The Challenges of Warehouse Heating
Maintaining a safe, comfortable warehouse temperature is crucial but challenging.
Common Warehouse Heating issues include:
Energy waste.
Heating a warehouse needs a tailored solution. Generic systems often run inefficiently, causing uneven temperatures and higher energy costs.
Stock damage.
Many products need to be stored within strict temperature ranges. Inconsistent conditions can jeopardise product integrity, resulting in spoilage, damage, and financial loss.
Uneven temperatures.
Traditional heating often leaves large, high-ceiling spaces unevenly heated, with warm air trapped above and work areas below staying cold.
Employee discomfort.
Your staff will often have to perform physically strenuous tasks and sometimes while wearing heavy protective gear, exacerbating the risk of heat-related problems.
Why You need a Bespoke Warehouse Heating Solution?
When you choose OKEL, you’re investing in a warehouse heating solution that’s built around your business.
Our specialists design and install a bespoke system tailored to your exact needs, so you can enjoy maximum comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings, including:
Reduced energy costs.
Safer working environment.
Increased productivity.
Quality Manufacturing.
Fewer maintenance issues.
Improved eco-friendliness.
Warehouse Heating Case Studies
Saint Gobain Weber
Saint-Gobain Weber were looking for assistance with their heating project to replace the obsolete, floor-standing, oil-fired heaters installed across their three storage warehouse facilities.
Transmanor
Transmanor first approached us in October 2021, looking to install a heating system for one of their warehouses, in readiness for a new tenant who was soon to be taking over the lease.
Bunches Warehouse
Bunches first approached OKEL in February 2019 looking to upgrade the heating system in their warehouse storage facility.
Medstrom
In October 2018, OKEL was engaged to provide high-efficiency heating for five new and existing Medstrom warehouses and factories in Derbyshire, Kent, Lancashire, and Cardiff.
Sait Abrasives
OKEL was first contacted by Sait Abrasives in July 2019, looking to upgrade the heating system within their large open-plan premises used for both manufacturing and storage of abrasives products.
ARJO UK
ARJO UK is an internationally recognised supplier of mobility solutions. However, they were struggling to keep their Trafford Park warehouse warm in an efficient and cost-effective way.
Warehouse Warm Air Heating Solutions
Warm air heating is one of the most efficient ways to keep large warehouse spaces comfortable all year round.
At OKEL, our modular systems are fully customisable, using strategically positioned heaters that draw in fresh air, heat it, and distribute it evenly with powerful built-in circulation fans, delivering consistent warmth, efficiency, and reliability where you need it most.
Evaporative cooling works by drawing air from outside the building and passing it over pads soaked with water. This doesn’t just cool down your warehouse, but it also provides a continuous source of fresh air.
Your staff won’t just enjoy a comfortable temperature – they’ll also benefit from improved air quality and a lower risk of airborne illnesses.
Flexible Installation:
Wall or ceiling-mounted options to avoid floor obstructions.
Enhanced Efficiency:
Fully modulating heat output to match demand, saving energy and operating costs, and ensuring consistent comfort.
Year-Round Comfort:
Includes Summer Ventilation Mode for continuous air circulation and comfort during warm days.
Hybrid Heater & Heat Pumps
Unlock the perfect balance of efficiency and performance with OKEL’s customised Hybrid Heater and Heat Pump systems.
Purpose-built for warehouse environments, they combine advanced technology with intelligent controls to deliver consistent warmth, slash energy costs, and enhance on-site safety.
100% Electric or Gas Booster:
Available as a fully electric model or with a gas booster for extra heating power when needed.
Energy Efficient:
Operates in heat pump mode around 70% of the time for maximum efficiency. Delivering up to 5 kW of heat output for every 1 kW of energy consumed.
Smart controller:
Smart controller technology optimises energy use, adjusting output to maintain comfort while reducing running costs.
Year-Round Comfort:
Includes Summer Ventilation Mode for continuous air circulation and comfort during warm days.
Electric Air Heaters
The Winterwarm EH Electric Warm Air Heater is the perfect solution for gas-free sites or facilities powered by renewable energy. Compact, efficient, and simple to install, it delivers rapid, even heat across factory spaces.
