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Author: Herman Post

Herman Post is the owner of Heat-n-Go, which provides complete managed temporary heat services to the construction industry – removing frost in days, curing concrete or protection from deep freeze.

Choosing A Construction Heater To Beat The Cold

No matter the weather conditions or the season, construction projects must stay on schedule. However, when the temperatures start to drop, these and other outdoor projects become challenging. Staying on schedule becomes difficult when the outdoor temperatures start hitting subzero levels. The extreme cold not only affects the construction materials but takes a toll on worker productivity as well. The cold makes it virtually impossible to wear sufficient cloth layers and still be able to work effectively. Well, this is where temporary heating for construction projects comes into the picture. This solution helps protect both the workers as well as the construction materials.

But how do you pick the best construction heater for your construction site? Well, in this read, you will get expert tips to help you choose the best solution for your next project.

1. Look for the Safest Option

When using a heater at a construction site, there are multiple concerns to keep in mind. The heater needs to adhere to both county and city safety regulations and may call for particular permits for use. To ensure that your heating solution meets the city standards, consult the local fire marshall.

When picking a construction heater, worker safety should be the primary consideration. Ensure the workers comprehend how the heater works and how to run it in accordance with the manufacturer’s specs. The heater needs to protect the laborers from extreme cold, allowing them to focus on the task at hand. Hypothermia tends to kick in when the temperature goes below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

The best temporary heaters for events and construction projects are designed with a pressure system that minimizes airborne contaminants, keeping the surrounding air clean and safe.

2. Consider Reliability

When choosing a construction site heater, you’ll want to ensure it is dependable. Ascertaining a consistent temperature ensures that the workers are comfortable and safe. The temperature outside should not affect the temperature provided by your heater.

The best heaters for constructions sites provide a constant discharge of 225 degrees Fahrenheit. When the air outside changes, the fuel flow adjusts accordingly, thus maintaining a stable, constant temperature. This not only ensures the workers stay comfortable as they go about their duties but adheres to the local safety regulations

3. Electric vs Fuel-Powered Types

You will come across several heating options including natural gas, propane, diesel, and of course, electric heaters. You will want to lean to the electric type as they are not only silent, but they emit clean dry heat. They do not emit any gases, making them ideal for indoor use. On the other hand, the fuel-powered counterparts tend to be direct-fired, and are mostly used outdoors. The warm air is then directed indoors via vents passing through doors or windows.

4. Ventilation

If you go for the fuel-powered option, the heater is bound to generate substantial exhaust, which makes it vital to ascertain proper ventilation in the construction site. The CO2 produced may result in concrete carbonation, which affects the structure’s integrity. Also, it’s important to understand the heater’s rating, be it for indoor or outdoor use. You may need controlled ventilation systems if you are working with heaters that produce a lot of exhaust.

5. Budget

Most contractors tend to make the mistake of picking the cheapest heater without considering other factors that affect the total renting costs. Operational costs usually take at least 80% of the total cost of the rental heaters. As such, you’ll want to ensure you pick a model that’s efficient even though it costs you more than the alternatives.

When picking a heater for your construction project this coming winter, consider its purpose, cost, safety concerns, and everything in between.