Types of heat guns + an overview of the proposals of leading manufacturers

The heat gun is an indispensable assistant to private homeowners, as well as a tool for solving many repair, construction and production tasks. The unit in a few minutes raises the temperature and helps to reduce humidity.

In order for the heat generator to cope with the tasks and not cause trouble, it is necessary to understand what types of heat guns are appropriate to use in various situations. The main selection criterion is the method of heating and heat transfer.

We offer to understand how different types of heaters are arranged and work, what are their strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the features of the operation of heat guns will help determine the model and not be disappointed in the purchase. To facilitate the task of choice, we have prepared an overview of the best heat generators from reliable manufacturers.

Basic device and principle of operation

The heat gun is a mobile air heater for rooms for various purposes. The unit is mainly used for two purposes. The first task is the organization of local heating of exhibition halls, trading floors, warehouses, garages and pavilions.

The second purpose is the quick drying of individual elements in technological operations, for example, fixing French ceilings or performing interior decoration in the winter.

The fan heater has a simple device. The main structural details of the device: a fan, a heating element, a thermostat for working in stand-alone mode and a temperature controller that prevents the gun from overheating

All components are assembled in a sturdy metal case, equipped with grilles for intake of cold and hot air. As a heat-generating unit, a heater, an open spiral or a fuel tank with a heat exchanger is used.

The principle of operation of the fan heater:

1. The "gun" captures the air currents and passes them through the heater.
2. Hot masses are pushed through the nozzle, distributed throughout the room.

The mechanism works like a regular fan. The only difference is the parallel connection of heating elements that supply warm air.

Classification of units by type of energy carrier

Like any device, heat guns have a number of criteria for differentiating an assortment of goods. By the scope of application, there are household and industrial fan heaters.

A distinctive feature is the power and the boundary temperature of the heating of the heat-generating unit. It is clear that these parameters in industrial models exceed the performance of household guns.

More extensive is the classification by type of energy source. It is the energy carrier that largely determines the design and functional features of the unit, as well as the specifics of its application.

Electric guns - versatility

The electric group of heat fans is permissible for use in residential, commercial, office premises as an additional source of heating. Electric models are often indispensable when performing repair and finishing work to quickly reduce humidity.

Two types of heaters are used in electric guns: spirals from refractory metals and heating elements (sealed tubes filled with quartz sand) (+)

Heating elements are distinguished by their efficiency and degree of safety:

1. Spiral. It quickly warms up and holds the set temperature well. The disadvantage is fire hazard.
2. TEN. The tubes accumulate less and burn dust compared to an open spiral. However, the heating element is more inertial - it heats up more slowly and gives a reduced outlet temperature. Significant advantages: safety and durability.

Electric "heat guns" are equipped with a thermal limiter - the element prevents overheating of the unit and contributes to energy savings. When the temperature set by the user is reached, the thermostat switches off the heater.

Depending on the power, the appliance is connected to a two- or three-phase network. When choosing a heat generator, it is necessary to take into account the possibilities of electrical wiring.

The power range of electric fan heaters ranges from 1.5-50 kW. The operation of units up to 5 kW is permissible from a household power supply

Optimal operating conditions electrical models: temperature from -10 ° С to + 35 ° С, humidity - up to 70%.

The main advantages of "electric guns" include:

• environmental friendliness - in the process of work no harmful waste is emitted into the atmosphere;
• compactness and mobility - the weight of a household model is about 4-8 kg, small dimensions allow the use of a fan heater in small rooms;
• continuity of operation - there is no need to refuel the unit;
• universality application.

Despite the robust housing and the presence of grilles, the working parts of the device are poorly protected from ingress of dirt and moisture. An additional drawback is the excessive energy consumption when heating unheated buildings.

Gas modifications - high performance

Gas heat guns are characterized by high performance at moderate operating costs. Variants of fuel consumed: liquefied bottled gas (butane / propane) or natural from the central highway.

Gas gun device: 1 - blade fan, 2 - burner, 3 - fuel combustion capacity, 4 - start button and operation indicator, 5 - check valve, 6 - gas pipeline, 7-valve, 8 - gearbox, 9 - electric motor (+ )

To avoid excessive gas evaporation and possible explosion, a gearbox is provided between the burner and the gas cylinder. Its purpose: ensuring the conversion of liquefied fuel into a gaseous state and control the supply of gas fuel to the burner nozzle.

