Which is better, convector or fan heater - comparison

How to choose a ceiling infrared heater

Ceiling infrared type devices are installed in residential buildings, in open areas, in greenhouses and in industries.

What are IR devices

There are IR devices for outdoor and indoor installation on the market. Manufacturers produce household and industrial models that differ in appearance, heating temperature and power. There are samples for rooms with a high level of humidity (saunas) and with explosion protection.

Ceiling-type infrared heaters are:

• with and without thermostat
• gas;
• electrical;
• with open and closed coolant.

There are differences in the wavelength emitted by the device:

• shortwave, designed for rooms with a height of 6 m;
• medium wave - for objects 3-6 m high;
• long-wave - installed in rooms up to 3 m high.

Heating elements are:

• carbon fiber (heating occurs due to carbon filaments);
• quartz (heating is carried out by a tungsten filament);
• ceramic (the case of such a device does not heat up);
• tubular (heaters);
• halogen (the coolant is an inert gas, which is in the tube).

Manufacturers produce low and high temperature models. For small rooms choose dark samples (do not glow when heated) with low temperatures. For large production areas, light-type heaters are chosen. They are used in stadiums, warehouses, open marketplaces.

For greater efficiency of the ceiling-type IR heater, a thermal curtain is installed together with the device. It retains heat and reduces energy losses.

Advantages of infrared heaters

The efficiency of devices is 95-98%. The room is heated vertically, in the direction from bottom to top. Thanks to this, heat fills the room faster, energy consumption is reduced by 5-10% for each degree saved. The operation of IR devices does not require constant human control. They are cheap compared to other heaters. Since ceiling systems are static and contain no moving parts, maintenance is minimal and no maintenance is required.

Also, IR heaters have advantages in comparison with other types:

• high heating rate;
• since there are no fans in models of this type, they operate silently;
• easy and quick to install;
• do not emit light;
• fireproof;
• the possibility of heating a separate zone of the room is provided;
• IR rays have a positive effect on the body.

Minuses

A relatively new type of equipment for space heating has a number of disadvantages:

• after turning off the room cools quickly;
• there is a limitation in the power of the heat flux (if it exceeds 350 W / m², the radiation becomes harmful to the body);
• paintings, objects made of artificial materials are not placed in the zone of action of the rays (they can be deformed when heated);
• when buying a ceiling appliance, take into account that the distance from the heating source to the person’s head must be at least 50 cm;
• installation on a ceiling made of materials that are not resistant to heat is not allowed.

Subtleties of choice

Depending on the heated area and operating conditions, the number of heaters is calculated. For a small room, one device is installed, for working in large areas - several. When choosing a model, a number of indicators are taken into account.

1. Before choosing a ceiling infrared heater, determine on what area it should work. For industrial, office and warehouse premises of a large area, powerful light-type heaters are chosen.
2. An important indicator is the condition of the ceiling. Beams, ceilings, tension structures must support the weight of the model.
3. The height of the ceiling must ensure normal heat flow.
4. Heat carrier type.
5. For ceiling mounting, light models with an aluminum case, film devices are chosen.
6. The presence of a remote control, overheating sensor, thermostat in the sample. With these devices, the maintenance of the model is simplified.
7. Several models are installed on a large area.

Subject to the selection rules, the device will last a long time, and power consumption will be minimal.

Installation subtleties

Heaters are installed parallel to windows, doors, external walls. If you plan to install several devices, make a calculation to ensure uniform heating of the room.

One heater, mounted on the ceiling at a height of 2.5 m, operates on an average of 20 m². On sale there are suspended heaters and built-in models.

The difference between a convector and a fan heater

Despite some similarities between these devices, they also have fundamental differences. Convectors, as you might guess from the name, work on the principle of convection of air flows. Air enters the appliance through the lower grate, passes through the heating element, thereby raising its temperature, and returns to the room through the upper grate. The hot layer moves up, and the cold cooling air descends. The larger the heating element, the faster the room will heat up. As soon as the device is turned off, the air begins to cool.

During the operation of the device, the temperature is automatically monitored in order to avoid excessive heating of the air. In the mechanical version, control is possible due to the presence of a ceramic plate, and in the electronic version, microcircuits are designed to implement this function. In the latter case, the specified temperature is maintained with an accuracy of 0.5 degrees, which leads to more economical power consumption during operation. Accordingly, the price of convectors with built-in electronics is higher.

