The many uses for portable air heaters in the farming and agriculture industry

Cold temperatures can seriously affect day-to-day agricultural operations – from harming livestock health and reducing crop growth, to causing frost damage on your essential farm equipment.

As temperature and moisture levels fluctuate across livestock buildings and other farm settings, maintaining optimal conditions in a cost-effective way requires flexible heating solutions.

This article explains what portable heating systems are and their essential role in the global agricultural sector.

What are portable air heaters?

While fixed heating units control temperatures in a single area, portable air heaters are lighter and mobile, making them ideal for agricultural climate control where environments change regularly.

There are several different types of portable heating solutions to choose from, including:

• Direct-fired oil heaters, which burn oil, gas or biofuel to provide large amounts of hot air efficiently

• Indirect-fired heaters, which uses heat combustion chambers to produce clean, fume-free heat

• Electric heaters, which connect to power outlets to deliver instant, emission-free heat output

• Infrared heaters, which use radiant heat to warm objects and surfaces without being affected by air movement

How are portable heaters used in the agriculture sector?

Portable heaters play a critical role in modern agricultural operations:

Optimises crop growth

Although winters in Europe are becoming milder, extreme weather events are increasing. Sudden drops in temperature and heavy snowfall can slow crop growth, damage plants and affect long-term soil health.

Portable electric heaters provide a practical solution. They are lightweight, emission-free and easy to position in greenhouses, vertical farms and other growing environments – maintaining the optimal temperatures required for productive harvests.

Prevents produce spoilage

Winter weather does not only affect crops in the field. It can also damage your stored crops, grains and other food products. Maintaining the correct temperature is vital to preserve their quality.

Even brief exposure to cold can damage lettuce and sweet potatoes, alter the texture of bananas and apples, and increase the risk of disease in tropical fruits and vegetables.

Protecting these items from freezing conditions is critical to their quality, shelf-lives and value to your customers. Portable indirect heaters provide an effective solution, delivering clean and efficient heat to ensure the best possible storage conditions for your various crops.

Improves livestock productivity

Temperature has a significant impact on livestock health and productivity.

Cold weather can reduce milk production in cows, disrupt the diets of pigs, and increase the risk of disease in poultry. These factors not only limit operational efficiency, but reduce the long-term profitability of your farm.

Portable infrared heaters are an excellent choice to enhance livestock comfort and productivity. They deliver radiant heat, similar to sunlight, which makes them effective to warm up your animals in buildings that are partially open to the elements.

Accelerates grain drying

Portable air heaters can greatly speed up cereal grains drying times, so they are ready for distribution sooner.

Ducting an indirect-fired heater into your storage barn means your grains reach the 15% moisture level needed for sale much sooner than they could naturally. In fact, we have supplied solutions for our customers that dry 160 gallons of grain in just 24 hours.

When used alongside a dedicated dehumidifier, portable heaters enable you to prevent moisture build-up in your farm buildings, preventing mould growth and grain clumping.

Safeguards equipment condition

Farm machinery is vulnerable to cold weather. Frost can damage planters, watering systems, tractors and other essential equipment, leading to high repair costs and operational delays.

Portable infrared heaters help prevent frost-related damage. As they heat surfaces directly, these heaters are renowned for tackling ice formation before it can cause any significant harm.

If the equipment you rely on is susceptible to frost, portable infrared heaters can prevent this occurrence. Renowned for their ability to heat surfaces directly, this type of warm air solution can be useful wherever ice is a problem across your premises.

How to choose the right space heaters for your needs

Portable heaters can benefit almost any farm building or environment. However, selecting the most efficient and cost-effective agriculture heating solution requires careful consideration.

For the perfect combination of maximum heat output and minimal energy costs, consider the following when choosing your space heaters:

• Climate conditions – Some heaters perform better in specific temperatures and weather conditions

• Type of heating required – Different heaters suit different applications, such as heating livestock areas or drying produce

• Building size and insulation – The chosen heater must have the capacity to heat the intended space effectively

• Portability and ease of use – A good portable heater should be simple to transport, install and maintain

• Durability and build quality – The heater must withstand the demanding conditions of agricultural buildings

• Manufacturer support – Reliable customer support helps ensure maximum efficiency and longevity for your portable heaters

At Dantherm Group, we understand every farm has unique heating needs. Our bespoke, consultative approach ensures you receive the most effective and energy-efficient system for your farm buildings’ specific dimensions and requirements.

Dantherm Group: The European leaders in agriculture heating

Since 1954, Dantherm Group has developed a wide range of portable heaters designed to meet the specific demands of the agriculture sector.

Backed by decades of engineering expertise and built with the highest-quality materials, our energy-efficient heaters are trusted worldwide to deliver crop protection, frost prevention, and greenhouse heating on farms worldwide.

• A comprehensive range of portable heating solutions, including fuel-fired, electric, and infrared models

• Designed and manufactured in Europe for exceptional reliability and durability

• Energy-efficient components and features that reduce long-term running costs

• Fast and responsive support to ensure optimal performance of your equipment

Need help choosing energy-saving portable heaters for your farm? Contact our experts today for guidance on the best heating systems for your agricultural needs.