Posted: December 16, 2025
When managing a large construction project, warehouse, or industrial site during the cold weather winter in Central Wisconsin brings, maintaining proper heat isn’t just about comfort, it’s also about safety, productivity, and protecting materials. Temporary heating systems are essential for keeping workspaces operational when temperatures drop, but selecting the right equipment size is critical. Undersized heaters won’t maintain adequate warmth, while oversized systems can waste fuel and create uneven heating conditions. Understanding how to properly size temporary heating equipment ensures efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability on your site. So let’s go through the steps to take to make sure you get it right.
The first step in sizing temporary heating equipment is determining how much space you need to heat. Measure the total cubic footage by multiplying the length, width, and height of the space you need to heat. Then, factor in how well the structure is insulated. Temporary structures, or those with open walls and exposed framing, lose heat more quickly and therefore require more powerful equipment than enclosed or insulated spaces.
You’ll also need to consider your target indoor temperature. For example, maintaining 55°F inside a new construction site when it’s 20°F outside requires a different amount of heating power than keeping a finished warehouse at 65°F. The temperature difference directly affects the system’s required output.
Heating equipment is rated in BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. To estimate your total heating load, you can use this general formula: BTUs = (Cubic Feet of Space × Desired Temperature Rise × 0.133)
For example, a 100,000-cubic-foot building needing a 40°F temperature increase would require approximately 532,000 BTUs per hour. This calculation helps determine the total capacity needed, which may be achieved with multiple units strategically placed throughout the space.
Proper heater placement is just as important as heater capacity. In large or multi-room structures, distributing heat evenly prevents cold spots and condensation issues. Portable propane heaters or indirect-fired units are often ideal for large structures because they can be ducted to different areas. It’s also important to maintain safe clearance distances and ensure adequate ventilation, especially in enclosed spaces.
For extended projects, fuel efficiency becomes a major factor. Propane is one of the most reliable fuels for temporary heating because it burns cleanly, provides consistent heat output, and is easy to store and transport. Planning ahead for regular propane deliveries helps avoid interruptions and keeps your project on schedule.
At France Propane Service, we specialize in providing dependable temporary heating solutions for large structures and job sites. Whether you’re working on a construction project, managing an industrial facility, or maintaining a warehouse through the winter, we have the equipment, fuel, and expertise to keep your space warm and your team productive.
Our experienced professionals can help you calculate your site’s heating requirements, recommend the right equipment, and ensure a steady and affordable propane supply. We understand that every project is unique, and we understand the specific challenges that come with working in Wisconsin. So when the temperatures drop, you can trust France Propane Service to deliver powerful, efficient temporary heating that keeps your project moving forward.
Do you have vehicles that run on autogas? Or would you like to transition your fleet to autogas? France Propane Servce can help with that as well. We maintain dedicated autogas storage and multiple dispensing stations, and our experienced team can handle on-site pump installation or management of satellite fueling plans.
Contact us today to learn more about our propane-fueled temporary heating solutions for large structures.
No matter the weather or challenges, our team always shows up for customers to deliver safe, dependable propane services.
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