The efficiency of the heating system depends largely on the performance of the radiators installed in the room. Convector batteries stand out among their counterparts in high efficiency, ample opportunities in the choice of equipment: electric, gas, water models are offered.
Convection principle
The convection principle used in heating systems is that when cold air enters the heat radiation zone, it absorbs energy and heats up. At the same time, the air becomes lighter, rises upward with the simultaneous transfer of heat to other objects. The lack of constant contact with the source leads to a gradual cooling of the upper air layers. As a result, they become heavier, sink down and come into contact with heat-emitting equipment again.
This cycle is continuous as long as heat energy is transferred from the source. The intensity of the convection process can be increased using specialized equipment. The use of convector heating batteries as part of the system allows you to create a powerful directed air flow. They operate with a consistently high efficiency and are distinguished by excellent energy efficiency.
Pros and cons of convector radiators
There are many arguments in favor of installing convector-type radiators.
- Simplicity and reliability of the design, which ensures long-term trouble-free operation of the equipment.
- Safety of use due to the relatively low temperature of the surface of the case (in most cases, the indicator does not exceed +60 ° C). But at the same time, the temperature of the heated air can be much higher.
- Compact dimensions. A convector radiator will take up no more room in the room than a more traditional steel or cast iron. If necessary, you can choose a narrow model designed for installation under a low window.
- Ease of installation. To do this, it is enough to install the brackets, place a radiator on them and connect it to a heating source.
- Functionality. Manufacturers offer a wide range of models, among which you can choose from electronic control equipment. With its use, the user will be able to program the operation of the radiator, remotely adjust its parameters. Many models allow you to use the energy saving mode, which is especially relevant if the owners are not at home for a long time. For this, the "Anti-freezing" mode is proposed, when turned on, the automation will maintain the temperature of the coolant at a level that will not allow freezing of the system.
Before replacing previously installed radiators of a traditional design with convector heating devices, it is worth taking into account their disadvantages.
- High energy consumption: heating 10 m2 will require 1 kWh.
- A significant difference between the temperature at the top and at the floor level can cause discomfort. When choosing equipment, the design of which provides for the placement of outlets on the front wall, the heating of the air layers will be more uniform.
- Low heating speed in the absence of a fan to force the convection.
- In rooms with high ceilings, the use of convector heating is ineffective.
The constant movement of dust along with the movement of air in any case cannot have a positive effect on health. This problem can be especially relevant for young children or allergy sufferers.
Varieties of convector equipment
Gas
When choosing a gas convector heating radiator will connect to the central highway. Installation of such equipment is possible only in gasified houses or if it is possible to connect to a bottle with liquefied gas. The complexity of installation, the need to carry out approvals for the installation of the unit is compensated by high rates of economy and energy efficiency.
Aquatic
If you need to choose the cheapest convector to operate, a water-type battery is ideal. Depending on the design features of the existing heating system, you can choose a model with bottom or side connection. Ease of operation is ensured by the installation of shut-off valves. Water units quickly gain temperature, but are ineffective in use in rooms with high ceilings.
Electrical
Electric convectors stand out among analogs by their ease of connection and operation, the ability to work with an efficiency of up to 95% with a low noise level. As a rule, they are not equipped with fans. Among the disadvantages are significant energy consumption and an increase in utility bills. For higher efficiency, you can choose a model with a thermostat.
Calculation of the required number of radiators
To accurately determine the number of converter batteries that are needed to heat a room, many factors must be taken into account. First of all, the features of the building are taken into account: the material of the walls, the number of windows, their size, the effectiveness of thermal insulation.
Exact calculations are rarely done. In most cases, average indicators are used. At the same time, the climatic features of the region matter.
For temperate latitudes, 1 kW of heating unit power is sufficient for 10 m2 of a room area with a ceiling height of up to 3 m. For the northern regions, for example, for Yekaterinburg, this figure rises to 1.3 kW.
Installation features
Installation and operation of heating equipment directly depends on the type and principle of operation of the installed devices. When connected, a water radiator-convector requires taking into account the characteristics of the material from which it is made. The equipment is mounted on the wall with brackets. To connect to the heating system and supply the coolant, special pipes are used. Steel or plastic pipes can be used for joining.
Installation of electrical equipment is much easier and does not require the participation of specialists. Before installation, it is enough to take into account some safety rules. The distance to the floor should be more than 20 cm, to the outlet - from 35 cm, from the ceiling - from 55 cm, from the wall - less than 25 cm.
Self-installation is not permitted for gas appliances. Even a detailed study of information on specialized sites does not allow you to avoid mistakes, which is unacceptable from a security point of view.
