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Picking the right heat for a busy distribution centre is never simple. High bays, endless racking, doors that keep cycling. Heat drifts up, people work at floor level, and energy costs keep climbing.
This guide sets out a clear, practical way to choose between radiant and warm air heating. We show where each option excels, how to zone a DC, and how to use controls to cut waste. We also cover hybrids that blend the strengths of both. As Inergy Group, we design, install and maintain these systems across the UK, so the examples here reflect what we see on real sites.
Distribution Centre Heating: Everyday Problems
Distribution centres are hard to heat evenly. Roofs run high, aisles create canyons, and loading bays leak heat with every movement of goods. Without the right approach, warm air collects at the roof while the ground stays cool. This thermal stratification is a major reason heating bills run higher than they need to in large spaces. The Carbon Trust’s Warehousing and logistics guide shows that targeted controls and good air management are often the biggest win.
Workplace comfort also has a regulatory backdrop. HSE guidance expects a reasonable indoor temperature. In many workrooms a minimum of 16 °C is usually appropriate, or 13 °C for more strenuous work. Those numbers help set realistic setpoints without overheating.
How Radiant Heating Works
Radiant systems heat people and surfaces directly, not the air. In practice that means faster perceived warmth at floor level, especially in spaces with high ceilings or frequent door openings. Radiant tubes over pick faces and docks are a smart way to put heat exactly where people stand.
- Best-fit zones: pick faces, marshalling areas, loading bays, workstations.
- Strengths: quick comfort, less wasted heat at the roof, ideal for spot heating.
- Watch-outs: radiant is line-of-sight. Large obstructions can cast “shadows”. We plan mounting heights, spacings and outputs to avoid this.
Want to learn more? Get full details on the benefits of this type of system on our radiant heating page.
How Warm Air Heating Works
Warm air heating works by raising the air temperature and distributing it across the volume. They suit open areas where even background temperatures matter, and they integrate well with filtration and fresh-air strategies.
- Best-fit zones: open pick areas, packing halls, general circulation, welfare spaces.
- Strengths: even temperatures, quick warm-up, compatible with air quality control.
- Watch-outs: without destratification fans, heat can pool near the roof in high bays.
Modern warm air units can reach high seasonal efficiencies when properly set up and maintained, which is why they remain a strong choice for large buildings.
For more details, read our ultimate guide to commercial heating systems, or our comparison of warehouse heating options.
Radiant vs Warm Air: Decision Grid
Use the table below to shortlist the primary approach by zone. Many distribution centres will combine both.
| Factor | Typical condition | Primary approach | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling height | Over ~8–10 m with high racking | Radiant at work areas | Direct warmth at floor level and less roof loss |
| Ceiling height | Lower bays or mezzanines with open volume | Warm air | Efficient volumetric heating and even background temperatures |
| Door cycles & docks | Frequent door openings | Radiant at loading bays | Reduces perceived cold during door events |
| Door cycles & docks | Occasional openings | Warm air with door interlocks | Holds setpoint and trims fan speeds when doors open |
| Racking density | Dense aisles and tall racks | Radiant for pick faces + destratification | Avoids shadowing and brings warmth back down |
| Racking density | Open picking or packing | Warm air | Even temperatures across larger open zones |
| Air quality | Dust or process emissions | Warm air with filtration/make-up air | Integrates with ventilation and filtration |
| Air quality | Minimal process loads | Radiant | Leaner, targeted heat where people work |
What is destratification?
In tall spaces, warm air can pool at the roof and leave cooler air at floor level. Destratification fans gently mix the air to reduce the roof‑to‑floor temperature difference and cut run-time.
Why Destratification Matters in Tall DCs
Thermal stratification wastes heat by lifting warm air away from people. Destratification fans mix the air and can materially cut heating energy. Peer‑reviewed research reports a ~19.3% reduction in warehouse heating energy with fans operating, and a separate case study reports a 26.4% reduction in gas use. Results vary by height, layout and control logic.
