If constructing is taking place during months, when it is cold or when the weather is inclement, some form of temp heat is essential. It is installed where permanent heating systems are not available, impractical or simply not connected at this point. By ensuring work and workers can progress safely on site, an employer is ensuring a project can go ahead.
Basic Types of Temporary (Temp) Heaters
Three basic heaters are found in the category of temp heaters. These are
- Direct Fired,
- Indirect Fired
- Electric Hydronic
One of the most commonly employed types is the direct-fired heater.
What Is a Direct Fired Heater?
A direct-fired heater functions by using a fan to draw in cooler air. This then passes over an exposed flame therefore increasing the temperature of the cool air. Various heater components control the entrance and discharge of the heated air. In practice, this type of heater is recognized for its fuel efficiency. In fact, it is rated at 100% fuel efficiency.
Categories of Direct-Fired Heaters
It is possible to divide this type of temp heat into 2 separate categories. These are:
- Open Flame: Otherwise referred to as torpedo style, this common type of direct fired heater is one of the least expensive types, making it popular when budgets are low and efficiency is required. The air is pushed or blown across the flame. Temperature settings are restricted to off/on or high/low. Ducting may or may not be used. If ducting is requested or required, it is essential the type employed be rated to handle the temperature released by the open flame direct-fired heater. In many cases, however, an open flame is not permitted making this model not an option.
- “Make-Up” Air Unit: This type of air functions to draw heated air from the exterior, where the heat source resides, into the interior – using air ducts, and disperses it throughout the space in a controlled manner. In the popular “draw-through” model, the air is pulled by a fan across the heat source. A torpedo version also exists. If an open flame is prohibited, some versions of the make-up unit will not be permitted on the work site.
The two major versions of the direct-fired heaters are a form of temporary heating system that is usually portable to meet the requirement of the site.
Temp Heat: Heating Up the Site and Profitability
Temporary heating systems allow construction work to continue. The integrity of structural components and the comfort and safety of the workers are all addressed when the employer utilizes temporary heating measures. Heat may be required to ensure a project goes ahead, therefore ensuring time and budget restraints are met. Temp heat is installed ensuring profitability is not lost because of environmental conditions.
