Choosing the perfect electric convector

Electric convectors are designed for space heating of any type, but are most often used in living rooms or offices. A number of models are "sharpened" for operation as an independent source of heat in country cottages. If you need a high-quality and reliable heating device, it remains only to figure out which convector-type heater to buy.

Design features

Structurally, an electric convector is a fairly simple device: a heating element is installed under the body. Ventilation openings are located at the top and bottom of the device case, the heater heats the air masses, according to the laws of physics, they rise up and exit through the grill, making room for cold air. Thus, the room is heated by natural circulation or convection.

The device can serve as an additional or main heating device. With a lot of advantages, convectors have earned wide popularity among the population.

Advantages of convector type heaters:

1. Practicality - the built-in thermostat, as needed, activates the heater. The device turns on and off, maintaining a constant temperature.
2. Uniform distribution of heat.
3. Simple installation and easy installation - the electric convector can be installed on the floor or mounted on the wall. The installation method depends on the type of construction.
4. The big advantage of this type of heater is safety. Unlike oil coolers, the maximum temperature of the device body during operation does not exceed 50-60 degrees.
5. Functionality - manufacturers of convector heaters equip devices with a wide variety of options: temperature control, programming, ionization, remote control.
6. External design does not attract undue attention, most models are made in a restrained Hi-Tech style, however, the user can order an individual design of the front of the case.

Among the shortcomings of electric convectors, noticeable noise during operation can be noted, but this applies only to some types. Electrical modifications are relatively economical, but completely dependent on the mains. Gas, on the contrary, are completely autonomous and are often used as an alternative to central heating, but require maintenance - regular replacement of gas cylinders. If you are interested in this type of electrical appliances, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with which we have selected the most economical and safe models.

How to choose the best convector

Turning to the choice, you should focus on the type of room. The same convector model will not be equally effective for a children's room, a bathroom and a country house.

The second step in choosing a good electric convector will be the calculation of power relative to the area of ​​​​the room. This is important if the device is too weak, the room will not be heated properly, or the energy consumption will increase.

If there is a need to heat a bathroom or kitchen, the convector must be protected from moisture and splashes. For a bedroom or a children's room, you need a convector heater with the lowest noise level, users often write reviews on the Internet that this or that model causes discomfort at night. The living room is usually the largest. Here, the noise level rarely becomes a priority characteristic, the appearance, the option and the presence of an air ionizer will be much more important.

When an electric convector is the main source of heat in a country house, in addition to other characteristics, it must be equipped with the “anti-freeze” option. It is also worth taking a closer look at gas-fueled models, they do not depend on the presence of electricity.

Convector installation types

According to the type of installation, heaters are: floor and wall. However, manufacturers strive to simplify the selection task as much as possible and develop combined modifications of convector heaters with wall mounting and a set of legs and rollers in the kit. However, combo versions may differ in the quality of the mounts and stands, so you should pay attention to this when choosing.

Floor electric convectors are mobile, the device can be moved or transported from one room to another. Autonomy is an absolute plus, but this type of unit requires a certain place for installation on the floor, and in small rooms it is simply inconvenient. It is rational to choose just such a model if mounting to the wall is not possible, or the unit will be used in different houses - in an apartment and in a country house.

Wall-mounted electric convectors do not take up space on the floor, which does not interfere with the user, pets and does not arouse the interest of small children. The device can be mounted to a wall of any material, with the exception of thin plasterboard or plywood partitions. Also, in accordance with the installation rules, it is allowed to install an electric convector under a window opening.

Power and its calculation

Power is the determining factor in electrical models. To choose a convector type heater correctly, you need to calculate the power, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturers. The formula for calculating the optimal value is quite simple: for every 10 sq. m requires 1 kW of power. However, these are only basic calculations for the area of ​​a standard type room, with walls up to 2.7 m high and high-quality insulation, in other words, for an apartment or a furnished cottage.

For efficient heating of rooms with high ceilings or when using a convector in a country house where regular heat losses are observed, the calculation result should be increased by 10%. Similarly, the result is increased if there is no interior decoration and the walls are made of concrete, if the glazing area is two or more times the size of the window. A correct calculation of the required power will be the key to the right purchase.

Heating element type

The design of the heater significantly affects the choice of a high-quality heating convector - this characteristic determines what type of premises the device can be used in. Today, models are produced with three types of heaters:

• monolithic element;
• tubular heater;
• needle spiral.

