How to choose an electric convector

1 Ballu BEC/EVU-2500

Before us is the most economical and at the same time reliable electric convector, produced by Ballu, one of the leaders in the climate technology market. Here the company used a unique heater of its own design called HEDGEHOG. This is a monolithic heating element that increases the efficiency of the device by 20 percent, its safety is confirmed by both European and Russian certificates.

According to the conclusions of a number of research laboratories, the convector saves up to 70 percent of the energy consumed. This was made possible thanks to another innovative development of the company - the digital INVERTER control unit.It determines the temperature in the room as accurately as possible, and also calculates what it will be after a certain time period. That is, the device does not turn off at the moment when the desired temperature is reached in the room, but a little earlier, which results in savings.

Attention! The above information is not a buying guide. For any advice, you should contact the experts!

How to choose a convector

convector type. The distribution network sells several types of convectors. Some of them are powered by electricity, others convert hydrocarbon raw materials into heat, and still others effectively use hot water for heating. Electric and gas models are considered the most independent.

Power. This indicator of the heater is most often of interest to buyers

But it is important to take into account the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, the possibilities of electrical wiring, the consumption of gas or electricity by the appliance. Experts recommend starting from a simple formula when choosing

For heating 1 sq. m of housing requires 100 W of thermal energy. Therefore, for a room of 10 sq. m quite enough convector power of 1 kW. But this is an approximate calculation, it does not take into account the level of thermal insulation of the house, the thickness of the walls, the presence of drafts (in the case of a warehouse or office). If conditions worsen, another 50 W of energy should be added for each square meter.

Room type. The air temperature in different rooms is very different. The warmest are the nursery and bedroom, where many Russians would like to set the temperature at 24-28 ° C. In a room of 10 sq. m, the convector will work effectively, which is designed for a room of 13-15 sq. m.In offices, employees will feel comfortable if the air temperature fluctuates between 20-22°C. In this case, a less powerful heater will be required than is required in the theoretical calculation. But in the living room it is best to buy a device in which the maximum heating area corresponds to the size of the real room. It is more difficult to give advice if the convector is bought as an additional source of heat. In this case, everything depends on the capabilities of central heating.

Mounting type. Most convectors are wall or floor mounted. Each of them has its own advantages. So wall mounting allows you to save the usable area of ​​​​the room and makes the device as safe as possible for humans. This is true when heating children's rooms, bathrooms or kitchens. The floor heater is convenient for its maneuverability. With wheels, even children and old people can easily drag the heater to another room.

Thermostat. To maintain a given level of heating, thermostats are installed in the convectors. There are two main types: mechanical and electronic. The mechanic is considered by many users to be an outdated option, but it is simple, reliable and cheaper. The user needs to manually set the regulator to a certain position, and the device will work within the specified limit. The electronic device works more accurately. It is suitable in cases where every degree plays an important role (pharmacies, winter gardens, warehouses).

Safety. When choosing a convector, one should not forget about safety. Both electric and gas models carry a certain threat to human health and life.Although electrical appliances are considered safer, high power can adversely affect old wiring. Options such as protection against overheating, tipping over, short circuits and moisture will not be superfluous. Gas models also carry the threat of poisoning by combustion products. All joints must be sealed to prevent an explosion of the air-gas mixture. Therefore, ventilation and the chimney must have a margin of throughput.

We have selected 20 of the best convectors for our review. All of them received approval from the expert community and domestic consumers.

How to choose an economical convector for a summer residence, criteria

When choosing a heating electric convector, first of all, the following are evaluated:

Power of electrical equipment

The power of the convector is selected depending on the intended area of ​​\u200b\u200buse. If the equipment is used as the main heating system, the power of the installation is calculated based on the ratio of 1 kW per 10 m2 of heated area. 15 - 20% should be added to the calculated value for possible heat losses.

In the case of using the device as a backup system, the convector power can be significantly less. The exact value depends on the characteristics of the main heating circuit, the quality of the thermal insulation of the building and the outside temperature. As a rule, the power of such convectors is from 150 to 500 watts.

Type of thermostat

The design of modern electric convectors uses both mechanical and electronic thermostats. Devices with mechanical adjustment are simple and reliable, but the functionality of such convectors is minimal.

