How to choose a convector heater: a comparative review and recommendations before buying

The best oil heaters for summer cottages

Hyundai H–H09-09–UI848

Oil, floor radiator from the South Korean company Hyundai is designed for rooms of 20 m2. Its power is 2000 watts. With the help of two control knobs, you can set the desired temperature.The radiator case consists of 9 sections. The standard size of the sections is compact, it is 112 mm. The thermostat is made of high quality copper alloy.

For convenient movement, the set includes legs on wheels and a recessed handle on the case. During the work does not emit unpleasant smells. The thermostat is convenient and easy to use. At the bottom of the structure is a special hook for winding the cord. By the way, the cord is full-length, which greatly simplifies the operation of the device.

Pros:

• heating is fast, efficient;
• unpleasant technical odors are absent;
• simple control;
• Easy to move with wheels and handles
• good build quality.

Cons: none.

Timberk TOR 21.1507 BC/BCL

Suitable for apartments, cottages and offices. Designed for space heating up to 20 m2. It can serve as the main source of heat in a room up to 15 m2. With the help of special knobs, the power level can be set to 3 positions: 500, 1000, 1500 watts. The higher the power, the faster the room will warm up. The second rotary knob controls the thermostat and helps you set the desired temperature setting. The set comes with wheels for easy movement. The battery includes 7 sections. The heater uses Steel Safety technology. With its help, the radiator sections are securely connected by internal welds. The design is protected from overheating. From its side there is a frame for winding the cable. On top of the case there is a handle for transportation. The design is elegant, the color is milky white, suitable for any room.

Pros:

• heats up in a few minutes, cools down slowly;
• due to mobility, it is easy to transport from room to room;
• compactness saves space;
• mechanical temperature setting is clear and simple.

Minuses:

there are no additional functions, for example, a timer.

Features of various types of infrared heaters

The result of the IR heater is similar to the effect of the sun. Radiant heat immediately warms a person, bypassing the air, which increases the efficiency of the device. Walls and objects gradually heat up, which also begin to reflect heat. According to the type of energy carrier, all infrared heaters are divided into electric, gas and liquid fuel. For heating domestic premises use electric and gas infrared heaters. At the same time, gas is used much less often.

Electric IR heaters

Electric infrared heaters can be divided into light and dark ones. Light or short-wave IR heaters have glass tubes with spirals enclosed inside as a heating element. They are able to heat up to temperatures over 60C and emit quite bright light. These appliances produce very intense heat in the direction their heating elements face.

Dark or long-wave IR heaters have an operating temperature of less than 60 C and are available in the form of heat-generating panels and films. Most often, such heaters have an operating temperature of 30 C to 40 C. This allows you to hang such devices on a wall or ceiling. IR heaters of this type are not capable of overheating the human body, they can be turned on for a long time.

Principle of operation electric infrared heater It consists in applying voltage to the heating element, where, thanks to the internal design, the thermal energy is converted into electromagnetic waves emitted in the infrared range, and the metal reflector contributes to their distribution throughout the room. In the case of thin plates (wall models), heat is distributed over short distances.

A person feels IR rays in the range from 5.6 to 100 microns, starting from which they produce heaters with short (2-4 m), medium (3-6 m) and long-range (6-12 m) action. Depending on this, heaters are used both in ordinary houses and apartments, and in production for heating workshops and hangars.

Electric infrared heaters are produced in vertical and horizontal cases. According to the type of installation, they are floor-low, floor-mounted with a high rack, wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted. The equipment is effective both indoors and outdoors.

Gas infrared heaters

The principle of operation of a gas infrared heater is similar in the final result to an electric one - radiant heat in the infrared range is also released here. But to create it, a ceramic plate is used. It is heated by a supply of natural gas and air combined in a mixing chamber where flameless combustion takes place. As a result, the main heat is transferred to the porous ceramic plate. The heated ceramics begin to emit IR rays into the room.

This type of equipment is more mobile because it is powered by a cylinder. The latter is installed next to or can be diverted from the device thanks to a long hose. The design of some heaters allows you to hide the cylinder inside the case.

According to the form and type, gas infrared heaters are:

• household (house, cottage);
• camping (for a tent);
• on a high stand (for street cafes, viewing platforms).

Now, understanding the principle of operation of the main types of this equipment, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of infrared heaters relative to oil or convection ones. This will help you make the right choice for heating an apartment, house, open area or workplace.

