy tariffs, load profile, and carbon goals.

• Choose gas when running cost per kWh is paramount and gas is available.
• Choose electric for retrofit ease or small-zone heating.
• Choose heat-pump or LTHW to future-proof your project and align with net-zero strategies.
• Combine radiant and warm-air for tailored comfort and efficiency.

By understanding how these systems complement each other, today’s designers can create heating solutions that are efficient, compliant, and ready for tomorrow’s commercial energy landscape.

Looking to improve efficiency and meet your carbon goals?

Speak with our HVAC specialists today to discuss the most efficient, compliant, and cost-effective system for your building. Complete the form below and one of our experts will contact you to help identify the right heating or ventilation solution for your project.