Winter construction sites can be costly to maintain, especially if the work is fully exposed to the elements. Hypothermia is extremely detrimental to the human system and occurs when the body’s internal temperature falls below 95 degrees — providing a warm space for your workers to recover from the bone-chilling winter wind and snow is vital to the success of the project.

Since productivity and efficiency both increase when the laborers are comfortable, finding a temporary heating solution can actually end up saving you time (which is money in the construction business) in the long run. Propane and electric heaters are the two most common forms available. If you’re undecided, we’ve prepared a list of pros and cons below. (Spoiler alert: propane heater rentals are the way to go.)

• Cost: Propane is simply cheaper, both from the outset and after time. As time passes, propane rental heaters cost one-third less to operate and maintain than electric heaters, making them perfect for long-term construction projects.
• Heat output: Propane furnaces produce air between the range of 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit and operate in short intervals to minimize costs. Electric heaters produce heat just below body temperature (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), so the air actually feels cool when you place your hand in front of it. With workers constantly coming and going on sites, there is no guarantee that an electric heater would be able to build up enough heat to warm their bones on breaks.
• Safety: Propane tanks have a history of being quite safe; the industry partnered with the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) to implement strict codes and regulations in the prevention of accidental fires. In terms of environmental impact, propane is considered one of the “greenest” sources of energies. Electric heaters, on the other hand, rely on the burning of coal to produce their electricity, which is significantly more detrimental to the environment.

It seems fairly obvious that propane heater rentals are the way to go. Finding temporary heating for construction sites is less difficult than it initially seems; you simply need to have all the information at hand to help your decision along. Discover a local HVAC rental store near you and invest in a propane heater today.