Warmth and Energy Efficiency in Restaurants: Heating and Design Choices
Ensuring customer comfort with low heating costs can be challenging, especially in cold areas. Working in our business usually means walking, rushing around, or being close to warm equipment in a kitchen or coffee station – there’s little opportunity to get cold. But customers sit still in a public space and feel every draft or change in temperature. We need to understand their experience; if they’re unhappy, they could leave without ordering or cut short their visit. Understanding restaurant heating & energy use can lead to big cost savings!
Important factors for optimising comfort include insulation, heating system choices, building orientation, control systems, zoning, ventilation, lighting and decor. By understanding design and equipment options, you can create warm and welcoming spaces that prioritise customer comfort, reduce heating costs, and actively contribute to a sustainable future. See also Understanding Energy Use: A Restaurant’s Guide to Lower Costs.
Design Solutions for Restaurant Warmth and Comfort
Whether you’re working on a new building or renovating an existing one, here are the main issues to consider – it’s often a combination of elements that gives the best result:
Insulation: Proper insulation is crucial to minimise heat loss and keep the interior warm. Insulate walls, floors, and ceilings effectively using insulated panels or double-glazed windows.
Efficient Heating Systems: Choose energy-efficient heating systems that provide effective warmth while minimising energy consumption. Options like high-efficiency boilers, radiant heating, or heat pumps can help reduce heating costs.
Building Orientation: Consider the building’s orientation to take advantage of sunlight. Maximise south-facing windows to allow natural light and heat to enter during the day, reducing the reliance on artificial heating. This is more relevant if you’re designing a new business.
Air Sealing: Ensure the building is properly sealed to prevent drafts and heat leakage. Seal windows, doors, and other potential air leakage points to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Thermal Mass: Incorporate thermal mass materials like concrete or stone in your design. These materials absorb and store heat during the day and release it slowly at night, helping to stabilise indoor temperatures.
Energy-Efficient Lighting: Opt for energy-efficient lighting options like LED bulbs, which generate less heat and consume less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Zoning and Control Systems: Divide the restaurant into different heating zones to optimise energy usage. Use programmable thermostats and zone controls to adjust temperatures according to occupancy and specific areas of the restaurant.
Ventilation and Humidity Control: Proper ventilation is essential to maintain air quality and prevent excess humidity. Install an efficient ventilation system that removes moisture effectively while minimising heat loss.
Building Envelope: Evaluate the building envelope for any potential heat loss areas. Check for gaps, cracks, or inadequate insulation and address them accordingly to improve energy efficiency.
Signage & Pictures: Let people know if you have a warm and cosy place! It could be a window sign in winter that says ‘warm and cosy inside’, or pictures that say ‘warm and comfortable’ on your website and social media. And if you have a fireplace, that should always be featured.
Sustainable Design: Consider incorporating sustainable design practices into your restaurant. This could include using renewable energy sources, like solar panels, or implementing recycling and waste management systems. Each project is unique, so working closely with an experienced architect and consulting with heating and ventilation specialists will ensure the best solutions.
Find ways to warm up a drafty restaurant space
If you’re dealing with a drafty space and looking for ways to warm it up, here are some effective strategies to consider:
Weatherstripping: Seal gaps around windows, doors, and other openings. This helps prevent cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping
Door Curtains or Air Curtains: Install door or air curtains at entrances to create a barrier against drafts. These curtains use a stream of air to block cold air from entering while allowing easy customer access.
Automatically Closing Doors: usually a mechanical closer, but may also be electric. Most manual systems are designed for homes where they are used a few times a day – go for commercial quality if you want it to keep working effectively in a cafe or restaurant.
Insulated Window Treatments: Use insulated window treatments, such as heavy curtains or cellular shades, to provide an additional insulation layer and reduce heat loss through windows.
Draft Stoppers: Place them or door sweeps at the base of exterior doors to seal gaps and prevent cold air from seeping in.
Space Heaters: Supplement the existing heating system with energy-efficient space heaters in areas where customers and staff spend more time. This provides targeted warmth while reducing overall heating costs.
A Real Fire? Consider these only for the atmosphere and creating word of mouth – the heat source is located in only one area, and there are fire risks, constant cleaning and wood is expensive.
Radiant Heaters: Install radiant heaters, such as radiant panels or infrared heaters, strategically in colder zones of the restaurant. These heaters emit radiant heat directly to objects and people, offering a comfortable warmth without wasting energy.
Insulated Ceiling Tiles: Replace or add insulated ceiling tiles to improve thermal insulation and reduce heat loss through the ceiling. These tiles provide an extra layer of insulation and help retain warmth.