The use of electronic control units ensures precise compliance with the set temperature regime, the possibility of remote and program control, and also allows you to connect additional functional modules.

The use of electronic heating convectors is advisable as the main heating system. For a backup system, it is more profitable to purchase an inexpensive convector with a bimetallic thermostat.

Heating element type

Electric convectors can have heating elements of both open and closed type. When using an open-type heating element, there is a high probability of burning out oxygen, and in addition, under the influence of natural air humidity, corrosion destruction of the wire spiral is possible.

In closed-type heating elements, the filament is placed in a sealed tube with special aluminum fins designed to increase the efficiency of heat transfer. The use of such heating elements completely eliminates the combustion of oxygen and corrosion. Despite the higher cost, it is closed heating elements that are most widely used.

Additional functions

As a rule, additional functions are available for convectors with an electronic control system; they are extremely rare in "mechanical" convectors. The most requested additional features include:

• Antifreeze mode. When this function is enabled, the unit automatically maintains the temperature in the room at +5 C, preventing the building from completely freezing in the absence of the owners;
• Work in the programmed mode.The option allows you to automatically change the temperature mode in order to save energy. For example, in the absence of owners, the convector can operate in the minimum heating mode, and at a certain time, an hour or two before their return, the device switches to the optimal temperature mode.
• The remote control makes controlling the device comfortable.
• Turning the convector on and off by timer allows you to significantly reduce energy consumption.

Device Security

To ensure safe operation, the convector must have a number of basic protective functions:

• Reliable protection against moisture ingress;
• Turning off the heating element in case of tipping over will help to avoid a fire;
• Turn off the heating element in case of overheating of the device;
• Frost protection, which consists in maintaining the temperature within +5 - 7 C in offline mode in the absence of owners.

In addition, if the convector is installed in a children's room, the presence of sharp edges and corners that can injure the child is unacceptable.

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.

How to choose an electric convector for a private house: expert advice

Before purchasing an electric converter, you must remember that this is an effective, convenient, but rather expensive way of heating the air flow in the room. You can read customer reviews.Different converters vary in power. Electric convectors for heating a private house will help create a high-quality and economical heating system.

How to calculate the power of the device for the room?

For the right choice of electric convector power for a private house or apartment, there is a formula: 1 kW of converter power heats up a room of about 10 square meters with a ceiling height of up to 3 meters.

On the market there are electric convectors with a performance of:

• 0.5 kW;
• 1 kW;
• 1.25-1.5 kW;
• 2 kW.

The 2.0 kW electric convector is suitable for a large room.

How to calculate the power needed to warm up the house?

The average private country house consists of: a bedroom, a dining room-kitchen, an entrance hall, a bathroom, a living room, a nursery. Accordingly, the area of ​​​​each room in a private house in square meters: 10, 12, 5, 5, 20, 12. Summing up these figures, we get 64 sq.m. It is known that a room with an area of ​​64-70 sq.m. requires the performance of electric convectors - 7 kW, based on the formula described above. Thus, based on these calculations, you can choose the number and power of converters for heating.

The most important selection factor is the heating element. The duration of the operation of the electric convector depends on the quality of this element. It is recommended to choose a device with a ceramic heating element. Modern converters are all safe for installation in the bathroom, kitchen - the internal parts are protected from water.

When choosing a converter for a private house, you should pay attention to:

• Manufacturer - models from Thermia, Electrolux, Zilon, Neurot are distinguished by a wide selection of options;
• Material for the manufacture of structural parts;
• Power, performance of the electric convector;
• Type: universal, wall or floor;
• Price;
• Electric convector dimensions;
• The presence or absence of special modes of operation;
• Design - if necessary, you can buy converters made not only in white, which will better fit into the interior of a private house or apartment.

Tips for choosing convectors

1. Premises up to 6 sq.m.

The main indicators of heating with electric convectors will be: dimensions, power, type of installation and customer reviews. Sufficient power - 500 watts. The dimensions of the model should be compact. The type depends on the number of heated rooms in a private house or apartment: you can install a wall-mounted version for heating or choose a mobile, economical floor converter that can be moved from room to room.

Electrolux ECH / L - 500 U - a model of a universal convector with a power of 500 W.