The operation of the heat generator requires electricity to power the fan.The power of the device determines the volume of air pumped. The indicator is 30-200 watts.

The gas unit works on a similar principle with analogues:

1. Gas is supplied through the gearbox.
2. Passing through the holes in the burner, the gaseous fuel enters the combustion chamber - here a mechanical or automatic piezo ignition system is triggered.
3. During combustion, the gas gives off heat to the heat exchanger.
4. The air flows pumped by the fan pass along the hot walls of the heat exchanger and heat up.

Gas modifications are divided into two groups: stationary and mobile. The former are connected to a common gas pipeline, the latter operate from a cylinder.

Stationary guns are more powerful than mobile counterparts. They can be floor, wall or mounted. The latter option is often used to heat greenhouses. Mobile devices are convenient for transportation and carrying - guns are equipped with wheels or a handle

Advantages of gas fan heaters:

• high efficiency - non-waste gas combustion;
• economical heating spacious rooms - performance guns up to 250-300 sq.m .;
• the ability to work at high humidity - the elements of the mechanism are protected by a body made of anti-corrosion metal;
• low waste emission in the process of burning, it is acceptable to use it in public places with good ventilation;
• fuel availability - The purchase of natural gas will be relatively inexpensive.

Despite the protection against overheating and an integrated flame control system, gas thermal guns belong to the category of potentially dangerous aggregates. In addition, during the operation of the fan heater, oxygen burns out. The listed reasons explain the limited use of gas models in residential premises.

Gas guns are popular in the agricultural sector, at construction sites and in production areas of a semi-open, open type.

Direct and indirect diesel guns

The scope of diesel heat generators is similar to the area of ​​destination of gas modifications. However, diesel fuel guns are not suitable for warming up living spaces. Limitations are due to excessive power and the need to equip the chimney.

The principle of operation is based on obtaining a heated air stream due to the combustion of diesel fuel. Heat guns of this type are divided into two groups: direct and indirect action

Direct heating. A simple unit with an open combustion chamber. The center of the heat generator is a pump with a nozzle that supports the combustion of the torch. Behind it is a powerful fan.

Heated air crosses the combustion chamber and is fed into the atmosphere. Together with him, the remains of diesel fuel combustion products enter the room. Being close to such an aggregate is equivalent to standing at the exhaust pipe of a car. Even with active ventilation, a burning smell remains, causing dizziness and poisoning.

Indirect heating. The design provides a pipe for the emission of combustion products. The nozzle is placed in a closed "combustion chamber" with a chimney.

In indirect heating heaters, the injected air masses do not intersect with the burning torch - the flame blows around the combustion chamber. In turn, soot and tar are brought out through the chimney, bypassing the room.

In fig. 1 - indirect heating gun, fig. 2 - direct heating generator. The device of diesel guns: 1 - closed / open combustion chamber, 2 - chimney, 3, 4 - burner and nozzle, 5 - electric valve, 6 - fuel drive, 7 - fan, 8 - electric motor, 9 - fuel supply pump, 10 - bracket for winding the cord, 11 - tank for the diesel engine, 12 - working panel (+)

Manufacturers of liquid fuel guns for refueling recommend the use of diesel fuel and kerosene. In order to avoid breakdowns and explosive situations it is forbidden to use: gasoline, naphtha, alcohol and other flammable substances.

Strengths of diesel heat guns:

• high efficiency - efficiency up to 100%;
• profitability - minimum power consumption;
• compactness - small installation dimensions and ease of use;
• moderate fuel consumption - a 10 kW model burns 1 liter of diesel per hour;
• continuous operation time - about 10-12 hours;
• wide range of units different capacities - from compact installations for 10-30 kW to highly productive heat guns of 200 kW;
• heating speed - the gun quickly warms up the room.

Like any kind of heat gun, diesel heat guns not without flaws.

The main disadvantages:

• volatility;
• noisy work;
• toxic substances hazardous to humans;
• the spread of the smell of diesel fuel.

Diesel units are more expensive than electric and gas counterparts.

Multi-fuel guns - waste oil disposal

Structurally combined units are similar to diesel guns. But multi-fuel devices are able to operate on various refueling materials: diesel fuel, kerosene, liquefied / natural gas, and mining (motor, hydraulic oil).

