Winter Conditions

Winter Is Right Around the Corner. What’s the Plan for Your Project?

If your construction project is heading into winter, how will the building be heated? This is a BIG question we deal with every year in the Midwest. Will the contractor bring in temporary heaters, or are they planning to turn on the permanent HVAC equipment? Who is paying for the electricity or gas? These questions should be discussed during bidding or contract negotiations, but if they have not been addressed yet, now is a good time to ask.

The plan needs to account for more than keeping workers comfortable. Flooring, paint, drywall finishing, and other materials may require specific temperatures and humidity levels during installation and curing. Can those conditions be maintained overnight and on weekends? Will the building be enclosed enough to hold temperature? And if the permanent heating system is not ready when cold weather arrives, what is the backup plan?

Using the permanent HVAC equipment may be an option, but the contractor should first confirm that the manufacturer permits construction use and review any conditions that apply. Some equipment has restrictions or specific requirements for filtration, installation, operating temperatures, and cleaning. Having a unit installed and capable of producing heat does not necessarily mean it is ready or approved for construction use.

If permanent equipment will be used, establish who is responsible for maintaining it. How often will filters be inspected, and when will they be changed? Drywall sanding and other dusty work can load filters much faster than normal building use. The team should establish a maintenance plan suited to the equipment and site conditions, including how the system will be protected during particularly dusty activities.

Cleaning before occupancy also needs to be addressed. Will the ductwork need to be cleaned after construction? What about the coils, blower, and other components? Those requirements should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, project specifications, and the condition of the system. Installing a new filter at turnover does not remove debris that has already collected inside the equipment or ducts. Required cleaning and a final check of proper operation should be included in the contractor’s scope and budget.

Speaking of the budget, has the contractor included the electricity or gas needed to condition the building, or will the owner pay those bills separately? The budget should also account for temporary equipment rental, connections, filters, maintenance, and final cleaning. The schedule should identify how long temporary conditioning will be needed, and the contract should address who pays for additional fuel or power if construction runs behind, winter lasts longer than expected, or unusually cold temperatures increase consumption. Establishing these expectations during bidding helps owners understand which costs are included and which could become additional expenses.

Warranty timing is another detail to confirm before startup. The manufacturer’s warranty may begin when the equipment is first operated, months before the project reaches substantial completion. For example, a unit with a 12-month startup-based warranty that runs for eight months during construction could have only four months of that coverage left at turnover. The contractor’s correction period may begin later, but that does not automatically reset the manufacturer’s warranty. Ask whether extended coverage is available, what it costs, and whether it covers parts, labor, or both. Confirm the arrangement before ordering or startup, since purchase deadlines and eligibility vary.

At Paradigm, we help owners and project teams address these questions during planning, bidding, and contract negotiations. If your project is already underway, review the winter plan now with your contractor. Agree on how required conditions will be maintained, who will pay the operating costs, and how equipment will be maintained, cleaned, and covered after turnover. A clear plan gives everyone time to prepare before the weather forces a decision.