You’ve probably noticed it on your car windows lately – that stubborn condensation clouding your view on chilly morning commutes. In New Zealand’s damp climate, high humidity and pervasive moisture aren’t just annoyances – they can become real problems for businesses during autumn and winter. In large warehouses and manufacturing plants, managing humidity is often a challenge. With high ceilings, cold concrete floors and temperature stratification, issues like damp patches, cold spots and low air quality are common. Left unaddressed, high humidity can lead to equipment and product damage, slip hazards, and occupant discomfort.
That’s why finding the right solution to high humidity and its associated risks is essential – and why we recommend HVLS fans as a smart, energy-efficient option. To help you make informed decisions, this guide outlines the risks of high humidity and how airflow systems can mitigate them.
How High Humidity Can Effect Warehouses
- Slip hazards – Excessive humidity can form condensation on floors, particularly concrete slabs, creating slippery surfaces that pose a risk to staff and forklift operators.
- Machinery damage – Metal and electrical components are often vulnerable to moisture damage in the form of corrosion, short circuits and potential equipment failure.
- Structure and product damage – High humidity fosters mould, mildew and wood rot, which can damage products, pallets or even the building itself.
Optimal Year-Round Humidity and it’s Benefits
- Comfort – High humidity impairs the body’s ability to regulate temperature, as sweat doesn’t evaporate efficiently –even in cooler weather. Controlling humidity will improve the comfort of your staff, reducing cramps, exhaustion, risk of heat stroke, and helping them breathe easier.
- Concentration – If humidity levels are high, staff are more likely to become dehydrated – even when drinking water regularly. Managing humidity will reduce the risk of busy staff becoming dehydrated, avoiding the associated symptoms of headaches and lightheadedness, and improving concentration.
- Productivity – Damp, humid environments are conducive to mould and bacterial growth, leading to more frequent illnesses among workers. Healthy, comfortable staff will be more productive and stay in their role for longer.
- Improved Overall Wellbeing – Beyond physical wellbeing, studies have shown that keeping humidity within the optimal range can reduce occupant stress levels.
So, What Can You Do to Manage Humidity?
Maintaining relative humidity between 35% and 45% is generally recommended, but this can be tricky in a large warehouse. Effective ventilation and air circulation is crucial. When combined with HVLS fans, dehumidification and/or HVAC systems, it is possible to manage humidity effectively and reduce the associated risks.
- High-Volume, Low-Speed (HVLS) Fans – HVLS fans circulate large volumes of air at low speeds. They are an energy-efficient method of increasing evaporation, reducing condensation, and equalising temperature and humidity in large spaces.
- Industrial Dehumidification Systems – Dehumidifiers or desiccant heat pump systems remove water from the air to maintain desired humidity levels and air temperature. Industrial dehumidifiers are designed for large spaces but typically use more energy per unit of moisture removed than an HVLS fan.
- HVAC Systems – Air conditioning units can remove some moisture from the air while cooling the space. To significantly impact humidity, HVAC systems should be upgraded with humidity control features.
- Ventilation – Proper mechanical ventilation is essential in areas prone to moisture accumulation. It helps remove humid air and replaces it with dry outdoor air, while sealing and insulating your facility keeps dry air in and humid air out.
Managing Humidity with HVLS Fans
HVLS fans provide an excellent line of defence against seasonal and chronic humidity challenges. By consistently circulating large volumes of air in warehouse facilities, these fans reduce condensation, prevent moisture accumulation and improve indoor air quality - no matter the season.
For comprehensive humidity management, we suggest installing HVLS fans as your primary solution, with ventilation and targeted dehumidification in high-risk areas. This approach offers effective humidity control with significantly lower operating costs compared to facility-wide HVAC or dehumidification systems.
Our experienced team would be happy to conduct a thorough assessment of your facility and design an HVLS solution tailored to the specific issues you’re facing. With proper humidity control, you’ll likely notice less condensation, drier surfaces and a more comfortable, productive environment – protecting your machinery, products and most importantly, your people.
Give us a call on 09 217 6801 or email us at customerservice@jetblackfans.co.nz
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