The desire of each property owner is a heating system that does not violate the harmony of the interior. Especially when it comes to rooms with large panoramic window openings - stained-glass windows. Indeed, in this case we are talking about the attractiveness of the building as a whole. One of the solutions to such problems is the convectors built into the floor.
Varieties
In fact, convectors can be different, and their differences depend on various features.
So, depending on the heat source used for the functioning of the heating device, the following types of convectors are distinguished:
In our country, the most popular are electric heaters, which, depending on the design, are divided into the following types:
- Wall mounted.
- Floor standing.
Consider in more detail the heating convectors built into the floor, their design features, the principle of operation, disadvantages and advantages.
Principle of operation
These heaters are also known as radiators, built into the floor, however, this name is not entirely correct, since their principle is based mainly on convective heating, and radiant heat transfer is considered only a side effect. Convectors built into the floor, connected to a heat source, heat the cold air flowing into their body, which, as a result of the temperature increase, goes up and forms a thermal curtain.
Design Features
If we talk about the design of these devices, then most often they are presented in the form of a decorative lattice. This structural element is considered the only component of the device that is located in sight. During the operation of the convector, the grill practically does not heat up. On it you can safely move around or touch it without fear of getting a burn. The main parameters of the lattice are its surface area and the ratio to the total size of the slots, which should ensure unhindered circulation of the required air volume.
For the manufacture of the lattice can be used materials that will provide the necessary strength and durability. As a rule, artificial and natural stone, wood, metal and other materials are used to produce this element. The scope of creativity of designers also lies in the possibility of choosing the color of the lattice, the size of its cracks, as well as the texture of its surface.
Benefits
Convectors built into the floor, like any other heating devices, are not ideal and, in addition to their shortcomings, also have a number of undeniable advantages. Consider the positive and negative sides of these devices to determine whether it is worth buying such devices for your home. Let's start with the benefits.
Security
Despite the large area, the heating element of this heating device has a relatively low heating temperature. This allows you to use these convectors to heat any room (including children's rooms, since the child will not be able to damage the device and get burned) and even use it as the main heating system of an apartment or house. In addition, convectors have special modes that automatically turn off this device in case the temperature has exceeded the standard value.
No control required
Convectors built into the floor are traditionally referred to as standard equipment, capable of maintaining a predetermined temperature in a room for a long time and at the same time not requiring observation and control.
Do not dry the air
The design of these heating devices, as well as their operational mode of operation, are designed in such a way as not to dry the air in the room, which is very useful for human health and beauty.
Unpretentious
Another indisputable advantage of convectors is the possibility of their use in rooms with high humidity. Compared to other heaters, all modern electric and water convectors built into the floor are protected against moisture and splashes. In this regard, they can be used in rooms with high humidity conditions.
Easy installation
Convectors are very easy to mount on almost any surface; they require only a few screws to install them.
disadvantages
These heaters have one single drawback, which is the banal lack of space for their installation.
Care
Since these devices are located at the lowest point of the room, they are prone to clogging with dust particles. This is especially true for floor integrated appliances that are placed in front of the front doors. Over time, in addition to dust, dirt from the street accumulates in their bodies. All this interferes with normal air circulation, reducing the efficiency of the convector. To prevent these problems, floor convectors must be periodically inspected and, if necessary, cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.
Selection tips
The basis of the operation of this heating device is convective draft: the device takes in cold heavy air, it is heated in the lower levels, and then it rises up through the end grill.
The electric convector, built into the floor and equipped with a fan, which forces the air to circulate, is characterized by a high efficiency (about 95%). This appliance is equipped with a heat exchanger that uses electric heating elements.
For convectors built into the floor, the price is set by the manufacturer and depends on many factors - the materials used, brand awareness, additional equipment and many others. Therefore, the cost varies from 29,000 to 178,000 rubles.
It is necessary to select these devices depending on your needs and a specific room. The main thing is heating or cutting off the cold air flow from the glazing. If a device is required that can heat the room to the required temperature completely, then its power should compensate for heat losses through the building envelope. When installing a convector in order to eliminate condensate in the window openings, its power should be calculated depending on the design features of the glazing.
Floor convectors: reviews
To date, the construction market offers heating appliances of various brands. Therefore, we consider consumer reviews focused not on device types, but on their manufacturers.
For example, Delonghi produces relatively inexpensive electric convectors. Customer reviews about them are generally positive, given their really low price.
The built-in convectors in Varmann floor from the largest Russian manufacturer are of high quality at the level of European standards. Their production uses unique high-tech equipment for applying granite, marble, wood and powder paint textures onto the aluminum profile of decorative grilles.
The Gorenje company produces various convectors, but this manufacturer still has the most demand for gas heaters. Reviews about these devices are also positive, however, compared to previous options, they cost a little more.
If you need an affordable, simple model with no frills, then you can opt for a manufacturer such as Noirot. Reviews about such convectors, as about the simplest devices, are also pretty good.
As for the negative comments about these radiators, they are mainly found on such devices as “Selena”, “Ballu” and “Timberk”. All this equipment is from Chinese manufacturers.