For most car enthusiasts, as cold weather approaches, the question arises of how to heat the garage. One of the ways to achieve a comfortable temperature is heat guns, essentially powerful fan heaters. A heat gun consists of a heating element and a fan. Thanks to the cylindrical shape of the housing, the air passing through the heating element reaches a high temperature, and a powerful fan allows you to heat the air in the room in a short time.
Heat guns got their name because of their shape. Made in the form of a pipe mounted on a wheeled platform, they resemble cannons from Tsarist times. The presence of small wheels makes it easy to move these heating devices from one room to another.
How to choose the right heat gun for your garage?
First of all, you need to calculate the power of the heater. User experience suggests that to heat 25 cubic meters of garage, 1.5 kilowatts of gun power is needed, despite the fact that the temperature “overboard” will be about zero degrees. If the temperature reaches 10 - 15 degrees below zero, then two or even three times more power will be required.
Having correctly calculated the power of the heater, we select a suitable heat gun for the garage
To understand which heater is best for your garage, you need to know:
- how many resources the device will consume, and their cost;
- how long will people work with the warm device on;
- how fireproof this unit is;
- Is the garage insulated, and how well?
How to determine the required power of a heat gun
This is the most important and difficult point when choosing a heat gun. It is necessary to determine how much power will be enough to maintain a comfortable temperature in the garage at a given outside temperature.
To do this, you can use a simple ratio: 0.8−1.4 kW of thermal power per 10 m2 of garage area (with a ceiling height of 2.5 m). That is, for an average garage it is enough to take a gun with a power of up to 3 kW (and if you need a reserve in case of severe frosts - up to 5 kW), and a comfortable temperature will be ensured in it. However, powerful heat guns create significant stress on the wiring, which can lead to trouble.
Heat guns for garages of different capacities
For a more accurate calculation, you can use a simple formula:
Q = Vxt1-t2xkx0.1 163
Where V is the volume of the room, t1 is the required temperature in the room, t2 is the outside air temperature, k is the thermal insulation coefficient of the walls of the room. Multiplying by 0.1 163 is necessary to obtain a numerical value expressed in kW (since the formula derives the amount of heat expressed in calories, and 1 kW/h is equal to 860 kcal/h).
Thermal insulation coefficients for various materials have been derived experimentally, and they are approximately as follows:
— Garage made of simple wooden boards or metal — k=3...4; — Brickwork in one row with thermal insulation of medium thickness — k=2...2.9; — Brickwork in two rows with good thermal insulation — k=1…1.9; — High-quality thermal insulation of walls and roof — k=0.6...0.9.
This way you can calculate the required heat output of the gun for any type of room. However, as already mentioned, for garages you can use guns at a rate of up to 1.4 kW per 10 m2 of area, and in most cases this will be more than enough.
Best garage heaters
10. Electrolux EOH/M-9157
This is a seven-section oil-type heater developed by engineers of a Swedish company. Its maximum power is 1500 W, but there are three operating modes - 600, 900 and 1500 W. The device has a rather interesting fin shape, which ensures increased heat transfer. In addition, in order to control and maintain the set temperature in the room, the design has a reliable thermostat, made in the form of a handle located under the rotary power regulator of the product. Setting an acceptable temperature is quite easy: to do this, the unit is turned on at full power, and the thermostat adjustment is also turned up to maximum.
When the room temperature reaches a comfortable level, you need to start turning the lower handle until you hear a click. The equipment will automatically remember the required temperature and maintain it. The product is equipped with wheels and a handle for ease of movement and transportation. The model takes up a minimum amount of free space, so it is easily suitable even for a small garage. For ease of storage, there is a hidden storage system for the power cable, the maximum length of which is one and a half meters. The heater chambers contain environmentally friendly mineral oil, which significantly extends the service life of the product. The temperature fluctuation does not exceed 0.5 degrees, if you do not open the garage door.
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Advantages:
- Thorough overheating protection system;
- Increased wall thickness;
- Mechanical type thermostat;
- The cord can be stored in a special compartment;
- The room warms up about a quarter faster compared to similar devices of outdated models;
- 3 operating modes;
- Well protected from tipping over.
