Right now we’re in the depths of working from home. The usual hour-long commute for most people has dramatically shrunk to rolling out of bed and hunkering down at your de-facto work station to get the day going. While staff have adjusted to the changes, back at the office, managers and supervisors might be scratching their hands wondering what changes need to be made.
I am not just talking about changes like having hand sanitiser available or getting measuring tape out to see how many staff can sit around a desk, but measures that affect bills. One area, in particular, which I think no one is taking the time to address is office heating.
You might be reading this right now while working from home without realising that your office is most likely still set to have heating come on early doors and stay on throughout the day. It is a tremendous cost and one which will need reining in. So what can offices do to control heating soon, bring bills down where possible, and make sure staff are kept warm when they’re finally back to work properly?
Firstly, let’s consider what function the office needs to have in the near future. It is looking likely that most businesses will adopt a more flexible approach to choosing where to work, i.e. splitting days between being in the office and at home. In larger offices, that means heating will relatively stay the same, but what about those who are using separate offices and smaller communal areas? They’ll require heating on-demand, and the easiest way to help with that is through choosing the right type of electric heating.
Generally, you can use three types of electric heating in an office (I am ignoring storage/economy 7 heating, as we all know what a nightmare it is). You have:
Portable radiators
Arguably the simplest solution with reduced footfall in the office. A pluggable portable radiator can be moved around to meet demand. Best to think of it as a temporary solution, rather than something to solve all your problems. While they work great, their clumsiness can lead to a feeling they get in the way too much for the staff.
Infrared radiators
Anyone redecorating offices while staff are away should seriously consider infrared radiators. These flashy panels can sit anywhere to provide directional heat which works best in closed spaces like private offices and conference rooms. They also look completely different from regular radiators, giving you a functional item which looks great too.
Electric radiators
I am a big proponent of electric radiators, as they are almost hassle-free. As long as a plug socket is within reach, these can be hung on the wall and work independently of your heating system (although you can use smart meters to control them wirelessly). Anyone in smaller offices with individual rooms will want this type of radiator. It can be used without the main heating system needing to be on.
If you’re looking for a good deal on electric and infrared radiators for the office, I highly recommend giving the Trade Radiators website a quick visit here.
So what should someone be aware of if they do choose to opt for electric heating in their workplace? Ensure that electrical products can match the heat output required in the space and that any locations don’t impede staff. The last thing you want on your hands is a health and safety hazard.
Thanks for reading, and I hope that this small dive into electric heating has sparked at least a few ideas on what changes you can make around the office before welcoming staff back in.
