Hot Air Blowers VS. Heaters [Which is the BEST for you]

You may think that hot air blowers and hot air heaters are the same things. However, they are two different types of electrical appliances. A hot air blower is exactly how it sounds; it blows hot air, generally, in a specific direction. Like a hot air blower, a hot air heater also is exactly as it sounds; it creates heat, which can heat enclosed spaces. So of course, both hot air blowers and hot air heaters heat things or spaces, but what’s the actual difference between the two? Let’s take a look at the differences and talk about how you should choose the best one for you.

Hot Air Blowers

Getting the best possible air blowers is crucial as they have a great number of uses in the manufacturing process from blowing hot air into a small space for heating, to applying heat for multiple purposes, to drying parts to speed up the manufacturing process. A hot air blower passes air across a heating element, which then increases the air temperature. In many types of hot air blowers, the air source and the heating element are found as one single tool ranging from small hand tools (400W) to large hand industrial unit (10kW) elements. Hot air blowers may seem ideal due to the heating element and air source being in one tool; however, in some instances, you may need separate flexibility from both the heater and the air source to maximize your system’s design.

Choosing the right air blower for your job can be tricky. If you need one, don’t hesitate to talk to an expert; they’ll help find the exact air to accomplish your job.

Hot Air Heaters

Unlike hot air blowers, most hot air heaters will only provide you with the heating element; therefore, you’ll need to have an external source of air supply. While the external source of air adds a layer of complexity to the heating system design, you get the freedom of creating the system to your detailed design. In most cases, the developed heat system will provide you with exact kilowatts required to deliver the necessary amount of air.

Choosing the Right Heater

How do you choose the right air heater? To make the decision, first you need to take a few factors into consideration: volume of air flow, compatibility of air sources, built-in thermocouple, and built-in temperature controls.

Volume of Air Flow

Determine if you need high flow direction (open element) or low flow direction (fully supported element). For example,

When a large cavity needs to be filled with hot air, you may need an open element.
When high temperatures are needed, you may need a fully supported element.
When coupled with air knife for drying, you may need an open element.

Compatibility of Air Sources

Compressors – Heaters with compressed air might be the right option for you, especially if there are extreme space restrictions. Unfortunately, they aren’t recommended due to the high associated energy cost and the risk of contamination by water or air, which can damage your air heater.
Blowers – For effectiveness, select a blower that pairs with your air heater. Make the right choice to avoid the destruction of your air heater. Ensure that you’re provided with specificationsfor minimum and maximum airflow requirements by the heater supplier for your selected heater.

Built-In Thermocouple

Most industrial heaters can be found with or without a built-in thermocouple. Consider whether or not you need a thermocouple. If you don’t, you’ll save money by buying a heater without one.

Built-In Temperature Controls

Built-in temperature controls are almost always coupled with feedback from an built-in thermocouple. Having a built-in temperature control will be more expensive, so you may want to consider avoiding a heater with the built-in temperature controls for the following reasons:

if you need a temperature controller as a bigger part of your process
if a closed-loop temperature control is not required
if the critical temperature has to be measured at a specific location
if you need very precise temperature control

Additional Considerations When Choosing the Right Heater

After you’ve reviewed factors of the volume of air flow, compatibility of air sources, built-in thermocouple, and built-in temperature control, there are other more specific features to consider for both the air blower and heater.

Hot Air Blower Considerations:

Size of the chamber – the air blower has to be sized appropriately to fill the chamber and to facilitate an accurate amount of air exchanges which ensures a uniform temperature is maintained.
Type of heater – open element heaters and fully supported heaters have different flow characteristics, thus impacting the blower. And because a heater specifies its minimum flow rate, you need to ensure the blower is capable of meeting the operating pressure expectation.

Air Heater Considerations:

Required temperature – every heater has a maximum operating temperature rate, but the maximum temperature may not be attainable at all flow rates, so make sure that your chosen heater has enough power to reach your desired flow rate.
Size, shape, and composition of objects to be heated – take into consideration how much power you’ll need your heater to have by considering the type and amount of material to be heated, the beginning and ending temperature required, and the amount of time needed to heat the material.
Environment – your working environment should be considered. For example, consider the volume of air in a chamber, any losses to the surrounding environment, as well as the material of chamber walls must be compensated for with extra watts.
Available voltage and amps – ensure you have access to your needed amperage and voltage needs. Limited amperage or voltage availability can cap the watts for heaters.

It may seem easy to choose a hot air blower or air heater by just looking at the advertised specified maximum flow or temperature values. However, as we’ve discussed, there are many factors to consider before making your final choice. But please don’t feel like you’re on your own with making a decision. Reach out to your heater supplier for advice. They can help you to choose the best heater for your design project.