Top 4. Ballu BEC/EZER-1000

Rating (2020): 4.25

Considered 93 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, Ozon

• Nomination

  Best functionality

  The Ballu Enzo BEC/EZER-1000 convector has a housing protected from moisture and dust, child protection, tipping and overheating protection and a built-in air ionizer.

• Characteristics
  • Average price, rub.: 4 070
  • Country: China
  • Heating power, W: 1000
  • Number of modes: 1
  • Mounting: wall, floor
  • Management: electronic
  • Programming: yes
  • Features: ionizer

A device with a power of 1000 W easily heats a room up to 15 sq.m. Thanks to the thermostat, you can control its operation. In case of overheating or tipping over, the device will turn off automatically to avoid damage. The convector is equipped with a timer, which can be set for up to 24 hours, to ensure operation for the specified time. The strengths of this model in the reviews of buyers include quiet operation, small dimensions and fast heating. She is one of the few equipped with an air ionizer. Wheels are provided for ease of movement. The device is connected to a household network 220/230V, thanks to which it can be installed in any apartment. Among the shortcomings are low power and unsuccessful design of the legs, which is why the convector is unstable.

Pros and cons

• Modern design
• Compact design
• Security Features
• Heats up quickly
• Doesn't dry out the air

• Lack of control panel
• Short cable
• Instability

Feature Comparison

The speed of air heating by convectors is very low, but they allow to achieve the most uniform temperature distribution. It will not be possible to warm up in a cold room from a convector heater, you will have to wait several hours. The heat from the infrared emitter can be felt almost immediately, and there will be no accumulation of warm air near the ceiling. You can direct the beams directly to the area where the person is located.

Ease of use depends on instrument configuration. Wall models of convectors do not take up additional space and are easy to use. Stand-alone appliances can interfere with movement. Portable infrared heaters require a large area for placement. To free up space, it is recommended to purchase suspended models that can be placed on walls or ceilings.

Unlike infrared heaters, convectors do not require monitoring of their operation. The device can be safely left switched on unattended. Infrared devices are characterized by a greater fire hazard, so it is recommended to use them with constant monitoring.

Do not direct the radiation of infrared devices on surfaces that can be damaged by elevated temperatures. Nearby furniture and furnishings can become very hot.

The environmental friendliness of infrared heaters is higher, since they do not contribute to significant air movements inside the room.Convectors carry out constant circulation, as a result of which dust can rise into the air. But none of the devices of both types emit harmful substances during operation.

Convectors reduce the level of humidity much more strongly, so they are recommended to be used in conjunction with humidifiers.

have great durability

Energy costs depend on operating conditions. Studies show that infrared heaters are more economical than convectors. Savings in the use of infrared radiation is achieved due to the high heating rate. After reaching the desired temperature, the infrared heater can be turned off, but heated objects will retain heat for a long time. And the convector often has to work continuously.

It is not possible to unambiguously determine which heating method is better. The choice always depends on the specific tasks and operating conditions. A good solution would be to combine devices. You can purchase a combined heater or use two devices with a different principle of operation.

Wall mounted electric convector

A wall convector is more efficient than a floor convector. A heater located vertically is more efficient, has a greater heat transfer, the convention process is better.

Most often, fasteners are sold with a heater, but sometimes you have to buy it separately. Too strong fasteners are not needed, since heat convectors usually weigh little.

Advantages

The convector, located on the wall, does not take up space on the floor. The wires from the device will not interfere and get under your feet. Therefore, this is the best option for small apartments.

Flaws

Wall convectors are stationary and cannot be moved from room to room.It heats only the room where it is installed.

Inverter heaters for home

Today, air conditioners are no longer perceived by many as devices that can only cool the house in the summer heat. They can also easily cope with the task of heating the room in the cold season.

Many consumers wall-mounted heating systems that use inverter air conditioning are attracted primarily by their environmental friendliness. The fact is that during the operation of inverter devices there is no combustion of fuel, which means the absence of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. These devices are also highly economical and easy to use.

They have another important advantage - they can be used to heat rooms much larger than other types of electric heaters are capable of.

Water convectors: efficient and effective

Water-type convectors are modern devices that are an excellent alternative to standard radiators. The devices are successfully used in autonomous heating systems of private houses and apartments, as well as in centralized heating networks. Water convectors are reliable, economical and durable, their efficiency is about 95%.

