Heating convectors are very useful devices that will help create a comfortable microclimate in the home. In the modern assortment, there are many varieties of these devices. Each has advantages and disadvantages, as well as individual operational requirements.
What are convectors heating and how they work
A convector is a heating device that can have a different source of thermal energy. At the moment of starting the equipment, cold air is absorbed from the floor through special curtains. Inside the unit, it warms up and is released outside. Warm air rises. This is a continuous process.
During natural operation of the equipment, a slow circulation of air occurs, therefore many users prefer options with additional equipment of the fan.
Most models have coaxial pipes. Air enters through the internal one, which brings the incoming fuel into combustion, and exhaust gases, smoke, soot pass through the external one.
Varieties of convectors for the home
The main groups of convectors: water, electric, gas. They differ in the type of fuel.
Aquatic
Convection heating of water type has a high degree of heat radiation. To enhance the effect of operation, the devices are additionally equipped with metal fins, which take heat energy from the source, and then send it to warm up the air in the room. Such options, in turn, are divided into the following types:
- Recessed into the floor. Such models are able to warm up the air at the surface of the flooring without stopping and transfer it up the room with a delay of several seconds. Usually used when it is necessary to heat a terrace, balcony, loggia or panoramic windows.
- Wall units. They are considered the most popular. Suitable for arrangement in private or apartment buildings. They are mounted on special brackets that are usually included in the kit.
- Floor convectors. Suitable for rooms in which it is not possible to install versions with a wall mounting method. This is due to the structural features of the walls, for example, if they are made of plasterboard or represent a fragile partition made for decoration or zoning.
- Heating skirting board. Compact and convenient type of convection heaters. Similar structures are installed around the entire perimeter of the room, interconnected by pipes.
Convectors with water heating are rarely used, but they can be considered quite efficient in terms of energy consumption, as well as in terms of heat radiation.
Electrical
Energy-saving electric convectors for heating are considered quite popular. These options are convenient to use if there are no power outages in your area. Among them, the following subtypes are distinguished:
- Wall mounted. The electric convector is fixed to the wall using special awnings. They do not require the installation of a flue gas outlet. Some models have a built-in air filter.There are options that can be easily transformed into a floor version using a stand.
- Outdoor. Such structures can be installed in the middle of the room on a special bracket. Mobile heaters usually have a limited cord length, so it is best to place them near a power outlet.
The main advantage of such equipment is fast and efficient operation. They do not require the involvement of specialists for installation.
If the electricity supply to the house is unstable, it is imperative to create an alternative source of electricity. Otherwise, immediately after disconnecting the network, the heater stops working, the room will cool down quickly.
Gas
Gas-fired convectors are considered the most budgetary. However, for their operation, a smoke exhaust system is necessarily created. Structures are chimney and parapet.
- Chimney models require the arrangement of a special channel in the walls of the house, which opens onto the roof. This option has a more complex design and takes more time to organize. However, up to multiple sources can be connected to this channel.
- Parapet. They are mounted directly to the wall and have a coaxial pipe, which is constructed from two channels. Oxygen enters one of them, and waste comes out of the other. These models are usually arranged under the window.
Coaxial parapet models are very vulnerable to gusts of wind. The flame of the burner is often blown out, therefore, the automatic system is triggered and the heating is turned off.
How to choose a convector
The heating convector should be chosen depending on the power source, power, technical characteristics, installation method, financial capabilities. It is also important to consider the following points.
- Brand awareness and owner reviews. The more positive feedback from users about this type of equipment, the better the unit will operate. Don't overlook the brand name. The most popular are Atlantic, Electrolux, Ballu. Models from these manufacturers occupy leading positions in the ranking.
- Availability of additional functions. It is convenient when the convector has a built-in fan and thermostat. Equally relevant is the option to protect equipment from overturning. Such an addition will be appropriate when there is a child in the house. Models with a timer and air ionizer will cost more.
- Dimensions. Depending on the dimensions of the installation site, it is worth choosing the parameters of the heating device. Long structures are suitable for low and oblong partitions, for example, in a loggia or under a clearance window in the hall of a private house.
- Appointment of the premises. If you need to heat your country house, it is best to use a gas convector. For a children's room, an electric small-sized device with an air ionization function is suitable.
There are convector models that have an active anti-freeze function. It is suitable for apartments and houses that do not have central heating and are not used frequently.
A private house is sometimes heated by several convectors. For them, you should equip a single chimney unit or for each separately make holes for coaxial pipes. In this case, it is important that the heating is carried out under the influence of the same power.
Equipment power calculation
Traditionally, all heating convectors have a power in the range from 0.5 to 9.6 kW. To perform correct calculations, you need to know the area of the room in which this type of equipment will be installed.
The productive power is calculated according to the formula 1 sq.m. = 100 watts. If the room to be heated has an area of 25 sq.m., the convector power should be 2.5 kW or 2500 W.
It is desirable that the equipment has additional power reserve. Calculated, this is approximately 50 watts for each free square meter.
Advantages and disadvantages of convection equipment
Advantages of convectors:
- only heat the air;
- with the right choice of power, they practically spend resources;
- do not require professional installation;
- easy to install;
- are distinguished by safety;
- have a lot of additional options available.
The disadvantages of such heaters include the complexity of temperature regulation, dry air with prolonged use. Models with rich functionality are expensive.
Installation features
Installation of convection heating requires compliance with some features.
- Performing preliminary marking at the installation site.
- When installing copper-aluminum sections in water convectors, only copper connectors should be used.
- Water convectors must be connected to the main heating system. Such switching can be bottom and side.
- When fixing the electric convector to the wall under the window, a distance of 20 cm from the floor to the lower edge of the equipment must be observed.
- When connecting gas heaters of the parapet and chimney type, it is necessary to mount a protective screen made of a basalt blanket to the wall.
Taking into account all the recommendations for the selection and installation of a structure for heating a dwelling, you can achieve the maximum effect in creating a comfortable microclimate. At the same time, it is possible to establish permanent and temporary operation of such equipment.
