Keeping warehouse employees happy through the means of properly heating the structure involves achieving and maintaining a temperature that is both comfortable and consistent. In short, for workers, this would be between 60°F and 65°F. In order to achieve this standard, several efficient and targeted systems must be utilized.
Keeping a large building space appropriately heated throughout the cold months of the year may prove to be a very high and extremely incredible expense. The truth of the matter is, though, it is well worth the investment. Not only will it make your employees happy, but it will also improve the production levels within the warehouse.
Insulation
The main source of heat loss within any building – be it commercial or industrial – are the windows and the doors. Warehouses typically have very large windows. These windows are often both wide and high. In many instances, these doors and windows are regularly opened – which lets in the cool outdoor air.
To properly heat the warehouse, you should check the windows and doors for leaks, cracks, and broken seals. When you are able to, you should purchase windows that have double paned glass and include seals that are highly durable and thick. When it comes to heating, the double-paned windows will be a great return on investment.
On the loading docks of your warehouse, you should make certain that you install a curtain composed of a vinyl strip. This will help prevent cold air from seeping in during deliveries.
Improve Air Circulation
It is a known fact that heat rises. In a warehouse – which is exceptionally large – the heart rises and then situates itself at the top, near the roof. This leaves the employee airspace extremely cold. If you want to resolve this issue, you should install fans that are suspended all the way through the warehouse so that the warm air is pulled down and dispersed throughout the structure. These appliances are sure to help ensure that the temperature is more consistent throughout the entire warehouse.
Space Heaters
If you find that the warehouse that you own and/or operate is exceptionally cool, despite your best efforts, you may want to consider adding space heaters throughout the structure. These can be a cheaper alternative version to commercial and/or industrial heaters that are designed for warehouses and other types of industrial spaces.
Most of your employees will be doing physical labor, which will help increase their warmth. So often, you only need small units that heat and can be dispersed throughout the structure.
Programmable Thermostat
When you are trying to keep your warehouse warm, you should install a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to heat the structure when the employees are not in the building. Then, when they arrive, the warehouse will be warm. You can set these up to run before employees arrive for the day and to turn off after they leave for the day.
You can set it up to run when it is cold outside and also to turn off when it gets warmer outside. If you are unsure of exactly how to set up a programmable thermostat for your warehouse, you should set up an appointment with a HVAC company that specializes in heating for warehouses and other industrial-type settings.
Heating Zones
If your warehouse is warming and cooling in certain zones, you should consider setting up heating zones. This sets up different heating solutions in different areas of the building. For example, the office spaces where employees sit will need more heating than areas where employees are actively moving (such as the loading dock). This type of heating will also help to protect products that are kept in and around the warehouse.
If the products need to be kept cool, they can be placed in an area that remains cool. If they need to be kept warmer, you can zone those products in an area of the warehouse that is kept warmer.
What is the Rule for Heating a Warehouse?
If you are working on attempting to heat a warehouse for your employees, you should calculate the overall dimensions of the space to discover the heating capacity that is required. In short, the space should be heated at a rate of 40 BTUs for each square foot of the space within the warehouse.
How Warm Should a Warehouse be for Employees?
If there is a lot of physical work involved in the warehouse, the area should be heated to 55°F. If the physical activity is limited in the warehouse that is to be heated, it should be kept at 60°F.
How Are Warehouses Heated?
There are many different types of warehouse heating systems that may be used in different types of warehouses. Each of the systems are specifically designed to meet very specific needs. These include forced-air hating, unit heaters, space heating units, and radiant heating. You should learn about each of these systems in order to determine which one is best suited for the heating needs of your warehouse.
What is Too Hot, according to OSHA?
Federal guidelines do not outline a heat temperature that is considered to be a standard, in terms of a violation. However, it is important to understand that 80°F is considered to be the standard threshold for heat illness. Employers must ensure that the warehouse areas where employees work does not exceed this temperature. The following outlines the guidelines that should be adhered to:
- All warehouses should keep interior temperatures from 68-76 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Indoor regulations will need a written prevention plan, water, and shade if the temperature meets or exceeds 82°F.
- If it is extremely cold outside, the interior of the warehouse should be kept no less than 55° F.
What is the Warehouse $5000 Rule for Heating?
This is an HVAC industry standard that helps warehouse owners decide if they should repair or replace their HVAC system. Multiply the age of the HVAC system by the average repair cost. If it is more than $5,000, you should consider purchasing a new HVAC system for the warehouse.
Why Do Contractors Advise Against Heat Pumps for Warehouses?
If the exterior climate is very cold, contractors are more likely to get a service call with a heat pump than with other types of heat.
Options for Keeping a Warehouse Warm in the Winter
There are many options for keeping a warehouse warm for employees in the winter months. They include the following:
- Install warehouse doors that are insulated and operate at high-speed motion detecting.
- Air curtain installation
- Utilize Portable or space heating units
- Use radiant heating systems
- Add seals and shelters for the dock
- Insulate the building
- Install heating systems that are suspended
- Purchase and install thermostats with smart technology
- Partition all of the spaces within the warehouse
- Provide PPE that increases warmth, warm beverages, and clothing that boosts warmth to wear in the warehouse
Can OSHA Be Called for Cold Warehouse Work Environments?
Yes, if a warehouse work environment is very cold, OSHA may be called. Employers are responsible for providing work environments that are free from hazard – such as cold working environments. Cold stress could cause health problems, physical health hazard, and may result in death.
Employee 3-layer Rule
If your warehouse is located in a climate that is extremely cold, you should ensure that your employees follow the 3-layer rule. This builds from a base layer of clothing, adds a middle layer, and crafts the top off with one more layer.
What are the 4 Ps of Winter Safety in Warehouses?
The 4 Ps of winter safety in warehouses for employees include prevention, planning, protection, and preparedness.
What Runs Up the Electric Bill the Most in Warehouses in the Winter Months?
It is a known fact that the one thing that runs up the electric bill in the warehouses across the United States are the bills from HVAC systems that are attempting to warm the spaces. Water heaters, machinery, and large appliances also run up the power bill. When purchasing a HVAC system for your warehouse, be sure to use a licensed HVAC contractor so that you can get the best unit for your needs.
Contact Us Today
If you are in need for a heating system for your warehouse in or around the Richmond, Indiana region, contact us here at Reynolds HVAC today. We are licensed, insured, and specializer in a large assortment of products and services. We will make certain that you are able to keep your warehouse space warm for your employees and will keep the system properly maintained throughout the year so that you do not experience any downtime in the times of the year where you need the system the most.
Learn about what we have to offer by calling us today at: 765-966-0994 We have been providing our services for over 30 years and are dedicated to protecting you, your employees, and your warehouse.
