Convector

If you are thinking about heating your building, then you are probably wondering about the right technology. Read here about the advantages of convectors and how they differ from classic radiators. Find out interesting things about energy efficiency and discover our large selection of devices in different performance classes.

Electrically operated wall convectors are used to generate a comfortable temperature in apartments, work environments and other common rooms during the cold season. Convectors are an interesting alternative, especially if central heating is not possible. Think of holiday homes, garages, summer houses or conservatories. The temperature maintained by the convector is regulated in two ways - manually or automatically.

Source: eibabo®, Stiebel Eltron CON 15 premium wall convector Image: Stiebel Eltron CON 15 Premium wall convector

What is a convector?

A convector consists of a metal housing in which heating elements are located. The heating operation is controlled by an electronic or mechanical thermostat. The heating element itself is housed in a heat-resistant ceramic housing and sealed all around. A surrounding metal housing made of ribs, wings, fins or baffles increases the surface area and ensures optimized heat dissipation. This also guarantees maximum safety and protects people from burns, because temperatures of 600 °C to 1000 °C can prevail inside the device. The advantage of an electric convector is that it does not burn oxygen in the room and does not dry out the air.

How does a convector work?

An electric convector works on the principle of natural air circulation in the room. Warm air is lighter and rises, cold air is heavier and sinks to the ground.

term convection

Convection is the transfer of heat in liquids or gases by currents in the substance itself. Natural convection occurs when substance is heated unevenly in a gravitational field. The lower layers warm up, get lighter and float up. The upper layers cool, become heavier and sink.

The convector provides this 'uneven' heating and sets the cycle in motion. Thus, cold air enters the device from below, is heated by the heating element and then exits again through the holes in the upper part of the device. A cycle is created in which the cooling down and warming up ensures that the entire room is heated evenly. To ensure optimal operation, the convector must:

stand on the floor on special stands or a trolley
be installed on the wall at a height of no more than 20 cm from the floor

Access to the air inlet and also the air outlet should always be free of obstacles. An electric convector uses no medium to transfer heat and is referred to as direct electric heating. No time or energy is required to heat gases or liquids in the device.

What is the difference between electric convectors?

The main difference between the individual models lies on the one hand in the assembly and on the other hand in the performance. There are wall units and floor units. Wall convectors are usually no higher than 50 cm and can vary in width (approx. 50 cm to 100 cm) and depth (approx. 5 cm to 15 cm) depending on the output. A floor convector, on the other hand, is usually narrow and elongated. Convectors with universal mounting options are also available. These are equipped with detachable wheels or castors and also have fastening elements for wall mounting. The heating power is generally between 500 W and 3000 W.

This is how you save

Devices with an integrated motion detector recognize when nobody is in the room and automatically lower the set room temperature.

You can also choose between mechanical or electronic thermostats. Mechanical variants are less precise and are increasingly being replaced by electronic controls. This often allows the hourly temperature level to be set in advance or intelligent energy-saving functions to be used.

The best of both worlds

Convectors provide heat by heating the air. Radiators and classic heaters, on the other hand, work with thermal radiation. You can also get combined devices from eibabo®. These are convectors that have a second heating element to emit heat radiation.

Please note that there are also convectors that work with coolant. Here, a liquid medium is heated centrally or in the device itself and flows through a pipe system with a large surface. Cold air flows through from below, heats up and escapes upwards. The liquid in the tube cools down during this process. Here, too, air circulation based on convection occurs in the room. The liquid in the device circulates according to the principle of a heat exchanger.

What are the advantages of electric wall convectors?

In everyday life, the differences between the individual heating variants become clear. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages. The following properties are worth mentioning for the convectors:

rapid heating of the room without drafts
the device does not need to be supervised
built-in thermostats regulate the temperature and prevent the heating elements from overheating
Can be operated in rooms with high humidity
no risk of burns, the housing only heats up to a temperature of 40 °C to 60 °C
no sharp corners and edges, so that the device is also suitable for children's rooms
does not dry out the air in the room and does not burn oxygen
silent operation without fans

Unlike central heating, the assembly of electric convectors is carried out where the device is needed. As a result, they do not disturb the movement within the rooms and blend discreetly into the living environment. This is especially true for wall units. The only requirement is a suitable power connection. This does not apply to electric radiators, for example. These are often placed in the middle of a room in order to optimally dissipate the heat generated. In these cases, power cords lying around are a real tripping hazard, especially for children.

Depending on your point of view, power consumption can also be seen as a disadvantage. Continuous operation of a device with, for example, 2000 W can be expensive. However, you must compare this fact with the existing alternatives. Is there any possibility of another heating source? Would it be cheaper to run them? What conditions would have to be created for this? How sustainable would alternatives be? Considering these variables, using a convector can be the most economical heating method.

How to choose the right power for a convector?

Choosing the right output is an important criterion when choosing a convector. The rule of thumb is: 100 watts per square meter. This means that to heat a room with an area of 25 square meters you need a device with a power of approximately 2200 watts to 2500 watts.

For safety

Make sure your power supply is adequately protected. Powerful devices may require a separate cable to the control cabinet with a larger cross-section.

This value can deviate upwards or downwards if special circumstances have to be taken into account. With a room height of more than 3 meters, you can increase the output by one and a half to two times. If a convector is only used to support another heat source, the power can be chosen lower.

With our efficient logistics, we can also deliver large devices to you inexpensively within a short time. Shipping is worldwide. Be sure to pay attention to high quality from well-known manufacturers such as DeLonghi, EHT AEG, Etherma, Fakir, Frico, Glen, Heller, Rowenta, Steba, Stiebel Eltron or Vaillant. You can get these here at eibabo®.