Wall convector
A wall convector heats a room quickly and conveniently to the required temperature – safely and economically.
Vitoplanar wall convector
A wall convector works independently of the existing heating system and can easily be hung next to other existing radiators. Together, they can heat the room to the required temperature quickly and cost effectively. Thanks to its discreet appearance, it can be easily integrated into the existing déécor without looking out of place. A wall convector can also be used as the sole heat generator in rarely used rooms. This includes basements, workshops, conservatories and garages.
Guest rooms without their own radiators can also be effectively equipped with a wall convector. It provides the required heat within a very short time, when needed. This eliminates the need for costly connection to the central heating system.
Wall convectors use the principle of convection
A wall convector is suitable for heating rooms fast. It makes use of the physical law of thermally induced air movement by using the ambient air as a heat transfer medium. Specifically, the indoor air is drawn in and heated inside the convector. It is then released into the room via specially shaped air discharge grilles. The warm air rises into the room, drawing cool air with it and gradually transfers the stored thermal energy into the room. Once the air has cooled down again, it sinks. This creates a permanent circulating flow. This is how a convector differs from an infrared heater, which uses the principle of radiant heat. You can read what is meant by radiant heat on the Vitoplanar infrared heaters page.
Application areas for wall convectors
A convector heater is often used in living rooms. There it functions as a booster heater on very cold days or in spring/autumn when it is not yet worth turning on the central heating. Convection heaters can also act as the primary heat generator in infrequently used rooms such as guest rooms that do not have radiators.
Convector heating for frost protection
A convector heater does not necessarily have to be used just for heating. In rarely used rooms such as basements, workshops, conservatories and garages, it can also be provide frost protection. This is because these appliances have a temperature sensor. If the temperature drops below a predetermined point, the convector heater switches on automatically, protecting the room from costly frost damage.
Economic viability of convector heaters
How economically an electric convector works depends on many factors. An important one is its operating mode.
Rule of thumb:
- Mono mode (sole heater) is a good choice for rarely used rooms. This is because connection to the central heating system may not be financially worthwhile in such cases.
- Dual mode operation, i.e. together with the existing radiators, is the most economical for residential areas. Together with the other radiators, the convector heater can heat the room to the required temperature within a very short time.
Video: Heating with electricity
Buying the right convector
Wall convectors are available in numerous sizes and output stages. Above all, it is essential that the output matches the heat demand. An oversized radiator takes up an unnecessary amount of space. If, on the other hand, the heating output is too low, it takes a long time to reach the required temperature. At worst, this can lead to a loss of comfort or even cold damage to the building. The heating output required for a particular location can be quickly determined with the help of a heating contractor.