One of the most common mistakes when building a warehouse is choosing the wrong option between heated and unheated. The building was put up without heating, and a year later the owner realised it was needed. Or the opposite — insulation costs were paid when they were not necessary. Let's look at the logic of the choice.
×3
price difference
heated is more expensive than unheated
3–5 years
insulation payback
through savings on heating
−35...+40°C
temperature range
in Kazakhstan over a year
100 mm
standard sandwich panel
for most heated warehouses
What to Store Where
An unheated warehouse is sufficient for:
- Construction materials, rolled steel, pipes
- Auto parts and equipment
- Industrial machinery
- Seasonal storage (not year-round)
- Goods insensitive to temperature and humidity
A heated warehouse is essential for:
- Food products (not requiring freezing)
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
- Electronics and home appliances
- Textiles and clothing
- Chemicals and paints (some compounds freeze)
- Any year-round work involving personnel
What Happens If You Skimp on Insulation
Condensation. When outdoor temperatures rise sharply, cold metal surfaces "sweat" — water drips onto goods. Particularly dangerous in spring and autumn during daily swings of 15–25°C.
Equipment freeze damage. Forklifts, pumps, and sprinkler systems break down at −20°C.
Poor working conditions. Workers in an unheated warehouse in winter means sick leave, errors, and staff turnover.
Insulation Payback Calculation
Consider a 1,000 m² warehouse in Almaty$2:
- Cost difference between unheated and heated construction: ~42 million ₸
- Heating a heated warehouse with gas: ~3–5 million ₸/year
- Cost of heating an unheated warehouse (using mobile heating systems): ~8–12 million ₸/year
- Additional costs from condensation and goods damage: ~2–4 million ₸/year
Conclusion: with year-round use, a heated warehouse recovers the cost difference in 4–6 years. With seasonal use (less than 6 months per year) — unheated is more cost-effective.
The Middle Option: "Conditionally Heated" Warehouse
Unheated frame + minimal roof insulation (50 mm) + air curtain at doors + infrared heaters. Cost: +15–25% compared to unheated. Interior temperature: +3...+7°C when outside is −20°C.
Suitable for: warehouses with infrequent staff entry and goods with moderate temperature sensitivity.
We will select the optimal warehouse type for your goods
Tell us what you plan to store — we will recommend the configuration and calculate the budget.
