Businesses often need temporary heating to keep projects moving. It might be to thaw the ground, keep employees safe or maintain material quality. Cold weather significantly impacts daily operations, and many situations exist where temporary heating reduces downtime and boosts employee satisfaction.
Heater rentals make sense for many industries. You only need a heater for certain projects and seasons, often making renting more cost-effective. However, choosing an unsuitable heater can disrupt your workflow. The trick is to know what questions to ask so you can make the right decision for your business.
7 Common Questions to Ask About Renting Temporary Heating Equipment
Even small temperature changes can have far-reaching consequences. In construction, they could cause delays, while at an event or in a commercial building, they can make guests uncomfortable. In addition, colder temperatures can impede worker productivity.
Many businesses rent temporary heating equipment due to its seasonal use and project specifications. With many different types, it’s natural to have questions.
1. Which Temporary Heater Is Right for My Project?
If you manage a construction site, warehouse, event venue, school or health care facility, your operations must run smoothly regardless of the season or weather conditions. The right temporary heater can help you achieve that. The first step to finding the right heater for your project is understanding the available types and how they work.
Some of the most popular temporary heating options include:
- Indirect-fired heaters: These heaters provide reliable and efficient warmth in challenging conditions without exposing the warm air to combustion gases and other contaminants. Some of the many applications for these heaters include construction sites, warehouses, agriculture and emergency medical centers.
- Direct-fired heaters: A direct-fired heater uses a burner to generate hot gases, transferring energy into a gas or liquid. They provide reliable heat in large and high-demand applications, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, aerospace and food and beverage.
- Electric heaters: An electric heater enables you to adjust heating levels to your real-time requirements. They are ideal for any indoor environment, including warehouses, aircraft hangars, storage facilities and greenhouses.
- Flameless heaters: Flameless heaters remove the risk of open flames, protecting employees, equipment and infrastructure. They distribute heat evenly throughout large and small spaces, making them ideal for outdoor events. They’re also common in emergency response settings, construction sites, warehouses and many other applications.
- Radiant heaters: Radiant heaters use electromagnetic heat to warm objects and are extremely efficient at heating focused areas without changing the overall temperatures. They are often used in manufacturing processes such as welding and cutting or to dry surfaces in construction.
2. Will This Heater Provide Temporary Heat Throughout the Necessary Space?
Your choice of heater largely depends on the space you need to heat. One of the best ways to compare various heater outputs is to look at their size in terms of British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. The higher the BTU, the more powerful the heater. However, a heater with a high BTU only sometimes produces enough uniform heat for a large space.
A hydronic heater is a popular option for heating your whole space. These heaters provide heat distribution points throughout your space, allowing you to maintain a consistent temperature. Consulting an expert rental provider is often the best way to ensure you choose the right heater for your application.
3. Does the Heater Follow Local and National Regulations?
When you rent a temporary heater, you must double-check your area’s regulations. Natural gas, propane and kerosene heaters must often comply with safety standards to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide leakage or fires. Your industry may also have specific standards for temporary heating solutions.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), temporary heating setups in the workplace must ensure adequate fresh air. It’s especially important when using heaters in confined spaces. In some cases, you may need to install mechanical ventilation.
4. Does the Heater Need a Ventilation System?
Your ventilation requirements depend on your heater choice. Temporary heaters that burn fuel or gas release carbon monoxide (CO), which can result in serious risks to your team and equipment without ventilation. You don’t need a ventilation system if your heater uses electricity or radiation to heat a space.
5. What Safety Measures Do I Need to Take When Using This Heater?
Although modern heaters are designed with safety in mind, you’ll still need to take precautions. Temporary heating comes with risks, including CO poisoning, fire hazards, trip and fall hazards, and electric shocks. Take the following safety steps:
- Check heater placement: Place your heater on a flat, stable surface. It should be at least 3 feet away from flammable materials, including insulation, wood and fuel. Install it a safe distance away from walls and ceilings, and route all cords, wires and pipes to prevent tripping.
- Prioritize safe handling: Your team should understand the importance of safe handling practices, like using approved containers for storing fuel and labeling them correctly.
- Have a fire safety plan: Everyone who works with your heater should understand your fire evacuation plan and the heater’s emergency shutdown procedures.
- Switch the heater off when unattended: Heaters should always be supervised. Turn your heater off when not in use, especially overnight.
6. How Can I Maintain the Heater During the Rental Period?
Renting a temporary heater from the right rental partner provides many benefits, including maintenance and repairs. If an issue arises, contact them immediately so they can address the issue. However, you can perform basic maintenance for safety and performance reasons, including inspections of each heater before use. Check for signs of wear and arrange to replace damaged components immediately.
7. Are Delivery and Installation Included in My Heater Rental?
Your rental partner should deliver, install and collect your heater. Depending on its size, you may need a commercial driver’s license to transport it, which is why they offer this service.
OSHA Guidelines for Temporary Heating
OSHA has comprehensive requirements for temporary heating in commercial settings. They cover:
- Fire protection and prevention for temporary heating devices under 29 CFR 1926.154 – Temporary heating devices.
- CO exposure limits under29 CFR 1910. 1000 – Air contaminants.
- Electrical safety standards under 29CFR 1926. 403 – General requirements.
Find Temporary Heating Solutions That Work for You With Herc Rentals
When you explore temporary heating solutions, your rental provider should welcome any questions, and you should feel comfortable asking. Asking the right questions before you make a decision can make all the difference. The team at Herc Rentals has the expertise to answer them.
We offer an extensive range of solutions suited to projects across industries. Our temporary heater rentals include fuel supply, installation and removal. Our team will work with you to find the ideal temporary heater for your application, and we’re always available to address any questions or concerns.
Explore our cooling, heating and air quality solutions, or reach out to us for more information today!
