If your business has just taken on new warehouse space, one of the first things you’ll need to do is assess the efficiency of the heating system. If the building is poorly insulated or has an outdated, inefficient source of heat, it could be hugely expensive to run. 

With energy prices still running high across the UK and Europe, it’s more important than ever to keep costs down wherever possible. 

The good news is that there are lots of things you can do to improve heating efficiency in your warehouse. So whether it’s a new lease or an existing building with unacceptably high energy bills, you should be able to make improvements and cut energy bills down to size. 

How to heat a large warehouse​

There are a few key things to consider when heating a large space like a warehouse. These include:

  • The heating system itself - whether it’s heat pumps, gas heaters or de-stratification fans
  • Heating controls - so that individual heat sources can be controlled and temperatures monitored in each zone
  • Heating distribution and zoning - ensuring that spaces are adequately and consistently heated, but that no parts of the warehouse are overheated when not in use
  • Insulation - preventing heat from escaping the building and preventing leaking of heat between controlled zones. Cool rooms and refrigerated zones also need to be properly insulated with coldstore curtains and doors. 

To heat a large warehouse efficiently, it’s crucial to carry out a detailed assessment of the size and layout of the space. You need to factor in usage patterns, work zones, the type of machinery used in each space (which can generate heat of its own) and the local climate. 

Of all these considerations, insulation is arguably the most important factor to get right. You could have a highly efficient new heat pump installed, along with advanced smart heating controls - but heat loss will still occur if the space isn’t sufficiently insulated. 

How much does it cost to heat a warehouse?

The cost of heating a warehouse will very much depend on the size of the space, the type of heating system installed and how well insulated it is. 

Location and time of year will also play a part, as will the type of goods or equipment stored in the warehouse. For example, spaces where heat-producing machinery is regularly used may need less heating, while warehouses used to store temperature-sensitive goods are likely to need more. 

According to business energy comparison specialist Exchange Utility, energy bills amount to around 15% of all operating costs within a warehouse facility or distribution centre. While some of this is power used for lighting and machinery, the majority is space heating. 

How to insulate a warehouse

Insulation is absolutely crucial when it comes to keeping heating bills down within a warehouse or factory. However, these kinds of spaces can sometimes be challenging to insulate properly. 

To minimise heat loss, the following measures are recommended:

  • Insulating the roof with rigid foam PIR boards, spray foam insulation or mineral wool - just ensure you choose something with a high R-value and use professionals for installation
  • Improving wall insulation, adding extra layers of external or internal insulation, and ensuring gaps and cracks are fully sealed
  • Installing PVC strip curtains at entrances and exits, between zones and in cold storage areas. 
  • Installing impact doors in high traffic areas and loading docks, to control temperature and prevent heat loss in heavily used areas.

This is where specialists like our team here at Rayflex can help. We offer bespoke, high-performance insulated products designed to maintain temperature control across standard and cold store spaces. This includes PVC strip curtains, impact doors and insulated coldstore curtains and doors. 

How PVC strip curtains help reduce workplace heating costs

PVC strip curtains are one of the most cost-effective ways to drive down warehouse energy bills. They’re also among the easiest to fit, and they can make an instant improvement to heating efficiency. 

Strip curtains act as an effective thermal barrier between zones or rooms. They minimise heat loss and heat exchange between areas, even in regularly used parts of the warehouse. This helps you maintain consistent and controlled temperatures. Crucially, it reduces the demand on your heating system, which means lower energy consumption and lower bills. 

How much money can strip curtains save you?

While it depends on the number and location of PVC strip curtains installed in your warehouse, the savings can be significant. In fact, strip curtains could potentially reduce your heating costs by as much as 35-50%. This means that they should pay for themselves in just a few months. 

At Rayflex, we’re specialists in made-to-measure PVC strip curtains, offering fully customised solutions for a broad range of industries. With over 50 years of industry experience, we’re now  one of the UK's largest manufacturers of strip curtains kits and doors. 

Get your free quote for strip PVC curtains, or feel free to give us a call on 01925 638753 if you have any questions.