Natural gas convector: selection criteria

The right heating system is essential for keeping our homes warm and comfortable during the cold months. A natural gas convector is one common option that many homeowners take into consideration. These heaters are easy to install, reasonably priced, and provide efficient heating. However, choosing the best natural gas convector can be difficult due to the abundance of models on the market. We’ll go over some important factors to take into account in this guide when selecting a natural gas convector for your house.

The first and most important thing to do is determine how much heat your space needs. It is essential to choose a natural gas convector that can efficiently heat the space you plan to use it in because they vary in size and heating capacity. Take into account elements like the room’s dimensions, your home’s insulation quality, and any particular heating requirements you may have. You can pick a convector that will keep your house cozy without using too much energy if you measure your heating needs precisely.

The natural gas convector’s efficiency is a crucial factor as well. Efficiency affects both the device’s operating costs and performance. Seek for models with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating or those that have earned the Energy Star certification. These units are made to produce the most heat with the least amount of gas usage, which will reduce your long-term energy costs.

The safety features of a natural gas convector should also be carefully considered. Since natural gas is burned in these devices, it’s critical to select a model with integrated safety features to avoid mishaps like gas leaks or overheating. Aspects like oxygen depletion sensors, flame failure protection, and automated shut-off valves should be on your radar. You can feel secure knowing that your heating system is safe if you purchase a convector with strong safety features.

Your decision-making process may also take aesthetics and design into consideration in addition to functionality and safety. You can choose a natural gas convector that matches the decor of your house because they are available in a range of designs and finishes. There is a convector out there to fit your preferences, whether you like a more traditional style or a sleek modern one.

Finally, remember to take the natural gas convector’s installation and maintenance needs into account. Select a unit that is simple to install and has comprehensive installation instructions, or enlist the help of a qualified HVAC technician. For optimum performance and longevity, choose a convector that is also simple to maintain and clean.

Device and principle of operation of a gas convector

Convectors that run on main gas are intended to heat isolated objects individually. It works similarly to an electric heater. Convective heat exchange of air masses underlies the working principle of such a heater; as cold air is heated in the convector’s heat exchanger, heated layers rise to the top and cold layers replace them. It’s crucial to position these heaters correctly. It is advised to install it as low to the floor as feasible and beneath windows with the greatest heat loss.

Gas convector apparatus:

• Casing with protective function. It is made of metal, treated with heat-resistant enamel, withstanding the high temperature of gas combustion. Air circulation slots are installed at the bottom and top of the casing.
• An efficient air heater with a developed heating surface made of heat-resistant steel or cast iron, as it is in constant contact with an open fire.
• Gas burner – a device for gas combustion made of two parts: an igniter with electric ignition and a nozzle.
• Operating gas valve-regulator controlling the gas flow rate according to the signal from the protection system or the temperature sensor.
• Gas venting system, which allows flue gases to be discharged into the environment. It can be of two types with natural and forced draught.
• Thermostat – a device for automatic maintenance of the set temperature in the house. It works in pair with a gas shut-off valve.
• Protection system – a set of sensors for gas pressure and heated air temperature, working with a valve that closes the gas supply in case of any emergency situation.

Varieties of gas convectors

Convectors that run on main gas are available today in a wide range of unique designs that vary from one another on the market:

1. By type of material: steel and cast iron.
2. By type of installation: wall-mounted, floor-mounted, ceiling-mounted.The latter are used for heating large production and commercial facilities.
3. By power: small, medium and large. Such devices function effectively only in individual rooms. The load is selected from the ratio 1.0 kW per 10.0 м2. It is not difficult to calculate that for 80 m2 it is necessary to choose a device with a power of 8 kW.
4. By the type of combustion chamber: open and closed, which are distinguished by the chimney system. For devices of the first type, exhaust gas removal is carried out through a stationary chimney, arranged, according to the furnace principle in the interwall space, which requires additional funds for installation. Models of the second variant are easier to install. The exhaust air is removed to the atmosphere through a coaxial pipe.

Pros and cons

One compelling reason to use a gas heater instead of a traditional electric convector is that it is 50% less expensive to run. It can function even in the event of a power outage and reaches its maximum temperature nearly instantly.

