Heating a warehouse can be a real challenge. A large, open space, constantly opening doors and high ceilings make it tricky to maintain a comfortable temperature in winter without spending a fortune.
Yet keeping your warehouse warm is essential — for staff comfort, productivity and safety, and for the longevity of your stock, equipment and machinery.
So, with colder temperatures on the way, let’s explore some practical, cost-effective warehouse heating solutions that will help you keep your space warm this winter.
11 ways to keep your warehouse warm this winter
If you don’t want to spend this winter shivering in your warehouse space, here are a few warehouse heating solutions to consider.
1. Install insulated warehouse doors
One of the most effective (and affordable) ways to keep a warehouse warm is to reduce heat loss through entrances. Insulated warehouse doors trap heat inside and prevent cold air from entering.
Whether you choose sectional, roller shutter or folding doors, selecting insulated models helps you reduce energy waste and keep your warehouse warm.
2. Install high-speed warehouse doors
High-speed warehouse doors help to reduce bottlenecks and allow the easy movement of stock and staff. But they’re also useful for keeping your warehouse at a comfortable temperature.
By opening and closing quickly, they minimise the time that warm air escapes and cold air enters. You can also pair high-speed doors with insulated panels for even better energy efficiency.
3. Add dock seals and shelters
Loading docks are a major point of heat loss. With dock seals and shelters, you can create a tight barrier around trucks during loading and unloading. This prevents cold air from rushing into your warehouse, making your warehouse heating systems more efficient.
4. Use air curtains
Air curtains blow a controlled stream of warm air across an opening, creating an invisible barrier. They help to retain heat and reduce drafts without obstructing access — and they’re another great option for areas where doors are frequently opened.
5. Insulate the building
Proper insulation is the foundation of any warehouse heating solution. Insulating walls, roofs and floors helps retain heat and reduces the pressure you’re putting on your heaters. Insulation — like insulated doors — pays for itself over time by lowering business energy bills.
6. Use portable heaters
Portable heaters can be a cost-effective warehouse heating solution, especially in smaller warehouses or specific zones. They’re flexible, allowing you to heat only the areas where staff are working or where temperature-sensitive goods are stored.
7. Install suspended heaters
Suspended, ceiling-mounted heaters are good for larger warehouse spaces. These heaters distribute warmth evenly across the warehouse, without taking up valuable floor space.
8. Install radiant heaters
Radiant heaters heat objects and people rather than the air. This makes them perfect for spaces where doors open frequently or insulation is limited. These infrared heaters are energy-efficient and provide immediate warmth for your staff.
9. Invest in smart thermostats and controls
Programmable thermostats and controls allow you to regulate warehouse heating more efficiently. You can set temperatures based on occupancy, time of day or activity, helping you cut heating costs while keeping the space comfortable.
10. Partition the space
Dividing up a large warehouse space — using curtains, screens or temporary walls — can help you reduce your heating bill and improve warehouse temperatures. Partitioning reduces wasted heat and allows you to focus your warehouse heating solutions in the areas that need them most.
11. Heat the person, not just the space
In addition to the ideas above, it makes sense to keep warehouse staff as warm as possible. You can provide warm PPE and clothing, heated rest areas and free warm drinks. You can also give staff regular breaks, so they can warm up before hitting the warehouse floor again.
Why heating warehouse space is so important…
When it comes to industrial warehouse heating, there’s more to consider than just comfort. Cold work environments can have a direct impact on staff performance and safety.
Employees working in cold conditions are more prone to mistakes and accidents. They’re also more likely to get ill.
And it’s not just your staff you need to consider. Very cold warehouse temperatures can impact your products and machinery. They can damage stock and cause equipment breakdowns, adding to your costs in the process.
…And why it’s so tricky
Heating a warehouse isn’t like heating a small office space. Large floor areas, high ceilings and frequent loading and unloading create constant heat loss.
Here are some of the issues you’re up against:
- Doors opening and closing: Every time a dock door or entrance is opened, warm air escapes and cold air rushes in.
- High ceilings: hot air rises, leaving the warehouse floor cooler.
- Large space: The sheer volume of air makes it harder to reach and maintain warm temperatures.
All these factors make heating warehouse space both technically challenging and expensive. But with the right strategies, you can create a warmer and more efficient working environment.
Warehouse heating options: FAQs
What is the cheapest way to heat a warehouse?
The most cost-effective way to heat a warehouse combines insulation, high-speed or insulated doors, and heating zones with portable or radiant heaters. Heating only the areas that are in use reduces energy costs dramatically.
What is the required warehouse temperature?
In the UK, indoor working temperatures should be kept at 16°C or above. Temperatures can fall to 13°C if the work involves considerable physical activity.
Which warehouse doors provide the best insulation?
The most energy-efficient doors feature insulated panels. They also have a fast open and close mechanism, so they’re left open for a minimal amount of time.
Read more: Why choose insulated roller shutters?
Find warehouse heating solutions with Secure Door Systems
At Secure Door Systems, we understand that heating a warehouse isn’t just about installing heaters — it’s about keeping warm air in and cold air out. That’s where high-performance warehouse doors and dock seals are essential.
Our team designs, supplies, installs and maintains warehouse door systems that help retain heat and maintain a comfortable working environment. We create tailor-made solutions for warehouses big and small, working with customers in Stockport, Greater Manchester and across the UK.
Looking for ways to keep your warehouse warm this winter? Give the SDS team a call today and find out how our door solutions can help.
