What is the difference between a radiator and a convector?
Radiators give off radiant heat, whereas convectors deliver convective heat. Convection is a difficult word for the transfer of heat through the air. In this process, the convector heats up air particles, which then rise, cool down and ultimately end up descending again.
What is convection heating and how does it work?
Convection heaters heat the air and then transfer the heat throughout that space to warm up people and physical objects. For example, your gas boiler central heating system is a perfect example of a convection based system. When you turn on your heating, the radiators warm up as the water that circulates in the system gets hotter.
What type of heat do radiators produce?
Yet, radiators do more than just heat up the air. They also give off a second type of heat, known as radiant heat. Radiant heat is a direct type of energy. The fact of the matter is that radiators, much like the sun, radiate electromagnetic waves.
Do flat panel radiators heat by convection or radiation?
Technically, all radiators heat by convection in that cold air rises from the ground and upwards, however with flat panel radiators this effect is not amplified.
Is a radiator convection or conduction?
Regardless of their material or production and totally irrespective of their designs, the vast majority of radiators will produce around 80% of their heat through the act of convection, leaving the remaining 20% to be emitted through radiation (not the bad kind, don't worry).
Is a radiator an example of convection?
Everyday Examples of Convection radiator - A radiator puts warm air out at the top and draws in cooler air at the bottom. steaming cup of hot tea - The steam you see when drinking a cup of hot tea indicates that heat is being transferred into the air. ice melting - Ice melts because heat moves to the ice from the air.
Is a radiator forced convection?
The water is heated by a central heater and then transferred to the radiators by means of pumps. It is thus a so-called forced convection in the pipes of the heating system.
How does a radiator work using convection?
Radiators primarily heat your room using convection. This convection pulls cool air from the bottom of the room and as it passes over the flutes, the air heats up and rises. This circular motion helps block out cold air from your windows and ensures your room stays toasty and warm.
What type of heat is a radiator?
Radiators work by drawing heat from water or steam and use that heat to warm up surrounding air. By doing this they can effectively be used to heat up a room. They are made from metal because it is an excellent conductor of heat.
What are 4 examples of convection?
In this article, we are going to discuss the real-life examples of convection which are quite interesting.Breeze. The formation of sea and land breeze form the classic examples of convection. ... Boiling Water. ... Blood Circulation in Warm-Blooded Mammals. ... Air-Conditioner. ... Radiator. ... Refrigerator. ... Hot Air Popper. ... Hot Air Balloon.More items...
What is forced convection example?
Forced convection: When external sources such as fans and pumps are used for creating induced convection, it is known as forced convection. Examples of forced convection are using water heaters or geysers for instant heating of water and using a fan on a hot summer day.
Why are radiators in front of windows?
By placing a radiator directly underneath the window, hot air is produced and released, which then rises to hit the cold air from the window. This creates a warm curtain of air over the window surface.
What are the applications of forced convection?
Forced convection is commonly used in applications such as cooling of electronic components by fans, heating of homes using forced air blowers, cooling of oil and coolants in vehicles using externally forced air, etc.
What is difference between convector and radiator?
The difference between radiators and convector lies in the convective heat which only the latter type of units generates. Radiators give off radiant heat, whereas convectors deliver convective heat. Convection is a difficult word for the transfer of heat through the air.
How do radiators heat up?
Radiators work through a heat transfer process called convection. When water in the radiator is heated, the surrounding air is also heated up via convection and this hot air is then moved around the room as the air circulates.
Are convector radiators better than column radiators?
When compared with a standard convector radiator that has one or two rows of convector fins down the back of the main body of the rad, you'll find that a column radiator emits a greater amount of heat much more efficiently and is arguably more effective at heating the room.
What are 5 examples of conduction?
Examples of Conduction A lizard warming its belly on a hot rock. Touching a hot seatbelt when you get into a car. A blacksmith heating up a sword in hot coals, and the heat transferring up through the metal. The heat from a stovetop transferring into a metal pot of water.
What are three types of convection?
There are two types of convection, and they are: Natural convection. Forced convection.
