Oil heater or convector - which is better? Oil heater or convector: customer reviews. Oil heater or convector - which is better to choose
For better transfer of thermal energy from the source of heating the air in the room, constant circulation is necessary. This function is available for some heaters that differ from standard ones in design and performance. To analyze the effectiveness of the use convector heaters First you need to find out the specifics of their functioning.
The principle of operation of converter type heaters
The operation of this type of heaters is based on the principle of circulation of air masses due to the temperature difference. Those. hot air rises, and when it cools down, it sinks.
For practical implementation, the design of the heater should consist of the following components:
- Source of thermal energy. These can be electric heating elements, pipelines with hot water or gas-burner. It is important that their temperature is higher than in the room.
- air channels. They are formed when heating elements are connected to the body of the structure. There should be slots at the top and bottom for the entry of cold air and the exit of hot air.
A feature of convectors is the source of thermal energy. It determines the specifics of the design and features of operation. Proper installation is an important factor.
For more efficient operation of heaters, it is recommended to install them in that part of the wall where the greatest heat losses are. Most often these are window structures.
Types of heaters
For a real organization efficient heating choose the right convector heater. The choice is determined by the type of heating system, the characteristics of the heated room and the required functionality.
The determining parameter is the rated power of the device. It determines the amount of heat energy transferred to the room. In addition, such characteristics of the heater should be taken into account.
- The type of energy carrier used.
- Degree of air convection. In some models, fans may be provided to improve this indicator.
- Functional features - the ability to change the degree of heating, work safety, ionization, etc.
For a complete analysis of offers on the market, we will consider the main types of convector heaters.
When calculating the thermal power, it is necessary to take into account not only the heat losses in the house, but also the minimum temperature regime in the region.
Electrical
In these types of structures heating appliances an electric heating element (spiral, monoblock) is provided as the main source of thermal energy. The vast majority of them work on the principle of resistive heating: the transformation of electrical energy into thermal energy as a result of the passage of current through a spiral (monoblock) with a high resistance index.
The heating unit is located inside the structure. To transfer the thermal energy of the front panel, heat exchange plates are provided. Additionally, there are holes in the upper and lower parts of the front cover, which provide air circulation.
For water heating
In these devices for heating, the heat source is a heated coolant. It flows through a system of inner tubes that are connected to the outer casing by means of heat exchangers.
There are several types of convectors for water heating. The main difference is the type of body - one-piece or sectional. The latter type of construction is used for the production of bimetallic and aluminum radiators convector type. Steel heaters have a non-separable body. This is important to consider when choosing a device for the power parameter.
Gas
These are the most efficient and inexpensive models of thermal convectors in operation. To obtain heat, it is used, which is located in a separate chamber. It does not have direct contact with the air in the room.
To maintain the combustion process in gas convectors, it is provided. It passes through the outer wall of the building and through it air enters the burner area. Thermal energy is transmitted through a steel or cast iron heat exchanger. It is located behind a decorative and protective cover, which performs the functions of an air convector.
When choosing a convector heater, it must be remembered that for the efficient operation of any heating device, it is necessary to correctly calculate its parameters. This is the only way to make efficient and reliable heating of a house or apartment.
Which is better - a convector or an oil heater? Many people ask this question. Someone after graduation heating season It's pretty cold in the apartment. And someone even in the midst of summer does not get warm. Many feel the need for an additional heating device. And here people can’t decide in any way whether to buy a convector or an oil heater is better? Let's try to figure it out.
Principle of operation
The air that surrounds us has one drawback - it conducts heat very poorly. This is easy to see on simple example. Being near the fire, a person experiences heat, but as soon as you move just one step, the air temperature drops sharply. Due to the poor thermal conductivity of air, we are forced to take care of heating. At the same time, no matter what heater we take - the good old Russian stove, radiator or convector - the same principle is used - convection. This word is translated as transference and means that energy moves in streams.
Warm air is more discharged, and therefore rises, while cold air descends, here the heater increases its temperature and sends it up. This is how all the air in the room gradually warms up. Humanity has not yet come up with another principle.
What's the Difference
The difference between a convector and an oil cooler lies in the design approach.
Both of these devices have an electric heater, in this they are similar. But in an oil radiator, this heating element is placed inside the oil with which the heater is filled, while the device to the convector heats the body of the device directly. This is the main difference between a convector and an oil heater.
