Let’s immediately say that heat guns are convenient to use in rooms where the noise level is not critical: for example, in garages, repair bays, and industrial premises. The devices themselves are quite noisy, and it makes no sense to install one in an office - for residential premises there are “household” analogues, fan heaters. As an alternative for effective heating, you can use an infrared heater.
What power source should I use for the gun?
Heat guns can have three power sources, each of which is convenient in certain conditions:
- Electrical . The most popular type of devices in which the heating element is a heating element or a spiral. Electric heat guns do not emit exhaust gases, so they can be safely used in enclosed spaces. They are easy to use and can work for a long time. However, for devices with a power of over 5 kW, a connection to power outlets will be required, and the most powerful ones will need a three-phase network. If there is an outlet in the room you are going to heat, then it is best to take an electric model.
- Diesel . The thermal power of diesel units is much higher than that of electric ones. They can also be used in conditions without electricity, such as on construction sites. However, diesel devices emit combustion products into the atmosphere, so they need to be additionally vented from the premises, or used in open areas, for example, in a building under construction. If you are engaged in the construction of buildings and structures and often have to work in premises with an area of over 100 m2, then the diesel model will be the preferred option.
- Gas . Gas devices have greater thermal power than diesel ones with the same dimensions and weight. They are also somewhat cheaper than diesel units (within the same brand). However, for their operation they need to be connected either to a central line or to a cylinder, which will require the participation of a specialist. It is also important to pay special attention to security issues here. You can buy a gas gun for the garage if it has good ventilation. Otherwise, it is better to give preference to the electric model.
For domestic use at home, it is best to take an electric heat gun, since, all other things being equal, it is cheaper than gas and diesel ones, and there is always an outlet in the garage. Therefore, we included electric models in our rating of heat guns.
Determining the required power of the heat gun
Here you will need to arm yourself with the minimum knowledge of mathematics that you have from school. You have to determine exactly what power is needed to maintain the optimal temperature in your garage.
This is the ratio suggested by experts: 1.4 kW of device power per 10 square meters of garage space. In this case, the ceiling height is conventionally considered to be 2.5 meters.
For example, if we are talking about a standard garage, a gun with a power of 3 kW is quite enough to heat it. If severe frosts have set in, it is advisable to provide a heating power of 5 kW.
Do you want to calculate everything absolutely accurately? Then this diagram will definitely come in handy for you. Using it, you can easily determine the optimal power of a heat gun for heating a garage space with specific parameters.
Electric heat guns
First, let's take a closer look at electric fan heaters. It is these heaters that are most widespread and enjoy trust and popularity. First of all, it is important to note that a lot of electricity is required to operate such a device. Of course, the power consumption when maintaining the desired temperature in the garage should be much greater than when working in a room. When the power exceeds 5 kW, it is already necessary to provide power from a three-phase network, where the voltage is 380 V.
The operating principle of such a device is quite simple. Electric current passes through a conductor with increased electrical resistance, which is placed in a tubular protective housing. Such a system is called a heating element. The heat is then transferred into the room thanks to the operation of a fan, which blows air currents over the heating elements.
If we talk about the efficiency and functionality of electric heat guns, it can be noted that their efficiency is not so high. When indoor conditions are extreme, with serious fluctuations in pressure, humidity levels and temperature, such devices are not very suitable. Their performance is lower than that of gas and diesel guns. But the consumption of electrical energy is high.
Gas appliances
A gas gun for a garage pleases with its efficiency, but it certainly cannot be called environmentally friendly. Still, when such a device operates, combustion products that are harmful to health are inevitably released.
Gas guns are attractive due to their relative efficiency and good heating power. However, from an environmental point of view, such units are questionable. During the combustion process, toxic substances are released. If you organize ventilation, heat will leave the room.
Diesel heat guns
An interesting modern heating solution is a diesel heat gun for the garage. She runs on diesel fuel. Fuel enters the combustion chamber thanks to the fuel pump. Heating will be quite economical, but care must be taken to remove all combustion products.
Fuel is available and allows you to spend money efficiently. At one gas station, a diesel heat gun can actively function for 15 hours. Diesel units come in indirect and direct heating.
How to calculate the thermal power of a device?
Which heat gun should I buy that will efficiently heat the entire area of the room, but will not waste energy? There are several formulas for such calculations. Here is the standard and most popular (for ceiling heights of no more than 3 m): Q = 100 * S * A , where 100 is the required power in W per 1 m2; S – area of the room; A is the coefficient of external walls. Coefficient A may vary depending on the number of external walls. So for one external wall it will be equal to 0.8, for two walls it will be 1.2, and for three walls it will be 1.4. Suppose we need to calculate the heat output of a gun for a garage with an area of 50 m2, which has three external walls, and the fourth is adjacent to the house. Then we will need a device with the following power: Q = 100 * 50 * 1.4 = 7.0 kW However, it happens that a garage or box has ceilings higher than 3 m, so it is necessary to calculate the thermal power by cubic capacity. The following formula applies here: Q = 41 * V , where 41 is the required power in W per 1 m3; V is the volume of the room. Suppose we still have the same garage, with a length of 10 m and a width of 5 m, but with a ceiling of 3.5 m. Then we will need a gun with the following power: Q = 41 * 10 * 5 * 3.5 = 7.175 kW By the way, most manufacturers in The characteristics of the device immediately write down the maximum possible heated area and volume to make it easier to select.
