What To Look For When Renting a Temporary Heater.

At the beginning of autumn, when weather conditions start to be cold and chilly, many people look for a temporary heater to make their homes a bit warmer. Or maybe, you’re running a business, your heat recently went out and you know you need to keep your employees or customers warm.

Many people at some point need to look for temporary heaters, whatever the reason may be. When you need to rent one, make sure to ask yourself the appropriate questions about the kind of heater you need. Here’s what to look for when renting a temporary heater.

1. What kind of heater is it?

There are several different types of temporary heating equipment that people use in their homes today. The main ones are electric baseboard heaters, radiant heat panels, ceramic heat emitters and forced air heaters.

Electric baseboard heaters are the most common and the cheapest to buy and run but may not give you the heating you require as they can be affected by cold drafts.

Another option is electric resistance heating which works by running an electrical current through metal, creating heat. An example of this type of heater is the radiant space heater, also known as the radiant torch.

The device has an infrared heating element and fans that circulate heated air like other forced-air models. Those who suffer from respiratory problems should avoid this unit because it doesn’t filter out toxins and allergens in the nose and throat regions. It’s also important not to use these heaters every day because they dry out the air over time. They don’t make any noise when turned on, but they can produce a mild buzzing noise when turned off.

Radiant heat panels are fairly new to the market. They are slightly more expensive to buy and run than electric baseboard heaters but may give you a warmer feeling in the room. They are an excellent form of supplemental heating that warms objects rather than just the air around them. However, they can be very costly, as you need electrical wiring at every outlet.

Ceramic heat emitters give out the warmth as an open fire would. They can be used even in humid weather conditions because they don’t dry the air as forced air heating does. Ceramic heat emitters are another option for those who want a low-cost, easy-to-use heater that doesn’t need electricity or gas. They also don’t produce any noise when running.

Forced-air heaters are generally flexible, with different power options available, meaning that everyone should find one that suits their needs without breaking the bank. Forced air heating is the most common temporary heater for home use. It has large fans which circulate heated air around the room. The cost of these units varies depending on their output capacity.

2. What size of space do you need to heat?

Once you know the basic types of heaters, it’s time to figure out what heater would work best in your space. Different rooms require different amounts of heat, so this is where you need to be picky. If you have a large space that needs heat, then forced-air heaters are recommended over other models because they are energy efficient and easy to install. If your room is small or you don’t want the furniture disturbed by machines, radiant torch or infrared style units will work best for small spaces or rooms with sensitive contents.

One way to compare the output of various units is to look at how big they are in terms of BTUs per hour. The higher this number is, the more powerful the heater is likely to be. Higher BTUs also allow the unit to raise room temperature faster when temperatures dip into frigid winter weather. Room size should be taken into account when considering BTU output as well — a heater with high numbers may not produce warmth for a large room but may be enough for a smallish room.

If you decide that your heater has an output of 12,000 BTUs and you want to heat a 350 square foot room, it will take the unit at least seven hours to warm up the space. Knowing how much space needs heating before purchasing or renting your temporary heater will help ensure that you get the most efficient use from your unit and avoid returning it due to lack of performance.

Choosing between a radiant and fan-forced heater comes down to personal preference.

A radiant heater will produce very few hot spots in the room, making it ideal for small areas or people who move around a lot (like children). They are available with adjustable height options and can be moved from room to room fairly easily. The downside of these units is that they don’t provide complete coverage. So, there may still be cold pockets or draft currents in the room when using this appliance.

Fan-forced heaters distribute warmed air through a moving fan and typically come with multiple heating options like high and low levels and adjustable settings. These heaters work well for larger rooms because they cover more ground without having to move them once activated.

3. Does the heater follow city or county regulations?

Before renting or buying a portable heater, you need to know if the unit is legal in your area. Some units, such as propane and kerosene heaters, come with safety precautions that should be followed to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or fires.

Some units may also use up too much electricity, which could cause a bad power surge and lead to fires.

Another example of a city or county regulation includes using space heaters in public facilities. Some units may not be allowed to be used at all or must be turned off after a certain hour, depending on the facility’s use.

4. Does the heater require a ventilation system?

Portable heaters that burn fuel like gas, kerosene or propane give off carbon monoxide. If not properly ventilated, it can lead to suffocation. These heaters need to be 20 feet away from any bedroom windows, doors and walls. Portable heaters that do not use combustible fuel like electricity or natural gas don’t require a ventilation system.

5. Is the heater safe?

Check the safety precautions on the heater before you decide to rent it. Portable heaters built after the 1970s are required to have a tip-over switch. The unit will automatically shut down if it is accidentally tipped over. Also, be sure that the heater has an automatic shut-off in case of overheating.

If you are using any personal space heater, take precautions to avoid burns and fires. Avoid wearing loose clothing near the unit and keep all combustible materials away from it. Make sure there is enough ventilation around the heater so that it will not release carbon monoxide into your living space. Never use a portable heating device as an everyday heat source for your home or business because it can be very costly to run constantly.

When you’re all ready to rent a temporary heater for your home or business, contact Preferred Climate Solutions today.