How to choose an economical convector for a summer residence, criteria
When choosing a heating electric convector, first of all, the following are evaluated:
Power of electrical equipment
The power of the convector is selected depending on the intended area of \u200b\u200buse. If the equipment is used as the main heating system, the power of the installation is calculated based on the ratio of 1 kW per 10 m2 of heated area. 15 - 20% should be added to the calculated value for possible heat losses.
In the case of using the device as a backup system, the convector power can be significantly less. The exact value depends on the characteristics of the main heating circuit, the quality of the thermal insulation of the building and the outside temperature. As a rule, the power of such convectors is from 150 to 500 watts.
Type of thermostat
The design of modern electric convectors uses both mechanical and electronic thermostats. Devices with mechanical adjustment are simple and reliable, but the functionality of such convectors is minimal.
The use of electronic control units ensures precise compliance with the set temperature regime, the possibility of remote and program control, and also allows you to connect additional functional modules.
The use of electronic heating convectors is advisable as the main heating system. For a backup system, it is more profitable to purchase an inexpensive convector with a bimetallic thermostat.
Heating element type
Electric convectors can have heating elements of both open and closed type. When using an open-type heating element, there is a high probability of burning out oxygen, and in addition, under the influence of natural air humidity, corrosion destruction of the wire spiral is possible.
In closed-type heating elements, the filament is placed in a sealed tube with special aluminum fins designed to increase the efficiency of heat transfer. The use of such heating elements completely eliminates the combustion of oxygen and corrosion. Despite the higher cost, it is closed heating elements that are most widely used.
Additional functions
As a rule, additional functions are available for convectors with an electronic control system; they are extremely rare in "mechanical" convectors. The most requested additional features include:
- Antifreeze mode. When this function is enabled, the unit automatically maintains the temperature in the room at +5 C, preventing the building from completely freezing in the absence of the owners;
- Work in the programmed mode. The option allows you to automatically change the temperature mode in order to save energy. For example, in the absence of owners, the convector can operate in the minimum heating mode, and at a certain time, an hour or two before their return, the device switches to the optimal temperature mode.
- The remote control makes controlling the device comfortable.
- Turning the convector on and off by timer allows you to significantly reduce energy consumption.
Device Security
To ensure safe operation, the convector must have a number of basic protective functions:
- Reliable protection against moisture ingress;
- Turning off the heating element in case of tipping over will help to avoid a fire;
- Turn off the heating element in case of overheating of the device;
- Frost protection, which consists in maintaining the temperature within +5 - 7 C in offline mode in the absence of owners.
In addition, if the convector is installed in a children's room, the presence of sharp edges and corners that can injure the child is unacceptable.
Rating of convectors
Based on the considered models, we will make a rating of convectors in terms of reliability, quality and cost.
In terms of reliability, Neurot convectors are the leaders. Next come the models of manufacturers Atlantic, Electrolux and Ballu.
The best wall convectors are Neurot and Timberk. Timberk is again the leader among floor heating manufacturers. Good models are also produced by Electrolux and Ballu.
But among the inexpensive brands can be called Atlantic convectors. Cheap heaters are also produced by Delonghi. In general, reviews about the models of this manufacturer are good. Therefore, if you want to buy a floor convector at a low price, you can safely buy Delonghi products.
It is difficult to give an unambiguous answer which of the described models of convectors should be purchased.
It all depends on the operating conditions, your preferences regarding design, power and other technical parameters, as well as your financial situation. Of course, if the material condition allows, then it is better to purchase models from European manufacturers. In this case, you are guaranteed to get a quality device. If the budget is limited, then you can stop at cheaper Chinese brands.
The presence of a thermostat in the convector
The device of the thermostat in the convector.
In modern electrical devices, both electromechanical and electronic thermostats (which have an air temperature sensor) are used. All convectors, regardless of the type of thermostat, are equipped with overheating protection.
Similar devices with a mechanical thermostat have the following features:
- affordable price;
- accuracy in air temperature measurement (+/0.5-1°С);
- when the heating is turned off and on, a characteristic click is heard;
- high reliability during operation in conditions of unstable supply voltage (dacha, village, and so on).
In electronic thermostats, a microcontroller thermostat is installed. Its temperature sensors regularly measure the temperature of the cold incoming air and send a signal to the control element, which is able to maintain the set mode with an accuracy of +/-0.1-0.3°C.
Features of similar devices with electronic thermostats:
- higher price;
- completely silent operation;
- good temperature measurement accuracy.
Due to the higher accuracy of temperature measurement, the use of convectors with an electronic regulator can save 3-5% in electricity compared to electromechanical designs. Models that have an electronic thermostat most often support several operating modes: economical, comfort, anti-freeze (the temperature is regularly maintained at + 5-6 ° C) and automatic.
