In this post, we have brought you some invaluable tips for improving warehouse ventilation in 2022. We will see how to ventilate a warehouse and maintain the air quality optimal and safest. We will also share tips for warehouse cooling systems and how you can maintain a favorable temperature for the workers and stock.
Optimal ventilation in warehouses is of utmost importance to ensure the good health of workers, improve air quality, and protect the stored items from mold and microorganisms. There are dozens of health hazards and problems associated with inadequate ventilation and poor air quality of warehouses, such as high temperature, excessive humidity, and growth of molds. Employees or workers feel discomfort and excess sweating due to poor ventilation. They might suffer from various health issues and diseases. Therefore, the owners need to improve the ventilation of warehouses and make them a safe place for workers and stored items.
1. HVLS Fans
The most important thing for warehouse ventilation is HVLS fans. These fans are specifically designed to ventilate large areas, such as warehouses, shopping malls, barns, libraries, gyms, factories, airports, and education centers. HVLS fans are quite large; they are about 7.3 meters or 24ft in diameter. There are different variants available, having a diameter range of 5.5 to 7.3 meters (18 to 24 feet). There are commercial HVLS fans that have a diameter in the range of 3 to 4 meters for small areas.
2. Turn off Machines and Equipment
Machines and equipment also produce heat, noise, and fumes. Therefore, it is good to turn them off when they are not in use.
What about when they are in use?
Machines continuously produce heat, and this heat accumulates in the area. The area becomes warmer and warmer because of the continuous buildup of heat.
3. Exhaust for Heat Removal
An exhaust system is also beneficial. If you do not have an HVAC system in the warehouse, exhaust fans are essential. These fans can be placed near the machines or near the roofs to remove the accumulated hot air in the area.
Exhaust fans must be placed near the roof because it helps in removing hot air efficiently. The reason behind placing these fans near the roof or at the top level of the warehouse is air stratification.
4. Night Air
The temperature falls at night, which is why night air can be beneficial for the warehouse. This air can be used to reduce the temperature of the area.
At night, instead of turning on the HVAC or cooling system, the cold air can be used to reduce the temperature of the area and replace the hot air with cold air.
5. HVAC System or Air Coolers
HVAC systems are crucial for warehouses, especially if the climate of the area is too hot. The workers in the area need a comfortable temperature to work in the warehouse. Otherwise, they might sweat or shiver because of extreme temperatures, and it reduces efficiency and productivity.
The air conditioners maintain the optimal temperature in the area, according to the requirement. But there is a need for a massive HVAC system for a large area. The upfront cost is substantial, and the running cost is also significant.
6. Insulation
Insulation plays a very important role in maintaining the temperature of the warehouse. Whether it is cold winter or hot summer, insulation plays its part in every season.
In winter, the warehouse owners spend on heating units. However, the heating efficiency is compromised if the area is not insulated. The heat might escape, and the loss of heat will increase the energy bills.
7. White Roof
The color of the roof is also responsible for heat absorption. Darker colors absorb more heat compared to light colors. Black is the best heat absorber, and it traps the heat from the sunlight. Consequently, it increases the temperature of the warehouse.
8. Cool Roof System
If companies can invest in a cool roof system, it is much better than having a simple white roof. The benefit of having a cool roof is that it reflects the solar light, which prevents the heating of the roof. It reflects different types of radiation, including visible, UV, and IR.
9. Screen Doors
If owners want to regulate the temperature of the warehouse and throw out the heat, then screen doors are beneficial. These are better than the common doors because without opening them, the passage of air is possible. These prevent birds and other intruders in the area.
10. Air Purification and Filtration
Air purification is also important to improve air quality. If there are harmful elements in the air, the health of the workers will be affected badly.
There are many machines, such as forklifts, and they give off harmful fumes. In addition, dust, microorganisms, and mist pollute the air. Therefore, there should be an air purification and filtration system to remove the unwanted element from the air and improve the quality. Good air quality guarantees the health of workers.
11. Humidity Control
Humidity is also an issue if it is not in control. Too much low and too much high humidity is dangerous for workers’ health.
In summer, if the humidity is too high, i.e., over 55%, the workers will feel more heat in the area, and they will sweat more. As a result, productivity is badly affected. In addition, high humidity causes mold and mildew in the warehouse. Dehumidifiers must be used to reduce the humidity level of the area.
12. Hire an Expert and Maintenance Team
An expert is recommended if you want to improve the ventilation and air quality. You can hire an environmental engineer to ensure the EHS protocols and best practices. Along with that, you need maintenance teams to maintain the HVAC system, air coolers, purifiers, and other ventilation systems in the warehouse.
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