In a convector radiator, the hot water is circulated through a tube, surrounded by small fins. These fins act to increase the contact surface with the surrounding air. As with a regular radiator, the hot air rises up and attracts cooler air to the appliance. In some types, a ventilator can act to accelerate this process.
What's the difference between a convector radiator and a normal 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.
Are convection radiators better?
But, it's less effective for evenly heating larger rooms. Convection radiators use their sandwich-shape design to better funnel rising air as it heats it, constantly channelling it upwards to keep a constant rotation going. Put as simply as possible: convector radiators spread their heat better across larger spaces.
How does a radiator warm a room by convection?
The radiators are designed to heat the air in the room using convection to transfer heat from the radiators to the surrounding air. They do this by drawing cool air in at the bottom, warming the air as it passes over the radiator fins, and discharging the heated air at the top.
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.
Do convection heaters use a lot of electricity?
Are convection heaters expensive to run? While there is a lot of annoyance that comes with the cost of heating your apartment or home in the winter, convection heaters are quite cost efficient and may help you lower that heating bill. “Your average convection heater uses 1500 watts of electricity per hour.
Is it cheaper to run a convector heater or oil filled radiator?
Halogen heaters tend to be the cheapest radiant heaters as they have a low power rating (but also produce less heat), while oil-filled radiators are often the cheapest convector heater because there is a thermostat to control the temperature.
Why are radiators under 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.
Does radiator heat work without electricity?
If you lose your power on a cold night, one of the things you'll miss most is the heat coming out of your vents or radiators. That's because heating systems will not run without electricity—no matter whether your fuel is heating oil, natural gas, propane or obviously, electricity.
Are convector radiators electric?
A convector heater has an internal electric element that warms the air, which then rises out of the top into the room. They are ideal for providing additional heat as and when required, as they are relatively quick to warm up and efficient at dispersing heat.
Which radiators give off the most heat?
Central heating radiators These radiators have the highest heat output and greatest heating efficiency of all plumbed radiator styles, making them a popular choice in many homes. They use corrugated panels (convectors) to radiate heat into the room.
What is the most energy efficient radiator?
Aluminium Radiators - The Kings of Efficiency Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat which means, when used as a radiator material, it's heats up to the desired room temperature very quickly. This means that less energy is used in bringing the material up to temperature when compared with other radiator metals.
What's the difference between a single and double convector radiator?
The main difference between single and double panel convectors then, is that the double panel will provide more heat than the single, and a double panel with a double convector (two sets of fins) will heat a space even quicker.
Is convection heater good for health?
You should also keep in mind that some convection heaters, especially those that involve burning gas, are not ideal for prolonged use indoors. Heaters that run on gas use oxygen and produce carbon monoxide, which naturally affects indoor air quality.
Are convection heaters more efficient than baseboard?
The fan-equipped heaters most commonly used in bathrooms may make some noise, but it's usually not enough to be an annoyance. Convection heaters save about 10 per cent more in energy costs when compared to electric baseboard heaters.
What is better convection or ceramic heater?
If you're looking for a heater that will be energy-efficient and last for a long time, then a ceramic heater might be the best option for you. However, a convection heater would be better if you need something that can heat up quickly and evenly. Ultimately, it all comes down to what your specific needs are.
What is the difference between radiant and convection heating?
Radiant heat warms objects and surfaces without heating the air in between. Those objects warm up directly and radiate back. Convection warms the air, which is a triple inefficiency.
How does a convection heater work?
A convection heater can be used to generate heat in pretty the same way that an electric oven does. This means that both an electric range and a convection heater rely on the process of convection to produce heat. This involves electricity moving through a resistor. A resistor can be described as a material that inhibits the flow of electric current. This electric current that begins to move through is converted into heat energy by the resistor. This hot air that is produced is then moved throughout the space to provide heat. All convection heaters work in basically the same way with only minor differences. Some have more features and rely on conduction to force the air out.
How Does Conduction Work in Convection Heaters?
The process of conduction comes into play with a convection heater due to the size of the heater. A convection heater with more surface area has the ability to heat more air at one time. This is pretty straightforward to understand. For this reason, the shape of most convection heaters is similar to a steam radiator. Most convection heaters have fin-like features that extend out from the main body of the heater, which enables them to heat all of the air in between the fins. The result is convection currents that extend into larger areas of space and provide more heat allowing it to spread faster.