They produce floor and wall models. Floor mounted in the center of the room for its uniform heating.It is advisable to hang wall hangings in places where cold air comes from, for example, an outer wall with windows.

A fan heater is a more budgetary, but no less effective heating device. Its principle of operation differs from the operation of a convector device. Cold air streams fall on the heating element and, with the help of a fan, spread throughout the room in a given direction. Thanks to the operation of the fan, there is a rapid mixing of cold and warm air masses. Its power is approximately 1.5 - 1.8 kW. Fan heaters are floor, wall, ceiling.

As an element that provides heating in such devices, use:

1. Open electric spirals. Devices with such an element are the most inexpensive and short-lived. During operation, they burn oxygen in the room and emit an unpleasant odor that is formed when dust and other particles get on the open surface of the spiral. Plus, it heats up the room very quickly.
2. closed spirals. They do not burn oxygen so much and at the same time warm the air very quickly.
3. Ceramic plates. Fan heaters with plates are the most successful option. They practically do not dry the air, do not pollute it with combustion products, heat up faster than spirals.

Device cost

The cost of devices may depend on their size, type of installation, power, type of device and its heating element, as well as on the manufacturer.

fan heaters	Cost, rub	Convectors	Cost, rub
ELECTROLUX EFH/C 5115 (ceramic)	From 1399 to 1914	Ballu Solo BEC/SM-2000	From 3090 to 3600
Timberk TFH S10MMS	489 to 779	ELECTROLUX ECH/AG-1000 MFR	From 2100 to 3590
Ballu BFH/S-03N	From 449 to 599	Crown 2 kW N16	800 to 1470
VITEK VT-1759 SR (ceramic)	From 1798 to 2749	Ballu PLAZA BEP/EXT-1500	From 5509 to 6490
Scarlett SC-FH53K10 (ceramic)	From 1390 to 1690	Noirot Spot E4 1000W	From 6400 to 7000
WWQ TB-25W (ceramic wall mounted)	From 1950 to 2179	Tefal Vectissimo CQ3030	From 2800 to 3899
Supra TVS-PS15-2	From 890 to 1200	Polaris PCH 1588D	From 3990 to 4100

Oil heaters

Such heaters are considered the most popular today. According to the principle of operation and appearance, they resemble conventional central heating batteries. Only as a filler they use mineral oil, which is the heat carrier. So, heating up from an electric spiral, the oil transfers heat to the metal, and it, in turn, heats the space.

Advantages of oil heaters:

• do not burn oxygen;
• work in silent mode;
• have a high level of fire safety;
• most models are equipped with humidifiers;
• have a high heat capacity;
• retain heat for a long time (even when turned off);
• a wide range of models with timers, adjustable thermostats and fan heaters.

Cons of oil heaters:

• among other types of heaters, it is oil heaters that can have a lot of weight;
• models without humidifiers can dry the air;
• the room warms up relatively slowly and gradually.

Important! Never place oil-filled electric heaters in a horizontal position, they only work in a vertical position.And after transporting the equipment, oil heaters can be used no earlier than one hour after they are installed in a vertical position

Table of popular models

Below we have collected several popular models of fan heaters and oilers from different brands. This table will help you, at least approximately, decide which of the options is most suitable.

fan heater	oil heater
Model	Area sq. m	Cost m2	The cost of r.	Model	Area sq. m	Cost m2	The cost of r.
	20	39	780	Oil cooler Ballu Level BOH/LV-09 2 kW	25	129	3230
VITEK VT-2052 1.5 kW	20	139	2790	Timberk TOR 31.2912 QT 2.9 kW	29	195	5656
Zanussi ZFH/C-408 1.5 kW	20	92	1850	Electrolux EOH/M-5157N 1.5 kW	20	174	3490
Electrolux EFH/C-5125 Prime 1.5 kW	20	79	1590	General Climate NY12LA 1.2 kW	12	286	3440
Timberk TFH T15XCZ 1.5 kW	20	125	2500	Timberk TOR 51.2009 BTQ 2 kW	25	176	4409

It is also worth noting that today fan heaters or oil heaters are not the most economical heating methods. They are inferior, for example, to micathermic heaters, but, nevertheless, remain the most affordable means of generating heat in the home.

