Their are various types of heaters and online heater suppliers to select for your hotel, motel, lodge, apartment, or home. To help keep your motel customers and staff warm, their are well known and respected heater brands, manufactures, and suppliers within New Zealand. Perhaps browse the supplier directory below to select a suitable heating unit or system, including possible project consultation services to satisfy your venue accommodation heating requirements. But consider heating options beforehand that would specifically suit your motel or hotel needs. Image of warmth by dlritter.
Space and Output Requirements
- Efficiency (Heat and Cost) over all in terms of open and inhibited space (e.g. furniture blockage, window insulation - curtains) and size
- Heat output amount during the day, night, or a set operational time (e.g. hourly) period
- Specific areas and their open space for heating, e.g. bathroom heating needs may be different from the reception, or kitchen.
- Ideal placement and permanent heat placement locations within the motel/hotel premises.
- Thermostat and temperature control, possible heating maintenance, power cost usage costs (perhaps evaluate for ideal custom power usage/cost plans), and purchase cost, including any heat system installation and services.
Heating Type Factors - Consider
- Quick portable heat - e.g. for small bathrooms
- Fixed internal or external central systems for efficient and consistent heat and/or humidity
- perhaps heat pumps to suit
- Or underfloor heating
- Fire type heat - either a real fire or a simulated flued gas fire to enhance the feeling of warmth.
Heat Theory Factors
You may need to consider the overall flow (or seek professional advice), heat interaction (e.g. absorption/desorption), heat loss or cold draft, temperature gradient zones (cold - warm spots), i.e. factors relating to thermodynamics of heat. This is to try maintain optimum heat consistency and flow in various room. For example -
- Heat naturally travels from warmer to cooler surfaces to establish equilibrium (I learnt in Physics at Uni - The 1st law of Thermodynamics, I think). This means always hot body to a cold body heat transfer
- The larger the temperature difference (uninterrupted), then the faster heat travels
- Any absorbed heat, e.g. during the day will release or transfer to cooler evening air if present (If no heat equilibrium has been established)
- Better heat retention within a room (or overall space) will occur with the presence of thermal mass items. This could include beds, drapes, lounge suites, and other fabric based linen or furniture.
- Insulation - To help reduce heat loss, so consider inter locations such as ceiling, underfloor, wall, and double glazed windows. Consider insulation materials such as the well known Pink Batts (including the "Snug Floor" underfloor insulation), Ecofleece wool, Ecofloor (Polyester fibers), other insulation materials include fiberglass, wool, and polyester.
- Visit online energy sites for ideas - e.g. The Government EECA ( Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority at www.ecea.govt.nz), EnergyNZ (www.energynz.com), www.energystar.govt.nz (or Energy Star), www.energywise.govt.nz (Energy Wise), www.energyadvice.org.nz (Energy Advice), and www.consumer.org.nz (Consumer Power Switch). Perhaps reference NZ Power suppliers and retailers (e.g. Genesis Energy, Contact Energy, Meridian, Energyfed.org, and other relevant power supply related internet sites)
Heater or Heating Types
Range of heating types that can be used, perhaps together at specific times and locations within a premise.
- Electric. These include the common radiant, oil column, convection, and fan heater. They come in a range of sizes, heat rate and energy output (kilowatts), safety and convenience features (e.g. trip switch off, timer, and thermostat), suitability (e.g. instant for a small area, or larger enclosed area, heat transfer time), portability, purchase and operating costs.
- Gas. - Often LPG or natural gas. Economical, visualizing appealing (for real effect "fires") particularly with new designs emerging. Gas fires are free standing or wall panel mounted.
- Heat Pumps. Perhaps economical long term with their efficient energy/electricity conversion, to help offset relatively high installation costs; Also year round comfort (winter heating, summer cooling, and dehumidifying). So check and ask about power saving features, energy star ratings for both heating and cooling, temperature range operation (e.g. minimum cool settings to maximum heat), noise level (ideally whisper quiet, measured in decibels, e.g 19 dBa), pump types (e.g. single or multi split systems, Hi- wall, cassettes, ducted, VRF- Variable refrigerant volume, etc).
Also consider programmable timer settings, fan speeds, zone control, dimensions, design, overall energy star certification/qualification, Asthma NZ recommendation, warranty length for parts/labour (at least 5 years perhaps), ISO 14001 accreditation, and initial installation costs. Image of heat pump by commons.wikimedia.org.
But also consider Safety when in use, and around frail and young children. Also when purchasing online from auction sites. Ask the seller if the heater meets NZ safety standards, and if a lab certified label or report can be issued. This is important for imported, after market, and unbranded models. Research online for specifications and certification for particular units, and any related safety/electrical/hazardous standards online at NZS, AS, ICS, EN, BSI, UL, and ISO standards. Fires have started in NZ homes for suspect or unknown units, including for imported after market chargers.
Mitsubishi Ecodan | How Heat Pumps Work |
Heater NZ Suppliers
Bond and Bond (http://www.bondandbond.co.nz)
Suppliers of a range of heater types, dimensions, and heat outputs which include -
- Fan heaters (about 2000W, portable, adjustable heat settings, safety cut out, overheat protection, light weight, small, and thermostat control). Image of gas fireplace by 693460.
- Convection Heaters (Typically 2000W to 2400W, three heat settings (e.g. 700W, 1200W, and 2400W with fan assistance), utilizes convectional and radiant heat technology, portable via castor wheels, turbo fans, carry handles, timer thermostat, tip cut out, and other features).