Which convector is better to choose
- More about similar battery cases
- Heating element of convectors
- The presence of a thermostat in the convector
- Calculation of the power of such a heating device
How to choose a convector for a summer residence? Today the Russian market of convectors is incredibly large: both European and Asian manufacturers are represented in it. With such a variety, a problem arises related to which convector is better to choose for a summer residence. The main criteria for choosing this device are: safety, efficiency, long service life, as well as its cost. All these parameters (except for the cost) are determined by the design features of the convectors.
The main parameters when choosing a convector: safety, environmental friendliness, good operation, low cost.
Electric or gas convector? It is necessary to understand what convectors exist today and whether it makes sense to say that electric ones are the best, and not any others. Such a device can work on the following types of substances:
- with the help of water;
- with the help of electrical energy;
- with the help of natural gas.
Due to the cost of natural gas, some consumers believe that the best gas convectors can be purchased in Russia. However, with this type of equipment, not everything is as simple as it seems. Finding such batteries is quite difficult when electrical units are sold everywhere.
Which convector is better to choose for giving: wall or floor?
Stages of installing a wall convector.
First of all, you need to decide how you plan to use the electric convector. Most often, electric convectors are installed permanently on the wall, under the windows or on a special bracket that comes with the kit. If you want to get a mobile heater that can be moved around the room, you will need to additionally purchase a set of legs (in most cases it is sold separately for wall convectors) or buy a convector that is designed specifically for floor installation. Such batteries, which were originally intended for floor installation, are equipped with roller legs and a tipping sensor, which is a rather important factor for the operation of such a device. High quality floor electric convectors can be found in the model range of some German manufacturers.
Floor electric convectors are narrow, low (20 cm) and long. Those that are attached to the walls have a height of about 40-50 cm. There is a difference in the heat supply. The most effective are those heating devices that are located closer to the floor. This is due to the fact that warm air will go up. Therefore, wall-mounted equipment is not very profitable to purchase.
Purpose and principle of operation of the electric convector
Before proceeding to consider the principle of operation of the electric convector, it is necessary to study its device and design features. With this knowledge, it will not be difficult to understand the principle of operation of the device.
Design
Regardless of the manufacturer and modification, any electric convector includes the following main elements:
- Frame. Most manufacturers prefer metal cases, which provide high durability in operation and safety of internal modules in case of tipping or other mechanical impacts. To facilitate the design in the manufacture of the case, light alloys based on aluminum are used. In the lower and upper parts there are grilles for cold air intake and warm air exhaust.
- Electric heater. Thanks to these devices, the air circulating in the device is heated. In modern convector installations, several types of heating elements are used:
- Monolithic. The cast case of such a heating element allows achieving high efficiency and silent operation;
- Tubular. The design is a metal pipe with a nichrome thread stretched inside. The space between the thread and the inner surface of the pipe is filled with a heat-conducting bulk insulator. There are aluminum fins on the outer surface of the pipe, which increase the efficiency of heat transfer.
- Needle. Such a heating element consists of a dielectric base on which a chromium-nickel filament is fixed, coated with a special insulator. Installations with a needle heating element provide the fastest possible heating of the room, but do not differ in durability.
Temperature sensors, location, and other protective elements that ensure the safe operation of the device;
Models with high thermal performance can be equipped with a fan that increases the intensity of air circulation.
Principle of operation
The operation of an electric convector is based on the natural circulation of air masses. The cold air coming from below is heated and rises through the convector grate. As the temperature drops, the cooled air gradually moves down and the cycle repeats.
In addition, a certain amount of heat can be transferred due to thermal radiation from the front panel of the device, located in close proximity to the heating element. It is the simplicity of the design that ensures the reliability and durability of convectors.
Some models with a high power heating element can be equipped with a fan to increase the intensity of air circulation, so that the initial heating time is significantly reduced. The forced movement of air masses increases the efficiency of the device, however, it is accompanied by an increase in the noise level.
Wall convectors
The wall convector is the heating equipment most often chosen by users. The thermostatic controller with the maximum temperature for heating the room saves energy, because when the set temperature is reached, the device will turn off.
A wall-mounted steel convector with a thermostat maintains the optimum temperature even in a heated room. With intermittent heating in country houses, the convector will maintain a stable temperature, saving fuel for the full heating of the building.
Convectors built into the window sill reliably protect the room from the penetration of cold. They don't take up much space.
Floor convectors
Installation of floor convectors does not require special skills, the instructions describe the entire installation sequence.
