Convector heater: the principle of operation. Which convector heater to buy

In the cold season, the heating of living quarters is the most urgent task, therefore, new and new devices are constantly invented to solve it, which will be able to cope with it as efficiently as possible, not only giving warmth, but also saving financial resources. One of these devices was a convector heater, the principle of operation of which differs from other heating units. If you are interested in such a solution, but you do not yet have a clear idea of the difference between it and other types of devices, then everything will be described.

Main characteristics

So, you are interested in a convector heater. The principle of operation of this device is based on the difference in air density, depending on its temperature. Thanks to this, heavy air, that is, cold, pushes up an easier, that is, warm. This is why it is possible to achieve an even warm-up of the room. Convector heaters for the house are characterized by the presence of a heat exchanger in the lower part of the body, to which cold air enters through special slots. Upper openings are provided for the exit of hot air. In this case, hot air is distributed to all layers of the air masses, due to which the colder gas is lowered, entering the convector. The cycle will repeat until the unit is turned on.

Complexities of construction

To ensure maximum heat transfer and improve the efficiency of the heater, the heat exchanger is equipped with a whole complex of flat metal fins, which allows to significantly increase the contact surface area of the heated parts with air. Most often, the plates are made of aluminum, which is characterized by the highest thermal conductivity in comparison with all other metals. The entire thermal installation is concealed by a protective casing made of a sheet of metal, the thickness of which is usually 1 mm. Thanks to this device becomes not only a functional, but also a decorative element of the interior. Temperature control is provided by means of a special heater power regulator, which can have several positions or a smooth transition with an accuracy to a degree.

What are they?

The convector heater, the principle of operation of which has been described above, depending on the source of the energy used can be: electric, gas or water. Depending on the installation site, you can divide these devices into four types: floor, wall, baseboard and built-in.

The characteristics of the outdoor unit is a height of 40-50 cm, its installation directly on the floor, which is provided by the presence of wheels or legs for convenience and ease of movement through the apartment or home.

Wall models are usually characterized by large dimensions in comparison with the previous ones, but at the same time they are the first ones, due to which the free space is not cluttered. For attaching to the wall, special brackets are used.

Plinth models are characterized by a low height compensated by the impressive length of the device. Thanks to this structure, the most effective air seizure from the lower layers is provided, in addition, it is appropriate to install such equipment in front of the panoramic windows, and the beautiful view will not be obstructed.

Built-in models are mounted below the floor level, for this purpose ditches are used, which are envisaged at the design stage of the dwelling. Usually they are placed near doors or windows, which allows creating a so-called thermal curtain, which blocks cold air on the way to the room.

Convector type electric heaters

This option is optimal for heating houses, cottages, garages, retail and office space with a small area. They can be mounted even in the bathroom: at the moment, special models have been created for which increased indoor humidity is not a significant threat. All these devices are highly appreciated for almost noiseless operation, as well as the highest safety performance, since the heated spiral is protected by a special casing that does not contact it. Electric heater convector Electrolux (like its counterparts of other brands) is different in that it does not burn oxygen, as do thermal cannons. There is also no unpleasant odor, which usually appears due to the ingress of dust particles directly onto the spiral of the device.

Variants of electric convectors

Devices in this category can be wall-mounted or floor-standing. To provide a more pronounced effect of convection, they are recommended to be installed in the lower part of the wall, as close as possible to the skirting board, where the bulk of the cold air inside the room is collected. Modern electric models necessarily have a thermostat that turns off the device during operation, preventing the occurrence of a fire hazard or overheating of the device. It is important to understand that only a sufficiently powerful convector heater, the principle of operation of which was described earlier, is capable of providing heating in the absence of central heating. Usually requires more than 2 kW of power or a set of several weak instruments.

Gas convector heater

Devices of this type are able to cope with the heating of a small house. Their power is usually higher than that of electric models. However, you should not choose this option for an object whose area exceeds 60 square meters. Such devices operate due to the flameless combustion of the liquefied propane-butane mixture supplied in cylinders. This process strongly heats the massive panel, which quickly gives heat to the air surrounding it.

Features of the design of gas appliances

Any gas convector necessarily has a switch, through which the power of the device is adjusted, as well as a timer, by means of which the device is adjusted so that, depending on the time of day, it changes the operating mode. This greatly increases the efficiency and economy of the entire installation, which uses a gas convector heater.

The principle of operation and the basic rules of installation in this case have certain differences. In addition to the energy source, it is also necessary to install a system for venting to the atmosphere. The fire hazard of such devices is minimal, since thermostats stop the gas supply if the flame of the burner goes out. From these units there is almost no noise: this feature allows you to place it even in the bedroom, in this regard, the well-proven convector heater Ballu.

Water convectors

This type of instrument can be floor, wall and built-in floor. The most important characteristic of this type of device is that their place of residence is permanent. This is due to the need for their connection to the central heating system by means of pipes that supply them with the main source of heat - hot water. The highest safety of such devices allows them to be used everywhere, where there is already a system of water heating. If you are interested in such a convector wall heater, it will not be difficult to buy, since its high popularity has made it so that now it is the same important product as heating radiators of different types.

Scope of water convectors

Devices of this category are widely used for permanent heating in country houses and apartments. A closed water circulation system does not require an update. Some people think that the water convector does not differ from the usual radiator, but this is completely wrong. He uses convective circulation of air in his work, and radiators simply radiate heat into the room from the surface of their sections.

conclusions

Regardless of the type of device, that is, its source of energy, it can also work on the principle of forced convection. In this case, it is assumed the presence of a fan in the design, which accelerates the process of pumping cold air, providing faster and better heating of the room. On this principle, now the work of many models of underground and built-in convectors is most often based. This option allows you to get higher efficiency by accelerating the heating of air masses.