Those who work in a warehouse during the cold season know how important it is to maintain an acceptable temperature; it is therefore essential to take a number of factors into consideration to ensure a comfortable and productive working environment for everyone. Warehouses and large industrial spaces, with their large dimensions – and often high ceilings – present unique heating requirements. Choosing the right heating system is not just a question of comfort: it also affects the health and safety of workers, the preservation of stored products, and energy costs.
Understanding the heating needs of the warehouse
Warehouses, with their dimensions and large buildings, often exposed to climatic variations, require special attention when it comes to heating. As mentioned earlier, this need concerns both the comfort of workers and the optimal preservation of stored products, which can be sensitive to temperature variations.
The choice of heating system also has direct implications on the company’s costs, because an energy-efficient system results in a substantial reduction in expenses. It is also important to comply with local regulations concerning heating and workplace safety.
In summary, in order to understand how to heat a warehouse properly, the following factors must be taken into consideration:
- What are the needs of those working in the warehouse.
- How large the areas to be heated are.
- How thermally insulated they are.
- Which and how many zones are to be heated.
- For how many hours per day.
- What is the capacity of the stored products to withstand temperature variations.
How to heat a warehouse: the main heating systems
Each heating system has its own peculiarities and the choice should be guided by a thorough analysis of the specific needs of the warehouse. Let us briefly examine the characteristics of the main heating systems:
Electric heating system
An electric system is effective for generating immediate heat in specific areas (or for heating the air, which is then distributed evenly via diffusers). However, the hot air generated tends to rise to the top, dispersing quickly, making this system less convenient for large spaces such as warehouses.
Gas heating system
This system works with a gas burner, distributing heat through diffusers and special ducts. In a gas system, installation tends to be more economical, but efficiency may be compromised by poor insulation of the warehouse or by being too large. In addition, the variability of gas costs and securing the warehouse must be considered.
Heat pump heating system
Heat pump systems are among the most efficient and sustainable because they utilise the thermal energy in the air or groundwater. However, they tend to have higher installation and maintenance costs and require favourable outdoor climatic conditions.
Infrared heating system
Infrared heating panels are able to heat specific areas of the warehouse, minimising heat loss. Thanks to infrared technology, which is able to heat people and objects directly and immediately, it is possible to heat a warehouse in a very localised manner with great efficiency and without waste, only when necessary.
By heating work areas only where needed for the time people are there, energy consumption is minimised and the ecological impact is greatly reduced.
Furthermore, by exploiting the energy produced by a photovoltaic system or by deciding to use energy produced exclusively from renewable sources, it is possible to make the heating system even more environmentally sustainable.
Infrared heaters maintain thermal comfort in workspaces because they do not move the air, thus eliminating suspended dust that makes the air unhealthy. They remove moisture from workstations, thus improving the microclimate for workers and ensuring a healthy working environment.
Choosing the right heating system for your needs
Choosing the heating system for a warehouse should not be taken lightly. It is important to consider all factors to ensure an effective and sustainable investment.
When making the final decision on the most suitable heating system for a warehouse, it is necessary to evaluate not only the technical aspects and peculiarities of each system, but also to consider the long-term evolution of the company’s needs. The choice of a heating system should therefore be a balance between current needs and future prospects, thus ensuring an intelligent investment that can be adapted to the company’s evolution.