What is better convector or fan heater?

It is not always the case that the initial decrease in temperature and the start of the heating season align. To ensure that your apartment or house remains warm, many individuals choose to invest in a heater. The market provides a wide range of options for such devices, with the most popular choices being heat fans and convectors. These devices come at an affordable price, effectively warm up the room, and occupy minimal space.

Difference between a convector and a fan heater

Although these devices share some similarities, they also possess distinct differences. Convectors, as indicated by their name, operate based on the convection of air currents. Air enters the device through the lower vent, flows over the heating element, which raises its temperature, and then exits back into the room through the upper vent. This movement causes hot air to rise while cool air descends. The size of the heating element directly impacts the speed at which the room will heat up. Once the device is turned off, the air gradually begins to cool.

While the device is in operation, it actively monitors the temperature to prevent the air from overheating. In the mechanical version of control, a ceramic plate allows for this capability, while in the electronic version, microcircuits are designed specifically to fulfill this function. In the latter case, the temperature can be maintained with an impressive accuracy of 0.5 degrees, resulting in more energy-efficient electricity consumption during operation. Consequently, convectors equipped with built-in electronics tend to have a higher price tag.

BACKGROUND! Convectors come in both electric and gas versions. Gas convectors are less common because they need to be connected to the gas mains, but they are more cost-effective. Electric convectors only require a standard electrical mains supply. Their power ranges from 2 to 3 kW. A unit of this capacity is designed to heat a room with an area of no more than 25 square meters.

There are options for both floor-mounted and wall-mounted convectors. Floor-mounted models are installed in the center of the room to provide even heat distribution. Wall-mounted models should be placed in areas where cold air enters, such as an exterior wall with windows.

A heat fan is a cost-effective heating device that operates differently from a convector device. Instead of relying on convection, a heat fan uses a fan to distribute warm air throughout the room in a specific direction. The fan creates a rapid mixing of cold and warm air, providing effective heating. The power of a heat fan typically ranges from 1.5 to 1.8 kW. Heat fans can be floor, wall, or ceiling-mounted.

For certain applications, a heat curtain can serve as an alternative to a fan heater. This device is particularly useful when installed over an entrance door, as it prevents cold air from entering the room and warm air from escaping.

Heat fans use various heating elements, including:

1. Open electric coils. Devices equipped with this component are the most cost-effective and have a shorter lifespan compared to other types. When in operation, they consume oxygen in the room and produce an unpleasant odor due to dust and other particles coming into contact with the exposed surface of the coil. On the positive side, they provide fast and efficient heating for the room.
2. Closed spirals. These devices offer a more efficient heating solution compared to open electric coils, as they consume less oxygen and provide quick warming of the air.
3. Ceramic plates. Fans with ceramic plates are considered the most successful option for heating. They do not excessively dry the air or contaminate it with combustion by-products, and they also heat up faster than closed spirals.

Advantages and disadvantages of the convector

Convectors offer a multitude of benefits, including:

• easy installation;
• possibility to connect them in a network to create a heating system;
• ability to maintain a specified temperature with the help of thermostats;
• silent operation;
• no depletion of oxygen due to the low temperature of the heating element;
• fire safety;
• safe to touch, as you can choose the temperature of the external surface;
• compact size and lightweight;
• stylish design;
• long-lasting durability.

As for the drawbacks of this device, they include:

• relatively slow room heating process, as convection occurs naturally without a fan;
• variance in air temperature between the upper and lower strata.

Advantages and disadvantages of the fan heater

The key benefits of heat fans include:

• Efficient and even room heating;
• Compact size and lightweight;
• Many models are portable;
• Affordability;
• A wide range of designs.

However, there are some drawbacks that should be noted:

• An unpleasant odor may arise from the combustion of dust on the surface of the heating element (only in spiral-type heaters);
• Noise during operation;
• A decrease in air humidity levels.

What is better to choose – convector or fan heater

When considering a bedroom or a child’s room, it would be wise to select a convector as it operates silently, which is particularly beneficial during the night. Moreover, in the event of inadequate central heating or its complete absence, one can establish a comprehensive system of convectors and adjust them to maintain the desired temperature set by the occupant.

By contrast, for heating larger rooms, single or multiple convectors may be employed, which can seamlessly blend into the interior decor, whether mounted on walls or placed beneath windows. On the other hand, fan heaters are more suitable for heating smaller spaces.

Installing a fan heater in workplaces, especially where cold air enters through frequently opened doors, is a wise choice. This is especially true because the fan heater can be easily installed under the desk and directed towards your feet. On the other hand, if you need to install a heater above a street door during the cold season, a heat curtain would be more suitable. If you need to dehumidify the air indoors, such as in a summer house after winter, using a fan heater is also recommended.

When deciding between a convector and a fan heater, it is important to consider the primary purpose of the heater. If you are looking for a heater for regular and long-term use, either in addition to or instead of a central heating system, and to maintain a specific temperature, a convector would be the better choice. However, if you only need an occasional heat source and do not require a permanent solution, a fan heater would be more suitable.