Hall and workshop heating

Adaptations for heating halls and workshops

Company halls and workshops, often characterised by large open spaces and high ceilings, present a particular challenge when it comes to installing an energy-efficient, targeted heating system. The ideal heating system for halls must therefore be able to heat the different work areas individually and produce heat at the right height.

Halls and workshops have specific heating requirements due to their size and use. It is therefore essential to carry out a thorough requirements analysis before installing a new heating system.

Definition of heating requirements for halls and workshops

Analysis of the current situation

Determine the parameters of the existing installation, e.g. age, general condition, centralised or decentralised system, air exchange, energy consumption and associated costs, etc.:

• List planned renovation work (insulation, extension, replacement of doors and/or windows, etc.)
• Detail the use of the building, e.g. storage hall or workshop, etc.
• Evaluate the heating requirements of the hall/workshop and determine whether the needs should be considered as a whole or only by zone
• Identify physical workspaces and office-type workstations
• Is the heating system centralised or decentralised?

Waste heat recovery

Identify potential sources of heat that could contribute to space heating, e.g. industrial heat (furnaces, steam, etc.), ventilation systems, compressors (compressed air system), etc.

Durability of the heating system

Plan heating production using renewable energies, e.g. heat pumps, solar thermal heat, etc.

Identifying the solution and checking the feasibility of the project to change the heating system

Definition of the solution

• Based on the requirements analysis, define the solution in collaboration with a competent engineering office.
• In addition to the main heat production unit, consider recovering waste heat and combining the unit with another technology, such as solar thermal heating.
• Heat production:
  • Central or decentralised gas, oil, wood or electric (infrared, heat pump) heating
  • Heat distribution using heating water or direct air heating
• Heat distribution:
• Warm air heating: can be connected to central heating or heating with decentralised units, usually fixed to the ceiling. New systems make it possible to install decentralised heat pumps for warm air heating.
• Infrared heating (suspended radiant panels): the heating panels can be installed where the need for heat is greatest (e.g. workstations in a storage hall), allowing zone heating. Low-temperature systems using heating water or electric systems are preferable, as they are more efficient than warm air heating.
• Underfloor heating using low-temperature central heating, ideal with a heat pump. Zone heating is possible with different heating circuits laid in the floor, but the installation costs are high.

Verification of the proposed installation or modification of the heating system in a hall or workshop with regard to operating permits

When adapting existing facilities, and particularly when setting up new facilities, check the nomenclature for classified establishments.

Drawing up specifications and requesting tenders for the heating installation project

Subsidy application

Government subsidies

Temporary environmental impact aid

Extended “SME Packages Sustainability” aid scheme, to give companies greater incentives to invest in measures that significantly improve their environmental impact. Investments under this climate protection measure amount to 70 % for small businesses, 60 % for medium-sized businesses and 50 % for large businesses for projects costing more than €7 500, with a maximum subsidy amount of €100 000.

• Verification of company eligibility and costs: Ministry of the Economy (Department for Support to SMEs)
• Any questions?
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Chambre des Métiers (Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts)

Fit 4 Sustainability” programme:

• The “Fit 4 Sustainability” programme provides co-financing for an environmental audit and action plan on one or more topics chosen by the company (energy, greenhouse gases, waste, water, etc.)
• Subsidies of up to 50 %, 60 % and 70 % of the fees for carrying out an environmental study (energy audit and/or carbon footprint) + detailed, costed action plan to reduce consumption/GHGs (greenhouse gases) (medium- and long-term investment, ROI, etc.) – open to SMEs and large companies (except those required to carry out a statutory audit)
• Any questions? Luxinnovation

SME Packages – Sustainability:

Flat-rate subsidy of €5,000 for small and medium-sized businesses for projects to reduce their environmental impact, costing between €6,650 and €25,000 excluding VAT

Any questions?

• Chambre des Métiers for craftsmen (Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts)
• Chamber of Commerce for companies in the non-craft sectors

Environmental protection scheme – Investment aid for the protection of the environment

• Verification of company eligibility and costs: General Directorate for Industry, new Technology and Research
• Support in drawing up the subsidy application file prior to submission to the Ministry of the Economy
• Any questions? Luxinnovation
• More information and recommendations for companies on investing in the environment are available in the Guide simplifié pour les entreprises (Simplified Guide for Companies)

SME aid scheme – Aid for miscellaneous investments

Subsidies for small and medium-sized businesses, up to 10 % or 20 % of the amount of miscellaneous investments aimed at promoting the modernisation and competitiveness of the Luxembourg economy.

• Verification of company eligibility and costs: Ministry of the Economy (Department for Support to SMEs)
• Any questions?
• House of Entrepreneurship of the Chamber of Commerce
• Chambre des Métiers (Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts)

N.B. State subsidies cannot be combined for the same project.

Application for subsidies from electricity and natural gas suppliers

Since 2015, natural gas and electricity suppliers have been required to make energy savings for consumers under the obligation scheme. Since then, energy suppliers have been offering support and advice, as well as subsidy programmes for consumers to implement energy efficiency measures.

The following suppliers offer this service for companies:

• Enoprimes Enovos + SUDenergie
• SUDenergie
• Sudstroum

N.B. Supplier subsidies can be combined with any state subsidies for the same project.

After completion of the works

Every heating system requires maintenance

• Follow the system installer’s instructions

• Designate a person responsible for checking that the system is operating correctly

• Check operation and temperature requirements once a year