The best construction heater depends on the size of the space, available fuel, ventilation and how the heat will be used. Forced-air heaters are a popular choice for quickly raising the temperature in larger work areas, while radiant heaters provide direct heat to people and objects. Indirect-fired heaters are commonly used when clean, heated air is required inside enclosed spaces because combustion exhaust is vented outside.

Understanding the strengths of each heater type is the first step toward choosing equipment that's well suited to your application.

BTU requirements depend on more than square footage. Building volume, insulation, outdoor temperature, air leakage, ventilation and desired temperature all affect the amount of heat required. Use BTU as a starting point rather than the only factor when choosing a heater.

You can calculate the amount of BTUs required for your worksite by using the following method:

1. Measure the space’s dimension to determine cubic feet.
   (Length x Width x Height = Cubic Feet)
   
2. Subtract the outside temp from the desired inside temp
   to determine the temperature increase.
   
3. If you have measured temperature in FAHRENHEIT,
   calculate the required BTUs with this formula:
   (Cubic Feet x Temperature Increase x .133 = Required BTUs)
   If you have measured temperature in CELSIUS,
   calculate the required BTUs with this formula:
   (Cubic Feet x Temperature Increase x .2394 = Required BTUs)

Forced-air heaters warm the air in the space, making them a good choice when you need to raise the overall temperature of a building, enclosed work area or larger jobsite. They circulate heated air quickly, but drafts, open doors and wind can reduce their effectiveness.

Radiant heaters work differently. Instead of heating the surrounding air first, they provide direct heat to people and objects in their path. This makes them particularly useful for localized heating or drafty and semi-open work areas where heating the entire space isn't practical.

In simple terms: forced-air heaters are generally best when you want to heat the space; radiant heaters are often better when you want to heat the people or work area.

Some construction heaters are designed for indoor or enclosed applications, but not every heater is suitable for indoor use. Fuel-burning heaters can produce carbon monoxide (CO), an invisible, odourless and potentially deadly gas. Using a fuel-burning heater in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space can allow CO and other combustion products to build up to dangerous levels.

In Canada, indoor use depends on the specific heater and the requirements that apply to the building and jobsite. For example, Ontario's Construction Projects Regulation requires adequate combustion air and general ventilation when fuel-fired heating devices are used in confined or enclosed spaces. Where a fuel-fired heater produces combustion products such as carbon monoxide, those products must be discharged outside the building or structure.

Never assume a portable fuel-burning heater is safe to use indoors simply because it is being used inside a construction site or unfinished building. Check the heater's certification, manufacturer's instructions, ventilation requirements and applicable provincial or local regulations before use.

If you're heating an enclosed space, choose equipment specifically designed and approved for that application. When in doubt, contact LionCove or a qualified heating professional before operating the heater.

There isn't one best fuel for every jobsite. Propane, natural gas, kerosene, diesel and electricity each have advantages depending on the application.

Propane is valued for portability, natural gas works well where a permanent gas supply is available, kerosene and diesel are commonly used for high-output forced-air heaters, and electric heaters are a good choice where combustion isn't suitable. The right fuel depends on your work environment, available services and the type of heater you need.

Canadian weather can be demanding, so it's worth choosing equipment that's suited to your application and the conditions you'll be working in. Consider expected temperatures, space size and insulation, available fuel or electrical power, ventilation, and how portable you need the heater to be. Taking the time to choose the right heater will help ensure dependable performance throughout the heating season.

A heater needing a repair doesn't necessarily mean it's time for a new heater. In many cases, a repair is a practical alternative to replacing the entire heater. That's why LionCove carries a wide selection of heater parts and components to help keep your equipment working. Whether you need a replacement part for routine maintenance or you're bringing an older heater back to life, we're here to help you find what you need.

Yes! We stock a wide range of heater parts and replacement components, for many of the heaters we sell, helping you maintain your equipment and replace worn components rather than the entire heater. If you're looking for a specific part and don't see it on our website, please contact us. We'll be happy to help identify the correct replacement for your heater.