A diverse "absorption" of fuel makes the combined guns very popular when heating car services, garage cooperatives, and technical stations. Two tasks are simultaneously solved: utilization of mining and heating of the room.

Multi-fuel units are direct and indirect with similar technical and operational nuances, like diesel counterparts.

Combined indirect heating heat gun device using the example of Master WA33: 1 - built-in burner, 2 - fuel supply tank, 3 - grate, 4 - manual ignition system, 5 - power adjustment, 6 - tank for daily reserve

Switching the heat gun from one fuel to another is carried out manually - the equipment is equipped with several burners of different characteristics.

Features of the operation of heat generators on the return:

• the combustion of oil vapor is accompanied by heat generation with the formation of slag and soot;
• guns have significant dimensions and mean stationary floor installation;
• operation of the gun is possible with the arrangement of a gas exhaust system to remove carbon dioxide.

The efficiency level reaches 98-100%, the period of operation without refueling is 15-24 hours.

Despite the stationary installation, the direction of the hot air jets can be regulated, providing heating of all sections of the room from a remote location

Features of infrared “fan heaters”

IR guns differ from their predecessors in the principle of operation. The generated heat does not reach the surrounding objects through directed airflows, but through radiation. For work, the equipment is connected either to an electric circuit or to a gas cylinder.

Thermal rays are distributed in a rectilinear plane, not absorbed by air masses. Heated objects gradually give thermal energy to air and people - spot heating reduces the cost of electricity and fuel (+)

There is no fan in the design, heat transfer is due to the emitter - flamenin. The heating element is a spiral made of an alloy of various metals, enclosed in a quartz glass tube. When heated, tubular heating elements generate infrared radiation.

Behind the heating element there is a reflector - a mirror reflector focuses infrared rays in the desired direction and prevents heating of the internal mechanisms and the gun body.

Due to the ability of radiation to heat surfaces in the affected area, the IR gun is used to effectively dry painted products, plastered walls, quickly defrost objects and heat the workplace

The pros and cons of the device largely depend on the type of thermal energy generator - an electric heater or a liquid fuel burner. Each model is characterized by distinctive features of an electric or diesel gun, respectively.

Compared to "fan" models, IR heaters do not provoke drafts and work very quietly. The disadvantage is the low heating rate of the entire room.

Water Devices - Operational Safety

In a water fan heater, the role of the heating element is assigned to a heat exchanger with a heated liquid. The shell of the gun is made of stainless steel and coated with a polymer layer. Such a “sandwich” provides degree of protection Enclosures - IP44.

Components of a water gun: a non-separable heater assembly (a heat exchanger made of copper tubes and aluminum plates), a fan, a metal case and drain pipes (+)

"Hydro-gun" is connected to heating pipes or hot water. The model resembles a traditional water heating radiator, the only difference is the presence of an electric fan.

The scheme of the device is quite simple:

1. Cold air is trapped through the rear grill.
2. In the heat exchanger, the air masses warm up and are fed back into the room through the front mesh.

To adjust the fan speed and heating intensity, three- or two-way cranes are mounted on the supply line. The heat transfer of the device depends on the number of ribs on the external grill - the more there are, the better the heat transfer.

Recommended operating conditions: boundary temperature - not lower than -10 ° С, relative humidity - up to 80%, dustiness of the room - not more than 10 mg / cubic meter

The main advantages of hydro-guns are: environmental friendliness, safety, energy efficiency of energy consumption. The disadvantage is the duration of heating the room. The water unit is mainly used as an additional means of heating in residential, office premises, as well as greenhouses and greenhouses.

Assessment of the capabilities of the best heat generators

The market for heat guns is stable. The leaders in the segment of electrical modifications are products of companies Ballu, Sturm, Quattro elementi, Novel. Among diesel and gas guns, brands have worked well. Master, Elitech and Prorab.

When buying, special attention should be paid to power, degree of safety, conditions of use and cost of the unit.

Electric guns of leading manufacturers

The rating of the best electric fan heaters includes Ballu BKX5, QE-2000C from Quattro Elementi and KEV-24 from the domestic Novel brand.

Ballu BKX5. The device is equipped with a ceramic-metal heating element, an impact-resistant steel case and a dust and water tight switch for selecting a mode.