Varieties of water devices

Water convector devices are an ideal solution for rooms with a large glass area. Depending on the model, a water convector can be either an independent heating unit or a source of additional heating.

Thanks to various form factors of equipment, the issue of heating can be solved not only efficiently, but also effectively.

Water convectors are:

• floor;
• wall;
• plinth;
• intrafloor;
• embedded.

All of them occupy a minimum of space, and in the case of a hidden installation, they even save usable space. Installation into the wall, floor, steps, under furniture allows you to save such valuable square meters and provide comfortable heating. Underfloor devices with drainage can be successfully used in rooms with swimming pools, greenhouses, winter gardens, etc.

At the individual request of the customer, the body of the water convector can be painted in almost any color, as well as decorated with wood or other materials.

A variety of design - from laconic classic to bright modern - allows you to easily fit the units into any interior.

Features of various equipment modifications

Water wall convectors are a steel case with a perforated grate located on top, in which a copper-aluminum heat exchanger is placed. The devices are mounted using a special mounting kit, which is necessarily included in their factory package.

Wall mounted convectors are an excellent choice for rooms that need fast and efficient heating and have enough free space for wall mounting. This is the best solution for children's rooms and bedrooms. Not suitable for heating continuous glazing that goes into the floor.

Floor water convectors are usually installed in rooms with a low window sill. They can also be installed near panoramic windows if, due to the low height of the screed, it is not possible to mount the underfloor unit. In addition to the housing with a heat exchanger, such devices are structurally supplemented with a steel supporting base.

Some manufacturers offer water convectors with air conditioning.Thanks to this 2 in 1 equipment, you can heat the room during the cold season, and cool it in the summer.

Such convectors somewhat clutter up the space, however, they fit perfectly into rooms with a modern interior in the style of a loft, modern, high-tech, avant-garde.

Plinth water heaters are practical and compact. The low thermal tension of such convectors allows them to be mounted right next to furniture and various decorative elements. This gives a huge advantage in terms of space organization.

Floor-mounted structures are used to cut off cold air flows coming from windows. The units allow you to effectively solve the problem of condensation on large window glazing (“weeping windows”). Built into the floor level, they do not take up space at all and do not interfere with enjoying a panoramic view.

After installation, floor convectors are covered with a special grating that performs a protective and decorative role.

quartz heater

The definition of "quartz heater" includes many heating devices, including heat guns with built-in blocks of mineral elements that retain heat. But these are all the tricks of marketers trying to exploit the popularity of classic quartz heaters, which are a monolithic slab with a heating element built inside.

Structure

In a heating device, the heating element is hermetically sealed in a slab of pure quartz or a mixture with white clay (ceramic quartz device).To do this, the raw material is pressed and then sintered in a furnace at high temperature. The result is a strong but brittle layer that performs several functions at once:

• prevents oxygen from entering the heating element - there is no oxidation process when heated;
• accumulates heat, like stones in a village bath;
• transmits infrared radiation.

The rear wall of the case is covered with a screen that reflects IR rays - the vast majority of manufacturers offer to buy it separately, not including it in the package. Between it and the panel in some models you can find a profiled heat exchanger. A number of manufacturers put the device in a metal case. In general, the design is simple, while non-separable.

The downside of this structure is the lack of a thermostat. Technologists deliberately do not install it - there is nowhere to mount it. In the case, it will react to the heat of the shell, and when removed to a sufficient distance from the stove, a set of a temperature sensor and a thermostat is needed, which must be mounted on a permanent basis. And this is depriving the quartz battery of mobility.

Principle of operation

During the operation of a quartz heater, two principles of heat transfer are used: convector and wave. In the first case, the device works in the same way as a conventional central heating battery: it heats the air around it, which rises, giving way to colder air masses. According to the second method, infrared rays, having overcome the quartz shell, heat the floor, walls, furniture, i.e. everything material that is encountered on the path of the rays.

The device operation algorithm is as follows:

• after switching on, the heating element quickly becomes red-hot and begins to emit infrared rays;
• passing through the quartz shell, the waves give off part of the energy to it, from which the panel heats up;
• all objects around begin to slowly heat up;
• after 20-30 min. the case is heated to a temperature of +95oС, after which the convection method of heating begins to work: warm air flows begin to rise to the ceiling, giving way to cold air;
• the heated panel practically does not take energy from the wave radiation - it starts to work at full power and IR heating;
• the surface in the reach of infrared rays heats up;
• heated objects themselves become sources of heat, heating, in turn, the air around them;
• after turning off the panel, it cools down for a long time, maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room.

