What is the difference between a convector and a radiator

We frequently hear words like "convector" and "radiator" when discussing home heating. Both are necessary to maintain a warm and inviting atmosphere in our spaces, but they function a little differently. Making educated decisions regarding their heating systems can be facilitated for homeowners by being aware of the distinctions between these two.

Probably the more conventional of the two is a radiator. Most likely, you’ve seen them mounted on walls, frequently hidden by a pretty panel. Hot water or steam is circulated through metal pipes to heat radiators. The heat released by the water or steam passing through the radiator warms the air in the room. As the heated air rises, a convection current is formed, which aids in distributing warmth throughout the room.

Conversely, a convector functions according to a distinct principle. Convectors produce heat by using electricity or hot air, as opposed to circulating water or steam. When a convector is turned on, a heating element or a set of fins inside it gets hot. The warmer air surrounding this element rises and pushes the colder air downward. The heat is dispersed throughout the space more evenly thanks to this ongoing air circulation.

Thus, as a homeowner, what does this mean for you? The decision between a convector and a radiator typically boils down to your needs as an individual, your budget, and the features of your house. Because of their dependability and capacity to hold heat even after the system has been turned off, radiators are frequently preferred. Conversely, convectors are thought to be more energy-efficient for smaller spaces and have the ability to heat a room more quickly.

The difference between a convector and a radiator

You are only reminded of a heating system when the weather turns chilly. Sledge preparation must, nevertheless, be done in the summer. Comfort is essential in a house, apartment, or workplace during the cold months. The arrangement of the heating system is important, particularly when selecting the heating equipment.

Definition

A radiator is a heating device that circulates a heat carrier, such as water or antifreeze. The radiator uses infrared, or thermal, radiation to distribute heat throughout the space. The room is heated from the outside to the interior through the window. Radiators can be classified as panel, sectional, or tubular based on their structural makeup. The amount of heating in the space is determined by the number of connected sections or panels. These days, aluminum or bimetallic sectional radiators are taking the place of the well-known cast iron ones. The heater’s construction material has a big impact on how much heat it dissipates.

Heater

Convector: A radiator is a heating appliance that uses convection to transfer heat. A physical phenomenon known as convection occurs when air moves through a heating element, expands, and moves into a room, taking up the space that cooler air had previously occupied. Naturally occurring air circulation results in temperature variations. A convector’s two primary components are a channel for the coolant to flow through and grids or plates for the air to pass through.

Content to Convector ↑

As we compare radiators and convectors, let’s focus on the areas in which they are used. Water convectors, for instance, work well in commercial and industrial spaces with lots of glass and high relative humidity (think orangeries, conservatories, and swimming pools). Cottages and country homes are the typical locations for steel panel radiator installation. Bimetallic radiators are now recommended for heating apartments in homes with central heating.

It is believed that in terms of heat output, radiators give off more heat than convectors. This is due to the surface area, which is involved in the process of heat exchange. Radiators give a more constant warming of the air, while convectors can provide a draught in the room. This phenomenon occurs due to the air moving from the bottom to the top. And if the device does not cover the width of the window, the air circulates from the window into the room. From a safety point of view, convectors are less hot than, say, a cast-iron radiator. However, due to the peculiarities of construction, dust accumulates in convectors.

The radiator produces more heat; Convectors require more heat inputs, whereas radiators operate more efficiently; Convector is less expensive than a radiator; Convector dust collectors and sweepers are more environmentally friendly than radiators;

Making the best decision for your home’s heating requires knowing the differences between a convector and a radiator. Warmth is radiated into the space by metal panels or columns that have been heated and filled with steam or hot water. Conversely, a convector swiftly circulates warm air throughout the room by using a fan to blow air over a heated surface. Radiators and convectors both work well to heat your home, but radiators give off a soft, even heat while convectors heat up faster and may use less energy. Your heating requirements, the size of the room, and your personal taste will all influence your decision.

Differences between a convector and an oil radiator

For many homeowners and apartment dwellers in cities, heating a room’s air on a regular basis is a necessary chore. Heating a summer home before a weekend trip, adding extra heat to an apartment during the coldest winter days, and keeping the office at a comfortable temperature when the central heating system isn’t working well all call for a good and dependable heater that will make the required rooms the most comfortable places to live. Usually, using electric heating appliances to help solve this kind of issue works best.

The most common kinds of these devices will be discussed in this article, along with an attempt to resolve the debate over which is preferable under these and other circumstances: radiators or convectors. To do this, let’s take a look at these heaters’ primary features and compare and contrast them.

