What is the difference between a convector and a radiator: advantages and disadvantages

At the onset of the cold period in many homes and apartments, there is a need to equip additional heating. For this, electric heaters are most often used. Today, the market for heating equipment presents a variety of devices. To make the right choice, it is necessary to understand what the convector differs from the radiator. On this depends the comfort of people in the room.

If you take into account that heating in some country houses can not be carried out at all, the electronic devices are given a great responsibility. What a choice to make in each case, will help to understand the advice of experts.

general characteristics

Considering the difference between the convector and the radiator, it is necessary to distinguish their general characteristics. Both these varieties use the general principle of circulation. The air in the room is heated by convection.

This process is familiar to us from the school program. In physics lessons, everyone studied that during convection heated masses go up. The cold layer of matter settles down. This principle applies radiators and convectors in their work. Only the circulation inside the case is different for them.

In the radiators, the coolant circulates through the system. They can be water, antifreeze or oil. The convector, with the help of special components, heats directly the air that is inside its housing. But in both cases a warm stream is sent up the room, and a cold layer accumulates near the floor.

The principle of the radiator

When studying the question of how a convector differs from a radiator, it is necessary to consider in detail the arrangement of such devices. The most famous type of radiator is a battery installed under the window in each apartment. The installation of such equipment requires considerable expenditure of finance, time and effort.

Therefore, today most often purchase electric radiators. Inside their system is mineral oil. With the help of heating elements, which are immersed in a liquid medium, the temperature of this substance rises. To ensure the device provides the necessary heating, the radiator is equipped with a thermostat. It turns off the equipment when the temperature reaches the user-defined value.

Also in the oil coolers there is an emergency shutdown device in case of overheating. This design is typical for most modern models of the presented technique.

Convector arrangement

Having considered the type of heating presented above, it is necessary to find out how the convector differs from the oil cooler. The shape of this appliance is flat. Inside the heating element, which acts directly on the air inside the housing. At the same time, heat from the warm air does not come from the heated surface of the housing (as in the case of a radiator), but from warm air.

At the same time, the principle of installing the heaters is different. The radiator is installed on the floor, and the convector is most often mounted on a wall. Although there are models for floor installation. In this case, the convector is installed on special legs or wheels. The work of this type of heater is noiseless. Although often a heated stream is sent to the space with the help of a fan. It is he who creates insignificant noises. Radiators always work quietly.

Comparison of the operating principle

Most often, people use a convector or a radiator to heat their homes. What to choose, tips expert advice. First of all, it is necessary to compare approaches to the device of their work. Both devices are known for their efficiency. But, according to user feedback, the convector still more quickly pumps up the room temperature.

The radiator is characterized by a long gradual action of the electric heating element. It first gradually increases the temperature of the oil, which in turn affects the fins of the device. And only after that the radiator surface gives heat to the environment. The difference in the heating speed makes the convector a more comfortable device. The temperature fluctuations in the room are thus minimal. This device, unlike the radiator, is sensitive to changes in heating.

Operation of devices

The difference in operation is also quite significant such devices as a convector and a radiator. Advantages and disadvantages will be useful to learn before buying. The cost of electricity, of course, more favorable is the convector. It consumes 25% less energy than the radiator. This is due to the difference in the speed of heating the air.

During operation, the convector also benefits in terms of mobility. It is lighter than a radiator, so moving the device will be easier. The possibility of installing a convector on the wall allows you to not clutter the space. This factor simplifies the cleaning in the apartment. Oil heater weighs from 18 to 25 kg, so moving it (especially when heated) is quite difficult. Even with wheels, this process is problematic.

Security

The difference between the convector and the radiator is also in the safety level. This is due to the heating index of each device. The oil, heated to the desired temperature, makes the radiator surface very hot. If you accidentally touch it, you can get a burn. Therefore, in no case can such a device be purchased by a family in which there is a small child. Also leave the oil cooler unattended. In the event of an unforeseen situation, this device may cause a fire.

Convector is safe to operate. Its body is heated to a maximum of 60 ° C. If you touch it, there will not be a burn on the skin. Also, this device can be left unattended when it is running. If accidental ingress of foreign objects onto its surface, a fire will not occur.

Durability

Different periods of operation are characterized by a convector and a radiator. The differences in this indicator are significant. Of course, much depends on the manufacturer and the quality of the assembly of the device. Taking into account the general principle of operation of such equipment, experts advise to purchase convectors. Their service life reaches a record 15 years.

Oil radiators can not boast of such indicators. The substance within the sections corrodes their material. Therefore, such devices rarely work more than 7 years. And most models are not used even longer than five. First, a microcrack appears in the body. It can not be seen with the naked eye. Over time, it increases, and the oil begins to flow out. Such heaters can not be repaired. Therefore, it is better to give preference to convector devices.

Ecological compatibility

Asking the question in the store, what is different about the convector from the electric radiator, the buyer can hear the version about the combustion of oxygen. It should be noted that both types of heaters are completely identical in terms of environmental characteristics. They do not burn oxygen, contrary to popular belief. There are no combustion processes in them.

Under the condition of heating TEN, oxygen can not be burned according to existing physical laws. But dust will raise both types of instruments. This is due to the convection process. When heated air rises, the flow picks up and small light particles. When the air cools down, they settle on the interior items. Therefore, according to the characteristics of the microclimate and environmental parameters, radiators and convectors are at the same level.

Cost

Having considered the difference between a convector and a radiator, it is worthwhile to say a few words about the cost of these devices. Significantly cheaper when buying an oil heater. It is for this reason that they are still actively buying the owners of houses, apartments and offices. But it is worth noting that the radiators will consume more electricity during operation. Therefore, the savings in the purchase of equipment is questionable. After all, in the process of heating, you will have to pay a considerable amount every month to pay for electricity.

Convector will pay off fairly quickly. To all this, this version of the equipment wins almost all points. Its durability, comfort in use and safety indicate the advisability of acquiring this particular heater. This purchase will be beneficial in all respects.

Convectors in all rooms can be combined into a single system. This will be an autonomous heating, characterized by a relatively low cost.

Having considered what the convector differs from a radiator, you can make the right choice when buying. The oil heater is of low cost. But in operation, the convector is more profitable in every respect. This is a safe equipment, creating a quality heating with minimal energy costs.