1. Room up to 9 sq.m.

Sufficient power - about 750 watts. You can buy light, comfortable, economical electric convectors of small dimensions. Ballu Camino Electronic BEC / E - 1500 is an inexpensive, versatile, electric convector, which is characterized by excellent reviews, two operating modes, and noiselessness. The wall-mounted convector can be used in rooms with a high level of humidity.

Photo of a wall-mounted electric convector

1. Room up to 12 sq.m.

This is the standard size of a bedroom, a nursery. Enough 1000 watts. Electrolux ECH / L - 1000 U - a universal type convector with a power of 1000 W. It is characterized by the presence of protection against overheating, ingress of foreign objects into the device, good reviews. For small rooms, electric convectors Thermia, Evub are also recommended.

1. Room up to 14 sq.m.

1200-1300 watts will be enough for you. Noirot Spot E-2 7358-4 is an economical model that is suitable for heating such a room. The advantage of the model is a universal type convector that can be installed on the wall or on the floor, inexpensive. It is characterized by accuracy, high quality workmanship, according to reviews - economical.

1. The room is more than 15 sq.m.

Requires power of 1500 W or more. A decent economical option is Noirot Melodie Evolution 7381-5. Plinth type convector with a power of 1500 watts. Heating with electric convectors is characterized by automatic protection against overheating, it works silently, and is endowed with many useful functions. Buyers give great reviews.

Photo of a wall-mounted electric convector

Top 4. Timberk TEC.E0 M 1500

Rating (2020): 4.31

Considered 79 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, Citilink, Vseinstrumenti

• Characteristics
  • Average price, rub.: 2 351
  • Country: China
  • Heating power, W: 1500
  • Number of modes: 1
  • Mounting: wall, floor
  • Management: mechanical
  • Programming: no
  • Remote control: no
  • Features: correct position sensor

Timberk TEC.E0 M 1500 is an average model both in terms of price and performance. The device is equipped with a reliable mechanical control, with the help of which the inclusion is carried out. There is no temperature control and thermostat, which correlates with the low cost. In reviews, buyers attribute fast heating, low noise level and attractive appearance to the advantages of this model. The dimensions of the device are rather big, but it is quite stable when installed on the floor. Power is supplied from a standard 220/230 V household mains. The length of the power cord is 1.5 m, so an extension cord may be needed.Among the minuses are a noticeable drying of the air during heating and increased energy consumption.

Pros and cons

• original design
• Affordable price
• Simple control
• Heats up quickly

• Dries the air
• Consumes a lot of electricity

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.

How to choose the right electric convector: expert advice

If you do not know how to choose and buy an electric convector, you need to listen to the opinion of experts.The choice of an electric convector cannot be determined by only one price or by a photo from a video. The device planned as a heating unit must correspond to the parameters of the room, be reliable and safe. To understand how to choose the right electric heating convectoryou need to follow these simple rules:

1. Before buying, you should carefully inspect the body of the device. It should not have visible damage to the paintwork body, seams or geometry violations. If there are noticeable dents or bubbles, then the device has already been used, and with violations of the handling rules. According to experts, such heating electric convectors are definitely not worth taking. Examples of such a marriage can be seen on the video.
2. One of the conditions of the room where the device is planned to be put into operation is the level of humidity. Of course, modern devices are quite high quality and can work in any conditions (private opinion). However, not complying with the moisture protection class can significantly reduce the electrical safety of the electric convector and increase energy consumption. In the characteristics of the equipment, you need to find the designation IP. If these characters are followed by the number 20, then there is no protection (low class). 21 - the device is not afraid of water drops on the case or inside. The number 24 indicates that the heating device has a high class of protection against moisture, including splashes.
3. If there is no thermostat in the design of the electric convector, then most likely the model of the device is designed to work in a garage, or its suitability for working in an apartment or a private house remains a big question, like any modern device, a wall-mounted electric convector is designed not only to heat air in room, but also to maintain the temperature set by the user (heating).
4. The calculation of the electric convector is reduced to the usual geometric parameters of the room. To maintain a comfortable air temperature in a room with a volume of 27 cubic meters, you will need a device with a capacity of one kilowatt. Technical characteristics of the device can be found in the product data sheet or on the body of electric heating convectors with a thermostat.

