–The Importance of Air Quality in Supermarkets and Warehouses
In the retail environment, air quality is a critical factor that often goes unnoticed, especially in places such as supermarkets and medium-sized stores.
When it comes to air quality in the retail environment, it is crucial to understand that both customers and staff are sensitive to comfort at the point of sale. Factors such as acoustics, lighting, layout, air quality and thermal comfort play a key role in customer differentiation and satisfaction. In this context, finding comfort and air quality within your shop becomes essential.
In this article, we will explore in depth the relevance of air quality in these environments and how air conditioning solutions play a vital role in the well-being of customers and employees. In addition, we will look at the specific challenges these shops face and how Hitachi solutions are addressing these challenges.
Challenges of air conditioning in large spaces
Next, let's look at the specific challenges related to air quality in these facilities and how air conditioning solutions can address them:
1. CAI (Indoor Air Quality) Monitoring
One of the most critical aspects of IAC control is humidity management. Excessive humidity in the indoor environment can have a significant negative impact on the health and well-being of employees, which in turn affects their work performance. The absence of air quality control in warehouses brings with it a number of problems:
- Sick Building Syndrome (SBS): When humidity levels in a building are too high, there is an increased risk of employees developing Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). SBS is characterized by a range of symptoms, including fatigue, eye irritation, nasal congestion, headache and respiratory problems. The constant presence of these symptoms can lead to a significant decrease in worker productivity and well-being.
- Mold and Mites: High humidity also creates an environment conducive to the growth of mold and mites, which can further worsen air quality.
2. Temperature control
Leakage points, such as open doors or windows, cause temperature and energy losses, causing air conditioning systems to work harder than necessary.
Temperature control in large spaces is essential, as it requires a number of factors to be carried out properly, as well as experts who are constantly monitoring the temperature in warehouses.
3. Air distribution and destratification
In spaces with high ceilings, air tends to settle and its uniform distribution poses an added challenge for temperature control. Air stratification, where warm air rises and cool air settles, can lead to inefficiencies in air conditioning and increased energy costs. The solution to this problem is destratification, which mixes hot and cold air using high velocity diffusers, thus improving comfort and reducing energy costs.
4. Energy consumption
Large warehouses require more energy to heat and cool large spaces, which increases energy costs. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning account for around 30% of the total energy costs of running a warehouse.
5. Multi-space business management
Some companies have several spaces, such as offices and warehouses, which raises the need for centralized management. This makes it possible to check whether everything is in order in terms of comfort, maintenance and energy consumption. It is essential to maintain constant control over environmental conditions, including air quality, at each location.
Air quality can vary from one location to another due to factors such as ventilation, humidity and local climatic conditions. By having centralized management, companies can efficiently monitor and control air conditioning and ventilation systems at all of their sites to ensure that air quality standards are met. In addition, centralized management facilitates early identification of problems and allows corrective action to be taken in a timely manner.
Hitachi solutions to save energy and improve comfort
Customers, as well as employees, are sensitive to the comfort of the point of sale, and therefore acoustics, brightness, air quality and thermal comfort become differentiating aspects.
It is therefore essential to find the right solution to maintain thermal comfort and air quality in your shop.
To achieve this, it is important to have an efficient, reliable and high quality system that operates 24 hours a day, which can be controlled from anywhere.
Hitachi offers solutions specifically designed to address the above challenges and improve air quality in supermarkets and warehouses:
Hitachi Duct Units
Economical and unique solution compared to air handling or Rooftop installations for retail (supermarket). Ideal solution that meets the needs of large, high-volume applications such as supermarkets, warehouses, factories...
Suitable for large installations: VRF compatible outdoor unit (IVX Comfort and Air 365 Max).
Hitachi Controllers
Moreover, with Hitachi's airCloud Pro app, business owners can check and adjust temperature and power consumption in real time from any location. This is essential to ensure a comfortable and efficient environment in all places of business.
Air quality in supermarkets and warehouses should not be underestimated. Having a comfortable and healthy environment not only improves the customer experience, but also contributes to the well-being and productivity of employees. Hitachi's HVAC solutions are designed to address these challenges and help businesses thrive in a competitive market while complying with energy efficiency regulations. Investing in efficient, quality HVAC systems can make a difference to customer satisfaction and business profitability.
by Hitachi Cooling & Heating
