Heaters for Rent

United Rentals carries a wide variety of heater rentals, designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Explore our selection of electric, propane or ground heaters and more to find the ideal solution for your heating needs.

For our full list of heaters for rent, view the items below. For more information, visit our resource section.

Green PATRON Heater, 240V, Electric Powered
Cat Class Code
250-2445

9 kW Electric Heater, 208-240V

  • 9 kW/30,700 BTU
  • 208-240V depending on model
  • 350 CFM
  • 40-48 lbs. depending on model
  • Uses: Ideal for space, process and temporary heating applications, both indoors and outdoors
Black FLAGRO Indirect Heater, 400,000 BTU/h, Diesel Powered
Cat Class Code
250-2475

390,000-400,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, Diesel

  • 390,000-400,000 BTU depending on model
  • Diesel indirect-fired heater
  • 2,500-4,000 CFM depending on model
  • 115-120V depending on model
  • 420-450 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for commercial and industrial heating applications
White LBWHITE Heater, 80,000 BTU, Propane Powered
Cat Class Code
250-2985

80,000 BTU Direct-Fired Heater, LP/NG

  • 80,000 BTU
  • LP/NG direct-fired heater
  • 450 CFM
  • 115V
  • 80 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for efficiently heating jobsites, businesses, events and more
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Blue and yellow Frostfighter indirect fire heater
Cat Class Code
250-3033

170,000-175,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, LP/NG

  • 170,000-175,000 BTU depending on model
  • LP/NG indirect-fired heater
  • 1,600-2,750 CFM depending on model
  • 120V
  • 209-250 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for commercial and industrial heating applications
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Red and black CAMPO Indirect Fired Heater, 200 BTU, Diesel Powered
Cat Class Code
250-3040

175,000-230,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, Diesel

  • 175,000-230,000 BTU depending on model
  • Diesel indirect-fired heater
  • 1,900-3,250 CFM depending on model
  • 115-120V depending on model
  • 307-465 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping jobsites and events warm and comfortable
White LB White Propane space heater
Cat Class Code
250-3055

40,000 BTU Direct-Fired Heater, LP/NG

  • 40,000 BTU
  • LP/NG direct-fired heater
  • 330 CFM
  • 120V
  • 53 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping jobsites and events warm and comfortable
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
White LBWHITE Direct Heater, 400,000 BTU, Propane/Natural Gas Dual Fuel
Cat Class Code
250-3100

400,000 BTU Direct-Fired Heater, LP/NG

  • 400,000 BTU
  • LP/NG direct-fired heater
  • 1,000-2,000 CFM depending on model
  • 115-120V depending on model
  • 50-90 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for efficiently heating jobsites, businesses, events and more
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Gray and blue FROSTFGHTR Indirect Heater, 420,000-500,000 BTU/h, Propane/Natural Gas Dual Fuel
Cat Class Code
250-3115

420,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, LP/NG

  • 420,000 BTU depending on model
  • LP/NG indirect-fired heater
  • 3,100-4,800 CFM
  • 110-120V depending on model
  • 420-580 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping jobsites and events warm and comfortable
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Blue Frostfighter Indirect Fired Heater, 700,000 BTU, Propane/Natural Gas Dual Fuel
Cat Class Code
250-3117

700,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, LP/NG

  • 700,000 BTU
  • LP/NG indirect-fired heater
  • 4,600 CFM
  • 208/230V/1PH, 208/230V/3PH, 460V/3PH or 600V/3PH depending on model
  • 1,600 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping jobsites and events warm and comfortable
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Gray WACKER Indirect Heater, 750,000 BTU, Diesel Powered
Cat Class Code
250-3121

400,000-770,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, Diesel

  • 400,000-770,000 BTU depending on model
  • Diesel indirect-fired heater
  • 4,000-4,600 CFM depending on model
  • 120V, 208/230V/1PH or 208/230V/3PH depending on model
  • 1,600-5,700 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping jobsites and buildings warm and comfortable
Blue FROSTFGHTR Heater, 1,000,000 BTU, Diesel Powered, Towable
Cat Class Code
250-3122