What is a real life example of conduction?
A common example of conduction is the process of heating a pan on a stove. The heat from the burner transfers directly to the surface of the pan.
What are the forms of convection?
There are two types of convection: Natural convection and Forced convection. Unlike conduction, convection requires macroscopic movement of matter. As a result of this, convective heat transfer only occurs through liquid and gases.
What is a convection radiator?
Convection radiators are specifically designed to build on the fact that hot air rises, creating extra surface space and trapping the cold air, forcing it upwards and out to heat a wider area.
How does a convector radiator work?
A simple way of thinking of a convector radiator is that they force the heat upwards and to be spread out over a larger area, rather than the heat just moving directly out from the radiator.
What is a type 33 radiator?
The type 33 is a thick radiator that incorporates three layers of vertical fins between three panels and so there is now a middle panel too.
What is a flat panel radiator?
A flat panel radiator will be slim line and sit close to the wall, it is, as the name implies, a singular flat panel, or a number of bar like flat panels in close proximity.
Where are the fins on a radiator?
These fins will often be in the middle of the radiator, in-between a front and back panel, or they will sit behind the front panel, with no back panel added.
Is it possible to say which radiator is best?
It is of course impossible to say which radiator would be best in any circumstance, it will vary by heating requirement and even personal preference.
Is a radiator a good compromise?
This radiator can have far higher heating output than a flat panel rad of the same size, it is wider but not enormously so and so it can be a good compromise.
What is the difference between a convector and a radiator?
In contrast, a convector is a heater that, while it too relies on hot water to warm up ...
Which is better, a convector or a radiator?
Moreover, even though convectors technically deliver more even heat than radiators, the latter tend to generate more comfort than the former, as they’re more efficient. Like an open fire then, a radiator – via its radiant heating process – will far more likely produce a genuinely cosy, snug sensation of warmth.
What is convective heat?
To be precise then, convective heat could be described as an indirect form of heating. That’s because the heating element’s deployed to draw in cold air to the device so it can be warmed up; thus heated, this air rises to the ceiling of a room and cools before descending to the level of the device where, naturally, it’s heated again – and so this cycle repeats itself over and over. Owing to the reliably repetitive nature of this process, it may be said that convective heating’s a more even way to warm up a room than via radiant heating.
How does hot water flow into a radiator?
Fundamentally then, when it comes to a radiator, hot water is pumped from a boiler, around a home’s central heating system and into a radiator so it might flow around the device’s tubes or panels (depending on its design and style), heating them as it does so. These tubes or panels then, most commonly manufactured from steel, aluminium or cast iron, are capable of heating up the ambient air of the room in which the radiator’s installed, ensuring the air is warmed – and kept warm – via what’s called radiant heating.
What is radiant heat?
Conversely, radiant heating relies on the generation of horizontal waves of heat to warm – and keep warm – a room’s ambient air, thus resulting in a more direct form of heating than convection. And, practically speaking, the advantage of this form of heating over the other is that, on the one hand, it’s healthier. That’s because the ambient air won’t feature any of the potentially bacteria-featuring dust that may emanate from a convector’s heating element. Indeed, when posed the question, those who have experience of using both types of device tend to agree that radiant heat often feels both warmer and more pleasurable.
What is the difference between radiators and convectors?
The difference between radiators and convector lies in the convective heat which only the latter type of units generates. Radiators give off radiant heat, whereas convectors deliver convective heat. Convection is a difficult word for the transfer of heat through the air. In this process, the convector heats up air particles, which then rise, cool down and ultimately end up descending again. The hot and cold particles get mixed up, causing the entire room to feel warm after a while.
What type of heat does a radiator use?
Radiant heat. Just about every way to heat your home to a degree is based on the principle of convective heat. In other words, radiators too generate convective heat. Yet, radiators do more than just heat up the air. They also give off a second type of heat, known as radiant heat. Radiant heat is a direct type of energy.
What is the energy that radiates from a radiator?
