Weather beaters
October 1st 2005

When it comes to protecting stock throughout the seasons and maintaining comfort for personnel, the adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ applies. Howard Marfleet of The Ambi-Rad Group explains how the right heating system can help

Few events could be more disastrous to bottom line profitability than a warehouse full of stock damaged due to preventable circumstances. An unexpected spell of wintry weather, for example, that hits just as the heating system has been shut down in anticipation of warmer temperatures, is the sort of meteorological blip that can cause temperature fluctuations inside the building, and can often spell big trouble.

A responsive heating system - one that takes minutes, not days, to get up to temperature - is essential to heading off the worst effects of such a scenario. But this is an extreme; it should be remembered that the heating system can be a useful tool in general maintenance of the warehouse fabric and environment.

Stock, sprinkler systems and personnel all need to be protected by a well maintained and efficient heating system.

Space heating

Several methods of space heating are available - each with its own advantages in different types of warehouse applications. The size, layout and heating/ventilation requirements of each building have to be taken into consideration.

For smaller to medium sized storage facilities, gas-fired warm air heating systems often deliver the greatest benefits. Suspended at high level, or floor mounted, these heaters - sometimes used in conjunction with a perforated Air Mixing duct - create a warm atmosphere quickly and economically. They may be used for heating only, heating and ventilation, heating and cooling or to provide summer ventilation - depending on the requirements of the building. In other words, a very flexible answer to maintaining both internal temperature and good air quality.

Radiant tube heating is ideal for applications with low racking, or for heating packing and despatch areas since it works by warming people and objects in its path, rather than the volume of air. This makes the task of protecting stock and keeping personnel comfortable both easy and economical. Radiant heating also burns fuel at the point of use, so there are none of the heat losses usually associated with distributing warmth around a large building.

Preferred option

Combined heating and ventilation systems are often the most economical and preferred option for very large warehouses. These versatile, high efficiency units gently pressurise the building, ensuring a fresh and warm atmosphere with minimal stratification.

Fully modulating burners provide optimum heat at maximum efficiency so keeping running costs low.

To ensure warm or cooled air is ‘sealed in’, an overdoor air curtain is an excellent addition to the maintenance armoury. The air curtain delivers a ‘sheet’ of warmed or ambient air across the entire door opening, strong enough to prevent external air entering or internal air escaping, thereby preserving the atmosphere.

Whatever the size or configuration of the warehouse, there is a heating solution to suit it. The crucial factor is to ensure it is up to the task of maintaining a protective environment before disaster strikes.

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