Wherever a person is, he always needs warmth. In the most different places, such as an apartment or office, garage or shopping pavilion, summer cottage plot or country house, you may need a reliable heater that will provide comfortable conditions existence. Convectors are often used for these purposes. In this article we will talk about how to choose an electric convector for heating one or more rooms.
It would seem that choosing a convector is quite simple - you just need to choose a model whose power is sufficient to heat the entire required area. Indeed, power is one of the main parameters by which household electric convectors differ. However, in addition to it, heaters have several equally important characteristics:
- installation location: wall or floor;
- type of thermostat: mechanical or electronic;
- body design: dimensions and wall thickness;
- heater type;
- safety;
- additional features.
Installation location
Wall convectors are more common. They take up little space and heat the room quite effectively. They are usually hung under windows, providing a thermal curtain to cold air.
If a convector may be required for heating different rooms, then you need floor option. Such convectors require a power cable and interfere with movement around the room, but they warm the air better.
There is also a compromise option: a wall heater with removable legs that can be installed when you need to temporarily move the device to the next room.
Thermostat type
Any electric converter allows you to set the temperature that needs to be maintained in the room. This function is performed by the built-in thermostat. Thermostats are:
- Mechanical. The temperature is set by turning the step switch. Household heaters With mechanical thermostat much cheaper, but they break more often and cannot provide the required accuracy.
- Electronic. Allows you to more correctly set the temperature in the room (with an error of one degree or less).
In the most expensive models there are programmable thermostats, with the help of which temperature regime can be changed depending on the day of the week and time of day.
In addition, there are convectors that can be combined into a single system under common control for heating several rooms.
Frame
The heater body, in addition to its aesthetic function, also has a purely functional purpose. Its height directly affects the convection capacity, since the air flow speed depends on it. Modern household convectors have a height of about 50 cm, which is quite enough to heat most rooms.
The thickness of the internal walls is also very important, although when studying how to choose wall-mounted electric convectors, very few take this parameter into account. The fact is that the thicker the walls, the more heat is transferred to the surrounding space through radiation (rather than convection) and the better the air warms up.
Heater type
Cheapest household appliances equipped with a needle-type heater - this is a thin plate on which loops of nickel thread are attached. This design is quite fragile and has low heat transfer. Therefore, in many cases, it may be worth choosing an electric convector with a tubular or monolithic heater. They have a large contact area with the air flow and are protected from splashes of water.
The question of which one is better is not entirely clear: tubular heaters crackle a little during operation, but are noticeably cheaper, while monolithic heaters are more efficient and durable.
Safety
Despite the constant struggle of manufacturers to increase the speed and efficiency of heating, modern household convectors are absolutely safe. The device body never heats up above 45-65 °C. Therefore, even if there is a child in the room where the electric convector operates, you can be calm, since there is absolutely no risk of injury.
If you plan to use a floor-standing option, then you should choose a model with automatic tip-over protection.
The floor convector can be moved around the room, so it may fall unexpectedly. In addition, there is always a chance of getting tangled in the wires that go to the device and dropping it. The presence of a rollover sensor will allow you not to worry about a fire - in such cases the power is automatically turned off.
It should also be noted that convectors with needle heaters have a low level of electrical protection. Therefore, it is worth thinking carefully about how justified it is to buy these cheap household devices.
Additional features
Some heater models have quite interesting features that can increase heating efficiency:
- Ionizer. Allows you to combine the functions of heating and prevention of various diseases. The ionizer can work even when the convector is turned off. To protect against possible accumulation of static charge, it is better to ground the device;
- Antifreeze. Automatically turns on the heating if the room temperature drops below +5 °C. A very useful option for heating rooms during a long absence of owners (for example, in a country house or in a garage);
- Restart. The function is present in models with a programmable thermostat. The device remembers its current parameters and sets them correctly when resuming operation after a power outage. This is very convenient if there are frequent power outages.
Power
Now let's talk about the main parameter, which is always mentioned first when discussing the question of how to choose an electric convector - the power of the device.
There are two approaches to determining the required power of the device:
- Room area. It was experimentally established that with an average ceiling height (2.5–2.7 m) heating 10 m2 requires 1 kW of operating power. If the electric convector is used in rooms with central heating, this figure can be reduced by half.
