Oil radiator or convector

The comfort and energy costs of your home can be greatly impacted by selecting the appropriate heating system. Homes often find themselves at a loss for what to choose when choosing between an oil radiator and a convector. Before choosing between the two options, it is crucial to comprehend their distinctions as each has pros and cons of its own.

Warmth is radiated into the surrounding area by an oil radiator’s columns or fins, which heat the oil within. A convector, on the other hand, heats air by drawing in cool air, passing it over a heating element, and then redistributing the heated air into the space. Performance in terms of efficiency, heating speed, and general characteristics varies as a result of these basic differences in operation.

The heating speed is one of the most important factors to take into account when deciding between an oil radiator and a convector. Since oil radiators heat up more gradually, they are perfect for holding a constant temperature for a long time. On the other hand, convectors heat up quickly and can give off warmth almost instantly, which is useful in areas like kitchens and bathrooms that need to warm up quickly.

Efficiency is yet another important thing to think about. Oil radiators have a high heat retention capacity, which enables them to continue heating without using more energy after being turned off. Convectors, on the other hand, require a constant supply of electricity to stay warm, which can lead to increased energy usage, particularly in areas with inadequate insulation.

Additionally, the layout and positioning of your heating system can affect how efficient it is. Oil radiators are usually freestanding appliances that are mobile and provide flexible heating options for different rooms in the house. Conversely, convectors offer a stylish and compact heating solution but are typically wall-mounted and may need professional installation. This limits their mobility.

What is better to choose, oil heater or convector – all pros and cons

How a convector differs from an oil radiator

The internal design of the models and the underlying principle of operation distinguish a convector from an oil radiator.

• Oil radiator – heating is carried out by means of a heating element placed in an insulated body in contact with mineral oil. As a result, a high heating temperature is ensured. When the device is switched on at maximum power, the surface is heated up to 150°C.

Convector – the principle of operation is to use convection of air masses. The heat exchanger heats the air, causing it to rise upwards. Convection provides fast heating of the room.
Some oil heaters, to increase the rate of heat output, are also equipped with fans. A convector uses several heating elements. The most reliable is considered to be a monolithic source of air heating. In the process of heating the convector practically does not dry the air. To maintain a favorable microclimate, there is no need to use additional devices: humidifier, ionizer, etc.д.

Which heats better, a convector or an oil radiator?

The thermal properties and thermal efficiency of the devices are impacted by notable variations in the convector’s operation from the oil radiator.

Thermal characteristics of oil radiators

The high heating temperature of an oil heater is its primary benefit over an electric convector. The room can heat up sufficiently fast if the radiator is designed with a heat fan. The heater operates with near silence. The best course of action is to use the heating device in rural homes. 20–25 m² is the maximum heating area.

Thermal efficiency of convectors

The convector creates a beneficial microclimate because of its low heating temperature, which is limited to 60 °C. Although the gadget doesn’t dry the air, it will take longer to heat the space than an oil radiator with a fan heater—that is, if the latter’s heating element isn’t already heated to the proper temperature. Convectors have sufficient performance to warm a space larger than 100 m². Improved thermal performance and characteristics are features of the electric convector.

Choosing between an oil radiator and a convector for heating your home depends on various factors like efficiency, cost, and personal preference. Oil radiators provide steady and gentle heat, making them ideal for smaller spaces or rooms where you want a consistent temperature. They take longer to heat up but retain warmth for longer periods, making them efficient for continuous use. On the other hand, convectors heat up quickly and are suitable for larger areas needing rapid warmth. They work by circulating air, which can sometimes lead to drier conditions. While oil radiators may be more energy-efficient in the long run, convectors often offer more control over temperature settings and are usually cheaper to install. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific heating needs, budget, and the layout of your home.

Which is more economical, an oil heater or a convector?

The lengthy time needed for the oil radiator to reach operating capacity is one of its peculiarities. Heat is transferred to the room by the heated coolant, which is heated by the oil. The process requires a significant amount of electricity consumption. The convector has an advantage over the oil radiator in that it uses about 25–30% less electricity when operating than the analog. The costs were cut in half thanks to the adoption of a new monolithic heating element.