Airconditioning System Maintenance: Ensure the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is well-maintained. Regularly clean or replace air filters, inspect the ductwork for leaks, and schedule professional HVAC maintenance to optimise the system’s efficiency.
Decorative Elements: Introduce decor elements that provide aesthetic appeal and functional warmth. Consider incorporating cozy textiles like rugs, drapes, or upholstery, which can add insulation and create a warmer atmosphere.
Seating Arrangements: Rearrange seating to minimise the impact of cold drafts. Avoid placing tables near exterior doors or windows where drafts are more likely to be felt – use screens if this is unavoidable.
Knee Rugs: They can help customers stay cosy and comfortable while dining outdoors by providing warmth to their legs and lap areas. Make sure they are clean, hygienic, and well-maintained.
How do radiant heaters work? Are they worth the cost?
Radiant heaters generate infrared radiation, a form of electromagnetic radiation that carries heat energy. They can be an effective way to manage the cost of restaurant heating & energy use. With these systems, radiation travels in straight lines, heating objects and surfaces it comes into contact with. Unlike traditional heating systems that warm the surrounding air, radiant heaters directly heat objects and people in their path. When the infrared radiation emitted by the heater reaches an object or a person, it is absorbed, converting into heat energy and raising the temperature. They typically have a higher heating capacity than most space heaters, and are designed to provide warmth over a larger area and can effectively cover a zone or an entire room. They’re known for their energy efficiency, resulting in lower energy consumption than space heaters.
How kitchen exhaust systems affect front-of-house heating
Restaurant exhaust systems can potentially suck up warmed air from the main customer area, leading to drafts and increased heating costs. Proper system design is essential: The hoods should be strategically located to capture cooking fumes efficiently without creating excessive airflow in the customer area. They also need the supply and exhaust airflows in the restaurant to be balanced. By adjusting the air distribution, you can maintain positive pressure in the customer area, preventing excessive air loss to the exhaust system. This is a job for an experienced exhaust specialist.
Air curtains at kitchen entrances also create a barrier between the kitchen and customer areas. They blow a stream of air downward, creating an invisible barrier that helps prevent the migration of air and temperature between spaces. Ensure the ductwork supplying air to the customer area is properly insulated. This helps to minimise heat loss as the air travels through the ducts, improving energy efficiency and maintaining comfortable temperatures in the customer space.
Lighting can add to the sense of warmth and comfort
Proper lighting design plays a significant role in creating a sense of warmth and comfort in a restaurant. Choosing lighting fixtures with warm colours, such as soft white or warm white (2700K to 3000K), can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Consider using lighting fixtures with warm finishes, such as copper, bronze, or wood tones. See How to Boost Restaurant & Cafe Profits with Better Lighting.
Effectiveness and cost of outdoor ‘mushroom’ heaters
These are typically powered by propane or natural gas, and are connected to a gas bottle or a natural gas line as their fuel source. Propane heaters use portable gas cylinders, while natural gas heaters are usually connected directly to a gas line. The heater contains a burner assembly that ignites the fuel. The burner has a control valve, pilot light, or an electronic ignition system for easy startup. Once ignited, the burner produces a flame that heats a metal or ceramic element at the top of the heater. This element radiates heat in all directions, providing warmth to the surrounding outdoor area – they work best without drafts.
The gas consumption of outdoor heaters varies depending on heat output setting, duration of use, outdoor temperature, and wind conditions. As a rough estimate, propane mushroom heaters consume approximately 0.45 to 0.9 kilograms of propane per hour at their highest setting.
Using heat pumps or split-system air conditioning units
Heat Pumps differ from split system air conditioning units, although they share some similarities. A heat pump uses refrigeration technology to transfer heat between indoor and outdoor environments. It can provide heating and cooling functions by extracting heat from the outdoor air (even in colder temperatures), transferring it indoors during winter, and reversing the process to cool the indoor space during summer. They are an energy-efficient option.
Split System Air Conditioning Units have an indoor and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit contains the cooling coil, blower, and controls, while the outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser coil. They are designed primarily for cooling and dehumidifying indoor spaces.
Heating choices and climate change – electric is best
It’s crucial to consider the role of electricity as a solution for addressing climate change. When generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power, has a lower carbon footprint than gas. By opting for electric heating solutions, you can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Many governments worldwide actively promote the transition to clean energy and offer incentives for businesses to adopt renewable technologies. This includes financial incentives, tax credits, and grants that can help offset the initial investment in electric heating systems.
Find a balance for your venue between customer comfort and saving energy using good insulation, energy-saving heating systems, and eco-friendly designs free of drafts. Installing radiant heaters, heat pumps, and renewable energy sources keeps the space warm and cosy, saves money, and helps the environment. A cold drafty space does not create the desire to linger and order a second coffee or return with friends – it’s worth investing in an upgrade.
