Selection of Heaters for Jobsites

Department: Tool Department 

Topic: Site Operations 

Process: Selection of Heaters for Jobsites 

Objective 

To provide guidelines for selecting the appropriate heater units for different types of job sites and working conditions, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. 

Background 

Determine Space Size: 

 Calculate the square footage of the area to be heated. This will help with heater’s capacity requirements. 

Large space more powerful heater, small space less powerful heater.  

Heating Requirements - Consider the Desired temperature increase. This will ensure a safe and comfortable working environment for jobs in cold climates, higher BTU output will be better for extreme outdoor temperatures.  

Air Condition - Assess airflow and ventilation needs. If the heater will be used in a poorly ventilated or enclosed space, an indirect-fire heater will be necessary, as it vents combustion gases outside. For outdoor jobsites, direct-fire heaters may suffice if adequate airflow is available. 

Power Availability - Does the site have electricity access. Electric heaters are often best for indoor use or when power sources are available. For locations without electrical infrastructure, propane or diesel-powered heaters are ideal.  

Safety Concerns - Enclosed spaces use indirect-fire heaters to prevent buildup of carbon monoxide and other hazardous gases. 

Duration of Heating - Determine how long the heater will be in operation. Diesel and propane heaters offer long-duration heating and are ideal for continuous or intermittent use over days or weeks. Electric heaters are better suited for shorter durations or locations with access to stable power.  

Selection of Heaters for Jobsites 

• Direct-Fired Heaters (Open Flame or Direct Heat) 

• Best suited for outdoor applications or large, open spaces with proper ventilation. 

• Pros: 

• Heats air quickly 

• Lower initial cost 

• Fuel-efficient in outdoor settings. 

• Cons: 

• Combustion gases (carbon monoxide, etc.) are released into the air, which can be hazardous in confined spaces. 

• Not suitable for enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. 

• These are not to be used in wood frame structures. 

• Indirect-Fire Heaters (Heat Exchanger, Clean Air) 

• Ideal for indoor spaces, confined areas, or where clean air is needed without exposing workers to combustion gases. 

• Pros: 

• Provides clean, safe heat with no direct exposure to exhaust gases. 

• Can be used in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. 

• Higher level of safety for indoor use.  

• Cons: 

• Typically, more expensive than direct-fire heaters. 

• Requires ducting or ventilation systems for the exhaust. 

• Electric Heaters (Heats with Electric Resistance) 

• Suitable for indoor areas with easy access to electrical power. Great for smaller spaces like offices, temporary indoor workspaces, or workshops. 

• Pros: 

• Zero emissions – no combustion gases. 

• Quiet operation. 

• Low Maintenance and easy to use. 

• Cons: 

• Limited to spaces with available electrical connections. 

• Less energy-efficient for large spaces or outdoors. 

• High operational cost comparts to diesel/propane for large heating needs. 

• Diesel Heaters (Burns Diesel Fuel for Heating) 

• Best for large outdoor spaces or job sites without electrical power. 

• Pros: 

• High capacity for outdoor use and large spaces. 

• Independent of electrical power. 

• Long operational life and fuel efficiency for long-term use. 

• Cons:  

• Emits combustion gases (not suitable for confined spaces unless vented). 

• Requires a stable fuel supply and periodic refueling. 

• Higher operational cost due to fuel consumption. 

• Propane Heaters (Burns Propane Gas for Heating) 

• Ideal for job sites where electrical power is unavailable and diesel fuel is not convenient. 

• Pros: 

• Provides rapid and efficient heat. 

• Easier to transport than diesel heaters. 

• Lower emissions than diesel or direct-fire units. 

• Cons: 

• Requires propane tanks, which need to be replenished. 

• Like diesel heaters, not suitable for indoors use without proper ventilation. 

• Consideration of Environmental and Job-Specific Factors 

• Noise Level 

• Portability 

• Fuel Availability 

• Compliance with Regulations. 

• Final Decision and Approval 

• Compare Heater Specifications:  

• BTU output (capacity) 

• Fuel consumption rate 

• Portability and size 

• Safety Features (e.g., automatic shut-off, flame protection) 

• Operating cost (both fuel and maintenance) 

Contact the Tool/Equipment Department for any of the following heaters.  

• Note: Contact as soon as possible, limited supple but the department can always help with outside rentals for jobsite needs.  

Heater Selection from Koester Inventory 

Wack Neuson, Heater Diesel Indirect 750K
Sure Flame, Heater Direct Dual Fuel 1.5MIL BTU
Sure Flame, Heater Direct Dual Fuel 1.5MIL BTU
LB White, Heater Direct Dual Fuel 400K BTU, and 750K BTU
LB White, Heater Direct Propane 170,000 BTU, and 400,000 BTU
Fostoria, Heater Electric 34K BTU
Heat Wagon, Heater Indirect Dual Fuel 400K (VG400)
Mr. Heater, Heater Propane Direct 80K BTU (MH80CVX), 125,000 BTU (MH125FAV)
LB White, Heater Electric 9KW/30k BTU (Volt 9/ CE 9.0AWED40269S)
LB White, Heater Indirect Dual Fuel 500K BTU (Foreman 500 D/F CI500BSDN42168TL)
Master Propane, Heater Propane Radiant 200K BTU (TC275J)
Enerco, Heater Propane Radiant 200K BTU (MH200CVX)
LB White, Heater Radiant Propane 225K BTU (CV225 Workman)