According to recent weather predictions, the warm autumn spell could give way to one of the coldest winters for many years, with a high risk of significant snowfall. Following the warning, temporary heating and cooling specialist Carrier Rental Systems is gearing up to ensure it can support customers.

The Met Office says the El Niño effect, a major influence on UK winter weather conditions, will be the strongest since 1950. Scientists warn that conditions could be similar to those in the winter of 2009-10, when heavy snow caused widespread disruption across the country, closing airports and affecting rail and roads. During December 2009, the average UK temperature was 1deg C, the coldest month on record.

In preparation for expected high demand, Carrier Rental Systems has further expanded its heating rental fleet, to ensure it can respond to requests from customers for emergency top-up heating and replacement systems for plant breakdowns during an extended cold snap.

The company has invested in a new fleet of high efficiency boilers, integrated heating packages, fan-powered systems and radiant heaters as part of its plans to support customers this winter. This equipment is now available for hire across the UK and Ireland.

Director at Carrier Rental Systems, Marc White (pictured), said: “There is concern that the Indian summer may lull people into a false sense of security, and result in buildings and industrial premises being exposed. Forecasters agree that conditions point to a particularly cold winter this year, with a high risk of severe and prolonged snowfall.”

In the event of a sudden arrival of cold conditions, the impact on older heating equipment in particular can be significant, resulting in undiagnosed problems coming to light, as systems attempt to go from standby to maximum output very quickly. This can result in plant failure and create an emergency situation, with implications for building use and company productivity.

Mr White continued: “The other issue during extended periods of very cold weather is head-room. Some heating systems in the depths of the 2009/10 winter were unable to cope with the unremitting low temperatures, which for the best part of a month hovered around freezing. Top-up temporary heating can provide the necessary additional capacity to maintain comfort conditions and keep buildings and industrial facilities operating.”

He added: “We have invested significantly in extending our hire fleet, with the addition of new, high efficiency systems. However, equipment availability is finite. Those who secure hire systems early have a vital safety net, and can reassure building occupants and owners that they have the situation covered.”