Radiant heat is a direct type of energy. The fact of the matter is that radiators, much like the sun, radiate electromagnetic waves. When these waves hit on a surface – such as a piece of furniture or your own body – they are converted into heat. This makes radiators feel pleasant to the touch, even though they are not generating any more ...
How does a convector work?
In this process, the convector heats up air particles, which then rise, cool down and ultimately end up descending again. The hot and cold particles get mixed up, causing the entire room to feel warm after a while.
Do radiators have more warmth than convectors?
The comfort of radiators. All of this means that radiators deliver greater comfort than convectors, which are less efficient and do not give you that nice, snug feeling of deep intense warmth that a stove, an open fire or a radiator will deliver.
Is it a technical matter to decide between radiators or convectors?
Deciding between radiators or convectors is not strictly a technical matter for heating experts. To a large degree, the decision determines the sense of comfort in your home. How exactly?
Can you hang towels on a radiator?
Courtesy of their radiant heat, radiators are also perfectly suited to hang towels or pyjamas on to dry – a very pleasant little extra in your bathroom! Another strong suit of radiators is that they do not disrupt the look and feel of your home interior. Quite the contrary!
How do radiators work?
The boiler, whether it's powered by electricity or gas, heats up water that then travels around your pipes and enters into your radiators, which is how they heat up. In older homes, this water is converted into steam as it's heated up; then, when it eventually cools after heating up your radiators, it condenses back into water to be heated up by the boiler again. In newer homes, the water is not converted into steam.
What are the two valves on a radiator for?
These are the valves that control water flow in and out of your radiator. As Carpenter explains, the valves 'are required for water flow adjustment . The upper valve lets you control how much water flows inside, while the bottom valve controls how much water goes out. By adjusting both valves properly, you can achieve the desired constant radiator temperature.'
Does it matter which way the water flows inside a radiator?
Yes, and it always works the same way. Carpenter explains that 'the water in a radiator always enters through the top valve and quits it through the bottom valve. The reason for that is simple – hot fluid always rises, while cold water always sinks.'
How does convection work?
Convection currents are created when the air above your radiator heats and then cools and is then heated again. This process happens continuously whilst you have your heating on and the current moves the heat around the room making it nice and warm and toasty.
When Is A Radiator Not A Radiator?
The funny thing about radiators is that they aren’t really radiators at all.
How does heat move around?
A scientist – like Mr Franz San Galli – would refer to heat as thermal energy which can be moved around by conduction, convection and radiation. Your own radiator – sitting on the wall under the window – heats the cold air above it and with the help of any draughts from the window, the convection currents transfer the heat around the room.
How much heat does a radiator produce?
Regardless of their material or production and totally irrespective of their designs, the vast majority of radiators will produce around 80% of their heat through the act of convection, leaving the remaining 20% to be emitted through radiation (not the bad kind, don’t worry).
How is heat created?
To get even more scientific – heat itself is created through kinetic energy. When your radiator is heating up the air it’s causing atoms to vibrate at a higher frequency. As more air is drawn through the bottom and over the ‘fins’ of the radiator, atoms continue to vibrate faster and faster and thermal energy is created.
Do radiators radiate heat?
Even though radiators don’t really radiate that much heat, it doesn’t matter that we’re stuck with that particular name.
Do you keep heat inside a radiator?
Given that your radiator is working it’s shiny metal backside off – creating those wonderful convection currents while you’re watching the gogglebox – you should definitely make sure you keep the heat inside, to save energy, cash and warmth.
What Are Convection Heaters?
Convection heaters heat the air and then transfer the heat throughout that space to warm up people and physical objects. For example, your gas boiler central heating system is a perfect example of a convection based system. When you turn on your heating, the radiators warm up as the water that circulates in the system gets hotter. After 15-20mins or so you can feel the room getting warmer as that heat is distributed from the surface area of the radiators to the air and then into the room as the air circulates.
What are the downsides of convection heating?
There are a couple of downsides to convection heating. Firstly, it relies on the movement of air and although the method of heating itself promotes that, avoiding cold spots is still incredibly difficult. So, you tend not to see even temperatures throughout the room with convection heaters. Secondly, holding the heat in the air isn ’t particularly stable. Imagine spending half an hour heating the temperature in the air up to 21oC only for someone to briefly open the door. Lots of that heat will escape, which your convection heater will have to replace.