Which is safer, an oil heater or an electric convector?

The oil radiator can reach 150°C, so handling it carelessly could result in burns. Convectors only reach 60°C of heat. It is forbidden to leave an oil-filled heater unattended if it is devoid of a thermostat and sensors that guard against overheating. Convectors can be operated entirely automatically and for extended periods of time without requiring human intervention. Regarding the safety of devices, experts have clear opinions. An unhealthy microclimate in the room is frequently violated by oil radiators, which dry out the air. The room’s natural, typical humidity is maintained by the convector.

Which heater to choose, oil or convector

Having considered the pros and cons of the radiator and convector, we can come to the conclusion that the main advantage of the oil heater remains its mobility and relatively low cost. But the peculiarities associated with the operation of the device, limit its operation. It is not recommended to use oil heaters as a permanent source of heating. Convectors, on the contrary, are economical, have a fast heat output, and are completely safe to use. Electric convectors cost approximately 1.5-2 times more. But they can be installed for permanent heating of premises. Comparison of oil heaters and electric convectors showed a clear advantage of the latter. The popularity of oil heaters, despite all the obvious disadvantages, does not become less popular. This is due to the low cost and mobility. Household convectors are not yet widely recognized by domestic consumers. But convection heaters are worth choosing if you need an economical and safe source of heat in the house.

Which heater is better oil or convector heaters

When the weather outside is not warm and the heating season is still far away, the question of economical and quality heating of the room becomes acute. If you live in a private house – there is nothing easier. All you have to do is flood the stove. But what about the residents of the apartment sector?? A variety of heating devices come to the rescue. This is where the natural question arises: what is better convector or oil heater?? If you"ve never experienced either of these, it"s something to think about. This is what our today"s article will be about. So, an oil heater or convector? Which is better? Reviews of experts and consumers will help to make the right choice. To find out exactly which heater is better, let"s first find out the principle of operation of each of them.

The principle of operation of the oil radiator

Everything here is quite simple. An oil radiator is a hermetically sealed tank filled with mineral oil. There is also an electric heater inside the construction. As a result of the operation of the heating element, the temperature of the oil rises and then heats the walls of the tank. It heats the room. To prevent the oil from boiling over, the system is equipped with a special sensor that controls the temperature. In addition, in some models there is a horizontal control. This means that if the radiator accidentally topples over and the TENS is out of the oil environment, the automation will instantly shut down the device. It is very easy to use oil radiators. No knowledge is required. You just need to stick the plug into the socket, press the switch and move the device closer to you. Some manufacturers equip their models with a timer that allows you to automatically turn on the device at a certain time. This is very convenient if you want, for example, to return from work in an already well heated room. The radiator remains switched off throughout the day and does not waste energy.

Advantages and disadvantages

We have attempted to highlight the primary drawbacks and benefits of these heating devices based on feedback from customers. The following can be linked to the benefits of the oil heater:

• Low cost.
• High-quality heating of the surrounding air due to the increased area of heat transfer.
• "Soft" heating. If we compare it with open coil heaters, it can be noted that the oil radiator does not dry out the air. In addition, during its operation, dust particles in the immediate vicinity do not burn during its operation. That is why there are no extraneous odors in the process of operation.
• Mobility. Since oil heaters are 98% of the time floor standing and have wheels, they can easily be placed in any location of your choice.
• Durability and reliable operation.

Radiators do, however, have some drawbacks in addition to their obvious advantages. Finding them was also aided by customer reviews. Thus, drawbacks:

• Quite high t˚ C of the body. During operation at maximum power, the walls of the oil radiator can heat up to a temperature of over 90 C. This fact calls to think about the issue of safety.
• Impressive weight. Some models of oil heaters can "pull" 25 kg, and the smallest rarely weigh less than 10 kg. This can create additional inconvenience when moving it.
• Probability of coolant (oil) leakage in case of mechanical damage of the case. Moreover, if this happens, the heater will simply have to be thrown out. The cost of repair is often incomparable to the cost of a new device.

How the convector is organized and works

The convector and oil radiator can be easily distinguished from the outside. In comparison, the former has a smooth, flat body with slits at the top and bottom, while the latter resembles a "accordion on legs." The manner in which these devices heat the room is the primary distinction between them. The convector directly heats the air masses, whereas the radiator first heats the oil.

