How to choose a convector heater for a summer residence

How to choose the optimal model?

So, you have weighed the advantages and disadvantages of various heating equipment and decided - infrared heaters will give warmth to you and your home. But how to choose from a wide range of devices of this type the most reliable and high-quality; the ones that will be optimal for your needs and environment?

For home use, it is better to choose electric models - they are quite efficient, durable and safe.

When buying, be sure to pay attention to the appearance of the structure - it must "inspire confidence". Some of the signs of quality products that can be appreciated even with a cursory acquaintance with the units are a strong case, a thick cable, a good plug

Never be tempted by infrared heaters with an unreasonably low cost, since many manufacturers, trying to reduce their products as much as possible, stop caring about their quality: they use low-quality wires and save on contacts. Needless to say, what can the constant use of such “doubtful” devices lead to? Sparking, short circuit, fire - this is the sad result of the operation of low-quality units. Yes, any electrical appliances carry certain risks, this is natural, but when buying a good-quality branded product, they are minimal.

You can calculate the optimal power of an infrared heater using the "standard formula" - 1-1.2 kW for every 10 square meters of area.

And the main question remains, which infrared heater to choose according to the type of installation?

Recently, film infrared heaters-pictures have become increasingly popular. What is their feature? They are light, inexpensive and incredibly beautiful.

On floor units it is necessary to stop in the event that in heaters, first of all, mobility is important for you. They are an ideal choice for temporary additional heating of a summer house or apartment, when there is a need to transfer the device from room to room, take it away and bring it with you. Floor IR heaters are usually equipped with an overheating protection system, as well as a tip-over switch, which makes their operation as safe as possible. This type of infrared devices, as a rule, does not have special design frills. The price of such a solution is quite moderate - about several thousand rubles.

Wall-mounted infrared heaters are a worthy alternative to traditional radiators. They are suitable for organizing both additional and based heating. Modern models of wall-mounted infrared heaters not only perfectly heat the room, but also have an incredibly attractive, stylish design that allows you to successfully fit them into almost any interior. The design of the external panel of these devices can be very diverse - from a banal color to a natural stone finish. True, all sorts of "aesthetic delights" significantly affect the cost of equipment.

Practical, economical, with a laconic design, wall-mounted infrared heaters provide effective warmth and delight the eye in any environment.

Ceiling units - a good solution for rooms with high ceilings, office, garage, workshop. Often they are chosen for children's rooms, which is very logical - after all, the child's contact with such a heating device is completely excluded. Visually, ceiling-mounted IR heaters resemble a fluorescent fluorescent lamp, and they do not spoil the overall look of the room at all.

Calculate electricity costs

You can save money by installing one wide appliance under a large window instead of several compact ones.

Electric heating convectors for summer cottages, wall-mounted and economical, work as independent or auxiliary heating devices, differing in their power. Given the compactness of most cottages, they have small dimensions. They are also characterized by an affordable price, since in most cases some design delights are not needed in the country.However, for country houses with a designer interior, you can purchase any suitable convector-type heaters.

Why is it advantageous to use convectors in the country? The following factors are taken into account here:

• compactness - the same oil coolers are much larger with less efficiency;
• silent operation - fan heaters heat just as efficiently, but they are very noisy;
• cheapness - electric convectors for summer cottages are the simplest models, so they are characterized by an affordable price.

Based on this, electric heaters for summer cottages are the best solution for organizing autonomous heating.

As we have already said, country electric convectors can work as the main or auxiliary equipment. Working as the main equipment, they provide complete heating of the premises in accordance with the set temperature. If the house already has a heating system, then convector heaters can work in auxiliary mode, for example, during severe winter cold.

A small electric heater will be a great help if you have small children: by installing it in the room where the child sleeps, you will create comfortable conditions for sleeping. Also, convectors are useful as auxiliary equipment in heavily freezing rooms, where the main heating cannot cope.

Since the equipment is powered by electricity, the cost of paying for it will be large. They depend on the air temperature outside, on severe frosts, on the presence of effective insulation of the country house, as well as on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bheated premises.Some share in savings is invested by electronic control - it provides more accurate monitoring of temperature.

