Why You Need Auxiliary Heating

The Reality of Working in a Cold Van

British winters are brutal for anyone working from a commercial van. Whether you're sleeping in the cab overnight, spending hours on a cold job site, or transporting temperature-sensitive goods, the cold is more than just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous and costly.

Running the engine to keep the heater on wastes fuel, produces emissions, and puts unnecessary wear on the engine. That's where auxiliary heating comes in: a dedicated heating system that works independently of the engine, keeping you and your cargo warm without burning through diesel at idle.

Overnight Comfort for Drivers

Thousands of van drivers across the UK sleep in their vehicles while working away from home. Whether you're a long-distance delivery driver, a tradesperson on a week-long job, or a contractor staying near site, a warm sleeping environment is essential for a decent night's rest.

An auxiliary heater keeps the cab or sleeping area at a comfortable temperature all night long, using a fraction of the fuel that idling the engine would consume. Most systems use around 0.1 to 0.25 litres of diesel per hour, meaning you can run the heater all night for less than a pound.

Better sleep means better performance on the job the next day. It's a straightforward investment in your wellbeing and productivity.

Protecting Cargo from Cold and Frost

Some goods simply can't survive freezing temperatures. If you're transporting paint, adhesives, food products, electronics, or anything liquid-based, a hard frost overnight can damage or destroy your stock.

An auxiliary heater in the cargo area keeps the temperature above freezing, protecting your load without the expense of a full refrigerated unit. This is especially important for:

• Plumbers and painters carrying water-based products
• Food delivery operators transporting ambient goods
• Electronics distributors moving sensitive equipment
• Any business storing stock in the van overnight during winter

Diesel vs Electric Heater Options

There are two main types of auxiliary heater, and the right choice depends on how you use your van.

Diesel Heaters

Diesel auxiliary heaters (like Webasto or Eberspacher units) tap into your van's fuel tank and produce hot air through a combustion process vented outside the vehicle. They're the most popular choice for commercial vans because they:

• Run independently with no external power needed
• Use very little fuel (0.1–0.25 litres per hour)
• Work in any location, even remote sites with no power
• Can be controlled via digital controllers or smartphone apps

Diesel heaters are ideal for drivers who sleep in their vans or work in areas without mains power.

Electric Heaters

Electric auxiliary heaters run off mains power (via a hookup) or a leisure battery system. They're silent, produce no emissions, and are simpler to install. However, they need an external power source or a sufficiently large battery bank.

Electric heaters are a good choice if your van is regularly parked at a depot or site with power hookups overnight.

Health & Safety Compliance

Employers have a legal duty to ensure the welfare of workers, including providing adequate warmth. Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, the temperature in a workplace must be reasonable during working hours. For many van-based workers, the van is their workplace.

Providing auxiliary heating demonstrates compliance with health and safety obligations and shows your workforce that their comfort matters. It also reduces the risk of cold-related health issues like hypothermia, reduced dexterity, and fatigue, all of which can lead to accidents and injuries on site.

Professional Installation Matters

Auxiliary heater installation needs to be done properly. Diesel heaters involve fuel lines, exhaust routing, and electrical wiring — all of which need to be fitted safely and in compliance with manufacturer specifications. A poorly installed heater can be a fire risk or produce harmful fumes inside the vehicle.

At Bed&Barn, we install Webasto and Eberspacher systems with proper fuel line routing, secure exhaust placement, multi-zone ducting where needed, and digital controllers for easy operation. Every installation is done to a professional standard so you can rely on your heater through the worst of winter.