The physical characteristics of hot and cold air form the foundation of the convector principle. It’s well known that the second one is lighter. The hollow body of the convector only houses the temperature sensor and the heating element (coil). Via the slots in the device’s lower section, cold air enters the convector. The air masses that were heated by the heating element then naturally exit through the upper casing openings. And the process repeats itself, with cold air taking their place once more.

Every convector heater has a temperature sensor built into it, which determines whether the room’s air temperature has reached the desired level. Since there’s no need to keep an eye on the device, this is incredibly convenient. The room’s temperature is independently maintained by the automatics.

Convector models almost always have two placement options. They can be mounted on unique legs and set in a practical location on the floor, or they can be hung on the wall.

Pros and cons

We can also determine all the benefits and drawbacks with the aid of customer reviews.

• When using a convector, you can set the exact (literally to a degree) temperature in the room and the automation will maintain it.
• The body of the appliance does not heat up above 60 C, which is much safer than in the case of oil appliances.
• With a little effort it is possible to connect several convectors into a common heating system. The oil type heater works exclusively on an individual basis.

However, the convector has drawbacks of its own:

• Customer reviews allow us to conclude that when using such equipment in the room may be a slight draft.
• Rooms with high (above 3 m) ceilings convector may not warm up too well. Warm air will "hang" under the ceiling and the device may not work efficiently enough.
• Natural convection can lead to increased movement of microorganisms and dust particles. This can be unpleasant for people prone to allergic reactions or diseases of the ENT organs.

Comparative characteristics

In order to ultimately determine which type of heater is superior, convector or oil, let’s create a quick comparison table:

Comparative parameters

What is better convector or oil heater – comparison of features

In the home, heaters of the oil or convector varieties are frequently used. While warm air moves differently in each heater, they all operate on the same general principle of heating air masses (convection). Many people wonder which is better—an oil heater or a convector—before purchasing a heating appliance for a room. So let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks of each of these gadgets and attempt to reach unbiased judgments.

Oil type heaters

Apartments and homes frequently use these appliances to raise the temperature of the air. They are very simple to install and don’t require any specialized knowledge or abilities. It’s ready when you insert the device into the socket and position it close to the heated area. It is unlikely that the device’s electrical circuit will break down because of its most basic design.

Various types of oil coolers; the fan-equipped model is on the far left.

An oil radiator is made up of a metal tank that has mineral oil poured into it. In turn, the oil has a heating component. Typically, a gadget of this kind has an electric overheating protection feature, a compartment for the power cord, and a rheostat for temperature adjustment. Occasionally, a sensor to identify deviations from the horizontal is also included in the heater. This makes it possible to automatically turn off an overturned appliance. Splash resistance is another feature of oil radiators.

Oil radiators have handles to make moving them around the apartment simple.

Swivel wheels are an integral part of heaters.

When not in use, the power cord is meant to be stored in the cord compartment.

Benefits of using an oil device:

• Low price;
• Quiet operation;
• Ease of movement over different distances, for example, from room to room.

Let’s apply the following general guideline to ascertain how much power the device will require to warm the room. A radiator with a kilowatt capacity is required to heat 10 square meters of space if the ceiling height is less than three meters. basically manufacture these kinds of gadgets with power outputs between one and two kilowatts.

Usually, the device has a thermostat that maintains the temperature at the desired level by setting it automatically. Very practical models with a timer that activates the heater at the designated hour. For instance, you can plan the heating to turn on in the morning or evening, just in time for everyone to get home from work. As a result, the timer helps you to save a significant amount of electricity—which is highly costly these days.

An electronic control system heater.

System of mechanical control.

Convector type heaters

Their body is smooth and flat, which sets them apart from oil radiators. The room is kept at the ideal temperature by its room thermostat.

Easy convector heaters with a traditional layout.

Convector radiators are typically fixed on the walls, in contrast to oil-type heaters, which are typically floor-mounted units. However, floor models are also available; these are typically mobile on wheels.

Convector, which has wall mounting and mobile mounting options and fasteners.