- Room volume. A more accurate calculation can be made based on the ratio of 35–40 W per 1 m 3 of volume. This method should be used, for example, for rooms with high ceilings (3 m or more).
If the heated room is corner, has a large glass area or is located under a cold attic, it is better to provide an additional power reserve of 15–20%.
Thus, there are quite a few criteria for choosing an electric convector. Only correct consideration of the entire set of parameters will ensure reliable heating of all necessary premises.
When choosing a home heating system, it is important to choose the right devices that quickly and efficiently heat indoor air. Modern electric heating convectors are devices aimed at maintaining a comfortable temperature in a house or apartment.
They greatly facilitate the operation of traditional heating systems, and in certain cases can even replace them completely.
In this material we will talk about the operating principles of convectors, share the secrets of choosing equipment and give a small rating of the best devices according to users.
The operation of the device is based on the process of convection, associated with a well-known physical phenomenon: when heated, the density of the air decreases, as a result of which it expands and rises.
The name convector comes from the Latin convectio - “transfer”. The process consists of constant movement of air flows: cold air settles down, and warm air rises to the ceiling
The design of all types of electric convectors is extremely elementary. The main parts of the device are the housing and the heating unit located in the lower part of the casing.
Cold air enters the holes, which are located at the bottom of the device. When passing next to the heater, the temperature of the air flow increases, due to which it rushes upward, where there are outlet holes made at a slight angle.
Rating of electric convectors for heating
Participants in specialized forums compiled a rating of electrical appliances taking into account the main parameters and operating features.
Electrolux ECH/AG-1500EF
A budget mobile model from a Swedish manufacturer, which attracts with its high efficiency and speed of achievement. operating temperature.
A high-quality convector model from Electrolux allows you to reach operating temperature in just 80 seconds, effectively heating an average-sized room
The advantages also include a system of protective screens and the absence of air drying. The disadvantages of the device include its simple design and small heating area.
Timberk TEC PS1 LE 1500 IN
A convenient, high-quality device produced by a well-known international holding company, whose divisions are located in Europe and Asia.
An inexpensive mobile model on wheels has two heating modes (one of them is economical), high technical specifications, as well as many additional functions:
- large area heating element;
- high-precision electronic thermostat;
- on/off timer;
- possibility of connecting accessories;
- air ionizer.
Disadvantages noticed by consumers include what some consider to be an inexpressive design and sound effects (clicks) that are heard when the device is turned on and off.
Noirot Spot E-3 1000
Convector made in France wall placement has nice design, affordable price, high efficiency, as well as a wide range of settings.
The device has overheating protection, a large memory capacity that allows you to restore settings in the event of a sudden power outage, as well as special system, counteracting power surges in the network.
Among weaknesses The tight mode switch and the not too long cord were noted.
Nobo C4F 20 XSC
Wall model from a Norwegian manufacturer. It has instant heating and is capable of heating large areas, which will please owners of large premises.
The device has a nice design and has an overheat protection sensor, mechanical control of parameters with the ability to set the exact temperature, and ergonomic mounts that allow the device to be tilted.
The convector has almost no disadvantages except for the price, which is quite high.
Scoole SC HT HM1 1000W
Electric portable convector made in Norway has attractive design. Small model budget price is a fairly powerful device that can instantly heat a medium-sized room.
The Scoole mobile model is distinguished not only by its bright color, but also good characteristics. The micathermic heating element guarantees sufficient power and high heating speed, and the mechanical thermostat has precise adjustment
Disadvantages include significant energy consumption, which increases operating costs.
Ballu ENZO BEC/EZMR 2000
The Russian-made model with a monolithic heater has an affordable price, but at the same time has high technical characteristics.
A convector that can quickly heat a room at 21-25 square meters, barks electronic thermostat, two heat transfer modes, one of which allows you to save electric current, protection against overheating and tipping over.
There are also two mounting options (the kit includes fasteners for wall mounting and wheels for floor use), a backlit control unit and a temperature step of 1 degree.
Important advantages are also comfortable, uniform convection, the presence of a shutdown timer, and the ability to program modes.
Among the weaknesses, users note that the cord is not too long and the wheels are not strong enough.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
The video contains material about the criteria according to which a high-quality electric heating convector is selected, and also provides information about the most popular brands:
Modern models of electric convectors allow us to solve the problem of maintaining a comfortable temperature in the rooms. A properly selected device combines fast heating time, high power and energy-saving technologies, as well as ease of use.
