Putting up a Miracle Truss® metal and steel building is a cost-effective way to create or increase warehousing space. That’s good news because it means you can invest in ways to heat and cool your new building to keep the humans inside it happy.
There are few locations in the United States and Canada where either heating, cooling – or both – are not necessary to maintain operating conditions. And while most warehouses aren’t known as an oasis of comfort, they do need temperature control of some kind for the health and safety of workers – and perhaps the contents being stored.
The Challenge of Heating and Cooling a Warehouse
Consider the qualities that nearly all warehouses share. They’re large, open spaces with tall ceilings. There are large garage door openings for loading and unloading that are frequently open. Finally, most warehouses are only minimally insulated, if they’re insulated at all. None of these qualities are conducive to temperature control.
Heating or cooling these large spaces might seem like equipment and the energy expenditures might drain away any of the cost savings you achieved by going with a money-saving Miracle Truss® design. It turns out that there are highly effective options for warehouse temperature control that won’t cost a fortune.
Start with Insulation
Creating an effective barrier between the exterior and the contents of your warehouse is often the best way to start. We make this easy. Or designs feature edge mounted roof purlins that are a standard 24” apart. It’s the same for sidewalls. This means you can use any standard bale insulation rolls to cut down on thermal transfer.
Heaters
Gas-fired unit heaters often are the most efficient way to heat warehouses. Depending on the size, you may need only one or two to provide effective temperature control during the winter season.
If the budget allows, you may want to consider installing electric unit heaters. They are more expensive to purchase, but they tend to be safer (no worry about fuel leaks) and easier to install.
Air Curtains
Sometimes there’s no getting around those open doors. If temperature control fights with access, consider installing air curtains above these frequently opened areas. These highly directional fans create a barrier between your warehouse interior and the outside by forcing a curtain of air down to the floor. Many have intuitive sensors that make operation automatic.
Cooling
Standard residential air conditioning wall units are not a wise choice for cooling a warehouse. It’s a better choice to bring in an HVAC professional and have them show you options that will work with your budget.
Depending on your location, it might be sufficient to install industrial fans. Ceiling mounted fans help to redistribute the rising warm air, while wall-mounted exhaust fans can help to circulate and maintain a lower temperature by bringing in outside cooler air.
We can help you with suggestions for heating and cooling options. It’s one of the reasons why we ask for your building site location and how you plan to use it when you use our form to request free Miracle Truss® building information.