Voltage - 220 V, power - 3 kW, max. current - 13.6 A, air consumption - 250 cubic meters. m / h Additional characteristics: estimated area - 35 sq. M, operating range of thermostat 0 ... + 40 ° C, three-stage security system, a thermostat and ventilation without heating

Disadvantages: a short cord, annoying noise, an unpleasant smell at the first start. Price BKX5 - 50-60 cu

QE-2000C. Household mini-gun for room maintenance up to 20 sq.m. It is possible to operate in 2 modes, maximum power - 2 kW.

Parameters of miniature modification: ceramic heater, mechanical control, installation - floor, weight - 1.7 kg, built-in thermostat, fast heating speed, air exchange - 130 cubic meters. m / h, ceramic heating element

Thanks to the thermostat, the QE-2000C automatically maintains microclimate parameters. Estimated cost - 30 cu

KEV-24. Electric gun with increased heating power and airflow intensity. The scope of operation is industrial, construction sites and industrial buildings.

Characteristics of KEV-24: power - 24 kW, air exchange - 2200 cubic meters. m / h, nominal voltage - 400 V, heating volume - 600 cubic meters, acoustic effect - 65 dB, thermal power - 12-24 kW, weight - 30 kg, dimensions - 35.5 * 81 * 38 cm

Gas models of various capacities

Popular gas guns: Elitech TP / 30GB and Master BLP / 53M.

TP / 30GB from Elitech. A good option for heating large areas within 200 sq.m. The unit is applicable only in well-ventilated buildings. Operational conditions: floor installation, work under supervision.The gun is equipped with electronic ignition and a grill on the nozzle to protect the internal mechanism.

Parameters of the heat generator: fuel - propane / butane, heating power - 30 kW, ignition type - piezo, issued air flow - 1000 cubic meters / h, installation weight - 7.6 kg, overall dimensions - 59.7 * 31.5 * 24 cm

Master BLP. Premium appliance for industrial use. Housing with increased thermal insulation and anti-corrosion coating. A high degree of protection allows the gun to be operated in a humid environment. In the absence of fire or overheating, the electronic system will shut off the fuel supply.

Advantages of the model: efficiency - 98-100%, energy efficiency, smooth adjustment of power, almost smokeless combustion of fuel, simple maintenance, the presence of thermal relay. Characteristics: heating power - 30 kW, gas consumption - 2.3 kg / h

Diesel guns for industrial use

Powerful models for fast heating of large volumes of structures. The ranking includes direct-action guns of Prorab and Resanta companies.

Prorab DP50. High performance model of a popular company. Recommended heating area - up to 500 sq.m. The gun works on kerosene and diesel fuel.

Specifications: heating power - 50 kW, air exchange - 1100 cubic meters. m / h, fuel tank volume - 50 l, operation without refueling - 10 h, fuel consumption - 4.8 l / h, weight - 37 kg, the presence of transport wheels and protection against overheating

TDP-2000 from Resanta. Optimum for heating buildings - 100-150 sq.m. The multi-fuel model operates on diesel or kerosene. The gun is equipped with a capacious tank, ensuring the duration of the working cycle.

Technical parameters: fuel consumption - 1.85 kg / h, thermal power - 20 kW. The heat generator has protection against ignition / extinction of the flame. For stability, the unit is equipped with a wide support base. Estimated cost of TDP-2000 - 250 cu

If you want to save money, then you can try to assemble a heat gun yourself. Our site has a block of articles with a detailed description of the manufacturing technology of different types of heat generators.

We advise you to familiarize yourself with:

1. Do-it-yourself diesel heat gun: homemade manufacturing instructions
2. Do-it-yourself heat gas gun: step-by-step assembly instructions
3. Do-it-yourself electric heat gun: the pros and cons of homemade + assembly instructions
4. DIY heat gun for used oil: step-by-step manufacturing instructions

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Detailed video instruction for choosing a heat generator. Features of the work of different types of guns, a comparison of the main technical parameters:

The primary criterion for choosing a heat gun is the type of energy source. The power of the device and the specifics of its application depend on the heating method.

In everyday life it is better to use safe electric models, for production purposes - diesel, gas and multi-fuel units. Water cannons can be a secondary source of heat.

Share your experience with heat guns with readers. Tell us what the choice of the unit was based on, and whether you are satisfied with the purchase. Please leave comments on the article, ask questions and participate in discussions. The contact form is located below.