To complete the picture, below are some reviews from a popular forum about the use of fan heaters.

Good choice!

Oh, almost forgot... And for what purpose are you looking for a heating device?

What is the difference between a convector and a heater, and which is better to buy?

Colds are coming, and people are starting to think about which additional space heating devices should be used. In this case, it is best to use various heaters and convectors, and you will learn how a convector differs from a heater from this article.

The Russian market offers customers a huge variety of heaters of various types, including convectors and oil heaters. Many people consider these concepts to be identical, which is a big mistake. Yes, a convector is also a heater, but with its own special principle of operation.

Let's start considering ordinary heaters, which are much simpler. So, there are two types of such heaters - fan heaters and oil heaters.

fan heaters

What makes a fan heater good is its size: small, compact, does not take up much space in the room. It heats the room very quickly, and after 10 minutes the air temperature in it will be about 23-25 ​​degrees.

But these advantages are the only ones that fan heaters can boast of. The consumption of a large amount of energy and loud noise cause a lot of discomfort, and the inability to control the temperature of heating the room completely discourages the desire to use such a heater.

Oil heaters

With this type of business, things are better. In addition to the fact that this heater heats up the room very quickly, it is also the so-called "perpetual motion machine". And all this is due to the principle of operation of an oil heater - the main element in it is a non-flammable liquid (oil), in which the heating coil is located. This oil heats up and gives off heat to the heater body, due to which the temperature of the air around rises. Such a liquid is durable and does not require replacement during the operation of the device.

But even this seemingly ideal system has its drawbacks. And it again concerns the problem of room temperature control.Although such heaters have a heating control function, it does not work as well as we would like - the oil, due to slow cooling, will continue to heat the room even after reaching the desired temperature. But when the room cools down, it will take some time for the heater to warm up the room again. And the air is heated exclusively near the device.

Now let's move on to considering the principle of operation of convectors, which are rightfully considered an excellent example of a reliable home heater. How is a convector different from a heater? Yes, at least by its principle of operation - there are no heating coils, special liquids, and especially fans. Yes, and in appearance the convector is a small inconspicuous box with two unequal holes. But such a box will easily heat the room and will keep the set temperature in it.

The work of the convector is based on the simplest laws of physics. The device absorbs cold air through the bottom large hole and heats it up. Further, the warm air expands and, under high pressure, “breaks out” out through the upper small hole. In this simple way, uniform heating of the room is ensured.

Well, there are drawbacks to such a system. The heating of air by a convector is very badly combined with the ventilation of the room, because the device has to heat up more and more incoming flows of cold air, which can lead to its overheating and fire. Yes, and it consumes a lot of electricity.

In fact, absolutely every device has advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to the buyer to decide which one to choose.

We compare the principles of work

A fan heater or heat gun transfers heat using indirect heating. That is, the fan heater heats the air, and the heated air heats the surrounding objects. Obviously, warming up in this way will take more time.

Comparison with a heat gun

The IR heater uses direct heating. Infra-red rays or thermal radiation directly heat the objects that surround the heater.

IR heaters are wall, floor and ceiling. Infrared heaters can also be used for local heating in a large room. But, it is worth remembering that a long stay of a person in front of an IR heater causes discomfort and dryness on the skin.

Also, the temperature of the heating element of the infrared heater is very high, so it is not recommended to use it in rooms with increased fire hazard.

How fans look in the interior

Among the disadvantages of a fan heater, it can be noted that it dries the air and creates noise during operation.

Therefore, when choosing a model, pay attention to the noise during operation. Modern medium power models should have a noise figure no higher than 25-30 dB

Both types of heating devices are best used in rooms in which a person is not constantly located. For example, warehouse, utility room, garage, etc. We talk about choosing a heater for the hearth in the corresponding article: "Choosing a heater for the home."

Below, in the table, we summarized the main advantages and disadvantages of both types of devices.

fan heater against infrared heater
Flaws
Noise	Dries out skin and mucous membranes
Dries the air	High surface temperature
	Potential fire hazard
Advantages
low cost	Feeling natural warmth
Warm-up rate	Possibility to heat part of the room
	Ability to use outdoors

Device and principle of operation

A fan heater, by definition, must generate heat that is carried around the room by a fan.

