The process of optimizing heating units for optimal conditions of home use to date has formed a whole scattering of devices of various types. They differ in structural parameters, the principle of operation, energy used and other characteristics. At the same time, convectors are considered the most popular devices, which have a lot of advantages in terms of ergonomics and performance. Thermal fans are less popular, which is undeserved in view of their advantages. These are heating appliances that are best suited for home use, but they have certain limitations in terms of power and heat output. To understand which of these devices is worthy of a choice in a particular case, it is worthwhile to conduct a comparative analysis of their pros and cons.
What is a convector?
This is a small-sized device that fits seamlessly into the designs of modern living spaces. The source of heat is metal rods, in different configurations, installed inside the device. In the process, they heat up under the influence of a passing electric current. It is important to emphasize the difference between the modern convector and previous models of the Soviet era. Whereas previously TENs (heating elements) were located in open form, today it is for safety reasons that they are protected by high-strength protective elements. At the same time, the case itself does not heat up, which eliminates the risk of burns in contact with the device surface.
Less popular is the oil convector, which in many ways resembles classic heating radiators. These are also electric models, but the source of thermal radiation is not metal elements, but oil. This is an advantage, since the liquid spends less energy to achieve the optimal temperature, but on the other hand, the oil content increases the requirements for the reliability of the equipment.
What is a fan heater?
The principle of operation of the heat fan is partly similar to the convector workflow. This device also consumes electricity, which circulates through the heating elements and dissipates in the form of heat fluxes. Now you can move on to the question of how the convector differs from the fan heater. First of all, in size. The convector is more massive, so most often it involves a stationary installation. Although compact devices are not deprived of mobility. Fan heaters almost all suggest the possibility of not just moving, but wearing manually. Inside such devices, a metal heater in the form of a spiral may also be contained, and cermet devices, which have their advantages, but are more expensive. Also noteworthy is the fan. It provides directed action of the device when heating the target zone.
Instrument Specifications
The average power of convectors is 2-3 kW. Accordingly, this range allows for reliable heating of premises with an area of 10-25 m 2 . Instrument power is usually supplied from a 220 V network, but there are also models that support emergency power from generators and batteries. The power characteristics of the fan heater are on average slightly lower - a potential of 1.5-1.8 kW is considered the standard. The size and volume of heat transfer, respectively, will be less.
In terms of workmanship and overall reliability, the advantage is likely to be with convectors. The fact is that a metal case for this type of equipment has long been mandatory. In turn, heat fans are sometimes based on plastic cases. There is a weak point in this from the point of view of security, but mobility is increasing. After all, ergonomics is also an important parameter in the question of what to choose - a convector or a fan heater? Which of these devices is best in terms of physical convenience? If we talk about mobile mobile devices, the fans will surpass the competitive technology. It is enough to note that the average mass of the convector is 5-6 kg, and the fan heater is up to 1-2 kg.
Advantages and disadvantages of a convector
Heaters of this type provide a fairly high thermal power, do not spoil the design of the room and offer ample opportunities for adjusting the temperature regime. The possibility of programming, for example, often becomes a decisive factor in the question of which type of heater to prefer - a convector or fan heater? Which is better from the point of view of the management option? Convectors are already equipped with thermostats in the basic version, and as an addition you can purchase controllers and relays that allow you to comprehensively configure the device together with other climate technology. Due to its mobility, the fan heater is difficult to connect to permanent control systems with control panels.
As for the shortcomings, they consist in high energy consumption and individual safety warnings. In particular, an oil convector with insufficiently stable installation falls from accidental shocks and is depressurized. Hot liquids can catch fire or, at a minimum, leave stubborn stains on the floor.
Advantages and disadvantages of the fan heater
Such devices are advantageous for their compactness and ease of movement. If necessary, the device can be placed right at the feet, on the table or fixed permanently for constant heating of a particular place. But then the question is ambiguous: which heater is noisier - a convector or a fan heater? What is better on this indicator? Of course, the operation of the fan in the absence of mechanical functioning parts of the convector will seem too noisy. But there are models of fan heaters with multi-level insulation, which suppresses this effect of operation.
Manufacturers and prices
Both types of heaters are present in the families of large manufacturers of HVAC equipment. The products of NeoClima, Ballu, Noirot and others deserve special attention. These are the leading manufacturers of thermal equipment offering electric heating convectors, the price of which is 8-10 thousand rubles. We are talking about high-quality models with a capacity of about 3 kW.
In the budget segment of manufacturers Stiebel Eltron, Electrolux and Polaris, it is worthwhile to look for low-power units, which do not have high requirements in terms of performance. Electric heating convectors are common in such families, the price of which does not exceed 6-7 thousand. As for the cost of fan heaters, 3-4 thousand will have to be paid for high-quality appliances with a power of 1.5 kW
Which device should I prefer?
The operational diversity of the two types of heaters in question makes it possible for them to fill a wide niche. In particular, inexpensive modest power heaters with price tags of up to 3 thousand are suitable for zone heating of specific sections of the room. If heat coverage of the entire area of the room is not required, then the choice should be made in favor of this device.
If a full-fledged heating system component is required, then a convector will be the best choice. Due to its performance, it will be able to maintain the desired microclimate in the room, and its wide control capabilities will facilitate the process of regulating its operation parameters. But you should consider in advance by what principle the heater will work - due to oil filling or metal elements. The former are more economical in financial expenses, and the latter are more reliable and safer.
Finally
Additional means of heating are required in cases where the main central heating does not cope with its tasks. And in this sense there is no fundamental difference - it will be a convector or fan heater. Which is better is a matter determined by the conditions of use. To summarize all of the above, the convector will be useful if you need serious thermal support for microclimatic parameters in the room. A fan unit is more suitable for local use in a particular area of the room.