Heating radiators

One type of heating device is the radiator. The coolant circulates inside a series of interconnected sections that are typically arranged vertically.

An ordinary radiator is the most basic type of radiator and can be found in any apartment. It most frequently uses hot water as a heat carrier. However, since they necessitate the setup of an expensive stationary heating system with a boiler, main pipes, pump, etc., such devices are not very relevant for the purposes outlined in this article. A dedicated section of our website contains descriptions of these systems. An additional variation of the device under discussion that piques our interest is the oil radiator.

Above-the-line oil radiator

Unlike a traditional radiator, this type of radiator contains electric heaters (TEN) that are entirely covered in mineral oil. The heating element heats the oil when it is plugged into the electrical grid, transferring all of the heat to the body.

The following are the oil radiator’s primary benefits:

  • Efficient heating of air due to the large surface area;
  • Economy and low cost;
  • Soft heating. Oil radiator differs from heating devices with an open spiral (such as, for example, heat fans) in that it dries the air less and does not burn dust particles located nearby;
  • Mobility, reliability and durability.

The radiator also has a number of drawbacks at the same time:

  • Quite high temperature of the housing. If you need to warm up the room quickly, the heating device is usually turned on to the maximum. At the same time, the temperature of the external surface of the oil radiator can reach 90 ° and above;
  • Decent weight. Due to the heavy metal casing and the large amount of oil inside it, even the smallest radiator weighs at least 10 kg;
  • Possibility of oil leakage if the hull is damaged.

It should be mentioned that the majority of these drawbacks are offset by appropriate use; any device works best when used under the precise circumstances for which it was intended.

Convectors

Convectors and oil radiators differ primarily in their heating methods. Convectors work on the basis of the principle of air circulation through a heated heat exchanger.

The heated air itself rises higher and becomes lighter, making up for the convector’s lack of heat radiation. In its place, dense cold air—which is always at the bottom—automatically enters.

Gas or electricity can be used to power the convector. The electric version is more common because most country homes cannot be connected to the gas mains.

Convectors, both gas and electric

We highlight the following distinctions between an oil radiator and a convector, among others:

  • Convector has minimal inertia, so the temperature in the room can be set with an accuracy of a fraction of a degree;
  • Much less heating of the casing. The temperature of the outer surface of the convector usually does not exceed 40-45 °C. In the room where such a heater works, you can safely leave even a small child (unlike many other heating devices, which need constant supervision);
  • Possibility to heat several rooms at once. The required number of convectors can be combined into a single system with common control, while the radiator always works only in individual mode.

Yet, the convector has drawbacks just like any other electrical device:

  • When it works, it often creates a draught in the room;
  • In rooms with high ceilings, the convector"s area of action may not be enough: warm air will accumulate at the very top, so the heating efficiency will be low;
  • Operation of a convector often leads to an increase in the intensity of dust and germs moving around the room. This can be dangerous for people suffering from allergies or diseases of the respiratory tract, lungs or other organs;
  • High power consumption.

Nevertheless, one of the greatest options available for heating living areas right now is the electric convector, even with its mentioned drawbacks.

What to choose?

Naturally, every customer wants to know which is better for heating their home—a house, a cottage, or an apartment—a radiator or a convector.

Every one of these gadgets can only be useful under specific circumstances. For instance, a convector and a radiator can both be used to heat a large room.

The convector will operate faster, more safely, and more efficiently than the radiator, which will provide more uniform heating.

An oil radiator might be a better option for heating small spaces because of its higher heat output and mobility, which make it simple to move to any required location. It follows that the radiator is most appropriate for localized heating.

Not to be overlooked is another factor. Since oil radiators were introduced much earlier than convectors, consumers have a little more faith in them. Many people would rather heat their homes the old-fashioned way and pay little attention to what experts have to say about the benefits of new technologies.

Radiators are currently purchased approximately four times more frequently than convectors, based on estimates from heater manufacturers. Their cheaper price is mostly to blame for this.

Convectors have indisputable advantages that make them the best option in many situations, so picking a source solely based on price to ensure your personal comfort is probably not the best course of action. Because of this, the market for convectors is expanding gradually, adding 15–25% annually.

Therefore, depending on the particular situation, either of the two heating devices may be the best option. Giving due thought to the advantages and disadvantages of each one will enable you to select the one that best suits your needs and provides the required level of comfort and coziness at the lowest possible expense.

What distinguishes an oil radiator from a convector, and under what circumstances is it more cost-effective to use an oil radiator?

What is better radiator or convector – advantages and disadvantages, differences

These days, a lot of places use heating devices for a variety of reasons. The design and heat-supply method of the units vary depending on the type. A property owner’s first concern when installing an autonomous heat supply system is whether a convector or a radiator is better.

