Poor ventilation in large, enclosed areas, such as warehouses, can lead to a domino effect. This chain of complications may disrupt your business. It's not enough to keep things at a comfortable temperature; failing to address ventilation difficulties can lead to the following problems:
Heating and cooling problems in warehouses refuse to go away until addressed head-on. Because of this, warehouses often use huge warehouse fans to improve ventilation.
In this article, we will tackle common cooling issues that warehouse owners face. We will also recommend some practical fixes.
Common Warehouse Cooling Problems (Plus Practical Fixes)
Warehouses are often victims of heating and cooling problems, mainly because they aren't designed to endure extreme temperature fluctuations. Warehouses are usually not insulated because of their inherently simple design. Because of this, warehouses are at risk, especially in the summer. The result? Warehouses tend to grapple with the following recurring set of issues:
Dormant airflow
One key element that impacts our thermal comfort is air velocity. Airflow below the comfort threshold results in an unpleasant experience. Unfortunately, this dormant airflow situation occurs frequently in warehouses. As a result, warehouse workers often have to endure uncomfortable conditions. This struggle is even worse during the hot summer months.
The good news is there's an easy fix: warehouse ceiling fans. When these fans are turned on, they dramatically increase air velocity. They, in turn, improve the air quality inside your building and make working conditions more pleasant for everyone.
High humidity
Humidity refers to the concentration of water vapor in the air. The principle is straightforward - the higher the water vapor content, the greater the humidity. High humidity, however, poses a distinct challenge. It hinders the evaporation of sweat, causing discomfort to warehouse employees and visitors alike.
Think of the worst days possible: when the heat and humidity are both sky-high. Most people mean this when they use the word "humid." Not only is it unpleasant, but it poses health risks as well.
Standard comfort guidelines suggest maintaining a relative humidity range between 40% and 70%. Yet, it's worth noting that the dew point can impact this. Dehumidifiers are an option but can be costly to operate and maintain.
So, what's the cost-effective and efficient solution? The answer is an HVLS fan. HVLS fans increase airflow. On top of this, the effect dominoes to a significant humidity reduction, leading to a more workforce-friendly temperature.
Unpleasant temperature
Temperature plays a significant role in defining our level of thermal comfort. In general, cooler climates provide more comfort than warmer ones. This relationship is particularly noticeable during the hot summer months when rising temperatures can cause a dip in productivity levels.
Some storage facilities respond to this problem by building massive air conditioners or HVAC systems. While such systems have the potential to bring some relief, they are notoriously expensive to set up and keep running, making them subpar remedies.
HVLS fans are a better, more affordable option. These fans leverage evaporative cooling. This means it improves airflow and enhances perceived comfort levels without lowering the temperature.
What's more? Industrial ceiling fans in a warehouse can either be used alone or in tandem with other cooling methods. This dual-purpose aids in lowering the cooling load, which in turn saves money.
Therefore, instead of struggling with unpleasant air temperatures and pricey cooling solutions, it is time for this super-efficient option.
Cooling blind spots
While HVAC systems do provide relief from uncomfortable temperatures, they also have a major downside. Because the air is heated or cooled at one fixed location, regulating the temperature of the entire building takes time. This approach always results in inadequate cooling, or what we call 'cooling blind spots.'
A potential solution is the installation of a comprehensive network of ductwork to improve air distribution. However, this can be an expensive option. Furthermore, even with the inclusion of ductwork, these cooling blind spots may persist.
So, how can we bridge this gap in air distribution without breaking the bank? The answer lies in HVLS fans. These warehouse fans are a great addition to your HVAC system. If you strategically position your HVLS fan, you can ensure even distribution of cool air, even reaching corners previously neglected.
Stratified temperature
Although stratification occurs naturally, it is an unpleasant occurrence. As cold air sinks and hot air rises, it leads to a stratified temperature gradient within a space. This leads to problematic scenarios during winter as employees grapple with temperatures far below their comfort zone.
So, how do we tackle this issue of stratification? The trick is to employ HVLS fans. These fans were specifically developed to heat large spaces like warehouses. Do you know these fans can also operate in reverse mode, drawing cooler air from the ground and mingling it with the warmer air at higher levels? This regulated air, when recirculated, creates a cozy, even temperature throughout the building. You will no longer have to worry about overheating or freezing.
The cost-friendly fix to your warehouse cooling problems
Transforming your warehouse into a haven of comfort and productivity isn't a pipe dream – warehouse fans are here to make it a reality. Warehouse fans work by moving large amounts of air at a gentle speed. This creates a workspace that is not only comfortable but also conducive for your team.
But there's more to warehouse fans than meets the eye. While these powerful fans set the stage for a more productive work environment, they also help businesses to keep operating and capital expenses in check. The installation and operation of High-Volume, Low-Speed (HVLS) cooling fans come at a surprisingly low cost. So, you can keep your workforce cool and comfortable without burning a hole in your wallet.
AmeriWind is the company to turn to for a trustworthy cooling solution for your warehouse. We have been an industry leader in ceiling fans for decades. Feel free to visit our site for more details.
Using an Ameriwind fan in the winter is a great way to save energy and money while providing a more comfortable environment for your employees. Contact us today at 610-987-0488 to learn more about how we can help you create a custom big fan solution for your space.