Unit Heater Installation in Thunder Bay — Commercial, Industrial & Garage Heating

A unit heater is a self-contained, ceiling or wall-mounted forced-air heating unit. It draws in room air, passes it over a gas-fired heat exchanger, and blows warm air back into the space through a built-in fan. Unit heaters are designed for large, open spaces where central HVAC ductwork would be impractical. They heat quickly, are highly reliable, and are available in a wide range of BTU outputs for any size of space.

We install all major unit heater configurations: horizontal blow unit heaters (the most common — ceiling-mounted, blowing air horizontally across the space); vertical blow unit heaters (ceiling-mounted, blowing air downward); natural gas and propane models to match your available fuel source; and power-vented (fan-assisted exhaust) and gravity-vented models depending on building layout and venting requirements.

Unit heaters are the standard heating solution for a wide range of Thunder Bay facilities: warehouses and distribution centres; garages and automotive shops; manufacturing and fabrication facilities; agricultural buildings and barns; construction trailers and site offices; arenas and recreational facilities; and any large commercial or industrial space that needs reliable, cost-effective heat.

Proper BTU sizing is critical for both comfort and efficiency. An undersized unit heater will run constantly and never achieve comfortable temperatures. An oversized unit will short-cycle and waste fuel. We calculate the right capacity based on your building's cubic footage, insulation level, ceiling height, door and window area, local weather data, and how frequently exterior doors are opened. Getting the sizing right the first time is the most important part of the installation.

Unit heater installations require an adequate gas supply line sized for the heater's BTU input, and a properly sized and routed exhaust flue. We assess both before installation and can upgrade gas lines or install new venting as part of your project. See our Gas Line Installation page if you need new or extended gas service to your building.

Unit heaters heat air and circulate it through the space — excellent for enclosed areas, quick heat-up time, and spaces where people are moving around. Radiant tube garage heaters warm objects and people directly, making them better for very high-ceiling spaces, buildings with frequent door openings, or where spot heating specific areas is the goal. Many shops use a combination of both. See our Garage Heaters (Radiant Tube) page to compare.

Unit heater installation in Thunder Bay typically ranges from $1,800 to $5,500+ depending on unit size, venting complexity, and gas line requirements. Larger BTU units and commercial-scale installations will vary. We provide written quotes based on a site visit and accurate load calculations.