Specifications

Most of the quartz panels have the following characteristics:

• rated power - 0.4-0.8 kW;
• weight - 12-14 kg;
• linear dimensions - 60x35x2.5 cm;
• cooling rate - 2oС per minute;
• the average efficiency of the device (not to be confused with the beautiful figure of the efficiency of using electricity, which is in the range of 98-99%) - 87-94% (this includes the loss of electricity from the resistance of the wiring inside the apartment and ceiling heating);
• body temperature - about + 95oС;
• panel warm-up time to the optimum mark - 20-30 minutes.

What are infrared heaters?

According to the type of energy source used for heating

1. Diesel. For heating, an air-diesel mixture is used, which is fed through nozzles to heated electrodes and ignites upon contact with air. When the mixture burns, infrared rays are produced. This type is designed for large areas with good ventilation.
2. Gas.They consist of a device for supplying a gas mixture, a piezo element, a ceramic heating element, a housing and a protective grille.
   The gas mixture, ignited by means of a piezo ignition, is fed onto a ceramic grate consisting of many small cells. The grating, warming up, begins to emit infrared rays. It is noteworthy that such devices can be used for cooking or in order to melt ice, or warm up the engine.
3. Electrical. Electricity is used to heat the elements of the device. This type of heat emitters is most often used as a heater for home and summer cottages.

According to the length of the emitted waves

The spectrum of infrared waves is usually divided into short-wave (0.7 - 2.0 microns), medium-wave (2.0 - 3.5 microns) and long-wave (more than 3.5 microns) parts. The higher the temperature of the source of infrared waves in the device, the more short-wavelength is its radiation.

1. Shortwave. They emit IR waves with a length of 0.74 - 2.5 microns. This is the visible spectrum of radiation. Halogen lamps are used as a heating element. At this wavelength, burns can occur in the immediate vicinity of the device, and objects and surfaces can heat up to the ignition temperature, keep this in mind when installing heaters.
2. Medium wave. The temperature of the emitters of the middle spectrum reaches 700 ° C. At the same time, the glow passes into the visible part of the spectrum and has a color from red to orange. Quartz tubes with a tungsten filament inside are used as a radiator in such units. Instead of quartz, ceramic or perforated aluminum can be used. Devices of this type are recommended to be installed on the ceiling at a height of at least 3 meters.Mobile designs of medium-wave heaters are equipped with a rotating mechanism that rotates the reflector to avoid overheating of surfaces. Medium-wave heaters are suitable for heating and heating industrial premises, open spaces and houses with high ceilings of a large area.
3. Long-wave heaters consist of a radiator heated by a heating element, other design solutions can also be used, for example, a sealed container with quartz sand, heated by a spiral located inside it. The temperature of the emitters of short-wave devices is lower than that of the first two categories; they are most often used for use at home and in the country.

According to the method of installation and fastening

1. Ceiling;
2. Wall mounted;
3. Floor and mobile;
4. Plinth - a new direction in installation. Long-wave heaters are mounted along the perimeter of the room at the level of the plinth or in a plinth of a special design. As a rule, they are used in addition to ceiling medium waves.

How to calculate the power of the heater?

In order for the room to heat up evenly and enough for a comfortable stay, you need to calculate how many and what power of heating devices you need. As a rule, power is calculated at the rate of 100 watts per square meter. But in practice, it is also worth considering the material of the walls of the house, the number and area of ​​​​glazing, the height of the ceilings, drafts, the number and material of furniture in the room, and other factors. The best solution would be to use a combination of heaters, ceiling and wall, with a power budget 10-15% higher than required, and with temperature control.So, in case of abnormal cold or failure of one of the devices, you will be sure that you will not freeze.

Rating of the best electric floor convectors

Rating	#1	#2	#3
Name	Timberk TEC.PS1 LE 1500 IN	Royal Clima REC-M1500M	Ballu Plaza BEP E-1000

Royal Clima REC-M1500M

The convector for the house Royal Clima REC-M1500M will become a source of heat for a room with an area of ​​​​no more than 2 m2. Has 3 power levels.

there is a thermostat. Mechanical temperature control.

pros

• rollover shutdown;
• shutdown in case of overheating;
• large heating area;
• not bulky;
• works silently;
• easy to move around the apartment;

Minuses

Scoole SC HT HM1 1000W

Despite the low cost, the Scoole SC HT HM1 1000W convector is quite powerful. Designed for rooms up to 20 m2.

