The choice of a convector heater for a house and an apartment

The principle of operation of a convection heater

Actually,
it is more correct to call it convection, since its work is based on the phenomenon
convection, the driving force of which is the difference in densities between cold and
heated air. Cold and heavy air spreads over the floor, and heated and
lighter air rushes to the ceiling. Therefore, any converter in its case
has two slots: one from below for cold air intake and one from above, through
which comes out heated. Cold air entering the device through
the lower gap, is heated by a heating element, expands, losing density, and rushes
through the top slot to the ceiling.

Which convector is better: functions

Electric convectors have additional features that contribute to economical and comfortable use:

• the ionizer captures dust and saturates the air with ions, thereby reducing fatigue, increasing efficiency and immunity. It also works when the heating mode of the device is turned off;
• frost protection will work automatically if the room temperature drops below +5 °C;
• possibility of programming (function Restart). The device remembers its current parameters and sets them correctly when resuming operation after a power outage. Convenient for frequent power outages;
• the thermostat automatically turns off when the set temperature is reached and turns on when the air cools;
• the timer sets the pre-set heating time;
• temperature and power adjustment. The user independently sets the required temperature and power for space heating.

Which convector to choose

If we talk about which heater is better to choose, the answer will be ambiguous. With all the obvious advantages, each type has its drawbacks. For example, a tubular element has the longest glow time. When active, it can make clicking sounds and squeaks caused by the expansion of the structure. In turn, the monolithic element scares away most buyers with its high cost. Not everyone is willing to overpay for a significant degree of protection and minimal heat loss.

The decision on which convector is more efficient should be made based on the characteristics of the heated room.

If the room is not damp, and the rate of air heating does not play a key role, a conventional heating element is best.
However, if it is necessary to constantly maintain comfortable conditions in the room, it would be more correct to give preference to a monolithic element.

An efficient convection system will allow you to save a little on electricity.
You can also turn your attention to the combined type models, like an infrared heater with a convection function. This device combines heating with a heating element and an infrared element, which allows you to quickly heat up the room with little electrical energy consumption.

Experts advise paying attention not only to the heating element. Maximum working power, spatial arrangement, mobility and ergonomics of the body also make a significant contribution to efficiency.

Carefully study the technical characteristics of the device, and you can easily choose the convector that suits you.

Pros and cons

Like any other heating device, the convector has its pros and cons. This applies to both technical characteristics and features of operation. Before making a purchase decision, it is worth familiarizing yourself with some of the nuances that manufacturers rarely talk about.

It is worth saying that the advantages of convector-type heaters are much greater than the disadvantages.

1. Safety. This is especially valuable if there are small children or pets in the house. The surface of the convector never heats up, and when it overturns, fire and oil leakage will not occur. Many models have rollover protection and turn off automatically when dropped.
2. Environmental friendliness.Convector units do not dry the air and do not burn oxygen like other types of heaters. If you want to make the atmosphere in the room more comfortable, you should choose a model with a humidifier and an air ionizer.
3. Profitability. Depends on the type of heater and the heating element used in the appliance. Water appliances are considered the most economical, followed by gas appliances. Electric and infrared options should be used for periodic work.
4. Ease of use. Convectors are easy to install, use and maintain. They can be attached to different surfaces (walls, ceiling), installed under a window or simply placed on the floor. They don't take up much space. Individual designer models will become a bright accent of any interior.
5. Warming up It is carried out quite quickly and evenly due to the constant mixing of air in the room.
6. Durability. Most devices have a 10 year warranty. In this case, the actual service life of the convector is 20-30 years. This is facilitated by the simplicity of the device.
7. Silence at work.

Convector-type heaters also have some disadvantages, which would be more correctly attributed to the features of their use.

1. Low heating capacity. Convectors are not suitable for the main space heating (at least in Russian latitudes). They are used for additional air heating in the presence of a central heating system or for heating small rooms.
2. Raise dust particles from the floor during operation.
3. The operation of electric convectors in continuous mode is not very economical. To do this, use a device with a coolant.
4. Air drying. This is typical for almost any heating device.Choose water convectors or a model with a built-in humidifier.

Some of them can be mitigated by the right choice of model and the use of a certain type of convector for specific purposes. So, it is advisable to install an electric portable device in a country house, and a water one, installed under the floor, in a large living room.