Types of heating devices – what is better

These heating devices are the most in demand:

  • water convectors;
  • oil radiators;
  • electric convectors;
  • radiators designed for water heat supply systems.

These gadgets are all utilized under diverse circumstances. The differences between the convector and the radiator must be ascertained in order to decide which equipment is superior.

Electric convectors

In private homes, electric heating systems are frequently chosen by the owners in the event that connecting to the centralized gas network is not feasible. Using convectors has become popular recently. In this instance, installing radiators, a boiler, and running a pipeline throughout the house to supply the heat carrier are not necessary.

All that convector heaters need to run on is electricity. Laying a hot water heating circuit is far more difficult than arranging the wiring properly.

Natural convection is the foundation upon which electric convectors operate. The air rises as a result of these devices heating it. Cold air masses are displaced after they reach the ceiling; they are drawn into the convector and follow the previously mentioned path.

Mechanical or electronic thermostats, which control the room’s temperature by turning on and off the heating elements, are in charge of all these operations. The property owner should prioritize equipment with electronics because they are more cost-effective.

Largely finned heating elements are the primary feature of convector heating devices. It’s they who make the air warm.

Benefits of applying convectors:

  1. Autonomous operation without coolant leads to considerable savings on the construction of the heat supply system.
  2. Availability of the possibility to combine several convectors in a single design with centralized heating, thanks to which it will be more convenient to regulate the temperature regime in the rooms.
  3. Uncomplicated construction and therefore there is nothing to break in them.
  4. Environmental friendliness – these devices do not burn oxygen and do not change the humidity of the air.
  5. Simple installation – they only need to be connected to the electrical wiring.

Cons: The drawbacks of convector heaters

  1. High cost of electricity makes their use an expensive pleasure. It is much more profitable to use heating systems that function due to other energy sources, for example, natural gas.
  2. The need to set the temperature a little higher than the required parameter, because with prolonged operation the efficiency of the equipment decreases.
  3. When operating a defective device there is a possibility of getting an electric shock.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned drawbacks, this class of convectors is comprised of straightforward and widely available heating devices for consumers. It is preferable to select products from reputable manufacturers when making this choice. With the help of these convectors, you can give the house a dependable and long-lasting heat source.

Water convectors

In addition to using electricity, coolant that circulates through the heating system is another way that convector heating equipment can operate. Boilers of various types—gas, electric, solid fuel, liquid, or universal—are used to heat water.

Due to the simple internal structure of water convector radiator heating, there are no operational issues. The premises can be heated quickly with this device.

In these convectors, strong heat exchangers are installed. Customers can select models with non-ferrous metal or steel exchangers.

The most recent iterations of convector heating batteries, made of copper and aluminum, are part of more expensive machinery, but they have a significant benefit: they are resistant to both internal and external corrosion processes. The heat carrier travels through copper pipes, and the fins made of aluminum heat the air.

The following standard solutions are used to produce water convector heating batteries:

  • wall-mounted – in this case the devices are placed on the walls, usually under window units;
  • floor – installation is performed under panoramic windows or openings with low window sills, not reaching the floor;
  • recessed – the equipment is installed in wall niches, this type of convectors are purchased if you want to make the heating system invisible;
  • in-floor – such devices best prevent condensation on a panoramic window. Read also: "What convector heating batteries are better – types, advantages and disadvantages".

Several benefits come with using water convectors:

  • they do not require power supply – hot coolant is enough;
  • heat supply systems are more economical when they are not powered by electric boilers;
  • compact size and simplicity of equipment;
  • high degree of heating.

Water convector radiator drawbacks:

  • These devices should not be used in rooms with high ceilings, as there they will be ineffective;
  • complexity of installation, due to the need to lay a pipeline through the house;
  • susceptible to pressure surges and corrosive processes.

Water convectors are superior to electric ones because the heating systems built using them are more economically designed. The most important requirement is that they have to be powered by a low-cost heat energy source. Such a system is also much simpler to operate—all you have to do is adjust the heating unit’s temperature to the desired level.

What are the differences between oil radiators

It’s important to first comprehend the distinction between a heating radiator and a convector. Heat is produced by convectors by heating air masses. Thermal radiation is then produced by radiators.

You can feel the heated air rising above the device and sense the heat emanating from it if you are close to one of these. Therefore, the constructional device and a few operating parameters, rather than the principle of operation, are what distinguish a convector from a radiator.

An oil unit is a heating device that heats the air directed towards the top in addition to emitting heat energy that spreads out to the sides. The room heats up rather quickly as a result.