How long does it take for a radiator to warm up?
When you turn on your heating, the radiators warm up as the water that circulates in the system gets hotter. After 15-20mins or so you can feel the room getting warmer as that heat is distributed from the surface area of the radiators to the air and then into the room as the air circulates.
How does warm air move?
Warm air rises and gets moved into cold spaces such as the middle of the room, where it cools, sinks and circulates back up again as it is warmed up by the steel radiator. Eventually the whole volume of air warms up, which gives you the warmth that you feel.
Why is central heating not present in my home?
The modern working family is not present in their home during the day as parents are out working and children are away in school or college.
When does the heat in a house cool down?
Each day your house is warmed up during the heating cycle and cools down when the heating is not operating – night time and during the day. Heat energy moves from the warmest part to the coldest part trying to balance out the system.
Does a steel radiator hold heat?
Steel radiators have very little mass and therefore do not hold heat after they are switched off.
What happens when radiant energy heats the air next to a radiator?
When the radiant energy heats the air next to a radiator, the heated air rises, which pulls cooler air through the radiator and starts the air moving. This movement forms vertical currents that travel across a room, carrying the heated air with them. Advertisement.
How does a radiator heat the air?
Radiators heat the air inside your house by two principles: radiation and convection. A radiator uses radiant energy to transfer heat to the air through electromagnetic waves, similar to the heat from a stove or an open fire. But the bigger heat contribution of a radiator is through convection. When the radiant energy heats the air next to a radiator, the heated air rises, which pulls cooler air through the radiator and starts the air moving. This movement forms vertical currents that travel across a room, carrying the heated air with them.
What is steam radiator heating?
Steam radiator heating is an older technology that uses a boiler to heat water until it produces steam. Boilers can be powered by electricity, natural gas or fuel oil. Because steam rises on its own, there is no need for a pump or blower to distribute warm air through the piping system to the radiators.
Why does hot water cool down?
As heat from the water emanates from the radiator, it causes the water to cool down. As it returns to the boiler, the water is heated again and the cycle continues. Bleed valves mounted on each radiator release trapped air, which is a common problem in hot-water systems. Advertisement.
How does hot water work in a home?
In newer homes, hot-water radiators are second only to forced-air systems. Heated water enters a radiator at one end, and circulates around a closed loop before exiting the radiator at the opposite end. As heat from the water emanates from the radiator, it causes the water to cool down. As it returns to the boiler, the water is heated again and the cycle continues. Bleed valves mounted on each radiator release trapped air, which is a common problem in hot-water systems.
What is the purpose of metal fins in radiators?
Baseboard radiators must be kept clean. Dust and dirt that build up on the fins act as insulation, which impedes heat transmission, and blocks air from circulating freely. Advertisement.
Is a radiator passive or aggressive?
Forced-air systems take a more aggressive approach by using fans to propel heated air throughout a duct system. But radiators are passive participants in heating systems that use thermal expansion principles to deliver warmth through a piping system to heat a house.
Which is better, convection or radiant heating?
Convection heaters work more slowly and less efficiently, but provide sustained heat over a long time and larger areas. Radiant heaters provide a concentrated beam of heat that warms people and objects very quickly, but only in small areas. Despite their drawbacks, both convection heating and radiant heating are more effective when used in personal ...
How does convection heating work?
Convection heating occurs when a warm object is placed in a fluid medium, like water or air. The thin layer of molecules in direct, physical contact with the object heat up through the process of conduction and causes them to expand. As they do, they move up and away from the object, displacing the cooler, denser molecules above them. They’re forced to drop down and come into contact with the heat source which warms them up, forcing them to expand and displace more air, which gets heated in turn. This is what is known as a convection current. It’s what happens when you heat a pot of water on the stove or turn on a convection heater in a cold room. Because air is a poor heat conductor, convection heaters work slowly, gradually warming the air until it’s reached a uniform temperature.