Choosing a high-quality electric convector nowadays is not a problem, since there is a wide range of these products on the market.
You just need to understand the characteristics and technical features models.
So - This is a heating device, so it should be selected taking into account the area of the room and the characteristics of its microclimate.
Comparative characteristics
Convectors and heating radiators have long been competing in the same price range. Some advantage in the long-term struggle still remains with the first. Electric wall models can be installed in any convenient place. They do not take up much free space, but effectively perform their assigned tasks.
Oil radiators usually occupy the center of the room and make it difficult to move, while water-based radiators require the placement of additional pipes on the walls necessary for the operation of these devices.
The design features are not complicated, so the device is easy to repair. As heating element a heating element is used, consisting of a heat-resistant housing and a conductor with high resistance. In modern models, the efficiency is significantly increased by equipping the heater body with additional wings, petals or blades that increase the heat transfer area.
Compared to radiators, this design is more efficient, as it is characterized by minimal heat loss. The heating temperature of the heating element reaches 1000 degrees in a short time, and almost all thermal energy enters the room, but the air does not dry out. It takes time for the source in the oil cooler to heat up, which reduces its efficiency. The water one is more efficient, but has a complex design.
Due to its optimal location, according to physical laws, the wall-mounted electric model ideally meets the requirements for air exchange in the room. Cold air masses fall down, are heated by a heating element and rise up. When the device is turned off, the air masses cool and fall down. When the equipment is turned on, they heat up again.
The wall model has small sizes(40-45 cm). A narrow and elongated device (plinth) with a height of no more than 20 cm will fit perfectly into any interior. It is easy to install, so it wins the fight against floor-standing analogues, although the latter are more effective.
Their properties:
- Does not create drafts.
- Does not require supervision when operating in automatic mode.
- The built-in thermostat regulates the room temperature and saves electrical energy.
- Automatic protection prevents overheating of the heating element. Therefore, it can be installed on any surface.
- If the case is protected from moisture, the product can be placed even in rooms with high humidity.
- Modern product design should not have sharp corners, which can cause injury. This is especially important if there are children in the house.
- It does not burn oxygen, so it can be installed in a children's room.
- When purchasing, pay attention to the noise level of the fan. High quality models work silently.
- An electronic control unit controls the temperature level in the room.
- The device operates silently, but provides an effective change of convection masses.
Among the extensive range on the market today you can find models that are equipped with casters, wheels and practical wall mounts. This versatility is very convenient when you need to frequently transport the product. Floor-standing analogues usually do not have this possibility, since they require precise location and a certain area of the room for which their power is designed. Models are installed 0.3-0.5 meters above the floor.
Tip 1. If you do not have a significant budget planned for the purchase of the product, you can save on management. Models with manual temperature control are much cheaper. For temporary use during shutdowns district heating such equipment is quite suitable. You can also save on heating elements by choosing models with a needle heater. They are less practical, but acceptable for occasional use.
Tip 2. Pay attention to the heating element. Usually their service life is about 15 years, but some manufacturers guarantee a longer period of operation of the heater due to quality materials housing. This design slightly increases the cost of the product, but is justified by the duration of use. High-quality heating elements usually have a warranty of more than 2 years.
Tip 3. To calculate required power model, it is necessary to take 100 W of electrical power per 1 m 2 area. Thus, for a room measuring 20 m2, a 2000 W device is needed. If the ceilings in the room are located at a height of 3 meters, it is necessary to increase the power of the device by 1.5 times to ensure an optimal microclimate. When the device is purchased only as an auxiliary device to the main heating supply, the power can be reduced.
Each convector panel is self-powered, so it heats up gradually. This must be taken into account when calculating the energy costs required to operate the device.
Tip 4. They require a separate power supply line from the switchboard through a separate machine. When purchasing, it is better to choose models with an electronic thermostat. Compared to mechanical ones, it is more accurate and responds instantly to temperature changes. Programmable thermostats increase the cost of the product, but provide the ability to automatically adjust every hour, as well as during the day and night.
