When the cold season begins in many houses and apartments, there is a need to arrange additional heating. For this, electric heaters are most often used . Today, a variety of appliances are presented on the heating equipment market. To make the right choice, you need to figure out how the convector differs from the radiator. The comfort of people in the room depends on this.
If we take into account that in some country houses heating may not be carried out at all, the presented electronic devices have a great responsibility. What choice to make in each case, expert advice will help to understand.
general characteristics
Considering how the convector differs from the heating radiator, it is necessary to highlight their general characteristics. Both of these species use the general principle of circulation. Indoor air is heated by convection.
This process is familiar to us since the school curriculum. In physics classes, everyone studied that during convection, heated masses rise up. A cold layer of matter settles below. Radiators and convectors apply this principle in their work. Only the circulation inside the case is different for them.
In radiators, the coolant circulates through the system. It can be water, antifreeze or oil. Using special components, a convector directly heats the air inside its body. But in both cases, a warm stream is sent up the room, and a cold layer accumulates near the floor.
The principle of the radiator
Studying the question of how a convector differs from a radiator, it is necessary to consider in detail the arrangement of such devices. The most famous type of radiator is the battery installed under the window in each apartment. The installation of such equipment requires a significant investment of finance, time and effort.
Therefore, today most often buy electric radiators. Inside their system is mineral oil. With the help of heating elements that are immersed in a liquid medium, the temperature of this substance rises. To ensure that the device provides the necessary heating, the radiator is equipped with a thermostat. It turns off the equipment when the temperature reaches the value set by the user.
Also in oil radiators there is an emergency shutdown device in case of overheating. This design is typical for most modern models of the presented equipment.
Convector device
Having considered the type of heating presented above, you need to find out how the convector differs from the oil radiator. The shape of this appliance is flat. Inside is a heating element that acts directly on the air inside the housing. In this case, heat does not enter the environment from the heated surface of the case (as is the case with a radiator), but from warm air.
At the same time, the installation principle of the heaters presented is different. The radiator is mounted on the floor, and the convector is most often mounted on the wall. Although there are models for outdoor installation. In this case, the convector is mounted on special legs or wheels. The operation of this type of heater is silent. Although often the heated stream is sent into space by a fan. It is he who creates insignificant noises. Radiators always work quietly.
Comparison of the principle of work
Most often, people buy a convector or radiator to heat their home. What to choose, expert advice will suggest. First of all, it is necessary to compare approaches to the device of their work. Both devices are known for their effectiveness. But, according to user reviews, the convector still pumps the temperature in the room faster.
The radiator is characterized by prolonged gradual exposure to an electric heating element. At first, it gradually increases the temperature of the oil, which in turn acts on the ribs of the device. And only after that the surface of the radiator gives off heat to the environment. The difference in heating speed makes the convector a more comfortable device. The temperature fluctuations in the room are minimal. This device, unlike a radiator, sensitively reacts to changes in heating.
Device operation
The difference in operation is also quite significant for such devices as a convector and a radiator. Advantages and disadvantages will be useful to know before buying. In terms of energy costs, the convector is undoubtedly more advantageous. It consumes 25% less energy than a radiator. This is due to the difference in the rate of heating the air.
During operation, the convector also wins in terms of mobility. It is lighter than the radiator, so moving the device will be easier. The ability to install a convector on the wall allows you not to clutter up the space. This factor simplifies cleaning in the apartment. The oil heater weighs from 18 to 25 kg, so moving it (especially when heated) is quite difficult. Even with wheels, this process is problematic.
Security
The difference between a convector and a radiator is also in the level of safety. This is due to the heating rate of each device. Oil heated to the required temperature makes the surface of the radiator very hot. If you accidentally touch it, you can get a burn. Therefore, such a device can in no case be acquired by a family in which there is a small child. Also, leave the oil cooler unattended. In the event of an unforeseen situation, this device may cause a fire.
The convector is safe during operation. Its body heats up to a maximum of 60 ° C. If you touch him, the burn on the skin will not remain. Also, this device can be left unattended while in operation. In the event of accidental contact with foreign objects on its surface, a fire will not happen.
Durability
The convector and radiator are characterized by different service life. The differences in this indicator are significant. Of course, a lot depends on the manufacturer and the build quality of the device. Taking into account the general principle of operation of such equipment, experts advise purchasing convectors. Their service life reaches a record 15 years.
Oil radiators can not boast of such indicators. The substance inside the sections corrodes their material. Therefore, such devices rarely work for more than 7 years. And most models are not in operation even longer than five. First, a microcrack appears in the housing. It is not visible to the naked eye. Over time, it increases, and the oil begins to leak out. Such heaters are not subject to repair. Therefore, it is better to give preference to convection devices.
Environmental friendliness
When asking a question in a store how a convector differs from an electric radiator, a buyer can hear a version about burning oxygen. It should be noted that both types of heaters presented are completely identical in environmental characteristics. They do not burn oxygen, contrary to popular belief. They do not have combustion processes.
Provided that the heating elements are heated, oxygen cannot be burned according to existing physical laws. But the dust will be raised by both types of devices presented. This is due to the convection process. When the heated air rises, the flow picks up small light particles. When the air cools, they settle on the interior. Therefore, according to the microclimate characteristics and environmental parameters, radiators and convectors are on the same level.
Cost
Having considered how the convector differs from the radiator, it is worth saying a few words about the cost of these devices. Significantly cheaper when buying an oil heater. For this reason, they are still actively bought by owners of houses, apartments and offices. But it is worth noting that radiators will consume more electricity during operation. Therefore, the savings in the purchase of equipment is doubtful. After all, in the process of heating, you will have to give significant amounts monthly to pay for electricity.
The convector will pay off pretty quickly. In addition, this equipment option wins in almost all respects. Its durability, comfort in use and safety indicate the advisability of acquiring this particular heater. Such a purchase will be beneficial in all respects.
Convectors in all rooms can be combined into a single system. It will be autonomous heating, characterized by relatively low costs.
Having considered the difference between a convector and a radiator, you can make the right choice when buying. Oil heater is low cost. But during operation, a convector is more beneficial in all respects. This is a safe equipment that creates high-quality heating with minimal energy costs.