There are various options for heating. If you use the right type, this ensures an increased feel-good factor and can save a lot of money at the same time. However, many people do not know the difference between convection and heat radiation and their respective advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we analyze both modes of action and then introduce a heater that combines the best of both worlds.

What is convection?

Convection, also called heat flow, is generally used to refer to a mechanism for heat transfer that occurs in the case of heating as free convection. Standard convection heaters consist of hollow bodies that are filled with warm water. The heat of the water is transferred to the air, which rises inside the radiator and room. The colder air in the room on the floor simultaneously flows into the radiator from below. This creates air circulation that causes the temperature in the room to rise. Convection heatersrs therefore heat the room air, which is why temperature zones are created with warmer air at the top of the room and colder air at the bottom. Since the principle is based on air currents, some people may feel disturbed by the light drafts and possible dust whirling up.

Convection heaters require a flow temperature of around 70 degrees Celsius and the warm water flowing through them can produce quiet noises. Nevertheless, convection heaters are very popular. Because of their widespread use, these heaters are inexpensive. Another advantage of the application is that it can react quickly to changing heat requirements. Convectors heat up rooms quickly and react promptly to changes in the setting of the thermostat.

What is thermal radiation?

When the sun is shining the sun's rays create a pleasant, warm feeling on the skin. This is called heat radiation. Radiant heaters work on the same principle. The rays heat the irradiated objects. The warmed objects then slowly release heat back into the environment and the room air, so to speak they become radiators themselves. The infrared heaters, which are very popular today, are a prime example of this type of heating. Popular advantages of infrared heaters are that there is no constant air circulation and the masonry is kept dry. Since a lower room heat is often already perceived as pleasant, less heating is required.

The disadvantage of radiant heaters is that they require a large area and a lot of energy to heat effectively, which is why they are often installed as heating in the floor or in walls. Because the objects in the room always have to be heated before the air temperature rises noticeably, the reaction to changes in settings is very sluggish. If you want to reduce the room temperature, for example, it is much faster with a convector because the air in the room cools down faster than the objects in the room.

The best of both worlds - a combination of convection and heat radiation

Technothermmost successful product, our partial storage heater, is the perfect combination of convection and thermal radiation. These surface thermal storage heaters are essentially covered with high-quality Magmatic storage stones, which are traversed by heating conductors. The storage stones, which are located directly on the housing of the heater, store the absorbed heat and transfer it to the rooms when required. The storage stones are surrounded by heating fins, similar to classic radiators.

When heating, the Magmatic storage stones are charged and transfer the heat to the fins. These give off heat radiation directly to the room. In addition, cold air is drawn in from below, warms up as it flows through the ribs and escapes again as warm air at the top. The proportion of convection to heat radiation is about 50% to 50%, a perfect combination of the two different heating systems. These heaters optimize the advantages and minimize the disadvantages of both types of heating. Due to the lower proportion of convection heat, there is much less air circulation, the fins warm very comfortably via infrared radiation and an even heat distribution in the room is guaranteed.

Partial storage heaters from Technotherm are completely silent. Individually welded-on ribs prevent cracking and there is no water noise as with a standard convection heater. Since a significantly lower flow temperature is required and the heat energy stored in the storage stone is also released after the heating is switched off, they are also much more efficient. With 15 minutes of power supply, 60 minutes of heating can be realised very well.

Conclusion

Convection heaters are still the most common type of heating in German households, even though they are not efficient, cause that the temperature is divided in the room and that dust is whirled up by the air circulation. In contrast, radiant heaters produce a pleasant warmth, are more efficient and ensure even heat distribution, but require a large area and a lot of energy. The perfect balance is the combination of the two types in the form of partial storage heaters. With the ideal ratio of 50% radiant heat to 50% convection heat, they offer the perfect solution.