Darren Binns, National Sales Manager for Jefferson Tools looks at heaters that work as hard as you do out on site.
As autumn rolls in and temperatures drop, work environments across the UK face the challenge of maintaining productivity in increasingly harsh conditions. Cold weather can significantly impact the efficiency of both people and equipment, making it essential to create a warm and comfortable environment. Portable heaters play a crucial role in this, ensuring that tasks can continue smoothly and safely, even as winter sets in.
Maintaining warmth on a site is not just about comfort—it’s about safety and efficiency. Cold environments can slow down workers, leading to reduced productivity and increased risk of errors. Moreover, certain materials and tools are sensitive to cold temperatures, which can lead to delays or even damage. For instance, adhesives may not bond correctly, and paints may not cure properly if the temperature is too low. In these scenarios, having a reliable heating solution can prevent costly setbacks.
Portable heaters are indispensable for their flexibility and ease of use. They can be easily moved around, providing targeted heating exactly where it’s needed. This mobility ensures that different areas can be warmed as required, which is particularly useful for large or multi-level projects. Additionally, portable heaters can be quickly deployed in emergency situations, such as unexpected cold snaps, making them a critical component of any cold-weather toolkit.
When selecting a heater, several factors need to be considered: the size of the area to be heated, the type of fuel or power available, and the specific requirements of the job. The heaters in the Jefferson Tools range cater to various needs, from compact electric models ideal for smaller spaces to powerful fuel-driven units capable of heating large areas.
Electric Fan Heaters
For smaller spaces or enclosed areas, electric fan heaters are an excellent choice. These heaters, such as the Jefferson PTC Electric Fan Heater, use PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) ceramic elements to produce consistent, odour-free heat. Their compact size and light weight make them highly portable and easy to position in tight spaces, while their 230V power supply means they can be plugged into standard outlets.
Jefferson Tools recommend two models: one with a power output of up to 2000W, capable of heating areas up to 40m³, perfect for quick, efficient heating of small spaces. It offers two heat settings and a fan-only mode, allowing for versatile use throughout the year. The other model has a higher power output of 2800W, suitable for slightly larger spaces, featuring a self-resetting thermostat to ensure safe operation by automatically adjusting the temperature to prevent overheating. These electric heaters are particularly useful in areas where fuel-powered heaters may not be suitable, such as in spaces with limited ventilation.
Space Heaters
For larger, open spaces that require significant heat output, direct oil-fired space heaters are the go-to solution. The Jefferson Inferno Space Heater series provides robust heating power suitable for a variety of applications.
The Jefferson Inferno Space Heater series offers versatile and powerful heating solutions tailored to various needs: the JEFHTSPC060 delivers 60,000 BTU (18kW) of thermal power with a 19-litre fuel tank, providing up to 11 hours of continuous operation—ideal for medium-sized areas requiring consistent heat; the JEFHTSPC105 increases the output to 105,000 BTU (31kW) and features a 38-litre fuel tank for up to 13 hours of operation, along with durable steel construction and an integral fuel gauge for reliability in demanding environments; and the JEFHTSPC150, the largest in the series, offers an impressive 150,000 BTU (44kW) of heat output with a 49-litre fuel tank ensuring approximately 12 hours of endurance, designed for heavy-duty use on the most challenging sites with enhanced mobility provided by solid rubber wheels and a built-in trolley.
These space heaters are particularly effective in open, well-ventilated areas where rapid heat distribution is required. Their high power and large fuel tanks ensure that they can maintain warmth over extended periods without frequent refuelling.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters offer an efficient alternative by directly warming objects and people rather than the air. This makes them particularly useful in environments where quick, targeted heating is needed, such as for drying materials or warming specific workstations. Infrared heaters are particularly advantageous when the goal is to maintain a warm work environment without significantly affecting the ambient air temperature, making them a smart choice for projects that require consistent heat over specific areas.
As the colder months approach, ensuring that your site is adequately heated is critical to maintaining productivity and safeguarding both workers and equipment. Portable heaters, whether electric, oil-fired, or infrared, offer versatile and efficient solutions to meet these needs.