Which electric heating convector is better: how to buy a good one so as not to regret later?

Analyzing the trends in the European market for heating equipment, we can note the steadily increasing popularity of electric heating. And this is not at all surprising - the inhabitants of our country often make a similar choice. Since gas is, unfortunately, far from being carried everywhere, liquid boilers have not managed to become a “hit of sales”, and solar panels and other similar installations still cannot get out of the status of an “exotic experiment”. This is for private houses. In apartments, things are not rosier: central heating often does not cope with the mission assigned to it, and the law does not always allow to refuse such a “pleasure” and install an autonomous system. Therefore, the purchase of electric heaters for many families often becomes the only acceptable way to stay warm in winter. But even here difficulties may arise, since it is not always easy to understand which type of device is better to give preference to. We authoritatively declare: electric heating convectors are definitely a reasonable and right choice - practical, efficient, safe and unpretentious devices.

What is the process of convection?

Surely each of you remembers from a school physics course that heated air tends to rise up. Along with the expansion, its density decreases - and cold air layers manage to squeeze it out. This is precisely the principle of the formation of cyclones and winds in the atmosphere of our planet: heated air masses rush upwards over certain areas of the surface, and air flows from colder areas take their place.

A similar process, but on a much more modest scale, can occur in enclosed spaces. Its name is convection. Convectors are designed to effectively manage it in order to heat houses, offices and apartments.

An electric convector is a heating device that works on the principle of convection: a type of heat transfer in which energy is transferred by flows and jets

The device and principle of operation of such a heater

All electric convectors have an extremely simple design. In fact, they consist of two main parts - the body and the heating element. Holes for “drawing in” cold air are located at the bottom of the case, for the release of heated air - at the top. Inside the case, as a rule, in its lower part, there is a heating element.

The heating element "processes" the air currently between the walls of the housing, after which the air rushes up. The outlets are usually located at a slight angle relative to the vertical. The heated air mass moves up along a parabolic trajectory, and gradually cools down to the floor. The cycle is repeated.

The electric convector distributes air throughout the room evenly and silently. Some models of devices are equipped with fans - to speed up the heating process. The truth about noiselessness with such equipment is out of the question.

A certain role in the popularity of convectors is also played by the temperature of the walls of the heater body, which, as a rule, does not exceed 60 degrees. It is worth noting that this fact distinguishes them favorably from oil installations, which are considered traumatic in terms of the risk of burns (especially) by children and animals.

The electric heating convector is arranged quite simply: under the flat-rectangular body lies the heating element and the controls for the operation of the unit

Attention to the heating element (heater)

Three types of heating elements are used in electric convectors:

• needle;
• tubular with aluminum fins;
• monolithic.

Needle-shaped ones are a thin dielectric plate, on which a chromium-nickel heating thread (coated with an insulating varnish) is installed, forming loops on both sides of it. They heat up and cool down almost instantly. Convection in devices created "on the basis" of a needle heater is carried out mainly due to the design of the housing.

Due to the fact that the varnished thread is practically not protected from moisture, the use of equipment with such a heating element in damp rooms is strongly discouraged. The main advantage of such devices can undoubtedly be called their price, but the durability of the equipment is questionable. In general, in practice, needle heating elements in modern electric convectors are rarely used; but if you come across a unit with such a “stuffing” during the selection process, you can safely pass by.

A tubular heating element (TEH) is a steel tube with a nichrome thread installed in it and filled with a special heat-conducting insulating backfill. Aluminum fins are fixed on this tube - it provides efficient heat transfer and enhances convection. The tubular heating element heats up much less than the needle one, it is more durable. Many models of units with heating elements are splash-proof and can be successfully used in bathrooms. But, unfortunately, such equipment is not without drawbacks: due to the difference in thermal expansion of the tube and fins, the operation of the device may be accompanied by sounds resembling crackling.

Convectors with monolithic heating elements are absolutely silent, since the heater body is solid; ribs are an integral part of it. Such devices operate with minimal heat loss, are very high efficiency.

Where is the best place to install a convector?

