Winter construction sites can incur significant costs, especially if the work is fully exposed to the elements. Hypothermia, resulting from the body’s internal temperature falling below 95 degrees, poses a severe risk to workers. Providing a warm space for workers to recover from the bone-chilling winter wind and snow is essential for the project’s success.
Given that productivity and efficiency increase when laborers are comfortable, investing in a temporary heating solution can ultimately save time and money in the long run. Propane and electric heaters are the two most common options available. If you’re undecided, below is a list of pros and cons. (Spoiler alert: propane heater rentals are recommended.)
Cost: Propane heaters are cheaper, both initially and over time. As time progresses, propane rental heaters cost one-third less to operate and maintain than electric heaters, making them ideal for long-term construction projects.
Heat output: Propane furnaces generate air temperatures between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit and operate in short intervals to minimize costs. In contrast, electric heaters produce heat slightly below body temperature (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), producing cool air when directly exposed. Given the constant movement of workers on construction sites, there’s no assurance that an electric heater would be able to generate enough heat to warm their bones during breaks.
Safety: Propane tanks have a history of being highly safe, with the industry collaborating with the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) to enforce stringent codes and regulations to prevent accidental fires. Moreover, regarding environmental impact, propane is regarded as one of the “greenest” energy sources. On the contrary, electric heaters rely on coal burning to generate electricity, which is considerably more detrimental to the environment.
Summary
It appears that propane heater rentals are the preferred choice. Finding temporary heating for construction sites is less challenging than it may seem initially; all you need is the information to guide your decision. Contact a local HVAC rental store near you and consider investing in a propane heater today.
