Quiet heat. Even airflow. Built for shop & warehouse.

Commercial unit heaters contractor since 1969.

Combine quiet, reliable heating with a unit heater. Unit heaters come in all sorts of sizes and styles to suit any location or application.

Also known as “garage heaters,” unit heaters can be used to heat a shop, cabin, warehouse, factory, or retail space. Due to their low cost, they are used in a wide variety of applications - commercial, industrial, and residential.

Unit heaters are typically used in areas with high ceilings and are able to heat a large volume of area efficiently and effectively.

24/7 emergency service Custom sizing & install Preventive maintenance All unit heater types
24/7 Emergency · 604.795.5777 Schedule a system assessment
Commercial gas unit heater installed in warehouse ceiling Chilliwack Fraser Valley Alpine Refrigeration
Gas & electric options

Quiet, reliable heating for any location.

Commercial gas unit heater design installation Fraser Valley Chilliwack Alpine Refrigeration

Gas Unit Heaters

Gas unit heaters are typically used in areas that have high ceilings and are exposed to the area they are heating. They don't typically require extensive duct systems.

The duct system they use is designed for use in ducted applications with a separate air handling device. Since gas heaters use a separate air source, they can provide greater flexibility in airflow delivery.

Whether you're heating a warehouse, shop, or industrial facility, gas unit heaters offer reliable, cost-effective heating for large open spaces.

Electric commercial unit heater service repair Fraser Valley Chilliwack Alpine Refrigeration

Electric Unit Heaters

Electric unit heaters are offered in many different models, sizes, and styles. They are incredibly versatile, and because of their versatility, system installation and design time is minimized, meaning lower installation costs.

Many are pre-engineered, and factory-install control options are available. Some electric unit heaters are typically used for spot heating - factory-wired and fused for quick and easy installation.

Others are designed specifically for rugged industrial applications and are explosion-proof for use in hazardous locations where flammable materials create a possibility for explosion or fire.

Locally owned since 1969

56 years of unit heater expertise in the Fraser Valley

From hanging gas-fired horizontals over service bays to low-intensity infrared tube heaters in poultry barns and high-efficiency condensing separated-combustion units in newer warehouses - we've sized, hung, vented, and serviced every flavour of unit heater across the Valley. The product has evolved; the fundamentals of moving warm air to the right place haven't.

Licensed & insured

All three trade tickets, $5M coverage

Gas (LGA0103126) for all natural-gas and propane combustion, gas-train work, and venting. Boiler (LBP0204397) for the rare hot-water or steam-fed cabinet unit heaters still in service. Refrigeration (LBP0001017) for the integrated heat-pump unit heaters increasingly specified on net-zero builds. Plus $5M liability insurance and full WorkSafeBC coverage on every job, every time.

$2M+ ready inventory

Less waiting for parts

Over $2 million in ready-to-go parts across our service fleet and Chilliwack warehouse - meaning we complete most unit heater repairs on the first visit. Ignition modules, flame sensors, gas valves, draft inducers, blower motors, limit switches, thermocouples, and complete vent kits for the major manufacturers we service.

24/7/365 response

2-hour average emergency response

Every minute a shop or barn is without heat in January is a real cost - pipes, livestock, productivity, all on the line. Alpine guarantees a 2-hour average emergency response time throughout the Fraser Valley, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our emergency line connects directly to on-call gas technicians - no answering services, no triage delay.

Emergency repair & service

System failures don't follow business hours.

And they always seem to land on the coldest morning of the year.

Alpine's 24/7 emergency response team arrives quickly with fully stocked service vehicles to get you operational before pipes freeze, livestock chill, or workers walk off-site. Our experienced technicians diagnose and repair all unit heater brands and models.

  • 2-hour average response time
  • Direct technician dispatch (no answering service)
  • Extensive parts inventory on every truck
  • Temporary heat / portable forced-air if needed
  • Priority service for maintenance contract customers
24/7 Emergency · 604.795.5777
Alpine Refrigeration service van inside a Fraser Valley greenhouse - 24/7 emergency HVAC dispatch
Custom heating system installation with Mueller tanks and Novacel-wrapped air handler in mechanical room
Engineered for your space, load & budget

Custom unit heater design & installation

Every building has different heating demands. Alpine's design team works with you to spec a unit heater layout that delivers even air throw, meets B149 venting and gas-pressure code, hits efficiency targets, and works around the racking, lifts, and crane envelopes already in your space. From a single replacement to a full retrofit of a 30,000 sq ft warehouse, we build for serviceability over the life of the equipment.

