An electric convector is a household heater that regulates room temperature using air convection. Cold air has a greater mass than warm air, so it rises when heated, and after cooling, falls. Cold air masses enter through the lower grill of the convector, and after heating, they rise. When the air has time to cool down and descend again, it passes through the grate, and the cycle repeats.
Electric convectors have become very popular thanks to such a simple and effective system. In addition to electricity, there are also water and gas convectors.
Advantages of electric convectors
The advantages of electric convectors are as follows:
- Efficiency of work – electric convectors perfectly cope with their main task – air heating.
- Simplicity during installation — there is no need for long and complicated construction work to install an electric convector. Most models are installed either on the wall or the floor.
- The possibility of heating small buildings – the devices are relevant for such buildings as trade pavilions, security posts and other places where there are no alternative heating devices. Also, heaters are well suited for country houses that people visit in autumn or winter only on weekends.
- No noise and dust.
- No overdrying of the air — electric convectors, unlike heaters with an open spiral type, do not dry the air.
- Compactness and lightweight – these characteristics allow you to easily move the device from one place to another.
- No case overheating — the case does not heat more than 60 degrees.
A great variety of models is a separate advantage. Some of them may offer additional useful functions, such as precise temperature control, mode programming and integration with the Smart Home system.
How to choose the power of the convector?
Different electric convectors have different power, and to choose the device effectively, you need to pay attention to the area of the heated room. The optimal proportions will be the following options:
- for an area of 10-15 sq. m — 1 kW;
- for an area of 15-20 sq. m — 1.5 kW;
- for an area of 20-25 sq. m — 2 kW;
- for an area of 25-30 square meters. m — 2.5 kW;
- for an area of 30-35 square meters. m — 3 kW.
Types of heating elements
There are the following heating elements of electric convectors:
- Needle – made of dielectric material in the form of a plate, to each plane of which heat-insulating threads made of chrome-nickel are attached. Convectors with needle-type elements have the highest heating value and the lowest heat inertia, due to which they heat up and cool down very quickly. Due to the vulnerability to moisture, it is strictly not recommended to install these devices in the bathroom.
- Tubular —a special quartz tube that is filled with a heat-conducting insulator. The required specific power is transmitted using a nichrome thread of a certain resistance. Such electric convectors can be installed in bathrooms, but they must be located a meter away from the source of moisture.
- Monolithic – work due to a nichrome thread with a dielectric filler, located in an aluminum case. During heating or cooling, all components of the monolith expand and contract simultaneously, and this helps to avoid microcracks. Monolithic electric convectors are very efficient, but their price is significantly higher than that of devices with other types of heating elements.
- Combined – these types of heating elements are a combination of tubular type with infrared radiation. Due to their design, they can quickly heat the room without high consumption of electricity.
When choosing a device, electricians in sacramento recommend that you study the technical characteristics and pay attention to the heating element. Also think about how to fit the device into the design of the room. For example, for some types of convectors, special frames with an aesthetic function are provided.
Types of control
The following types of control are distinguished:
- mechanical – devices with this type of control are gradually losing popularity, but there is an opinion that they are more resistant to moisture, voltage drops and overheating;
- electronic is a popular type of device that most consumers find more convenient than mechanical.
When choosing the type of convector control, focus on needs and budget.
Types of thermostats
A mechanical thermostat is a budget option that is used in various types of climate technology. The electronic device is more effective because it allows you to control the temperature regime with high accuracy.
Installation recommendations
So that there are no problems with the installation and operation of the equipment, study the following tips:
- it is not necessary to mount the electric convector next to flammable objects;
- there must be a distance of at least 10 cm between the outlet and the device;
- before installation, check the room for the presence of a draft source, as it can create an imbalance in temperature control;
- if the room has high humidity, it is necessary to install devices with protection class IP21 (mainly monolithic or tubular electric convectors);
- if you are going to move the device in the future, make sure there is protection against tipping;
- do not use the electric convector as a hanger for clothes or towels.
An electric convector is a complex and in some cases not the cheapest device. Before buying, be sure to study the technical characteristics, as well as the instruction manual that comes with it.
