Anyone who’s ever flown in a plane knows that boarding and takeoff don’t happen immediately. There’s usually ample downtime before the aircraft can begin its ascent, which means time spent waiting in and around the airport terminal or private hangar. Naturally, it’s best to keep these areas as safe and comfortable as possible, both for the good of passengers as well as employees like flight technicians. (And that’s to say nothing of the performance and longevity of the actual aircraft.)
Keeping these facilities climate-controlled may be easier said than done, however, particularly once cold winter elements set in. Simply by virtue of being such wide-open spaces, airports and hangars are challenging to heat, making it crucial to seek the best and most efficient heating arrangements.
Why hangars are challenging to heat
A helpful starting point is simply acknowledging some of the obstacles to keeping these spaces warm. It’s not just the sheer volume of air that must be heated. Additional challenges include:
· High ceilings, which naturally result in warm air rising, making it tougher to create and maintain consistent temperatures close to ground-level.
· Frequent door openings can also be a problem. As cold air is let in, it makes rapid heat recovery an urgent priority.
· There may also be different usage zones to consider. For example, when airports have offices or administrative facilities, they may have different heating needs than the hangar themselves.
· Looming over all of these factors is budgetary concern. Keeping such large facilities sufficiently heated can be expensive, making it even more important to seek energy-efficient solutions.
Because of these factors, selecting the right system isn’t just about raw heating power, it’s about directing heat effectively where and when it’s needed.
The benefits of unit heaters
One of the most popular choices for keeping an airport or hangar warm is the installation of unit heaters. Whether powered by electricity or gas fuel, unit heaters can be effective at heating large volumes of air, quickly and efficiently. And, when a full constellation of unit heaters is strategically configured and positioned, it can minimize some of the particular concerns associated with airports and hangars.
It's important to note the distinction between unit and infrared heaters. The latter work not by raising the ambient temperature in the room but by providing highly targeted heating for a particular object. That’s not to say they have no place in an aircraft setting. For example, they may be highly effective at creating heat stations to keep outdoor personnel warm, or for heating particularly narrow boarding areas. The real value of unit heaters, though, is that they can elevate the temperature in spaces that are much more open.
Another advantage of unit heaters is that there is great flexibility in how they can be placed. Multiple units can be stacked to address the acute heating needs of particular zones. And, because unit heaters are secured to walls or ceilings, they don’t take up precious floor space.
Unit heaters are ideal for hangars that require consistent whole-space heating and where employees need to work in a comfortable environment for extended periods. They are also beneficial for facilities with moderate door activity, where maintaining a steady temperature is feasible.
Additional tips for a consistent climate
Choosing the right kind of heaters is a critical first step toward keeping airport and hangar spaces warm no matter the season, but there are other best practices that are nearly as impactful.
Ensuring the right insulation and air sealing is a must, as it prevents excessive heat loss; this helps keep temperatures cozy and heating costs more manageable. It’s a must to invest in quality insulation for walls, roofs and doors.
Because the high ceilings in an airport or hangar lead to warm air rising, destratification fans are also recommended. These circulate warm air from the ceiling back down to the working level, reducing waste from heat stratification. They pair well with unit heaters, allowing for more efficient heat production.
Zoning strategies may also help. Hangars should be divided into zones with separate controls, making it possible to turn on the heat only when necessary. Along the same lines, smart thermostats and timers can adjust heating schedules based on the occupancy and activity within a given area.
