During cold weather, using temporary heating equipment is crucial in a construction project to allow workers to continue working in a comfortable environment and, ultimately, make it possible for the project to be completed on time. Unfortunately, injuries and fire incidents can happen if the temporary heating device is not chosen and used properly.
Basically, temporary heating means providing and maintaining comfortable temperatures within the enclosed spaces of a building to aid its completion and help control the relative humidity in the structure so it can be occupied without any problems prior to the its completion and turnover. Any heater that uses fuel to operate and is not connected to the permanent HVAC system is considered a portable heating unit.
Portable heaters and other similar temporary heating devices, when not used correctly, can lead to not only fires and burns but also other disastrous incidents like explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. The winter season may be several months away but if you’re planning some construction around that time you would definitely need to look at what you could use to provide temporary heat to the site. Moreover, it’s important that as early as now you make yourself aware of how to operate these devices safely.
There are different types of temporary heating appliances available, depending on what fuels them. There are heaters that run on electricity while other types use solid fuel like wood or coal or liquid fuel like kerosene and fuel oil. There are also heaters that are fueled by either natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). You can also choose between a directly-fired or indirectly-fired heater.
A tip for you: Out of the choices above, the riskiest would be the solid fuel temporary heater because it’s difficult to control. Due to the hazards of using solid fuel, units that run on it cannot be operated inside a building or even within a distance of 25 feet. This is why it’s not practical to use this type of heater.
Another advice that you should heed whenever you are using temporary heaters: Put safety first. Know and follow the guidelines on how to use the equipment safely. You will find the directions of use on the side of the heater. Take note that directions will vary depending on the specific type of heater used so do not assume that just because you’ve used one type before, you know how to operate all the other types. If you have any doubt about how to use the device, it is crucial that you take the time to read the instructions to avoid any untoward incidents.
If you are considering using a permanent HVAC system to provide temporary heat to a new construction, you should be aware of the risks involved in doing so. First of all, it should be noted that a permanent HVAC system is not designed to provide temporary heat for a building that is still under construction. Ideally, it is used to provide ventilation and heating to a confined and constructed space.
While there are a few cases when permanent HVAC systems are used for temporary heating purposes during a construction of a building, these are exceptions since it is not recommended to do so due to the risks involved. As mentioned above, there are equipment available both for rent and sale that are specifically made for the purpose of providing temporary heating to meet the requirements of building construction.
The use of a permanent HVAC system as a temporary source of heat poses several risks to the owner of the building. For one, there is the risk of misusing the system for the purpose of heating out open spaces undergoing construction – something that can easily happen since the system is not designed to be used for such an operation.
Also, the filter system in the construction site does not have the adequate capacity to hold dust in order to provide effective protection to the permanent HVAC unit and ducts. As anyone can expect, there is an excessive amount of dust present during any construction, especially from sheet rock sanding. Unfortunately, construction filter systems are not able to protect a permanent heating system from all the dust produced during construction activities.
There is also the likelihood that the permanent heating equipment would be used to dry out wet surfaces like a freshly-poured concrete floor in order to speed up carpet or flooring installation. Again, permanent heating equipment is not made to operate for such a purpose. In fact, doing so may even lead to subsequent problems with indoor air quality as well as mold growth.
Another risk to the building owner is having a problem with the warranty of the permanent HVAC equipment. Naturally, when you start using the equipment, even for temporary heating, the warranty also starts to take effect so its coverage when you later use it for permanent heating and ventilation as originally intended will be shorter. What is more critical is that if you start up the permanent HVAC system earlier than you should for temporary heating or any other purpose, there is a chance that the equipment warranty will become void.
In addition, the premature startup of a permanent HVAC system before the building has been constructed in order to provide temporary heating during construction will certainly reduce efficiency and equipment life and could also potentially result in damage to the equipment.
You should take note that HVAC systems generally use motors with open windings so the buildup of dust during construction will increase operating temperatures and leak oil away from the bearings. Also, dust that escapes the construction filters will strongly adhere to the heat exchanger surface of coils since residual oil is typically found in this surface. This makes the exchange of energy less efficient, particularly when moisture is condensed by cooling oil and causes some types of dust to harden.
When permanent HVAC installations are used to provide temporary heat during the construction of the building, it significantly increases the presence of dust and particulate matter in the HVAC duct system. This creates the possibility of mold formation in the building and other similar conditions, which could all lead to complaints from tenants.
In terms of energy costs, it would actually be more expensive to use a permanently-installed heating system for temporary use rather than purchase temporary heaters that are readily available in stores. What is more, using a permanent HVAC system would only be effective in heating a construction site if you let it operate continuously at its highest capacity. On the other hand, when you use a temporary heating device, the heat is aimed at the exact space that needs it so it typically offers lower overall energy cost.
With numerous reports and findings that point to the potentially dangerous effects of improperly using permanent HVAC systems for temporary heating during construction, building owners should be wary about trying this option. While temporary heaters do have risks of their own, they are the still the best equipment to use as temporary sources of heat for building projects during the period of construction.
Here are general reminders and guidelines to follow when using a temporary heater while the building is being constructed:
Regardless of what fuel you are using for your heater, never operate it within ten feet of any combustible or flammable material, including piles of debris, tents and tarpaulin. What you should have always handy near temporary heating units is a fire extinguisher.
Also, it is recommended to use temporary heating units in open spaces where the temperature can be controlled and there is enough ventilation. It is important that there is a good supply of fresh air in the site to ensure that the atmosphere in the surrounding will not lack oxygen since fuelled heaters make use of oxygen.
Whenever possible, place temporary heating units as close as they can be to the permanent piping. Make sure that if you are using fuel-fired devices that they are vented outside. Indeed, the layout for temporary heating is a very critical matter and an Architect or Engineer should be consulted about it.
Before you re-fuel the heating unit, make sure it has cooled down. When you are not using a gas-fuelled heater, remember that the gas supply should always be turned off. Equally important is to never leave a heater running when no one would be around.
If you would be using LPG-fuelled heaters, three LPG cylinders (100 pound) is the maximum number of cylinders that you should manifold together. Make sure to protect the cylinders from any damage and keep them secured upright. Generally, you should position a temporary heating unit a minimum of 6 feet away from liquefied petroleum containers and fire it away from the containers.
Additionally, take note that air is lighter than gases like propane, for instance. Because of this, gas molecules will naturally come to rest on low areas like the basement. So, it is important that these gases will have a way to escape the building because if there is gas accumulation, the tiniest spark can easily trigger an explosion.
Temporary heaters are indeed necessary devices to allow work to go on during the cold months. But keep in mind that their use has plenty of safety risks. So, learn how to use them properly and always practice caution when operating them.
