Which heater warms the best?
The properties of a home heater in terms of the degree of heating depend not so much on its system as on its power. Therefore, it is impossible to answer exactly which heater heats better.
Although if we compare oil and infrared devices, then they really have a different principle of operation, but this does not affect the degree of radiated heat. On average, for a dwelling up to 10 sq. M. with good thermal insulation, a 1.5 kW heater will suffice. If the apartment is cold, with high ceilings and concrete walls, then you should choose a more powerful device (up to 2-2.5 kW).
Our article will help you correctly calculate the power of the heater.
The most common and famous
The most common among economical radiators for home and summer cottages is an oil radiator. The undoubted advantages of an oil cooler are:
- Ease of handling.
- Price.
- Inertia (after shutdown, it keeps heat for another hour and continues to heat the house or cottage).
- Low energy consumption - economical.
But there is also a significant disadvantage - as a rule, the oil cooler heats up to 150 degrees Celsius. And if there are no protective screens or gratings, then you can simply burn yourself on such a heating device. And, in addition, over time, the oil evaporates and requires replacement or addition, the wiring also wears out, which can cause fires in the dacha or at home.
In second place in terms of prevalence is a fan heater (popularly - a dutik). It also takes little energy and actively supplies the premises of the summer cottage, at home, with warm air. But when disconnected, the room can quickly cool down. Therefore, such a heater works practically for days, with short breaks for 15 minutes.
We calculate the cost of electricity
You can save money by installing one wide device under a large window instead of several compact ones.
Electric convectors for summer cottages, wall-mounted and economical, work as independent or auxiliary heating devices, differing in their power. Given the compactness of most summer cottages, they are small in size. Also, they are characterized by an affordable price, since in most cases some design delights are not needed at the dacha. However, for country houses with a designer interior, you can purchase any suitable convector-type heaters.
Why is it profitable to use convectors in the country? The following factors are taken into account here:
- compactness - the same oil coolers are much larger with less efficiency;
- silent operation - fan heaters heat just as efficiently, but they make a lot of noise;
- cheapness - electric convectors for summer cottages are the simplest models, so they are characterized by an affordable price.
Based on this, electric heaters for summer cottages are the best solution for organizing autonomous heating.
As we have already said, country electric convectors can work as main or auxiliary equipment. Working as the main equipment, they provide complete heating of the premises in accordance with the set temperature. If the house already has a heating system, then convector heaters can work in auxiliary mode, for example, during severe winter cold.
A small electric heater will be a great helper if you have small children: by installing it in the room where the child sleeps, you will create a comfortable sleeping environment. Convectors are also useful as auxiliary equipment in very freezing rooms, where the main heating cannot cope.
Since the equipment is powered by electricity, the cost of paying for it will be high.They depend on the air temperature outside, on severe frosts, on the availability of effective insulation of the country house, as well as on the area of the heated premises. Electronic control contributes to the savings to a certain extent - it provides more accurate temperature monitoring.
As you can see, the price for heating with electricity is the highest, but on the other hand, you do not need to install heating boilers and lay pipes.
Let's calculate the approximate heating costs for a small country house with an area of 20 sq. m. To heat it, we need a radiator with a capacity of 2 kW (taking into account that the house has good thermal insulation and has triple glazed windows). If the heating works around the clock without shutting down, the electricity consumption will be 1440 kW per month. This figure must be multiplied by the cost of one kilowatt in your area.
For example, if the cost of one kilowatt is about 4 rubles, then the cost of heating the house will be 5760 rubles. For dacha associations and rural areas, special tariffs often apply. If this rural tariff is equal to 3 rubles per kilowatt, the monthly expenses will amount to 4,320 rubles. Since the convectors are equipped with regulators, they will not work around the clock. If we assume that they work 12 hours a day (obeying the commands of the thermostat), then the consumption per month will be 720 kW, or 2160 rubles at the rural tariff.
Do you show up at the dacha only on weekends? Then the heating costs will be even lower. They will only grow when using frost protection, which maintains the temperature in the country house at +5 degrees.
General criteria
But before choosing a heater for a summer cottage, apartment or house, we look not only at efficiency and price, but also pay attention to other criteria:
- Environmental friendliness.
- Compactness.
- Ease of use.
- Efficiency.
- Guarantee period.
- Security.
- Price.
The last point is worth mentioning separately. More than 40 thousand fires occur in our country annually, the main cause of which is a malfunction of electrical equipment. Therefore, you must clearly remember a number of rules:
- We do not dry things on radiators.
- The grates must be open.