Flaws:
- The wire outlet is not very convenient; the compartment cover may snap off.
Electrolux EOH/M-9157
RESANTA TEP-2000K
An electric heat gun is ideal for maintaining a comfortable temperature in a room whose area does not exceed 20 square meters. m. The design does not need to install a fuel combustion chamber, therefore, there are no exhaust gases here, and the overall dimensions are not too large. This allows the use of this equipment in rooms that do not have a ventilation system. The product operates almost silently, so it can be used both during the day and at night. The operating speed is very high - the gun passes through itself up to 200 cubic meters of air per hour. This moment contributes to the fastest heating of the air in the room. The product is easy to use: you don’t need any special knowledge to start it, it connects to a household power supply. All controls are located on the top panel, so setting the required parameters is easy and quick.
The heating element is a modern heating element, which immediately comes into operation and starts heating the air. The fan is quite powerful, which ensures good air circulation. The maximum power of this device is 2 kW - quite enough for wiring an ordinary garage. The entire internal space is filled with a heat-conducting electrical insulator. The product is designed specifically for installation on the floor - for this purpose there are special metal legs along the body that prevent damage to the floor covering. To ensure safety, the developers placed the heating element behind grilles that prevent the hot coil from coming into contact with surrounding objects. There is an overheating protection system that prevents surrounding objects from igniting.
Advantages:
- Small overall dimensions;
- Easy to transport from one place to another;
- Simple controls;
- High build quality;
- Operational safety.
Flaws:
- The power cord could have been made longer.
RESANTA TEP-2000K
Caliber TPG-10
A fairly popular design of a heat gun that runs on liquefied gas fuel, which can be propane or butane. The device is simple and, at the same time, quite reliable. This allows you to significantly extend the service life of this equipment. The maximum power of the product is 10 kW with an air exchange of about 500 cubic meters per hour. Thanks to this heat gun, you can efficiently warm up fairly large rooms. The design is characterized by small overall dimensions and low weight; for ease of transportation, an ergonomic handle is provided. In order to connect a gas cylinder, there is a special reducer and a pressure gauge. The performance is quite high.
This heat gun does not require special installation and is approved for use at construction sites, warehouses and workshops. If disconnected from the gas cylinder, it can be used as a fan. It is prohibited to use such equipment in wet areas where this indicator exceeds 80%; in addition, it cannot be used in areas where there is an aggressive environment, explosive substances, and so on. The equipment can be operated in a temperature range from -10 to +40 degrees. To ignite the gas burner, there is a special piezo ignition that ignites the mixture automatically.
Advantages:
- Economical fuel consumption - one gas cylinder with a volume of 40 liters is enough for 27 hours of continuous operation;
- The air in the room warms up almost instantly;
- Good workmanship at an affordable price;
- Long power cord;
- High fan power;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- The heating power can be changed.
Flaws:
- The gas supply hose is short and quite rigid;
- The cylinder included in the kit has a small volume.
Caliber TPG-10
Ballu BHC-L06-S03
This is a very convenient and reliable thermal curtain, excellent for use in domestic conditions. With its help, you can create a high-speed air flow that will cut off cold air coming from outside the room, dividing the environment into two temperature zones. Due to this, it is possible to maintain a comfortable temperature in the garage. The device operates very economically, which allows you to significantly save on electricity. The heating power is 3 kW, the thermal curtain operates from a 200 V network, with its help it is possible to provide air exchange at a speed of 350 cubic meters per hour. At maximum settings, it produces 46 dB of noise, which is not too much for a device of this type.
Thanks to this equipment, you can work in the garage with the gate open even in winter. The principle of operation of the product is quite simple: when the door or gate is open, a strong flow of warm air does not allow cold masses to enter the room. The power level can be adjusted from 1.5 to 3 kW/h. It should be fixed directly above the door or gate - for this there are two special screws included with the device. There are three operating modes in total, each of them has an indicator key for easy adjustment. The model has an attractive appearance and is also equipped with built-in overheating protection.
