What is the difference between a convector and an oil radiator?

Knowing the differences between different heating devices is essential for effectively and efficiently heating your home. Oil radiators and convectors are two common choices for room heating. Although they both have the same function of warming up areas, they function differently and have advantages and disadvantages of their own.

Air is passed over a heating element by a convector heater, which causes the heated air to rise and circulate throughout the space. These heaters, which come in electric or hydronic varieties, are usually mounted on walls. Hydronic convectors use hot water from a central heating system, whereas electric convectors heat the element using electricity. They are renowned for their capacity to keep a room at a constant temperature and for their rapid heat distribution.

In contrast, oil radiators, sometimes referred to as oil-filled heaters, work by heating oil that is contained within the radiator and sealed. The oil’s heat is subsequently transmitted to the radiator’s metal walls, which radiate warmth throughout the space. Oil radiators are frequently lightweight and have wheels for convenient portability. They are commended for their capacity to maintain a consistent and durable heat long after the heating element has been switched off.

The way that convectors and oil radiators heat is one of their main distinctions. Oil radiators primarily use radiant heat to warm objects and surfaces in the room, whereas convectors rely on convection currents to warm the air. This difference may have an impact on a room’s heating efficiency and speed as well as the occupants’ general comfort.

Consideration should also be given to energy efficiency. Generally speaking, convectors use less energy than oil radiators because they heat up faster and are easier to regulate to the right temperature. On the other hand, oil radiators have the advantage of holding heat for longer periods of time, which over time, especially in well-insulated spaces, can result in energy savings.

The decision between an oil radiator and a convector ultimately comes down to your personal tastes, financial situation, and heating requirements. You can keep your house warm and comfortable during the winter months by making an informed choice by being aware of the distinctions between these two types of heaters.

Characteristics of heating devices

The construction and modes of heat transfer of an oil radiator and an electric convector are essentially different. However, some traits are similar between them.

Oil cooler

Oil radiators were the earliest types of heaters to be seen in Russia. They were easily burnable and were turned on by plugging them into a socket. The gadget has been upgraded as of today. The radiator’s structure:

1. Body made of steel, which has several sections.
2. Two manifolds, one (lower) for the heating element and one (upper) for oil flow.
3. Cart with 4 wheels for easy transportation around the room.
4. Handle for carrying.
5. Power cord.
6. Indicator lamp, can be ordinary or diode.
7. Mode switch.
8. Thermostat.

In models that were released in 2021, a control unit and display are located in the final two positions.

Transformer oil is responsible for the heater’s primary operation. There is a purpose behind this decision:

• High boiling point, but the device does not heat up more than 120 o C;
• oil takes longer to give off heat;
• No corrosion in the housing;
• The oil does not freeze.

Cone-shaped threaded tubular heating element makes up the heater itself. The element can be screwed in without a gasket thanks to this structure.

An oil heater works on a similar principle to a quartz heating panel in that it uses both convection and infrared radiation at the same time.

An algorithm is used to determine how hot the room is:

• The heating element is switched on and heated;
• further heats up the heating mechanism and the oil in the bottom part;
• liquid substance rises upward, warming the steel casing from the bottom first;
• he transfers heat to the air, which, once heated, rises to the ceiling and spreads the heat throughout the room;
• The furniture also becomes warm and transfers its heat to the environment.

On the market, there are numerous varieties of oil radiators:

Oil heaters are purchased regularly. This is because of the numerous benefits:

1. Uncomplicated construction;
2. Able to heat a large room;
3. Low cost;
4. Long period of operation;
5. Easy to transport indoors;
6. Easy to connect;
7. There is a choice of design parameters.

1. Many models with auxiliary functions;
2. Quiet operation;
3. No dust emitted;
4. Can run for 24 hours without risk of failure;
5. The body and the liquid accumulate a significant amount of heat, t. е. After the device is turned off, the room will still be heated for some time.

• consumes a lot of electricity;
• takes a long time to heat up;
• dries the air;
• the temperature sensor may not work properly;
• massive;

• It is difficult to fit the heater into the interior;
• ignition may occur if the enclosure overheats;
• Sometimes there are micro cracks in the weld.

An electric convector

There are three types of convectors: gas, water, and electric. only the most recent. It’s evident from the word "convector" that this gadget is "sharpened" to transfer heat from the heating element with cold air, warming the space as it circulates.

The electric heater’s construction:

1. Casing – can be made of metal or plastic.
2. Ventilation grille for cold air intake.
3. Openings for the outlet of heated air.
4. Heating equipment.
5. Control unit.
6. Thermostat.
7. A temperature sensor that indicates the level of heat in a room.
8. Temperature sensor on the appliance itself for emergency shutdown in case of overheating.

The bottom of the housing contains the heating element. There are three possible kinds, further divided into smaller species:

1. "Stitch" or needle heating element. The main element – filament made of nickel and chromium alloy. It scrapes through the dielectric plate several times, leaving many corners on either side of the base. It looks like sewing.

