How much does it cost to heat a warehouse with an oil heater? Let's find out!

comparison of heating costs for a warehouse using an electric heater and an infrared heater powered by diesel, heating oil, and biodiesel

Electric heater or oil heater?

Heating a warehouse with a sample area of 500m² or heating a workshop is a challenge that requires precise selection of the best heat source. In this article, we will compare three popular heating methods: Heating with an electric heater, heating with an infrared heater powered by diesel, heating oil, and biodiesel. Analyzing the costs and efficiency of both solutions, we will consider the same insulation parameters of the warehouse and heater powers of 16 kW.

How much does it cost to heat with an electric heater?

An electric heater with a power of 16 kW consumes electricity, which in 2024 costs an average of 0.80 PLN/kWh. At full load, such a heater consumes 16 kWh of energy per hour. This means that the cost of one hour of operation is:

• 16 kWh x 0.80 PLN/kWh = 12.80 PLN
• To heat the warehouse for 10 hours a day for 30 days, the total monthly cost is:
• 12.80 PLN x 10 hours x 30 days = 3840 PLN

How much does it cost to heat with a diesel heater?

An infrared heater powered by diesel with a power of 16 kW consumes an average of 1.3 liters of oil per hour. The price of diesel in 2024 is an average of 7 PLN per liter. The cost of one hour of operation of the heater is:

1.3 l/h x 7 PLN/l = 9.10 PLN

Additionally, the infrared heater powered by diesel consumes electricity to power the fan and control electronics. Assuming that the electricity consumption is 80 W (0.08 kW), the cost of electricity per hour is:

0.08 kW x 0.80 PLN/kWh = 0.064 PLN

Thus, the total cost of one hour of operation of the heater is:

9.10 PLN + 0.064 PLN = 9.164 PLN

When operating for 10 hours a day for 30 days, the total monthly cost is:

9.164 PLN x 10 hours x 30 days = 2749.20 PLN

How much does it cost to heat with heating oil?

Heating oil is often a cheaper alternative to diesel. The price of heating oil in 2024 is an average of 6 PLN per liter. The cost of one hour of operation of the heater is:

1.3 l/h x 6 PLN/l = 7.80 PLN

Additionally, the cost of electricity is:

0.08 kW x 0.80 PLN/kWh = 0.064 PLN

Thus, the total cost of one hour of operation of the heater is:

7.80 PLN + 0.064 PLN = 7.864 PLN

When operating for 10 hours a day for 30 days, the total monthly cost is:

7.864 PLN x 10 hours x 30 days = 2359.20 PLN

How much does it cost to heat with biodiesel?

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that can be a more environmentally friendly option. The price of biodiesel in 2024 is an average of 6.50 PLN per liter. The cost of one hour of operation of the heater is:

1.3 l/h x 6.50 PLN/l = 8.45 PLN

Additionally, the cost of electricity is:

0.08 kW x 0.80 PLN/kWh = 0.064 PLN

Thus, the total cost of one hour of operation of the heater is:

• 8.45 PLN + 0.064 PLN = 8.514 PLN
• When operating for 10 hours a day for 30 days, the total monthly cost is
• 8.514 PLN x 10 hours x 30 days = 2554.20 PLN

Oil heaters are therefore clearly cheaper to operate compared to electric heaters of comparable power. It is also worth noting their high energy efficiency estimated at over 80% achieved through a triple exhaust gas combustion system.

The fuel recovery system used in the devices also affects savings and reduced fuel consumption. With each shutdown of the combustion cycle, the system redirects the fuel remaining in the combustion chamber back to the main tank. Over a longer period, this can bring measurable savings.

Electric heater and oil heater - advantages

In addition to operating costs, it is also worth considering the efficiency and comfort of using both heaters. Electric heaters have the advantage of being easy to install and do not require an additional fuel source or flue pipes. They are also quiet in operation and do not emit exhaust gases.

The EMLO oil heater for workshops, thanks to the triple exhaust gas combustion system, is not cumbersome to use, and with the use of swivel wheels, the heater is extremely mobile, and the large tank capacity eliminates the need for frequent refueling, and the included pump makes the process much easier.

• Fuel consumption: 1.3 l/h Tank capacity: 50 liters
• 50 liters / 1.3 l/h = 38.46 hours
• If the heater operates 10 hours a day:
• 38.46 hours / 10 hours a day = 3.846 days  (Assuming continuous operation)

Thanks to the built-in advanced temperature control system, the oil heater will automatically turn off heating upon reaching the set values, reducing consumption, and will restart heating when the temperature drops.

The Termofol-smart application will allow you to monitor the fuel level and manage the basic functions of the heater from anywhere in the world using a smartphone or tablet.

Comfort of using the oil heater

Infrared heaters powered by diesel, heating oil, and biodiesel have a specific way of operating that can affect comfort in the warehouse. They emit heat in the form of infrared radiation, which directly heats objects and people within their range. As a result, the heat is felt almost immediately after the device is turned on, which is beneficial in cases where quick heating of selected areas of the warehouse is needed.

One of the main advantages of infrared heaters is their ability to effectively heat large, open, and poorly insulated spaces. Infrared radiation is not susceptible to drafts, meaning heat is not lost due to air exchange. This means that these heaters can be more effective in warehouses where doors are frequently opened or where there are other sources of heat loss.

Oil heaters are therefore a great way to heat workshops, heat warehouses, heat tent halls.

For more information, you can find in the product video showcasing the advantages of oil heaters.