With the onset of cold weather, many families have to think about additional heating appliances. There are a great many of these today. Centralized heating sometimes simply does not cope with the functions assigned to it, and in remote areas it may not have been carried out at all. In this case, a convector battery will be a good solution to the problem.
The principle of convection is used in many appliances. It allows you to heat the room very quickly. Therefore, it will be interesting for almost everyone to learn about convector batteries.
Convection principle
Convector radiators are powered by various energy sources. But the principle of their action is the same. The air heated by the convector rises, and the cold masses fall down. The same process occurs in nature. This creates cyclones and winds.
Heated air currents rush to the ceiling in the room, as they are lighter. Cold masses are determined near the floor. This ismovement occurs naturally. Some devices provide additional ventilation, which speeds up heat exchange processes.
But an ordinary convector battery independently circulates air masses in the room. This is a simple but reliable way to heat your home quickly and with minimal energy costs.
Convector device
Convector heating radiators are characterized by a simple design. These devices consist of two main parts - a heating element and a body of a certain shape.
There are special holes at the bottom of the device to extract cold air. Warm masses exit through the top of the convector. There are also special departments here. The heating element is inside. It is installed at the bottom of the system.
The air inside the case is heated. His convector sends up. Cold streams rush down. To improve the circulation of air masses in the room, the air outlets are located at a slight slope. This allows the heated stream to be released further into the room.
When the air cools, it gradually sinks to the floor. This is how the circulation of air masses in the room occurs.
Types of structures
There are several types of convectors. First of all, they are grouped according to the energy carrier used. In this case, electric, gas and water convectors are distinguished. Each of them has its pros and cons. The most popular today iselectric heating convector wall. Therefore, he should be given more attention.
Electric convectors differ in the design of the heating element. They can be tubular, monolithic or needle-shaped. In the latter case, the heating element is made in the form of a thin plate, on which a nickel-chromium thread is installed. This material instantly heats up and cools down. This is one of the cheapest types of electric convectors. They should not be used in wet areas.
Tubular heating element (TEH) is a device made of steel, in which a nichrome thread is installed. It is surrounded by a special heat-conducting substance. This is a fairly durable type of device.
Monolithic heating elements operate silently. Their body is characterized as one-piece. These devices are considered the most efficient.
Features of electric convectors
Electric wall or floor heating convector is very popular today. It is easy to operate and has high heating efficiency. At the same time, energy costs are minimal. This is due to a well-thought-out system of electricity consumption during the operation of the convector.
Many manufacturers equip their heaters with a control unit or programmer. The programmable control unit allows the convector to remain off when the owners are, for example, at work. It's significantsaves family budget.
In order for the convector heating radiators of the presented type to work for a long time and safely, when buying, you must give preference to trusted brands.
Advantages and disadvantages of the electric convector
The convector heating battery has a number of advantages, but it also has disadvantages. This must be taken into account when choosing equipment. The advantages of the presented type of devices include safety of operation. The surface of the case does not heat up above 60 ° C, so it is impossible to accidentally get burned from contact with the battery.
The efficiency of the presented convectors reaches 95%, and this, in turn, indicates savings in energy costs. These appliances are easy to operate and are usually very quiet (unless the model has a fan).
The disadvantages include a gradual decrease in efficiency during the operation of the equipment. Because of this, energy costs will increase. An electric convector heats a room of a certain area. To heat the entire apartment, it is necessary to install such a device in each room.
But, despite the shortcomings, it is this type of heating that is very popular among the inhabitants of our country. It is used as an addition to the main heating.
Advantages and disadvantages of gas convectors
Convector-type battery can also be heated with gas. The principle of operation of such equipment is similar to electrical varieties. Butthe heat exchanger is heated by gas. To install such equipment, you must have certain knowledge.
The gas convector is connected to the mains with a hose. This heating option will be cheaper. But when using liquefied gas, energy costs will be comparable to electrical equipment.
The advantages of gas heaters include safe operation and high efficiency. Even in severe frost, this device fully copes with the functions assigned to it. The disadvantages include difficulty in installation, the need to install a coaxial pipe.
Advantages and disadvantages of water convectors
Convector radiators can use water as a coolant. This is the cheapest type of heating. It is connected to the central heating system. Convectors of this type have many advantages over conventional batteries.
Thanks to the installation of shut-off valves, this equipment is very easy to operate. The water convector heats up quickly. It is safe to use, there will be no burn from contact with the case.
The disadvantages include insufficient efficiency in large rooms or in rooms with high ceilings. If the air flow is not evenly distributed, drafts may occur.
Overview of manufacturers
Convector battery, the price of which depends on many factors, can cost in the range from 2 to 20 thousand rubles. The simplest varietieselectric batteries have a minimum set of functions. Their cost is from 2 thousand rubles. But among the whole variety of models presented, experts advise choosing electric convectors with a heating element or a monoblock. Devices of the trademarks Electrolux, Polaris, Ensto have proven themselves well.
Gas convector will cost more. Its cost is from 13 thousand rubles. The most famous manufacturers of the presented type of equipment are Karma, ATON, Gorenje. Reviews about these manufacturers are more positive.
It should also be noted that the cost of a convector depends on the principle of its installation. Floor and wall models will cost significantly less than built-in equipment.
Expert Tips
The convector battery is selected taking into account the conditions of the room. All the presented types of devices heat transfer is different. But in general, you can calculate the required power. If the ceilings in the room are of standard height (do not exceed 2.7 m), 1 kW is required for every 10 m² of area. In corner, basement rooms, this figure increases.
Experts advise installing a convector under each window. If the ceilings are high, the convector power must be increased. If the heater will be used only in a certain room, it can be installed on the wall. To be able to move the convector between rooms, the equipment must have wheels and stands included.
Having considered what a convector battery is, what varieties of it are,you can choose the best option of the heating device. Given all the advantages and disadvantages, it will be easy to purchase a durable and efficient heater.