Our unit heater design process

  • On-site assessment of building envelope, ceiling height, and use
  • Engineered heat-loss calculations and unit sizing
  • Selection of horizontal, vertical, infrared, or separated-combustion units
  • Venting and gas-train design that meets B149 and local code
  • Installation by ticketed gas and sheet-metal technicians
  • Commissioning, combustion analysis, and airflow verification
Request a design consultation
Commercial heat pump and air handler unit installed in mechanical attic - preventive maintenance
Preventive maintenance for unit heaters

Maximize uptime, minimize breakdowns.

A clean burner and a tight heat exchanger don't just save fuel - they prevent the carbon-monoxide and roll-out events that shut a building down. Alpine's customized maintenance programs keep your unit heaters running safely and at peak efficiency, typically reducing fuel use by 10 to 20% on neglected systems.

  • Priority emergency response
  • Scheduled annual pre-season inspections
  • Combustion analysis, burner cleaning, and electrical testing
  • Heat-exchanger inspection and venting integrity check
  • 15% discount on repair labour and parts
  • Performance reporting after every visit
Build your maintenance plan
A few of our clients

Trusted by Fraser Valley shops, warehouses, growers, and processors.

Join 500+ Fraser Valley businesses that trust Alpine

Don't wait for system failure.

Prevent costly downtime and no-heat calls with a customized maintenance agreement. Our commercial unit heater specialists will design a program that maximizes uptime while minimizing fuel and operating costs.

Contact our unit heater team or call 604.795.5777
Certifications & memberships

Credentialed for commercial unit heaters.

BC Hydro Alliance MemberFortisBC Trade AllyCOR CertifiedTechnical Safety BCISNetworldHRAI MemberESCO CertifiedChilliwack ChamberBC Dairy FoundationEPA Certified
From a single bay to a multi-zone warehouse

Our technicians are experts in commercial unit heater design, installation & service.

From a single propeller-fan gas unit heater in a service garage to a multi-zone separated-combustion warehouse with destratification fans and CO/NO₂ interlocks, we approach every project the same way: size it to the load, vent it to code, and hang it so the next technician can actually reach it.

By choosing Alpine, you're not just hiring another contractor - you're hiring our 56-year reputation for reliability, technical service capability, and decades of combustion know-how built right here in Chilliwack.

Our team is a tight-knit, three-generation crew that treats your facility like its own. Some of our staff have been with Alpine for the better part of 30 years; we keep training, gas tickets, and combustion-analyzer calibrations sharp so we leave every job dialled-in and provably better.

In addition to supporting businesses across the Fraser Valley, we work with industrial shops, ag operations, distribution warehouses, and municipal yards across BC's Lower Mainland - we're always better, sooner.

Engineered glycol piping array feeding Mueller storage tanks in a commercial mechanical room
FAQ

Things facility managers ask.