How will these theoretical considerations help determine which is better? If we take the economic component as a basis, then this theory clearly shows that a convector heater is more profitable. After all, energy does not come from nowhere. Both of these devices consume electricity. But what are the costs in both cases? The heater in the oil cooler first heats up itself, then warms up the oil, which raises the temperature of the case, and the case, in turn, gives off heat to the surrounding air. The convector heating element, after it warms up itself, gives temperature to the body, and the latter heats the air. The chain is shorter, which means less cost to change the internal energy, more work done, higher efficiency.
As practice shows, a convection heater consumes about 25% less electricity to heat the same room to the same temperature.
What other differences
In addition to money, a number of other factors influence the choice. Do not discount the traditional way of thinking. The oil appliance has long been known, even served his parents faithfully, and the convector one is a newfangled notion, it doesn’t even have oil in it. Many people think that way. But do not reject an unfamiliar thing just because it is unfamiliar. It is better to try or at least ask the opinions of those who have already used it. With the same oil, not everything is so smooth. The device can work for years, it can be carried, transported, accidentally pushed, and as a result, a microcrack is formed, through which this liquid will gradually seep until its level becomes critical and the heater becomes unusable. A convector heater is even easier to repair: it is incomparably easier to replace a heating element than to seal leaks.
The convector radiator itself has a lower temperature. The air near it circulates due to slots in the body, the movement is continuous, cold portions of air are literally sucked in from below and, flowing around the heater, become hot and rush upwards. The circulation at the oil cooler is much worse (some models are equipped with fans to speed it up, but this is an additional cost in electricity and noise), so oil heaters have a much higher temperature. This is an important factor in the question of how a convector differs for families with small children. The child is less likely to get burned.
Eternal dispute
Any choice in our life gives rise to disputes. Every idea has supporters and opponents. Otherwise, there would be no choice. The question of the type of heater is no exception. Each device has its adherents. There is no single answer. Someone will say that an oil heater is more affordable, but it will be objected to him that using an oil heater is more expensive. Even in this matter, it is debatable which is more profitable - a classic heater or a convector? Everyone chooses what he likes best. Modern heaters of any type are ergonomically designed, compact and silent. And to say unequivocally whether a convector is better or oil radiator, is unlikely to be correct.
Both devices are equipped with wheels for movement to any point in the apartment, as well as for stability. The convector is additionally equipped with fasteners for wall mounting.
A heater with oil inside has a number of advantages, such as simple design, etc., and most importantly, many years of positive feedback. But in our dispute, such an argument cannot be called decisive. These are just different stages of technological progress. The convection principle in the device of the same name is used more rationally, and this is a step forward.
But the supporters of the classics have their own truth. And the most successful option will gradually supplant the less effective opponent. Therefore, you should not argue with foam at the mouth, a radiator or a convector: which is better. The main thing is that your home should be warm and comfortable, regardless of which appliance is installed in the apartment.
2016-06-22 6 131
Choosing climate equipment for heating their house or apartment, each owner wants to choose a heater that is completely safe, provides uniform heating of the room, and is economical. As a result, the question “Which is better, an oil heater or a convector?” is legitimate.
What is the difference between a convector and an oil cooler
The difference between a convector and an oil cooler lies in the internal structure of the models and the principle of operation used.During heating, the convector practically does not dry the air. To maintain a favorable microclimate, there is no need to use additional devices: humidifier, ionizer, etc.
What heats better, a convector or an oil cooler
Significant differences in the operation of the convector from the oil cooler affect the thermal performance and thermal efficiency of the devices.Thermal characteristics of oil coolers
The main advantage of an oil heater over an electric convector is the high heating temperature. If the radiator design has a fan heater, the room can be warmed up quickly enough.The heater works almost silently. The best solution would be to use a heating device in country houses. The maximum heating area is 20-25 m².
Thermal efficiency of convectors
The convector features low temperature heating, not more than 60 ° C, creating a favorable microclimate. The device does not dry the air, but in order to warm up the room, it will take more time than an oil radiator with a fan heater, but only on condition that the heater of the latter is heated to the required temperature. The performance of convectors is sufficient to ensure heating of a room over 100 m².The electric convector is distinguished by the best thermal performance and performance.
Which is more economical, an oil cooler or a convector
A feature of the oil cooler is the long time required to reach operating power. The heater heats the oil, the heated coolant heats the heater body and transfers heat to the room. The process consumes a large amount of electricity.The advantages of a convector over an oil cooler is that less electricity is consumed during operation, compared to an analogue, by approximately 25-30%. The use of a new monolithic heating element made it possible to further reduce costs by half.