Advantages:
- The case is made of high-quality stainless steel sheet, the assembly is of high quality;
- Reliable protection against overheating is provided;
- Doesn't make too much noise during operation;
- Quite economical in energy consumption;
- When the heater is turned off, it can be used even in the summer months.
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Flaws:
- There is no remote control provided - to switch the operating mode you will need to climb to the body of the device.
Ballu BHC-L06-S03
6. Solar gas GII-2.9
It is a gas burner that emits heat according to the infrared principle. The device is completely autonomous; in order for it to start working, you just need to connect it to an ordinary gas cylinder. One of the main advantages of such equipment is the complete absence of open flame. The product is characterized by a fairly high efficiency; it perfectly forms a microclimate not only through direct radiation into the environment, but also through repeated radiation of heat from heated objects and surfaces. The product is equipped with a Raushert ceramic emitter, which is manufactured in Germany. This design allows for a long period of operation of the equipment and distributes the flame as evenly as possible.
Many users note that the product is absolutely safe. It has a number of international certificates - compliance, fire safety, safety in terms of sanitary and epidemiological requirements. The weight of the product is small - it is only 2 kg, and it is completely independent of electrical sources. This burner operates absolutely silently, consumes a small amount of fuel, but at the same time warms the room very effectively. The body is painted inside and out with special powder paint with high anti-corrosion characteristics.
Advantages:
- Can be installed in three working positions, and in the horizontal plane the device can be used for cooking;
- The power of the product is 2.9 kW/h;
- The working surface temperature can reach a maximum of 800 degrees;
- Absolute independence from power sources;
- Inexpensive fuel is used, and it is consumed as economically as possible.
Flaws:
- The need to manufacture a hood, since combustion products will enter the room.
Solar gas GII-2.9
5. Timberk TGN 4200 SM1
This equipment is a completely self-contained gas furnace that is perfect for garages where there is no or no power supply. The fuel used here is liquefied gas. The appearance is quite attractive; during operation, the device resembles a real fireplace. The body is reliable and does not heat up during operation, so such a stove can be placed in close proximity to other objects, which is quite convenient for the garage, where there is usually not a single centimeter of free space. The equipment is equipped with all necessary protection systems to prevent fire. The heating element here is a ceramic panel. It has three heating modes, its maximum operating power is 4.2 kW.
Most users respond positively to this device, claiming that it perfectly warms up even a very cold room within a few minutes. The stove is installed on wheels, so it can be conveniently transported from one place to another. There is no need to manually light the burner - a special piezo ignition is provided for this. The body is metal, all elements are carefully adjusted to each other. Nothing hangs or creaks. The spark in the ignition is quite powerful, so the device turns on literally on the first try. The performance of the device is quite high, so it is well suited not only for the garage, but also for other similar premises - the maximum declared area is 60 square meters. Leak protection is good, even after a long period of inactivity there is no gas smell.
Advantages:
- Small overall dimensions;
- Easy to light;
- Gas is inexpensive, much cheaper compared to electricity - using such a device is more profitable than traditional heaters.
Flaws:
- Without a gas cylinder installed, the stove loses its stability - it does not fall, but begins to stagger.
Timberk TGN 4200 SM1
Ballu BHDP-20
Heat gun running on diesel fuel. This design is well suited for rooms up to 100 square meters. It is housed in a housing made of high-quality steel, powder-coated. Without fuel, it does not weigh too much, there is a special handle for transportation, but with a fully filled cylinder it is not so easy to carry - in this case the weight will reach about 20 kg. The fuel tank is located at the bottom; it serves as a stand; there are no wheels for transportation in this device. The control panel is quite simple: it includes an adjustable thermostat, there is also a power button, and there is a warning light that will light up in the event of various types of malfunctions.
The thermostat is capillary; a special high-voltage transformer acts as a piezo ignition. At the rear of the tank there is a float indicating the remaining fuel level. The combustion chamber is directly adjacent to the electric motor and fan on one side and the compressor on the other. From the latter, air will be transferred to the nozzle. Not far from these elements there is another thermostat made of bimetallic materials. With its help, an emergency shutdown of equipment is performed if it overheats.
