What Are The Differences Between Convection And Radiant Heaters?
Convection and radiant heaters are both heating types you might find working alongside an electric combi boiler. Not many people know the difference between convection and a radiant heater. It is important to understand this because it will influence your choice of heater in the long-term.
The primary difference comes in how the heater transfers heat. Before we begin, we will discuss the main difference in how they heat the air.
Convection heaters concentrate on transferring energy into the air itself. Radiant heaters will transfer heat to nearby objects.
How Convection Heaters Work : Radiators are the most common examples of convection heaters. They are the most common types of heater found within the modern home.
The convection heater will begin by blowing cold air across its heating implement within. The heat is absorbed into the air. The now warm air is blown out of the heater and into the room. It essentially means the cold air in the room is being replaced by new warm air.
The air is blown across the heating element by way of an internal fan. This warm air is circulated around the room, which changes the average temperature. It continues until the correct temperature has been reached, as dictated by the thermostat. After this is done, the heating element shuts off until the temperature drops again.
How Radiant Heaters Work : Radiant heaters heat objects instead of the air. The most common type of radiant heater is the panel heater. Panel heaters are often found in bathrooms where bulkier radiators would not be viable. They tend to work best in small spaces where it isn't necessary to raise the entire temperature of a room.
The crucial difference here is air is radiated out of the heater,much like a small campfire. Anything around the heater is warmed up.
Although the average panel heater is new, the concept of a radiant heater is not. This is why you have to avoid using older models. Many of these are unsafe due to the heating elements being exposed. House fires are often caused by radiant heaters that were manufactured long before safety standards were brought in.
Does One Have the Advantage Over the Other? : Before you begin hunting for electric heating supplies, you will have considered whether one type of heater is inherently better than the other is. The answer is not really. They each have advantages and disadvantages that you have to take into account.
For larger rooms where you need to heat a big area, you would choose a convection heater. Radiant heaters would not have the strength to heat an entire room by transferring heat to objects. Smaller rooms where radiators are too bulky or it isn't necessary to heat the air will benefit more from a radiant heater.
Businesses and households will often be found using a combination of both types of heater. Carefully consider your needs prior to settling on one or the other. It might be worth talking to a professional first. You might just find both types of heater work for you!