Ensuring customer comfort with low heating costs can be challenging, especially in cold areas. Working in our business usually means walking, rushing around, or being close to warm equipment in a kitchen or coffee station – there’s little opportunity to get cold. But customers sit still in a public space and feel every draft or change in temperature. We need to understand their experience; if they’re unhappy, they could leave without ordering or cut short their visit. Understanding restaurant heating & energy use can lead to big cost savings!
Important factors for optimising comfort include insulation, heating system choices, building orientation, control systems, zoning, ventilation, lighting and decor. By understanding design and equipment options, you can create warm and welcoming spaces that prioritise customer comfort, reduce heating costs, and actively contribute to a sustainable future. See also Understanding Energy Use: A Restaurant’s Guide to Lower Costs.
Design Solutions for Restaurant Warmth and Comfort
Whether you’re working on a new building or renovating an existing one, here are the main issues to consider – it’s often a combination of elements that gives the best result:
Insulation: Proper insulation is crucial to minimise heat loss and keep the interior warm. Insulate walls, floors, and ceilings effectively using insulated panels or double-glazed windows.
Efficient Heating Systems: Choose energy-efficient heating systems that provide effective warmth while minimising energy consumption. Options like high-efficiency boilers, radiant heating, or heat pumps can help reduce heating costs.
Building Orientation: Consider the building’s orientation to take advantage of sunlight. Maximise south-facing windows to allow natural light and heat to enter during the day, reducing the reliance on artificial heating. This is more relevant if you’re designing a new business.
Air Sealing: Ensure the building is properly sealed to prevent drafts and heat leakage. Seal windows, doors, and other potential air leakage points to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Thermal Mass: Incorporate thermal mass materials like concrete or stone in your design. These materials absorb and store heat during the day and release it slowly at night, helping to stabilise indoor temperatures.
Energy-Efficient Lighting: Opt for energy-efficient lighting options like LED bulbs, which generate less heat and consume less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Zoning and Control Systems: Divide the restaurant into different heating zones to optimise energy usage. Use programmable thermostats and zone controls to adjust temperatures according to occupancy and specific areas of the restaurant.
Ventilation and Humidity Control: Proper ventilation is essential to maintain air quality and prevent excess humidity. Install an efficient ventilation system that removes moisture effectively while minimising heat loss.
Building Envelope: Evaluate the building envelope for any potential heat loss areas. Check for gaps, cracks, or inadequate insulation and address them accordingly to improve energy efficiency.
Signage & Pictures: Let people know if you have a warm and cosy place! It could be a window sign in winter that says ‘warm and cosy inside’, or pictures that say ‘warm and comfortable’ on your website and social media. And if you have a fireplace, that should always be featured.
Sustainable Design: Consider incorporating sustainable design practices into your restaurant. This could include using renewable energy sources, like solar panels, or implementing recycling and waste management systems. Each project is unique, so working closely with an experienced architect and consulting with heating and ventilation specialists will ensure the best solutions.
Find ways to warm up a drafty restaurant space
If you’re dealing with a drafty space and looking for ways to warm it up, here are some effective strategies to consider:
Weatherstripping: Seal gaps around windows, doors, and other openings. This helps prevent cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping
Door Curtains or Air Curtains: Install door or air curtains at entrances to create a barrier against drafts. These curtains use a stream of air to block cold air from entering while allowing easy customer access.
Automatically Closing Doors: usually a mechanical closer, but may also be electric. Most manual systems are designed for homes where they are used a few times a day – go for commercial quality if you want it to keep working effectively in a cafe or restaurant.
Insulated Window Treatments: Use insulated window treatments, such as heavy curtains or cellular shades, to provide an additional insulation layer and reduce heat loss through windows.
Draft Stoppers: Place them or door sweeps at the base of exterior doors to seal gaps and prevent cold air from seeping in.
Space Heaters: Supplement the existing heating system with energy-efficient space heaters in areas where customers and staff spend more time. This provides targeted warmth while reducing overall heating costs.
A Real Fire? Consider these only for the atmosphere and creating word of mouth – the heat source is located in only one area, and there are fire risks, constant cleaning and wood is expensive.
Radiant Heaters: Install radiant heaters, such as radiant panels or infrared heaters, strategically in colder zones of the restaurant. These heaters emit radiant heat directly to objects and people, offering a comfortable warmth without wasting energy.
Insulated Ceiling Tiles: Replace or add insulated ceiling tiles to improve thermal insulation and reduce heat loss through the ceiling. These tiles provide an extra layer of insulation and help retain warmth.
Airconditioning System Maintenance: Ensure the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is well-maintained. Regularly clean or replace air filters, inspect the ductwork for leaks, and schedule professional HVAC maintenance to optimise the system’s efficiency.