Tip 5. When choosing a convector in a store, ensure that it has special legs for it. Even if you initially plan to place the device on the wall, under a window, over time you may need to make it mobile. For example, if it is necessary to temporarily heat the room where the child is located. Manufacturers of modern models also equip devices with rollover sensors. Don't spare money for safe use device.
Tip 6. When purchasing a product, evaluate its body. Good manufacturer spares no expense in creating a metal case that provides good heat dissipation. A taller body has greater convection capacity due to an increase in the speed of movement of air masses through the heating element. For a city apartment, a product with a height of 0.4-0.6 meters is quite sufficient. However, a device with a height of 0.2-0.4 m may be suitable if it has an increased length (plinth convector). We also note that all modern electric convectors (wall-mounted and floor-mounted) have a double layer of insulation of heat-protective parts, and therefore do not require additional insulation.
Tip 7. Inexpensive models from Ukrainian manufacturers are equipped with a “needle heater”. This design has a low electrical protection class, so cost savings in this case are not justified by the low level of safety.. European models are equipped with a tubular heater, which is a nichrome filament located in a steel quartz tube. The temperature of these heaters is somewhat lower than needle heaters, but they are more durable and unpretentious than their needle counterparts.
Tip 8. The optimal fin rating for the device is considered to be 0.6-0.8 m2/kW, which is indicated in the manufacturer’s data sheet. The larger the heating area of the product, the more efficient the device. However, you should not overpay for additional unused capacity. Before visiting the store, calculate the area of the room. There are models equipped with a heating element “TRIO-SONIX F”. They have 3 power levels that switch automatically depending on the climate conditions in the room.
In conclusion:
These heating devices can be called fantastic. Despite their small size, they are characterized by a high efficiency. You can indirectly determine the power of a product by its length. Located at a height of 0.3-0.5 meters, they do not create problems for residents, fit organically into any room and create an ideal microclimate.
Today in systems smart home» several devices are combined into a single system, which is controlled by a central computer. Such schemes in the 21st century are by no means on the verge of science fiction, but have become a reality. Using SMS messages, owners of their own homes and garages can set the operating temperature of each device in individual rooms.
So, what constitutes a quality device:
- Service life 25 years.
- High heating efficiency without “burning out the air”.
- Quiet operation with an electric thermostat. Rare clicks with a mechanical thermostat.
- Efficiency is about 95%.
- Fast starting heating of the room.
- Reasonable price.
Choose the best for yourself!
Heating systems continue to be modernized. More than perfect mechanisms heating indoor air. One such device is a convector. The device effectively maintains a comfortable temperature in the rooms while maintaining optimal humidity. New models compete with centralized heating and can act as the only source of heat for an apartment or cottage. Before choosing an electric convector (type, power, etc.), you need to think about which one is best suited for a given room.
Electric convector in a modern interior
Operating principle
Convection is the natural upward circulation of hot air masses due to different densities of heated and cold air. Electrical device– the convector speeds up the process of heating the air, passing cold currents through hot plates, ensuring normal pressure and humidity parameters. Heating with convectors is one of the best solutions for cottages and apartments against the backdrop of rapidly rising prices for gas and centralized heating.
The efficiency is affected by the size of the convector heating plates. The small number of them in plinth models is compensated by the increased power of the devices.
Design
The device consists of two main elements:
- External - the housing in which all the parts are located. There are holes on the surface through which air moves: in the lower part - for launch, in the upper part - for exhaust.
- An internal element that heats the air. Located in most models at the bottom. The air is heated quickly, without overheating.
Some models can be equipped with fans that force heated air into the room. Their disadvantage is that they increase the operating noise of the device.
An electric convector evenly heats and distributes the air in the room, identical to natural heating.
Heating with convectors of a country house
Convector selection criteria
- Device power. Standard models manufactured with power from 0.5 to 3 kW. To select power, you need to calculate the area that the device will heat. It is also necessary to take into account the type of house (panel, brick, concrete blocks, etc.), climatic region, location of rooms relative to the south, number of windows and type of premises (residential or non-residential).
It is necessary to make preliminary calculations of energy consumption. Provide several options - installing one or more powerful convectors, or several medium-power models that will direct hot air flows to locations where people are directly planned to be present. Adjusting the power will reduce costs in the autumn and spring, when the equipment is not required to operate at full capacity.
