Infrared heater or convector: which is better? Many people, wanting to warm their homes profitably, think about this issue. We will understand what both types of heaters are. Which device is better to choose in various situations?
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What is a convector?
The convector works due to a very simple rule, which was written in school textbooks on physics: cold air goes down, and warm air goes up. Due to this circulation in the room, the necessary stable temperature is achieved, which is maintained thanks to the technical filling of the device.
Such a heater is a metal case, at the bottom of which there is an opening into which cold air "enters". In the middle is a heating element, which, due to the volume and power of the device, heats the air masses almost instantly. They, in turn, rise to the upper part of the body, where they exit from a special hole. Further, the warm stream is mixed in the room microclimate and, cooling, is again lowered to the lower entrance. This process continues until the temperature set by the user is reached in the room.
After heating, the appliance automatically turns off. When the temperature drops three degrees less than set, the device resumes operation, preventing the room from cooling down. Modern convectors are good in terms of safety - they can be safely installed in a room with children and left unattended.
New generation convectors have many advantages:
- Safe case - the device case does not heat up to high temperatures, it is impossible to burn yourself.
- It can be installed in a children's room - the heat coming from the device is very soft and pleasant, does not harm.
- Does not burn oxygen and does not lower air humidity.
- It can be installed in a humid place, as drops of water will not harm the device.
- It works for a long time: a high-quality device can last about 20 years.
- The heat is very uniform, the difference between the floor and the ceiling is about 2 degrees.
Among other things, from such heaters you can create a single network in the entire house and manage it from the remote control, which is very convenient and practical. Cons of the device are also available:
- The most common electric convector “eats” a lot of electricity, overloads the network and creates impressive bills.
- A gas appliance requires specialized installation, removal of fuel combustion waste, and so on.
- Environmentally friendly and practical to use water convectors in the CIS are practically not common, and few people will be able to install them correctly.
Modern models have gone far in development from old, Soviet appliances. Now these are devices that are able to cover the people's need for space heating, both in apartment and country houses, as well as in offices and enterprises.
If you decide to buy a convector, read the article about how to choose a convector type heater.
What is an IR heater?
An IR heater is a device that emits electromagnetic waves that cause the surface to fall on to heat up. They come in different types and capacities and, accordingly, give off a different amount of heat. In fact, any body that can radiate heat "shares" with the surrounding these rays, and the corresponding heater specifically emits them to heat the rooms.
It looks like this: the device emits rays in a certain area, for example, on a wall and floor. They, in turn, heat up and naturally give off temperature to the room, gradually, but quite quickly heating the air. This is a bio-heater, which, in essence, uses the "principle and methodology" of the sun.
Advantages and disadvantages
What is the difference between an infrared heater and a convector? Another set of advantages, and they have both the ceramic version of the device, and others:
- The efficiency of such a device is much higher than that of other types of heaters.
- Does not reduce the amount of oxygen in the room, does not emit any odors.
- Helps fight dampness.
- It is inexpensive to mount and use.
- It can be installed on the ceiling or wall, as well as on a portable stand.
- It starts to warm in about 30 seconds.
- There is no danger of fire or poisoning from gas products.
The main difference from other heaters is that the infrared device heats exactly those objects or people that it is aimed at. The heat does not dissipate in the air and it does not need to wait several hours, it is enough to be under the rays of the device and warm up in a couple of minutes.
The disadvantages include the relative harm of the device. For a long time, being under direct rays from the device is harmful in any case. It can not be placed above the bed and in the nursery, you should not sit under it for more than half an hour. The effect of such heating on the skin is unfavorable - the skin dries out quite quickly due to the low temperature of the rays. The body can not produce sweat, because it does not feel the desired command: "too hot." With a constant hit of rays on the head, a headache can begin, including before a sunstroke.
It is important to remember that with proper operation and installation according to the instructions there is no harm to human health. Undesirable use in the nursery is that the child can not always keep track of time and will be under the influence of radiation for too long.
If you give preference to this type of heaters, be sure to read the article onhow to choose an ir heater.
Which is better to choose?
Infrared heater or convector: which is better? Each of them is good in its own way and is perfect for different tasks. A convenient system of convectors is perfect for an apartment or a cottage, provided that it has a good quadrature - the device is quite voluminous. Especially if there are small children or animals. IR devices in the system, in turn, will also heat the room well and cost less to pay, but also carry a risk to households.
Compare modern models of these devices and decide what to choose, depending on your preferences and financial capabilities. With proper operation, both the one and the other device have the main qualities:
- Gently and evenly heat the air in the room.
- No harm to health.
- They are relatively inexpensive, installed and maintained.
- You can control the device and set the desired temperature.
- They are not fire hazardous and cannot cause a fire.
What to buy is a matter of everyone’s taste. All types of devices are available in all kinds of design solutions and fit perfectly into any environment.