Convectors that skirt can have a height of 15 cm and a length of 1500 cm.

Heat is radiated by oil-type heaters. The only source of heat radiation from a convector is the front panel. Additionally, the exchange of heat between hot and cold air masses causes the air to warm. As a result, the heater’s surfaces experience continuous air movement.

Convectors operate silently because they rely on the air’s natural convection. They swiftly and evenly heat the space. The device is very easy to mount on the wall, and it can also be installed on the floor if that’s what you want. Convector heaters are available for use in offices, commercial spaces, and residential settings alike.

Air moves in a convector device by ascending and descending at various heights. Heavier, colder air tends downward toward the floor, while hotter, more rarefied air flies upward toward the ceiling. When convection is working properly, air masses circulate continuously, warming the space.

The air masses travel through convection in this manner.

The components of the device are as follows:

• Convection chamber (heater body);
• A heating element built into the housing.

The front cover of the convector heater is removed.

A heating element is used to warm the cold air that enters the convector while it is operating. Lighter air rises to the surface and exits through the upper louvers. Well, and a fresh batch of air arrives in place of the room’s previously cold air, which has moved upward.

The thermostat controls the temperature of the heated air. It turns on and off the heating element. This device has a very high efficiency. The purpose of the front panel’s slots is to let hot air out. The louvers for its exit are oriented downward so that it heats the floor and walls rather than moving straight upward. Instead of escaping right away, the air builds up inside and becomes overly pressurized. After that, it exits the unit horizontally.

The thermostat for a convector heater.

Grounding is not an issue because the heating element is specially fixed within the housing. Ultimately, there are stops composed of a unique heat-resistant plastic between the heating element and the housing, preventing any contact between the two. The appliance’s design ensures that the heat is dispersed equally throughout the space. This guarantees warmth and comfort.

It is not unnecessary to be aware of the benefits of convector heaters for individuals who are undecided between purchasing an oil heater or a convector heater:

• These devices are fire-safe and meet the requirements of Eurostandard.
• Such heaters placed in each room and united in one network can get a modular heating system. At the cottage or in a country cottage it can be used instead of a boiler, which is expensive and requires the installation of numerous heating pipes,
• Thanks to the electronic thermostat and various modes of operation, you can save electricity quite significantly.

On/off timer and electronic control system.

Criteria	Oil Radiator
Heating Speed	Slower, but retains heat longer
Energy Efficiency	Less efficient compared to convectors
Noise	Generally quieter
Portability	Less portable due to oil-filled design
Cost	Initial cost might be higher
Heating Uniformity	Heats evenly across the room

There are a number of considerations to consider when choosing between an oil radiator and a convector for home heating. There are advantages and disadvantages to both choices, which can make choosing difficult.

Oil radiators are renowned for producing heat gradually and consistently. They function by heating oil within the apparatus, which causes the space to radiate heat. Oil radiators are an effective option for keeping a room warm because of their capacity to hold heat even after they have been turned off. Nevertheless, in comparison to convectors, they may take longer to heat up at first.

Convectors, on the other hand, are renowned for their rapid heat distribution. Warm air is drawn into the room, heated, and then expelled by them. This is how they work. Convectors are a well-liked option for rapidly warming a space because of their quick heating, especially if you need heat on demand. But once they’re off, they might not hold heat as well.

It’s important to consider your unique heating needs and preferences when deciding which option is best for your home. An oil radiator can be a better option for you if you value constant warmth and don’t mind a slower heating process. On the other hand, if you value instantaneous heating and on-demand warmth, a convector might be the best option.

Furthermore, consideration should be given to elements like cost, space availability, and energy efficiency. Long-term, oil radiators are typically more economical and energy-efficient, but because of their size, they may require more room. Despite being efficient in and of themselves, convectors may eventually cost more to operate because of their higher heat output.

In summary, each type of heating system—oil radiators and convectors—has advantages, and the best option for you will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and heating requirements. A comfortable living space is essential for the entire year, regardless of whether you prefer the rapid, on-demand heat of a convector or the slow, constant warmth of an oil radiator.

Video on the topic

Which is better: an electric convector or an oil radiator??