Features of the device of oil heaters

In appearance, oil heaters are very similar to conventional sectional central heating radiators. As a heat carrier in these household appliances, a special mineral oil is used, which heats up to a boiling state. Models of oil heaters are available with a different number of sections, which allows you to choose a device of the desired power.

Devices that are not equipped with a thermostat responsible for their automatic shutdown when the coolant is heated to a predetermined temperature can heat up to 100-120 degrees. Touching a surface heated to such a temperature is fraught with burns. Therefore, such radiators are not recommended for use in apartments where there are small children. Yes, and in general, it is safer to operate a model with a thermostat. It is also convenient to use models equipped with an on timer that allows you to postpone the start of the heater for a certain time.

The power of oil heaters depends on the number of sections

The advantages of this type of equipment designed for space heating include:

• affordable price of oil heaters;
• mobility;
• convenience and ease of use;
• efficiency;
• reliability;
• noiselessness;
• compactness.

Despite the large number of advantages, oil heaters are not without disadvantages. Due to the slow heating, the room does not become warm immediately after the appliance is turned on. This must be remembered and turn on the heater in advance. Some models dry the air, thereby worsening the microclimate in the room. How to choose a heater with a minimum number of disadvantages? It is necessary to look for models that are additionally equipped with an air ionizer.

best bathroom heater

EWT Strato IR 106 S warms all surfaces (bath, walls, ceiling, floors). It is not the air that is heated, but all the objects that are in the bathroom. Therefore, there is no movement of air, no combustion of oxygen, while the level of humidity remains unchanged.

Fasteners help to easily and simply hang the structure.

This is a very convenient quartz device from a well-known manufacturer. The excellent quality of its components, increased resource, protection against overheating and high moisture protection make this device indispensable for rooms such as a bath.

Pros:

• Excellent power of 2000 watts.
• Housing with moisture protection.
• Overheat protection.
• Two year manufacturer's warranty.
• Ergonomic and concise design.

Minuses:

Small heating area.

Quartz heaters are a more modern type of heating due to the absence of direct contact between air and surrounding objects with a heating source. They are produced in two types - monolithic and with glass flasks. Both types can be used both for main heating and as an auxiliary one. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. From our rating of the best quartz heaters, you can find popular models suitable for summer cottages, bathrooms, corridors, balconies, garages and other premises.

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TOP-5 non-volatile gas boilers

Non-volatile boilers are a good choice for working in remote villages or regions with overloaded and dilapidated electrical networks. They continue to work during a sudden power outage, do not require high costs for repair or replacement of failed components. Consider the most popular models:

Lemax Patriot-12.5 12.5 kW

Single-circuit parapet gas boiler. Equipped with openings in the body that allow heated air to escape.

This makes the boiler itself similar to a convector heating the room without the need for radiators. The boiler power is 12.5 kW, which is suitable for rooms of 125 square meters. m.

Its parameters are:

• type of installation - floor;
• power consumption - independent;
• Efficiency - 87%;
• gas consumption - 0.75 m3/hour;
• dimensions - 595x740x360 mm;
• weight - 50 kg.

Advantages:

• simplicity of design, reliability;
• low fuel consumption;
• easy control;
• low price.

Flaws:

• there is no complete information about the state of the units of the unit. There is only a manometer. indicating gas pressure;
• a traditional chimney must be installed.

Domestic boilers are optimal for Russian climatic and technological conditions. They are unpretentious and reliable, do not require expensive repairs or maintenance.

Lemax Leader-25 25 kW

Convection gas boiler with a power of 25 kW. It is intended for work in rooms up to 250 sq.m. The unit is single-circuit, with a cast-iron heat exchanger and mechanical control.

Its parameters are:

• type of installation - floor;
• power consumption - independent;
• Efficiency - 90%;
• gas consumption - 1.5 m3 / hour;
• dimensions - 515x856x515 mm;
• weight - 115 kg.

Advantages:

• strength, reliability of the structure;
• stability, smooth operation;
• Italian accessories.

Flaws:

• large weight and size;
• some users find the ignition procedure unnecessarily complicated.

Boilers with a cast-iron heat exchanger are characterized by an even mode of operation, the absence of sudden temperature fluctuations.

Lemax Leader-35 35 kW

Another domestic boiler designed for large rooms. With a power of 35 kW, it is able to heat an area of ​​up to 350 square meters, which is suitable for a large house or public space.