Floor convectors are divided into several types:
- with natural convection;
- with forced convection;
- able to function in rooms with high humidity.
Floor convectors are a large body, of various lengths, depending on the power of the convector. Easily fit into any interior, often made to order.
In the box itself there is a heat exchanger made of copper or aluminum, which have good thermal conductivity. Once every few years, it is necessary to do internal cleaning.
Floor convector
Floor convectors are radiators built into the floor. They are water and electric.
The plinth convector is used in rooms with an individual or central heating system.
Oil, water and other liquids are used as a heat source.
Successfully replaces the traditional heating radiator. It is a device consisting of a body made of various materials. As a rule, stainless or galvanized steel is used, which has increased resistance to corrosion.
In the case there is a heat exchanger made of a copper tube bent in the shape of a horseshoe. The aluminum fins increase the surface area of the heat exchanger.
Decorative grille, mounted on top of the convector, is made of steel, wood, aluminum.
The performance depends on the temperature of the supplied coolant and the intensity of the air flow created around the heat exchanger.
They are used in various heating systems operating in a wide range of coolant temperatures - from 45 to 90°C. The built-in tangential fan, which provides an increase in the intensity of the air flow, increases the productivity and speed of heat transfer to the convector.
Types of heating electric convectors
When choosing climate technology, it is important to consider that electric convectors may differ from each other in the following characteristics:
- Attachment type.
- The heating element used.
You should also pay attention to the manufacturer of the product and the cost of electricity.
Types of electric convectors, according to installation features
Heating appliances operating on the principle of air convection can be divided into three categories.
Wall mounted. Wall type convectors are the most efficient. Location on the wall facilitates the process of convection and increases the efficiency and heat transfer of heaters.
Floor version - used as an additional source of heat. Models with a built-in fan differ in performance. A convector with forced air circulation cannot boast of quiet operation, but warms up the air well.
Universal models - can be installed on the floor and mounted on the wall, using special fasteners. When choosing, you should pay attention to the presence of wheels in the kit. By installing the wheels on the body, you can easily move the heater to any place in the room.
The main advantage of the convector is the low heating of the device body. This allows you to install a heater for heating a wooden house.
Classification of convectors according to the heating element used
In total, three types of heating elements are used. The design of the heating element affects the possibility of using the heater.
- Needle heating element - a simple design, is a chromium-nickel heating filament located in a dielectric plate. It is covered with a special insulating varnish on top. A heater with a needle heating element is not suitable for wet rooms, since the heating element has absolutely no protection against the ingress of water, steam, condensate and other liquids. As a rule, budget models are equipped with a needle heating element.
- Tubular heating element - is made in a waterproof design. The design consists of a steel tube filled with a heat-conducting backfill, which at the same time is an insulator. To increase heat transfer, heat-distributing ribs are fixed on the sides of the heating element, which increase convection. The heaters are equipped with protection against overheating. The disadvantages of a tubular heating element are that the electric convector heats up for a long time. The operation of the appliance may be accompanied by sounds resembling the crackling of burning wood.
- Monolithic heater - the most economical electric convectors for heating a private house use a monolithic heating element. The body of the heating element has no seams, the work does not accompany extraneous noise. If you plan to make the electric heating of the apartment with convectors the main one, then models with a monolithic heating element are the best solution. During operation, minimal heat loss is observed. The heater efficiently and quickly heats the room. The only noticed drawback of a monolithic heating element is the high cost of the device.
For space heating using an electric convector, it is better to choose devices that have a tubular or monolithic heating element and are equipped with a built-in electronic or programmable thermostat.
Which brand of convector is better to choose
Of course, when choosing a convector, the buyer seeks to choose such a device in which price and quality are ideally correlated. But it is difficult to compare the quality and cost of different manufacturers. For example, European-made convectors are distinguished by high quality, long service life and a long warranty period. But the price for them will also be high.
Chinese versions are also presented on the market, the cost of which is much lower than that of European manufacturers. But the quality of such devices leaves much to be desired.
European convectors are usually represented by products from Italy, France and Germany. As for domestic heaters, modern models can quite successfully compete with European counterparts. And besides, they have one big advantage - manufacturers take into account the climatic conditions of our country, which are very different from Asia and Europe.
The best electric convectors in 2018-2019 in terms of price-quality ratio
Sometimes in the store it is difficult to decide which version of heating equipment is needed. Often, everyone prefers options whose quality corresponds to the money spent. It is these models that we will discuss in this section.