This figure is more than many expensive models. Thanks to the mikathermic heating element, the device quickly reaches the set temperature.

The material was stainless steel, which explains the low price of the unit.

pros

• low price;
• precise thermostat of mechanical type;
• heating area 20 m2;
• nice design;
• fast heating.

Minuses

Electrolux ECH AG-1500EF

This convector is able to heat a room up to 15 m2. Power - 1500 watts.

Thanks to protective screens, the unit is easy to move without burning your hands. The body heats up 20% less than other convectors.

Quickly reaches the required temperature. Heating will occur in 75 seconds.

The efficiency is very high - more than 90%.

pros

• high efficiency;
• profitability;
• practically does not dry the air;
• modern design;
• rapid heating up to the set temperature.

Minuses

• price;
• the convector is not able to heat a room of such an area as the manufacturer claims.

Ballu Plaza BEP E-1000

Many buyers call this convector the best. The power of the model is 1000 watts.

There are remote control and electronic control that can be programmed. The glass-ceramic panel looks expensive and stylish, it looks like a plasma TV with wheels.

The convector is equipped with three heating programs. It is convenient that the device has 10 modes, which allows you to set the most comfortable settings.

There is an anti-freeze mode. The equipment is able to heat a room with an area of ​​​​no more than 15 m2.

pros

• works without noise;
• remote control;
• good indicator of efficiency;
• 10 operating modes;
• the heating element is made of aluminium.

Minuses

Timberk TEC.PS1 LE 1500 IN

The rating of floor type convectors is opened by the well-known manufacturer of thermal equipment Timberk. This model is not only a high-tech heater, but also an air ionizer.

Able to provide heat to a room up to 15-17 m2. Electronic control, the thermostat has high accuracy.

You can set any optimal settings. The device allows you to make both very hot and cooler.

Warm mode will help save energy. The convector practically does not dry the air, which makes staying in a room heated by such a unit pleasant and comfortable.

pros

• stylish modern design;
• on/off timer within 24 hours;
• two heating modes;
• precise thermostat of electronic type;
• air ionizer.

Minuses

Water heating convectors built into the floor

Convectors built into the floor are installed in apartments and private houses, in car dealerships, entertainment venues, hospitals, shops and other organizations. In rooms with a large glazing area - swimming pools, greenhouses, airport buildings, on the terraces of country houses and cottages - an underfloor heating convector will be the best choice.

The price of a floor water convector depends on the manufacturer of the device, its dimensions and type, design features and technical characteristics.

Design

A water heating convector built into the floor is a heat exchanger placed in a special casing. The heat exchanger is a copper-aluminum heating element with high resistance to corrosion, which is connected to a hot water heating system.

The casing of a built-in convector is usually made of thick sheets of galvanized or stainless steel and provides reliable protection of the floor covering in case of possible leakage.

The casing with the heat exchanger is installed in a pre-prepared niche in the floor or directly into the cement screed and is closed with a decorative grille that makes invisible and protects the interior of floor-mounted heating radiators.

In other words, the visible part of the built-in convector is a decorative grille located on the same level with the floor covering, which can be made of various materials with a wide variety of textures, shapes and colors, and additionally painted in the required color, in accordance with the wishes of the client. .

Types of floor convectors

Floor convectors are divided into two types:

• convectors with natural convection;
• convectors with forced convection, with a built-in tangential fan, which contributes to a more intensive heat exchange.

As a rule, convectors with a fan are used as the main heating device in the room.

Convectors with natural convection are auxiliary heating devices. They are designed to isolate large windows and doorways from cold air and are used with underfloor heating or radiator heating systems.

A control system can be connected to floor convectors of any type.

Advantages

Water convectors built into the floor have undoubted advantages compared to conventional heating radiators:

• saving space, due to the fact that heating radiators are located in the floor;
• attractive appearance that does not violate the overall aesthetics of the interior and can fit into the design of any direction;
• a wide variety of standard sizes, allowing you to choose a heating device for the parameters of the room, providing the necessary heat transfer;
• reliability, efficiency and durability of devices, provided by the use of high quality corrosion-resistant materials.