A general explanation as to what a convector heater is – a heater that depends on the movement and natural expansion of warm air around it so that it can transfer heat to the immediate area. There are a plethora of convector heaters on the market, all coming in differing shapes and sizes and all reliant on a range of heating sources.
To describe a convector heater in the broadest of terms, we can say that they are really like a heat exchanger, rather like the ones used in cooling applications, but merely in reverse. It basically utilizes a heat source within its confines or housing to warm up the air surrounding the unit, creating a convection current. This convection, or air, current passes the heated air throughout the area found around the heater and does so until the appliance is switched off.
A Possible Misconception
Many individuals mistakenly believe that anything that produces a convection current is classed as a convection heater. The heating elements of convector heaters are totally enclosed within the appliance and are not exposed in any way, shape or form. The implementation of this type of design was safety orientated because this type of heater is usually used within homes. When the heating element in a heating appliance is exposed, this makes it a radiator and not a convector heater.
Benefits of Convector Heaters
They offer a simple yet reliable way to heat a home or building of similar size. Because the heating element is enclosed within the appliance, it allows for safe operation as well as for a variety of heating materials to be utilized within. And because this heater has no fans to force the flow of air, their operation is almost silent when compared to fan-assisted heaters.
Varieties
Convector heaters can differ in both their design and the type of heating substrate used within. The main heating substrates are steam, water and electric elements.
When it comes to convector heater installation options, there are three main types; these are wall-mounted, baseboard and under-floor. Whereas the wall-mounted models have designs similar to those of car heat-exchangers, the other two are slightly different. In baseboard models heat is distributed via piping running along a home’s baseboard, and in under-floor models there is a complex lattice of piping within a home or building’s floor.
A Word of Warning
Even though the heating substrate found in convector heaters is not exposed, the actual unit itself is able to heat up to extremely elevated temperatures. Although this is not a major issue with floor convector heaters, wall-mounted and baseboard convector heaters can pose a serious risk of burn if accidental contact is made.