What is the best choice for home heating? Which heater is better to choose for a house and an apartment: a comparative review of the units
At that moment, when it is still cold outside, many become topical issue purchase of a household heater. It must be taken into account that one type or another heater may be relevant for an office space, but less suitable for heating an apartment.
This article will discuss the main advantages and disadvantages various kinds heaters to help you choose the best one.
Functionality of heaters
In city apartments or private houses, electric heaters are often used. This is mainly due to their ease of use as well as their effectiveness.
The possibilities of devices for heating air in residential premises were significantly expanded after filters were introduced into the structure of the devices, which help purify the air, as well as humidifiers. Many heat fans are able to solve the problems of heating housing, drying walls after they have been plastered, painted or wallpapered. They can also be used to dry wet laundry.
A good heater should not only effectively perform its function of heating the room, but also be absolutely safe for the health of the residents of the apartment.
What types of heaters are there?
Heaters can be oil, convector and infrared. They differ from each other in technological features, installation method and efficiency. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, it is necessary to understand in advance the purpose, duration and object for heating, the features of the room and its area.
Oil model radiators
Today they are the most demanded in the domestic market of thermal equipment. Its body is sealed and filled with mineral oil. Inside the oil cooler housing is an electric coil, which is heated by electric current and transfers its heat to the oil. Hot liquid rises to make room for less heated liquid. The oil heats the housing, through which thermal energy transmitted to the environment.
The advantage of this type of heaters is that they are able to maintain a stable temperature in the room and are equipped with thermostats that allow you to turn the device on and off automatically.
Among the shortcomings, one can single out a rather low temperature, which reaches no more than 60 ºС degrees, a long stage of initial air heating and the large size of the device itself.
Electric convector
The design of the device is a metal case with holes in the upper part. An electric current, passing through the heating element from the bottom of the device, heats the air, causing it to rise up and out into the room. In this case, heat is also radiated by the heater body itself.
The advantages are:
- relatively fast heating of the room;
- ease of operation;
- acceptable price.
Thermal fan
This type of heater is quite simple and undemanding to use. It has found its application for heating fairly large rooms. The warm air coming out of the turned on device when the fan is running can be directed to the right place, and a comfortable microclimate will be established in the room in a few minutes.
Of the shortcomings, one can single out a rather noisy operation of the fan.
This type of heater is economical and perfect for use in residential areas. The principle of operation of the device lies not in the direct heating of the surrounding air, but by means of infrared radiation released by a heated quartz element. Due to its high efficiency, a quartz heater, with the right mode of operation, will help to significantly reduce energy costs.
Absolutely safe, does not emit harmful substances and has a long service life. It does not oxidize the oxygen in the air and does not reduce its humidity. The new generation heater has gained great popularity when used in apartments with small rooms.
Nowadays, air conditioners do an excellent job of heating the air in the apartment. This type of heater is characterized by its environmental friendliness, because during operation it does not emit combustion products and other harmful substances.
The presence of a large number of operating modes allows you to configure the air conditioner for any type of heating, saving the residents of the apartment from constant monitoring of its operation. Modern devices of this type are equipped with various filters for air purification and mechanisms for disinfecting the surrounding space from microorganisms.
What you should pay attention to?
- any of the types of heaters must be presented by a well-known manufacturing company;
- you should not choose a product with a huge power indicator - this is completely uneconomical for a medium-sized apartment;
- if the heater is to serve as permanent appliance heating, then the best option an oil-type device or an air conditioner will become;
- a thermal device must be not only efficient in operation, but also safe, especially for families with small children.
For rooms where there is a high level of dust, it is better to purchase an infrared heater. In the children's room, a wall or ceiling fan will do its job perfectly, and for rooms with high humidity, only devices with moisture protection can be suitable.
Try to opt for a more expensive device. A low price may indicate that the device does not have automatic thermostats or overheating switches.
Oil heaters are by far the most in demand, even though the principle of their operation was developed at least fifty years ago. Particularly popular devices for heating are infrared heaters. Heat fans are the least used now, they have already begun to go out of fashion.
Which heater is better for an apartment and more economical? Many people are looking for an answer to this question after seeing a wide range of such devices. And in our time, central heating does not always satisfy a heat-loving person who wants warmth in the cold season. An electric heater helps out in different situations, but you want to get the maximum effect at the lowest cost. Any heaters have their pros and cons, and it is important to properly assess their capabilities.