As you can see, the price of heating with electricity is the highest, but you do not need to install heating boilers and lay pipes.

Let's calculate the approximate cost of heating a small country house with an area of ​​​​20 square meters. m. To heat it, we need a radiator with a capacity of 2 kW (taking into account that the house has good thermal insulation and triple-glazed windows are installed in it). If the heating works around the clock without turning off, the electricity consumption will be 1440 kW per month. This figure must be multiplied by the cost of one kilowatt in your region.

For example, if the cost of one kilowatt is about 4 rubles, then the cost of heating the house will be 5760 rubles. For country associations and rural areas, special tariffs often apply. If this rural tariff is 3 rubles per kilowatt, the cost per month will be 4320 rubles. Since convectors are equipped with regulators, they will not work around the clock. If we assume that they work 12 hours a day (in obedience to the commands of the thermostat), then the monthly consumption will be 720 kW, or 2160 rubles at the rural tariff.

Do you only show up at the cottage on weekends? Then the heating costs will be even lower. They will grow only when using frost protection, which maintains the temperature in the country house at +5 degrees.

Tips for choosing an electric convector

In addition to objective indicators, when choosing, personal preferences and specific requirements must also be taken into account.

If you have a limited budget, pay attention to convectors equipped with mechanical thermostats. Although they have fewer functions than automatic devices, their cost is much lower, and you do not have to deal with programming instructions.

Also, to automatically adjust the temperature, you can use the thermostat, which is inserted into the outlet. You can read more about these devices in this article.

Each panel of the convector must be self-powered, while the cable cross-section is determined by the power consumption (up to 1.5 kW this value is 1.5 kV mm, over - 2.5 kV mm)

In the lines of manufacturers, models of various characteristics and price are presented. In order not to overpay, carefully study them and compare them with your requirements. So, for example, to heat a small room, you should not buy an overly powerful device.

If a model with many settings and high technical specifications is sold at a cheap price, you should find out the reliability of the manufacturer and carefully read the documents so as not to purchase a fake.

Infrared heaters of convector type

The infrared convector combines the positive aspects of both types of heating equipment.

Electric infrared convectors are a new type of heating device that combines the functions of a convector and an infrared heater. The design includes a convector type heating plate and a front infrared emitting panel.The main feature is the creation of the so-called fireplace effect, when the device heats the surrounding objects, and not the air in the room.
. Heaters of this type are designed for independent heating without additional devices. The functionality allows you to use a minimum of electricity to ensure optimal thermal conditions.

The wall-mounted infrared convector is the most common model with an attractive appearance. The latest models are made of black impact-resistant glass-ceramic, which allows you to select devices for a modern interior style. A wide range of colors and sizes such as horizontal, vertical, narrow and even corner devices makes it possible to choose a device for any interior.

The only significant drawback is the high cost. The price for advanced models with high-precision automation starts from 60 thousand rubles.

Which heater is better: oil, infrared or convector type

To decide which heater is best suited for a summer residence, a comparative table will help:

As can be seen from the table, the infrared heater has more positive characteristics. But this does not mean that you need to choose only this device.

Before you buy a heater, you need to take into account: the area of ​​​​the room, its purpose, the presence or absence of central heating, the type of installation. A significant role is played by personal preferences and the price of the device.

The device and principle of operation of the convector

A school physics course includes enough information to understand the nature of the simplest things. After all, electric convectors for summer cottages work according to the simplest laws of physics, ensuring the circulation of heated air through heated rooms. While conventional batteries heat due to thermal radiation, convector devices heat the air masses, creating a comfortable atmosphere in houses and apartments.

The surface of the heater radiates a small amount of heat, as it practically does not heat up. The main heat comes from the upper grate of the appliance.

Modern batteries contain finning elements, which allows them to give off part of the heat in the form of heated air - it passes through the fins, heats up and goes up, from where it is evenly distributed over the heated rooms. Thus, an increased efficiency of the heating system is achieved. As for convectors, they radiate a small amount of thermal energy, almost completely giving it to the air masses. Warming up the premises is better and faster.