Which is safer, an oil heater or an electric convector
The oil cooler heats up to 150 ° C, if handled carelessly, you can get burned. Convectors heat up to only 60°C.If the heater filled with oil does not have a thermostat and sensors that protect against overheating, such a device cannot be left unattended. Convectors operate in fully automatic mode and can be operated without human presence for a long time.
The opinion of experts on the account of device security is unequivocal. An oil cooler dries out the air and is often the cause of a healthy indoor climate. The convector keeps natural normal humidity in the room.
Which heater to choose, oil or convector
Having considered the pros and cons of a radiator and a convector, we can conclude that the main advantage of an oil heater is its mobility and relatively low cost. But the features associated with the operation of the device limit its operation. It is not recommended to use oil heaters as a permanent source of heating.Convectors, on the contrary, are economical, have fast heat transfer, and are completely safe in operation. Electric convectors cost approximately 1.5-2 times more. But they can be installed for constant space heating.
Comparison of oil heaters and electric convectors showed a clear advantage of the latter. The popularity of oil heaters, despite all the obvious shortcomings, is not decreasing. This is due to the low cost and mobility.
The need to periodically heat the air in a room is a fairly common task for many residents of individual houses and city apartments. Heating country house when traveling on vacation for the weekend, additional heating in the apartment on the coldest winter days, maintaining normal temperature in the office with not very efficient work central heating- all this requires a high-quality and reliable heater, which will create the most comfortable living environment in the necessary premises. Usually this problem is best solved with electric heating devices.
In this article, we will consider the most popular types of such devices and try to answer the question of which is better - a convector or a radiator in certain conditions. To do this, consider the main characteristics of these heaters and analyze the main differences between them.
Heating radiators
A radiator is one of the types of heating devices. It consists of several interconnected sections, most often located vertically, inside which the coolant circulates.
The simplest example of a radiator is an ordinary battery, which is available in every apartment. It is most often used as a heat carrier. hot water. However, for the purposes described in this article, such devices are not very relevant, because they require the organization of an expensive stationary heating system consisting of a boiler, main pipes, a pump, etc. Such systems are described in a special section of our website. We will be interested in another type of device under discussion - an oil cooler.
Inside such a radiator, unlike a conventional battery, there are electric heaters (TEH), completely covered with mineral oil. When connected to the electrical network, the heater heats the oil, which transfers all the heat received to the body.
The main advantages of an oil cooler include:
- Efficient air heating due to the large surface area;
- Profitability and low cost;
- Soft heating. An oil cooler differs from open-coil heaters (such as, for example, fan heaters) in that it dries the air less and does not burn dust particles that are nearby;
- Mobility, reliability and durability.
However, the radiator also has a number of disadvantages:
- Enough heat corps. If it is necessary to quickly warm up the room, the heating device is usually turned on to the maximum. In this case, the temperature of the outer surface of the oil cooler can reach 90 ° and above;
- Decent weight. Due to the heavy metal case and a large amount of oil inside it, even the smallest radiator weighs at least 10 kg;
- Possibility of oil leakage if the case is damaged.
It should be noted that most of these shortcomings are compensated by proper operation - it is better to use any device exactly in the conditions for which it is intended.
Convectors
The main difference between a convector and an oil cooler is the method of heating: the convector is based on the principle of air circulation when passing through a hot heat exchanger.
The difference lies in the fact that the convector does not radiate heat - the heated air itself rises higher, because it becomes lighter, and the dense cold air, which is always at the bottom, automatically enters its place.
The energy source for the operation of the convector can be electricity or gas. Since the majority country houses does not have the ability to connect to the gas main, the electric option is more popular.
Among other differences between a convector and an oil cooler, we note the following:
- The convector has a minimum inertia, so the temperature in the room can be set with an accuracy of fractions of a degree;
- Much less heating of the casing. The temperature of the outer surface of the convector usually does not exceed 40–45 °C. In the room where such a heater works, you can safely leave even a small child (unlike many other heating devices that require constant monitoring);
- Possibility of heating several rooms at once. The required number of convectors can be combined into a single system with common control, while the radiator always works only in individual mode.
However, like any other electronic device, the convector has its drawbacks:
- During its operation, a draft is often formed in the room;
- In rooms with high ceilings, the convector's coverage area may not be enough: warm air will accumulate at the very top, so the heating efficiency will be low;
- The operation of the convector often leads to an increase in the intensity of dust and microbes moving around the room. This can be dangerous for people with allergies or diseases of the respiratory tract, lungs or other organs;
- Large power consumption.
