First time users

We make a concerted effort to ensure that first time users are totally comfortable with our services and product range of mobile heating and air conditioning. This section gives you the basics to consider before you call.

Having some outline information ready when you call helps us to decide on the best option for you. This information is also available as a downloadable PDF.

The Arcotherm Assessment Guide

• What specific job do you want the heating/cooling to do?
• What are the dates, time and length of use needed?
• Give a detailed description of the location?
• Is it an indoor or outdoor location?
• Is it a permanent or temporary building or structure?
• What level of comfort will the occupants/staff or guests (in the case of an event) expect?
• What activities are the occupants/staff or guests likely to be involved in before, during and after the event?
• What is the physical size of the area to be heated/cooled?
• How many people will be in this location?
• Is the location well ventilated?
• What windows, doors and other access routes are at the location?
• Does it open directly outdoors, or into another part of the building?
• What are the prevailing or forecast weather conditions?

Generally speaking the following guidelines apply when assessing a structure’s insulation levels. However, the general age and condition of the accommodation could mean that some of the newer temporary outdoor structures such as marquees have a better insulation rating than that of a solid building.

Well insulated:

Advanced construction, double insulated brick, few double-pane windows

Thick pavement foundation, well insulated roofing materials

Typical structures are new build commercial and industrial properties.

Typical heating power coefficient 0,9

 

Moderately insulated:

Standard construction, double-brick layer, few windows

Standard closed roof.

Typical structures: older properties built prior to sustainable buildings legislation, with less technical advances and materials available at time of build.

Typical heating power coefficient 1,9

Poorly insulated:

Simple construction, single-brick layer, simple windows, simple roof.

Typical structures: prefab style buildings, concrete wall builds, dated storage buildings

Typical heating power coefficient 2,9

Non-insulated:

A simple building in wood or in corrugated metal.

Typical structures: marquees, farm outbuildings, enclosed barns and large-scale wooden sheds

Typical heating power coefficient 4,0

V x ΔT x K x 3.97 = BTUs

V = The cubic capacity or volume of the structure in cubic metres
ΔT = The difference between the Internal and External air temperature
K = The structure’s Insulation Coefficient

Example

The client requests that a warehouse of 20m x 10m x 4m is kept at a temperature of 20°C: it is a steel clad structure with an Insulation Coefficient of 1.9, and with an expected outside night time temperature of -10°C

Therefore, with the volume at 800m³, the temperature differential at 30°C and the Insulation Coefficient at 1.9, the formula would be as follows:

800 x 30 x 1.9 x 3.97 = 181,032 BTUs

And if you’re still not sure, call us anyway; we’re happy to help you make the right choice.