High volume, low speed (HVLS) fans can sometimes run in reverse, This
function of HVLS fans helps distribute heat throughout a warehouse during
cold winters. Yes, you read that correctly, large ceiling fans can keep your
warehouse warm just as well as they cool it off.
The
fans’ reverse function heats up a large warehouse by
pushing warm air provided by the building’s heating system upward
and outward, forcing the layer of hot air to distribute down the
warehouse walls and evenly across the floor. The fans move the
collected warm air, which provides a comfortable climate for any
warehouse space.
Radiant Heaters
Radiant heating is usually seen as wall mount unit heaters, suspended
plaque heaters, or suspended radiant tubes. This heating source is not in
the form of pushed warm air. It is in the form of infrared heating. In order for
people to feel the heat, they have to stand directly under (or next to) the
heat source. Basically, people have to stay close to stay warm.
Radiant floor heat is another option. It is easier for new construction but
can be difficult with existing warehouse spaces because the radiant heat
coils are placed underfloor. They create an even distribution of heat
throughout the warehouse space at ground level. There are three different
types of radiant floor heat outlined by energy.gov.
1. Air-heated radiant floors – which are basically floors where the air is
the heat-carrying method
2. Electric radiant floors – which are floors where there are electrical
coils
3. Hydronic radiant floors – which use hot water to heat the floors.
The heaters can operate on a variety of fuels from natural gas, LPG, oil,
and biofuels. By combining a warm air heater with a sophisticated
control system, businesses can easily manage the temperature without
overheating or getting too cold.
Warm Air Heating
Warm air heating is a great option. Unlike radiant heating, which heats only
those within close proximity of the heater, warm air heating pushes warm
air throughout the space. In fact, in order for warm air heating systems to
work well, they must be well designed into the warehouse layout. Place
them strategically to ensure that each nook and cranny of the building is
warmed. Additionally, for the warm air to be evenly dispersed
throughout the building, heat has to move around free from any
obstructions (racking, dividers, walls).
There are a couple of different options with warm air unit heating. You can
get electric or gas heaters, floor mount or ceiling, and all different sizes and
fuel types depending on your warehouse. Consider the needs and
challenges of your warehouse space. Also, consider the type of ventilation
and durability you require. Take into account the hazardous materials or
pollutants your warehouse handles. Also, remember the required air
quality standards that must be maintained for employee safety. Be aware of
the adverse effects of poor ventilation and why it is a critical piece of your
warehouse.
e heating system.
Controlling the heating
Achieving optimum energy efficiency involves both selecting efficient
heating plant and controlling it effectively to ensure that no energy is
wasted.
The control strategy will need to be aligned to both the layout of the
space and the ways in which different areas are used.
For example, if there are some areas of the space that are used very
occasionally it may be beneficial to zone the heating system so that
those occasionally occupied spaces are not heated to the same
temperature as areas where people are working all day.
There will also be benefits to using timed control to bring the heating
on before work starts to ensure the building is warm when people
arrive and turn it off at the end of the working day.
The morning pre-heat period can be combined with weather
compensation control to adjust the pre-heating period in line with
outdoor temperatures – the colder it is outside the longer the pre-heat
period.
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