Benefits of a gas convector include:

1. Portability and mobility, can be placed in any room and can be taken with you when moving, for example, to the countryside.
2. Efficiency, more than 90% of the energy contained in gas is converted into heat.
3. Instant heat transfer. The lower limit on heat output for such devices – 25 MJ/h, which is equivalent to 6 kW of electric heating, so one standard gas convector, gives out as much heat as three electric heaters with a capacity of 2 kW.
4. Low specific costs for production of unit of heat energy, 1 Gcal.
5. State of the art safety. The protection system switches the heater off by an oxygen depletion sensor if the oxygen level in the room becomes too low, or if the flame breaks off or the heater tips over.
6. Protection against carbon monoxide.
7. Automatic maintenance of the temperature mode by thermoregulator.

Cons of using a gas heater:

1. No chimney, in designs with natural circulation, so the emissions from the combustion of fuel flow back into the room.
2. They should not be installed in bedrooms, bathrooms and other small or poorly ventilated rooms.
3. Water vapor from the combustion process can condense on walls and ceilings and cause mold growth.

Selection criteria

The proper selection is essential for the effective functioning of a gas convector; similar to electric heaters, gas appliances have unique design features that must be considered.

The heater’s functional features include:

1. Remote control allows you to set the temperature setting and fan speed, and some models have both wired and wireless versions, which allows you to control the device from a distance.
2. Thermostats, which make it easier to set the operating temperature.
3. Programmable timers help with energy saving. Most of them can be programmed to turn on/off within 24 hours.
4. Child locks are available on some models.
5. Electronic burner ignition ensures energy savings.
6. Filter cleaning warning function.

When selecting the appropriate model, consider the unit’s particular specifications, the room’s intended use, the heated volume, the necessary indoor air temperature, the geometric arrangement of the heating object (such as in a garage).

Heat exchanger material

Since the heat exchanger’s operation depends on the fuel burning in the chamber, it is subject to intense heat, and if the metal burns out, the convector will become completely inoperative. The internal boiler’s ability to withstand corrosion from the caustic effects of flue gases is a prerequisite for its long-term operation. It follows that the boiler’s material ought to be as robust and resistant to corrosion as feasible. Cast iron, aluminum, and steel are the main materials used in convectors for these applications.

A steel heat exchanger is the best choice because it has higher heat resistance, is lightweight, small in size, and is reasonably priced.

Although aluminum has a high heat conductivity, it is not heat resistant and is a costly metal. Due to its increased fragility, cast iron can crack when exposed to abrupt temperature changes, which would cause the heater to stop working.

Type of combustion chamber

Open or closed combustion chambers are installed for this kind of heater. The first version has an exhaust hood that draws air from the room and directs flue gases into the atmosphere via a vertical pipe. The most basic gas convectors run on an open gas combustion system, which has two clear drawbacks: the room must supply combustion air, and a complicated, pricy chimney system must be installed through the ceiling.

As a result, closed combustion heaters are superior and more ecologically friendly. In such a device, a specialized blowing fan integrated into the coaxial chimney provides movement in the gas-air path of the convector. The inner pipe is used to remove flue gases, and the outer ring is used to introduce air masses into the chamber.

Heating capacity and area

Many considerations must be made in order to select the appropriate heater output, including the climate zone of the residence, ceiling height and total heated area, heating systems in neighboring rooms, insulation quality, daylight penetration, and glazing area. Such a calculation is nearly impossible for someone without special education to complete, so when choosing thermal equipment, use the average practical ratio of related values:

The required kW depends primarily on the area to be heated and the climatic zone of residence. In order to choose the best gas heater for rooms with ceilings no higher than 2.5 м:

1. Northern areas – 1000 W for every 8.5 m2 area.
2. Central area – 1000 W for every 10.0 м2.
3. Southern areas – 1000 W for every 16.0 м2.

For the central region of Russia, consider the following example of convector power selection based on heating area:

1. Low-power unit, area 29 – 42 m2, load 2.9 – 4.2 kW.
2. Medium unit, 50 – 60 m2 area, 5 – 6 kW load.
3. Powerful unit, area 62 – 82 m2, load 6.2 – 8.2 kW.

It is advised to select convectors with a reserve in heat output to reduce heat loss in order to maximize heating efficiency. The amount of gas used will essentially not change.