1
How to choose a heater for an apartment? Few doubt that the choice should be stopped on an electrical device. The electric heater has such attractive advantages: low cost compared to devices of other categories, ease of operation and no need for additional arrangement, noiselessness, small size, high efficiency, no need for permits, the ability to easily move to any place.
It is best to use electric heaters in the apartment
Thus, electric heaters are out of competition, compared with gas installations and ovens of various types. Another thing is the type of such apparatus, and its choice should be approached with knowledge of the issue. When choosing, consider the following important parameters:
- Power. The question of what area the device is able to heat depends precisely on this characteristic. It is assumed that for every 10 square meters of a typical apartment with a ceiling height of 2.7-2.8 m, 1 kW of heater power is needed. If there is central heating in the room, but it does not cope with its function, then 1 kW per 20-22 sq.m is enough.
- Warm up time at full power.
- Influence on the atmosphere of the room. As they say at the household level, the device should not "eat up oxygen."
- Dimensions and weight of the device.
- Appearance. It is important that the device can fit into the interior of the room, or it should not spoil it.
- Possibility of regulation of temperature of heating and control of parameters.
- Safety, especially in terms of fire safety.
- Possibility of use as a universal device, for example for drying clothes.
- Profitability. In this matter, 2 aspects should be taken into account - the cost of the apparatus and the cost of electricity during operation. Often these characteristics are diametrically opposed.
2 Types of devices
Electric heaters differ in the principle of their action:
- Convective devices that provide for heating the air flow. This category includes convectors, thermal fans, heaters.
- Convective-radiation devices heat up the surrounding air by radiating heat. Among such devices, oil coolers are the most popular.
- Radiating devices operate on the principle of generating waves (beams) capable of heating environment. This type includes infrared radiating panels.
3
How to choose an oil heater for an apartment? This type of electrical appliance is the most widespread, which is usually associated with lower cost and high efficiency. Its design is quite simple: inside the sealed sectional housing there is an electric spiral surrounded by a coolant, which is mineral oil. The coolant heats up, transferring heat to the metal case, and through it to the surrounding air.
The power of such devices is from 1 to 3 kW. Oil heating can go through all sections (option without a thermostat), while the temperature reaches 100-110ºС and does not have automatic control. This is the cheapest system, but is fraught with burns when touched by the hand, which is especially dangerous in the presence of small children.
Inexpensive and effective oil heaters most common
The second option is a heater with a thermostat, in which the main heating of the oil takes place, which then circulates through the sections. In this case, the heating of the case reaches only 60-65ºС, which does not lead to burns. This design is more expensive, but it also allows you to automatically maintain the heating temperature.
The main advantages of oil-filled electric heaters are: rather low cost, ease of operation, reliability, noiselessness, compactness, the ability to dry clothes or shoes on the body. The disadvantages are usually attributed to: the duration of heating the room (the inertia of the apparatus), the "burning" of oxygen, heat on the body with the risk of burns.
4 Features of convectors
Convectors heat up the directional airflow generated by built-in fans. For this, electric heaters are located inside the housing. When leaving the apparatus, the heated air rises, providing constant mixing of the air in the room. As a rule, the convector is installed on the floor, which makes it possible to cover the entire volume of the room. Another variant - wall construction. Such a device practically does not take up space in the apartment, and its design fits perfectly into modern interior. An important advantage is the absence of body heating, which makes the device absolutely safe.
One of the varieties of convective devices is a fan heater. This is a fairly simple electric heater that can very quickly provide heat in the right place in the apartment. The device has small dimensions and can be installed on the floor, wall or table. Fan heaters with power up to 2.5 kW are produced. The flow of heated air can be directed in the desired direction. The disadvantages of the device include: a little noise when working at high speeds and a possible smell when dust gets on the heated coil, especially with woven villi.
5
This type of electric heaters appeared relatively recently and is becoming increasingly popular. The main feature of such devices is that they do not heat the air in the room. Panels with a special substance emit rays in the infrared spectrum, which heat objects in their path. The human body and his clothes are no exception, and therefore he feels warm.
Despite the high cost, the infrared emitter is the most economical, as it consumes little energy.
Infrared panels are produced in the form of a film that can be installed anywhere: on walls, floors, ceilings, furniture. They are especially often used in bathrooms and showers. It is important that they do not change the microclimate itself in the room, which means that they do not affect the oxygen content at all. Such devices are expensive, but consume much less electricity than oil coolers or convectors, which compensates for the initial costs. That is why infrared heaters are considered to be the most economical devices.
6
Split systems gave a second life to air conditioners. Nowadays, the use of such devices is no longer considered something unexpected. Air conditioners "winter-summer" are increasingly finding their admirers, conquering with the versatility of use. Indeed, in the summer they perfectly cool the room, but in the winter they are not inactive. AT cold period they are able to work as efficient heaters.
Split systems cool the room in summer and work as efficient heaters in winter
The principle of operation of the system is based on the fact that when freon condenses in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, it heats up to 70-80ºС. By directing this heat into the room, the inverter operation of the air conditioner is ensured, i.e. warm air heating.
Of course, it is not advisable to purchase split systems solely for heating an apartment because of the high price. However, given the need for air conditioning in the hot season, it makes the use of this option very attractive. The system does its job very well both in summer and winter.
7 What to choose?
The analysis carried out shows that all electric heaters are good in their own way. In an apartment in an urban environment, you can use devices of any type. The choice is largely determined by the frequency and duration of use. If central heating often copes with heating, and the device is needed only in certain areas, then a heat fan is more suitable, which will quickly warm up the desired area of \u200b\u200bthe room. With periodic, but sufficiently long heating, an oil cooler looks good, which can be quickly "rolled" to the right place and turned on for the right time.
Converters, taking into account their efficiency, are more attractive in continuous operation, when heating batteries just slightly raise the temperature. Finally, infrared emitters are deservedly widely used in bathrooms and in the arrangement of underfloor heating, especially in the children's room. In the presence of such floors, you can generally refuse central heating. Split systems are best installed immediately when planning air conditioning. In this case, the air conditioner will not stand idle all year.
The decision which heater is better to install in the apartment remains with the owner and his preferences. When choosing, various factors are taken into account, incl. required power, duration of operation, safety. The economic side often becomes a determining factor, but you should not chase a very cheap product - it may turn out to be a low-quality fake.
The choice of a summer cottage heating system largely depends on how it is used - constantly or seasonally with arrivals in the warm season. Therefore, for heating country house both traditional installations and new modern ones can be used electrical equipment, represented by a wide model range. It is necessary to decide which is better in each case separately.
When we live year round
Which room heaters to choose
Anyone who lives outside the city all year round is forced to more thoroughly solve the indicated problem and use a wood or coal stove to heat a country house, or boiler equipment. It is rather difficult to say which method of heating is better in this case. Each option has its pros and cons. Where there is no gas and there are power outages, one has to use solid fuel boilers. Modern models have many operational advantages. But one of their significant shortcomings covers everything.
In order for the installation to work constantly, and for the heating of the house to be efficient, the presence of a person is necessary. The lack of autonomy is the main reason for the unpopularity of the described equipment.
Boiler equipment clearly outperforms stove equipment. We sell gas, electric, diesel and combined boilers, which can be used to organize a water heating system. Heating of the heat carrier allows to provide high-grade heating of a country house.
But it is advisable to use it in the following cases:
- When the heating of all rooms in the house is necessary all year round.
- When next to country house a gas pipeline has been built, or there are energy resources that allow providing the necessary power and volume for an electric boiler house.
- When it is necessary to organize heating of a large house or a multi-storey building.
- When, in addition to heating, it is also necessary to provide hot water for technical needs.
How or which boiler - gas or electric - to choose for organizing a heating system has already been described in detail on the pages of our website. Now let's talk about something else. Consider which one to choose for occasional seasonal heating of a small house.
Heating with electrical appliances
Of course, the use of electrical appliances where the cottage is used only in summer is simpler and safe way organization of heating. The use of a furnace in this case is a laborious and fire hazardous process, and the installation of boiler equipment is an unreasonably expensive option for organizing the system. Therefore, if there is a reliable and serviceable electrical wiring that can provide the necessary power, it is better to buy and install electric heaters.
They may be different. Manufacturers offer a wide range of products, including:
- Electric convectors.
- Oil heaters.
- Fan heater.
- infrared installations.
What is better to use, and which heater is the most efficient? The answer will give an overview of the positive and negative performance characteristics different devices.
Electric convectors
Noirot convectors
Convectors are devices for heating, the principle of which is based on the use of the simplest law of physics. The design looks like a plate radiator. Inside the flat case there is a heating element - heating element. At the top and bottom of the panel are slots through which air passes. Coming from below, it is heated with the help of a heating element. Warm air is lighter than cold air, so it rises on its own, where it cools down and falls down. This is how it works natural circulation, through which the room is heated.
Convectors of different sizes, power and design are on sale, so it will be easy to choose something specific for your dacha. Such installations work completely silently, providing full-fledged heating of the room, and installing convectors on your own is not so difficult. The device only needs to be hung on a wall mount and plugged into a power outlet. In order for it to work effectively, it is necessary to choose its power correctly. It is calculated by the formula - 1 kilowatt per 1 square meter usable area.
Note! One device is used only for heating one room. Therefore, to heat the whole house, it is necessary to install a convector in each room.
New generation models feature state-of-the-art control options. In this case, you can:
- Combine from 8 to 20 devices into one remote control unit.
- Set the optimal temperature regime and control its maintenance with an accuracy of one degree.
- Set different temperature regimes, program the operation of convectors for a day, a week and a whole month.
- Use the "anti-freeze" mode in case of any engineering accidents.
Each of the listed functions increases the cost of the convector, but the convenience that they provide will definitely compensate for the costs.
Despite the large number of advantages, convectors also have disadvantages. And this is not only the high price of improved models. For the normal functioning of the convector, high-quality and reliable electrical wiring is necessary. Electricity today is the most expensive type of fuel, which must be taken into account when considering the heating system of a private house.
Oil heaters
Electric heating house
Oil heaters are able to provide the effect of fireplace heating. A conventional sectional battery has a sealed housing. A heating element is placed inside it, heating mineral oil - it fills the metal case from the inside.
The principle of operation of an oil heater is the same as that of a conventional battery. But the double heating method is both the convection method and the radiation method, which allows you to enjoy the effect of a fireplace. The described devices are quite reliable, and it is difficult to break the tightness of the case. One battery can work without after-sales service within 10 years.
If the battery does not have a built-in fan, the device operates silently. An oil cooler costs less than a convector. But for the complete heating of the installation, more time is needed, and this is an additional consumption of electricity. In addition, the device does not have intelligent control. The oil cooler weighs a lot and has large dimensions. During operation, oxygen is burned, dust rises and burns up, which is why the room constantly has a specific smell. The power of the radiator is determined by the number of sections.
fan heater
The fan heater wins over all the electrical appliances indicated in the list in terms of the speed of heating the room. The design of the device is very simple. It consists of two main elements - a heating element and a fan. Such a tandem helps to create a stream of hot air, which is evenly distributed throughout the room. If the heating function is turned off, the unit can be used as a normal fan.
Modern models are compact in size, so they are very mobile. It is very easy to transport the described installation from place to place or move it from one room to another. When buying a fan heater with a ceramic heating element, you can count on greater heat transfer and lower energy costs.
When making a choice in favor of a fan heater, it must be borne in mind that these devices have a lot of disadvantages that you have to put up with:
- Firstly, the fan creates a lot of noise during operation.
- Secondly, during the operation of the installation, oxygen is burned, and dust rises into the air. This brings a lot of trouble to those who suffer from allergies.
- Thirdly, the use of a fan heater requires strict adherence to fire regulations. Do not leave the device unattended. For the same reason, experts do not recommend using fan heaters where small children live.
infrared installations
infrared devices
The use of infrared heaters for heating the cottage has some limitations. Ceiling models, for example, cannot be installed in rooms with low ceilings. After all, infrared waves of a special length are used here as the main source of heat, the action of which is akin to the action of sunlight.
The fundamental difference between these devices is that they do not warm the air in the room, but the objects in it. The air does not walk around the room, and a person feels uniform warmth both at the level of the legs and at the level of the head. Warmth in the room is felt immediately after switching on the unit. This is very convenient when a room needs to be warmed up instantly, without wasting time on lighting firewood or heating an oil heater.
What are the advantages of infrared heaters?
- They are fireproof.
- They work without noise.
- They provide a fairly comfortable microclimate.
- Energy efficient.
- On sale there are models that can be hung on the ceiling or walls, as well as laid on the floor. A wide choice allows you to take into account the individual characteristics of each room.
Note! Today, this type of home heating is a novelty for ordinary people. Therefore, many are wondering if this heater is safe. Bye negative consequences not found. Experts note that this electric heaters it is better to choose for heating basements, basements, saunas, glazed and open verandas and arbors.
Generalization on the topic
So, when choosing a heating option for a summer residence, it is necessary to take into account a lot of factors. This is the length of stay, the location near the dacha of the central communication highways, the area of \u200b\u200bthe house and the number of floors. Where the house is used on short visits, and it is necessary to ensure full heating of all rooms, it is better for heating a country house. For a site operated year-round, experts recommend installing boiler equipment.
Man's best friend in winter is a battery. However, often, for various reasons, central heating is not enough to maintain indoor optimum temperature. Then heaters come to the rescue. Store shelves in the "heating season" are saturated with a large number of such devices. The buyer has a question - which device is better to choose? This is what we will try to find out.
Before you buy a heater, decide in which mode it will most often have to work. For the home, it is better to buy one type of fans, for
heating a garage or a large house is another. By the way, the area that the device is able to heat depends on the power. This is the second important criterion.choice. Remember that for each square meter of area, approximately 100 watts of device power is needed. This applies to unheated rooms. If you buy a heater at home as an additional source of heat, then for a twelve-meter room, instead of 1200 W, a heater with a power of 800 to 1 thousand W can be enough. If the room has two windows or one of the walls is external, then the heat consumption increases by another 0.2 kW per 1 m2.The heaters can be connected to single-phase (220V, 230V) and three-phase mains (380V, 400V).
Household fan heaters, convectors and radiators are usually connected to a voltage of 220V. Powerful devices - to a three-phase voltage of 380 or 400 V.
Type of
Heaters are divided into several types:
Oil coolers;
fan heaters;
heat guns;
convectors;
infrared heaters;
thermal curtains;
electric fireplaces.
Oil radiator is a device in a sealed metal case with an electric coil inside, filled with mineral oil, which, when heated, gives off heat to the case, which, in turn, heats the air in the room. At the bottom of the housing is a safety valve that will work if the oil boils. For safety reasons, oil coolers also have thermal fuses, thanks to which the radiator simply turns off when it overheats. Also, such devices are equipped with the function of automatic shutdown of the heater in the event of a rollover.
Modern oil coolers are equipped with a thermostat that measures the temperature of the oil inside the unit, smooth regulator temperature, overheating protection system, light indication, as well as an operating mode switch, which consists of 2-3 positions for selecting one of several power levels. Such a control system helps not only to create the optimal air temperature in the room, but also saves energy. To make it convenient for the user to also regulate the air temperature, manufacturers of some expensive models equip the devices with a thermostat.
The oil cooler consists of several sections - from 5 to 15 (depending on the model), which increase the heat exchange area. The more sections, the less the device heats up, which means it is safer to use. An appliance of the same power but with fewer sections will run much hotter for the same performance, which can be very dangerous for small children. The number of sections affects the cost of the heater.
With the advent of cold weather, the air in the room becomes dry, so many oil radiators are equipped with a small removable tank where you can add water, which heats up during operation and, evaporating, humidifies the air.
Oil coolers are often fitted with a special shield with holes in the bottom and top, which increases convection draft, thereby doubling the heating rate.
Also, radiators are equipped with a built-in 24-hour timer, with which you can program the operation of the device. So, just putting desired values, you can enjoy a warm home by the time you come home from work.
Oil heaters are considered environmentally friendly. Such devices are most suitable for constant heating of the apartment, which is completely safe. However, before operating temperature oil heaters warm up for a long time - from 20 to 30 minutes. To make the room heat up faster and more evenly, some devices are equipped with fans. As for weight, oil coolers are quite bulky - from 10 to 30 kg, but they can be rolled, since their bodies are equipped with special wheels.
Inexpensive oil heaters have a mechanical type of control with an accuracy of temperature setting up to 5 °C. More "advanced" models, and, accordingly, more expensive, are equipped with electronic system control with buttons and a display that displays all the information about the operation of the device. The installation accuracy of the electronic heater is up to 0.5 °С. Heaters with electronic control type are usually equipped with a remote control.
Two types of heating elements are used in heaters - an electric coil or a ceramic heater. The maximum heating temperature of the coil is 200°C. An open electric coil provides faster heating, as it is able to heat up to 800 ° C. The ceramic heater consists of ceramic plates, the total area of which provides increased heat transfer at a lower heating temperature.
fan heater consists of a heating element and a fan that blows air through the heating element, which makes the device very noisy. Thus, the heat is quickly and evenly, but noisily distributed throughout the room. Such devices are used in the event that you need to quickly heat the room.
Heat guns- This is a type of fan heaters. The device is a powerful thermal fan in a metal case, which works continuously, and not cyclically, like fan heaters. Therefore, they are often used to heat garages, car services, construction sites, etc.
Convector works in the same way as a fan heater, only the air passes into the heating element in a natural way, and not with the help of a fan. The convector is a smooth flat body with a heating element inside. The principle of operation is based on convection. This means that heat is transferred by air currents. Heavy cold air enters from below and, heated by the convector, rises up, where it exits through a grille with guide louvers. The flow of heated air enters the room vertically, so it is evenly distributed.
Since convectors do not need to heat the body, like oil radiators, the flow heats up instantly - in 40-70 seconds. Although convectors heat the air and not as fast as fan heaters, they have a flat compact body, they can be hung on the wall, they are easy to operate, do not make noise and look stylish.
Convectors are often used to create heating system for cottages, country houses, dachas, in general, where it is difficult to install a central heating system. This possibility is their main advantage. Such a system is easy to create. The user hangs a convector in each room that he wants to heat, supplying them with a single control cable and, one of the devices, with a “programmer cassette”. Some models of heaters, in order to avoid freezing of a country house or cottage in winter period, are equipped with a special protection function, which consists in automatically maintaining the temperature in the room in the range of 5-8 ° C.
Wall convectors, although convenient
its compactness, however, not everyone can install them - qualified help is needed. As for energy saving, convectors consume 2-3 times less than oil coolers.
Convectors can work not only on electricity, but also on gas (the most economical option) or hot water. At the same time, their appearance will not differ, except that the materials of the cases will be different. In inexpensive convectors, the thermoelement is usually made of steel, while more expensive models have heaters made of copper, aluminum, or a combination of both. To increase heat dissipation, manufacturers equip such devices with a quiet fan.
Convectors are the ideal vari
Ant for rooms with large windows, as they block the path of cold air streams emanating from them. If there is no window sill, and this happens when the wall is completely made of glass, convectors are built into the floor.Infrared convectors they work in the same way as conventional ones, but, in addition to the internal heating element, they also have an infrared emitter, from which thermal rays emanate, transferring heat to objects and surfaces they are directed at. Infrared convectors and
They have the function of zone or spot heating, the principle of which is to heat an object, and not the entire room, so these heaters are very economical.On the front panel of the infrared convector are thin quartz tubes or lamps, protected by a thin steel grill. Quartz glass expands less than other materials when heated, so it is durable and also has good thermal conductivity. Infrared heaters economical and silent, so many users consider them almost perfect devices for heating.
Infrared heaters are:
Quartz;
carbon;
halogen;
mikatermicheskie.
A quartz lamp contains a tungsten filament. A vacuum is contained inside the tube in order to prevent oxidation of the metal filament. A tungsten filament, under the influence of current, heats up to 2000 ° C and becomes a source of infrared radiation.
The halogen flask, in addition to the vacuum inside, is filled with an inert gas with various impurities, due to which the evaporated tungsten particles do not stick to the inside of the glass, but return back to the thread. The temperature of such a thread in halogen devices rises higher than in quartz ones. This significantly reduces the heating time of the room.
Carbon heaters are equipped with lamps, in the airless space of which there is a carbon fiber filament with high thermal conductivity. Such heating elements have an unlimited service life, but they are fragile and easy to break. However, these heaters consume little electricity, heat up the room quickly, and cool down quickly after being turned off.
Micathermic heaters use a heating element created using Micathermic technology. The principle of operation is simple: heat waves heat walls, floors and objects, which, in turn, release heat into the air. At the same time, the heating element itself does not heat up, but only radiates heat to the objects surrounding it, therefore it does not wear out. The mikathermal heating element consists of several layers of lightweight plates covered with 2 layers of mica. It is durable, stable in operation and safe.
Infrared heaters are often installed in bathrooms, so there are models with sealed enclosures. The use of such a heater prevents the appearance of fungus on the tiles and walls of the bathroom.
Thermal curtains designed to prevent cold air from entering the room and warm air from escaping. Despite the fact that thermal curtains are designed to create an optimal temperature near doors, gates or windows, such a device can completely heat a small room.
Before choosing a thermal curtain, you need to find out the height and width of the window or door opening. They must match the
hoarfrost and the height of the curtain itself. The higher the opening, the greater should be the performance of the heater. The maximum installation height of the thermal air curtain is from 1.0 to 4 m, the minimum is from 1.0 to 2.4 m. The installation height should not exceed the length of the air flow created by the air curtain during operation. For most models, mounting at a height of 2.5 - 3 meters is allowed, which is quite enough for residential premises, shops and offices. If you plan to use the curtain in large doorways in warehouses, garages, etc., you should pay attention to powerful models with a large installation height.The classic version of the location of the curtain is above the opening, that is, horizontal. If this method of fastening is inconvenient for you, you can purchase a model for vertical installation on the side of the opening. There are also universal models which can be installed both vertically and horizontally.
Electric fireplaces are purchased primarily for beauty and comfort in the house, and already in the second place - for heating the room. Electric fireplaces consist of an electric furnace and a decorative body - a portal.
There are two types of electric fireplaces - built-in and freestanding. The first ones imitate a real fireplace and are mounted in a certain place. Free-standing fireplaces do not require special installation, and if desired, it can be placed anywhere, because they have a floor
installation, but there are models that can be hung on the wall.Conclusion
Which heater to choose is up to you. First of all, decide on your needs and capabilities. If you plan to use a heater for constant space heating, an oil or convector heater will suit you. If you need to quickly heat the air in the room, it is better to buy a fan heater. If you need heating in the bathroom - pay attention to infrared heaters, but if you want romance - a fireplace is at your service.
With the onset of cold weather, the question of additional heating of the room becomes acute. Therefore, if your home or office is not warm enough, it's time to get a heater. Modern heaters- These are effective and practical devices for creating a comfortable indoor temperature not only in the off-season, but also in the winter. The HVAC market is represented by a wide range of various household heaters. How to choose a heater our project will tell from all the variety.
What type of heater is best?
Oil radiator
Who hasn't heard of oil coolers? The most common type of household heaters, which is most often used in apartments and offices. A metal radiator contains a coolant, usually distilled water or oil. Heating of the heat carrier happens thanks to the spiral heating element which is in the case. When the device is connected to the mains, the coil heats up the oil, as a result of which heat is distributed into the room through the metal casing. To create a comfortable microclimate, it is important to take into account the power of the device and the volume of the heated room.
The power of an electric oil cooler can be 1 - 2.5 kW. The main difference is in the number of sections. Oil coolers can have 5 to 15 sections. Therefore, the greater their number, the higher the power of the device, and hence the greater the heat transfer.
Oil radiators are used for additional heating of apartments, private houses, cottages, office and retail premises, etc.
Advantages
Oil coolers undoubtedly have many advantages:
- The low heating temperature of the casing (does not exceed 60˚С), which means that they are absolutely safe for children and animals;
- Maintaining established temperature regime thanks to the presence of a thermostat and a 24-hour timer. Warming up the room to a certain temperature, the heater turns off automatically. When the temperature drops by 1˚С, the device automatically turns on for additional air heating.
- No oxygen burning;
- Mobility. Thanks to the presence of special wheels, the device can be moved or moved to another room.
Flaws
Such a radiator does not have significant negative sides, but experts distinguish as disadvantages:
- Impressive weight (some models can weigh up to 16 kg);
- Large dimensions, which cause inconvenience not only during operation, but also during storage of the device;
- Slow heating (due to prolonged heating of the coolant). The average heating time of the radiator reaches 15-20 minutes.
Convector heaters (convectors)
Every year, electric convectors are becoming more and more in demand among ordinary consumers, as the most economical, convenient and efficient type of heater. For quick space heating, we recommend choose a heater convector type. The principle of its operation is even simpler than that of oil coolers. The air is heated by a heating element (closed or open type), which is located at the bottom of the convector. A feature of the convector is the natural convection of air, due to which the room is efficiently heated. The heated air rises, and the cooled air falls down and the heating process is repeated.
As already mentioned above, convector heaters can be equipped with closed and open heating elements. Closed heaters are a filament placed in a special ceramic flask. Such a heating element does not dry the air and does not burn the dust that has fallen on its surface. In addition, it is more durable and reliable. A metal coil is used as an open heater. It is less reliable, is able to quickly fail, dries the air, reducing the humidity in the room. Therefore, when using such a heater, we recommend purchasing an additional one to maintain a comfortable level of humidity in the room.
The convector power is 0.5 - 2.5 kW. According to the type of installation, convectors can be wall and floor. And now in more detail about the advantages and disadvantages of such heaters.
Advantages
- Silence and fire safety;
- Mobility;
- Fast heating (it takes 5-7 minutes for the convector to heat the air to the set temperature);
- Built-in protection against overheating of the heater;
- Safety and no burns (case temperature does not exceed 50˚С);
- The presence of a thermostat and timer;
- Ability to create electrical system heating, consisting of several convectors;
- Light weight;
- Attractive appearance
The disadvantages include only the combustion of oxygen in models of convectors with an open heater.
Heat guns
These are quite unique heating devices. The air is heated by means of a spiral heater. A built-in fan is used to improve the convection of heated air. The main place of application of heat guns is commercial and industrial premises, garages, warehouses and construction sites. In rare cases, heat guns are used to heat rooms in residential and office buildings.
The power of such a device can be from 2 to 6 kW.
Heaters of this type can be stationary (floor and wall), as well as mobile devices. At choosing a heater pay attention to its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Fast heating;
- Mobility;
- Automatic shutdown when capsizing;
- Protective relay against overheating of the heating element;
Flaws
- Noisiness;
- Impressive weight and dimensions;
Thermal fans
Fan heaters are analogues of heat guns, but are mainly used for space heating in residential and office buildings. The principle of operation of the devices is to heat cold air and move it around the room with the help of a built-in fan. Rapid heating is replaced by the same rapid cooling of the air. Therefore, in order to maintain a comfortable air temperature in the room, it is necessary to keep the fan heater constantly on. Important: do not leave the device unattended to prevent a fire hazard.
The power of the device is 2 - 2.5 kW. Fan heaters can be both wall and floor portable. Which heater to choose, you decide.
Like other types of heaters, fan heaters have both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Fast heating;
- Low cost;
- Overheat protection;
- Light weight and small dimensions
Flaws
- Noisy work;
- The possibility of burning dust, as a result - the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
Infrared heaters
At choosing a heater infrared radiation, special attention should be paid to the type of heating element and the reliability of the design. As a rule, in such devices, quartz and halogen lamps, as well as carbon filaments, are installed as heating elements. Infrared heaters are the most simple and economical heaters. Their distinguishing feature is local directional heating. They do not heat the air, like all of the above devices, but objects located nearby (furniture, walls, floor). This contributes to the rapid heating of the air in the room.
Infrared heaters can be in floor, wall, ceiling and mobile versions. Such heaters are used not only for heating enclosed spaces, but also for open areas - terraces, balconies, loggias.
Advantages
- Fast heating;
- Noiselessness;
- Low power consumption;
- Can be used both in rooms with a high level of humidity (showers, bathrooms, swimming pools) and outdoors
Flaws
- Inability to heat large volumes;
- High price
Thermal curtains
A more complex type of heaters, according to the principle of operation, is similar to. Thermal curtains are installed exclusively in window and door openings. Their main purpose is not so much to warm as to create an obstacle to the entry of cold air into the room. That is why thermal curtains are used in shopping malls, offices and warehouses. For residential premises, they are not entirely appropriate.
The power of thermal curtains is from 3 to 12 kW. In order to choose the right curtain model, you need to know two parameters - the width and height of the openings (window or door). The width of the opening must match the width of the curtain.
Thermal curtains are mounted in a horizontal and vertical position.
In addition to all of the above heaters, inverter-type air conditioners, electric fireplaces, heaters with quartz, carbon, halogen and mikathermic heaters are used for additional space heating. Today we will not consider these devices, since they are similar in principle to the most common heaters.
Heater power calculation
To choose a heater correctly, it is necessary to calculate the power of the device, which will be enough to effectively heat the room you need.
It is generally accepted that for heating a room of 10 sq.m. a device with a power of 1 kW is enough. You can find out more about the calculation of the required power using the data given in the table.
For example:
For the main heating of a room with an area of 20 sq.m. you should choose heaters with a capacity of:
- oil cooler or convector (2-2.5 kW);
- fan heater (2.5 kW);
For additional heating of a room of the same area, we recommend:
- oil cooler or convector (1.5 kW);
- fan heater (from 1.5 to 2 kW);
- infrared heater (1.5 kW);
We sincerely hope that our material about will help you decide on the right device and make a bargain. Comfort and warmth!