Heating homes during the winter can be expensive. Heaters are a common way to heat a home, but what is the best type of heater? There are two types of heaters: convection and radiant. Both convection and radiant heaters provide a pleasant, comfortable environment.
However, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of each type before making your decision. This blog will compare two types of heating methods so you can make an informed decision when purchasing a heater for your home or office.
What is a Convection Heater?
A convectional heater is a heater that heats the air around it. It does this by using convection to heat the surrounding air via the movement of liquid or gas. This heater has a fan that blows the air around, which then heats up and circulates the air.
How do Convection Heaters Work?
Understanding how a convection heater works are vital in understanding why they are more energy-efficient than other heaters. A convectional heater has a fan that blows the air around, which then heats up and circulates the air. The heated air rises because it is less dense than the colder air.
This warmer air then pushes out the cooler air, replaced by more fresh air. This process continues until the entire room is heated. Because the air is constantly in circulation, a convection heater does not have to work as hard to heat a room as a radiant heater. This factor makes convectional heating more energy-efficient and can save you money on your energy bill.
Pros and Cons of Convection Heaters
Now that we know what convection heaters are and how they work let’s talk about using them. Below are some pros and cons of convection heaters.
Pros of a Convection Heaters
Conserves Energy
Convectional heaters do not lose as much energy to their surroundings or emit nearly as many pollutants into the air as other types of heating systems. Because it does not release any harmful gases during operation (e.g., carbon monoxide), it is a safer option to use in your home.
Cost-Effective
Convection heaters are more cost-effective and energy-efficient than other types of heating systems. This is because they do not have to work as hard or require as much electricity.
Warms the Room Evenly
Another benefit is that they heat the room evenly! Because convectional heaters spread heated air throughout a room, you don’t have to worry about hot and cold spots in your home or office.
Flexibility on Mounting
They are also more flexible than other types of heaters. You can find convectional heaters that are mounted on the wall or ceiling, so you don’t have to worry about where to place them when they’re in use!
Silent Operation
Another advantage is that they are typically very silent when in operation. The convention systems have a fan that circulates the air, unlike other heaters that use flames or heating elements to generate heat.
Temperature Control
Convectional heaters also have a thermostat that allows you to control the room’s temperature. This is an excellent feature if you want to adjust the temperature accordingly.
Cons of a Convection Heaters
No Filters
Convectional heaters do not have a filter, which means that they can emit dust and other particles into the air. This is why it’s essential to clean your heater regularly if you use one in your home or office!
Can Take a While to Heat Up a Room
Although they are more energy-efficient than other heating systems, convectional heaters can take a while to heat a room. This is because they rely on the air to be circulated in the room for heating.
What is a Radiant Heater?
Radiant heaters are another type of heater that heats objects and people. They have different heating elements, such as quartz or ceramic. These types of radiant heaters emit infrared radiation to produce their warmth.
How Does a Radiant Heater Work?
A radiant heater works by emitting radiation to heat objects and people. The things and people absorb the infrared energy in the room, warming up and emitting heat. The radiant heater quickly warms up the room by heating objects and people instead of the air.
Pros and Cons of Radiant Heating Systems
Like convection heaters, radiant heating systems have their own set of pros and cons. Let’s look at some advantages of using a radiant heater in your home or office!
Pros of Radiant Heating Systems
Uniform Heating
One benefit of radiant heating systems is that they provide uniform heat to the room. This means that you don’t have any hot or cold spots throughout your home once it’s turned on!
Reduced Energy Costs
Using a radiant heater is the money-saving aspect! Since these heaters are more energy-efficient, you will spend less on your energy bills over time.
Can Warm Up the Room Quickly
Another benefit is that they can warm up a room quickly! Because radiant heaters emit infrared radiation, it warms objects and people in the space instead of heating the air as convection heaters do. This results in warmer rooms much faster!
Health Benefits
These types of heaters are also great for your health! Since they emit less dust and other particles, you can avoid the respiratory issues of using a convection heater in your home.
No Dry Air
Radiant heaters do not dry out the air in a room. This means that you and your family or coworkers will be able to breathe easier and won’t have to worry about having a stuffy nose!
Cons of Radiant Heaters
Can Take Up Floor Space
One downside of radiant heating systems is that they can take up a lot of floor space. If you’re tight on square footage, it might not be the best option for you!
Higher Purchasing and Install Cost
Radiant heaters have a high purchasing and installation cost. This is because they need to be correctly installed by a professional to function correctly. This means that it might not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget!
