The car wash industry is booming, reaching a record valuation of $14.21 billion in 2020. But with rapid growth comes significant challenges—particularly when it comes to heating. Car wash owners face high humidity, exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals, and constant temperature fluctuations from open tunnel doors. Traditional heating systems struggle to keep up, leading to premature equipment failure, inefficient energy use, and higher operational costs. 
At AHR 2025, Dave Binz, Cambridge Air Solutions VP of Engineering, presented on these challenges and shared how our stainless steel heating enhancement has become the go-to solution for leading car wash chains. By developing HVAC technology that resists corrosion and maximizes energy efficiency, we strive to keep car washes open and profitable—no matter the weather.
The Challenges of Heating a Car Wash Environment
Car wash facilities are uniquely challenging to heat due to several environmental factors:
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High Humidity & Condensation – Constant water exposure increases corrosion risks for HVAC systems.
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Harsh Cleaning Chemicals – Detergents, surfactants, and presoaks contain corrosive compounds that degrade equipment.
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Temperature Fluctuations – Open bay doors cause rapid temperature shifts, stressing heating systems.
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Ventilation Requirements – Chemical fumes and exhaust emissions require specialized air quality solutions.
Seasonal changes add another layer of complexity. While winter brings peak demand for car washes, it also presents risks like freezing pipes, employee discomfort, and increased energy costs. Many traditional heating systems struggle in this environment, leading to downtime and revenue loss.
How We are Solving the Problem
Recognizing these challenges, we developed a stainless steel HVAC solution that outperforms standard systems in corrosive environments. Our High-Temperature Heating and Ventilation (HTHV) units provide:
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100% Outside Air with Direct-Fired Heating – Ensuring a fresh, well-ventilated space.
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Greater than 140°F Temperature Rise – Quickly warming spaces despite open bay doors.
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Fully Modulating Temperature Controls – Balancing ventilation needs with efficient space heating.
One of our customers, operating in an area with harsh winter conditions, implemented our high-efficiency S1200 space heaters and saw outstanding results:
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Despite outdoor temperatures as low as 0°F with wind chills reaching -28°F, the car wash remained operational.
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Energy cost per car washed: $0.10, ensuring profitability even during peak heating demand.
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Two direct-fired space heaters provided consistent warmth and prevented freezing issues.
Why Stainless Steel? The Move to Corrosion-Resistant HVAC
Understanding the toll that chemicals and moisture take on traditional HVAC systems, our expert engineers collaborated with car wash owners to identify the most vulnerable components and transition them to all stainless steel. This targeted approach extends the lifespan of our systems, reducing replacement costs and minimizing downtime.
The Cambridge Advantage
Our HVAC solutions are designed for durability in extreme environments. Key benefits include:
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Corrosion-Resistant Materials – Stainless steel components withstand moisture and chemicals.
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Sealed Combustion Heaters – Prevent exposure to humid, chemical-laden air.
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Positive Building Pressure – Helps control airflow and reduce humidity infiltration.
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High-Performance Ventilation – Removes excess moisture and chemical fumes.
By implementing these strategies, we’ve helped car wash businesses reduce maintenance costs and operate more efficiently, no matter the season. Watch this video to learn more about how our systems work in the car wash setting.
Interested in Learning More?
If you’re a car wash owner looking for a reliable, energy-efficient heating solution, we have the expertise and technology to help. Contact your local Cambridge expert today to learn how our stainless steel HVAC solutions can keep your business running smoothly, year-round!