High humidity levels and excessive moisture in your warehouse can lead to serious problems such as mold, bacteria growth, and inventory damage. Indoor humidity levels should range between 30-50%, and industrial and warehouse spaces have a high risk of accumulating moisture. In addition to the possible inventory damage mentioned above, accumulated moisture can damage the interior building structure as well as machinery. This article aims to help you reduce humidity in your warehouse by discussing the sources of humidity and moisture, the problems associated with humidity, and options to reduce humidity in your warehouse.
The Source of Humidity & Moisture: Air fluctuations caused by open windows, doors, and warm air seeping into the building are the primary causes of moisture accumulation in your warehouse facility. Without proper circulation, the temperature difference between the outside and inside air can cause condensation. When the temperatures cool at night, humidity is typically worse. The warm air cools, and surface materials such as floors and machinery begin to sweat. Humidity can cause rust, rot, and impose major risks on concrete floors.
Problems Associated with Humidity: Some of the worst areas for airborne bacterial growth are stagnant zones that have excess humidity. Stagnant air is simply air that has no movement, and when you have stagnant air, the excess humidity makes surfaces damp, which facilitates the growth of bacteria, mold, and viruses. Mold is not always visible, but spores are present and will germinate when conditions have sufficient moisture. As spores germinate, they multiply and significantly reduce air quality. With this in mind, you should know that stagnant air is unhealthy and unsafe for your employees. The growth of microorganisms, such as mold, can increase the risk that individuals will become sick. We know that excessive humidity can also lead to many respiratory issues, and can even cause interruptions in sleep patterns. When employees become ill, their morale and productivity will decrease, affecting your bottom line. Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a condition that causes discomfort and sickness for workers in a particular area with an excessive humidity problem and lack of proper ventilation. Although the specific cause of SBS is unknown, research has shown that buildings with stagnant air, poor ventilation, and higher humidity are much more likely to suffer from SBS. Sweating slab syndrome (SSS) is another serious repercussion of high humidity levels, and it is the excess moisture sitting on the surface of a floor/slab of concrete. SSS occurs when humid air comes across a cold surface and attempts to lower its temperature to match the temperature of the surface.
Options to Reduce Humidity in a Warehouse:
Complementary Dehumidification Systems: A mechanical dehumidifier and a desiccant heat pump system can be integrated to reduce the humidity and condensation in the building further. Eliminating moisture will also reduce the spread of airborne bacteria since high volumes of bacteria are found in water vapor and droplets suspended in the air. An industrial dehumidifier can remove up to 160 pints of water depending on the model and the square feet of coverage. Be aware that a warehouse dehumidifier can be noisy, so take note of that before proceeding.
Bring in the Outside Air: Sometimes just opening windows and doors will help reduce humidity levels in a warehouse and increase ventilation. Even more effective is having a good cross-breeze. Open the doors or windows on both sides of the facility to get air flowing through the space. Having proper ventilation a few hours a day can help reduce humidity in a warehouse greatly, giving you a better handle on humidity control.
HVAC Systems: If you have an HVAC system, turning on your air conditioner will help reduce indoor humidity during humid weather as well as cool down your employees and products.
JSO'Will is an Authorized HVLS Dealer serving the greater Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Yakima, Spokane and Portland area. Visit us at www.jsowillfans.com