Before choosing an electric heating convector, it is necessary to determine its location. Devices can be installed on walls (with the help of special fasteners included in the kit) or operated mobile, freely moving around the room or from room to room. If you are only interested in the second option, pay attention to whether there are wheels in the delivery set, so that later you do not rush around the city in search of suitable “accessories”.

The electric convector can be installed on the wall or on the floor - depending on the personal wishes of the owners, the nuances associated with the organization of heating (permanent or auxiliary heating is necessary), interior features

It is worth paying attention to the overall dimensions of the convector when buying. Devices can have different heights and widths and look completely different in the interior - keep this in mind. The most “elegant” mini-plinth models are only 15 centimeters high!

What power to buy the device?

The average selection of the power of an electric heating convector can be made according to the following formula - 1 kW for every 10 square meters of area, provided that the height of the walls is no more than 2.7 meters. If this figure is higher, for each additional 10 centimeters of height, an additional 10% of power will be required.

You should also take into account the following points (if heating with convectors is the main one):

1. For high-quality heating of convectors, it takes as much as there are windows in the room.
2. Corner rooms, rooms above a cold basement or with a large glass area definitely require equipment with a sufficient power reserve.

These calculations should be enough for a preliminary estimate. For more details, you can check with the consultants in the store.

Types and features of thermostats

The thermostat, which can be mechanically or electronically controlled, is responsible for maintaining the desired temperature in the convector design. A mechanical thermostat reduces the cost of construction, but at the same time introduces some inconveniences into the process of using the device, in particular:

• poorly withstands temperature conditions;
• consumes more electricity;
• accompanies its work with characteristic clicks when turned on and off, which can be very annoying.

The electronic thermostat significantly wins against the background of the mechanical one, it:

• completely silent;
• withstands the specified temperature value with a minimum error of one tenth of a degree;
• reduces electricity consumption within its capabilities;
• makes it possible to carry out "climate control" remotely;
• supports several operating modes - "comfort", "economy", "automatic", "antifreeze".

Convectors with an electronic thermostat are more expensive than models with a mechanical one - but they are definitely worth it.

The presence of an electronic thermostat slightly increases the price of the device, but this is an advantage that you should definitely not refuse: a convector with such a “stuffing” works silently and as economically as possible

Frequently asked questions about electric convectors

Which convectors are more efficient - high or low?

The efficiency of the device does not depend on its size, but on its power. All sorts of “form factors” of equipment are created, first of all, for the convenience of fitting it into various interiors.

Is it dangerous to leave the convector unattended?

Definitely not. If the electrical wiring in your home can handle the combined power of the appliances running at the same time, you have nothing to worry about.

Can a convector be used as the main source of heating?

As a rule, yes. It all depends on the specific model of equipment and manufacturer's recommendations.

Is an electric convector the right choice for a child's room?

Quite. Among the products of most popular manufacturers there are units designed specifically for children's rooms - with a durable body, with streamlined shapes, without sharp corners. The holes in them are as small as it is, in principle, possible - all so that the child cannot put anything inside.

Many modern manufacturers of electric heating convectors offer models of heating equipment adapted specifically for children's rooms - well-designed and as safe as possible.

Conclusions - what to buy anyway?

So, what is the best electric convector? Ideally, the device should have:

• monolithic or tubular heating element;
• electronic thermostat;
• protection against overheating, freezing;
• the sensor of "deactivation" at capsizing;
• accessories for different installation options - both floor and wall.

Optional, but very useful options can be a timer, remote control and display.

In conclusion, it should be said that electric convectors are a good choice for many reasons. Among their main advantages:

1. No need for preparatory work. No projects, permits, special conditions. Bought, brought, installed, connected.
2. Affordable cost. For 100-150 dollars you can buy a mega-unit.
3. Excellent efficiency. Almost all the electricity consumed by the convector is converted into thermal energy.

Approaching the process of choosing an electric heating convector wisely, you are guaranteed to get a reliable unit that will heat you with high quality on long winter evenings. We wish you an extremely pleasant and useful shopping!