515,500-1,000,000 BTU Towable Indirect-Fired Heater, Diesel

  • 1,000,000 BTU
  • Diesel indirect-fired heater
  • 3,200-9,600 CFM depending on model
  • 3,700-4,600 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping large-scale jobsites and events warm and comfortable
White HEATWAGON Indirect Fired Heater, 1,000,000 BTU/h, Propane/Natural Gas Dual Fuel
Cat Class Code
250-3123

1,000,000 BTU Skid-Mounted Indirect-Fired Heater, LP/NG

  • 1,000,000 BTU
  • LP/NG indirect-fired heater
  • 7,500-13,500 CFM depending on model
  • 208/240V/3PH or 240V/1PH depending on model
  • 1,160-5,150 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping large jobsites and events warm and comfortable
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Blue SUREFLAME Direct Heater, 1,000,000 BTU/h, Propane/Natural Gas Dual Fuel
Cat Class Code
250-3124

650,000-1,000,000 BTU Direct-Fired Heater, LP/NG

  • 650,000-1,000,000 BTU depending on model
  • LP/NG direct-fired heater
  • 7,000 CFM
  • 115-120V depending on model
  • 285-360 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for efficiently heating jobsites, businesses, events and more
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Blue SUREFLAME Direct Heater, 1,500,000 BTU, Propane/Natural Gas Dual Fuel
Cat Class Code
250-3125

1,500,000 BTU Direct-Fired Heater, LP/NG

  • 1,500,000 BTU
  • LP/NG direct-fired heater
  • 7,000 CFM
  • 115-120V depending on model
  • 285-360 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for efficiently heating jobsites, businesses, events and more
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Blue SUREFLAME Indirect Heater, 1,500,000 BTU, Propane/Natural Gas Dual Fuel
Cat Class Code
250-3133

1,300,000-1,500,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, LP/NG

  • 1,300,000-1,500,000 BTU depending on model
  • LP/NG indirect-fired heater
  • 18,000-24,000 CFM depending on model
  • 208/230V/3PH, 460V/3PH or 575V/3PH depending on model
  • 2,160-2,866 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for heating large commercial spaces like warehouses or manufacturing plants
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Black MI-T-M Infrared Heater, 115,000 BTU/h, Diesel Powered
Cat Class Code
250-3170

115,000-125,000 BTU Infrared Heater, Diesel

  • 115,000-125,000 BTU depending on model
  • Diesel infrared heater
  • Radiant airflow
  • 120V
  • 91-104 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for space heating, industrial processes, food service, animal care, medical purposes, outdoor comfort and more
Green and black RENTQUIP Heater, 6 kW, 220 V, Electric Powered
Cat Class Code
250-3406

6 kW Electric Heater, 208/240V

  • 6 kW/20,500 BTU
  • 208-240V
  • 250 CFM
  • 32.9 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for space, process and temporary heating applications, both indoors and outdoors
9KW 208V Electric Heater
Cat Class Code
250-3415

9 kW Electric Heater, 208-240V

  • 9 kW/30,700 BTU
  • 208-240V depending on model
  • 350 CFM
  • 40-48 lbs. depending on model
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping small jobsites and events warm and comfortable
White Patron Portable Space Heater, 1,500W, 110V, Electric Powered
Cat Class Code
250-3428

1.5 kW Electric Heater, 120V

  • 1.5 kW/up to 5,100 BTU
  • 120V
  • 116 CFM
  • 13 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping small indoor jobsites and offices warm and comfortable
black Generic electric heater

Zero Emissions

Cat Class Code
250-3433

15 kW Electric Heater, 208-240V

  • Up to 15 kW/51,100 BTU
  • 208V/3PH or 208/240V/3PH depending on model
  • 800-1,000 CFM depending on model
  • 65 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping commercial jobsites and events warm and comfortable
White and black HEATWAGON Heater, 65K BTU, 240v/3ph, Electric Powered
Cat Class Code
250-3434

18 kW Electric Heater, 240V/3PH

  • Up to 18 kW/65,000 BTU
  • 240V/3PH
  • 590 CFM
  • 62 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping commercial jobsites and events warm and comfortable
Green and black Patron 240 volt Electric heater