Type of installation

Considering the actual conditions of the object is necessary when selecting the type of device to be installed on the wall or the floor. The best option is to install wall-mounted. It places itself under the window, forming a thermal curtain between the room’s interior air and the chilly air coming from the window, taking up little space. Despite having many benefits, these units cannot handle large objects due to their 10 kW power limit. The typical lifespan of a wall-mounted heater is 8 to 12 years.

Floor units are used to heat a large area. They weigh a lot, are large, and have a 20+ year lifespan. The safety of the heater’s installation and operation is taken into consideration when making the final decision. The risk of fire poses the greatest risk to the house when utilizing one of these heaters. Convection heaters must be placed away from combustible materials and objects that can catch fire because they use intense heat to heat the air.

Fuel consumption

We can compute the fuel once the power has been established. Gas is calculated for each facility individually, at T outside air in the vicinity of the facility, in accordance with the current regulations. You can get this information from the SNIP on heating.

Use this formula to get the gas fuel amount:

G is equal to N / (QH x 0.95).

• G – calculated gas flow rate, m3/hour;
• N – heat capacity of the convector, 100 m2 – 10.0 kW;
• QH – lower heat of combustion of gas – 10.175 kW/m3;
• 0.95 – convector efficiency, %.

Gas calculation per hour:

10 / (10.175 х 0.95) = 1.034 m3/h

24 × 1.034 = 24.8 m3/day

Seasonal consumption, with a -185-day heating season:

4593 m3/season = 24.8 x 185

It should be made clear that the actual consumption will depend on the previously mentioned parameters, and that this calculation is only an estimate.

Additional functionality

Customers can also select from a number of these features:

• Timer for setting the operating period;
• fan to improve convection;
• control valve for controlling the combustion mode;
• Thermostat for maintaining the operating mode and working in tandem with the gas valve;
• Automation and security system, controls the stable operation of the heater and disconnects it in case of emergency situation on gas pressure, lack of air, gas in the room.

When it comes to choosing a natural gas convector for your home heating needs, there are several key criteria to consider. Firstly, efficiency is paramount – look for models that offer high energy efficiency ratings to minimize both your environmental impact and your utility bills. Secondly, consider the size and heating capacity of the convector, ensuring it"s suitable for the space you intend to heat. Additionally, prioritize safety features such as automatic shut-off mechanisms and sturdy construction. Ease of installation and maintenance should also factor into your decision, as well as any additional features like programmable thermostats or remote control capabilities. By carefully evaluating these criteria, you can select a natural gas convector that efficiently and effectively heats your home while providing peace of mind.

Nuances of installation and operation

It is not advised to use portable open-type gas heaters in restrooms, hallways, or bedrooms. Certain models have minimum room sizes and ventilation requirements that must be met in order for heaters to operate. The state standard for the safety of gas installations must be followed during the installation of the gas equipment.

Fundamental prerequisites for a gas convector installation that is safe:

1. It is forbidden to place devices in fire-hazardous premises.
   The heater is placed under the window.
2. The flue pipe must be mounted on the outside and equipped with an outlet.
3. Installation, dismantling, adjustment and start-up work on gas equipment is carried out only by certified specialists of the State Gas Company.
4. After the installation work is completed, commissioning is carried out.
5. Before the first start-up, open the gas inlet tap and check all joints on the gas line with a brush and soap solution.
6. Start the piezo igniter to ignite the gas. There may be an odor of burning oil during the first hours of the installation due to burning of the furnace chamber walls, later the convector operation should be odorless.

There are a few important considerations to make when choosing a natural gas convector for your house. First of all, efficiency is essential to making sure your heating system is economical and efficient. To reduce your environmental impact and maximize energy savings, look for models with high efficiency ratings.

Second, think about how your space is organized and sized. Selecting a convector that can sufficiently heat the rooms in your house without being overpowered or underpowered is crucial because different convectors have different heating capacities.

Safety features should also not be disregarded. Seek convectors that come equipped with integrated safety features like carbon monoxide detectors and automated shut-off valves to safeguard your family and house against possible dangers.

The simplicity of installation and maintenance is another crucial factor. Select convectors that will operate without difficulty for the duration of their life by choosing models that are easy to install and require little maintenance.

Lastly, remember the importance of aesthetics. Whether your convector is freestanding or wall-mounted, pick one that blends in perfectly with the design of your house.

You can choose the best natural gas convector for your house and ensure maximum comfort, efficiency, and safety for many years to come by considering these factors.

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