Advantages:
- There is piezo ignition;
- Uses fuel economically;
- High build quality;
- Attractive appearance;
- Safety of use.
Flaws:
- For some users, after a couple of years the fan jams; the problem is solved by disassembling and reassembling the product, fortunately this is quite easy to do.
Ballu BHDP-20
3. Bartolini Pullover K
This catalytic gas heater is perfect for heating a variety of outbuildings - garages, sheds, and so on. This product is manufactured in the form of a cabinet on wheels. The body is made of metal with good thermal insulation. Its overall dimensions are as follows: 78x43x42 cm. As you can see, it is not too big, so it is well suited even for small garages. Roller wheels ensure quick and convenient movement of the device. The rear wall has a rounded shape, since under the body there is a special space for a cylinder with liquefied propane or butane gas, the volume of which is 27 liters. It is closed with a casing made of high-quality plastic with a matte surface, on which various types of dirt and dust, as well as fingerprints, will not be visible.
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A gas cylinder is not supplied with the device, but everything necessary to connect it is available - an Italian-made gas reducer, two clamps and a hose for the passage of gas, the length of which is 40 cm. All main controls are located on the top panel of the device. The product is quite easy to use, and it is equipped with piezo ignition. The heating element here is a catalytic panel made of fiberglass coated with platinum, which acts as a catalyst. The gas burns out completely, no harmful substances are released into the environment, oxygen does not burn, therefore, this stove can be used without special exhaust equipment. The security system is very reliable and includes many elements. First of all, it is equipped with a gas control, which does not allow gas to escape without combustion; the device automatically turns off when it is tilted. There is an oxygen sensor in the room - if this indicator decreases, the heater will also go out.
Advantages:
- Good working efficiency;
- Mobility;
- Autonomy;
- Made exclusively from high quality materials;
- Reliable equipment security system.
Flaws:
- A gas cylinder is not supplied with the equipment.
Bartolini Pullover K
Ballu BIH-AP4-1.0
This is an infrared electric heater designed to be mounted to the ceiling of a room. The device does not consume too much electrical current. Assembly is done using thumbscrews - no need to use wrenches, although in a garage this is, in principle, not a problem. The heating power is not too high - only 1000 W, this device can be hung at a height of no more than 3.5 m, the maximum heating area is 20 square meters. The thermal radiation of this device is not absorbed by the air, but goes directly to objects in the room.
The device does not burn oxygen, does not release harmful or toxic substances into the environment, and there is no need for ventilation equipment. Heating is very comfortable and as uniform as possible; there is also no burning smell during operation of the equipment. Placing it on the ceiling can significantly save space in the garage, which in most cases is already in short supply. The panels are made of high-quality aluminum alloy, they have longitudinal corrugation, in addition, they are anodized - the thickness of this coating is 25 microns. It is possible to connect this equipment to a thermostat. The lining has two layers of materials that perfectly reflect heat.
Advantages:
- It is lightweight - can be installed alone;
- Electricity consumption is quite acceptable;
- It heats up on its own and warms up the room quickly enough;
- Made from the highest quality materials;
- Retains a beautiful appearance for a long time.
Flaws:
- When heating and cooling, a rather loud cracking sound is heard.
Ballu BIH-AP4-1.0
Master TS-3 A
Another floor-type infrared heater, which has small overall dimensions. This device is quite reliable, consumes little electricity, providing almost one hundred percent efficiency. The product is characterized by absolute safety and environmental friendliness. All the main parts of this equipment are perfectly protected from dust and dirt, so it can be installed almost anywhere. The front part is covered with a grille, which prevents the heating element from coming into contact with foreign objects and getting inside. There are several modes for adjusting the power level - 0.6, 1.6 and 2.4 kW, thanks to which you can choose the most optimal operation of the device.
According to users, such a heater can be used in a wide variety of conditions, even in quite harsh ones - this will not at all affect the appearance of the equipment. The housing has a wear-resistant coating and large area reflectors, so the room is heated quite quickly. Overall dimensions and weight are insignificant.