Therefore, any such device consists of three mandatory components:

1. Frame.
2. Heating element.
3. Fan.

The case of budget models is made of cheap plastic, which can deform and even melt during prolonged use. It is advisable to purchase fan heaters in a metal shell, which is able to limit fire in case of overheating of internal elements.

There must be sufficient space behind the heater for the unobstructed flow of room air into the air intakes, which is why it is so important to install it correctly

The fan can have different power. The higher it is, the faster air is blown through the heating element, reducing the temperature of its surface. The speed of rotation of the impeller is often changed using the control knob.

Fans can be of two types:

• axial (bladed);
• tangential.

Axial fans have 3-8 blades of the usual type, which are made of plastic or metal. Such impellers are installed on portable models. Axial fans are noisy, but unpretentious in maintenance. They need to be periodically lubricated with engine oil.

Axial impellers are good because they practically do not require periodic cleaning, but their engine is located in the path of hot air, so it often fails

Tangential fans have the form of a cylinder with 20-30 blades in the form of longitudinally arranged strips. They are placed mainly in wall and vertical models.

Cylindrical design ensures quiet operation and high performance. The disadvantage of tangential fans is the need for periodic cleaning.

Horizontally located tangential fans must have bearings, otherwise after 1-2 years they will begin to vibrate and make noise

The heating elements are located in front of the impellers, which allows them to be cooled evenly. The rear position of the fan also helps to capture more air.

In addition to the main components, heaters can have additional equipment that expands their functionality.

Convectors - the principle of operation, advantages and disadvantages

The principle of operation of the device is based on the ability of air to heat up under the influence of natural convection. The air from the room penetrates the equipment, warms up to a comfortable temperature and enters the outside. The air flow fills the entire volume of the room through natural processes.

Convectors are classified according to the type of energy used:

• electrical equipment is the easiest device to operate, since its operation requires only a source of electricity and a competent choice of power;
• gas equipment - the operation of such a device is cheaper compared to an electrical counterpart, but the cost is slightly higher.The connection process is difficult, as a gas line is required.

According to the method of placement, convectors are divided into three groups:

• floor - the design provides wheels for greater mobility;
• wall-mounted - in this case, for better heating of the room, the device is mounted a few centimeters above the floor;
• combined - such models can be installed in any area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.

Convectors are equipped with two types of thermostats - electronic and bimetallic. Thanks to this device, the temperature in the room remains constant for a long time. It is better to give preference to models with an electronic thermostat, which clearly demonstrates the temperature in degrees Celsius. The graduation of bimetallic thermostats is less clear, as it is presented in conventional units.

Advantages and disadvantages of convectors

1. Long period of uninterrupted work.
2. Possibility of choosing the method of installation in the room.
3. The presence of thermostats, through which the temperature regime is adjusted.
4. Several devices can be combined to form a heating system for the entire building.
5. The equipment is safe.
6. The device operates silently.

A significant drawback of convector devices is the slow heating of the air, this is due to the limited possibilities of natural convection.

Top brands: Ballu, Polaris, ADAX, NeoClima, Electrolux, Stiebel, Eltron, Timberk, Nobo, Termor, Noirot.

The best choice is models equipped with a thermostat that determine the temperature in the room with an error of no more than one degree.

Recommendations for choosing the type of heater

So, for stationary space heating, you can safely choose an electric fireplace or a heat gun as the main source of heat in a private building.

It is first necessary to carry out all calculations of the power and area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room. As a source of additional heat or a means for emergency spot heating of certain areas, all other models are suitable.

A thermal curtain is suitable for equipping the entrance to a country mansion if its residents actively move from the street to the house or vice versa.

As sources of additional heat in case of a centralized network failure or insufficiently high temperature in the home, we recommend buying comfortable mobile oil radiators, convectors or safe infrared and macothermal systems.

In case of prompt injection of warm air in different rooms, we recommend purchasing a portable fan heater.

Fan heaters: device, pros and cons

Thermal fans are fundamentally different from convectors in their principle of operation. Their main function is to quickly bring the heated air masses into the volume of the room using forced ventilation.

