How to choose a heat gun

Varieties

As for thermal devices of this type, they are usually divided into types depending on what type of energy carrier is chosen for their processing into a heat flow of air.

In the modern market of heating equipment, heat guns are represented by the following types.

Electric heat guns.

In the modern market for heating equipment, electric heat guns are represented by a wide range of models, the power of which varies from 1.5 kW to 50 kW, and models up to 5 kW can be operated from a conventional household power supply.

In other words, electric heat guns have found application in almost all spheres of human activity, from heating small private houses to drying large warehouses and industrial premises.

Diesel heaters.

Diesel heat guns are divided into two main types:

• direct heating heat gun emits exhaust gases, therefore it is recommended to use it only in open space;
• the heat gun of indirect heating functions without environmental pollution, as a result, it can be used for heating and drying rooms for various purposes.

Gas heat guns.

A distinctive feature of this type of units is that the efficiency of gas heat guns is almost 100%.

Gas heat guns can be used quite effectively in crowded places (metro, crossings, train stations, etc.), and they are also an excellent option for heating in greenhouses.

Water heaters.

Water heat guns can also be connected to an existing heating system, which in turn will significantly increase the efficiency of space heating.

Infrared heat guns.

When using infrared heat guns, it is worth considering the fact that they purposefully heat certain areas of the room, so they can be effectively used when drying plaster or when installing a stretch ceiling.

Multi-fuel heaters.

The principle of operation of multi-fuel heat guns is that, with the help of a special system of pumps, the used oil is transferred to a special combustion chamber.

At the same time, it is worth noting the fact that the efficiency of these units approaches 100%.

Rating of the best models

Among the best models of heat gas guns, several brands can be noted.

Quattro Elementi QE-15G

A small unit that can only be used for heating ventilated rooms. Gained popularity with builders. It is used for drying walls after plastering and simply heating the room. The unit runs on propane-butane. Can be connected to a standard electrical network.

One of the advantages is the absence of an unpleasant odor. Piezoelectric ignition. The case is made with high-quality thermal insulation. A special coating protects the heat gun from corrosion. Electrical components are also protected from dust and moisture. The performance of the heat gun is 500 m³/h, the fuel consumption is 1.2 kg/h. The design has a small weight - 5 kg.

Heat guns are designed to work for a long time. They are made from high-quality elements and materials, but only if the necessary operating conditions are met, we can talk about the durability of the product. Such equipment may be supplied with optional accessories. A thermostat with a cable will allow you to remotely control the unit

It doesn't matter which model thermal gas gun used, it is strictly forbidden to use such equipment in rooms where the environment is highly corrosive

It is unacceptable to install the gun in explosive, dusty rooms and where increased biological activity is observed.

The thermostat is a useful purchase for those who want to regulate the operation of the thermal gun without having to directly switch the mode. Thanks to this accessory, you can change the fan speed quickly and easily.

DLT-FA50P (15KW)

This gas heat gun is ideal for heating production facilities in the autumn. The design includes an emergency valve, thanks to which it was possible to increase the level of safety of the unit. As soon as the flame goes out or the pressure changes, the gas supply stops automatically.

The manufacturer used an electric element as ignition. To apply a spark, just press the appropriate button. The unit is produced in South Korea, it is sold with a hose and a reducer.

"Instar" GTP 17010

Model with direct heating, which already indicates the impossibility of using a heat gun in a residential area. The unit is ideal for operation in a car service or warehouse. The manufacturer used only high-quality materials for the production of the device, so that the equipment is durable.

"Recanta" TGP-10000

Heat gun used in ventilated agricultural and industrial areas. The burner is equipped with a piezoelectric ignition. The operation of the equipment is carried out on propane and butane. To power the device, you must first connect it to a single-phase source, from which power will be supplied. The fuel burns almost completely, due to which the unit has a high efficiency.The rugged metal housing protects the internal components from damage.

During the operation of the heat gun, a low noise level is maintained.

Quattro Elementi QE-35GA

It is allowed to use the described heat gun in a room with people, only it must be well ventilated. Propane with butane is used as fuel. The fan is made of metal, its blades are driven after the unit is connected to the electrical network. The manufacturer carefully thought out the design of the heat gun and provided for an adjustable tilt. So you can easily direct the air flow in the desired direction.

