Boilers can be used differently in winter – not simply for hot water and wet heating systems.

Packaged boilers, used in conjunction with thermostatically controlled (hired) fan coils or air handling units (AHUs) can supply a required warm air delivery solution for a variety of applications and locations; including offices, marquees, factories and public buildings.

A typical installation has fan coils or AHUs installed in the room or area that requires heating, or if space is limited, units can be situated outside (with the warm air being distributed by temporary duct work).

Where units are situated outside (e.g. at the front of a building or at the entrance to an event), various forms of panels can also be supplied to hide/disguise the units. The panels can even be produced in specifically-tailored designs, to be completely in keeping with an event’s theme.

More about fan coils and AHUs

A typical example of a hired fan coil unit (that could be used in conjunction with a boiler to heat a large space) would be a 30/60kW unit. These are fitted with fan speed controllers and internal condensate pumps, and will heat an area of approximately 1,000 - 22,000m3. They are reliable, safe, quiet economical and uncomplicated to use.

Much larger (300/600 kW) AHUs are also available to hire. There are usually fitted with an internal condensate pump, and can offer all the aforementioned benefits. With this unit, a number of ancillaries may be required including insulated flexible duct, plenum chambers, extraction fans and condensate hose. These larger AHU units are most suitable when heat is required on an enormous scale within a huge building or semi-permanent structure, i.e. where there is a massive requirement for warm air.

When boilers alone aren’t adequate

Whilst specialist hire companies will have boilers with adequate capacity for almost any size of property, they are not always able to connect them: in some situations it is difficult (or simply not convenient) to connect a portable boiler to an existing wet heating system - particularly if the existing system is undergoing maintenance or is being repaired.

Smaller electric, gas- or oil-fired heaters can deliver safe and cost effective heat for smaller areas, but they do no have the capacity to offer an ‘industrial’ level heating solution. This is where combining packaged boilers with hired fan coils or AHUs comes in.

For example, a big marquee event (an exhibition, art show, book fair, fashion show or a trade show) will require heating during the winter months, but the venue is unlikely to have a permanent wet system in to which a boiler could be installed. Smaller heaters would not be adequate, but a boiler/AHU combined heating solution will keep guests comfortable and warm.

Similarly, some temporary structures may not have a nearby power supply, but boilers and AHUs (which usually require a three phase power supply) can be connected to a mobile generator supplied by the same specialist boiler hire company.

Protecting goods and materials

Combined heating solutions can keep people warm (as they are entertained in a marquee; or as they work in a warehouse, production plant or a large call centre, etc), and can also help to keep goods and materials stored at the right temperature, particularly in winter when a sudden drop in temperature can result in thousands of pounds worth of stock being vulnerable to becoming spoilt and therefore unsalable.

It always best to discuss heating requirements with a specialist hire company as they will be able to address not only the units required, but also the ancillary equipment, power supply issues and site accessibility. These are all important considerations in ensuring that the venue and event are the talking points and not the temperature (or lack thereof).