Let's start with the best - monolithic(cast) heaters are the most durable, practical and relatively expensive. Such convectors are best chosen for use in the bedroom and children's room - they do not make noise during operation.

Tubular heating elements- this is the "golden mean", where it combines quality and high efficiency quite well. However, it is optimal to choose a device of such a plan only for the living room, noticeable clicks during heating and cooling of the heater create discomfort, which has been proven more than once by the reviews of the owners on the forums. Often convectors with a tubular heating element are designed for operation in rooms with high humidity.

The last type is needle heater. Among the advantages of this arrangement is the lowest price on the market, among analogues. There are more minuses - relatively large dimensions, short service life, complete lack of protection against moisture. The acquisition will be rational when the price is the determining factor, and the regularity of use is minimized.

Control

The type of control is traditionally divided into mechanical and electronic. Which one is better is subjective. The layout with a mechanical thermostat is more reliable, resistant to voltage drops, and easy to use. If the device will be used by the elderly, the electronics will be out of place.

Convectors equipped with an electronic control unit are more functional. The main advantages of electronics are: the presence of a thermostat, the ability to program and set the temperature by day of the week, maximum heating accuracy, and an informative display. However, devices of this type are sensitive to severe voltage drops, which may cause malfunctions.

Design and dimensions

The vast majority of budget models and electric convectors of the middle price category have a standard appearance: a metal case painted in the base color.

The middle segment (in terms of price and, accordingly, functionality) is more attractive and serves as an independent design element. Often the front panel of the heater is not made of metal, but of glass - it looks very stylish.

When choosing a convector heater for an apartment or cottage, the user can place an order for an individual design of the front panel.

The dimensions of the device play a role not so much aesthetic as practical. The parameter is to some extent predetermined by technical characteristics: type and power of the heater, design. Electric convectors are usually flat and cover a relatively large area (like half a standard window). Floor, on the contrary, are represented by a wide choice of forms, the most compact of them are skirting-type convector heaters with a height of only 15 cm.

Case protection degree

The degree of protection of a convector heater against splashes and moisture plays a significant role when choosing a model for heating a shower, bathroom or kitchen. Manufacturers always indicate in the user manual whether the heater is water resistant. In the passport, the degree of protection is indicated according to generally accepted standards - in units of IP.

When selecting a convector according to the parameters of moisture protection, one should focus on the minimum value at which the device can be operated in conditions of high humidity - IP24. As an addition, a duplicate marking “protection against moisture”, “protection against splashes” is placed on the body.

Features that may be useful

The functionality of convector heaters deserves special attention. Modern models have a number of useful options necessary for convenient and comfortable use.

Additional options for good convectors for heating houses and apartments:

• Built-in air ionizer. An ionizer is a type of air purifier that charges fine dirt and dust with negative ions, after which the suspension settles on the floor.
• Timer. Setting the exact operating mode will allow you to create maximum comfort in the house. It is necessary to choose a model with a timer when it is not possible to turn the convector on and off manually. In all other situations, this option will not play a significant role, but it will increase the comfort of operation.
• Frost protection. This is an indispensable option for models used indoors without central heating in winter - for summer cottages or cottages. The essence of the function is as follows - when the air temperature drops below 5 degrees, the thermostat automatically activates the heater. The convector heats the room up to the set temperature, then switches off automatically. The on-off cycle is repeated.
• Overheating protection is a standard option for electric heaters. The protection system switches off the device if the temperature of the heater reaches peak values.
• Tip-over protection is useful for floor-standing convectors. The device must always be in a vertical position, if by negligence the device falls, the heating element turns off.
• Remote control is necessary if the machine is mounted high or located far from the main place of residence of people. In addition, it is very convenient to control the device from a distance.

Which brand of convector to buy

When choosing a good model of a convector heater in terms of price-quality ratio, users often have the question of which brand to give preference to. It is worth entrusting your choice to a proven company specializing in the production of climate technology. You can purchase a device of an unknown brand only after a detailed study of the company and instructions for the technique. The lack of clear information about the manufacturer and the low information content of the passport is already a reason to categorically refuse to buy. For this reason, we have selected 5 of the most popular and reliable manufacturers that have proven themselves well:

• Ballu
• Timberk
• Noirot
• Stiebel Eltron

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can conclude that the key criteria for a successful choice of an inexpensive but good convector will be the type of heater and its power. It is these factors that determine the efficiency and level of comfort during operation. Also, when choosing an electric convector for the home, you can pay attention to the built-in version. They have not gained wide popularity among individuals, but in some cases this arrangement will be the most successful solution.