Zero Emissions

Cat Class Code
250-3436

3-15 kW Electric Heater, 208-240V

  • 3-15 kW/10,200-51,100 BTU depending on model
  • 208/240V/1PH, 208/240V/3PH or 240V depending on model
  • 200-1,070 CFM depending on model
  • 20-65 lbs. depending on model
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping commercial jobsites and events warm and comfortable
Green and black PATRON Heater, 136,000 BTU, 480V Electric Powered

Zero Emissions

Cat Class Code
250-3437

40 kW Electric Heater, 480-575V

  • Up to 40 kW/up to 136,000 BTU
  • 440/480V/3PH or 575V/3PH depending on model
  • 1,760-1,800 CFM depending on model
  • 125-130 lbs. depending on model
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping commercial jobsites and events warm and comfortable
White and black HEATWAGON Heater, 65K BTU, 240v/1ph, Electric Powered
Cat Class Code
250-3439

18 kW Electric Heater, 240V/1PH

  • Up to 18 kW/65,000 BTU
  • 240V/1PH
  • 590 CFM
  • 62 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for commercial and industrial heating applications
Power and HVAC

Zero Emissions

Cat Class Code
250-3443

15 kW Electric Heater, 480V

  • 15 kW/51,100 BTU
  • 480V/1PH or 480V/3PH depending on model
  • 800-2,200 CFM depending on model
  • 65 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping commercial jobsites and events warm and comfortable
Power and HVAC

Zero Emissions

Cat Class Code
250-3444

30 kW Electric Heater, 480V

  • 30 kW/102,300 BTU
  • 480V/3PH
  • 1,070 CFM
  • 75 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping commercial jobsites and events warm and comfortable
White Flagro Box / Tent Style Heater
Cat Class Code
250-3470

170,000 BTU Direct-Fired Heater, LP/NG

  • 170,000 BTU
  • LP/NG direct-fired heater
  • 1,200 CFM
  • 120V
  • 161 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for heating tents, indoor event spaces or other medium-sized rooms
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Red and black CAMPO Indirect Heater 400,000 BTU, Natural Gas
Cat Class Code
250-3477

380,000-399,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, LP/NG

  • 380,000-399,000 BTU depending on model
  • LP/NG indirect-fired heater
  • 3,250-5,500 CFM depending on model
  • 120V
  • 400-600 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping large jobsites and events warm and comfortable
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Grey LBWHITE Box / Tent Style Heater, 350,000 BTU/h, Propane/Natural Gas, Direct Fired
Cat Class Code
250-3483

350,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, Ducted, LP/NG

  • 350,000 BTU
  • LP/NG indirect-fired heater
  • 2,500 CFM
  • 115V
  • 320-580 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping large jobsites and events warm and comfortable
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Blue and black CAMPO Heater, 400,000 BTU, Ducted
Cat Class Code
250-3484

400,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, Ducted, Diesel

  • 400,000 BTU
  • Diesel indirect-fired heater
  • 2,800-5,500 CFM depending on model
  • 120V
  • 420 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for commercial and industrial heating applications
Grey and red FROSTFGHTR Heater, 420,000-500,000 BTU/h, Diesel/Oil, Ducted
Cat Class Code
250-3485

420,000-500,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, Diesel

  • 420,000-500,000 BTU depending on model
  • Diesel indirect-fired heater
  • 3,100-4,800 CFM depending on model
  • 110-120V depending on model
  • 580 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for commercial and industrial heating applications
Grey and red FROSTFGHTR Heater, 350,000 BTU/h, Diesel Powered, Ducted
Cat Class Code
250-3486

350,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, Diesel

  • 350,000 BTU
  • Diesel indirect-fired heater
  • 2,500 CFM
  • 110V
  • 580 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for commercial and industrial heating applications
Black FLAGRO Indirect Heater, 400,000 BTU, Kerosene
Cat Class Code
250-3530