Convector ADAX VP 1020 KT - powerful and affordable
For a large multi-storey country house, it is unprofitable to purchase electric convectors
This model is considered more functional, but at the same time, it is easy to manage. Of course, this unit cannot be compared with premium analogues, but, nevertheless, it is not inferior to them in quality. This convector also has additional security. More details in the table.
| Power, W | Heating area, m² | Control method | Mounting option | Additional options |
| 2000 | 15 | Mechanical | Wall | Temperature control, overtemperature shutdown, tip-over protection |
ADAX VP 1020 KT
Convector Timberk TEC.PF10N DG 2000 IN
The metal case of the electric convector heats up to 60ºС
Model with an interesting facade. The back is made in the traditional way. On the control panel there are control keys and a power regulator. Such a device is more convenient to use when installed on the floor. This model has many interesting additions.
| Power, W | Heating area, m² | The presence of a thermostat | Control method | Additional options |
| 2000 | 23 | Yes | Mechanical | Temperature control, waterproof housing, front glass panel |
Timberk TEC PF10N
Convector Hyundai H-HV15-10-UI617 - a model with simple parameters
When using an electric convector, there is no need to install a fan in the room
Easy to use, easy to use and high quality. All these characteristics can be safely assigned to the declared unit. The device is suitable for small rooms, but has excellent heat dissipation. Therefore, its use in everyday life is fully justified.
| Power, W | Heating area, m² | The presence of a thermostat | Control method | Additional options |
| 1000 | 13 | Yes | Mechanical | Not |
Hyundai H HV15 10 UI617
GOOD TO KNOW!
It is allowed to connect additional accessories to multifunctional models of electric convectors.
How does an electric convector work?
In nature, there is a natural process of movement of warm and cold air masses. The heated air rises until it cools down, after which it descends. The principle underlying the movement of air currents is called convection.
In this regard, the question arises, an electric convector - what is it? This is a device that uses the principle of convection of air masses. The air heated by the heating element rises. After cooling, it goes down and again falls into the heating block of the device.
To ensure continuous convection, air channels are provided in the housing through which air is drawn in and out.
The principle of operation of the electric convector may differ slightly depending on the type of heating element used and the presence or absence of injection equipment (fan).
The best manufacturers of electric convectors
Currently, the most in demand electric convectors:
- ballu. The company's products are presented on the market as serial and exclusive design units. The power of the devices can be from 0.5 to 2 kW. Ballu convectors are characterized by high reliability and safety of operation.The presence of a large number of additional functions and a reliable protection system, combined with an affordable price, provided the company's products with wide popularity.
- Noirot. Electric heaters of this company are characterized, first of all, by high reliability. The average service life of the unit is at least 10 years. In addition, Noirot convectors are distinguished by reliable automation and great functionality. The diverse author's design of the units allows them to be used in any interior, not only as a heating device, but also as a decorative element.
- Electrolux. All household appliances produced under this brand are distinguished by high performance, reliability and original design solutions. Electric convectors are no exception. Most of the models produced by the company have electronic control with a wide range of additional functions and reliable closed-type heating elements. Only the high cost of the equipment is somewhat embarrassing.
- Timberk. The convectors of this company are distinguished by their exquisite design, variety of colors and shapes. As for the technical side of the issue, we can note the high build quality and reliability of the heating elements. The use of innovative materials and technologies has allowed the company to achieve flawless operation of the units in conditions of high humidity. The price of Timberk convectors is affordable for most owners of private houses.
- Neoclima. The company is focused on the production of budget models of units. The power of manufactured convectors allows you to effectively heat a small house in the country. Despite the low cost, Neoclima units are reliable and have a long service life.
Currently, the choice of convectors makes it easy to choose the model of the required power and the appropriate design.
gas convector
Gas convectors are used to heat rooms for various purposes. The device is also used for heating rooms to which the main gas supply is connected (subject to non-permanent residence).
|
On bottled gas |
Quite stringent technical requirements, self-installation is possible, but it is better to entrust the work to specialists |
|
On natural gas |
The best way to heat |
|
LPG |
It is impossible to seriously save on this method of heating, since the price of liquefied gas per 1 kW of energy is the same as that of electricity |
|
Propane |
Suitable for places where there is no electricity at all (for example, for summer cottages), otherwise there will be big interruptions in its supply |
Directly from the cylinder - in this case, difficulties arise with the placement of cylinders, especially when there are several convectors. At the same time, it is necessary to make a gas train and a cabinet where air heating will be provided during severe cold weather, otherwise there will be problems with the fuel supply to the burner.
Gas convectors can be wall mounted with a fan.
It should be borne in mind that it is necessary to supply gas to floor and wall convectors at a certain pressure specified in the technical data sheet for the product. The supply of fuel from cylinders should be organized through a reducer configured for this pressure.
Convectors with a fan - improved models. Minus: continuous annoying noise in the room from the operation of the blower.
