How to choose a convector heater - device, selection criteria and operating rules

Today, convector-type wall heaters have become very popular. They not only work very quietly and do not take up much space, but also look very aesthetically pleasing. However, they are not only beautiful and compact, but also effective. These devices are perfect for both apartment and office. We hope that this article will answer all questions about how to choose a convector heater correctly, taking into account all its necessary characteristics.

What is the principle of convector heater?

The operation of the device is based on the fact that hot and cold air have different densities. Therefore, heavier air with low temperature accumulates closer to the floor, and warm air, as lighter, soars up to the ceiling. There are two slots in the body of any convector: one at the top, the other at the bottom. They are designed to pass air of various temperatures. So the operation of the device is simple: through the lower slot, cold air enters the device, heats up with the help of a heating element, becomes lighter, the upper slot passes and is under the ceiling.

This type of heater has a simple design. Inside the metal casing, characterized by a small width, a heating element operating from the mains is placed. The heating temperature is regulated by a thermostat, the handle of which is located on the external panel. For the body, metal is used with a thickness of 0.8 millimeters. Here, in fact, we examined how a convector heater works. There are three types of heating elements for these heaters. Each of them will be described below.

Disassembled electric convector and its heating element.

1. The tape (or needle) type heating element is a dielectric plate of small width, on both sides of which there are loops made of an alloy of chromium with nickel. These loops can be easily damaged, as they are very fragile. Therefore, now manufacturers have practically abandoned the manufacture of such heating elements. Moreover, they warm the air too slowly due to the absence of ribs. Here the body of the device is heated, and after it warm air also moves.

2. The heating element of the tubular type (otherwise, ten) has been deservedly recognized as the most popular for several decades. On the heater tube, along its entire length, are fins made of aluminum. The more they are and the more often they are located, the higher the heat transfer.

+ Ten advantages:

• The tube has a temperature much lower than the nichrome thread hidden inside it.
• Teng serves long enough - longer than a tape heater.
• Such a heater can work in rooms where the humidity is very high. In this case, protection class IP24 is applied.

- Cons of ten:

• At work, a small annoying crack is often heard. This is due to the difference in the thermal expansions of the aluminum plates and the steel tubes.
• There is a space between the aluminum fins, which are the fins, and the steel tube, which increases over time. This leads to heat loss.

3. There is another type of ten - monolithic. They are designed differently.All the same nichrome thread is placed in a cast aluminum case with fins, and a dielectric backfill is used to isolate them from each other. Here, even if heat losses are observed, they are minimal - after all, differences in thermal expansion no longer exist. These heating elements are good for everyone: they are both quiet and the body of the device does not heat much, and they practically do not lose heat.

Since the body of the device is hollow inside, it serves as a kind of wind tunnel, in which traction is created by heating the air. While the convector is connected to the network, the process of the passage of cold air through the heating element, its heating and flow upwards, continuously occurs. And so, portion by portion, all the air in the room gradually heats up.

Convectors today are available in a variety of designs.

So they are made:

• floor type;
• wall type;
• baseboard type.

The first two models can have a height of up to forty-five centimeters. The latter are much lower - only up to twenty centimeters high, but the length is impressive - sometimes up to two and a half meters. When thinking about how to choose an electric convector for installation under a window opening, it makes sense to dwell on a similar model. Due to their long lengths, moving them is not very convenient, but you can probably know that the air in the lower part of the room will be thoroughly warmed up.

The appearance of the baseboard convector.

Wall mounted electric convectors.

Convectors are installed in two ways:

• on the floor
• on the wall.

To move on the floor they have wheels and a handle. But on the wall, heaters are mounted with special brackets. Thanks to this, wall-mounted models do not occupy any extra space in the room. In addition, they can fit in well with modern interior design.

Video: On the merits of electric type convectors

Tips for choosing a convector

Choosing a convector heater, we take into account its following characteristics:

• Power consumption;
• Type of heating element;
• Device dimensions;
• Operational safety;
• Additional features
• Cost;
• Manufacturer;
• Indicators during inspection.

1. So power. It is selected based on how large the room is to be heated. For example, if you intend to use the appliance in addition to heating during the period when you have not drowned or have not drowned yet, then we calculate the power as follows: for each cubic meter of room space, 25 watts of power are needed. But if there is no heating in the house at all, then you will have to take it based on 40 watts per cubic meter.

