09
Apr
The Webasto Air Top heater is widely regarded as the gold standard for efficient, reliable climate control in marine and motorhome environments. Designed to provide consistent warmth even at high altitudes or in extreme weather, these diesel air heaters offer a compact and quiet alternative to traditional heating systems. Whether you are looking to retrofit a Broads Cruiser or heat a bespoke campervan conversion, understanding how the Webasto Air Top series operates and choosing the right model is essential for year-round comfort on the move
How Does A Webasto Air Top Heater Work?
A Webasto Air Top heater operates by pulling in fresh air and passing it over a high-performance heat exchanger. Inside, diesel fuel from the vehicle’s tank is ignited in a sealed combustion chamber. This process heats the air without compromising air quality, as exhaust gases are safely vented outside, while the integrated fan distributes clean, warm air throughout the interior.
What is the difference between the Air Top 2000 STC and the Air Top Evo?
The main difference lies in heating power and advanced features. The Air Top 2000 STC is a 2kW unit ideal for smaller vessels and vans, while the Air Top Evo 40 and 55 (4kW and 5.5kW) are designed for larger spaces. The Evo range also includes an integrated altitude sensor and “Boost” mode for faster initial heating.
How much fuel and power does a Webasto Air Top heater use?
Webasto Air Top heaters are highly efficient, typically consuming between 0.12 and 0.24 litres of diesel per hour depending on the heat setting. Power consumption is also minimal, often ranging from 15 to 30 watts during steady operation. This makes them an ideal heating solution for off-grid travel where battery and fuel conservation are priorities.
Does the Webasto Air Top work at high altitudes?
Yes, the Webasto Air Top series is designed for high-altitude performance. The Air Top Evo models feature an integrated automatic altitude sensor as standard, adjusting the oxygen-to-fuel ratio for optimal combustion up to 2,200 meters. For the Air Top 2000 STC, an optional altitude switch can be installed to ensure reliable operation in mountainous regions.
What Are The Advantages of the Webasto Air Top Heater?
– Short heat-up times
– Low noise operation
– Power modulation to maintain constant temperature
– Very compact heaters with easy and fast installation
– Available as a complete installation kit for quick and simple retrofitting
– Automatic altitude adjustment (AAA) as standard feature in Evo range
– Multimode operation including ECO and Boost functions
Due to the unit’s own separation of the combustion cycle from the heat cycle, there is no impairment of the quality of the hot air.
A temperature sensor (not HL90) constantly measures the interior temperature and adapts the heating level by automatically adjusting the amount of air passing through.
After the unit has been switched off, the combustion process is terminated in a controlled manner. For this purpose, the unit briefly goes into shut-down mode to cool itself down. It is then immediately ready for restarting.
JPC Direct supply a full range of Air Top Heater kits for your boat or camper van.