The principle of operation of convector-type heaters for summer cottages is simple and straightforward. A heating element is installed inside, through which atmospheric air passes. When heated, it rises, as it should be according to the laws of physics.In its place, the next portion of air enters - it is taken from below, while the heated air is sent out through the upper vents. Then it rises to the ceiling, from where it is distributed throughout the room.

The device of electric convectors is no less simple than their principle of operation. Inside we will find:

• ribbed heating element - it contains a powerful heating element powered by an electrical network. Air passes through the heating element;
• control system - electronic or mechanical. It controls heating by adjusting the temperature or simply turning off the heating element after a specified period of time;
• protection systems - they ensure the safety of equipment and surrounding people. One of the basic protective systems is the overheating protection, which prevents breakdowns and accidental burns.

At the bottom of the case there are holes for air intake. Hot air is discharged into the heated rooms through the upper ventilation openings.

Control elements, which include power switches, thermostats and display elements, are most often located on the side.

Design

Electric convectors are endowed with durable housings with outlets. The design of cases can be both simple and more expressive. By releasing electric convectors, manufacturers strive to give their customers the opportunity to purchase equipment of any kind. Thanks to this, the sale appears:

• Electric convectors with a special shape of housings;
• Devices with an unusual color;
• Electric heaters with decoration with decorative materials.

Glass convectors look great in the interior.

Models with front tempered glass look best. The glass itself can be black, white, gray, colored and mirrored. Often some drawings or abstractions are applied here.

Designer electric convectors are the best suited for rooms with a good repair. They can be mounted both under windows and along blank walls, delighting consumers with their excellent appearance. Some models differ significantly in their cost, but this is typical for all non-ordinary equipment.

Glass electric heaters look best indoors. They work at the expense of a heating element made of glass, inside of which there is a conductive gel or a conductive coating. These devices are quite expensive, but they look just great. Some modifications are made on the basis of mirror glass, resulting in combined units - they combine heaters and bathroom mirrors.

Type of control system

Household appliances and heat engineering stores offer convector heaters with electronic and mechanical control systems. We recommend that you choose electronics, as they are more accurate than "mechanics". In order to feel the differences, you should familiarize yourself with the features of both systems.

Digitally controlled convectors are not only easy to use, but also more economical than their mechanical counterparts.

Mechanical control is based on a thermostat with a bimetallic plate. The thermostat closes or opens an electrical contact, turning the heating element on or off.The bimetallic plate does not have accuracy, it can only work in an approximate temperature range - therefore, there is no exact indication of it, the adjustment is carried out on a scale with numbers from 0 to 9.

Electronic control works on the basis of the control module - there is an accurate temperature sensor that provides perfect temperature control. The advantages of such management:

• High accuracy of compliance with the set temperature - up to 0.5 degrees;
• Implementation of additional functions - for example, antifreeze;
• Energy savings - up to 10%.

There really is a cost-effectiveness here, it is explained by two things. Firstly, we set the temperature not approximately, but exactly - thus we can reduce the heating. And secondly, precise electronics will not overheat the air, which provides additional savings. The only drawback of devices with electronic modules is their high cost.

We advise you to choose and purchase electronically controlled convector heaters, despite the fact that they cost a little more than their mechanical counterparts - here you can win in terms of economy and functionality.

Positive and negative!

A convector is a device that converts electrical energy into heat. But like all inventions of mankind, it has both positive and negative sides.

• The device does not require special installation. Comes pre-assembled, and the user just needs to hang it on the wall and plug it into a power outlet
• With a fairly high power (1500 - 2500 W), he does not need to spend electricity on heating. The device reaches the set temperature in just a minute.
• Manufacturers give a guarantee for use for 5 years. In practice, the service life reaches 15-25 years.
• Due to the high efficiency (95%), energy losses during operation are excluded. Electricity is almost completely converted into heat.
• The compact size allows you to place the device in any room, as well as freely move from place to place.
• Profitability in operation (do not require service) and affordability.
• Electric convectors are absolutely safe to use, as the outer casing does not heat up above 60 degrees.
• The device has the ability to adjust the temperature mode according to your needs.