- Heat Pumps (Includes wall units, 7 day timers, inverter technology, heating (cooling) down to -15"C, easy maintenance, energy star rating efficiency, fan assistance, and many are whisper quiet); Radiant Gas heaters (The familiar rectangular shape, and can include convective and radiant heat output, 3 or 4 heat settings, thermostat control, safety tilt switch,and more).
Oil Column Heaters (Typically 1.5 to 2.4 Kw, with electronic 24 hr timers, thermostat, drying rack, tilt cut out switch, cool grip handle, and more).
- Ceramic Heaters (1100W to about 2200W, safe and instant heat, can include energy saving thermostat, oscillating control, tip safety control, touch sensor controls, etc).
- Dehumidifiers to control moisture, dampness, and humidity. Some remove up to 26 litres of moisture.
Noel Leemings (http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/)
Supply radiant, oil column, convection, fan, flame, ceramic, dehumidifiers, and heat pumps, similar to Bond and Bond. Hence a range of heating unit styles, heat type, and size to accommodate motels and hotels. Popular brands are sold at both stores.
Mitre 10 (http://www.mitre10.co.nz/)
View a vast range of electrical heating, air conditioning, heat pumps, fans, and dehumidifiers. Includes ceramic wall heater, bathroom heater, outdoor infrared heater (2kw),"gas forced" industrial heater, diesel industrial heat unit, panel and radiant heaters, and wood based fire units (e.g. Masport furnace type units). Also inverter heat pumps (Daewoo), and portable air conditioners. Suppliers of fire side accessories, such as log baskets, fireside set, pokers, fire screens, fire lighters, fire starters, and matches. Hence plenty of choice to select suitable heating units for motel and hotel rooms.
LHZ Heaters (http://www.hrv.co.nz/)
Enjoy comfortable warm and efficient radiant heat from ceramic stone tablets that retain heat. The wall mounted heater uses 30 minutes of electricity per hour, quiet, with a safe touch surface, and 12 year guarantee. Can heat up a single room, or central heating, are easy to install, automatic, with quiets as a whisper operation.
Plumbing World (http://www.plumbingworld.co.nz/)
Select from a range of heating options, which include flued gas (Bonaire wall furnaces, Rinnai energy power saver flued), freestanding (e.g. Kent) and inbuilt fire heaters (Regency), wood fires (Jayline), portable convector gas heating (Rinnai), panel heaters (SKOPE and Geo Slik), central heating systems (Bonaire), heat pumps (TCL TAC), condensing boiler systems (Rheem), solar water and more (e.g. bathroom heaters, patio/balcony and outdoor flued fireplace heaters). Great images and description of the heating units.
4 Seasons Heating (http://www.4seasons.co.nz/)
Sellers of a huge range of heaters within a range of heating types. Also supply BBQ's and accessories, and Spa pools. Heaters include Heat Pumps/Air Conditioners, Indoor Gas Fires (Masport), Wood Fire Furnaces (including rural) (e.g. Logaire, Firenzo, Jayline, with Cook Tops), Diesel Fire Furnaces, Multi Fuel Fire Furnaces (Jotul, Masport), Electric Convection Panel heaters and Electric Fire Heaters (ElectraFlame).
Betta Electrical (http://www.bettaelectrical.co.nz/)
Several products to shop for home and motels, including dishwashers, refrigeration, waste disposers, laundry and floor care, cooking needs, small appliances, and of course heating. Heaters include oscillating ceramic heaters (including the "twin heat", remote control, and compact models), heat pumps, and dehumidifiers.
Smith City (http://www.smithscity.co.nz/)
Buy gas fires, air conditioners, fuel fires, and hot water heating. Also suppliers of furniture, furnishings, outdoor furniture, sports equipment, and more.
Happy Home Solutions (http://www.happyhome.co.nz/)
- Suppliers of Bonaire ducted warm air central heating
Low cost natural gas to provide value, fast, and effective heating in it's environment. Enjoy button touch heating, with a range of programmable thermostat controls. Their are models suitable for room(s) sizes, and it's filters improve air quality for an enhanced environment. Can request a free heat sensor to evaluate the temperatures in the rooms.
Fonko (http://www.fonko.co.nz/)
Installers, specialists and sellers/suppliers of heat pumps and air conditioners of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd Inverters. This includes the SRK models (e.g. SRK-ZHX) for small to large living room areas. Easily view specifications for conditioning units - e.g. energy labels for cooling/heating, air flow rates, sound power levels, dimensions, and more. Also read testimonials of professionalism of installation, and view the their certificate dealer award.
Daikin (http://www.daikin.co.nz/)
Suppliers of energy efficient, reliable, and quiet heat pumps, due to their advanced technology and design features. Operating efficiently in thousands of commercial premises and homes, including motels and hotels.
Online dealers/suppliers in New Zealand include -
- Auckland Heat Pumps (http://www.aucklandheatpumps.co.nz/)
The site includes heat pump information, FAQ's (including technical information; also can submit questions) and customer testimonials
- Climate Control (http://www.climatecontrol.co.nz/)
Read heat pump information, staff profiles, FAQ's testimonials, categories about domestic and commercial systems.
- Thermal Solutions (http://www.thermalsolutions.co.nz/)
Testimonials, image gallery of commercial projects, related blog (though minimal info), good heat pump description, leasing options, and mobile service.
- Gavin Lowe Air Conditioning (http://www.heatpumps.co.nz/)
- Products includes inverter technology (the site includes diagram and description how it works), FAQ's, and new products/showcase categories, which also include Panasonic and Mitsubishi air con units (e.g. floor, ceiling, wall, including compact units all with informative descriptions).