Look at any urban or rural human inhabited site and heating and hot water will be high on the agenda. In the construction industry the two are indispensable; playing an important role in terms of people’s health and the performance of a building once it has been handed over. However, in cases where temporary heating solutions are needed, little is known of the benefits they have to offer. 

The nights and mornings are starting to get darker and cooler, a reminder to all of us that winter is coming. For any site (whether construction, education, industrial, commercial or agriculture) across the UK, heating and hot water are two vital elements that are essential to the health and wellbeing of staff and a place of work’s everyday operations. With this in mind, here are the top considerations that will ensure the heat is kept on this winter:

Consider temperature control

Many of us can wrap-up warm whilst we are at work, putting on an extra pair of thermals or a padded jacket to make sure we are comfortable. The same cannot be said for the plant we use, which must be kept at a certain temperature to perform correctly. If the equipment – including a boiler, for instance – is not maintained in the correct conditions it can start to malfunction, which proves to be something of a nightmare when there is a project to complete and a workforce to keep happy. 

It is why moisture-sensitive programmes of works may need specialised protection and temperature control to avoid any delays to a project. Whilst external weather conditions cannot be controlled, a temporary heating system can be brought onto a site to ensure that both people and plant continue to perform whatever the weather. 

Workers’ health and wellbeing 

Working outside in poor weather conditions can have a knock-on effect on productivity levels. A cold environment challenges the worker in three ways: by air temperature, air movement (wind speed), and humidity (wetness). These conditions essentially make for a harsh working environment that doesn’t inspire staff to be the best versions of themselves. A happier workforce however, translates to better morale on site, with productivity levels greatly increased. Including temporary heat systems on a cold outdoors site could keep a workforce motivated, which in turn results in less project delays.

An eye on the environment 

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel on temporary packaged boilers, such as that offered by Ideal Heat, is a greener, sustainable alternative fuel option suitable for a variety of small and large projects. With more and more businesses becoming environmentally-conscious, this offering ensures that customers can use temporary heat when they need to whilst being sympathetic to the environment. HVO can also deliver cleaner and more efficient performance.  

Quick heat when you need it

We understand that when a permanent HVAC system fails, temporary solutions are needed quickly. This was seen on Ideal Heat’s New Providence Wharf, London project. The plant room was undergoing maintenance work when its permanent boiler system failed, leaving the occupants of its high-end apartments without any heating or hot water. Ideal Heat was able to deliver its 500kW containerised boiler on the same day the initial call was received. With our expertise and diligence, we quickly restored the residents of these luxury apartments to the comfort they are accustomed to. 

Monitor performance through innovative technology

On any project, it is vital for a temporary heating solution to be performing at its highest capability. It’s advisable to have a site manager to monitor the temporary heat solution’s performance through an alert control centre. This makes it easier to undertake any necessary adjustments remotely. Remote monitoring gives peace of mind that the temporary boiler, heater or chiller will continue to perform even when the weather is set to turn. 

With winter now before us, temporary heating solutions provide immediate services to any facility if a HVAC system or boiler breaks. Temporary heat also ensures outdoor, remote sites have the heat they need to sail through Britain’s colder months.