The best electric heat guns up to 3 kW
BISON ZTP-M1
A small 2 kW heat gun from the ZUBR company is designed for high-quality heating of 25 m2 of area (although with good insulation of the room it can heat a larger area). The fan in this model can blow up to 230 m3/h. With normal insulation, the room temperature will reach 35 degrees.
BISON ZTP-M1
The heating element in this device is the heating element. If desired, you can adjust the angle of the gun. The rotary switch allows you to adjust the thermal power of the device. There is a protective function here that will turn off the unit if it overheats (although this happens extremely rarely). Please note that the manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty on the product.
RESANTA TEPK-3000K
A 3 kW device heats approximately 30 - 35 m2, depending on the quality of insulation. Note that there is already a ceramic heating element here. The device is intended for heating garages, warehouses, drying interior decoration (for example, plaster, when the next day it is necessary to cover it with drywall).
RESANTA TEPK-3000K
The heating temperature (thermal power) can be adjusted depending on the size of the heated room and the need to obtain a certain temperature. The thermostat will turn off devices to save energy when the set temperature is reached. We also note that the unit has a blowing function without heating - ideal for drying racks in a warehouse.
Ballu BHP-P-3
This is one of the best 3 kW heat guns. It has the ability not only to warm up the room, but also to dry the “interior” without heating with just air. In this mode, the device operates at only 30 W. The device can heat up to a maximum of 35 m2 (with ceilings no more than 3 m). The device has a rotating design, so you can choose the blowing direction.
Ballu BHP-P-3
Power adjustment here is performed in steps (not smooth adjustment). The gun can work for up to 24 hours without switching off, after which it will need to “rest” for some time. Note that there is a delay function for turning off the engine. When you turn the lever to the “off” position, the engine does not turn off immediately, but after 1 - 2 minutes. This is necessary in order to remove residual heat from it, which would otherwise negatively affect the condition of the engine and shorten its service life.
Classification of heat guns
According to their design, heat guns are divided into two groups - direct and indirect heating .
Heaters with direct heating do not remove combustion products from the room, so the warm air contains impurities of spent fuel. Guns with indirect heating are equipped with smoke vents that remove harmful volatile substances outside the room.
Based on the type of energy carrier used, the following models of heat guns are distinguished:
- electrical;
- gas;
- diesel;
- multi-fuel.
Electric models , where the heating element is a heating element, do not create noise and do not pollute the air, but consume a large amount of electricity.
These are the least economical units, which limits their scope of operation. The devices are used only in electrified premises.
Gas guns - powered by liquefied bottled gas. The efficiency of the equipment approaches 100%, the air in a cold room heats up instantly. Direct heating models cannot be used for a long time in rooms without fresh ventilation where people are present.
Diesel guns run on diesel fuel. This is a reliable, economical, fast-acting equipment. Disadvantage: high noise level, specific smell of spent fuel. Just like gas models, they are available in two design options - with direct and indirect heating.
Multi-fuel guns operate on waste oil, kerosene, gasoline, and diesel fuel. A productive and durable type of heating equipment, widely used in car repair plants.
Important : all of the listed types of heat guns are started from the electrical network (including gas and diesel). Most metal garages do not have electricity, which eliminates the possibility of using the equipment.
Especially for such facilities, gas units with a built-in battery are produced that can operate for 8-12 hours. The devices heat rooms up to 80 square meters. meters, consuming one Propane cylinder (10 liters). The battery takes a long time to charge - more than 5 hours, which is a disadvantage of the model.
Rating of 5 kW heat guns
Wester TB-5/CT
This is a relatively inexpensive “blower” made in China. It has everything you need for high-quality heating of the room. Its power is 5 kW and it can heat up to 50 m2 of area. It can blow out up to 400 m3 per hour. This performance is very convenient when you need to dry out a damp garage or warehouse. In this case, you can dry it simply with air without heating the heating element.
Wester TB-5/CT
There is a thermostat here, so you can set the temperature you want and heat the room to a certain value. You can also adjust the power of the device. Note that the unit is relatively inexpensive, like 5-kilowatt models.
Ballu BHP-PE-5
This can be said to be the older brother of the Ballu BHP-P-3 heat gun. Its power is 5 kW, at which it heats about 50 m2 of area. It is worth noting that, unlike its younger brother, here the maximum temperature to which the room can be heated is 60 degrees, which is quite good for a device of such power. You can adjust the temperature using a rotating mechanical lever.
Ballu BHP-PE-5
The device can change the angle of inclination, so the direction of the airflow can be easily adjusted. The power can be adjusted in three positions: the first is 30 W with airflow without heating; the second at 2.5 kW with fan and heating; the third is 5 kW with fan and heating. The heater weighs only 4.5 kg. The manufacturer gives it a 2-year warranty.
Timberk TIH R5 5M
This is a serious unit for heating repair bays and storage areas. Its design is very interesting: it can be installed not only on the floor, but also mounted into the wall. This is convenient if you need to mount it permanently in a box so that the wires do not get in the way under your feet. You can also direct the airflow down or up - a good help for installing suspended ceilings (for heating the canvas). The device is designed to heat an area of 50 m2.
Timberk TIH R5 5M
The heat gun allows you to regulate both power and temperature. There is protection against overheating, so you don’t have to be afraid to leave the device in working condition overnight (can be used for greenhouses). The manufacturer assures that the unit can operate for up to 10 years before the first repair.