There is a small empty space between the inner and outer casing, which is necessary for thermal insulation.

Classification of thermal barriers

Air-thermal devices have a performance power of 1.5 - 70 kilowatts and are classified according to the following factors.

1. In terms of the speed of the exit of air masses and their productivity, the following values ​​​​are a good option: the flow velocity is 8-9 m / s at the exit, at the floor - at least 3 m / s; for an opening 1 m wide, 2 m high, the optimal performance indicator is 900 m3 / h. It is "pumping" the most important criterion for a thermal curtain. It depends on it how “dense” the curtain will be and, accordingly, how well it will retain heat inside the room.

2. Placement method: horizontal - use mainly on openings with a height of no more than 3-3.5 m; vertical - for openings with insufficient space for attaching the device, or an impressive height of gates, doors; flush-mounted - built into a false flow, outside it is distinguished only by a lattice.

3. Type of heating elements - heating element or spiral.
4. The footage of the unit itself.For example, several types are distinguished from the height value: up to 1.5 m mini; 1,-3.5 m medium; 3.5-7 m large; over 8 m heavy duty.
5. According to the heating parameters, air-thermal ones are distinguished - their shielding is carried out with the help of heated air masses, and air - shielding is carried out without heating, the so-called cold flow.

6. Design features: electric or water (the principle of operation is based on hot water supply).

7. The management mode is an important factor for large shopping centers. Isolate the remote control or thermostat.

Low power plants

ELITECH TP ​​3EM

A very interesting device with a wide range of features at a low price. The TP 3EM base is classic, with a ceramic heating element, which gives a low cost for long-term operation of the device. Among the advantages of TP 3EM is the possibility of autonomous operation, the case is not afraid of a high level of moisture. This makes it possible to use TP 3EM for car washing, cellar drying. Moreover, the operation of one fan without switching on the NO is allowed.

Model	ELITECH TP ​​3EM
Type of NO	Electric
Max. Power	3 kW
Heating area	up to 35 sq/m
Discharged air exchange	300 m³/h
Control type	mechanical
Dimensions (width, height, depth cm, weight kg)	29×42.5×34.5 cm, 6.5 kg
Additional functions	Overheat shutdown
	Fan operation without NE

ELITECH TP ​​3EM

Advantages:

• Decent functionality;
• moisture resistance;
• Rugged housing;
• Price corresponding to the class.

Flaws:

• Performance leaves much to be desired;
• High noise level;
• Quite a large mass.

Ballu BHP-P-3

A simple, reliable in operation model of an electric gun with a budget-level thermostat. The safety of working with it is ensured by a rounded body with double walls. Ergonomics allows the adjustment of the device relative to its base, so that warm air masses heat the space as evenly as possible.

Mobility BHP-P-3 provides a handle on the body.

Model	BHP-P-3
Type of NO	Electric
Max. Power	3 kW
Heating area	up to 35 sq/m
Discharged air exchange	300 m³/h
Control type	mechanical
Dimensions (width, height, depth cm, weight kg)	38.5x29x31.5 cm, 4.8 kg
Additional functions	Power regulation
	Fan operation without NE

Ballu BHP-P-3

Advantages

• Durable, wear-resistant housing;
• Small price;
• Safety at work.

Flaws

BALLU BHP-M-3

Household heater of small power, able to work for a long time without interruption. Easily starts at low temperatures, providing uniform blowing of warm air around the entire perimeter of the area. High-quality, wear-resistant BHP-M-3 material, protective functions ensure long and trouble-free operation.

Model	BHP-M-3
Type of NO	Electric
Max. Power	3 kW
Heating area	up to 35 sq/m
Discharged air exchange	300 m³/h
Control type	mechanical
Dimensions (width, height, depth cm, weight kg)	28x39x22 cm, 3.7 kg
Additional functions	Overheat shutdown
	Thermostat
	Temperature control
	Airflow regulation
	Fan operation without NE

BALLU BHP-M-3

Advantages:

Flaws:

Inforce EH 3T

Rectangular electric transformer, which makes it easy to install the model on almost any surface. A distinctive feature of the NE device of extended service life.It is achieved by the fact that the manufacturer chose magnesium oxide wrapped in nichrome as the NE. The combination of price and quality makes it possible to use the EH 3 T in a residential area, a small workshop.