Though they typically serve as auxiliary equipment and warm more effectively than convectors, this equipment is extremely rarely installed in heating systems.

An oil radiator’s large working area—indeed, its entire external surface—distinguishes it from a convector. Through the use of a short circuit, heated mineral oil circulates to heat it.

Oil radiators can be positioned along the walls, beneath the table, and next to the couch or armchair. Wall-mounted versions are for sale.

The following are some benefits of oil radiators:

  • providing rapid heating of the room;
  • the presence of built-in thermostatic regulating systems;
  • mobility – they can be easily moved from place to place;
  • affordable price;
  • easy maintenance of the surface.

Additionally, there are drawbacks:

  1. The casings get heated to high temperatures, so it is best not to use them in rooms where children may be playing.
  2. There is always a risk of a leak, as a result of which the hot mineral oil flowing out of the device can cause burns.
  3. Models that can be used for permanent heating are very expensive.

Taking into account the benefits and drawbacks of oil radiators, the usage of them as auxiliary equipment is recommended.

Difference between water heating radiators

Radiators meant for water heating systems are similar to oil devices in design, but they are heated by coolant that circulates through pipes and radiators rather than by glowing oil.

Equipment for a permanent heating installation is a water radiator. Their application is limited to decentralized or self-contained heating systems. Because they don’t require electricity, they are superior to oil-fired units. Furthermore, there aren’t many financial expenses associated with heating if the heating medium is heated by a low-cost gas boiler.

Because they are more reliable than oil models, water radiators are superior. Large rooms can benefit from their ability to generate body heat and ease of cleaning. The primary benefit of water heating systems is the ability to heat a greater area.

It is feasible to adjust the heating temperature in each room simultaneously once they are integrated into a single design. Thermostatic valves installed on water radiators enable precise temperature control in every space.

The benefits of these gadgets are as follows:

  • high heat transfer coefficient;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • increased power of a number of models.

Among the drawbacks of water radiators are the following:

  • First of all, what is the difference between a convector and a radiator is the compactness of the first devices, such as in-floor or baseboard miniature models;
  • radiators are more expensive than convectors;
  • Their bodies can get very hot unlike convectors.

Features of the choice of heating devices

It’s important to consider their operating conditions in order to distinguish between a convector and a radiator and make an informed decision. Radiators accomplish this much more quickly than convectors, even though convectors can also provide a room with uniform heating. See also: "Which is better to choose: heating radiator or convector?"

Conversely, convectors are small and safe, and installing electric devices is easy and quick. Conversely, water radiators are more cost-effective—that is, provided that a contemporary boiler heats the system’s coolant.

What is the difference between convector heating radiators and batteries, and which is better, radiator or convector?

What makes a convector heating radiator different from a radiator? What makes a radiator better than a convector?

Convector Radiator
A convector heats the air around it by pulling cold air from the floor, warming it up, and then releasing it back into the room. A radiator heats by transferring heat directly from hot water or steam running through its pipes to the surrounding air.

Knowing the difference between a convector and a radiator can significantly impact the efficiency and comfort of your home’s heating system. Although their methods of operation differ slightly, they are both intended to add warmth to your living area.

The more conventional choice, which you may be more familiar with, is a radiator. It’s a big, metal device that is typically mounted on a wall. Hot water or steam passing through radiators causes them to heat up. Warmth rises from them as they heat up and spreads throughout the space. Radiant heat from a radiator’s surface warms people and things in the room directly. This adds to the heating effect.

A convector, on the other hand, functions somewhat differently. It’s a smaller device that frequently rests nearer the ground. Convector heaters function by pulling in cool air from below, heating it with the help of hot water pipes or an electric element, and then expelling the heated air back into the space from above. By creating a constant cycle of warm air rising and cool air being drawn in, this process aids in more even heat distribution throughout the room.

Which is therefore better for your house? It truly depends on how your space is laid out and what your unique needs are. Because they can deliver a constant, even heat, radiators are a popular option for larger rooms or older homes with less insulation. Conversely, convectors may be a more energy-efficient choice in well-insulated homes or smaller spaces where rapid heating is required.

In conclusion, both convectors and radiators can be efficient means of maintaining a warm and comfortable home. You can choose the one that best suits your needs by being aware of their differences and making an informed decision that will maximize both comfort and energy efficiency.

What type of heating you would like to have in your home?
Share to friends
Sergey Ivanov

I like to help people create comfort and comfort in their homes. I share my experience and knowledge in articles so that you can make the right choice of a heating and insulation system for your home.

Rate author
vDomTeplo.com
Add a comment