Top 4. Ballu Camino Eco Turbo BEC/EMT-2500

Rating (2020): 4.16

29 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market

• Characteristics
  • Average price: 3 990 rubles.
  • Country: China
  • Heating power, W: 2500
  • Number of modes: 1
  • Mounting: floor
  • Management: mechanical
  • Programming: no
  • Remote control: no
  • Features: Patented Hedgehog Heating Element

A stable convector is the choice of lovers of convenient and practical equipment. It has only 1 heating mode in its arsenal, and the control is carried out mechanically. But at the height of safety indicators: there is protection against overheating, from capsizing and from moisture. However, it’s still not worth leaving the device on at night - it’s all about the high noise level, so the reviews recommend actively heating an apartment or a private house during the day.The device copes with the task of high-quality heating quickly: it has a power of 2.5 kW and is equipped with a monolithic Hedgehog heating element, which has a heat transfer area increased by 20%. And a 15% lower case temperature allows the device to provide soft and comfortable warmth.

How to choose the optimal model

The selection of heating equipment for a country house is primarily associated with determining the required power of the unit. Based on practice, it is quite difficult to clearly determine what power to buy a convector. Most often, sellers use a simple calculation formula, multiplying the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room (in square meters) by a factor of 0.1. The calculation looks like this:

20 sq.m. x 0.1 = 2 kW.

Therefore, for heating 20 square meters, a convector with a power of at least 2 kW is needed. If the room has high ceilings (above the standard 2.7 m), then the indicator is multiplied by an additional factor of 1.5:

2 kW x 1.5 = 3 kW.

In addition to the area, other factors can affect heating:

• lack of interior decoration;
• lack of insulation on the floor and walls;
• structural or other openings in walls, windows, door openings, as well as cracks.

Naturally, if the room is absolutely not heated and insulated, it will be difficult to warm it up the first time. The convector is suitable only if it will work without interruptions in winter. For example, a frozen concrete room with an area of ​​30 square meters will have to be heated (up to + 10 °) for about 5-6 hours with a three-kilowatt heater, or 3 hours with two of these. To reach a higher temperature, you will have to wait a couple more hours.

This is done in order not to operate the appliance at the power limit regularly.In addition, when external conditions change (for example, at low temperatures that are not characteristic of the climatic zone), you will not have to buy additional equipment.

Top 5. Resanta OK-2000S

Rating (2020): 4.24

147 reviews from resources are taken into account: Yandex.Market, Ozone, Vseinstrumenti, 220-volt

• Nomination

  Excellent performance

  In the reviews, users continually admire the speed with which the convector heats up the space: in 40 minutes - 20 square meters. m.

• Characteristics
  • Average price, rub.: 1 990
  • Country: Latvia (produced in China)
  • Heating power, W: 2000
  • Number of modes: 1
  • Mounting: wall, floor
  • Management: mechanical
  • Programming: no
  • Remote control: no
  • Features: waterproof housing

Resanta OK-2000S is the most popular of the cheap convectors in the segment, which has a characteristic corporate design. Its capabilities are limited to 3-stage heating power control: 2000, 1250 and 750 W, respectively. At the maximum operating mode, 20 square meters are subjected to effective heating. m. of premises, which is very good for a private house, and for an apartment, and even for a summer residence, where it is most often purchased. The reliability of the convector approaches 92–94%. The reason for such a good result for a generally simple design is the presence of overheating protection, a waterproof housing, as well as a mechanical control unit with a thermostat.

Pros and cons

• Affordable price
• Fast heating
• Silent operation
• Mobile lightweight design
• Easy to manage

• Short cable
• Short fuse

Location of convection holes

Rarely anyone pays attention to this trifle, although it would be worth it. Holes can be located on the top, sides and front

The most rational in terms of the circulation of air masses will be the location of the conclusions on top of the narrow part of the body. However, this leads to the fact that dust gets inside. It provokes the appearance of an unpleasant burnt odor and can ruin the device.

Also in such models it is worth abandoning wall placement. Otherwise, the wallpaper or paint will change its color after some time. With this method of fastening, it is desirable to choose objects in which openings are located on the facade.