Model	EH3T
Type of NO	Electric
Max. Power	3 kW
Heating area	up to 35 sq/m
Discharged air exchange	500 m³/h
Control type	mechanical
Dimensions (width, height, depth cm, weight kg)	25.6x33x24 cm, 5.2 kg
Additional functions	Overheat shutdown
	Thermostat

Inforce EH 3T

Advantages:

• Ease of use;
• Large cross-section wire, not afraid of chafing, rodents;
• Ergonomic shape;
• Decent quality despite the price.

Flaws:

• Short cord;
• Inconveniently located controls, inscriptions to them.

Choosing the Right Heat Gun

Having come to the idea that you need to purchase a heat gun, you immediately face the question: “But how to choose it?” The answer is simple. It is necessary to rely on such criteria as the volume of the room, the number of people present there, and what type of fuel will be used, since most of the modern guns begin to operate on gas, diesel and electricity. To calculate the heat power needed for your room, a simple formula was invented: V x T x K = kcal / h. One kilowatt equates to 860 kilocalories per hour.

• V is the volume of the room to be heated;
• T is the temperature difference;
• K is a dissipation factor that depends on the type of construction of the house and its degree of isolation.

But you should not completely trust the formula, since circumstances play a decisive role. That is, the number of window openings in the house, the number of doors located and, of course, the height of the ceiling.

The market for heat guns is constantly on the move, expanding, something new appears, but in general, if we summarize, we can distinguish three types: electric, gas and diesel guns. Each existing type of gun has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Video explanation for calculating the power of a heat gun:

Electric guns

When there are no problems with electricity in the room, then electric guns, the most affordable and easy to use, become a good option. How do these heat guns work? Of course, from the network. If the gun model has a power of up to 5 kW, then it is powered by a 220 volt network, if the gun is more powerful, then a network of 380 volts is required.

Their mobility, ease of use, and the absence of the need to use other fuels brought them well-deserved popularity, both in everyday life and in construction.

Heat is dispersed throughout the room due to the fact that the fan blows it and distributes it evenly throughout the room.

gas guns

Gas guns have two indisputable advantages - this is a low price and low weight of the models. Their power varies from 10 to 100 kT, although sometimes more. Gas guns operate on gas, which is supplied through a cylinder reducer or thanks to a centralized gas network. When the gas burns, the heat exchanger heats up. The air passing along the heat exchanger is also heated, thus generating heat in the room.

Gas guns are very economical, but there is still a drawback. LPG in cylinders is not available everywhere, and it is difficult to stock it due to a number of storage requirements.

Diesel guns

Diesel guns run on fuel such as diesel fuel and have a common principle of operation with gas guns, although their design is more complicated.

Of the advantages of guns, it is worth noting the remarkable cost-effectiveness of consumption. Filling the cannon once with diesel fuel, it will be possible to ensure continuous 10-15 hour operation of the equipment. The delivery of diesel fuel is safe, it is not tied to the gas main. Well, the power of diesel guns is not inferior to gas guns.

The disadvantages of diesel guns lie in their heavy weight and fuel, which contains pollution. Because of the last point, they should be used in non-residential premises where there is good ventilation.

Heat guns of direct and indirect heating

Speaking of diesel guns, it is worth noting that they are divided into two types: direct and indirect heating. This means that the direct heating heat gun evaporates all combustion products directly into the air. Accordingly, it would be advisable to use a direct-heated diesel gun in open areas, such as construction sites, or in non-residential premises.

The heat gun of indirect heating has a special exhaust system for combustion products, which means it can be used to heat unventilated rooms.

Gas

Gas is used as fuel in such units. The gun can be connected to a centralized pipeline or cylinder by means of a reducer through which gas is supplied.

In the process of fuel combustion, the heat exchanger is heated. The latter is constantly blown by a fan, as a result of which the room is heated.

Since the design has a fan, the device must be connected to the mains. But, the consumption is much lower in comparison with electric models.

Such units are very high performance, but quite economical. However, this is not the safest solution, especially for home use.