In-depth Comparison Between Convection Heater Vs. Radiant Heater
Before purchasing a heater for your home or office, it’s essential to understand the two heating systems in depth. Here is an in-depth comparison of the two types of heaters.
1. Heating Capacity
When it comes to the heating capacity, radiant heaters can produce more warmth than convection heaters. This is because they emit infrared radiation instead of heating the air around them, meaning objects and people in the space will be warmer.
2. Cost
Purchasing a radiant heater is more expensive than that of a convection heater. Convectional heaters are less costly and can be easily purchased online or from your local hardware store. Additionally, radiant heating requires a specific installation to work, so you will need to hire a professional.
3. Energy efficiency
Radiant heaters are more energy-efficient than convection heaters. They emit infrared radiation, which warms objects and people in the room instead of heating the air as a convection heater does.
4. Noise
Noise can be a nuisance when it comes to heating systems. Radiant heaters are the quieter option, as they do not have a fan system inside of them like convection heaters.
5. Life expectancy
Radiant heaters have a higher life expectancy than convection heaters. Since the latter contains moving parts, it can break down much more quickly. The installation design for the radiant heating system also protects the system from wear and tear.
6. Safety
When it comes to safety, radiant heaters are the better option. They do not have a fan system like convectional heaters, so there is less chance of something going wrong. Radiant heaters do not stand the risks of being knocked down like convection heaters.
However, electronic radiant heaters are prone to electrostatic discharge, so it’s essential to be careful when handling them.
7. Floor space
Radiant heaters take up more floor space than convection heaters. If you are tight on square footage, this may not be the best option for you! On the other hand, a convection heater can be hung from the wall and does not take up as much space.
8. Heating Speed
Convectional heaters tend to warm up a room faster than radiant heat systems do. They heat the air around them, which circulates throughout the room. Unlike radiant heating, convectional heating does not concentrate the heat in one specific area.
Convection Vs. Radiant Heat Loss
Heat loss happens when the heat produced by your heating system escapes from your home. This can be caused by many different factors, such as windows, doors, and the roof. When it comes to convection heaters and radiant heaters, which one is better at preventing heat loss?
Radiant heating systems are more effective than convection heating systems to prevent heat loss. This is because they produce infrared radiation instead of heating the air around them, which means they will retain it inside your home.
On the other hand, convection heating systems are prone to heat loss, especially to rooms with poor insulations, high ceilings, and openings. This means that the warm air will escape from your home through windows, doors, and other outlets, making it less effective at heating your home.
Overall, radiant heaters are the better heating system for your home or office. They are more energy-efficient, have a longer life expectancy, and emit less noise than convection heaters. If you’re looking for an alternative to your current convectional heater, make sure to consider purchasing a radiant heater!
Convection Heat Vs. Radiant Heat for Garage
Which heating system is better for my garage? Convectional heating systems are not very practical for your garage, as they will heat the air around them. With the openings in your garage, the warm air will escape, and the cold air will come in, making it challenging to keep your garage warm.
Additionally, if your garage is oversized, it will take a long time for your garage to warm up. On the other hand, radiant heating systems are very effective in garages because they emit infrared radiation, which heats objects and people instead of the air around them! This means that you can efficiently heat your entire garage without having to worry about losing too much energy.
Is Radiant Heat More Efficient than Convection?
There is no clear-cut answer regarding whether radiant heat is more efficient than convection heat. This is because there are many different types of radiant heating systems, and each one has its benefits and drawbacks. Some people believe that radiant heating systems are more efficient because they do not rely on fans to move the air around.
However, others believe that convection heating systems are more efficient because they heat the air around them and circulate it throughout a room. The answer to this question depends on your heating needs. Convectional heating systems are more effective in small spaces like offices and homes. On the other hand, radiant heaters work better for larger areas like garages.
Additionally, if you live in a cold climate, radiant heating might be a better option because it will keep the heat inside your home. However, if you live in a warm environment, convectional heating might be a better choice because it will not make your home too hot.
Conclusion
Convectional and radiant heaters are standard heating systems used in homes. However, each of the designs has its benefits and drawbacks. Radiant heating systems are more effective at preventing heat loss, but they’re slower to warm up your home than convection heating systems.
If you live in a cold climate, radiant heating might be the better choice because it will keep the inside of your home warmer for longer. On the other hand, if you live in a warm climate, convectional heating might be the better choice because it will not make your home too hot.
Ultimately, the best decision for you depends on your specific needs and what type of climate you live in. Before making a purchase, you should also consider looking for an expert opinion. This will allow you to get the most out of your heating system and ensure that you’re comfortable in your home all year round!