The tasks of providing home heat can be solved in different ways. Some homeowners initially focus on central systems, relying on them for the layout and arrangement of housing. Other users prefer compact heaters that are independent of water and gas communications. This group, in particular, is represented by wall-mounted electric convectors, which differ from their competitors in modest size, stylish design and ease of operation.
The device and the principle of operation of the device
A convector is a small-sized metal structure, inside of which a heating element (TEN) is contained. In this case, it is the electric models that are considered, but there are also infrared, gas, oil and other types of such heaters. What is the difference between electric wall convectors? A description of the principle of operation can be represented as follows: a heating element under the housing raises the temperature of the air, which constantly circulates in the device, passing through the grill-blinds. From below, the cold masses rise and flow in portions to the heating element, and the sidewall of the heater releases warm streams.
As for the wall-mounted installation method, it also gives certain advantages. Firstly, space is saved. Secondly, there is no need to search for individual routes for convenient cable laying. The device is installed anywhere with close access to the outlet. But there are also disadvantages to electric wall convectors for heating. Economy models are less common in this segment, since energy consumption increases equipment maintenance costs. Optimal devices in this respect are equipped with solid X-shaped heating elements, which are also characterized by high accuracy of temperature control and noiseless operation.
Performance data
Not the strongest quality of electric convectors is power. But since this is a very important parameter, it is worth starting a review of the characteristics with it. On average, this potential varies from 750 to 3000 watts. In choosing the right indicator, it is worth sticking to the calculation according to the following formula: a 1000 W model serves 10 m of the target area, provided that there is one window opening in the room. If we are talking about a non-standard layout room (for example, a corner) with several openings, then another 20% is added to the rated design power. As for voltage, 220 V is considered the standard. In extreme cases, at lower rates up to 120 V, an adapter-transformer will also need to be used for a safe connection. The average characteristics of electric wall convectors in size are as follows:
- Height - from 20 to 90 cm.
- Thickness - from 5 to 7 cm.
- Length - from 40 to 120 cm.
Another significant parameter is the type of coating, which will also affect the performance of the heater. Preference should be given to cases treated with powder enamel or polymer compositions. They retain their original shade longer and contribute to the efficient distribution of thermal radiation.
Control system
Equipment control is carried out through special thermostats - additional devices, thanks to which the user can set operating parameters. In the simplest version, an electric wall-mounted convector with a manual thermostat allows you to set the temperature with an accuracy of 1 Β° C. These are mechanical thermostats in the form of buttons or switches on the case.
A more modern version involves electronic control, in which the temperature setting scale can have divisions of the order of 0.1 Β° C. The most developed electric wall convector with a temperature regulator also supports elements of intelligent regulation. This means that the modes can be set on a schedule based on the day, days and months. Moreover, in some versions it is also possible to automatically correct operating parameters based on the current performance of a street temperature sensor.
Additional features
For a small surcharge, you can get not just a heater with a basic set of controls, but also systems that make it safer and more comfortable. The most useful include protective functions that turn off the convector under intense loads with overheating or in working conditions with strong external influences. If voltage fluctuations are observed in a house or apartment, then you should pay attention to the automatic restart function. When the network restores its optimal operating parameters, the heater will return to the basic settings.
From the point of view of creating a beneficial microclimate, an electric wall convector with ionization function will also be useful. Devices with this heating effect eliminate dangerous bacteria, and in some versions they eliminate the air environment from unpleasant odors. Now itβs worth moving on to familiarize yourself with specific models of electric wall convectors. The review of devices presented below reflects the most attractive offers in the segment.
Noirot Spot E-3 1000
An average electric heater in terms of performance, whose power of 1000 W is enough to service an area of ββ10-15 m 2 . Useful additions to the device include quick heating and drying of air. As for protective systems, the model is provided with electronic automation, thanks to which the filling can withstand significant voltage fluctuations. Users themselves recommend the Spot E-3 1000 electric wall-mounted convector for heating as a productive, reliable and economical solution. Given the price tag of 6.5 thousand rubles. and belonging to the family of one of the largest manufacturers of HVAC equipment, this is truly one of the best options in this niche.