Boiler parameters:

• type of installation - floor;
• power consumption - independent;
• Efficiency - 90%;
• gas consumption - 4 m3/hour;
• dimensions - 600x856x520 mm;
• weight - 140 kg.

Advantages:

• high power, the ability to heat a large room;
• stable and efficient work;
• double-circuit boiler, gives heat and hot water at the same time.

Flaws:

• large size and weight, requiring a separate room;
• gas consumption is quite high.

High power boilers are often used to heat several apartments or houses. This reduces the financial burden on homeowners, as the fuel bill is shared equally among all.

MORA-TOP SA 20 G 15 kW

Gas convection boiler made by Czech engineers. The power of the unit is 15 kW, suitable for work in a house up to 150 sq.m.

Main parameters:

• type of installation - floor;
• power consumption - independent;
• Efficiency - 92%;
• gas consumption - 1.6 m3/hour;
• dimensions - 365x845x525 mm;
• weight - 99 kg.

Advantages:

• independence from the supply of electricity;
• work stability;
• power is suitable for most medium-sized private houses.

Flaws:

• an atmospheric type burner needs a normal chimney and does not allow drafts in the room;
• relatively high price.

Compared to Russian counterparts, European boilers are noticeably more expensive. Users note excessive high cost, as well as interruptions in the supply of spare parts.

Siberia 11 11.6 kW

Domestic single-circuit gas boiler. Suitable for small rooms up to 125 sq.m. This is due to the boiler power of 11.6 kW.

Specifications:

• type of installation - floor;
• power consumption - independent;
• Efficiency - 90%;
• gas consumption - 1.18 m3 / hour;
• dimensions - 280x850x560 mm;
• weight - 52 kg.

Advantages:

• stable work;
• unpretentious, economical boiler. Fuel consumption is noticeably lower than that of analogues from other manufacturers;
• ease of management and maintenance;
• relatively low price.

Flaws:

• the declared indicators are not always achieved, the boiler power is sometimes not enough;
• difficult and inconvenient ignition.

Non-volatile boilers are optimal in Russian conditions. In cold weather, it is too dangerous to remain without heating, so the independence of boilers is highly valued by users.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any type of heater, such equipment has its own pros and cons.

The pluses include:

• high fire safety;
• prolonged increase in room temperature;
• energy savings;
• high strength;
• freedom of placement.

Due to the quartz plate, the heaters are very safe - they do not have an extremely high temperature on their surface that causes a fire. Water is not terrible for them either - the heating elements are protected from moisture by a stove.

Despite the relatively slow heating of the surface, the quartz slab cools very slowly.Due to this, the temperature is maintained for a very long time - it gradually gives off heat, maintaining the climate in the room.

In the living room Quartz mixtures are very durable and withstand high temperatures, moisture and other factors. The only failure of such heaters is a wiring problem. Its strength depends solely on the reliability of the manufacturer and the conditions of use.

Wall heaters are fully consistent with their name and are placed on the wall - this saves a lot of space during its use and storage. According to statistics, they are safer than outdoor ones - there is less risk that combustible materials will fall on the heated parts.

The disadvantages include:

• slow heating;
• exactingness to placement;
• great weight.

Heating a quartz plate is not the fastest process. Compared to conventional heaters, MKTEN heats up much longer, slowly raising the temperature in the room to a comfortable value.

Near the sofa

MKTENs require preliminary preparation. Most models are attached with dowels, so if you need to change its location, you have to make additional holes in the walls.

A quartz slab is comparable in mass to a concrete slab, therefore, its installation is not an easy task. This imposes certain requirements on the strength of fasteners and the wall itself.

Design and economy

Each manufacturer tries to follow the fashion trends of the modern era. Therefore, the appearance of both convectors and quartz heaters is always varied and changes over time, due to which they fit perfectly into the interior of an ordinary city apartment, cottage or country house.At will, you can choose the color of the body or purchase removable glass nozzles of various colors on the front surface of the convector, such as, for example, with NOBO convectors.

On the heater and convector Nobo in the interior

Due to the design features, quartz heaters are somewhat thinner and more compact than traditional convectors. In terms of economy, it is believed that quartz heaters are more economical than conventional convectors. An electric convector, consuming electricity in the amount of 100 W, generates heat by 95-98 W. That is, the efficiency of its work is from 95% to 98%. These figures are valid for outdoor temperatures down to -24 °C, while indoor temperatures can be maintained down to 29 °C.

