Warehouse Ventilation in the O'Hare Corridor: Solving Negative Pressure & Stratification

If you manage a logistics facility in the O'Hare Corridor, you know the struggle: It’s January in Elk Grove Village. Your unit heaters are running full blast, yet your workers on the floor are wearing parkas. Meanwhile, the front office door feels like it weighs 500 pounds every time you try to pull it open.

These aren't just "old building" quirks. They are symptoms of imbalanced air pressure and thermal stratification—two specific problems that plague the high-ceiling industrial stock found in Bensenville, Des Plaines, and Elk Grove.

At Northwest Energy, we specialize in Commercial Test and Balance (TAB) for the unique needs of the industrial sector. Here is how we fix the "unfixable" comfort issues in your warehouse.

Problem 1: The "Ghost Door" (Negative Pressure)

Does your entrance door slam shut behind you? Do you feel a massive rush of cold air every time a dock door opens?

The Cause: Warehouses are often equipped with powerful exhaust fans to remove forklift fumes or manufacturing heat. However, if you don't have a Make-Up Air Unit (MAU) bringing fresh air in to replace it, your building becomes a vacuum chamber.

• The Safety Risk: This vacuum (Negative Pressure) can suck carbon monoxide from heaters back into the building instead of venting it out.

• The Energy Waste: Your heaters are trying to heat cold air that is being sucked in through every crack in the wall.

The Fix: We perform a comprehensive Building Pressure Analysis. We balance your intake and exhaust fans to neutralize the pressure, ensuring doors open easily and cold drafts stop infiltrating your space.

Problem 2: Freezing Floors, Hot Ceilings (Stratification)

In a 30-foot tall logistics center, heat naturally rises. It is not uncommon for the ceiling temperature to be 85°F while the floor temperature is 60°F.

The Cause: Your unit heaters are working correctly, but the heat isn't staying where the people are. The Fix: We test and verify Air Rotation Units and High-Volume Low-Speed (HVLS) Fans. By verifying the throw distance and velocity of your diffusers, we ensure that the warm air is forced down to the "Occupied Zone" (the first 6 feet from the floor), slashing your Nicor gas bill.

Problem 3: The Occupancy Permit Hurdle

Whether you are a new tenant moving into a retrofitted space in Elk Grove Village or expanding a manufacturing line in Bensenville, the village inspectors are strict.

The Reality: You cannot get your Certificate of Occupancy without a certified TAB Report proving your ventilation meets the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

• Our Advantage: We know the local inspectors. We know exactly what the Elk Grove Village and City of Chicago building departments are looking for. We provide the certified, stamped report you need to pass inspection on the first try.

Why O'Hare Logistics Centers Choose Northwest Energy

We understand that time is money in the logistics world. You cannot afford to shut down a loading dock for three days to fix a heater.

• Rapid Response: We are located just minutes from the O'Hare corridor via I-90.

• Security Clearance: We are experienced in working in secure, bonded facilities and maintaining safety protocols.

• No Disruption: We work around your shift schedules to balance your system without stopping your operations.

Ready to Fix Your Warehouse Airflow?

Don't let negative pressure drive up your energy costs. Contact Northwest Energy today for a free quote on Industrial Test and Balance services.