- We do not leave unattended.
- Switch off for 15 minutes every 5 hours.
And now it's up to you - to choose the most economical, inexpensive and convenient heater for your summer cottage, house, apartment.
Gas heater for home and summer cottages Energy-saving heaters for home and summer cottages Diesel-fueled heaters for summer cottages and houses Economical electric heaters
Warm air flow
Infrared radiation is the fastest way to generate heat, but not the best for heating. The absence of convection has already been mentioned above. The panels give less powerful heat radiation and rather long convection. Therefore, in order to obtain a comfortable temperature faster, the air in the room must be set in motion. This is done by a fan heater and its more powerful version - a heat gun. As in the infrared reflex heater, open spirals can be used to heat the air flow in some models of fan heaters.
Heat fans and guns
It is cheaper, but badly affects the microclimate of the room due to a decrease in the amount of oxygen. We recommend buying only models with ceramic heating elements. Since an impeller with an electric motor is used in heat fans and cannons, they are naturally not the most economical. The electric motor consumes electricity that is not used to generate heat. At the same time, to obtain the best result, there is a certain relationship between the air flow rate, the temperature of the heating element and the air temperature in the room.
But in this case, a complex fan heater control system will be required, which will increase its price. Therefore, usually several steps are taken to manually adjust the parameters of the warm air flow. We recommend choosing models of fan heaters that have at least two operating modes.In this case, the power of the electrical appliance is selected according to the volume of the room. Recommended data is always indicated in its data sheet. But, despite the fact that the fan heater will fill the room with warm air faster than other heaters, it cannot always be used for a long time due to the noise of the engine and impeller.
Therefore, its rating is closer to the middle, and it is a temporarily used electric heater.
Infrared panels
You go into the house, and warmly welcome. There are also ceiling models, but they cannot use temperatures typical for wall and floor options due to overheating of the case. Ceiling and wall heaters are designed as panels. They allow you to save energy, since they not only emit heat, but also heat the air by convection. Although their temperature is much lower, the area is larger. The radiant heat from the panels does not spread as far as from the heater-reflector, and is not so clearly felt at the same time.
Infrared panels for ceiling installation
Wall-ceiling infrared panel
Some of the models of infrared wall panels
But they can be placed on every wall of the room. As a result, the comfort zone expands to the entire room. At the same time, it begins in the immediate vicinity of the panel. The panel material can be either metal or ceramics, or a special fiber or film, which allows you to design the heater in the form of a picture. For the radiation of heat, the material does not matter. But for convection, metal has an advantage. Metal panels are the most economical electric heaters and have the highest rating.
Infrared panel-picture
Panel heaters are an efficient option for stationary heating with electricity.
Types of thermostats
Models with electronic control and thermostat are more comfortable and economical to operate.
The industry produces two main types of electric convectors - with mechanical and electronic control systems. It is impossible to answer which of this is better, since both varieties have their pros and cons. Here everything again depends on the operating conditions.
Electric convectors with mechanical thermostats are very, very simple. There are no sophisticated electronics on board, which already indicates increased reliability and good maintainability. These thermostats are built around a simple bimetallic plate. It changes shape under the influence of the room temperature, opening or closing the contact. This ensures thermoregulation. The disadvantages of this scheme are the low accuracy of temperature control. But such devices are better because they are cheaper and more reliable.
Electronically controlled electric convectors are equipped with high-precision temperature sensors. The data from them is monitored by precise electronics that control the on / off of the thermostats. This ensures high efficiency of the equipment, since the air in the heated premises does not overheat and does not overcool, forcing the expenditure of surplus electricity. Here's why such convectors are better:
- Temperature control accuracy;
- The ability to adjust parameters in a remote mode;
- Energy savings - up to 10%;
- Availability of additional service functions.
Of the minuses - a more complex device, high cost.
For permanent heating of houses and apartments, it is best to choose electric convectors with electronic control. If the technique will be used only periodically, it is easier and cheaper to stop at devices with "mechanics".
How energy saving works
First of all, it is worth understanding the principles of energy conservation and simple laws of physics. The power consumption of the device is equal to the return of heat to the environment. The main question is only what the heat loss will be. The latter are generally associated with the insulation of the home, the condition of the walls, window and doorways. Also, the speed of heating the room has a significant effect.Over time, the air inevitably cools down or evaporates and the device turns on again, consuming energy. Therefore, the priority will be the presence of a thermostat or auto programs to help maintain the set temperature.
