Although there are many ways to get warm and comfortable in a restaurant, as a restaurant owner you are concerned with the comfort of your customers as well as controlling your energy costs.
Restaurant Heating Challenges
The heating challenges in your restaurant change as you move from your offices to your kitchen to the drinking and dining areas.
The core problem is caused by wide variations in heat loss in each area. But in every area, you need to be concerned about losing heat:
Ceilings
High, poorly insulated ceilings are a key source of heat loss. You need to lock that heat in so it doesn’t fly to the sky.
Walls
Poor wall insulation is another source of heat loss. It’s a slow and steady loss of heat energy that adds to your heating costs every month.
Doors
On a busy night, your doors will be opened and closed hundreds of times or more. As each customer enters or leaves your restaurant, your heating expenses skyrocket.
Windows
Poorly insulated and sealed windows are a major source of heat loss as well as an area of discomfort for customers seated near the window.
Floor
Yes, even your floor is a problem area for heat loss. But wait! Doesn’t heat rise? If so, how can your floor be a source of heat loss in your restaurant?
A New Heating Paradigm
Let’s ask that question again. Does heat rise?
Surprisingly, the answer is no, heat does not rise.
It’s hot air that rises. Conversely, heat is attracted to cold.
It’s basic physics. Heat goes to cold in any direction.
If it is cold at the ceiling of your restaurant, heat will move in that direction. The same is true for your walls and even your floor. But the real problem areas are your windows and doors.
Not because heat is rising (remember – that’s hot air), but because your windows are colder than the temperature of the room and every time your restaurant door opens heat is attracted to the cold outdoors.
As you consider this new heating paradigm, ask yourself – why would I heat my restaurant by blowing hot air?
You would never let your restaurant profits escape through your ceiling, walls, floor, windows and doors, if you understood you can lock up those profits for your restaurant.
Restaurant Heating Considerations
What do you need to consider in heating your restaurant if you are constructing a new restaurant or renovating an existing restaurant?
Product Costs
How much capital will you invest in the heating product for your restaurant? You’ll need to consider the costs of heating system controls as well as the core product.
Installation Costs
How complex is the installation of the heating system for your restaurant? This directly affects the time it takes to install, which has a direct impact on the installation costs.
Operating Costs
What will the ongoing operating costs be for your restaurant heating system? Although this will vary based on the severity of the weather, your projected operating costs can be calculated.
Maintenance Costs
How much will it cost you to maintain your restaurant heating system? How often will you need to buy parts to keep your heating system running at top-notch efficiency?
Replacement Costs
When will your heating system need to be replaced? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Never?
How long your restaurant heating system will last is a major consideration when evaluating the lowest total cost of heating system ownership.
You’ll want to consider each of these factors individually, but also all of them together to realize the lowest total cost of heating system ownership for your restaurant. In addition, you’ll want to ensure you are providing the ultimate in warmth and comfort to keep your guests opening your restaurant door.
Before you choose the heating system for your restaurant, you’ll also want to consider the experience of your heating system consultant, the heating system manufacturer’s track record and how your heating system compares to alternative systems.
Heating System Consultant Experience
Always look for a heating systems consultant with years of diverse experience in delivering heating systems for restaurants. They should be able to demonstrate successful restaurant heating projects they have completed and explain how they apply unique solutions specifically to heating restaurants.
Manufacturer Track Record
Always look for a manufacturer with a lengthy track record for delivering quality product solutions and a solid product warranty. You’ll also want to examine their track record for on time delivery as well as product documentation, such as installation guides and owner’s manuals.
Restaurant Heating Alternatives Comparison
Explore alternative restaurant heating systems to determine which heating system provides the best solution for heating your restaurant.
| Convection (Forced Air) Heating Systems | Hydronic Radiant Heating Systems | Electric Radiant Heating Systems |
|
| Product Costs | Medium | High | Low |
| Installation Costs | Medium | High | Low |
| Operating Costs | High | Medium | Low |
| Maintenance Costs | High | Medium | None |
| Replacement Costs | Medium | High | None |
| Total Cost of Heating System Ownership | Medium | High | Low |
Restaurant Heating System Solutions
We offer a wide range of heating solutions for your restaurant:
Electric Radiant Thermal Mass Storage Heating Systems
Our most effective product for new restaurant construction projects. This product is installed under the concrete slab of your building and delivers the absolute lowest total cost of heating system ownership. If you have off-peak rates available in your area, you can increase your savings dramatically with this restaurant heating system. Learn more about Thermal Mass Storage Heating Systems.
Electric Radiant Ceiling Heating Systems
Our Radiant Ceiling Heating Systems are perfect for restaurants with enclosed ceilings and are installed between the joists and above the ceiling. This system can be used for new construction as well as renovations. Learn more about Radiant Ceiling Heating Systems.
Electric Radiant Supplemental Heating Systems
Our Supplemental Heating Systems are perfect for addressing cold areas in existing restaurants by the windows and doors. They can also be used effectively in new construction and offer a variety of aesthetically appealing installation options. Learn more about Electric Radiant Supplemental Heating Systems.
Electric Radiant Heating System Controls
One of the most important considerations in designing an effective heating system for your restaurant are the controls so you can manage your heating system in various areas of your restaurant at different times of day. Learn more about our Electric Radiant Heating System Controls.
Electric Radiant Snow and Ice Melting Systems
The safety of your customers, employees and vendors is vitally important to every restaurant owner. One of the greatest risks to their safety is the risk of slips and falls due to snow and ice. Our snow and ice melting system can also have a positive impact on your liability insurance premiums (check with your insurance agent). Learn more about Electric Radiant Snow and Ice Melting Systems.
Get the Lowest Total Cost of Heating System Ownership for Your Restaurant