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Why Do I Measure Temperature Differences in My Warehouse?

Learn why temperature differences occur and how factors like airflow, HVAC distribution, sensor placement, and layout affect cold storage

Updated over 5 months ago

TL;DR: Even with high-precision sensors like Emma, temperature differences of 1–3°C (or more) across your warehouse are normal. They're usually caused by airflow issues, open doors, thermal layering, poor insulation, or sensor placement—not hardware faults. Monitoring multiple points and improving airflow helps maintain product quality.

The Emma smart tracking device used in your warehouse is certified and lab-tested for high accuracy:

  • Temperature range:

    • Celsius: -40 to +85℃ ±0.3℃, and 0 to +60℃ ±0.2℃

    • Farenheit: -40 to +185℉ ±0.54℉, and 32 to 140℉ ±0.36℉

  • Humidity: (0-100%RH ±1.8%)

This level of precision means it's more likely that any observed differences are due to environmental factors rather than sensor performance.

Noticing temperature differences (1–3°C or more) in various parts of your warehouse is common and can occur due to several reasons:

1. Airflow and HVAC Issues

  • Uneven distribution or poor circulation of air can create hot or cold spots.

  • Air tends to stagnate in corners, behind racks, and near walls.

2. Openings to Outside Air

  • Loading docks or poorly sealed doors let in warmer air.

  • Even brief door openings can affect nearby temperature significantly.

3. Thermal Stratification

  • Warm air naturally rises, and cold air sinks.

  • Without proper air mixing, temperatures can vary significantly between floor and ceiling.

4. Obstructions and Warehouse Layout

  • Storage racks, pallets, and packages can block airflow, creating temperature pockets.

  • Equipment (forklifts, conveyors, lighting) can generate heat in specific areas.

5. Sensor Placement

  • Temperature differences might result from sensor location rather than actual air temperature:

    • Sensors near HVAC vents, walls, obstacles, or placed at different heights can record varying readings.

6. External Heat and Sunlight

  • Exterior walls and windows exposed to sunlight can heat specific areas.

  • Poor insulation may also lead to uneven heating.

7. Cold Air Leakage

In cold storage, leaks or poor seals can cause uneven cold air loss or warm air entry.

Why It Matters:

Small temperature variations can affect freshness, shelf life, and safety of stored products. Regularly monitoring temperatures at multiple points and ensuring good airflow can help maintain optimal conditions.

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