390,000-400,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, Diesel

  • 390,000-400,000 BTU depending on model
  • Diesel indirect-fired heater
  • 1,400-2,800 CFM depending on model
  • 115-120V depending on model
  • 163-450 lbs. depending on model
  • Uses: Ideal for warming residential, industrial or construction areas
Green Algas Propane Vaporizer
Cat Class Code
250-4000

3,640,000 BTU Direct-Fired Vaporizer, LP

  • 3,640,000 BTU
  • Direct-fired LP vaporizer
  • No electricity required
  • Uses: Ideal for agricultural and industrial applications like crop drying, jobsite heating, manufacturing processes and more
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
White LB WHITE Heater, 170,000 BTU, With Thermostat
Cat Class Code
250-5700

170,000 BTU Direct-Fired Heater With Thermostat, LP/NG

  • 170,000 BTU
  • LP/NG direct-fired heater
  • 1,200 CFM
  • 120V
  • 161 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for keeping jobsites and events warm and comfortable
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Green and black PATRON Heater, 40/32 kW, Electric Powered

Zero Emissions

Cat Class Code
250-6447

30-40 kW Electric Heater, 480-575V

  • 30-40 kW/102,400-136,500 BTU
  • 480V/3PH or 575V/3PH depending on model
  • 1,760 CFM
  • 125-144 lbs. depending on model
  • Uses: Ideal for commercial, residential and industrial heating applications
Power and HVAC

Zero Emissions

Cat Class Code
250-6485

60 kW Electric Heater, 240-480V

  • 60 kW/205,000 BTU
  • 240/480V/3PH or 480V/3PH depending on model
  • 2,700-4,500 CFM depending on model
  • 170-300 lbs. depending on model
  • Uses: Ideal for maintaining optimal temperatures in commercial and industrial environments, such as factory floors, warehouses and office buildings
Red CAMPO High-temperature Industrial Heater, 150kW, 480V, Electric Powered

Zero Emissions

Cat Class Code
250-6490

150 kW Electric Heater, 208-600V

  • 150 kW/512,000 BTU
  • 208/240V/1PH, 208/240V/3PH, 480V/3PH or 600V/3PH depending on model
  • 14,500 CFM
  • Up to 950 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for warming and maintaining heat in residential, industrial or commercial spaces
Grey and blue FROSTFGHTR Indirect Fired Heater, 390,000 BTU/h, Propane/Natural Gas Dual Fuel
Cat Class Code
250-6525

300,000-390,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Heater, LP/NG

  • 300,000-390,000 BTU depending on model
  • LP/NG indirect-fired heater
  • 2,500-2,900 CFM depending on model
  • 110-120V depending on model
  • 467-580 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for maintaining optimal temperatures in commercial and industrial environments, such as factory floors, warehouses and office buildings
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Black Flagro Heater Make-Up Air
Cat Class Code
250-6570

550,000 BTU Direct-Fired Make-Up Air Heater, LP/NG

  • 550,000 BTU
  • LP/NG direct-fired make-up heater
  • 4,400 CFM
  • 120V/1PH
  • 590 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for warming and maintaining heat in residential, industrial or commercial spaces
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Red Campo Heater Make-Up Air
Cat Class Code
250-6571

1,500,000-1,600,000 BTU Direct-Fired Make-Up Air Heater, LP/NG

  • 1,500,000-1,600,000 BTU depending on model
  • LP/NG direct-fired make-up heater
  • 8,800-9,400 CFM depending on model
  • 230V/1PH or 230V/3PH depending on model
  • 992-1,275 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for warming and maintaining heat in residential, industrial or commercial spaces
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Blue Campo Heater Make-Up Air
Cat Class Code
250-6572

2,300,000-2,500,000 BTU Direct-Fired Make-Up Air Heater, LP/NG

  • 2,300,000-2,500,000 BTU depending on model
  • LP/NG direct-fired make-up heater
  • 14,700-15,000 CFM depending on model
  • 230V/1PH or 230V/3PH depending on model
  • 1,640-1,900 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for large or expansive jobsites and events where maintaining consistent climate control is crucial for performance and efficiency
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Heater Make Up Air, 4,000,000-4,500,000 BTU, Propane/Natural Gas Dual Fuel
Cat Class Code
250-6574