With smart airflow control, centralised thermostat options, and minimal maintenance, it’s a hassle-free way to keep your workforce comfortable and productive.
100% Electric:
Efficient, gas-free solution ideal for Warehouses and industrial factory spaces.
Multiple Output Options:
Available from 5 kW to 60 kW to suit different heating needs.
Flexible Installation:
Can be wall-mounted or suspended, with optional brackets to angle airflow.
Centralised Management:
Control up to eight units via one MultiTherm thermostat, with BMS compatibility available.
Radiant Heating systems for Factories
Radiant heating is ideal for spot-heating specific zones, like workstations or loading bays, in large, open spaces.
It delivers fast, efficient warmth where it’s needed and retains heat long after shutoff to reduce energy use. Choose radient heating if:
No air circulation:
Warms directly without air movement, making it ideal for dusty or sensitive environments.
Silent operation:
Creates a quieter, more comfortable workspace.
Space-saving install:
Great for high ceilings or limited floor space.
Targeted & efficient:
Warms people and objects, not the air, making it highly energy efficient.
Warehouse Destratification Solutions
In warehouse environments, valuable heat often rises to the ceiling and leaves working areas cold, wasting energy and driving up costs.
Our destratification systems eliminate this problem by recirculating warm air back down to floor level, creating a comfortable, energy-efficient workspace where it matters most.
Up to 10,000 m³/h Airflow:
Delivers powerful circulation, ideal for warehouses with ceilings exceeding 5m high.
Built-In Thermostat:
Automatically activates the fan when air stratifies beneath the ceiling, ensuring consistent temperature spread.
Reduces Heat Stratification & Energy Use:
Cuts the temperature gap between ceiling and floor, reducing heat loss and potentially saving up to 30% on heating costs.
Simple Chain Suspension Installation:
Easy to hang through four eye bolts and chains, quick to position for optimal circulation.
Partnering for a Sustainable Future
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a priority for forward-thinking businesses. At OKEL, we’re committed to supporting our customers in achieving their environmental and energy-efficiency goals through innovative, future-ready solutions.
Every bespoke system we design is built with energy efficiency at its core. This not only helps lower your operational costs but also supports your wider sustainability ambitions, whether you’re working toward green certifications, carbon reduction targets, or simply looking to demonstrate your environmental responsibility.
With OKEL as your partner, you gain more than a high-performance system; you take a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future for your business and the communities you serve.
Lower Energy Costs
Reduced Emissions
Sustainability Future
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is warehouse cooling important?
Warehouse cooling is not a luxury – it’s a necessity for both legal compliance and operational success. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require that employers provide a “reasonable” temperature in the workplace.
While no specific upper temperature limit is defined, you must ensure your workers are comfortable. Failure to maintain a comfortable environment can lead to legal issues and potential fines for your business.
Beyond compliance, a cool warehouse is crucial for productivity. Studies show that workers in overly hot environments experience fatigue, decreased concentration, and increased errors. This can lead to costly mistakes, accidents, and ultimately, reduced output.
Warehouse cooling also protects your inventory. Many goods, especially perishable items and temperature-sensitive materials, require specific temperature ranges to keep them in good condition. A failure to maintain these conditions can result in spoilage, damage, and financial losses.
In addition, a well-designed cooling system can significantly reduce your energy bills. Modern cooling technology is far more efficient than older systems, saving you money while minimising your environmental impact.
- How much do warehouse cooling solutions cost?
How much a new warehouse cooling system will cost depends on a wide range of factors. This includes the specific cooling solution you choose and the size and layout of your space, as well as any additional needs you might have.
However, it’s important to remember that a new warehouse cooling system is a significant investment with the potential to offer a wide range of benefits to your business. If your cooling system is designed effectively and installed by experts, you’ll see lower energy costs, improved productivity and better-quality control for your stock. This means that the upfront costs of your new system can, over time, translate into long-term savings.
- Who can install a warehouse cooling system?
Installing a new warehouse cooling system is a complex and demanding process. The requirements are quite different from domestic or smaller commercial cooling systems, and that means you’ll need specialist support to ensure it is designed and installed correctly.