The TV device, regardless of the model of the unit, is based on the location of a vane or turbine engine in front of the heating elements. All fan devices are powered by electrical energy. The exception is the so-called heat guns, which combine electricity and liquid fuel.

Three types of heating elements are used in TV:

• open spiral;
• tubular heating elements;
• ceramic tile.

open spiral

Designs with this type of heater are rare today.The positive qualities of devices with an open spiral include the fact that they have extremely high performance. Within ten or twenty minutes, the fan heater can heat up a room with a volume of 60 m3 (floor area - 20 m3, ceiling height - up to 3 m).

The disadvantages of an open spiral significantly detract from the advantages of TV. During the operation of the fan, oxygen and dust from the internal atmosphere of the room are actively burned. There is nothing to breathe in the room. Therefore, for asthmatics and people suffering from respiratory diseases, such a device is absolutely contraindicated. In addition, there is a large consumption of electricity.

Tubular heating elements

Fan heaters with tubular heating elements are the best models in terms of reliability. They are designed for heating large volumes of the internal space of buildings for various purposes. From similar devices, fans with tubular heating elements are economical.

TV with tubular heating element

Ceramic tile

Specialists have long noticed the beneficial properties of ceramics in the field of accumulation of thermal energy in their body. A heated tile accumulates a large amount of thermal energy. As the fan operates, the ceramics gradually releases heat, warming the passing air streams through it.

The disadvantage of such a device is the narrowly directed action of the units. Although this can be considered a plus. Indeed, when it is necessary to warm up the workplace quickly and efficiently, such a device will be indispensable.

Ceramic fan heaters

Convectors - the principle of operation, advantages and disadvantages

Convectors are classified according to the type of energy used:

• electrical equipment is the easiest device to operate, since its operation requires only a source of electricity and a competent choice of power;
• gas equipment - the operation of such a device is cheaper compared to an electrical counterpart, but the cost is slightly higher. The connection process is difficult, as a gas line is required.

• floor - the design provides wheels for greater mobility;
• wall-mounted - in this case, for better heating of the room, the device is mounted a few centimeters above the floor;
• combined - such models can be installed in any area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.

Convectors are equipped with two types of thermostats - electronic and bimetallic. Thanks to this device, the temperature in the room remains constant for a long time. It is better to give preference to models with an electronic thermostat, which clearly demonstrates the temperature in degrees Celsius. The graduation of bimetallic thermostats is less clear, as it is presented in conventional units.

If the heating equipment is planned to be used in wet rooms, when choosing, you need to take into account the class of protection against moisture and electrical protection.

• Long period of uninterrupted work.
• Possibility of choosing the method of installation in the room.
• The presence of thermostats, through which the temperature regime is adjusted.
• Several devices can be combined to form a heating system for the entire building.
• The equipment is safe.
• The device operates silently.

A significant drawback of convector devices is the slow heating of the air, this is due to the limited possibilities of natural convection.

Top brands: Ballu, Polaris, ADAX, NeoClima, Electrolux, Stiebel, Eltron, Timberk, Nobo, Termor, Noirot.

The best choice is models equipped with a thermostat that determine the temperature in the room with an error of no more than one degree.

The main feature of the equipment is its affordable price, which means that

designed for a wide target audience. The product line is represented by models of various capacities, which varies over a wide range. Devices with high power are mounted on the floor, and less powerful units can be installed on different surfaces.

All fan heaters differ in the type of built-in heating element:

• spiral - capable of heating up to 800 degrees;
• tubular element - operating temperature 200 degrees;
• ceramic tiles - heating temperature - no higher than 200 degrees.

It is the ceramic device that is able to maintain the cleanest air in the room. You should not choose models with an open spiral - combustion products will enter the air, and if dust enters the room, an unpleasant odor will appear.

Modern models of fan heaters operate in several power modes, it is also possible to regulate the temperature regime. Models with a built-in electronic control system are equipped with a remote control.

• democratic value.
• Even a powerful device has a compact size.
• Rapid heating of the air and uniform filling of the entire volume of the room.
• The equipment looks stylish and corresponds to modern design solutions.
• Large selection of useful related features.

The disadvantage is loud noise during operation of the equipment.This applies to powerful models, and the operation of cheap devices is accompanied by an unpleasant odor.