Air circulation in the room
- Place of installation of devices. It is necessary to take into account the size of the room and the expected usable space of the room. For large areas, it is better to choose floor-standing models that can be moved, if necessary, to the desired point for directed local heating. If the model is equipped with wheels, then it is likely to spoil flooring, even after several years of operation, is low. Models on fittings are easier to move.
Wall convectors are suitable for rooms with many windows. As a rule, one copy is installed for each window.
- Heating element type. Monolithic or tubular.
- Installation type– suspended or floor-mounted, baseboard. There are models mounted inside floors.
- Thermostat type. Mechanical (analog) or electronic. Mechanical devices are first generation devices and have a number of disadvantages compared to newer electronic devices.
The advantages are low cost and greater reliability of such models.
Electronic models have increased sensitivity to temperature changes and are less noisy. Due to greater sensitivity to temperature changes, they have low power consumption.
- The presence of a thermostat. The device provides: noiselessness, the ability to operate in several modes, and support of the set temperature in the room.
Models with thermostats can be equipped remote controls. Smooth adjustment temperature reduces energy consumption for heating rooms.
- Overheat protection. When the critical temperature is reached, the device will automatically turn off. The second class of electrical protection of the device guarantees high protection against electric shock to humans.
During operation, the air does not heat up to high temperatures, therefore, there is no danger of getting burned - excellent for installation in children's rooms, unlike oil heaters.
- Moisture- and dust-proof. Increases the safety of using the device, and also allows you to install the device in rooms with high humidity.
Bathroom convector model
- Shutdown controller.
- Availability of additional functions(programmer): electronic display, remote control, smart interface, etc. The programmer increases the comfort of using the device.
Also, to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of the convector, it is advisable to insulate the walls from the outside.
For rooms with a large amount of glass, you should choose equipment with a power reserve. The appearance of the device also plays an important role.
Types of convectors
- Wall-mounted electric convector.
As a rule, it is installed under the windows of residential and administrative buildings(apartments, cottages, workshops). Thanks to the identical arrangement with classic radiators, replacing the old heating system a new one is possible with minimal financial and labor costs.
- Floor electric convector
Appliances heat the air, just like wall-mounted ones. Can be supplied additional fittings– wheels for easy transportation. It is better to choose such models if apartments or cottages have a large area, because... Moving the device to the required heating zone is not difficult.
The baseboard type convector is modern device heating system, the efficiency of which exceeds conventional cast iron batteries. In addition, baseboard convectors have small dimensions; installing them frees up usable space in the rooms.
The operating principle is similar to floor and wall models, is based on the phenomenon of convection - heating and natural circulation air. Electric baseboard convectors are manufactured in many variations - from heating elements to infrared plates. Which one is better to choose depends on the type of room.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros:
- Compactness. Great appearance. Conventional devices do not spoil the appearance of the interior. Models upper class are an excellent addition to the decor.
- High rate of heating of rooms. Thanks to placement along the walls, the air warms up instantly.
- Good air circulation.
- Heating the air, as well as walls and part of the floor.
- High security. The devices are recommended for use in children's rooms. With a waterproof design, installation in bathrooms is possible.
Model of baseboard convector for space heating
There is only one drawback - the need to install devices around the entire perimeter of the premises (if their area is large).
Installation of skirting models
Installation work is similar to the installation process of classic models. Please note the following before installation:
- Mounting height. The minimum permissible distance from the floor should be 0.15 m. At lower values, the efficiency of the heating installation decreases.
- Installation location. It is prohibited to install products behind furniture - after long-term operation furniture structures dry out. The convector must not be covered with decorative partitions or recessed in wall niches; it is also unacceptable to cover the device with fabrics, because circulation of air masses must be ensured.
- It is necessary to provide a separate RCD and grounding for the equipment.
If these standards are met, installation will not be difficult, because Convectors are supplied assembled and ready for use. Skirting convectors can be connected to the network either in series or as a collector.
Skirting models are used for heating apartments, residential buildings, cottages, administrative buildings and industrial workshops.
Heating system efficiency
When installing convector-type heating systems for an apartment or cottage, high efficiency is observed at low cost of energy resources. For uninterrupted operation of heating equipment, a continuous supply of electricity is required. For private houses and residential dachas in such cases installation is necessary diesel generator or solar panels with battery.