Which heat gun is better to buy

When choosing a heat gun, it should be borne in mind that this device can be:

• electric;
• gas;
• diesel.

In addition, there are multi-fuel and infrared modifications of heat generators, which are not in high demand, but under certain conditions can be the best solution for heating a particular object.

The main advantage of electric guns is the absence of exhaust gases that are formed during the operation of diesel and gas appliances. Such fan heaters can operate for a long time and do not require periodic refueling. Among other things, devices of this type work equally well both in summer and in winter conditions.

Gas heat guns provide fast and at the same time economical heating of large volumes of air. In most cases, such devices are equipped with automatic flame control and overheating protection. Their main disadvantage is the combustion of oxygen, so gas equipment is best used outdoors.

Diesel-type heat guns are more often used at construction and industrial sites. It is most expedient to use such units for heating greenhouses, agricultural facilities and large production workshops with good ventilation.

What gun is needed for the installation of stretch ceilings

According to the type of fuel used, fan heaters are divided into three types: diesel, electric and gas.

Diesel

Diesel engines quickly warm up the room and the film, fuel is cheap to use and easily accessible. But in the process of work, harmful combustion products are formed, therefore, such devices are used only in rooms with a professional forced ventilation system.

Electrical

Electric heat guns are safe when used for stretch ceilings. Due to their small size and weight, they are easy to carry. There are no smells either during operation or after. But the efficiency is low compared to analogues. The energy consumption in the process is quite high, and it takes a lot of time to warm up.

Gas

For the installation of PVC ceilings, direct heating gas heat guns are best suited. They are economical and have a high efficiency, since electricity is needed only for the operation of the fan heater and piezo ignition.

Gas heat guns for stretch ceilings have the following advantages:

• efficiency;
• profitability;
• compactness;
• almost complete autonomy;
• low noise level;
• lack of vibration;
• financial accessibility;
• the minimum amount of combustion products;
• simple repair due to simple design.

The disadvantages include explosiveness. But in modern models, it is close to zero. To do this, manufacturers build in security systems.

Let us consider in more detail the device and principles of operation of a gas heat gun. The device consists of the following elements:

1. Gas-burner.
2. Piezoelectric element.
3. Fan.
4. Control block.
5. Frame.
6. Protective grids.
7. Chassis (for overall models - with wheels).
8. A pen.

Using a special hose that can withstand high pressure, a cylinder with liquefied gas (propane or butane) is connected to the heater.The piezoelectric element ignites the fuel in the burner, and the fan directs air flows in one direction so that heating occurs faster. The electric board controls the operation, including turning off the gas supply in case of emergency.

No. 10. Popular manufacturers

It may seem that a heat gun is an extremely simple mechanism that cannot be made poorly. Drive away such thoughts. Both electric, gas and liquid fuel models are complex equipment, the quality of production of which depends on your safety, not to mention the heating efficiency.

Among the largest manufacturers of heat guns, we note:

Ballu is a world-famous manufacturer that produces electric, diesel and gas guns of various capacities and purposes (household and industrial). These are devices thought out to the smallest detail, the safety and effectiveness of which can be no doubt;
FUBAG - German equipment that runs on diesel and gas

The manufacturer pays attention to the little things, so the output is high-quality products in all respects;
Master - guns of the highest quality. There are products that can run on electricity, diesel, gas, waste oil, as well as infrared devices.
Timberk specializes in electric heat guns that are more economical than many other manufacturers;
Elitech - gas, electric and diesel guns of various capacities, from mobile household models to huge industrial ones;
Resanta - domestic gas, diesel and electric guns, which have proven themselves to be of high quality and reasonable prices.

Other manufacturers include Inforce, Hyundai, Gigant, Sturm and NeoClima.

Finally, we note that it is worth buying a gun if it is supposed to be in constant operation. If the equipment is needed only temporarily for construction work or at the time of repair of the failed main equipment, then it is more logical to use rental services.

Efficacy Comparison Test

The doubts of users in choosing a certain type of device are understandable. To understand this point, you can compare the rate of heating of the atmosphere in a certain area of ​​space. Take, for example, a thermally insulated garage of 20 square meters in the winter season. The object is interesting because there are no other specially connected heating networks, so we will work from scratch. Since the ventilation turns out to be plugged, it is best to use the electrical versions of both devices.