However, despite the noted disadvantages, the electric convector is currently one of the most best solutions for residential heating.
What to choose?
Of course, every consumer wants to get an answer to the question of what is better to use for heating his house, cottage or apartment - a convector or a radiator.
Each of these devices is able to show its advantages only in certain conditions. For example, a large room can be heated with both a radiator and a convector.
The difference will be that the radiator will provide more uniform heating, while the convector will be more efficient and safer in terms of speed.
For heating small rooms, it may be more preferable to use an oil radiator - it has better heat dissipation and mobility, it can be easily moved to any place you need. Therefore, we can say that the radiator is best suited for local heating.
There is also another factor to be noted. Oil radiators appeared much earlier than the convector, so they enjoy somewhat greater customer confidence. Many prefer to heat up the old fashioned way, not listening too much to the arguments of experts about the benefits of new technologies.
At the moment, according to estimates of companies involved in the sale of heaters, radiators are bought about four times more often than convectors. This is largely due to their lower cost.
However, it is most likely not entirely correct to choose a source to ensure your own comfort only by price: despite a slight difference in this parameter, convectors have their undeniable advantages, which make them the best choice for many cases. That is why the convector market is growing steadily, adding 15–20% every year.
Thus, in each specific case the most suitable solution may be either one or the other heating device. Proper consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of each of them will allow you to choose what is right for you, providing the necessary comfort and coziness at minimal cost.
Convector heaters, radiators and oil coolers are actively used for heating premises for various purposes. Differing in design and method of heat supply, they allow you to create efficient heating systems. Convector or radiator, which is better - such questions are often puzzled by people who want to create autonomous system heating. It is difficult to answer this question, since the specified equipment is focused on use in a variety of conditions.
In that comparative review We will cover the following equipment:
- Electric convectors;
- Water convectors;
- Oil coolers;
- Radiators for water heating systems.
At the same time, we will find out which of these is better - let's go through the list in order.
Electric convectors
If the household is not connected to the gas main, consumers often resort to help electrical systems heating. AT recent times here it became fashionable to use convectors. They allow you to do without installing radiators and a boiler, as well as without pulling pipes through the house. Convector heaters need only the mains, without requiring the supply of coolant. Agree, it is much easier to bring wires to the installation site than a pipe with hot water.
All convectors work on the same principle.
Electric convectors work on the principle of natural convection. They heat the air, which causes it to rise and leave the equipment. Having risen to the ceiling, it displaces cold air masses from there, which are sucked into the convectors and make the same path. All this is controlled by mechanical or electronic thermostats that regulate the temperature by turning on / off the heating element. Moreover, it is better for the consumer to choose devices with electronics - they are more economical.
The heart of convector heaters are heating elements with a large area of fins. They heat the air masses, their share of thermal radiation is extremely small.
Advantages of convectors:
- Autonomous operation without coolant – substantial savings on the creation of a heating system;
- Possibility of combining several convectors into a single network with centralized heating - it is better and more convenient to control the temperature in the rooms;
- Extreme simplicity of design - there is simply nothing to break;
- Ecological cleanliness - convectors do not burn oxygen and practically do not change the humidity of the air;
- Ease of installation - just connect the wires with electricity to the equipment.
Besides, electric convectors with electronic control are often endowed with auxiliary functions, turning them into modern heating equipment. If you are a fan of modern functional technology, it is better to choose electric convectors with electronics on board.
Disadvantages of convectors:
- High electricity consumption - at current energy tariffs, electric convectors will never keep up with heating systems that run on gas or other energy sources;
- Reduced efficiency during prolonged operation - therefore it is better to set the temperature slightly above normal;
- The possibility of electric shock - this happens when operating faulty equipment.
Despite some shortcomings, electric convectors remain the simplest and most affordable heating devices.
When choosing convectors, it is best to purchase units from well-known brands - on their basis you will create a reliable and durable electric heating.
Water convectors
Home hallmark water convectors is the need to bring pipes with hot coolant to them.
Convectors can work not only at the expense of electricity, but also at the expense of the heat carrier coming from the heating system. The heat carrier is heated by boilers - electric, gas, liquid, solid fuel or universal. Due to the simple internal structure, they do not cause difficulties in operation and provide quick heating of the premises.
Water convectors are endowed with powerful heat exchangers. Modifications with steel exchangers and exchangers made of non-ferrous metals are presented at the choice of consumers. The latter are much more expensive, but they are resistant to corrosion - both outside and inside.. Copper and aluminum are used as non-ferrous metals. The coolant flows through copper tubes, and the air is heated by aluminum fins.