Rating of electric convectors for reliability
In conclusion, we have compiled for you a rating of electric convectors in terms of reliability. This is not to say that it is best to focus on it, since marriage and unsuccessful models are found in all brands. But he will also give some useful information on the choice of technology.
Devices from Electrolux are of high quality.
To begin with, it is necessary to highlight the products of the well-known brand Electrolux - they are distinguished by high build quality, which has earned positive reviews from consumers. And this is quite fair, given the widespread distribution of this brand on Russian territory. We will put Noirot heaters on a par with it - they are quite expensive, but extremely reliable.
Our rating includes electric heaters from Thermor and Stiebel. They are distinguished by a decent level of reliability and are popular with domestic consumers. After them we will place the products of Royal Clima and Hyundai - well-known brands that produce durable and advanced technology.
Electric convectors Nobo also fall into the rating - it will be better if you definitely pay attention to these electrical appliances. They are easy to operate and equipped with durable heating elements
The company also produces designer glass models with an extremely high level of reliability.
Which heater is better for a summer residence: the main selection criteria
When purchasing heating devices for a country house, you need to take into account several characteristics, based on which you can make the right choice.
When choosing a heater for a summer residence, it is imperative to take into account its functionality and power
So, you need to pay attention to:
- Heating speed of the room;
- Fire safety;
- Functionality;
- Possibility of autonomous operation of the device;
- The ability to heat several rooms;
- Device power;
- Energy savings.
All heating devices can be divided into the following types:
- Fan heater - heats up the room very quickly, is distinguished by its mobility, but at the same time it makes good noise and consumes a lot of electricity. Therefore, it is mainly used as an auxiliary heat source.
- The oil cooler is an easy-to-use, quiet, economical and fireproof appliance. For a summer residence, it is best to choose a radiator, which has many sections in order to heat the room faster.
- Infrared emitter - heats not air, but objects. Such devices do not make noise, do not burn oxygen, and quickly heat up the room. Perfect for a country house, but only if they are powered by electricity, not gas.
- Quartz air heater - such units do not waste a lot of energy, are fireproof and can be left unattended for a long time. Ideal for an infrequently visited summer cottage.
- Convector heater - weighs a little, takes up little space, can be hung on the wall or placed on the floor. There are gas or electric ones. For a country house, it is better to choose the latter.
It becomes clear that it is best to buy a convector, an infrared heater or a quartz device for a summer residence.
Types of wall batteries
There are several types of wall-mounted electric batteries that differ in their principle of operation.
Infrared
The principle of operation of infrared batteries is to convert electrical energy into thermal radiation. Long-wave radiation heats the floor and the objects on it, which serve as heat transmitters.Heating objects, rather than air, retains heat longer, allowing you to use energy economically.
Convector
In electric convectors, heat is transferred by heating the air passing through the device. Warm air increases in volume and leaves through the grilles of the device, and cold air enters its place. Thus, the room warms up very quickly.
It is important to prevent the presence of drafts so that the convector does not work uselessly.
Oil radiator
The element inside the radiator heats up the intermediate heat carrier (mineral oil), which then heats up the unit body. The oil used keeps heat for a long time, thus saving energy costs. Oil radiators are cheaper than other types of heaters and have small dimensions. However, heaters of this type warm up a room rather slowly, especially a large one.
The surface of the radiator warms up to 150 °, this requires careful handling of the device
Fan heaters
The essence of fan heaters is to warm up the air flow that passes through the heating element. Air intake into the device is provided by a built-in fan. Most often, fan heaters are used in rooms where maintaining a constant temperature is not required. Many models can be used as a regular fan.
Electric fan heaters prices
Electric fan heaters
Vapor-droplet heater
In the system of a para-droplet heater, there is water in an enclosed space, which is heated by electricity and turns into steam. Condensation then occurs and the water is recycled back to the liquid carrier system. This principle of operation of the heater allows you to use two types of energy at once: from the coolant and from the condensation of steam. After turning off the power, the device retains heat for a long time.
Carbon Heaters
Carbon fiber heaters use carbon fiber embedded in a quartz tube as a heater. This is a long-wavelength emitter that heats objects in the room, not the air.
Lithium Bromide Heaters
The lithium bromide radiator consists of vacuum sections filled with lithium and bromide liquid, which turns into steam at 35 ° C. Steam rises to the top of the sections, giving off heat, and heats up the radiator.
Tips: how to choose an infrared heater for a summer cottage
Among the most economical and popular air heaters are infrared electric heaters. How to choose the best device among their wide variety?
