Why Airflow Is Costing You More Than You Think – And What To Do About It
Maintaining temperature control in a facility isn’t just about powerful HVAC systems or expensive upgrades—it starts with airflow. One of the most cost-effective ways to maintain consistent indoor temperatures is by minimising unnecessary air movement within your building. For supermarkets and retail facilities in particular, airflow management can significantly impact energy costs and the comfort of your customers.
The Real Cost of Poor Airflow Management
Let’s take a look at a common scenario. In many facilities, warm air enters through the rear of the building and pushes into the retail space, forcing cooled air out the front. This raises the temperature in the retail zone, increases air conditioning usage, and ultimately drives up your power bill.
In winter, the reverse occurs. Cold air floods in through the back, displacing heated air and sending it out the front. The result? An uncomfortable environment for shoppers and rising heating costs.
This issue is especially prevalent in supermarkets, where a few small customer entry doors at the front are paired with multiple large roller doors at the rear. These rear openings often lead to loading bays or yards, where wind can funnel through, entering the building and disrupting the controlled climate of the retail area.
Why Door Placement Matters
This funnel effect—where large rear roller doors draw air into the store and out smaller front doors—emphasises the need to evaluate your building layout. Minimising this air movement starts at the source: the doorways.
Start with Exterior Openings
The most critical points are your external doors, especially large roller doors. Installing high speed rapid doors at these entrances is the first and most effective line of defence. These doors open and close swiftly, drastically reducing the time an opening is exposed to outside conditions.
Explore Ulti Group’s range of High Speed Doors designed specifically for high-traffic environments like supermarkets and warehouses.
Add a Second Layer of Protection
Some may ask, “If I already have high speed doors on the outside, why do I need them internally?” It’s a fair question—and here’s why it’s essential.
When goods are delivered, external doors often remain open for extended periods. This creates a direct path for outside air to reach the retail area. Adding high speed doors between the back of house and the customer-facing retail space forms an airlock, significantly reducing air transfer and maintaining internal climate control.
Benefits of a Dual-Door Strategy
With high speed doors at both exterior and interior thresholds, you gain:
- Superior temperature control
- Reduced energy costs
- Enhanced customer comfort
- Better compliance with food safety and hygiene standards
Ultimately, this setup improves not just operational efficiency but also the overall shopping experience—key for customer retention in the competitive retail sector.
Invest in Long-Term Savings
Optimising airflow isn’t just about comfort; it’s a strategic investment. By installing high speed doors, you lower operational costs, reduce wear on HVAC systems, and maintain consistent product temperatures. At Ulti Group, we specialise in providing tailored, energy-efficient solutions for New Zealand supermarkets and commercial facilities.
See how our solutions protect what matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to manage airflow in supermarkets?
Supermarkets have multiple zones with different temperature requirements. Uncontrolled airflow leads to higher energy use, discomfort for customers, and inefficient refrigeration or HVAC performance.
How do high speed doors help with temperature control?
High speed doors open and close quickly, reducing the exchange of indoor and outdoor air. When used in tandem between different zones, they create an effective airlock to maintain stable internal temperatures.
Are Ulti Group’s high speed doors customisable for different store layouts?
Absolutely. We offer a variety of solutions tailored to your facility’s layout, traffic flow, and operational needs. Whether it’s a small front entrance or a large rear loading bay, we’ve got a fit-for-purpose option.