Warehouse Temperature Control
Its been a scorching couple of weeks in Queensland. Temperatures in the PRQ Brisbane warehouse have been well into the mid- 30-degree Celsius range and warehouse temperature control are on everyone’s mind. At this time of the year, everyone is asking, ‘how can we make our office and warehouse cooler’.
The impact of high temperatures on warehouse and staff are many. Team members lose focus on their work, the warehoused product can deteriorate if subjected to extreme heat and overall business productivity declines.
At the same time, energy prices are soaring and simply cranking the air-conditioning system higher can result in huge quarterly electricity bills.
So, what can be done you say?
Here are 5 tips to improve temperature controls of your warehouse and office:
Let’s have some breeze!
Let air flow freely! Warehouses are generally densely stacked, full of product and other items that impede airflow: pallets, shelving, machinery, pallet racking etc. Ensure that there are natural channels for air to flow through doorways, windows, and vents. Keep your doors and windows open if there is the slightest hint of a breeze.
Hit the roof though mind your head!
As we all know, hot air rises and needs to be released. Roof venting systems such as whirlybirds are great for expelling the hot air buildup in your shed. They are generally inexpensive to buy and install. Remember also to keep an eye on your air-conditioning system. HVAC systems are often kept on the roof and are working overtime at this time of the year in Brisbane. At the same time, these units are being smashed by the heat so remember to maintain them regularly.
Lastly, consider insulation of both your office and the warehouse. Insulation can reduce the temperature of your workplace dramatically.
Seal up those cracks
This is an obvious one in achieving warehouse temperature control. In the heat of summer, many commercial offices allow their cool air-conditioned air to seep through gaps in door frames, windows etc. If you have vents, loading docking doors, old windows then fix them to keep the cool in and your air-conditioning power costs down.
Use a fan, Stan!
Sometimes, especially in a heatwave, there is simply not the faintest sign of breeze, except your heavy breathing from the insufferable heat. Get some industrial fans and place them in a strategic position to allow air to flow. Your warehouse employees will be very thankful and less likely.
Solar Panels
Many businesses are doing their numbers on solar and finding the pay-back on installing these systems is incredibly quick. As warehousing businesses mostly operate during the day the presence of a solar system is even more worthwhile than installation in your home. You are using the power while the system is generating electricity! Additionally, Queensland has an abundance of sunshine during the year and is the perfect place to install it.
So, what are you waiting for? Get busy and cool yourself down with some of these tips. You may also save a few dollars in the process…
