Oxford Warehouse – Heat Pump Case Study

Low-Carbon Warehouse Heating with Reznor Air to Air Heat Pumps

The client, a leading UK manufacturer of respiratory and safety products including masks, helmets and innovative PPE, required an efficient and sustainable warehouse heating solution for its new warehouse facility in Oxford. Working in collaboration with a local HVAC contractor, the Reznor team delivered a complete commercial heat pump heating system, designed to support their long-term sustainability and carbon reduction objectives.

The Challenge

The new warehouse was a blank canvas and unoccupied at the time of design, requiring a complete warehouse heating strategy from the ground up. Initially, the client explored traditional gas-fired warm air heating systems; however, a free site survey identified insufficient gas capacity on site to support a full gas solution. In parallel, the client was seeking to align the project with its environmental targets by reducing emissions and future-proofing the building. Their main priority was to heat and cool the warehouse using the most efficient heating equipment on the market.

The Solution

Following detailed heat loss calculations and floor plan analysis, Reznor recommended a Lira air to air heat pump system as the most efficient and sustainable option for warehouse and warehouse heating. The system was specified in combination with upgraded insulation measures and the addition of solar panels, ensuring optimal performance and long-term energy efficiency and a higher EPC rating of the building.

The final design focused on zoning the warehouse effectively, ensuring warm air heating and cooling were delivered precisely where required, maximising comfort while minimising energy consumption. The selected solution supports both heating and cooling, enabling year-round temperature control using a single system.

Project Delivery

Reznor and the appointed contractor provided a comprehensive 360° service, managing the project from initial enquiry through to aftercare. This included:

• Proactive communication during the enquiry stage
• A free site survey to confirm product suitability
• Bespoke system design and technical compliance
• Design and product sign-off
• Installation by an experienced local HVAC contractor
• Commissioning by the Reznor service team
• Ongoing aftercare and customer support

This end-to-end approach ensured a smooth project delivery and long-term reliability of the heating system.

Products Installed

• 2 × Lira Air Plus Outdoor Air to Air Heat Pumps
• 2 × Lira Air Indoor Heat Pump Units
• 2 × Reznor Destratification Fans

Performance & Sustainability Benefits

The combination of air-to-air heat pumps and electric destratification fans ensures even warm air distribution throughout the warehouse by returning heat trapped at high level back to the occupied zone. This results in improved thermal comfort, reduced energy demand, and enhanced employee productivity.

The system delivers strong return on investment, with ongoing savings visible through reduced energy bills and lower overall CO₂ consumption. As a Gold member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, the client continues to demonstrate its commitment to decarbonising not only its products and packaging, but also its operational infrastructure.

Looking ahead, the system is future-ready, with the ability to integrate renewable energy via solar panel battery storage to further reduce reliance on grid electricity and support their decarbonisation strategy.

Why Choose Reznor Air to Air Heat Pumps for Warehouse Heating?

Reznor air to air heat pumps use R32 refrigerant and deliver high efficiency with a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of up to 4.36, making them an ideal solution for commercial warm air heating, warehouse heating and warehouse applications.

These systems provide both heating and cooling, enabling businesses to maintain a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year while significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Can I use a heat pump as an air conditioner or in cooling mode?

Yes, Air to air heat pumps can be used to provide a cooling atmosphere in warmer temperatures as well as provide warm air heating in colder weather conditions.

Decarbonize your heating with Reznor heat pumps, destratification fans and our wider range of gas free products.