Benefits of this kind of arrangement:

• in a matter of seconds heats up to a temperature of +250 o C;
• cools down quickly;
• functions quietly.

Cons of using such a gadget:

• does not last long due to contact with oxygen;
• does not tolerate direct contact with water;
• can catch dust on fire;
• short-circuit when foreign objects get into the structure.

1. tubular. It is a steel bulb, which is filled with sand (fine fractional quartz or ceramic). There is a nichrome wire inside the sand, it is this wire that heats up, giving heat to the mineral filler. It is possible to increase the heat output. For this purpose, manufacturers attach a ribbed strip of aluminum to the bulb. The shape of the heat exchanger can be different, it does not affect the operation of the device in any way.

Benefits of the TEN over the needle one:

• lasts about 2 times longer;
• the heater can be placed in a room with high humidity.

Drawbacks:

• takes a long time to warm up;
• makes a crackling sound during thermal expansion.

1. Monolithic. It can be solid or with slots. It is a solid-cast aluminum housing with X-shaped ribs, which act as a heat exchanger, into which is inserted a silicon bulb filled with quartz with a nickel-chromium spiral. This structure eliminates the disadvantages of the needle and tube type of heating elements.

The length of the device’s operation, its resistance to moisture, the noise level, and the rate of heating are all influenced by the type of TEN.

A basic physics law forms the foundation of the working principle. Warm air ascends and makes way for colder masses. More specifically, when the heater is turned on, it heats up to its highest setting. Part of the heat is removed from the surrounding air by heating it up when it comes into contact with the heat exchanger.

The air rises to the ceiling through special openings and exhausts, pushing aside cold masses.

Electric convectors come in various varieties:

1. Floor-mounted;
2. Wall-mounted;
3. Hidden in the floor covering.

General benefits of the electric convector include:

• instant warming of the room;
• fire safety;
• safe in operation;
• it is possible to create a modular heating system;
• Energy saving;
• Can work in a room with high humidity;
• small size;
• fits well into the interior.

Drawbacks:

• useless to use if the ceiling height in the heated room is more than 3 meters;
• It is very drying;
• actively raises dust;
• creates a draught at floor level;
• The temperature drops sharply after switching off;
• if the heater is mounted on the wall, there is a temperature difference of 10 o C between the ceiling and the floor covering.

Basic comparison of devices

There are a few important factors to consider when purchasing a good heater that will heat the space quickly and last for a long time. A number of criteria can be used to compare the two devices.

safety

There are numerous components in both an oil radiator and an electric convector that can shield an individual. However, there are still variations:

• Oil, at the moment of strong heating does not boil, but immediately ignites. It does not matter in which container is in. It is forbidden to dry things on the radiator.
• The convector has a body temperature of no more than +60 o C. And the radiator can heat up to +100 o C, provided that there is no protective cover. If you don"t have one, it"s easy to burn yourself.
• Electric heaters can heat a bathroom. Oil is prohibited to put in a room with high humidity.
• The oiler must not be left unattended for long periods of time. The appliance may have micro-cracks that are invisible to the eye, but through them oil leaks out and catches fire.

Gaining knowledge about the distinctions between an oil radiator and a convector can help you heat your house more effectively. While they both have the same goal of heating a space, they do so in different ways.

Cool air is drawn over a heating element by convector heaters, which warm the air before redistributing it into the space. This procedure produces a natural heat circulation that disperses warmth throughout the room equally. When compared to oil radiators, they usually heat up a space more quickly.

Conversely, oil radiators function by warming up oil that is kept inside the apparatus. The temperature then gradually rises as a result of the oil’s heat radiating into the space. Oil radiators are renowned for their ability to maintain warmth long after they have been turned off, despite the fact that they may take longer to heat up initially.

The two are primarily different in that they are both portable. Convector heaters are perfect for rapidly heating particular areas when needed because they are frequently lightweight and portable. However, because of their larger oil reservoir, oil radiators are typically less portable but more stable once installed.

In terms of energy efficiency, there are benefits to both options. While oil radiators are excellent at holding heat for extended periods of time and may result in lower overall energy consumption, convector heaters are typically more energy-efficient for rapidly warming up a space and keeping it at a constant temperature.

In conclusion, your unique needs and preferences will determine whether you choose an oil radiator or a convector heater. A convector heater might be a better option if portability and rapid, even heating are important to you. On the other hand, an oil radiator might be a better choice if you want warmth that lasts longer and don’t mind waiting for it to heat up. Knowing the distinctions between these two heating options will enable you to make an informed choice that will keep your house warm and comfortable all winter long.

In understanding the difference between a convector and an oil radiator for heating your home, it boils down to how they heat up the air. A convector works by drawing cold air in, warming it up using an electric element or hot water, and then releasing it back into the room. It"s quick to heat up but might not retain warmth for long once turned off. On the flip side, an oil radiator uses electricity to heat oil inside its columns. This oil then radiates heat into the room over time, even after it"s been switched off. While it might take longer to warm up initially, it"s known for its steady and longer-lasting heat. So, the choice between them depends on whether you prioritize quick heating or steady warmth.

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