What Is a Convector Heater?
A convector heater is one which relies on the natural expansion and travel of hot air around it to transfer heat throughout the area to be heated. Convector heaters come in many different shapes and sizes, and are based on many different heat sources. Convector heaters, so named for their dependence on convection currents, are one of the earliest forms of heating in homes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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In simplest terms, convector heaters are merely heat exchangers like those used in cooling applications that are simply operating in reverse. A convector heater uses a heat source within its housing to heat the air around the unit, and thus, create a convection current. This air current circulates the warm air throughout the area around the convector heater, until it is turned off, or the ambient temperature matches that of the convector heater's heating element.
Misconceptions
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It is often misunderstood that anything which creates a convection current is a convection heater. Convector heaters have enclosed heating substrates which do not allow the actual heating material to be exposed in any way. This design was implemented as a safety feature, as most convector current heaters are used within homes. If a heating material is exposed the appliance in question, is called a radiator instead.
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Benefits
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Convector heaters offer a mechanically simple way to heat a home or similar building. Their enclosed design enforces safe operation, and allows for a variety of heating material to be used within it, as no contact with the heating substrate should occur. Furthermore, a convector heater has no fans to force an air current, and as such, they operate much more quietly than forced air heaters.
Types
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Convector heaters are differentiated by their physical design and heating substrates. The three main substrates used in a convector heater are water, steam and electrical elements. The physical design often is the source of the heating system's specific name. The different installation options include: wall mounted units which have a design similar to car heat exchangers, baseboard models which have steam pipes running through a pipe which follows along the baseboards of a home, and underfloor models which involves an intricate path of piping within the floors of a structure to heat not just the air, but every object touching the floor such as furniture and carpet.
Warning
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Though the heating substrate is not openly exposed in a convector heater, the unit itself can heat up to very high temperatures. Though floor convector heating reduces this problem, other installations like wall radiators and floorboard models present obvious burn hazards for accidental contact by adults and children alike. Convector heaters have been largely replaced for this reason by furnace systems, which are enclosed and more easily avoided.
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