Temporary Heating to Battle the Cold at an Illinois Warehouse and Distribution Center

Northern Illinois – After several winters of relying on small, portable heaters with limited success, a Northern Illinois warehouse and distribution center upgraded its temporary heating approach. Unable to absorb the cost of a new permanent HVAC system, the company had relied on temporary heating in previous years. While the smaller heaters provided some relief, they were costly to operate due to high fuel consumption. Seeking a more efficient and cost-effective solution, the company turned to REIC Specialty for recommendations.

Upgraded Heating Solutions

The distribution center’s large footprint and numerous delivery bay openings made heating particularly challenging, as outside air constantly entered the facility. After evaluating the conditions, the REIC Specialty team recommended six 1-million BTU indirect-fired heaters powered by LP fuel. These units effectively maintained sufficient heat levels throughout the facility while managing the regular influx of outside air. Switching to LP fuel also resulted in significant cost savings compared to the diesel-powered heaters used the previous year.

Strategic Installation

Working in collaboration with the facility’s mechanical contractor, REIC Specialty strategically placed the six heaters at key points around the building. The contractor installed semi-permanent, firm ducting to distribute and recirculate heated air efficiently. The heaters were positioned outside the facility, with inlet and outlet ducting fed through unused delivery bay doors. Wooden coverings were installed on the bays to create secure entry points for the ducting while minimizing heat loss.

Winter-Ready Operations

All six heaters were installed and fully operational by late October, just in time for the harsh Illinois winter. Scheduled to remain in operation through the new year and into the spring, the temporary heating solution has proven to be a cost-effective alternative to investing in a permanent HVAC system. The company expressed satisfaction with the setup and plans to continue this approach in future winters. REIC Specialty anticipates returning next year with even more rental heaters to meet their heating needs.