Introduction
Having an appropriate climate within a warehouse is important. However, it seems that it isn’t a priority for some. In fact, there are a lot of businesses that overlook the importance of temperature and humidity monitoring of the warehouse. It can result in unexpected expenses which occur when the stock is damaged.
Maintaining the specific temperature and humidity needed for your products in the warehouse is important.
Warm air heating and industrial air conditioning are integral parts of a warehouse. They are the primary methods of making sure your warehouse is in perfect condition when it comes to temperature and humidity. This article will show how to manage your warehouse temperature and humidity monitoring system and why it is important for storage.
The Relationship Between Temperature and Humidity
Relative humidity (RH) is directly related to the temperature of the air. When the warehouse temperature increases, the relative humidity decreases and vice versa. Optimal humidity levels in warehouses should be from 40-50% RH (Relative humidity). How much water vapor is in the air isn’t really reflected by the relative humidity. However, it can tell the air how close it is to being saturated.
Temperature and Humidity monitoring must be done together to maintain an ideal temperature, but also to maintain the moisture in the air. Overall, this helps to gain the full spectrum of environmental data.
The Size and Layout of a Warehouse
The size of a warehouse has many challenges. Most of these are associated with warehouse heating and cooling. Getting an expert in to review the design and layout of the warehouse may be a good idea. But it goes more than that.
Things like where the staff will be standing or what type of stock will be stored in which location will need to be assessed. This can make a big difference, specifically where you need to maintain temperature and humidity more. An expert will most likely suggest the best placement and equipment save money at the same time increase efficiency.
Another Thing to Note is to Divide and Conquer
Cooling air is more expensive than heating. It is important to note that while warehouses will need cooling, each product is still different. Therefore, different products would need different kinds of temperatures.
Now for logistics, this can pose somewhat of a problem. This especially goes for a warehouse that might require many temperature zones or the products change over seasons. Warehouses may need to invest in product position planning. Warehouses will also have to be clear and concise about it as well.
Don’t Forget to Control Heat Loss
You definitely don’t want to have a risk of losing any of the air that is circulating once you have your ideal warehouse temperature. Main doors which are constantly being opened and shut are something to consider as well. This comes from the possibility that your main stock is in that area where the main doors are. You will also need to take note of any vents that are near the stock that needs to stay at a higher temperature.
What are the Problems That Can Humidity Cause?
Warehouses (and industrial spaces) have a high risk of accumulating moisture. It can also damage machinery and inventory, not just the interior building structure.
Not to mention, the environment can spur problems if humidity levels are elevated. These include mold growth on stored items, corrosion, rust, and condensation. Condensation on walls, ceilings, and floors creates suitable conditions for pests. This poses a threat to working environments and employee performance. Not only that, additional insurance costs for mold and mildew claims from customers can also occur because of it.
You might be wondering why moisture accumulates in the warehouse. Usually, things like open windows, doors, or anywhere where warm air can enter the building can cause air fluctuations to happen. Condensation occurs from the temperature difference between the outside air and inside air. This is also without proper air circulation.
Humidity can be much worse at night when the temperatures are cooler. Surface materials such as floors and machinery begin to sweat when the warm air begins to cool. Concrete floors can begin to have major risks of rust or rot due to the humidity.
A way that can help solve this is by using industrial ceiling fans. They can reduce condensation problems associated with increased humidity and moisture significantly. When moisture becomes a concern, they can provide essential airflow through factories and warehouses during the day and at night.
Humidity can be around 30% or lower during the heat of the day. However, this can be misleading. This humidity can reach around 70-80% during the night. Due to this, it is required to have 24/7 temperature and humidity monitoring.
What is the Right Level of Humidity?
According to experts, there are varying levels of humidity required for the different types of goods. For example, in the United States self-storage services are common. These would have materials like photo albums, pianos, leather jackets, and alike. All these, if humidity levels are high, can either stick together or worse, melt. Here are some relative humidity levels experts from different industries suggested: Paintings & fine arts (50%), fabrics (55%), papers (35%), electronics (60%), metals (55%), wine (50-80%), and wooden items (30-50%).
The Right Kind of Dehumidifier
The climate control of your warehouse is dependent on what kind of dehumidifier you choose. You will need to pick one that is best suited to your purpose. For dehumidifiers, there are two types which are desiccant dehumidifiers and mechanical.
How they work is what separates them. Mechanical dehumidifiers use refrigerated coils cooled using a motor fan. On the other hand, desiccant dehumidifiers use dry chemical substances. To keep your inventory in top shape, picking the right dehumidifier goes a long way.
How to Monitor Humidity and Temperature the Best Way Possible?
While having the appropriate warehouse heating within your business is good, that doesn’t mean things are done. In fact, it isn’t enough to just have it installed and then leave it. You have to ensure that you keep an eye on your temperatures. It is also very important on a regular basis to have a commercial and industrial heating engineer take a look at it. You can still automate your temperature to control costs. But it is also important to keep an eye on it as well to make sure that temperatures are staying where they need to be.
How About Wireless Monitoring Systems?
Monitoring in the most efficient way possible has some but very important requirements. It should be cost-effective and have an easy installation process. It should also be able to provide 24/7 monitoring and not need to have constant maintenance. If you’re looking for something that fits these requirements, then perhaps wireless temperature and humidity monitoring systems are the best solutions for your company/business.
AKCP Wireless Tunnel Sensors are an effective and reliable way of temperature and humidity monitoring in warehouses. What also makes this really good too is that it doesn’t increase costs or risk any kind of damage to the stored goods. A base station and wireless sensors are what usually consist of these solutions. This helps monitor the parameters. Not to mention, these kinds of devices are portable and also energy efficient. They don’t need battery replacement and the sensors can function for up to 10 years.
Data analysis tools are an essential component of wireless monitoring systems. Data can be accessed anywhere and anytime from any device. This comes from the help of data analysis software. With this, it can help a lot of businesses stay alert while at the same time help monitor various sites. These kinds of applications are basically suitable for companies in many locations. It especially helps companies with a global presence.
In Conclusion
In the end, you will want to make sure that your warehouse has the best climate possible in every factor. As stated above, this includes your employees, your products, the integrity of the warehouse, and your business/company. Look into every possible way in getting and maintaining the right levels of temperature and humidity for your products. If there are times it might be too costly, think of it as a good investment in the long haul. Enter into good, written agreements that can cater to the climate needs of your warehouse.
Sources:
https://www.mktalt.com/Blogs/four-things-you-should-know-about-climate-controlled-warehousing.html
https://www.heritageheatingandcooling.co.uk/how-to-maintain-the-ideal-temperature-in-your-warehouse/
https://aranet.com/monitor-warehouse-humidity-effectively/
https://macroairfans.com/blog/how-hvls-fans-control-humidity-moisture-bacteria-in-your-facility/