4,559,000-4,887,000 BTU Direct-Fired Make-Up Air Heater, LP/NG

  • 4,559,000-4,887,000 BTU depending on model
  • LP/NG direct-fired make-up heater
  • Up to 24,300 CFM
  • 208/230/460V/3PH or 230/480V/3PH depending on model
  • 2,326-4,445 lbs. depending on model
  • Uses: Ideal for jobsites and events where maintaining consistent climate control is crucial for performance and efficiency
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Yellow WACKER Hydronic Surface Ground Heater, 3,750 sq. ft., Winter-blend Diesel
Cat Class Code
250-6812

2,475-2,800 sq. ft. Ground Heater, Diesel

  • 2,475-2,800 square foot maximum thawing area depending on model
  • Diesel ground heater
  • 5600-7,500 square foot maximum curing area depending on model
  • 120V/1PH or 120V depending on model
  • Uses: Ideal for thawing frozen ground, curing concrete and providing temporary heat on-site
White THOR Hydronic Surface Ground Heater, 6,000 sq. ft., Winter-blend Diesel
Cat Class Code
250-6815

5,600-6,000 sq. ft. Ground Heater, Diesel

  • 5,600-6,000 square foot maximum thawing area depending on model
  • Diesel ground heater
  • 11,200-18,000 square foot maximum curing area depending on model
  • 115-120V depending on model
  • Uses: Ideal for thawing frozen ground, curing concrete and providing temporary heat on-site
White Dryair hydronic surface ground heater, winter-blend diesel
Cat Class Code
250-6821

11,200 sq. ft. Ground Heater, LP/NG

  • 11,200 square foot maximum thawing area
  • LP/NG ground heater
  • 120V
  • 6,000 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for thawing frozen ground, curing concrete and providing temporary heat on-site
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Grey DRYAIR DryAir Hydronic Heater, 1,200,000 BTU, Propane/Natural Gas Dual Fuel
Cat Class Code
250-6905

940,000-1,000,000 BTU Indirect-Fired Central Heating Unit, LP/NG

  • 940,000-1,000,000 BTU
  • LP/NG indirect-fired central heating unit
  • 115/230V/1PH or 240V/1PH depending on model
  • 1,815 lbs.
  • Uses: Ideal for maintaining optimal temperatures in commercial and industrial environments, such as factory floors, warehouses and office buildings
  • If you have a preferred fuel type, please list it in your order notes
Resources

More About Heaters

United Rentals offers a comprehensive selection of heaters, including electric heaters, ground heaters and fuel-fired options. Our inventory features a wide range, from small, portable space heaters to commercial, high-static heaters for heavy-duty applications. This commercial heater offers a 14,500 cubic feet per minute (CFM) airflow and is perfect for manufacturing facilities, commercial buildings, and other large open spaces. We also have hydronic surface ground heaters, designed for ground preparation, like thawing frozen surfaces and curing concrete. Additionally, we offer a selection of both direct-fired and indirect-fired heaters. Learn more about the difference between direct-fired heaters and indirect-fired heaters in this Project Uptime article. We carry inventory from leading manufacturers like Heat Wagon, Heat King, Patron and more.

Learn more about heaters in our FAQ section below.

FAQs
What heaters are best for indoor use?

For smaller indoor spaces, an electric heater is often the safest and most reliable option, offering advantages over natural gas alternatives. Although natural gas, propane or diesel heaters can quickly warm larger areas, they are more expensive, require connection to a gas supply and increase the risk of potentially dangerous fumes, making them better suited for outdoor or well-ventilated areas. Electric heaters offer easier installation and portability, delivering targeted heat wherever you need it.

What size heater do I need?

The size of the heater you need depends on the area you want to heat. Generally, you need 10 watts of heating power per square foot. For example, a 1,000-watt heater can service an area up to 100 square feet. You can also size your heater based on your BTU requirements. Calculate your space’s BTU per hour by using this formula: (desired temperature change) x (cubic feet of space) x .133.

How quickly can temporary heaters warm up a space?