Advantages:
- Attractive appearance;
- Long period of operation;
- Minimum power consumption;
- Large reflective surface area;
- High work efficiency.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Master TS-3 A
Types of heat guns
Electric heat guns
A heat gun, the main resource of which is electric current, is similar in principle to a regular hair dryer. The heating element, in most cases a heating element, and the dimensions of the device are slightly larger than those of a household hair dryer. An electric heat gun for a garage is powered by a standard single-phase network, but a gun with a power of five kilowatts or more is connected to a three-phase network. The device contains a temperature relay, which controls the device, turning it off if the temperature in the garage has reached the required level, and vice versa. Before purchasing this heater, you need to make sure that the electrical wiring in the garage can withstand the load consumed.
Electric heat gun
Pros of an electric gun:
- Relatively small device dimensions;
- Low noise level during operation;
- No open fire.
Disadvantages of this type of gun:
- High cost of electricity;
- The need for power or quality wiring in the garage.
Gas heat guns.
A gas heat gun, as the name suggests, runs on liquefied propane-butane gas. The use of such a heater requires the presence of a gas cylinder of any volume. The principle of operation is that a gas burner is installed inside the cylindrical tube of the gun, which ignites the gas and heats the air. A powerful fan allows you to distribute hot air throughout the garage as quickly as possible. These heaters have a piezo element for easy ignition. All gas guns are direct combustion heaters and do not have the ability to remove exhaust gases from the room. Although guns of this type consume gas economically and do not emit many combustion products, it is still necessary to take care of ventilation in the garage. For ventilation, you can ventilate the room from time to time, but in this case, heat will also leave the garage with exhaust gases.
Gas heat gun
Interesting: Operating at a power of 10-15 kilowatts, a gas heat gun will consume half a liter of gas in 60 minutes.
Advantages of gas heat guns:
- Economical gas consumption;
- Due to its low weight, it is easy to transport to other rooms;
- Compact dimensions allow you to place it anywhere;
- High performance, will help quickly heat the garage;
- Availability of a carbon dioxide concentration sensor.
Upsetting nuances of operation:
- A gas cylinder is required;
- High-quality ventilation is needed;
- Noise during operation;
- The presence of a flame does not allow you to leave the device unattended.
Advantages of heat guns
Garages do not have sufficient insulation, so they cannot be heated with convectors, and the performance of these devices is quite low. Infrared heaters can help here, but real reviews about them are not very attractive - users note that the warmth is only felt close up. Heat guns have many advantages over any other devices:
Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the increased noise level and the danger of fuel fire (diesel oil, gas).
- High efficiency - powerful fans of heat guns, driving through several cubic meters of air per minute, will ensure quick heating of the garage.
- Almost instant start - just connect the selected device to the electrical network and a fuel source (liquefied gas, diesel fuel), and then press the start button.
- Mobility – heat guns are easily transported from place to place.
Diesel heat guns
The main fuel of diesel heat guns is diesel fuel, or diesel fuel. For the operation of this heater, it does not matter what quality of diesel fuel is used, so it is especially convenient for those who have access to cheap fuel. Working on diesel fuel requires a fuel tank, and this increases the weight of the unit. On average, a twenty-liter fuel tank lasts for 10 to 15 hours of operation, while the thermal power will be approximately 30 kilowatts. Diesel guns are essentially the most powerful compared to other types.
Diesel heat guns
Diesel heat guns are divided into two types: with direct and indirect heating.
- Direct combustion. The operating principle of a direct heating gun is similar to a gas heat gun. The fuel is supplied through a pump to the combustion chamber, where the air is heated and dispersed throughout the garage using a fan. Combustion products also remain in the room and require ventilation.
- Indirect combustion. In this case, diesel fuel also burns in the combustion chamber, only the chamber itself does not directly contact the environment, but transfers energy through a heat exchanger. A special exhaust pipe is provided to remove exhaust gases. Although the combustion process still requires oxygen, you will not have to ventilate the room as often.
Advantages of diesel heat guns:
- Low fuel consumption;
- Thermal efficiency 100%;
- Safety of use;
Disadvantages of these guns:
- For direct combustion guns, this is the release of exhaust gases into the garage;
- Units with indirect combustion cost twice as much;
- The presence of a chimney opening for guns with indirect combustion;
- High noise level;
- The weight of the device is about 20 kilograms;
Combined heat guns.
