How to improve warehouse ventilation?
Warehouses are an important link in today’s supply chains. From storing materials to delivering damage-free products on time with correct paperwork - warehouses perform multiple functions for manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. If you are a facility manager in charge of a warehouse, you need to ensure that the place has sufficient lighting and ventilation. Proper ventilation is also important for keeping the goods in proper condition especially during extreme weather conditions. Inadequate ventilation can lead to mold and mildew that can make it difficult to maintain the quality of the stored goods.
As one of the leading commercial exhaust fan manufacturers, our experts discuss a few useful ways to improve ventilation at your warehouse:
- Remove the hot air during the day: The plant and machinery kept in the warehouse can increase the indoor temperature. In the summer months, excess heat not only make employees feel uncomfortable, but it also causes the goods to perish. If the nature of your business and the kind of the warehouse allow, you can open the windows and doors during the day. This will allow the hot air to escape. Window openings with automatic control systems, walls made of breathable materials and ventilation stacks can help bring in the fresh air.
- Goods deteriorate more quickly in hotter and humid climates: Most goods are better off when stored under controlled conditions. Machinery made of metals expands or contract in response to hot and cold conditions. Humidity can cause condensation which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew in packaging. Too much humidity can also damage internal components of electronic appliances. You can use microprocessors for continual temperature control and monitoring. You can also use specialized storage facilities like walk-in freezers and cold storage if there a need. Proper insulation of the warehouse and weatherproofing can also help in maintaining the right humidity levels in the warehouse.
- Install light-colored roof (if budget permits): One of the most effective ways to keep the air in a warehouse cool is to install a roof that is made from sustainable materials and is light-colored that doesn’t absorb too much heat.
- Control humidity levels: Excessive moisture can make the warehouse uncomfortable to work and can damage t the quality of goods. First of all, make sure there are no leakages or open drains in the warehouse. Adequate ventilation can also help you control humidity. When the problem of high humidity levels is not addressed, it can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, damaging stored goods and cause health issues for workers. Industrial exhaust fans and pedestal fans are an inexpensive, simple and energy-efficient way to circulate air inside the warehouse and keep humidity levels in check.