Understanding the Importance of Climate Control in Warehousing

Climate control in warehouse storage is, at its essence, all about reducing unpredictability. A warehouse is a large, open environment filled with large shelves and racks with people and goods constantly moving in and out. This naturally results in areas where temperature fluctuations will occur, such as cool spots near loading bays or hot spots where shelves can obstruct air flow. Climate control in a warehouse helps prevent these environmental discrepancies and produce consistent, controlled conditions throughout all operations.

Why Does Your Business Need Climate-Controlled Storage?

If you deal in groceries or pharmaceuticals, the importance of climate-controlled warehouse storage is obvious. Food and medicine can easily spoil if not kept at the appropriate temperature after all. However, these are far from the only products that benefit from climate control and, in fact, most types of goods are better off when stored under controlled conditions. Metal components will expand or contract in response to hot and cold, humidity can create condensation and foster mildew in packaging, and too much humidity can also damage sensitive electronic components.

Climate control is also useful for protecting stored goods from sudden shifts in weather events. Your products may be fine in an uncontrolled warehouse during regular weather, but what about a heat wave or cold snap? How about when the humidex is high?

Elements of Climate Control

Climate-controlled storage warehouses employ various techniques to manage temperature and humidity. This can be accomplished in a few different ways. Air flow, for instance, can be regulated by planning out how shelves and pallets are arranged as well as by using sealing strips around door openings. In addition to helping control air flow, these strips also help keep insects out as an added bonus. High-strength humidifiers and dehumidifiers can, of course, be used to manage humidity levels and prevent the buildup of mildew but also keep products from getting too dry, which in itself can sometimes be an issue.

Temperature control can be accomplished through a number of different methods such as:

• Microprocessors for continual digital temperature control and monitoring
• Forced, targeted air-cooling systems for temperature recovery
• Various forms of temperature shift signaling (audio/visual alarms, etc.)
• Refrigeration systems
• Specialized storage spaces (walk-in freezers, cold storage, etc.)
• Proper insulation of the building (prevents disruption from winter/summer temperature)
• Weatherproofing
• Warehouse temperature maintenance (usually between 35 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit)

Look to APS for Climate-Controlled Storage Units Near You

APS Fulfillment, Inc. is a leading e-commerce order fulfillment service company that operates out of Miami, Florida. Our integrative and careful approach will ensure that our clients’ products will get to their destinations quickly and in top condition. We’ve stored, sorted, delivered, and quality-assured products of all shapes and sizes for all kinds of companies across a wide variety of industries. Contact us by phone at 954-582-7450 or reach out to us by e-mail at info@apsfulfillment.com for more ways our fulfillment services can support your e-commerce business or to find a climate-controlled storage unit near you.