Heating large industrial sites like factories, warehouses and commercial centres can be difficult and expensive. These tips can help lower the cost all winter long and save you money.
Industries know that heating their properties and facilities in the winter is an expensive proposition. Some industries estimate as much as 10 per cent of their total expenses are due to heating costs. Luckily, there are many forms of cost-effective heating to ensure large spaces are warm enough for workers during even the coldest winter months.
Determine what you need
Ask yourself what your goals for heating your commercial structure are.
- Keep products and materials from freezing?
- Create a safe working environment for your employees?
If storage is all you’ll be doing at your property, you can allow the interior temperature to drop much lower than if you have employees.
Stop the leaks and keep the cold out
One of the biggest challenges to heating large properties is the increased chance of leaks and drafts in a building. Seek a qualified HVAC professional to scan your property for potential energy leaks. He’ll be able to supply affordable solutions to improve your property’s insulation and lower your heating costs.
- Remember, properly insulating your industrial building will help you save on heating and cooling costs for years to come!
Be strategic
Take a tour of your property and ask yourself if the space is being used efficiently. If possible, consolidate workers to specific areas of your building. This will allow you to focus on heating specific zones only, an efficient way to lower heating costs quickly.
Start from the ground up
Many warehouses and factories have chosen underfloor heating options to help beat the wintertime chill. Underfloor heating is efficient and effective. It generates heat by turning the entire floor space of a structure into a type of radiator using warm-water pipes or electric mats hidden under the floor panels. The result is a gentle heating source that doesn’t use wall space, a critical component in modern factories and commercial centres.
However, underfloor heating can take several minutes to a few hours to completely warm a space. Property owners have solved this problem by turning to programmable thermostats. By setting the thermostat an hour or so before workers arrive, property owners and their employees can enjoy warm working conditions all day long.
Get radiant
Radiant heating is one of the most effective and economically sound heating solutions you can provide for your industrial space. High-intensity radiant heating panels can be suspended from ceilings to provide warm air for all your employees. Best of all, buying and installing radiant heat panels is inexpensive.
Speak to an HVAC professional in your area today to learn about how to efficiently heat industrial spaces. The time you spend now evaluating how to upgrade the heating system will translate into big savings down the road.