Heat gun Bau Master

The Bau Master heat gun (made in Russia) and the popular Chinese infrared heater Ballu BHH / M-09 take part in the “competition”. The results can be seen in the comparison table:

Heat gun Bau Master, 3000 W	Infrared heater Ballu BHH / M-09, 900 W, 4 pieces, hanging under the ceiling on opposite walls
Terms	Result	Terms	Result
Outside 0, inside + 18	Warming up was carried out within 30-40 minutes.	Outside -14, inside +14	The entire room was warmed up for half an hour, but the comfort from being in the impact zone comes after 10 seconds.
Outside - 5, inside + 15	The room warmed up within 1 hour.	Outside - 21, in the garage it costs +8, together it turns out + 10	It took 1 hour to create a warm atmosphere in the entire room, but within a meter radius from the heater it was warm right away.
Outside - 20, inside 0, as a result it turned out + 5 degrees.	Warming up occurs within an hour and a half, but it is impossible to work in such a room in the future.
The joint operation of both devices will give + 20 inside the garage with - 20 outside, but you should immediately prepare for large electricity bills.

Of course, this experiment is far from an ideal indicator of work, but, nevertheless, conclusions can already be drawn. Each consumer himself is guided by which unit to use, based on the parameters and purpose of the room, the desired heating rate, the power of the equipment and other relevant indicators.

No. 7. Thermal power and its calculation

How to compare several different devices in terms of performance? How to understand that one device is designed to heat small garages, and another can easily warm up a huge warehouse? It is necessary to look at the power indicator, and we are not talking about the consumed electrical power, or rather, not always about it. This parameter will be indicative only for electric models. So let's start with them.

The power of electric guns ranges from 1 to 50 kW. It is difficult to call models for 1-3 kW and guns - they are rather fan heaters. Again, devices with a power of up to 5 kW can be connected to a 220 V network. Anything more is equipment that requires a 380 V network. The most powerful electric guns are devices up to 100 kW.

The power of gas appliances is from 10 to 150 kW, but more powerful devices are often found. Diesel and multi-fuel direct heating devices produce all 220 kW, but their indirect heating counterparts are less powerful - a maximum of 100 kW. Infrared guns are rarely more powerful than 50 kW.

How to understand how much power is needed? Many advise using an approximate calculation method, according to which 1-1.3 kW of power is enough for 1 m2 of a room. If the room is low and well insulated, you can multiply by 1 kW, and if there are problems with thermal insulation, then it is better to take the coefficient with a margin.

If you want to get a more accurate result, then arm yourself with a calculator and the following calculation procedure:

• calculate the volume of the room, since this parameter is much more important than the area parameter. If we take a room with an area of ​​90 m2 and imagine that the height of the ceilings in it is 4 m, then the volume will be 360 ​​m3;
• the temperature difference between the desired indicator inside the room (for example, + 18C) and the indicator outside the walls. Outside in winter, the weather can be different. It is usually recommended to take into account the average winter temperature, making an allowance for possible frosts. If the cannon is the main source of heat, then it is better to take into account the lowest indicator of winter temperature. If you are making a calculation for a residential building, then choose a comfortable internal temperature yourself. For warehouses, the accepted temperature is +12C, for public buildings - +18C. So, let's say that in winter there are often frosts down to -20C outside, and inside it is necessary to maintain a temperature of + 18C, then the difference will be 38C;
• thermal insulation of the room plays an important role. A special coefficient is taken into account when calculating the power of the gun. If all walls, floor and roof are insulated, the number of windows is small, they have double frames, then k = 0.6-1. If the walls are brick, but without insulation, the roof is standard, and the number of windows is average, then k = 1-2. For structures with a single brick wall, single window frames (garages, for example), the coefficient k = 2-3 is used.For open and semi-open areas, simplified wooden and metal structures without thermal insulation k = 3-4. Suppose we have a garage with double brick walls without thermal insulation, which will be visited more or less often by visitors, then we assume that k = 1.8;
• thermal power is calculated by the formula Q \u003d k * V * T. Then we get Q \u003d 1.8 * 360 * 38 \u003d 24,624 kcal / h, and since there are 860 kcal / h in 1 kW, it turns out that Q \u003d 24624/860 \u003d 28.6 kW;
• if the gun is not the only source of heat in the room, then this must be taken into account and the power of the existing equipment must be subtracted from the final result;
• you can take not one gun of high power, but several smaller ones in order to eventually get the necessary power. If the room has a complex configuration, then several less powerful guns are even better than one more powerful one.