• High electricity consumption (270 kWh per month) is the main disadvantage of using these devices.
• Uneven heat distribution is another disadvantage, especially for those who are sensitive to temperature differences. In some models, the outlets are at the top, so warm air enters upwards and remains cold at the bottom. Therefore, we advise you to buy convectors in which these holes are located in the middle of the body.
• Another disadvantage is the formation of dust, due to the forced movement of air flows by the device. The solution to the problem will be the purchase of a convector with a built-in dust filter, which needs to be cleaned periodically.

What is a convector and its varieties

A convector is a design for heating, inside which thermal energy is created. The device transfers it to a heated room using convection.Air from contact with the coolant or heating part rises, as it is lighter, and cool streams occupy free space. This is how the continuous movement of air occurs, which becomes stronger due to the action of the device.

On a note!

Convectors are equipped with a heating part, and cold air is taken from the bottom from the room. The heating part is used to heat the air, and then heated, it exits through the top of the equipment.

After the air warms up to a certain temperature, it turns off, and when it cools again, it turns on again. The device has a temperature sensor that measures the temperature and sends commands to the thermostat. A complete shutdown of the device occurs only when something gets into it, which prevents the heated air from escaping. As the reviews say, it is better to buy a safe and reliable convector for a summer residence.

Placement method

The rating of electric convectors with a thermostat for summer cottages includes many models. But, like any device, they are systematized according to different properties. There are several main groups according to the method of placement:

1. Outdoor - a convenient solution. If necessary, it can be moved to another location. However, without connecting to the mains, the equipment will be useless. Sometimes the cord with the power plug can become inconvenient.
2. The most common choice is wall-mounted. They are not thick and can be placed under windows. A device of this category has an excellent design that cannot spoil the look.
3. Built-in heating convectors are the right choice for large rooms. You should not fix wall-mounted devices in them, as they will simply be able to heat large areas.Installed under the floor of any part of the room. You need to plan an embedded heating system in advance, because there must be room for such heating in the floor.

Small steel convectors are a good choice for a home convector. They fit easily under parquet. This option is only suitable for heating a private house with an electric convector.

Heating principle

Water devices are a good replacement for radiators. The hot coolant moves in the pipe, which is the main base. The plates are heated, and heating is obtained. A mechanism equipped with gas convectors is economical, because the price of gas is low. From a safety point of view, this device is dangerous, so it is almost never used to heat houses with people.

Note!

Electric convectors are an easy and instant way to set up home heating. For their high-quality work, it is not necessary to lay pipes for a long time, select a boiler or obtain permits.

Such devices are allowed to be used in any room. All you need is access to electricity

When using this type, you need to understand that it is important to follow safety rules and not forget about the devices. Equipment of this type is a great solution for summer cottages, but with constant use you need to be prepared to receive a large electricity bill.

Other criteria

By circulation, convectors are natural and forced. These are ordinary steel, aluminum or bimetal heating convectors, equipped with a strong fan. There are two main functions of this part:

• efficient air movement (hot air rather rises from the convector, and the room is heated);
• cooling of the heating part (the fan helps not to overheat - this significantly increases the warranty period);

In any store you can find equipment with a fan. The device requires a connection to the power supply network, but it consumes quite a bit of electricity, so there will not be much money spent.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Comparative overview of heating options:

Details about the selection rules and features of convectors:

The specifics of the work of infrared heaters

Knowing how to choose a heater for an apartment or house, you can save yourself the inconvenience associated with the unsuccessful selection of heat generating devices - high electricity consumption, excessive noise or light, the inability to warm the room completely.

Are you still unable to decide on the right type of heater for your house or apartment? Perhaps you still have questions after reading our article? Ask them in the comment block - we will figure it out together.

Or are you already a proud owner of a heater? Tell us what type of heating device you prefer and are you satisfied with its performance? Did our reviews and tips help you? Leave your comments and add a photo of your heater under this article.