Installation criteria additional elements into the internal power grid is to provide the consumer with sufficient electricity for the duration of a possible emergency shutdown of the power transmission line.
Electric the convector has the following advantages:
- Low cost of equipment. The purchase and installation of convectors is much cheaper than traditional heating systems.
- High efficiency of the installation. 99.9% electrical energy is converted into heat. The low level of heat loss increases the economic effect of using electrical devices.
- Easy to install, no complex construction and installation work.
- No need to obtain permission to use equipment.
Video about heating
The cost-effectiveness of using convector heating for houses and apartments is described in the video below.
Heating an apartment or cottage with electric convectors profitable solution in conditions of high energy costs. Choosing the right type, quantity, installation location and nature of operation of convectors is guaranteed to provide efficient space heating at a low cost level. Which device is best installed indoors is determined by the calculations and financial capabilities of the consumer. Whether the equipment is used as the main element of the heating network or as an additional source of heat, the convector will always provide the home with comfort.
Traditional water heating in our country is complex and expensive at the installation stage. Therefore, many are looking for other options for heating rooms, cottages, cottages and apartments. The first thing that comes to mind is electric heating convectors. Installation is super simple: set it up or hang it up, plug it into a power outlet. All. You can warm up. The only limitation is whether the wiring can withstand such a load. The second is decent electricity bills, but they can be reduced by installing.
What is convection and convector
Convection is the process of heat transfer due to the movement of heated air. A convector is a device that heats air and promotes its movement. There are convectors in which heating occurs due to the circulation of coolant, then they are part of water heating. But we will talk about electric convectors, which convert electricity into heat, and air flows carry this heat throughout the room.
According to the installation method, convector electric heaters are wall-mounted, floor-mounted, in-floor (built in below floor level), baseboard and universal (installed on legs that come included or hung on the wall).
It is impossible to say which form of electric heating convectors is better. All forms are developed taking into account thermodynamics (at least, normal companies do this this way), so you base your choice only on your own preferences and on which design fits best into the design of the room. No one forbids installing electric convectors in one apartment, house or even in a room different types. The main thing is that the wiring can withstand.
Installation of electric heating convectors
The design of the electric convector is simple:
- a housing in which there are openings for air intake and exhaust;
- heating element;
- sensors and control and monitoring devices.
The case is heat-resistant plastic. The shape can be flat or convex, rectangular or square. There are holes in the bottom of the case - they suck in cold air. There are also holes in the top of the case. Heated air comes out of them. The air moves without stopping, and the room warms up.
The heating element of an electric convector is what you need to pay attention to when choosing. The service life of the equipment and air conditioning depend on the type of heater.
Types of heating elements for electric convectors
There are three types of heating elements in electric heating convectors:
Electric heating convectors with monolithic heaters are considered the best, but they are also the most expensive. Using heating elements is a little cheaper.
Types of thermostats and controls
Electric heating convectors can be controlled using a mechanical thermostat or electronics. The cheapest convector electric heaters have a thermostat, which, when the set temperature is reached, breaks the power circuit of the heating element. When it cools down, the contact appears again and the heater starts working. Devices of this type cannot maintain a constant temperature in the room - the thermostat is activated by the heating of the contact plate, and not by the air temperature. But they are simple and quite reliable.
Electronic control uses several sensors that monitor the state of the air in the room and the degree of heating of the device itself. The data is processed by a microprocessor, which adjusts the operation of the heater. The desired mode is set from the control panel located on the case, and there are also models with a control panel. You can find programmable models that allow you to set the heating mode for a whole week - while no one is home, set it to maintain about +10°C or lower and save on bills; when people arrive, warm up the room to a comfortable temperature. There are generally “smart” models that can be integrated into the “smart home” system and controlled from a computer.
Choosing an installation location
Or rather, the question is not: which convector is suitable for fulfilling your wishes. If you want to bring the appearance of the room closer to the standard one, you can hang rectangular wall convectors under the windows. Models that can be installed under the ceiling attract a little more attention, but they are inaccessible to children and pets - they will not be able to get burned or “adjust” in their own way. The installation method is the same here - on brackets fixed to the wall. Only the shape of the brackets differs.