Efficiency data of a quartz heater, according to various sources, with a consumption of 300 watts, can generate heat from 500 watts to 900 watts. However, it is worth noting here that some experimental data indicate that such indicators are valid at a small negative outdoor temperature, while the indoor air temperature does not exceed 20-21°C.

How to choose a convector heater?

Yes, very simply - in terms of thermal power. This parameter must correspond to the heat loss of the room. (online heater power calculator)

And now the details:

The thermal power of the convector should level out the standard heat losses - 41 watts per cubic meter of heated space or 1000 watts per 10 square meters of room area with a ceiling height of up to 3 meters.

That is, when deciding which convector heater to choose, it is necessary to calculate the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe house or office or warehouse, or even better - the volume of the heated room. After that, the first figure (area) is divided by ten, and the second - volume - is multiplied by 41, obtaining the primary value of heat loss. Next, we should increase the losses by a quarter (by 25 percent), after which we can go to the store in search of a convector with the required heat output.

In addition, you need to pay attention to the presence in the design of the vending model of modules for automating the process of space heating, implemented on the basis of thermostats that turn the heat exchanger on and off. A convector without an automation module consumes much more energy than a heater with "artificial intelligence". And you should also pay attention to the material of the heat exchanger itself.

Moreover, we strongly advise you to buy a convector with a ceramic heater

And you should also pay attention to the material of the heat exchanger itself. Moreover, we strongly advise you to buy a convector with a ceramic heater. After all, a ceramic convector heater does not dry the air and does not “burn” oxygen in the room, keeping the air quality in almost pristine condition.

After all, a ceramic convector heater does not dry the air and does not “burn” oxygen in the room, keeping the air quality in almost pristine condition.

And do not forget about the "power" of the device - if you do not have gas, then you will have to buy an electric convector. Well, if you have a ready-made heating system of the traditional type, then you can use a water or oil heater of the “radiator” type as a convector.

Additional functions

In an effort to expand the range and attract customers, convector manufacturers build various additional modes into the devices. Whether it's worth paying extra for these features is up to you.

The most useful additional features of convector heaters:

• Thermostat. It makes it possible to set the most comfortable mode, divided into mechanical and electronic types. The latter is much more convenient because it allows you to choose a more accurate temperature value.
• Timer. Allows you to automatically turn off the device after a certain time.
• Temperature memory. When switched on, it automatically heats up to the set values.
• Built-in ionizer. Attracts dust and saturates the air with negatively charged ions. If you are concerned about health, it is better to choose a model with a similar function.
• Remote control. A convenient feature that allows you to control the device without leaving your seat.
• Rollover protection. Allows you to turn off the device in cases such as a sudden fall, which can be very important in apartments where there are babies or pets.

As for the appearance of convectors, here everyone chooses a model in accordance with personal preferences and the interior of their room.

The only detail that parents of babies should pay attention to is that the device does not have sharp corners and protruding edges.

Diagram of the internal structure and materials

As mentioned above, the main task of the heating system - heating the air - is solved by a heat exchanger. Therefore, the choice of its configuration, size and material of manufacture should be carried out with particular care. In the first two points (configuration and size) there is a consensus.

So, the most effective is the S-shaped position of the tubes in a finned radiator, which ensures uniform heating of the metal and rapid return of the body to the passing stream. Dimensions are set in proportion to the power of the device. With the material of manufacture is more difficult.

The buyer or assembler of the system will have to choose from several options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

The most popular are:

1. Steel is cheap, heats up quickly, but also cools down quickly. It is subject to corrosion, and therefore is relatively short-lived, gradually loses its effectiveness during operation.
2. Cast iron is another budget solution, but more promising than steel. Cast iron is fragile, so it should be carefully installed, and the large specific gravity of the material imposes additional requirements on the reliability of mounting the system on the wall. Among the advantages of cast iron is a high heat capacity, that is, the ability to give off accumulated heat for a long time even after the burner is turned off.
3. Aluminum alloys - due to their low weight, high strength and chemical stability, they are able to function reliably for a long time. In terms of heat capacity, they are practically not inferior to cast iron, but they are much more expensive.
4. Copper - provides maximum heat capacity, is practically not subject to corrosion, perfectly withstands temperature and pressure drops, is convenient in molding and installation. However, you will have to pay well for such versatility - copper heat exchangers are the most expensive of those offered on the market today.

After analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each of the materials, we can conclude that in gas convectors of industrial production, heat exchangers made of cast iron and aluminum alloys are preferable, as they provide the best value for money.

In homemade devices, it is better to give preference to aluminum alloys or copper as more reliable and less demanding on the skills of the assembler.

Another dilemma to be solved is whether the system is equipped with an open or closed type combustion chamber.

1. An open chamber takes cold air directly from the room, warming it up and removing combustion products into the external environment. However, if the installation is wrong, the exhaust is not efficient enough, or the room is poorly ventilated, there may be a lack of oxygen and an increase in the concentration of carbon monoxide. It is recommended to install a convector with an open combustion chamber only in non-residential premises.
2. The closed chamber injects atmospheric air through a coaxial pipeline. In the opposite direction, combustion products move along it, which preheat clean air through the pipeline wall. Such a system is more reliable and safer, it is compact and easy to install. However, a closed chamber is not without certain drawbacks - its operation requires electricity, which is not always convenient in country conditions, in addition, the price of a convector with a closed-type burner is always higher.

And the last feature that was already mentioned above is the presence of a fan heater. Everything is simple here - the more powerful the fan, the faster the heated air will reach remote rooms and walls, providing a more even distribution of heat.And as the fan power increases, the noise level and power consumption increase. In powerful devices, the fan also prevents the heat exchanger from overheating, thereby extending its service life.

Rating of the best floor convectors by operational and technical parameters

As already noted, water floor convectors are the most popular today. They are divided into two large groups - with forced and natural ventilation.

The difference between them is the presence of a special fan designed to increase the level of air convection in the room. Obviously, it is advisable to determine the best floor convectors for each of the types separately.

Water radiator with natural circulation

The heating system with natural circulation has a simpler design and, as a result, a slightly lower cost.

Among the large number of models of such equipment on the market, the products of four manufacturers stand out, producing the best floor convectors with natural circulation.

These include:

1. Techno heat. Deservedly considered one of the most popular brands of heating equipment in Russia. Among the main advantages of products manufactured under the Technoheat trademark is a combination of a high level of reliability and quality with an affordable cost and a variety of models. The most popular are water convectors KVZ, which are manufactured in several standard sizes.

2. Eva. A popular domestic manufacturer that has been successfully operating on the Russian market for a long time. It produces various types of convectors, including wall, floor and floor.Among the main advantages of the manufactured equipment is a reasonable price, which is complemented by good performance properties.

3. Kermi. The manufacturer from the Czech Republic is one of the most prominent participants in the Russian heating equipment market, producing a wide range of various radiators and other types of heating appliances. Floor convectors from Kermi are also in great demand, slightly yielding in some indicators to the products of the manufacturers listed above in this list.

4. Mohlenhoff. The traditional and well-known German quality did not allow this brand to take a higher place in the ranking of the best floor convectors for one simple and quite logical reason - higher cost compared to competitors

At the same time, it is important to note that in most other parameters, Mohlenhoff products are not inferior to products from other manufacturers listed in the rating.

Floor radiator with forced convection

A heating system using floor-mounted forced convection radiators provides for the presence of one or more fans. Their number is determined by the size of the convector and the requirements for the performance of the system.

Such heating devices cost the owner of the building much more expensive, but they have increased heating efficiency parameters.

Among the most popular floor radiators with forced convection, it is necessary to highlight the products of the following companies:

1. Technoheat and Mohlenhoff. It is extremely difficult to single out the undisputed leader in this category of heating equipment.The fact is that the manufacturer from Germany occupies a leading position in the premium segment of floor convectors, while Technoheat dominates among relatively inexpensive and budget models. Among the latter, it is necessary to single out KVZV and KVZV-TX, which are in high demand in the domestic market.

2. Breeze. A well-known Russian manufacturer whose products directly compete with the currently more popular Technoheat brand. Among the advantages of heating equipment from the Breeze company are variety, affordable cost and excellent product design.

3. Minib. Another manufacturer from the Czech Republic, whose trademark, along with Kermi, is one of the most recognizable floor convectors on the Russian market. The main advantages of Minib radiators include European quality and excellent performance parameters.