What is an industrial air heater? How is it different from HVAC equipment? What is best for my application?

Industrial air heaters and HVAC handling systems can both be direct fired or indirect fired to provide heated air. Direct fired units fire a burner into the process airflow. Indirect fired heaters fire a burner into a heat exchanger. The air is “indirectly†heated as it passes over the heat exchanger. The by-products of combustion remain in the heat exchanger and exit through an exhaust flue. Thus, air that is indirectly heated is not contaminated by the by-products of combustion.

If industrial air heaters and HVAC equipment can both be direct or indirect fired, how are they different? While a lot of the same terms are used for each type of heater- blower, burner, fan, combustion, emissions, ect.- the two types of equipment are not to be confused.

The main difference between the two systems is that industrial air heaters are used in manufacturing processes while HVAC heating, or central heating, systems are appliances whose purpose is to generate heat for the building.

In other words, Industrial Air Heaters can be used in processing lines with a wide range of applications from industrial food to paint manufacturing. HVAC style heaters are meant for heating infrastructure and controlling climates.

Below is a picture of an Industrial Air Heater vs. a HVAC unit.

If you have any questions or would like more information on industrial air heaters, please contact Stelter & Brinck.