Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating an asphalt-paved road surface by forcing gases heated by a heater against that road surface and then returning those gases to the heater for reheating and recirculation, wherein the temperature of the returning gases is measured by a temperature sensor, and the heater is automatically adjusted so that the temperature of the gases being directed against the road surface is automatically decreased as the temperature of the returning gases increases. This prevents damage to the asphalt and premature rupturing of the road surface.