Here is an example: if the area of ​​the room is 19 square meters, the ceilings are 2.7 tenths, then we consider the heater power in the off-season by multiplying these two values ​​by 25. We get 1285.5 watts. We round up, and we are looking for a heater with a power of one and a half kilowatts.

2. Type of heating element. As for the heating element, if there is a choice, take a heater with a cast monolithic heater - it will last longer and will work more efficiently.

3. The dimensions of the device. When inspecting a device, pay attention to its size, especially its height. After all, it depends on her with what speed the air will move. So, for example, low convectors with a height of only 60 centimeters are able to provide a very fast movement of air masses and, accordingly, to heat a room faster. It is also important how heavy the device is - after all, you may have to rearrange it from place to place during use.

4. Operational safety. The heater should be as safe as possible. Actually, convectors are the safest devices for heating. After all, their body heats up only 60 degrees, no more, and therefore will not leave burns. Parents of young children, talking among themselves, how to choose heaters, convectors, prefer models in which the housing is devoid of corners and has smooth contours.Grounding for convectors is not necessary, and they withstand voltage drops with honor.

5. Additional features. Of the additional features that a good convector has, the following can be noted:

• The temperature controller is a very convenient thing. If the street is warm, you can screw it a little, and in severe frost - set to maximum.
• The thermostat allows you to constantly maintain in the room the temperature that is most comfortable for you.
• The timer will enable you to turn on the heater for a certain time, after which the shutdown device will work. This feature is good to use in the evening, before bedtime.
• The built-in ionizer absorbs dust, saturating the air with negative ions. It is very good for health. In a room with such a microclimate, he sleeps better and works more productively.
• The remote control and the on timer will allow you not to crawl out from under a warm blanket in the morning to warm the room.
• Rollover protection is a very important feature, especially when there are playful animals or fidgety children in the house.

Mechanical control system.

Convector with electronic control system

6. Looking at the price devices and deciding which company to choose a convector, keep in mind that a good thing can’t be cheap. After all, we all want the heater to be efficient and safe, work for a long time and have normal warranty service. Therefore, when choosing a device, turn your eyes to the well-known brands whose guarantee is not empty words. They are truly responsible for the quality of their products, which they have been producing for a long time and successfully sell them on the world market.

7. Visual inspection Looking at the convector offered by the seller in the store, take a good look at it for scratches or dents. Leaks of paint, distortions of the case, notches and sharp edges are inadmissible. Screws and bolts must not protrude from the housing. If you didn’t like something or seemed suspicious, it’s better not to take such a heater. After all, this indicates either poor assembly or inaccurate transportation.

Remember the following three rules:

Each convector type heater will dry the air in the room. Another simply is not given, according to the principle of work. The maximum that can help: a container of water for evaporation.

Since air is constantly moving in the process of convection, dust will also move with it. Over time, it will accumulate between the plates. If the deceitful salesman says that “only this model” of the convector does not accumulate dust, do not listen to these fables and call another consultant.

Any electric heater has a coefficient of performance close to 100 percent. Therefore, do not believe that only this model, which is stubbornly imposed by the seller, can give such efficiency.

Install the heater and get started

When you mount the convector frame on the wall or on the legs with wheels, carefully follow the instructions - everything is described there. Observe the necessary distances: from the floor, the heater (that is, the lower edge of its housing) should be no closer than 15 centimeters, and from the wall or any object - no closer than 25 centimeters. As for the upper edge of the device, nothing should be located above it within 45 centimeters.

If you neglect these rules or close the upper slot with something, the case will quickly overheat, the protection will work and turn off the device. So in no case do not try to put a tall appliance under the window, do not dry things on its surface and do not cover its upper part with anything. If you do not know how to choose an electric convector for a window opening, it is best to purchase a low, so-called “skirting” model.

It is not difficult to take care of this type of heater - you just need to wipe its external panels from time to time with a damp cloth. Naturally, this is done when the device is turned off from the outlet. Before that, check if its body has cooled down sufficiently.To remove accumulated dust from the heater, take a vacuum cleaner equipped with a short, narrow nozzle and thoroughly clean the heating element.

Table of technical characteristics and basic selection criteria for an electric convector heater

Video: How to choose convection heaters