Space Heaters

About Space Heaters

Space heaters provide essential temporary or supplementary warmth for workshops, construction sites, warehouses, and garages throughout the UK. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of professional-grade space heaters from trusted brands including Sealey and Draper, offering flexible heating solutions that deliver targeted warmth exactly where it's needed. Unlike fixed heating systems, portable space heaters excel in unheated environments and during cold weather conditions, quickly raising ambient temperatures to ensure comfortable and productive working conditions.

Available in multiple fuel types to suit different applications, our range includes diesel and paraffin space heaters ideal for construction sites with limited mains electricity, propane models offering clean-burning convenience, and infrared variants that deliver radiant heat directly to objects and people. Whether you need jet force fan-assisted circulation for large spaces or bottle-mounted compact units for smaller workshops, MyToolShed stocks heating solutions with outputs ranging from compact portable units to powerful industrial heaters delivering substantial kilowatt capacity.

Applications

• Construction workers maintaining working temperatures in buildings under renovation
• Builders and plasterers accelerating drying times for plaster, concrete, and screeds
• Painters and decorators ensuring optimal curing conditions and preventing condensation
• Mechanics and vehicle technicians heating automotive workshops during winter
• Warehouse and logistics managers maintaining comfortable temperatures in large facilities
• Agricultural workers protecting livestock housing and equipment stores from freezing
• Event organisers providing temporary heating for marquees and outdoor venues
• Industrial cleaning contractors drying flood-damaged properties
• DIY enthusiasts heating home workshops, sheds, and outbuildings

Choosing The Right Space Heaters

Heat Output Requirements: Calculate your space volume and match to appropriate kW output. Generally, allow 40-60 watts per cubic metre depending on insulation quality and draughtiness. Larger construction sites typically require units from 20kW upwards.

Fuel Type Selection: Diesel and paraffin heaters offer excellent portability without requiring 240v electricity, ideal for remote sites. Propane models provide cleaner combustion with less odour for semi-enclosed spaces. Consider fuel availability, storage requirements, and running costs when selecting.

Direct vs Indirect Heating: Direct-fired heaters are more efficient but exhaust combustion gases into the workspace, requiring adequate ventilation. Indirect heaters with chimney systems are essential for enclosed spaces with limited ventilation, though they cost more.

Safety Features: Look for flame failure devices, overheat protection, tip-over switches, and models compliant with BS EN standards. Thermostatic controls significantly reduce fuel consumption by preventing unnecessary continuous operation.

Safety Information

Ventilation: Always ensure adequate ventilation when operating space heaters, particularly direct-fired models. Never operate combustion heaters in completely sealed environments. Install carbon monoxide detectors when using combustion heaters indoors.

Fuel Handling: Store diesel, paraffin, and propane in approved containers away from ignition sources. Only refuel heaters when cool and switched off, in well-ventilated areas away from naked flames.

Clearances: Maintain manufacturer-specified clearances from combustible materials, typically at least 1-2 metres from walls and flammable substances. Position heaters on stable, level, non-combustible surfaces away from high-traffic areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size space heater do I need for my workshop?
Calculate your space volume (length × width × height in metres) and multiply by 40-60 watts per cubic metre. For example, a 10m × 8m workshop with 3m ceiling height requires approximately 10-15kW heating capacity for typical UK winter conditions.

Can I use a diesel space heater indoors?
Direct-fired diesel heaters can be used indoors only with excellent ventilation, as combustion gases exhaust into the space. For enclosed areas, choose an indirect heater with proper flue installation and always use carbon monoxide detectors.

What's more economical: diesel, paraffin, or propane?
Diesel typically offers the lowest running costs per kW of heat output, followed by paraffin. Propane generally costs more per hour but offers cleaner combustion and easier fuel storage. Consider both fuel prices and heater efficiency ratings when comparing costs.