Working with expert commercial cooling engineers who are fully qualified and have direct experience with warehouse cooling systems will ensure that your new cooling solution is installed safely and delivers the results you’re hoping for.
Here at OKEL, our experts have extensive experience in installing heating and cooling systems for poorly insulated buildings, new builds, and open-plan areas of over 100,000 sq ft. We’re fully accredited and committed to delivering a top-quality service every single time.
- How long does it take to install a warehouse cooling system?
There’s no simple answer to how long a new warehouse cooling system will take to install. It will depend on several factors, including the size of your space, the number of cooling units needed, and whether you have more complex requirements when it comes to temperature control.
At OKEL, we understand that you need a clear timeframe to work with when it comes to installing a warehouse cooling system to minimise disruption to your operations. That’s why we offer free site surveys.
One of our highly experienced engineers will visit your site and provide a tailored review of your cooling needs. This will allow them to provide a clearer sense of how long the installation will take. Get in touch today to arrange your consultation.
- Why choose OKEL for your warehouse cooling solution?
A new warehouse cooling system can have a transformative impact on your business, offering everything from reduced energy costs and increased productivity to improved eco-friendliness. But if you want to secure these benefits, you’ll need to work with cooling specialists who can deliver a fully tailored solution using the latest technology.
By choosing OKEL for your warehouse cooling needs, you’ll benefit from:
- A custom-designed warehouse cooling solution. We deliver bespoke systems for every single customer, designed from the ground up to fit your space.
- Cutting-edge technology. We use the most advanced cooling solutions from leading manufacturers to ensure you’re getting the most efficient and effective warehouse cooling system.
- Safe and reliable installation. Our team are committed to delivering a smooth, safe and compliant installation process with minimal disruption to your business.
- An eco-friendly approach. We support businesses to achieve their environmental goals by prioritising sustainable, energy-efficient solutions.
- A fully personalised service. We provide a fully tailored and individual service for every single customer, with a dedicated project manager to keep you informed from beginning to end.
Whatever your warehouse cooling needs, OKEL can deliver an effective and efficient solution that will secure a range of long-term benefits for your business. Our highly experienced team will ensure you get a warehouse cooling system that’s the perfect fit for your business.
- How can warehouse cooling protect my inventory?
Maintaining a consistent temperature in your warehouse is not just about employee comfort it’s crucial for safeguarding your inventory. An effective warehouse cooling system prevents a host of issues that can damage or destroy your inventory.
Temperature extremes, whether too hot or too cold, can accelerate spoilage, particularly for perishable items like food and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, certain materials can warp, crack, or become brittle when exposed to excessive heat or fluctuations in temperature.
Moisture control is another key aspect of warehouse cooling. High humidity levels create an environment where mould, mildew, and bacteria thrive, leading to product contamination and degradation. Conversely, overly dry conditions can cause materials to shrink, warp, or become brittle. Effective cooling systems help regulate humidity, creating a stable environment that preserves the integrity of your inventory.
By investing in a reliable warehouse cooling system, you’re not just protecting your inventory—you’re also protecting your bottom line.
Temperature and humidity damage can lead to significant financial losses due to product spoilage, returns, and replacements. A well-maintained cooling system is a proactive measure that ensures your inventory remains in optimal condition, minimising risk and maximising profitability.
- Do I need a new warehouse cooling system?
There are various signs that your existing warehouse cooling system is no longer fit for purpose. This includes:
- Inconsistent temperatures. Is your system struggling to maintain a consistent temperature, particularly in hotter weather?
- Frequent machinery breakdowns. Are you experiencing frequent breakdowns, requiring costly repairs or causing disruptions to your operations?
- Rising energy bills. Have you noticed a significant increase in your energy bills, even without changes in your warehouse usage?
- Employee complaints. Are your employees complaining about discomfort or health issues related to poor air quality or temperature extremes?
- Inventory damage. Have you noticed signs of damage to your inventory, such as spoilage, warping, or corrosion, due to temperature or humidity fluctuations?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s a sign that your current warehouse cooling system is struggling to deliver the results you need.
If you need further advice or would like someone to conduct a more detailed examination of your existing warehouse cooling system, contact us today.