Heating the product creates an even finer fog that penetrates gaps and cavities in structures better.
A hot fogging machine heats the disinfectant before it is dispersed. The heating produces a very fine, visible fog whose droplets are smaller than those in cold fogging.
The mechanism is straightforward: heated liquid has lower surface tension, so the same volume of liquid forms far finer droplets. Hot fog is also warmer than the surrounding air, so it first rises and then, as it cools, slowly descends — that movement carries it into places a cold fog stream would not reach.
Smaller droplets mean two practical differences: the fog stays airborne longer and penetrates narrow gaps, cavities in structures and the pores of materials better. Where cold fog settles on the surface, hot fog gets slightly deeper.
Both methods disperse the same kinds of product, but they behave differently in a room. The choice between them is not "better or worse" but "suited or not suited to this particular space".
In practice that means hot fogging is a tool for structures, not for interiors. In a basement with stone and brick walls, in an attic with timber beams, in a plant room with services, it works better than anything else. In a living room with furniture, electronics and textiles it is excessive.
Hot fogging is not better than cold fogging — it is meant for different spaces.
In Latvian conditions the most common real case is the basement or attic of an old building with persistently raised humidity. There you have untreated timber, masonry and a lot of gaps, and it is precisely that combination that makes hot fogging a sensible choice. But the basic rule applies there too: if water is still getting into the basement, the treatment is only a postponed problem.
Hot fogging is not universally better than cold fogging — it has specific limits that determine where we do not use it:
| Situation | Suitable | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Basement, attic | Yes | Many gaps and unfinished structures |
| Warehouse, production facility | Yes | Large area, complicated geometry |
| Flat with electronics | Rarely | Cold fogging or surface treatment suits better |
| Office with computer equipment | No | Sensitive electronics |
| Room with smoke detectors | With preparation | The fog can set off the alarm |
| Space that cannot be left empty | No | Requires the space to be fully cleared |
So in flats and offices we usually use cold fogging or surface treatment, and reserve hot fogging for spaces where its advantages are genuinely needed.
Two limits deserve a separate mention. The first: the fog is visible and dense, so it will almost certainly set off smoke detectors. On properties with a fire alarm system we agree this in advance with the person responsible and disable the system for the duration of the treatment. The second: the space being treated has to be left completely empty and sealed for the whole treatment and contact time, without exception.
Hot fogging works best on materials with somewhere to penetrate: untreated timber, brick and stone masonry, uneven concrete, cracks in plaster. On a smooth, dense surface — tiles, metal, plastic — its advantage effectively disappears, and cold fogging does the same job with less preparation.
One more practical factor in Latvian basements and attics: temperature. In a cool space with high humidity the fog settles faster and airing takes longer than in a warm room. We allow for that when planning the timing, so you do not have to wait at the property longer than agreed.
After treatment the space is kept closed for the contact time and then aired thoroughly. In basements and attics, where natural air exchange is poor, airing takes longer than in a living room — we allow for that when planning the work.
The price depends on the floor area and the property. For commercial premises and plant rooms it is €0.70 to €1.20/m². We prepare an exact quote after the inspection. All prices →
Hot fog is finer and penetrates gaps and structures better. Cold fogging is more versatile and better suited to spaces with furniture and equipment.
Yes, the fog is visible and dense, so before treatment we agree it with the person responsible for the property and, if needed, disable the system for the duration of the work.
Usually several hours, including the contact time and airing. Longer in basements and attics with poor air exchange. We tell you the exact time before the work.
Describe the situation — we will tell you whether treatment is needed at all, and which one.
Fill in the form — we will call you on the number you provide, ask a few clarifying questions and propose a solution.
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