Typically, a heating system will need 15 to 30 minutes to reach its ideal operating temperature, depending on the space's size. Smaller areas heat up faster than larger ones because they have less air volume to warm. Need more help? Contact one of our equipment experts for further guidance.

Choose the Right Portable Heater
How much heat output do I need?

Before you rent a temporary heater, know how warm you want the space to be and how much heat output in BTUs you need to achieve it. To answer the BTUs question, you’ll need to know the square footage of your space, the number of windows and doors and the height of the ceiling. The materials of the floor, walls and ceiling and the degree of insulation matter too. An outdoor tent, for example, will need more heat to reach a comfortable temperature because it lacks insulation. Also consider the number of people who will occupy the space; more people generate more heat. Want to ensure safe usage of temporary construction heaters on your job site? Read our expert tips in our guide to temporary heating onsite.

How to calculate BTU per hour

A qualified power and HVAC climate specialist can calculate the heat requirements of the space before recommending a portable heater or space heater rental. They will use the insulation factors of the space’s surfaces (walls, ceilings, floors) and the measurements of those surfaces to calculate the total BTU load, then use another formula to calculate the BTU/kW of heat required. If you know your total BTU load, you can figure out how many kilowatts you need in a heater. Multiply the heater’s wattage by 3.412 to get BTU per hour. (A watt is equal to 3.412 BTUs.) A 15 kW heater produces 51,180 BTU per hour.

As a very general rule, a well-insulated indoor space requires 10 watts of heating power per square foot, which translates to 34.1 BTU per hour.

What type of portable heater do I need?

When choosing a portable heater rental, the power source is one of the main considerations. United Rentals offers electric heaters, natural gas/propane heaters and diesel heaters, as well as heat pumps. If you choose a fuel-fired heater, you'll need to choose between direct-fired and indirect-fired.

Electric heaters

Electric heaters are the simplest choices for indoor applications because they silently generate clean, dry heat with no exhaust or carbon monoxide. Rent an electric heater to easily warm an enclosed space in a home or office. They can also be used to create warming stations on construction sites and to provide warm, dry air for drying drywall, curing concrete and tackling winter woodworking projects.

Fuel-fired heaters

Natural gas/propane heaters must be used outdoors unless you have a way to extend the flue pipe outside. If the unit is placed outside, the heat can be ducted inside through a window, door or other opening. Residential uses include heating large areas such as a garage or barn. Commercial uses includes heating tents or other outdoor events/worksites that have easy access to ventilation.

Diesel heaters produce drier heat and more precise temperature control than natural gas/propane heaters. They can be used indoors, as long as the exhaust is vented outside, or outdoors for industrial or commercial applications.

Direct-fired or indirect-fired?

Fueled-fired heaters are either direct-fired or indirect-fired. Indirect-fired heaters, in which the flame is contained in a heat exchanger, are safe for use around people, though they are more expensive and less efficient than direct-fired heaters. They are handy for special events and for projects that require drying. Diesel heaters are always indirect-fired. Direct-fired heaters, which are highly efficient and more powerful, are popular as commercial heater rentals. They require plenty of ventilation and are often used on construction sites and in large warehouses and outdoor arenas. Not sure which type of fuel-fired heater is right for your needs? Learn about the differences between direct and indirect fired heaters here.

Heat pumps

An alternative to portable heaters, heat pumps can heat or cool large indoor or outdoor spaces, from event tents to jobsites to offices. Available in a variety of sizes, these electric-powered units are fume-free and excellent for worksites where warm, dry air is required. Smaller units plug into a standard outlet. Larger units like this 5-ton heat pump must be hardwired. Discover the benefits of using portable heat pumps for temporary heating and cooling in this guide to portable heat pumps.

What voltage is required to run portable electric heaters?

If your power outlets are standard 115-volt outlets, you can plug in a small electric heater such as this 1.5kW model. For larger BTU/kW output, you’ll need a natural gas, propane or diesel heater.

A higher-voltage power source, on the other hand, will power the larger electric heaters, like this construction-grade 136k BTU model, which runs on 480v. If you’re not sure what voltage you have, consult your engineer or electrician. Once you verify that you have the voltage you need for the electric space heater rental you want, make sure you have the proper breaker for the amperage.