There is a wide range of options available in the electrical device market to address various household needs. This includes devices specifically designed for local heating solutions. When a centralized heating system is not available, a household appliance can be used to warm up a room. However, it can be difficult to decide which one to choose. The two most popular options in this category are infrared heaters and electric convectors. Each device has its own advantages and it is important to consider the specific situation before making a decision.
Principle of operation and device of an infrared heater
An infrared heater operates by emitting heat energy through radiation, much like the sun transfers heat to the Earth. This radiation is directed towards objects and surfaces, causing them to heat up without significantly impacting the temperature of the surrounding air. The heater’s components include an emitter, which can be a halogen, quartz, or carbon lamp, a metal or steel reflector, and a heat-resistant housing that houses a temperature sensor and control device.
INFO. The emitter’s lamp is heated through the flow of electric current. Halogen heaters emit radiation in both the visible and infrared portions of the spectrum, while quartz and carbon models function invisibly to the naked eye. These options are slightly pricier than halogen heaters.
The lamp’s radiation is emitted and magnified by the reflector, then directed towards the desired heating area. The rays’ energy is absorbed by the surfaces and objects they encounter, causing them to heat up and subsequently release warmth into the surrounding environment.
Differences between an infrared heater and a convector
The operation principle of an infrared heater is fundamentally distinct from that of a convector. The latter warms up the air of the room in which it is placed but not the objects. This is because of the free circulation of air – convection that is created by the electrical device: fresh air, concentrated near the floor, enters the convector via slots at the bottom part of the device. The air heats up inside when it touches the heating elements and naturally rises towards the top due to the fact that warm gas is less dense than cold gas.
The heated stream cools down as it releases heat to the surrounding air, leading to its increased density and subsequent descent. Once it descends, it re-enters the appliance. This process gradually circulates the air masses and raises the temperature in the room. The device only transfers heat to objects near its housing, while the rest of the room is heated in a relatively uniform manner.
What is better infrared heater or convector?
To establish which of the two types of heaters is superior, it is essential to establish the criteria for comparison. Some suggested criteria include the following characteristics:
- Efficiency and performance of heating;
- Security and eco-friendliness of the appliances;
- Cost-effective functionality.
Speed and quality of heating
The infrared heater works by emitting directional radiation, making it an effective device for heating specific areas. By directing the radiation towards a particular spot, such as yourself, you can quickly feel the warming effect. However, the overall heating of the room will be slower and less uniform compared to convection.
In contrast, a convector heater can heat an entire room more quickly and evenly by promoting natural air circulation. While it cannot be focused in a specific direction, it can be strategically placed in an area that needs rapid temperature increase.
On the flip side, the infrared heating unit maintains the microclimate and does not have a negative impact on air humidity, which is crucial for human respiration. Meanwhile, the convector, while not completely drying the air, does decrease the humidity to some extent.
To sum up, it can be concluded that the radiator provides more precise and environmentally friendly heating, allowing for temperature and direction adjustment, whereas the convector heats the room faster and more evenly but has a negative impact on the microclimate in terms of humidity.
Safety and environmental friendliness
It is safe to say that both types of devices possess a high level of safety. An emergency shutdown system is in place to protect against internal overheating and tipping over. However, there are limitations when it comes to installing an infrared heater near objects or having prolonged human presence in the path of radiation. This can potentially result in health issues, skin burns resembling sunburn, and even damage to the eyes’ retina. Therefore, it is advised not to use radiators for extended periods of time and to avoid leaving them unattended.
Heat convectors, on the other hand, are less demanding and safer in this aspect. However, when it comes to environmental friendliness, they slightly lag behind their infrared counterparts, as they involve dust particles in the convection process and, as stated above, affect humidity.
IMPORTANT: Both types of appliances can produce unpleasant odors as a result of burning dust coming into contact with the heating element. In the case of convection appliances, this is caused by their operating principle, while for the other type, it is due to extended periods of being disconnected and the accumulation of dust around the heating elements.
Furthermore, when it comes to noise, both devices operate quietly, making them equally noise-free.
Economy
Compared to other electric heaters, both heating devices have impressive energy efficiency ratings. In a way, the emitter can be considered more cost-effective than its "rival" since it quickly heats the targeted area. However, if the goal is to heat the entire room, the situation is different.
When selecting a device, it is crucial to consider the specific task at hand. When it comes to creating a heat curtain or providing spot heating for a particular area, infrared heaters have no competition. They are also more effective in spaces with drafts.
On the other hand, if there are no drafts in the room and a consistent temperature needs to be maintained for an extended period, a convection device would be a suitable choice.
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