How to choose an electric heat gun
An electric heat gun is a device that allows you to increase the temperature of the surrounding space in a short period of time. The operating principle is very simple - under the influence of electrical energy, the heating element located in the device body begins to generate heat. It spreads outward through a powerful electric fan installed inside. This class of equipment is also called a heat fan. This is typical for low-power models (up to 5 kW).
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Scope of application of an electric heat gun
The main area of application of a heat gun is the rapid heating of rooms. If a warehouse or hangar is not equipped with a heating system, then during the cold season it will be difficult for its inhabitants to manage without a heat gun. The second example is finishing work in a house that has not yet been connected to centralized heat. Often, builders also use a heat gun to dry plaster or paint.
Another example of application is the need to carry out work in open spaces during the cold season. In particular, laying cable routes is only possible at positive temperatures.To do this in winter, canvas hangars are organized, in which the cable reels are heated with heat guns, after which they can be unwound and laid.
REFERENCE! Guns are often used in everyday life - if you need to quickly raise the temperature in a room at the dacha, warm up a frozen car after severe frosts, or make staying in a cold garage more comfortable.
What characteristics should you consider when choosing a heat gun?
Today there are a large number of models, which makes it difficult for a potential buyer to choose. Let's consider the main parameters that you should pay attention to when purchasing a device.
The heating element is one of the main components of the device. There are two types of heaters used in heat guns: high-resistance metal coils and ceramic plates.
The first type of heaters has a higher operating temperature (up to 600 0C) and a smaller heating surface from which the fan can remove heat. As a result, devices with spirals are less energy efficient, not as durable and more dangerous, although they can raise the temperature faster than analogues with a ceramic heater.
The main quality indicator, as for the vast majority of electrical appliances, is power. The larger it is, the faster you can raise the temperature in the room, but at the same time energy consumption will also increase. Also, as power increases, the volume of the gun increases due to the need for the fan to operate at higher speeds.
Power also characterizes the size of the room that the gun can heat. 1 kW can heat 10 m2 rooms with average ceiling heights. For an accurate calculation, it is necessary to take into account such parameters as: the volume of the room, the thermal conductivity of its walls, the temperature delta to which the air must be heated.
Another important aspect when choosing is whether the unit has additional functions. These include:
- body design - there are standard and splashproof options;
- humidification and air purification;
- adjusting the power of the device;
- automatic overheat protection function;
- auto shutdown when the device falls;
- room temperature control function.
What else should you consider when choosing a heat gun?
First of all, you need to decide for what purpose you are purchasing the device. If for use in a specific room, then you can accurately calculate sufficient power so as not to overpay for excess kilowatts. Do not forget to take into account the thermal conductivity of walls when talking about non-residential premises.
IMPORTANT! Remember that heat guns need a break from operation. The operating mode of the device must correspond to the operating conditions specified in the technical data sheet of the heater.
Energy efficiency and safety are not the least important. If you plan to use the device in a living room, it is advisable to choose a model with a ceramic heating element.
The form factor of a heat gun can sometimes also be of decisive importance: for installation in one place, a stationary option is suitable, and if regular movements are necessary, it is better to choose a model with a portable body.
As for the case, it is worth mentioning the material from which it is made. An option with a metal case would be preferable. It is more durable, safer and promotes additional heat distribution.An alternative to it is plastic. A gun made from such a housing will be cheaper, but less safe in case of overheating.
When operating the device at night, a parameter such as noise may be decisive. Then you need to choose a device that operates at minimum decibels.
