Convector or infrared heater - which is better to use?

Before the onset of cold weather, we begin to think about the comfort of their stay. And if there is no hope for centralized heating systems, we look at additional sources of heat - heaters. But how to make the right choice, because recently the appliance stores are constantly updating their range and offer us more and more new and new models of modern heaters? Increasingly, 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 sort out this issue and make an objective choice.

Convectors - principle of operation, pros and cons

To begin with, let's see what a convector is. This device works on the simplest physical phenomenon - convection, during which heated air masses rise under the ceiling of the room, and cold or cooled down - fall closer to the floor. Thus, the convector is placed at a height of 10–15 cm from the floor, takes cold air through special bottom openings, heats it with the help of heating elements or coolant, and gives it to the room through the upper grate. That is, the room is constantly barely perceptible circular air circulation.

By type of device, convector heaters are stationary and portable. Stationary 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 cottage or to a country house. Convectors are rather narrow devices, but high devices, however, do not take up much space when mounted on a wall, and when installed on the floor, they are reliably protected from overturning.

Electric convectors are the most widely used because 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 one can meet stationary gas or water convectors, which successfully complete and evenly heat all the rooms connected to the system.

Convenient when you have the opportunity to buy a convector with all sorts of upgrades - thermostat, remote control, built-in air humidifier, 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;
• easy to install, assemble and operate;
• high work efficiency;
• fairly economical power consumption;
• long service life of the device.

But there are also disadvantages:

• convection can provoke dust circulation in the room;
• warm in the room you will not immediately feel;
• device is suitable for heating indoors, where the likelihood of drafts;
• must take into account the dimensions of the device - convectors, though thin, but rather wide and high.

In addition, if you need to rearrange a heated convector from room to room, then this should be done carefully. Of course, the heating part is protected by the body, but it also heats up quite impressively.

Infrared heaters - the principle of operation, the pros and cons of

We continue to compare additional sources of heat in the house, and let's get acquainted closer with infrared heaters.

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, give off heat to the air. Home infrared heater acts exactly the same principle. Invisible to the human eye, the rays heat objects and a person in a room, and then, due to heat transfer, the whole room warms up. At the same time, the circulation of air masses in the room is extremely insignificant, there are no temperature drops, you can create local or spot heating, install a heater on the open terrace or veranda.

Infrared heater models consist of a radiator and a reflector. The heating element is protected by a grill to eliminate the possibility of burns. Infrared heaters, as well as convectors, are stationary and portable. But, unlike convectors, an infrared device can be hung on the wall and on the ceiling. Outdoor infrared heaters can be no problem, but with caution, rearranged from place to place or take to the country. In addition, the dimensions of such heaters are somewhat smaller than those of convector models. When you turn on, you immediately feel the heat, which will be stored in the room for some time, even after turning off the device.

The advantages of an infrared device:

• rapid heating of the room;
• compact size;
• silent operation;
• can be used in open spaces, creating point heating;
• long service life;
• ease of assembly, installation and use;
• high productivity and energy efficiency.

But, as with any technology, the infrared heater is not without flaws:

• should not be left unattended for a long time;
• heating the room, although it feels immediately, but still not uniform;
• higher cost when compared with convector radiators.

Conclusions

As you can see, it is unambiguous to decide which heater is better: infrared or convector - not. Both the first and the second device have a number of convincing advantages, and can reach their full potential in certain conditions. If we still compare, we would recommend using convector devices as an additional source of heat in closed rooms, and use infrared heaters if there is a need to create a local heated zone or heating in often ventilated rooms, as well as on verandas, in arbors, openterraces. Well, choose what to buy - you still!