Businesses that operate from large spaces – warehouses, factories, etc. – often need to leave large doors open for loading and unloading. This can result in a loss of heating efficiency during the winter months as the cold air is allowed in, making the indoor temperature difficult to maintain.
A good solution to this heat loss issue is to install a heating solution specifically designed for entrances and doorways.
Solution 1: Air curtains
One of the best ways to regulate your building’s interior temperature (without keeping doors shut all the time) is by installing air curtains above exterior doorways.
How does an air curtain work?
An air curtain is a fan-powered unit that creates an air barrier between the outdoor and indoor environment. It does this by creating a laminar airflow, blowing out warm air inside the building and blocking out cold exterior air from the other side of the door.
Air curtains are specifically designed to be installed above large doorways and combat the heat loss leaving doors open creates.
Benefits of air curtains
There are many benefits to installing air curtains:
- Loading bay doors can be left open without impacting the interior temperature.
- Maintaining consistent, optimum temperatures in winter will reduce the cost of heating your building.
- Some air curtains can blow both cold and hot air, maintaining a steady temperature all year round.
- Improves the interior air quality of your business. Air curtains act as a barrier to insects, dust, and pollutants.
Solution 2: Warm air heaters
Warm air heaters can be suspended from strategic points inside your business to help maintain optimum temperatures.
How does a warm air heater work?
Warm air heaters turn cool air into warm air by passing cold air through a heat exchanger. This heated air is then blown through vents into the building. Suspended heating units can be placed at strategic points in large, high ceilinged buildings to ensure heat is disturbed evenly.
Benefits of warm air heaters
Although warm air heating is very effective at efficiently heating large commercial buildings, it is not designed to combat the loss of heat open doors create. Air curtains, on the other hand, are purpose-built to prevent this issue.
However, there are other situations where warm air heating offers many benefits:
- Suspended units are space-saving and quiet running, providing minimal disturbance to your workplace.
- Warm air heaters provide an even heat distribution, eliminating any cold spots in your building.
- Some warm air heating systems can also filter the air inside your building, improving the air quality of your workplace.
