In today’s publication we will talk about other designs of heating equipment – convectors, film and infrared heaters.
Water heater
In the twentieth century, it became possible to replace traditional radiators, a worthy alternative to steel convectors. As the name implies, in this case the main mechanism of heat transfer is convection. The device “draws” cold air, which, passing through the fins, heats up and rises. And so again and again – until the full heating of the air in the room.
Types of convection
Convection can be both natural and forced. In the first case, the layers of air located in the heat exchanger zone are heated, become lighter and rise up, replacing the heavier cold air. In the second case, the installation of the fan is required. Of course, there is already required eyeliner electricity, although in a very limited amount – about 30 Watts per hour. Some models are equipped with a thermostat that allows you to set the desired air temperature.
Convector design
The convector consists of metal pipes with “put” on them ribs and metal casing, which hides them from our eyes. Pipes often are made of copper, fins are made of aluminium.
Connection to system
Water heater is a compact heater connected in the country to the hot water heating system. For connection to the pipes of the heating system from the end of the convector, fittings are provided. To bleed air from the system, an air valve is provided.
Most models of water convectors are designed for operating pressure of 1 MPa and pressure testing of 1.6-2.0 MPa, which is equal to 10 and 16-20 bar. respectively. And in Autonomous systems on the majority of dachas it usually does not exceed 3 bar.
Advantages of convectors
The use of convectors is economically very profitable. Appreciate their versatile advantages:
- at the same temperature of the coolant in the room heated by convectors, not only the air temperature is higher by 3-4ºC, but the heat is distributed more evenly;
- on the level of cost savings opinions differ: from 10% to 25%;
- the convector, in contrast to the radiator, is able to operate at low temperature heating. I want to draw your attention to the fact that this quality is becoming increasingly important, because in order to save energy, many countries have already switched to heating with a reduced temperature of the coolant;
- the convector can be mounted in the floor, leaving only the grille of the casing. The ability to hide the coolant is very useful if the possibility to place the heater under the window: for example, for heating rooms with fashionable panoramic Windows;
Their additional advantages include fast and effective heating of the cottage, a small mass and a small amount of coolant, which allows you to hang these devices on light drywall partitions.
Disadvantages of convectors
The invention is worthy, but it is not without drawbacks. The fact is that microscopic particles, such as animal hair and pollen, circulate with the air. When the dust accumulates on the fins of the pipes, it is difficult to remove it manually, which means that the device needs additional maintenance. So, if the family has allergies, be sure to ask the seller how convenient it is to clean the device. I would even advise not to be limited to oral assurances that it is easy and simple to make it, and to ask to show process. If you do not like anything, it is better to look for a decent alternative, the benefit of the choice is great.
Just a few more words about the disadvantages, I would mention the price (it is higher than the radiator of the same heat capacity) and dimensions (wall-mounted water heaters more often than radiators). But this is the little things that are not worth paying attention to in the country. The opinion of the author, who is ready to see in the comments to the article constructive (in the literal and figurative sense of the word) criticism of our experienced readers.
Film heater
And again the name reveals to us the essence of the design: the film infrared heater consists of heating elements that are fixed on a heat-resistant film. The design of the device is very simple, and there is simply nothing to fail. Of course, if you do not have to cut and bend the heating fabric, heating deforming the fiber.
Advantages of film heaters
One of the most important and popular – unprecedented in heating devices flexibility and elasticity. Often in small country houses they become the only possible source of heating: heaters can be placed on the floor heaters, on the wall, and even on the ceiling. Along the way, the second and third can be a great decoration of the country interior, as many of them are made in the form of paintings and paintings with interesting images.
I admit that the author of these lines is also the happy owner of such a capacity of 0.5 kW. The film heater reliably warms my household in the autumn off-season, in days of heavy thoughts of the municipal management over date of the beginning of a heating season.
The undeniable advantages include the fact that no maintenance during the entire period of operation of the electric heater is not needed. The only requirement – do not forget to disconnect it from the mains when no one is in the country.
The manufacturer’s warranty on the flawless operation of the heater is more than forty years. Of course, subject to all the rules of operation.
Disadvantages of film heaters
A really serious drawback of this type of heater is the high cost of electricity. All other characteristics can satisfy the most demanding operator.
Infrared heater
The rays of infrared heaters, passing through the air environment, practically do not increase its temperature, that is, heat is transmitted not to the air, as from the vast majority of heaters, but to surrounding objects.
The most famous and infinitely powerful source of infrared heating is the Sun. Place your palm under its rays and even in cool weather you will feel warm on it. And after all these rays raced through the coldness Universe as much as 8 minutes!
But let’s go back to our favorite Land and briefly consider the principle of operation of infrared heaters, which is simple and effective: is not heating the air in the room of the cottage (8%), and the objects in it (92%). The total surface of all objects in the room is much larger than, for example, the surface of a traditional battery. Therefore, infrared radiation will warm it several times faster (the difference in temperature between the ceiling and the floor will be minimal).
Infrared heater design
In the metal case, which is coated with durable powder paint, there is an aluminum reflector. On this reflector is installed the main element of the structure – heating.
There are four types of these elements:
- halogen;
- carboxylic;
- ceramic;
- tubular (it is called ten).
As well as film heaters, infrared devices can be wall, floor, ceiling. The most popular and most convenient heaters are considered to be models in the ceiling design: they will not take up too much space, and will warm most of the room (the distance from the ceiling to the surface of the body of the device is about 5 cm).
Advantages and disadvantages of infrared heaters
Note that when the infrared heater is felt the heat from the moment it is turned on, which can definitely be attributed to the advantages.
These devices are reliable, but we must bear in mind their real disadvantages, for example:
- constant heating leads to cracking of the paint on the paintings, for their safety it is necessary to use air humidifiers;
- when the device is disconnected, the room cools down quickly;
- if the intensity threshold is exceeded, radiation can cause skin burns.
I hope this brief overview will help you to decide on the choice of the heating device for giving.
Leave a Reply