Decorative Elements: Introduce decor elements that provide aesthetic appeal and functional warmth. Consider incorporating cozy textiles like rugs, drapes, or upholstery, which can add insulation and create a warmer atmosphere.
Seating Arrangements: Rearrange seating to minimise the impact of cold drafts. Avoid placing tables near exterior doors or windows where drafts are more likely to be felt – use screens if this is unavoidable.
Knee Rugs: They can help customers stay cosy and comfortable while dining outdoors by providing warmth to their legs and lap areas. Make sure they are clean, hygienic, and well-maintained.
How do radiant heaters work? Are they worth the cost?
Radiant heaters generate infrared radiation, a form of electromagnetic radiation that carries heat energy. They can be an effective way to manage the cost of restaurant heating & energy use. With these systems, radiation travels in straight lines, heating objects and surfaces it comes into contact with. Unlike traditional heating systems that warm the surrounding air, radiant heaters directly heat objects and people in their path. When the infrared radiation emitted by the heater reaches an object or a person, it is absorbed, converting into heat energy and raising the temperature. They typically have a higher heating capacity than most space heaters, and are designed to provide warmth over a larger area and can effectively cover a zone or an entire room. They’re known for their energy efficiency, resulting in lower energy consumption than space heaters.
How kitchen exhaust systems affect front-of-house heating
Restaurant exhaust systems can potentially suck up warmed air from the main customer area, leading to drafts and increased heating costs. Proper system design is essential: The hoods should be strategically located to capture cooking fumes efficiently without creating excessive airflow in the customer area. They also need the supply and exhaust airflows in the restaurant to be balanced. By adjusting the air distribution, you can maintain positive pressure in the customer area, preventing excessive air loss to the exhaust system. This is a job for an experienced exhaust specialist.
Air curtains at kitchen entrances also create a barrier between the kitchen and customer areas. They blow a stream of air downward, creating an invisible barrier that helps prevent the migration of air and temperature between spaces. Ensure the ductwork supplying air to the customer area is properly insulated. This helps to minimise heat loss as the air travels through the ducts, improving energy efficiency and maintaining comfortable temperatures in the customer space.
Lighting can add to the sense of warmth and comfort
Proper lighting design plays a significant role in creating a sense of warmth and comfort in a restaurant. Choosing lighting fixtures with warm colours, such as soft white or warm white (2700K to 3000K), can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Consider using lighting fixtures with warm finishes, such as copper, bronze, or wood tones. See How to Boost Restaurant & Cafe Profits with Better Lighting.
Effectiveness and cost of outdoor ‘mushroom’ heaters
These are typically powered by propane or natural gas, and are connected to a gas bottle or a natural gas line as their fuel source. Propane heaters use portable gas cylinders, while natural gas heaters are usually connected directly to a gas line. The heater contains a burner assembly that ignites the fuel. The burner has a control valve, pilot light, or an electronic ignition system for easy startup. Once ignited, the burner produces a flame that heats a metal or ceramic element at the top of the heater. This element radiates heat in all directions, providing warmth to the surrounding outdoor area – they work best without drafts.
The gas consumption of outdoor heaters varies depending on heat output setting, duration of use, outdoor temperature, and wind conditions. As a rough estimate, propane mushroom heaters consume approximately 0.45 to 0.9 kilograms of propane per hour at their highest setting.
Using heat pumps or split-system air conditioning units
Heat Pumps differ from split system air conditioning units, although they share some similarities. A heat pump uses refrigeration technology to transfer heat between indoor and outdoor environments. It can provide heating and cooling functions by extracting heat from the outdoor air (even in colder temperatures), transferring it indoors during winter, and reversing the process to cool the indoor space during summer. They are an energy-efficient option.
Split System Air Conditioning Units have an indoor and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit contains the cooling coil, blower, and controls, while the outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser coil. They are designed primarily for cooling and dehumidifying indoor spaces.
Heating choices and climate change – electric is best
It’s crucial to consider the role of electricity as a solution for addressing climate change. When generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power, has a lower carbon footprint than gas. By opting for electric heating solutions, you can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Many governments worldwide actively promote the transition to clean energy and offer incentives for businesses to adopt renewable technologies. This includes financial incentives, tax credits, and grants that can help offset the initial investment in electric heating systems.
Find a balance for your venue between customer comfort and saving energy using good insulation, energy-saving heating systems, and eco-friendly designs free of drafts. Installing radiant heaters, heat pumps, and renewable energy sources keeps the space warm and cosy, saves money, and helps the environment. A cold drafty space does not create the desire to linger and order a second coffee or return with friends – it’s worth investing in an upgrade.
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