What is a convection current?
This is what is known as a convection current. It’s what happens when you heat a pot of water on the stove or turn on a convection heater in a cold room. Because air is a poor heat conductor, convection heaters work slowly, gradually warming the air until it’s reached a uniform temperature. Types of Convection Heaters.
Why are radiant heaters bad?
Because their heat is so focused, radiant heaters can’t warm anything outside their field of view and because electromagnetic waves spread out as they travel from their source, you have to be physically close to the heater in order to feel its heat. All of which makes them an excellent way to heat one or two individuals, but very bad at heating rooms. Their heat’s just too confined. Convection heaters, though not as efficient, heat enclosed spaces very well, allowing you to move about without feeling cold or chilly. They take longer to warm you up, but they’re what you need if you want a constant, long-term heating solution. Because the electromagnetic waves they emit don’t interact with the air , radiant heaters don’t suffer from these problems. They provide immediate warmth to all people and objects directly in front of them, and because objects retain heat better than air, heat from radiant heaters takes longer to dissipate, so objects stay warm even after the heater’s been turned off. They can even be used outdoors. Their infrared technology isn’t susceptible to winds or drafts.
Why do convection heaters have fans?
Fans are an additional feature built into convection heaters to enhance their effectiveness. They force air over the heating elements and blow it out into the room in order to increase the speed at which air is heated and distributed. Significantly nosier than ordinary convection heaters
How does a ceramic heater generate heat?
Generate heat by running electricity through metal coils attached to ceramic plates. The ceramic plates absorb the heat from the coils and warms up the surrounding air. Normally more compact than oil filled heaters
What is the most effective space heater?
What’s More Effective: Convection or Radiant Heating. The two most common space heaters on the market are convection heaters and radiant heaters. They’re both effective ways to heat small spaces, but operate in radically different ways. Convection heaters warm the air. Radiant heaters warm your body, which leads many consumers to ask, ...
The Basic Explanation
- A simple way of thinking of a convector radiator is that they force the heat upwards and to be spread out over a larger area, rather than the heat just moving directly out from the radiator. The is achieved through the radiator having a great surface area, specifically in the form of vertical fins that act to force the hot air up - either within the radiator itself and up, or between the radiator an…
The Main Comparison
- Often the main choice will be between a convention radiator and a flat panel radiator, although there are then sub divisions. There are a number of categories of convection radiator, which we will explore further below. A flat panel radiator will be slim line and sit close to the wall, it is, as the name implies, a singular flat panel, or a number of bar like flat panels in close proximity. A conve…
A Quick Technical Note
- Technically, all radiators heat by convection in that cold air rises from the ground and upwards, however with flat panel radiators this effect is not amplified. Convection radiators are specifically designed to build on the fact that hot air rises, creating extra surface space and trapping the cold air, forcing it upwards and out to heat a wider a...
The Versions of Convection Radiator
- Radiator types are defined by number, but the numbers alone won't be much help explaining the specific design.
Radiators and Convectors – What’s The difference?
What Is Convective Heat?
- To be precise then, convective heat could be described as an indirect form of heating. That’s because the heating element’s deployed to draw in cold air to the device so it can be warmed up; thus heated, this air rises to the ceiling of a room and cools before descending to the level of the device where, naturally, it’s heated again – and so this cycle repeats itself over and over. Owing …
What Is Radiant Heat?
- Conversely, radiant heating relies on the generation of horizontal waves of heat to warm – and keep warm – a room’s ambient air, thus resulting in a more direct form of heating than convection. And, practically speaking, the advantage of this form of heating over the other is that, on the one hand, it’s healthier. That’s because the ambient air won’t feature any of the potentially bacteria-f…
Convectors and Radiators – Price Differences?
- Finally, what about cost? Well, if energy consumption’s a deal breaker for you, then you might well consider a convector. That said, should you ensure you have the right radiator installed in your home – and sited in the most suitable and effective position in its room – it should undoubtedly prove to be a long-term cost-effective and reliable heat-providing device and, let’s face it, it’s ess…