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Advice Articles

Heating Factories and Large Buildings More Efficiently 

February 5, 2025

Distributing heat evenly in open-plan buildings can be difficult and expensive. Cold air entering through doorways can add to the challenge of keeping the ground level warm, especially if the building does not contain the right heating equipment.  

This can lead to higher output from heaters trying to circulate heat to warm a factory space, increasing energy usage and carbon footprint. Here we will discuss the various options and how they can be used to heat commercial buildings while remaining low-cost and energy-efficient. 

Preventing Cold Air From Entering Loading Bays and Doorways 

Factories often contain open loading bays and doorways that let in cold air making working conditions uncomfortable for employees. This can adversely affect workers’ productivity especially if temperatures dip below 17C, the minimum optimal temperature for productivity. 

Industrial air curtains are a simple solution that businesses can place above doorways and open entryways. In facilities where goods vehicles are constantly moving in and out of loading bays, preventing chilly air from entering the building can be a challenge. Shutter doors are a popular solution to this, but they can be expensive to maintain and inconvenient to open and close for drivers passing through frequently. 

By installing air curtains above the loading bays, we can create a warm air barrier which minimises cold draughts from entering the building and warming the space below. This can be a cheaper alternative to shutter doors, while simultaneously allowing the loading bays to be left open so that goods vehicles can access the building more easily. 

They are also a good replacement for PVC strip curtains, which can attract dirt and become less transparent over time. 

Heating Solutions for Factories, Warehouses, and Commercial Spaces 

Businesses are increasingly turning to energy-efficient solutions to replace or complement existing heating systems. One of the best ways to heat a space efficiently, is using an electric heater, which is able to modulate it’s output.

Modulate Heat with Electric Warm Air Unit Heaters 

Electric warm air unit heaters are standalone heating devices that we recommend for buildings with high ceilings. They are a cost-effective way to add warmth to warehouses as they are easy to install in multiple locations without the need for ductwork. 

Warm air heaters are a popular method of heating a warehouse as they provide better circulation of heat between storage racks and items. 

One of the main design features of electric unit heaters is the ability to modulate the amount of heat generated as it monitors the temperature in an area. Once the area has reached the set temperature, the unit heater will automatically switch off, and then switch back on when the temperature drops. This helps to minimise energy usage in large buildings that may contain multiple zones with varying temperatures. On the other hand, older heating systems cannot provide the same kind of precision.

Heat Facilities More Evenly with Destratification Fans 

Destratification fans are used to help circulate warm air evenly in tall buildings.  

Warm air from heating systems will naturally rise, creating uneven heat distribution. This can be a major issue in large warehouses and factories, as heating systems need to generate more heat to ensure that the floor level is at an adequate temperature. 

To prevent the trapped heat from being wasted where it is not needed, we can install destratification fans in the ceiling to help circulate and push the warm air back down to floor level. This is an extremely energy-efficient way to heat a warehouse when combined with an electric air heating system. 

Businesses can reduce energy bills by up to 30% with destratification fans. We strongly recommend using them in buildings where ceilings are between 4 – 10 metres high.

Green Energy Incentives 

In recent years there has been an increase in pressure for businesses to decarbonise and become more energy efficient. But there are often barriers such as a lack of knowledge and the expense needed to make these changes.  

Fortunately, the UK government and local councils have recognised the pressing need to support businesses in reaching the net zero carbon emission target.  

There are currently several grants and green energy funding initiatives being offered across the country. This could be a good option for businesses planning to upgrade to a more energy-efficient heating system.  

Most grants offer a consultation with an energy advisor for an initial review. Our products can potentially be incorporated as part of a proposal, and if successful, funding can be used towards the project. 

How Can Humidity Solutions Help You and Your Business? 

We recently collaborated on a project with Racing Green Car Storage to develop a dehumidified storage facility using solar power and recycled rainwater. The project was a great success and a fantastic example of the type of work that we can help businesses with. 

Whether you have a project in mind or are looking for some advice on energy-efficient heating equipment, get in touch today with one of our product specialists here at Humidity Solutions.