Regulating Heating Power in Kennels and Catteries
, by Martin Forshaw, 4 min reading time
Heating needs can change throughout the day and across the seasons.
A kennel, cattery or breeding area may need more warmth overnight, during cold weather or when housing young, elderly, recovering or vulnerable animals. At other times, full heater output may not be necessary.
Using suitable controls can help you adjust heating more efficiently while maintaining a safe, comfortable environment for the animals.
Why heating control matters
Infra-red heaters provide radiant warmth to a local area, such as a bed, sleeping compartment or whelping box.
Because the heat is focused rather than simply warming the whole room, the best control method will depend on the layout of the accommodation, the number of heaters, insulation, outside conditions and the needs of the animals using each area.
The aim is to provide enough warmth without overheating the enclosure. Animals should always be able to move away from the direct heat source.
Individual heater controls
Individual controls can be useful where separate compartments have different requirements.
For example, one area may be occupied by a healthy adult animal, while another is being used for a recovering dog, a queen with kittens or a whelping bitch with puppies.
Individual switching can help you:
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Turn off heaters in empty compartments
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Adjust occupied areas independently
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Avoid unnecessary energy use
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Make maintenance and fault-finding easier
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Provide extra local warmth where it is genuinely needed
Energy regulators
A Wren Energy Regulator allows the output of compatible Wren infra-red heaters to be adjusted between low and full power.
Rather than changing heater elements as weather conditions change, an energy regulator can help reduce the average heat output when full power is not required.
This may be particularly useful in larger installations, where multiple heaters are operating across several compartments.
The correct regulator capacity depends on the total connected electrical load. Always check the latest Wren product instructions and have the regulator specified and installed by a qualified electrician.
Thermostatic controls
A thermostat may be useful as part of a wider heating-control system, particularly where ambient conditions can change quickly.
However, thermostats measure air temperature, while infra-red heaters provide local radiant warmth. For that reason, a thermostat should not be treated as the only measure of whether animals are comfortable.
Use suitable thermometers, monitor the environment and observe the animals’ behaviour regularly.
Timers
Timers can be helpful where heating requirements follow a predictable routine, such as colder overnight periods.
They can reduce unnecessary energy use, but should not be relied on as a substitute for checking weather conditions, animal comfort and the needs of vulnerable animals.
Young puppies, kittens, sick animals and recovery cases may require more consistent monitoring and should not be managed solely through a timer.
Important safety points
Any control system must be suitable for the heaters being used and the total electrical load of the installation.
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Use only controls that are compatible with the heater and installation
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Follow current manufacturer instructions
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Keep controls and cables protected from moisture, damage and animal access
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Ensure heaters are securely mounted and clear of bedding or combustible materials
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Allow animals to move away from direct heat
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Use a qualified electrician for installation, alterations or fault-finding
Do not rely on old wiring guidance, generic dimmer ratings or extension leads when planning a kennel or cattery heating system.
Getting the balance right
The ideal setting will vary from site to site.
Check the temperature of the sleeping area, monitor the behaviour of the animals and adjust the system gradually where needed. Signs that an animal may be too warm include panting, restlessness or moving persistently away from the heated zone. Signs of cold discomfort can include shivering, curling up tightly or seeking constant proximity to the heater.
A flexible, properly installed control system can help provide more consistent comfort while reducing wasted energy.
Need help choosing Wren heater controls?
Contact Diamond Edge with details of your setup, including:
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Number and type of Wren heaters
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Wattage of each element
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Kennel or cattery layout
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Whether the installation is for boarding, breeding, recovery or general accommodation
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Any existing controls or wiring arrangements
We can help identify suitable Wren heating-control products. For electrical design and installation, always consult a qualified electrician.
[Shop Wren Energy Regulators]
[Shop Wren Kennel Heaters]
[Read: Choosing a Heating System for Your Kennel or Cattery]