Nobo Viking C4F 20 XSC
Also a development from a major player in the market of heaters, but of a higher class. Immediately it is worth emphasizing that this model is suitable for work in a large private house, and for commercial use in office premises. As the manufacturer himself notes, a power of 2000 W is enough to fully fill with heat an area of ββ25-30 m 2 . The structural features include aluminum fins, due to which the effect of burning oxygen is eliminated. Regarding the minuses of the electric wall convector of this model, it is worth noting the high cost - about 12 thousand rubles. This is a solid price tag, even taking into account a decent power reserve, but for less well-known competitors, analogues with the same characteristics are available for 7-8 thousand rubles. Another thing is that this difference is compensated by the margin of safety and durability of the filling, which can be estimated only after years of operation.
Timberk TEC PF8 LE 1000 IN
Reliable unit for servicing small rooms with an area of ββ10-12 m 2 . Management is via an LED display or remote control. An ultra-precise thermostat is provided, so you can rely on a flexible setting of operating modes. The main advantages of this model are a wide range of protection systems and high-quality insulation of the case. The design received a protection class of IP24, which eliminates the penetration of contaminants and moisture into the power filling. If you need an electric wall convector for a summer residence, this option will be optimal. The practice of using a heater also shows that it exhibits good resistance to voltage drops. Of the minuses, a modest working area can be noted again, but again for a small apartment or a country house this would be an ideal option.
Electrolux ECH / B-1500 E
With such an assistant, the heating system can count on uniform heating of rooms up to 15 m 2 . The power of the convector is 1500 W, and the design is made in a monolithic form factor with aluminum air exhaust shutters. All this provides an effective and quick heating without thermal effects on the housing. What does it mean? The glass-ceramic panel of the device does not heat up during operation, therefore the device is safe even for children. The protection of the heater itself corresponds to the IP24 class mentioned above, although the model is not deprived of the presence of automatic shutdown devices. As an electric wall convector for heating medium-sized urban apartments, this device is quite suitable. Especially considering the cost of 5 thousand rubles.
Instrument Installation
It is worth noting that, with rare exceptions, wall heaters also allow for floor installation. For this, a complete base with wheels is provided, which can be integrated into the housing or disconnected. The wall-mounted installation method initially involves the creation of holes in the mounting points. As a rule, the functions of the supporting elements are assigned to the brackets, also included in the kit. The holes are created by an electric drill, after which a metal profile is mounted, on which the body of the wall-mounted electric convector is mounted on the rear side. Installation in a simple version completely dispenses with special linings and profiles - it is enough to screw 2-4 screws and hang the device structure on them through the grooves of the back panel. You should also calculate in advance the points of connection to the network. Not far from the convector should be located and thermostat.
Positive feedback on electric convectors
Practicality in a variety of ways put a plus on this heater in the first place. And this is logical, given the compact size, stylish design and ease of operation. Such devices do not cause domestic inconvenience, as is the case with traditional systems like boilers and massive floor heaters that physically interfere, require communications, cables, etc. Such troubles are absent when operating a wall-mounted electric convector for heating. Reviews emphasize the features of the principle of work. Modern devices of this type not only increase the temperature without burning oxygen in the room, but can also adjust other microclimatic parameters, adding functions that are beneficial to health.
Negative reviews
Perhaps the most significant weakness in most cases is modest performance. A thin elegant panel is not able to provide heat to large rooms, studios and halls with an area of ββmore than 30 m 2 . Of course, there are modifications to solve such problems, but in this case, the owners point to the strengthening of other shortcomings. In particular, this concerns the high cost of electricity. And if compact electric wall convectors with a capacity of 500-750 W can well fit into the list of utility costs without a noticeable load, then models for 2000 W and more, especially under intensive operating conditions, can not be called economical.
Conclusion
Domestic heaters, in principle, should not be considered as a complete source of heat supply. Radiators, oil heaters, infrared panels are also auxiliary devices that only partially fulfill the main tasks of heating. It is advisable to purchase economical wall-mounted electric convectors with a power of up to 1000 W as an attractive source of heating in the local zone. Such a device will not completely fill the apartment with heat or even a large room, but as an ergonomic addition to the heating system in a particular area, it will be the best choice. It remains only to decide on the design, management nuances and installation options. It is important to consider that wall-mounted installation is often associated with stationary use of the device, but the same reviews point to the benefits of the multifunctional design, which, if desired, can be easily dismantled and, for example, put on wheels.