Howden Industrial Equipment FAQ: Compressors, Blowers, Heat Exchangers & Common Misconceptions

Everything You Wanted to Know About Howden Gear (and a Few Things You Didn't Know to Ask)

If you're shopping for industrial compressors, blowers, or heat exchangers, you've probably run into Howden's name. And you've probably also run into a lot of conflicting advice online. This FAQ cuts through the noise – based on real field experience, not textbook theory.

1. What's the real difference between a new Howden screw compressor and a used one? Are used units ever a smart bet?

From the outside, a used compressor looks like a great deal – half the price, same model number. The reality is that screw compressors have internal clearance tolerances measured in microns. Once those rotors have been running for 10,000+ hours, the clearances open up. Performance drops. Efficiency drops. I've seen a used unit that seemed fine on paper but was drawing 15% more power than spec. (Note to self: always demand recent performance test data before buying used.)

That said, a properly remanufactured Howden screw compressor – new bearings, new rotor coating, verified clearances – can be a solid option. The question isn't new vs. used; it's whether the rebuild shop knows Howden's specs. Most buyers focus on price per unit and completely miss the cost of downtime if it fails. I'd rather buy a certified reman from Howden than a random used one from a seller who won't share load test records.

2. How does a Howden roots rotary lobe blower hold up in 24/7 industrial service?

Pretty well – but you have to pick the right size. People assume a bigger blower is always better. What they don't see is that oversizing causes the blower to run at partial load, which actually increases bearing stress and reduces oil circulation. We had a client who bought a Howden Roots blower one frame size too large to “have headroom.” Within 18 months they had a bearing failure. The replacement – properly sized – has been running for four years with no issues.

If you're looking at a used Howden roots rotary lobe blower, pay attention to the lobe clearance and gear backlash. Those specs change over time. A good check: run it at full speed with no load and listen for gear rattle. If you hear it, walk away.

3. Can you use a Howden heat exchanger for a pool heater? That seems like a weird fit.

Actually, it's not weird at all – if you have a commercial or large residential pool. Howden makes shell-and-tube heat exchangers that are standard in many industrial processes. A typical pool heater from a brand like Raypak is a fraction of the size. But for a hotel pool needing 500,000+ BTU/hr, an industrial heat exchanger with titanium or cupronickel tubes handles chlorine corrosion way better than a consumer unit. I've sized Howden exchangers for two hotel pools in the past year. (Mental note: document those applications – they're not as rare as people think.)

But here's the catch: you need the right materials. Standard carbon steel won't last in a pool environment. You need CuNi or stainless. Most pool contractors don't know that. So if you're a pool builder reading this – yes, Howden can work. But spec it properly.

4. Why do people sometimes confuse Howden with Lasko fans? Is that a real thing?

Honestly, it happens more than you'd think – especially in online searches. Lasko is a well-known brand for home fans; Howden makes industrial fans and blowers. The names look similar if you're typing fast. I've gotten calls from homeowners asking about a replacement part for a Lasko fan, thinking we're the same company. We're not. Lasko makes great consumer air circulators; we make heavy-duty fans that move thousands of CFM in chemical plants. Different world entirely.

The cool thing is, this confusion actually reinforces a good principle: just because two companies sound alike doesn't mean they serve the same need. If you need a 30-inch industrial exhaust fan with explosion-proof motor, Howden's your people. If you need a quiet desk fan, buy a Lasko. A vendor who says “we can do that” for everything usually can't do any of it well. We're happy to point you to the right specialist – that's how you build trust.

5. How do you replace a thermostat on an industrial gas handling system? I'm looking at a Howden compressor's control panel.

First, don't just pull the old thermostat and assume the new one is a drop-in replacement. – or rather, check the sensor type. Many Howden compressors use a 3-wire RTD PT100, not a standard bimetal thermostat. If you replace it with a generic thermostat from a hardware store, the control logic will read nonsense and trip alarms. Actually, I've seen that happen twice. Both times the operator spent hours troubleshooting before calling us.

Second, the location matters. The thermostat probe is usually installed in a thermowell in the discharge line. If you're replacing it, use a thermally conductive paste – about a pea-sized amount – to ensure accurate reading. Standard practice: torque the probe to 10-15 Nm. Over-tightening can crack the well (ugh, we had a guy do that last year, $600 repair).

If you're replacing a thermostat on a Howden compressor, grab the part number from the nameplate and call Howden support. They'll confirm the correct replacement P/N and send a wiring diagram. That ten-minute call can save you a day of guessing. (I really should bookmark that support number on my phone.)

That's the real-world lowdown. If you've got a specific Howden model in mind, the best next step is to pull the serial number and check the service manual. But these FAQs should cover 80% of the questions I get. Stay safe, and don't confuse us with Lasko.