There are some nuances to consider when choosing an infrared device:
- Heater power - you need to understand what kind of heating source (main or additional) the device will be used for;
- Power source - for a summer residence, it is preferable to choose electricity, not gas;
- The type of heating element can be quartz tubes, ceramic plates or halogen bulbs;
- Place of installation.
Ceiling infrared heaters are quite popular today.
If a quartz tube is selected as a heating element, then such electric heaters can very quickly and efficiently heat the room of a wooden or any other house. But at the same time, these tubes are very short-lived, so it is better to take such a device as an additional source of heat.
As for the installation site, infrared devices are:
- Ceiling - very convenient, as they do not take up much space;
- Wall-mounted - if you wish, you can install such a model under the window;
- Floor-standing ones are not particularly effective, since they encounter many obstacles during heating, so it is better to give preference to the first two options.
Speaking about manufacturers, it is worth highlighting such companies as: UFO, Sunny and Pion.
The most economical electric heaters
According to a review of economical electric heaters, the ceramic panel and micathermic heater were found to be the most economical, ergonomic, efficient and durable. By purchasing such heaters, you can be sure of a 100% result. If we define the absolute leader, the ceramic panel gets the “palm”. Its characteristics speak for themselves, and outperform the nearest competitor, the micathermal panel infrared heater.
The brightest representatives of ceramic heating panels are:
- NTK Malysh (0.25 kW), Eco (0.35 kW), Atacama (0.5 kW);
- Venice “Bio-Convector” PKK700 (0.7 kW) and PKK 1350 (1.350 kW);
- NTES Evolution 400 (0.4 kW) and NTES Evolution 800 (0.8 kW). The peculiarity of these heaters is that their front part is made in the form of a glass-ceramic panel. Outwardly, they are very similar to modern TVs. When mounted on a wall, there is little to distinguish them from a regular TV.
The developers of modern heating systems will not stop there. Today, the question of which heaters are the most economical and more efficient can be answered in the affirmative - a ceramic panel, and its direct competitor is a micathermic heater, which loses quite a bit to it.
Convection type
Appliances with a fan accelerate convection, thereby heating the room faster.
When choosing the best convector heater, you should pay attention to the type of convection - it can be natural or forced. Natural convection heaters work by heating air masses and their self-removal upward under the influence of the laws of physics
Rising to the ceiling, they squeeze out cold air from there, forcing it to pass through the interior of the electric convectors. The cycle is repeated a large number of times, warming up the air in the rooms.
Electric convectors with forced convection are equipped with low-noise tangential fans. They are better because they provide faster warm-up. At the same time, they are a little noisy and consume a little more electricity than their counterparts with natural air circulation. But if you want to feel the warmth within 10-15 minutes after turning on the heating, it is best to take a closer look at the samples with fans.
If you are confused by a little noise (some people are highly sensitive to extraneous sounds), then the fans can be turned off at night.
Choosing an energy-saving heater for a summer residence
If, when buying a heater for a summer residence, your eyes run up from a choice and you cannot decide, contact a sales consultant, he will certainly be able to help you.
It is worth choosing an energy-saving device based on the characteristics of the room, further operation and the functional characteristics of the equipment. Below is a list of factors that will help you determine the best option:
- Functional purpose - which room will be heated by the device, how often it will be used, whether it is the main, additional or backup heating option;
- The ratio of the area of the room and the power of the device - a too "weak" device will not be able to maintain the temperature and will work without interruption, and a correctly selected option will be able to provide an ideal microclimate without significant energy consumption.
- Easy to install and maintain - don't go for tricky customizable models, and provide an easily accessible installation location.
- The time for the required temperature to reach and its maintenance - if there is a small child in the house, then a device with half an hour heating is unlikely to suit you, as well as a heater, after turning off which, the temperature immediately drops.
- Safe use - some systems can be left unattended for several days, others need supervision.
The device and principle of operation of the convector
The school physics course includes enough information to understand the nature of the simplest things. After all, electric convectors for summer cottages work according to the simplest laws of physics, ensuring the circulation of heated air through the heated rooms. While conventional batteries heat by radiation, convector devices heat the air masses, creating a comfortable atmosphere in houses and apartments.
The surface of the heater emits a small amount of heat, as it practically does not heat up. Most of the heat comes from the upper grill of the appliance.
Modern batteries contain fins, which allows them to give off part of the heat in the form of heated air - it passes through the fins, heats up and goes up, from where it is evenly distributed over the heated rooms. Thus, an increased efficiency of the heating system is achieved. As for convectors, they emit a small amount of thermal energy, almost completely giving it to the air masses. Warming up the premises is better and faster.