We design destratification as part of warm air systems and also in hybrids. Fan selection, sensor placement and control logic make the difference between a fan that runs constantly and one that actually reduces run-hours.
For design fundamentals across large warehouses, our HVAC design guide outlines how airflow and plant rooms fit together.
Hybrid Heating in Distribution Centres
Many DCs achieve the best comfort and lowest running cost with a hybrid: radiant where people work, warm air for background. Typical pattern:
- Radiant at docks and pick faces for instant comfort in draught‑prone areas.
- Warm air for open zones to maintain an even temperature across shifts.
- Destratification above racking to reduce roof losses and bring warmth back down.
- Smart zoning and controls to coordinate everything.
Our overview of workshop and warehouse heating solutions shows how these elements work together, including the role of controls and staged upgrades.
Energy Saving Controls
Controls are where many quick wins sit:
- Zoning by use: docks, pick faces, packing, offices.
- Schedules and set‑backs: lower temperatures out of hours and between shifts.
- Door interlocks: drop warm air fan speeds or pause heating while shutters are open.
- Sensor strategy: temperature sensors at multiple heights to manage stratification.
- Maintenance prompts: filters and safety checks scheduled via BMS alarms.
For warehousing and logistics, heating and controls are key energy hotspots, and tightening control routines often gives the first chunk of savings with minimal disruption.
Costs, Carbon and Payback
There is no single payback number that fits every distribution centre. That said, three levers tend to drive quick results:
- Fix stratification: destratification cuts run-time and fuel use in tall bays. The ~19% research figure gives a sense of potential. Real results hinge on height, volume and fan control.
- Appropriate background heat: warm air units with high seasonal efficiency and correct throw reduce overshoot and short‑cycling.
- Targeted radiant islands: heat the work, not the void, especially at docks.
As the UK continues to decarbonise, reducing gas use through efficient heat and better controls supports wider net‑zero plans, while cutting operating costs.
Compliance, Safety and Maintenance
Plan for safe combustion air, flue routes, clearances and gas safety checks. Build a servicing calendar for burners and filters so performance stays high. The law asks for a reasonable indoor temperature and a sensible approach to thermal comfort. Use that framework to set policy and training for winter operations.
Our Commercial & Industrial Heating Systems page outlines ongoing maintenance services if you want one partner from design to aftercare.
Distribution Centre Zoning Example
- Zone 1: Loading bays and marshalling. Radiant tubes over each bay, interlocked to doors.
- Zone 2: Pick faces and conveyor feeds. Radiant islands along workstations.
- Zone 3: Open pick and packing. Warm air heaters, balanced with destratification fans.
- Zone 4: Mezzanine or offices. Smaller warm air units or splits with local control.
- Zone 5: Returns and QC. Mixed, depending on draughts and occupancy.
For more on matching technology to warehouse areas, read our guide on how to heat a warehouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will radiant heaters cause hot spots near packaging?
Design and mounting height prevent hot spots. At Inergy Group, we space tubes and set outputs to suit working clearances and materials.
Can we combine radiant and warm air in one building?
Yes. Hybrids are common in DCs and can lower running costs when zones have different demands. The key is getting controls and destratification right so systems do not fight each other.
What temperature should we aim for?
Base setpoints on your tasks and HSE guidance. Many DCs operate comfortably around the mid‑teens Celsius for general activity, with local radiant boosting perceived warmth at workstations.
How fast will radiant feel warm at docks?
Usually within minutes at the work area because radiant heats people and surfaces directly rather than waiting to warm the volume.
Do destratification fans really save money?
When sized and controlled well, yes. Independent studies show material reductions in heating energy. Poorly placed fans can just move air. We model before we specify.
Are warm air heaters efficient enough for tall spaces?
Modern units can achieve high seasonal efficiency and perform well with destratification to cut roof losses.
Ready to improve comfort and cut wasted energy in your distribution centre? Book a free site assessment with Inergy Group.
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Call 01204 929 999
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Email info@inergygroup.co.uk
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Or request a callback via our contact form
We will survey your site, model zones and controls, and give you a clear plan with costs, timelines and projected savings.