If you want your heating appliances not to be visible, you will have to choose between baseboard and in-floor models. There is a big difference in installation: skirting boards are simply installed and connected to the network, but for in-floor ones you will have to make special recesses in the floor - their top panel should be on the same level as the finished floor. In general, without overhaul you can't install them.
Power calculation
If a convector is needed only as an additional source of heat - for periods of severe cold - it makes sense to take a couple of low-power devices - 1-1.5 kW each. They can be moved to those rooms where the temperature needs to be raised. If convector heating is the only source of heat, everything is much more serious.
If you do everything “wisely,” you need to calculate the heat loss of a house or apartment and select equipment based on the calculation results. In fact, this is very rarely done. Much more often they calculate the required heating power by area: 10 square meters for heating. m area requires 12 kW of heat. But these are the norms for average ceiling heights - 2.50-2.70 m and average insulation. If the ceilings are higher (the volume of air needs to be heated) or there is “no” insulation at all, the power is increased by 20-30%.
Manufacturers, characteristics and prices
Electric convector heaters are produced by several companies that produce other household appliances - Electrolux, AEG, Hyundai, Stiebel Eltron, Zanussi. In addition, there are many companies that specialize in this type of technology or produce two or three more groups of products. Among them there are Russian manufacturers— Ballu, Termica, Ural-Mikmah-Term, Alvin. There is also a whole group of European brands:
- Airele, Noirot and Atlantic (France),
- Extra, Royal Thermo, Scoole, Timberk, WWQ (PRC),
- Frico (Sweden),
- NeoClima (Greece),
- Nobo (Norway)
and many more. Electric heating is the norm in Europe; water heating is rare here. Hence the number of companies producing such household appliances. But, as usual in recent years, most companies have moved production to China, so the assembly is mainly Chinese, although quality control should be at the level.
Electric heating convectors can have a power from 0.5 kW to 2.5-3 kW. They operate mainly from a 220 V network; if necessary, three-phase ones can be found - from 380 V. With increasing power, the dimensions (mainly depth) and price increase. If we talk about prices on average, then the price for imported electric convectors is about $80-250, for Russian ones - $30-85.
| Name | Power | Additional functions | Installation type | Control type | Heating element type | Dimensions (D*W*H) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEG WKL | 0.5/1/1.5/2/2.5/3 kW | Overheat protection | Wall | Thermostat | heating element | 78*370*450 | 105 - 195 $ |
| Airelec Paris digital 05DG | 0.5 kW | Overheat protection | Wall | Electronic | Monolithic | 80*440*400 | 60-95 $ |
| Termica CE 1000 MR | 1 kW | Overheat protection + ionizer | Floor | Thermostat (mechanical) | heating element | 78*400*460 | 50 $ |
| Nobo C4F 15 XSC | 1.5 kW | Wall/floor | Electronic | heating element | 55*400*975 | 170 $ | |
| Stiebel Eltron CS 20 L | 2 kW | Overheat protection + fan | Floor | Thermostat (mechanical) | spiral heating element | 100*437*600 | 200-220 $ |
| Stiebel Eltron CON 20 S | 2 kW | Overheat protection | Floor | Thermostat (mechanical) | Stainless steel heating element | 123*460*740 | 450 $ |
| Noirot Melodie Evolution1500 | 1.5 kW | Overheat and tip-over shutdown | Wall-mounted (small height) | Electronic | Monolithic | 80*220*1300 | 300-350 $ |
| Ballu BEC/EVE - 1500 | 1.5 kW | Overheat and tip-over shutdown | Wall/floor | Electronic | Heating element Double G Force | 111*640*413 | 70 $ |
| Timberk TEC.PF1 M 1000 IN | 1 kW | Overheat and tip-over shutdown + ionizer | Wall/floor | Thermostat (mechanical) | 100*410*460 | 65 $ | |
| Dantex SD4-10 | 1 kW | Overheat and tip-over shutdown | Wall/floor | Electronic | Needle + quiet + economical | 78*640*400 | 45 $ |
Useful additional features
When choosing electric heating convectors, pay attention not only to technical parameters. There are also additional functions that increase comfort and safety:
Overheat protection and drop shutdown - very useful features, increasing equipment safety. Something else you can pay attention to is how quiet or loud the unit is. It's not just the heating element (it usually clicks). When activated, the mechanical thermostat also clicks. When choosing convection heaters for your bedroom, quiet operation is very important.