Which heat gun to choose for a specific task

A wide range of heating units makes it difficult to choose for a specific task. Which heater models are best suited for an apartment, and which device is better to buy for a garage?

For home heating

When choosing a heater for a house or apartment, it is necessary to take into account the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, the properties of the building materials from which the walls are built (wood, brick), as well as the presence of thermal insulation. The best option is an electric heat gun.

For living rooms, indirect heating guns should be purchased. In such devices, the burner flame is isolated and the combustion products are removed through the exhaust system. Indirect heating guns are safe for humans and pets.

For storage space heating

It is irrational to use electrical appliances for heating hangars and warehouses due to high energy costs. When choosing a device, you should start from the weather conditions of the region. For mild climates, gas guns are suitable; for climatic zones with harsh winters, a direct heating device powered by diesel will be an ideal option.

Gun for greenhouse

When creating greenhouse conditions for growing horticultural crops, summer residents prefer gas heating units. Sometimes diesel or electric appliances are used. The main requirement for the installation of the device: the heat gun should be suspended from the roof of the greenhouse so that the injected warm air does not burn the leaves of the plants.

Design differences of diesel guns

The main purpose of heat guns is to quickly and economically heat rooms with a large area. They operate on diesel fuel, the combustion of which releases heat, which spreads through the object with a directed air flow. According to the constructive principle, all diesel guns can be divided into direct and indirect heating devices.

#1: Heat generators with direct heating

The main structural elements of a diesel gun are: an electric motor with a fan, a pump with cleaning filters, a combustion chamber, a spark generator (a glow plug or a high-voltage system), an injector and a fuel tank.

In order for the device to work autonomously, it is equipped with a timer, a flame level controller, a thermostat and other electronic elements that can be built in right away or installed for a fee.

With direct heating, diesel combustion products also enter the hot air stream, therefore, such a heater can only be used in non-residential premises with good forced ventilation

The direct heating unit works like this:

• When the device is turned on, the fuel is pumped from the tank to the fuel filter using a pump.
• Then the fuel enters the nozzle, and she injects it into the combustion chamber.
• The ignition system supplies a spark that ignites the diesel.
• A protective mesh installed in the "muzzle" of the gun keeps the fire, preventing it from leaving the combustion chamber.
• The fan drives cold air into the chamber, where it is heated by burning fuel and is discharged outside in a warm stream.

Direct heating guns have a high level of efficiency - almost 100%, the outlet air temperature can reach 400 C. Such heat generators can have a power of 10 to 220 kW (depending on the model), which is all used for heat.

For work outdoors or in a large room without thermal insulation, direct heating heat guns are chosen, and for insulated buildings where people are located, indirect units are better suited (+)

But since an unpleasant odor, soot and other combustion products of diesel fuel penetrate into the air along with heat, the scope of the device without a chimney is limited to sparsely populated industrial premises, open areas and various warehouses. They are also widely used in construction, for example, for drying facades and concrete screeds during plastering or facing works.

#2: Appliances with indirect heating

The design of guns with indirect heating provides for the presence of a closed combustion chamber and a chimney, with the help of which exhaust gases with fuel exhaustion are removed outside the heated room.Although the maximum power of such devices reaches a maximum of 85 kW, there are also complex modular units with several “barrels” of guns that can “hold out” up to 220 kW.

Despite the presence of a chimney, indirect heating guns also require good supply ventilation and ventilation, because oxygen burns out during their operation.

Although the efficiency of such units is much lower (about 60%), they are not only suitable for all cases where direct-flow devices can be used, but are also widely used for heating livestock farms, greenhouses, non-residential buildings, exhibition pavilions, production facilities and other premises with prolonged presence of people or animals.

The video presents a detailed overview of the indirect heating gun Master BV 77 E with technical characteristics and measurements of the air temperature at the outlet of the device: