Even before the onset of cold weather, we begin to think about the comfort of our stay. And if there is no hope for centralized heating systems, we look closely at additional heat sources - heaters. But how to make the right choice, because recently home appliance stores are constantly updating their assortment and offering us more and more new models of modern heaters? More and more often, ordinary consumers are tormented by the question, which is better - an infrared heater or a convector? Both the one and the other device are now very popular, they are considered to be quite productive and energy efficient. Well, let's try to understand this issue and make an objective choice.
Convectors - principle of operation, pros and cons
To begin with, let's figure out what a convector is. This device works according to the simplest physical phenomenon - convection, during which heated air masses rise under the ceiling of the room, and cold or cooled - fall closer to the floor. Thus, the convector is located at a height of 10-15 cm from the floor, takes cold air through the special lower holes, heats it with the help of a heating element or heat carrier, and gives it to the room through the upper grill. That is, a barely perceptible circular circulation of air constantly occurs in the room.
By device type, convector heaters are stationary and portable. Stationary are mounted on the wall, at a small height from the floor. Mobile - equipped with legs or wheels, and installed directly on the floor. In addition, such a model can be transferred from room to room or taken with you to the country or to a country house. Convectors are rather narrow devices, but tall devices, however, when mounted on a wall, they do not take up much space, and when installed on the floor, they are reliably protected from tipping over.
The most widespread are electric convectors, since they are simple and easy to use. They are most often bought as an additional source of heat for apartments, offices, small country houses. But in large private houses you can find stationary gas or water convectors, which successfully perform complete and uniform heating of all rooms connected to the system.
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It is convenient when you have the opportunity to buy a convector with all kinds of upgrades - a temperature controller, a remote control, a built-in humidifier, a timer, etc.
The list of advantages of convector heaters is very impressive:
- convectors work absolutely silently;
- this type of device is completely fireproof, it can even be left unattended;
- simplicity in installation, assembly and operation;
- high work efficiency;
- quite economical energy consumption;
- long service life of the device.
But there are also disadvantages:
- convection can cause dust to circulate in the room;
- you will not feel the heat in the room immediately;
- the appliance is suitable for heating enclosed spaces where there is no chance of drafts;
- it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the device - convectors, although thin, but quite wide and high.
In addition, if you need to rearrange the heated convector from room to room, you must do this carefully. Of course, the heating part is protected by the body, but it also heats up quite impressive.
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Infrared heaters - the principle of operation, the pros and cons
We continue to compare additional sources of heat in the house, and let's get acquainted with infrared heaters closer.
The principle of operation of this device repeats the mechanism by which the sun warms the Earth. The sun's rays do not heat the air, but pass through the atmosphere and heat the soil and water, which, in turn, transfer heat to the air. A home infrared heater works exactly the same way. Rays invisible to the human eye heat objects and people in the room, and then, as a result of heat transfer, the whole room is warmed up. At the same time, the circulation of air masses in the room is extremely insignificant, there are no temperature differences, you can create local or spot heating, install the heater on an open terrace or veranda.
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Infrared models of heaters consist of a radiator and a reflector. The heating element is protected by a grid to prevent burns. Infrared heaters, as well as convectors, are stationary type and portable. But, unlike convectors, an infrared device can be hung on the wall and ceiling. Floor-mounted infrared heaters can be done without problems, but being careful, rearrange them or take with them to the cottage. In addition, the dimensions of such heaters are slightly smaller than that of convector models. When you turn it on, you will immediately feel the heat that will remain in the room for some time, even after turning off the device.
The advantages of an infrared device:
- fast heating of the room;
- compact sizes;
- silent work;
- the ability to use in open rooms, the creation of spot heating;
- long service life;
- simplicity in assembly, installation and use;
- high productivity and energy efficiency.
But, like any technique, an infrared heater is not without drawbacks:
- Do not leave the device for a long time unattended;
- the heating of the room, although it is felt immediately, is still not uniform;
- higher cost when compared with convector radiators.
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conclusions
As you can see for yourself, it is unambiguous to decide which heater is better: infrared or convector - you can’t. Both the first and second devices have a number of convincing advantages, and can fully reveal their potential in certain conditions.If we still compare, we would recommend using convection devices as an additional source of heat in enclosed spaces, and infrared heaters should be used if there is a need to create a local heated zone or heating in frequently ventilated rooms, as well as on verandas, in arbors, open terraces. Well, to choose what to buy - all the same to you!
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