In order to be able to constantly work in the garage, you can combine guns. Initially, you can use a gas heat gun to heat the room, and use a diesel heat gun with indirect combustion to maintain the temperature. In this case, there is no need to constantly ventilate the garage, and at the same time maintain a comfortable temperature. However, this method has one big drawback - the cost of purchasing two guns.
Operating principle of a heat gun
The operating principle of all units is very simple. The fan forces air through the heating element or combustion chamber and releases heat into the room.
Even the smallest specimens are capable of passing through themselves up to 300 cubic meters per hour.
Pay special attention to the fact that any guns, whether diesel or gas, still require electricity. Some people mistakenly think - I’ll buy such a thing for my garage, where there is no normal light, and it will immediately become warm and wonderful. No matter how it is.
In any case, you will need 220V from a generator, or batteries with an inverter. You can't do without this. Fan, piezo ignition, security systems - all this needs to be powered by something.
The only convenient option for domestic use, where no electricity is needed at all, is infrared gas heaters.
But they cannot heat large areas quickly.
And guns, unlike other heating devices, such as radiators or convectors, can warm up tens of square meters of room in just a few minutes.
The most important characteristics of such fan heaters are power and emitted air flow. They are the ones that influence the heating rate.
Recommendations for choosing a heat gun for a garage
Based on the above advantages and disadvantages, we can see the following. The use of electric guns is convenient and safe in the sense that they do not require additional conditions, such as a fuel tank or cylinder, a supply ventilation system or a chimney opening in the garage. However, the productivity of such heaters is quite low, and energy consumption is high. In addition, with a weak electrical circuit, it is unlikely that you will be able to do welding and heating at the same time. It's also not safe.
Gas heat guns are more productive, but the consequence of their operation is the presence of carbon monoxide in the garage. And since a garage is usually not a very large room, the concentration of carbon dioxide will be higher and it will be more tedious to ventilate the room. If this is not done, then a process of poisoning of the body occurs. Therefore, a gas heat gun is not the best option for heating a garage.
Diesel heat guns are “above all praise.” Although they have the largest dimensions of all guns, there is still room in the garage to install this unit. Of course, the high cost of an indirect combustion gun is its disadvantage, but productivity makes up for all the shortcomings. Such a gun allows you to safely heat the garage without harming the health of the owner. It is fireproof because the fuel, when ignited, does not come into contact with the environment. On it, like on any other gun, you still cannot dry things and gloves. It also requires 220V power to operate, but does not require a power line or high quality wiring. Electricity is needed to operate the fan, and any electrical network can handle its power consumption.
Video on the topic:
Diesel gun
Diesel engines have a power from 10 to several hundred kilowatts. They are divided into direct and indirect heating models.
The greatest power is characteristic of the first. However, both types of high power are mainly used only on the street.
Direct heating guns cannot be used indoors. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and you won't even notice how you pass out.
Indirect heating devices usually produce power up to 85 kW.
In addition to diesel, kerosene or waste oil can be used as fuel in different guns. These are the so-called multi-fuel units.
They are often bought by car service owners. You no longer have to throw away and recycle waste. Instead, they can be usefully burned.
Directly heated diesel guns have high efficiency. At the same time, pay attention that those companies that indicate specific efficiency figures, and do not write abstract values up to 100%, more than 98%, usually produce really high-quality products, which are backed by real measurements and tests.
These leading manufacturers include models of guns from Ballu Biemmedue or the American company Master.
The continuous operating period of direct combustion models reaches 10-15 hours, depending on the size of the tank. If the heater is equipped with a thermostat, then one refill can be enough for up to a day of continuous operation.
It must be remembered that in addition to burning oxygen, these models also emit exhaust gases. Sometimes you can’t help but feel as if you’re standing next to a Kamaz.
So if you decide to use it not on the street, but in a building under construction, take care of fresh ventilation and a constant supply of fresh air.
This is certainly an excellent option for the street, especially for warming up frozen cars in winter. No gas cylinders or reducers for you.