Water heating convectors are available in several form factors:
- In the wall - these devices are mounted on the walls. It is best to install them under window openings;
- In the floor - most often placed under panoramic windows or windows with low window sills that do not reach the floor;
- Embedded - for concealed installation in recesses. It is best to purchase such convectors if you want to create an invisible heating system;
- In the floor - such convectors do the best job of preventing condensate from settling on panoramic windows.
Floor models look great in front of panoramic windows or doors.
Let's talk about the advantages of water convectors:
- They do not need electricity - they are powered by a hot coolant;
- Heating systems are more economical - provided that they are not powered by electric boilers;
- Compactness and simplicity are undoubted advantages;
- High heating efficiency.
Flaws:
- It is better not to use convectors in rooms with high ceilings - in such conditions they are ineffective;
- Difficulty in installation - you need to lay pipes around the house;
- Susceptibility to corrosion and pressure drops - this has to be put up with.
Compared to electric convectors, water convectors better themes that heating systems based on them are more economical. The main thing is to power them from an economical heat source. Yes, and it is easier to manage such a system - just set the desired temperature on the heating boiler.
Heating systems based on water convectors are better than electric convectors, even if they are currently powered by electric boilers - when gas appears, you can quickly convert the system to work with a gas boiler.
Oil coolers
Oil coolers work on a similar principle, but the temperature of their cases is much higher.
Let's immediately see how a convector differs from a radiator. Convectors heat mainly by heating hot air. As for radiators, there is also thermal radiation. If we stand next to the radiator, we will catch the heat emanating from it and at the same time we will feel how hot air rises above the device. That is, the main difference between a convector and a radiator is not at all in the principle of operation, but in the design and some other parameters.
Oil coolers are heating appliances, which not only radiate heat spreading in all directions, but also give heated air rising up. Due to this, a relatively fast heating of the premises is achieved. Such radiators are rarely used in permanent heating systems, most often they work as auxiliary equipment - in this regard, they heat a little better than convector devices.
The main difference between an oil cooler and a convector is a large working area. In fact, this is the entire outer surface. It is heated by heated mineral oil circulating through a small circuit. These devices are installed at arbitrary points in the premises - under the desktops, near workplaces, next to the sofa, along blank walls. Some models are made in an exclusively wall-mounted form factor.
Advantages of oil coolers:
- Oil appliances are better because they provide quick warm-up due to their large area;
- Built-in thermoregulation systems;
- Mobility - they are easy to move from place to place;
- Ease of cleaning;
- Affordable cost.
But there are also disadvantages:
Do not leave children alone with oil coolers, they may burn themselves.
- High case temperatures it is better not to use these devices where children play, otherwise they may get burned;
- There is always a risk of leakage - hot mineral oil leaking from the radiator can cause burns;
- Models for permanent heating are very, very expensive.
Oil coolers are best chosen as accessories.
Radiators for water heating systems are built in much the same way as oil appliances. But they are heated not due to oil, but due to the coolant circulating through the system. They are equipment for creating permanent heating. Scope of application - centralized and autonomous heating systems. They are better than oil ones in that they do not consume electricity. And if they are powered by economical gas boiler heating costs will be kept to a minimum.
Radiators for water heating are better than their oil counterparts due to their increased reliability. And they are better than convectors due to the large heating area. They also do not raise dust into the air and are easier to wet cleaning. Being connected to a single heating system, they allow you to evenly regulate the heating temperature in all rooms at once.
However, water radiators can be equipped with thermostatic valves, realizing the possibility of individual temperature control in the rooms.
Water heating radiators are the most popular type of heaters used in our country.
Advantages of water radiators:
- These radiators have high heat dissipation;
- High ecological cleanliness;
- Increased power on some models.
There are also several disadvantages:
- Convectors are better than radiators in that they are more compact. A vivid example of this is miniature floor or baseboard models;
- Radiators are more expensive than convectors - so the latter are slightly better in this regard;
- The radiator shells are hot - unlike the same convectors.
The most significant drawback is the last one.
Comparison and conclusions
When comparing which is better, radiators or convectors, you should focus on operating conditions. Convectors provide uniform heating of the premises, but radiators are better because they cope with this task much faster. In turn, convectors win in terms of safety and compactness. Concerning electrical appliances, they are better due to faster and hassle-free installation. While water appliances benefit from efficiency - but only when using economical boilers.
Video "What is better to choose - convectors or radiators"