When a workshop, unit or site office is cold, the cost shows up in ways that are easy to miss. People work slower when their hands are cold. Winter brings more coughs and colds, so more days are lost. Morale drops when the place feels miserable. A sensible heater pays for itself in steadier output and a team that wants to be there.
This is a plain guide to the SIP heaters we stock at Captivair, how to think about sizing, and how to run them safely. SIP heaters are available to order at competitive trade prices. Ring or email us and we will help you pick the right one.
Why a cold workplace costs money
Cold slows everything down. Fine assembly, writing, and handling tools all get harder as hands stiffen. Staff take more breaks to warm up. Sickness rises through winter and a chilled unit does not help. None of this is dramatic on any one day, but across a season it adds up to real lost time. A heater that suits the space keeps work moving.
Working out roughly what size heater you need
Treat the following as a rough guide only, not a guarantee. The right output depends on the size of the space, how well it is insulated, the ceiling height, and how much the doors are opening. Heater output is usually given in kilowatts (kW) or BTU per hour. As a rule of thumb, a bigger or draughtier space needs a higher output.
- Site office or small garage: a compact electric fan heater is often enough for a quick warm up.
- Small to medium workshop: a larger electric fan heater or a smaller propane space heater.
- Medium to large workshop or unit: a propane or diesel space heater sized to the volume of the room.
- Large unit or warehouse bay: a high output diesel or professional space heater, or radiant heat aimed at where people stand.
Most SIP product pages list the output and an approximate heating area from the manufacturer. Use those figures as a starting point and talk to us if you are not sure.
Types of SIP heater we sell
Electric fan heaters
Electric fan heaters are the simplest option where you have a power supply and no flue. They warm the air quickly and are easy to move around. See the full range on our SIP Electric Fan Heaters page. Two popular choices are the SIP FIREBALL Turbofan 2000 Electric Fan Heater, which SIP rates at 2kW (6,820 BTU/hr) with a PTC element, and the larger SIP FIREBALL Turbofan 5000 Electric Fan Heater at 5kW (17,064 BTU/hr) for medium spaces. Check each product page for current stock.
Propane space heaters
Propane space heaters give a lot of heat from a portable unit and suit bigger workshops and units, provided there is good ventilation. Browse the SIP Propane Heaters page for the full list. The SIP FIREBALL 512 Propane Space Heater is rated by SIP at 15kW (51,182 BTU/hr) with an approximate heating area of 345 cubic metres. For larger spaces the SIP FIREBALL 1030 Propane Space Heater steps up to 30kW (102,364 BTU/hr) and an approximate heating area of 690 cubic metres. Check each product page for current stock.
Diesel and paraffin space heaters
Diesel and paraffin space heaters are the workhorses for bigger units and warehouse bays. See the SIP Space Heaters page for the range. The wheel mounted SIP FIREBALL XD75 Diesel/Paraffin Space Heater is rated at 22kW (75,000 BTU/hr) with an integrated thermostat and an approximate heating area of 530 cubic metres. The SIP FIREBALL XD140 Diesel/Paraffin Space Heater is a larger 41kW (140,000 BTU/hr) unit for large workshops and warehouse areas. For a professional option, the SIP FIREBALL P660S Professional Space Heater runs on diesel or paraffin, is rated at 21.4kW (73,110 BTU/hr) with an approximate heating area of 461 cubic metres, and has a stainless steel casing. Check each product page for current stock.
Radiant and infrared heaters
Radiant and infrared heaters warm objects and people directly rather than heating all the air, which is useful for high or draughty spaces and for spot warming a work area. See the SIP Infrared Heaters page. The SIP Halogen Infrared Heater uses a gold coated halogen lamp and gives targeted radiant heat up to 6,820 BTU/hr for indoor and semi outdoor areas. The wheel mounted SIP FIREBALL RP35 Radiant Propane Heater radiates infrared heat with no mains supply needed, for medium workshops and garages with good ventilation. Check each product page for current stock.
Safety first
Fuel burning heaters need respect. Gas, diesel and paraffin heaters all need proper ventilation, and the risk of carbon monoxide is real. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific model. Use a carbon monoxide alarm where relevant, keep fresh air moving, and never block air inlets or exhausts. Any fixed or flued installation should be done properly by a competent person. We cannot say that a given heater is suitable or safe for your particular space, so check the product data and the instructions, and ask us or a qualified installer if you are unsure.
Heaters for engineers
One SIP range is not for warming rooms or people at all. SIP induction heaters, listed on our SIP Induction Heaters page, use localised induction heat to free seized bolts, nuts and fasteners. They heat the metal part directly so it expands and releases, which helps avoid damage from cutting or hammering. They are a workshop tool for engineers, not a space heater, and should never be used to heat an area or people.
Why buy from Captivair
Captivair is a family run business that has been supplying industry since 1968. We have our own in house drivers and engineers, and we carry over 15,000 lines in stock across pneumatics, hose, fittings and workshop equipment. That means you are dealing with people who know the products and can help you choose, not a faceless catalogue.
Talk to us about larger sites
If you are heating a larger site or a run of units, send us the details and we will help you work out a sensible setup. Email or ring the team for a quote and honest advice. SIP heaters are available to order, and we are happy to talk through sizing, fuel type and safety before you buy. You can reach us by email at sales@captivair.co.uk or by phone on 01474 334537.
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