01
What types of unit heaters do you install?
We install both gas and electric unit heaters. Gas unit heaters are typically used in areas with high ceilings and are exposed to the space they're heating. Electric unit heaters come in many models and styles, offering incredible versatility and lower installation costs.
02
What's the difference between gas and electric unit heaters?
Gas unit heaters are ideal for high-ceiling spaces and don't require extensive duct systems. They use a separate air source for greater flexibility in airflow delivery. Electric unit heaters are more versatile, with pre-engineered options that minimize installation time and costs.
03
What applications are unit heaters used for?
Also known as 'garage heaters,' unit heaters can heat shops, cabins, warehouses, factories, or retail spaces. Due to their low cost, they're used in commercial, industrial, and residential applications - especially in areas with high ceilings that need to heat a large volume.
04
Can unit heaters be used in hazardous locations?
Yes. Some electric heating units are designed specifically for rugged industrial applications and are explosion-proof for use in hazardous locations where flammable materials, vapors, or powdered metals create a possibility for explosion or fire.
05
How often should unit heaters be serviced?
We recommend annual maintenance for most unit heaters. Due to their location, unit heaters are often neglected and don’t receive the attention they require, leading to reliability and safety concerns. A unit heater requires the same servicing as other gas or fire appliances.
06
Do you provide maintenance contracts for unit heaters?
Yes. Alpine offers customized preventive maintenance agreements tailored to your facility's needs. These contracts include scheduled inspections, priority emergency response, and detailed compliance documentation.
07
Do you offer emergency unit heater repair services?
Absolutely. We provide 24/7/365 emergency repair services with an average 2-hour response time throughout the Fraser Valley. Our technicians carry extensive parts inventory to complete most repairs on the first visit.
08
What size unit heater does my space need?
Our technicians perform detailed heat load calculations considering space volume, insulation, ceiling height, and heat loss factors. Proper sizing is critical - an undersized heater won’t heat effectively, while an oversized unit wastes energy.
09
What brands of unit heaters do you install and service?
We install and service all major unit heater brands. Our technicians are factory-trained on multiple brands and can recommend the best solution for your application, whether gas or electric.
10
How long does it take to install a unit heater?
Installation timelines vary based on system type and complexity, but most unit heater installations can be completed in a single day. Electric models are often factory-wired and pre-fused for quick and easy installation.
11
How long does a unit heater typically last?
With proper maintenance, unit heaters typically last 15-25 years. Regular service, cleaning, and timely repairs can significantly extend equipment life while maintaining optimal efficiency.
12
Can vintage unit heaters be serviced or rebuilt?
Often yes, on the mechanical side - blowers, motors, controls. But once a heat exchanger fails on a 1980s atmospheric unit, the right answer is almost always replacement with a current high-efficiency model. We'll be straight with you when service has stopped making sense.
13
How can I reduce my heating costs with unit heaters?
Options include upgrading to high-efficiency equipment, implementing thermostatic controls, ensuring proper sizing, and establishing a preventive maintenance program. Our energy assessments identify the most cost-effective improvements for your facility.
14
Are there rebates available for unit heater upgrades?
Yes, as both a BC Hydro Alliance Member and FortisBC Trade Ally, we help clients access available rebates for energy-efficient heating upgrades. We handle the paperwork and ensure you receive all eligible incentives.
15
Can unit heaters be used for spot heating?
Yes. Some electric unit heaters are specifically designed for spot heating applications. They are factory-wired and fused for quick and easy installation, making them ideal for targeted heating in specific work areas.
16
Do unit heaters require ductwork?
Gas unit heaters typically don't require extensive duct systems. However, ducted models are available for applications that require a separate air handling device, providing greater flexibility in airflow delivery.
17
How do I know if my unit heater is compliant with BC codes?
Alpine technicians are fully trained on BC building codes and safety regulations. We can perform compliance assessments and ensure your system meets all current requirements, including Technical Safety BC regulations.
18
What makes Alpine different from other HVAC companies?
With over 50 years of experience, $2M+ in ready inventory, 24/7 emergency response, and a team of Red Seal-certified technicians, Alpine delivers unmatched expertise and reliability. We're locally owned, fully licensed, and committed to long-term customer relationships.
19
Do you sub-contract install work or service out?
No. Every gas technician on a job site is an Alpine employee with a current ticket and clean uniform. Sheet-metal and rigging may bring in trusted partners on the larger installs - always under our project supervision.
20
What safety concerns should I be aware of with unit heaters?
Unit heaters require the same servicing as other gas or fire appliances. Neglected units can develop reliability and safety issues. Regular maintenance ensures proper combustion, venting, and control function for safe operation.
21
What regions do you serve for unit heater services?
We primarily serve the Fraser Valley including Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Mission, Langley, and the Lower Mainland. Our teams are also equipped to travel to more remote locations throughout British Columbia for larger projects.
22
How do I get a quote for unit heater service or installation?
Contact us at 604.795.5777 or submit a request through our website. We offer free on-site consultations for commercial projects, providing detailed assessments and transparent pricing.
Request a unit heater assessment.

We'll get back within 2 business hours.

Tell us a bit about your space. For emergencies, skip the form and call dispatch directly - answered by Alpine, any time of day, any day of the year.

Chilliwack, BC · Since 1969

The mountain on our wall.
The standard in our work.

Freshly painted across our Chilliwack shop, the mural is a new Fraser Valley landmark, and a fitting one. Local artist Jack Hendsbee brought the mountain to life, and it will feature in the Chilliwack Mural Festival. The peak has been our namesake since 1969, and it is the standard we bring to every install, service call, and 2 AM emergency. We back the local community the way it has backed us.

24/7 Emergency · 604.795.5777