The principle of operation of convector-type heaters for summer cottages is simple and straightforward. A heating element is installed inside, through which atmospheric air passes. As it heats up, it rises, as it should be according to the laws of physics. In its place, the next portion of air enters - it is taken from the bottom, while the heated air is sent out through the upper ventilation holes. Then it rises to the ceiling, from where it is distributed throughout the room.
The device of electric convectors is no less simple than their principle of operation. Inside we will find:
- ribbed heating element - there is a powerful heating element in it, operating from the electrical network. Air passes through the heating element;
- control system - electronic or mechanical. It controls the heating by adjusting the temperature or simply turning off the heating element after a specified period of time;
- protection systems - they ensure the safety of equipment and people around. One of the basic protective systems is overheating protection, preventing breakdowns and accidental burns.
There are openings for air intake in the lower part of the case. The return of hot air to the heated rooms is carried out through the upper ventilation openings.
Control elements, which include power switches, thermostats and display elements, are most often located on the side.
Recommendations for choosing an electric wall heater
When choosing economical electric wall-mounted heating batteries for summer cottages, you need to take into account some recommendations.
High-quality and economical radiators are distinguished by the following characteristics:
With a small amount of funds for the purchase of a heater, focus on models with a manual temperature control, such models are cheaper.
When buying a radiator for your home, pay attention to the material of the heating element. For example, the service life of a tubular electric heater is 15 years.
There are models with a long service life. Convectors with a needle heater are also considered budgetary, they have a limited service life, but are suitable for rooms that do not require constant heating, for example, a summer residence.
It is best to choose electric heaters with electronic thermostats. They are more expensive, but they are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations, allowing you to maintain a given level of heat and save energy.
If you decide to purchase a floor-standing radiator, pay attention to the presence of a rollover sensor. Especially if you have small children.
It is best to install electric heaters under each window, since these places are more vulnerable when cold enters the room.
The optimal power of the convector is calculated according to the principle: 1 kW for every 10 sq. m. with a ceiling height of up to 270 cm.If the ceilings are higher, then add 10% for every 10 cm.
Choosing a wall heater
Infrared models are able to create warmth even in open rooms, all thanks to the principle of their work.
When planning to buy a wall-mounted electric heater, you should compare the various options and make the right choice. Infrared devices are economical, but not everyone may like warm chairs, warm floors and other warm objects in the room - some people like convection heaters. And someone does not like the hot air created by convectors. Therefore, here you should look at your preferences.
Wall mounted infrared electric heaters will delight you with their warmth and efficiency. They can keep warm even with open windows. But you have to put up with the feeling of lush warmth when the heater is aimed at you. As for convectors, the entire atmosphere created by them can quickly evaporate due to too zealous ventilation of the room. Choose infrared devices if you want economy, or convectors if you like warm air.
In some cases, the best option are heating units that work on a dual principle - they create a completely comfortable warm atmosphere and do not pose any special obstacles to useful ventilation. Are you planning to heat semi-enclosed spaces? Then opt for wall mounted carbon electric heaters.
Recommendations: how to choose a convector heater for a summer residence
Electric heating of the cottage can be carried out using convectors. They "heat" quickly, they do not "burn" oxygen, they do not change the level of humidity in the room.
An excellent option for heating a small country house will be a convector heater
When deciding on the choice of a heater, the following points should be taken into account:
- Power - if the room has a good thermal insulation system, then 1 kW will be enough for 10 square meters (albeit provided that the height of the room is not more than 3 meters). If the ceilings are lower or vice versa higher by 10-15 cm, then the device must be taken with a power of 10% more or less.
- Installation type - convectors can be hung on the wall, stand on the floor or mounted on a plinth. Here, as it is more convenient for anyone, the principle of operation of the heater does not change from its location.
- Availability of additional options - for example, remote control, timer, and so on. Such functions will make the use of the device more convenient, but the price of such a heater is also higher than average.
When choosing a convector heater, you should take into account its manufacturer. Finnish Ensto convectors, French Noirot air heaters, Swedish Electrolux devices, German Aeg.
Outcome
Economical heaters of all systems and modifications powered by electric energy allow building energy efficient heating systems. Of course, they are very far from the efficiency of gas equipment, but modern technologies can reduce costs by 2-2.5 times. You can influence the consumption of electricity by electric heaters in the following ways:
- Cover the household with an additional layer of brick with thermal insulation;
- Replace windows and doors - windows should be triple, and doors should be insulated;
- Reduce heat losses by insulating the attic;
- Install precise electronic thermostats in the heating system.