What is Conduction?
When it comes to explaining how a convection heater works, conduction is another term that must be understood. Not only do most convection heaters rely on the process of convection, but the also employ conduction to provide heat. As an object becomes warm, the molecules that this object are made from begin to move rabidly as a result. If the object in question is a solid, the molecules that begin to move rapidly will hit nearby molecules. This passes heat from one object to another. There are some objects that materials can be made of that are better conductors of heat than others. Metal is one of the materials that has the ability to move heat around rather quickly from one object to another.
What is a resistor in a convection heater?
A resistor can be described as a material that inhibits the flow of electric current. This electric current that begins to move through is converted into heat energy by the resistor. This hot air that is produced is then moved throughout the space to provide heat. All convection heaters work in basically the same way with only minor differences.
What type of heating source is used in a home?
The type of heating source that you can use varies. Many heating sources function in different ways. A convection heater is a unique way to heat your home and allows you to heat your home without the use of a traditional heater. Before you use a convection heater in your home, it is essential that you understand how it works to produce heat.
Why is convection heating preferred?
This type of convection heater is preferred by many because it not only distribute heats faster than those that don’t have a blower, but it also heats up large spaces even though it is small in size.
What happens when an object becomes warm?
As an object becomes warm, the molecules that this object are made from begin to move rabidly as a result. If the object in question is a solid, the molecules that begin to move rapidly will hit nearby molecules. This passes heat from one object to another.
How do electric radiators work?
Electric radiators heat your home in exactly the same way as traditional radiators, by convection. However, unlike conventional radiators, they don't use hot water. Instead, they are permanently filled with a thermodynamic fluid called glycol. This liquid heats up when an electrical current passes through it. Unlike traditional radiators, electric radiators don't require balancing or bleeding and are energy efficient so ideal if you're trying to save energy at home. However, they are significantly more expensive to run.
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.'
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
How do Radiators Work?
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.
How does hot water flow through a radiator?
Radiators are normally connected to a central heating system via pipes and hot water flows through these pipes and into the radiators themselves transferring hot water into the radiator. As mentioned, this hot water heats the room via convection. The hot water doesn't remain in the radiator, instead the hot water flows through ...
Why are TRV valves more efficient?
However, the cost outlay for the valves is offset by their energy efficiency. Because these valves can alter the heat output and control how hot the radiator gets in each individual room where a TRV is fitted , they are more efficient and therefore can help reduce your heating bills.
How does a thermostatic radiator valve work?
Thermostatic Radiator Valves are a different type of user-adjustable radiator valve that monitors the temperature of the radiator and automatically adjusts the room temperature to maintain a regular level. Once the TRV is set to the desired level, the valve automatically controls the heat output from the radiator. These thermostatic valves aren't that expensive to buy, but they are more expensive than manual valves. However, the cost outlay for the valves is offset by their energy efficiency. Because these valves can alter the heat output and control how hot the radiator gets in each individual room where a TRV is fitted, they are more efficient and therefore can help reduce your heating bills. TRV's in the UK are generally mounted vertically whereas the European style is to leave the TRV in a horizontal position.
Why are towel radiators called towel radiators?
The reason these radiators are called towel radiators is because they are often found in bathrooms, and allow for the drying of towels. Most homes will likely have a towel radiator in the bathroom, if a radiator is installed there. Often radiators that fall into the towel rails category are made in stainless steel and are of chrome design.
What is a corner valve?
Corner Valves. Angled Valves. Corner Valves are used when the pipework turns at a 90% angle into the radiator. Corner valves are used when the pipework comes from the wall and not the floor. Angled valves are used for when pipework comes from vertically from the floor and needs to attach at an angle into the radiator.
Where is the radiator located in a central heating system?
As the radiators in the central heating system are connected in a chain, the radiator closest to the boiler is exposed to the water when it is at its hottest, whilst the radiator at the end of the chain, located just before the hot water returns to the boiler will be exposed to the coolest water.
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.
Why do radiators vibrate?
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.
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).
What is a hot box?
It is – by this simple definition – a box of heat that excites the air around it to make it warm.
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.
