Dyna Glo convection vs radiant heater

Dyna Glo convection vs radiant heater

For area heating, convection and radiant heaters are standard options. They can even use similar components, like finned tubular heating elements. But which is best? We look at the advantages and disadvantages of each heater type to determine which is best for different uses.

To start, an overview of how each heater works:

How Convection Heaters Work

Convection heaters are indirect heaters. They heat the air that circulates through the target area. Air convection currents are drawn through the heating elements, usually by a fan. The air heats up and circulates throughout the room, raising the temperature of the entire room.

How Radiant Heaters Work

Radiant heating offers more direct heating. Infrared rays radiate heat out directly to the air in range. These heaters are more directional than convection heaters, covering less area but providing more targeted heating.

Considerations in Choosing Between Convection & Radiant Heaters

The Target Environment/Area

The target area being heated is among the most significant differentiators in picking between these heaters. Convection heating is ideal for enclosed spaces. Since it heats circulating air, it can heat entire rooms with ease. The reliance on circulation means it’s only effective in a closed area.

The larger the area, the more difficult it is for a convection heater to achieve and maintain temperature.

For an open environment, like the outdoors, a radiant heater is a better option. It offers effective heating to objects and people within the range of infrared rays. A radiant heater is also a good choice for heating a specific area rather than an entire room.

Intermittent versus Continuous Heating

Another consideration is the timing of the heating. A convection heater performs best when providing heating over a longer time. It takes more time and energy for a convection heater to achieve target temperature than a radiant heater. However, the heat is easy to maintain once it reaches the target.

A radiant heater is better for more intermittent heating. Because the heating is direct, it can reach temperature quickly with minimal energy use. As well, the heat loss is faster when it is turned off, allowing for quicker heat dissipation. The result is better for areas that are not frequently in use or have more variable temperature needs.

Heating the stands in a hockey stadium is a good example of appropriate radiant heat use. The stands only need heating during games. The area is also too large to heat effectively with a convection heater.

Energy Expenditure & Efficiency

A heater’s use determines which type is most energy-efficient. For intermittent heating, radiant heaters are much more energy-efficient. They require little time or energy to achieve target temperatures. Achieving heat with a convection heater, on the other hand, is slower and more energy-intensive.

With the right purpose and taking advantage of automated thermostat controls, convection heaters can also be energy efficient. When heating an area for an extended time, the convection heater shines. Like a radiant heater, the heater doesn’t have to run continuously to maintain heat.

Instead, the convection heater relies on a controller attached to the thermostat. Once the thermostat reads the room temperature as hitting the desired temperature, it shuts off the heater. The heater turns back on if the temperature drops below.

Allergens & Contaminants

If there are concerns about allergens or contaminants, an infrared radiant heater is generally the better option. Since it doesn’t circulate air like a convection heate, the heater won’t spread dust or other allergens around the room. As well, it will not spread contaminants around a working facility.

Purchase The Right Area Heater For Your Application

Wattco manufactures and supplies custom-engineered heating solutions for all major industries. Our experts help you pick the right heater for your specific application. Contact us today for area heater quotes or information.

Radiant heat vs. convection heat

Thermodynamics and quantum mechanics

Dyna Glo convection vs radiant heater

Radiant and convection heating methods are based on two completely different physical processes. A convection heater heats only the air of the room to be heated, while a radiant heater warms the outer wall and the objects in a room. Therefore, thermodynamics are in action in the case of convection heating, while quantum mechanics are at work with radiant heating. The heat radiation results in a much more comfortable room climate than is the case with convection heating. The radiant heating does not circulate the air and the room air is perceived as less dry. In addition, because of the radiant heat there is no mould formation, as condensation only takes place when air cools down. For this reason, this heating system is very suitable for allergy sufferers.

Make use of the sun

Radiant heat works like the sun’s rays

Dyna Glo convection vs radiant heater

We know radiant heat from everyday life thanks to solar radiation, which heats up the objects that it strikes. In our own home, we can now profit from this method and continually produce comfortable temperatures with a radiant heating system. Here, too, only solid and liquid objects are heated, which in turn transfer the heat to the room. The air, however, is diatherm, that is, permeable to the heat rays that are produced. Thus, the temperature of the room air can be kept cooler, which is perceived as much more pleasant than when using convection heating. The infrared rays used in the radiant heat are electromagnetic waves. The wavelength used in the radiant heating is in a range of 2 to 50 μm, which is completely safe.

Low air exchange rate

Energy savings through radiant heating

The use of an efficient radiation heater can save energy in several ways. Since not the air but the objects are heated in a room, only a small amount of energy is consumed during air exchange required for hygiene reasons. Convection heating, on the other hand, must first heat up all the air in the room again in order to restore the required temperature. In this case, a considerable portion of the air is moved, which also leads to a continuous dust swirling. This places a burden on the mucous membranes, which is a major disadvantage, especially for allergy sufferers and asthmatics, and counts against using of convection heating. The lower air exchange rate due to the dormant air of the radiant heat is not only allergy-friendly but also ensures further energy savings. In order to heat the air, a temperature difference between the room air and the heating element is necessary in a conventional convection heating system. Radiant heating, on the other hand, follows Stefan Boltzmann’s law and is proportional to the fourth power with respect to absolute temperature.

Radiant heats vs. convection heat – the differences

While conventional heaters, also referred to as convection heaters, deliver part of their heat energy transferred to the ambient air to increase the room temperature, Energy-com skirting board heating panels uses radiant heat. They heat the wall surfaces and objects of the room from where the heat is transferred as heat radiation into the entire interior and distributed evenly. Thus, radiation and convection heating methods are based on two completely different physical processes. Convection heat works according to the principle of thermodynamics, radiant heat according to the principle of quantum mechanics.

Radiant heating offers many advantages

Our heating panels work like other radiant heaters and can be compared with radiant heat by solar radiation, which heats the objects that are hit by the sun’s rays. The heating elements in our skirting board heating panels are heated electrically or by water depending on the chosen model, and produce a much more comfortable room climate than is possible with convection heat. The radiant heat generated by skirting board heating does not develop air circulation and creates room air that is perceived as less dry. No condensation is produced, which minimises the risk of mould formation and the walls can’t cool down. For allergy sufferers and asthmatics, a heating system based on the principle of radiant heat is the best choice!

Radiant heat helps to save energy

In contrast to convection heat, radiant heat also offers the advantage of providing even heat distribution in the room and not creating cold zones, which are very common with conventional heaters. The use of a radiant heater can save energy in several ways. Since not the air but rather the walls and objects in the room are heated, no renewed energy consumption is necessary for air exchange in order to heat the fresh air again. Convection heating, on the other hand, must heat all the air in the room again in order to reach the desired temperature again. In this case, a considerable proportion of the air is circulated, resulting in dust swirling. The lower air exchange rate, because the air is dormant with radiant heat, also ensures further energy savings.

Which is better convection heat or radiant heat?

Energy Expenditure & Efficiency For intermittent heating, radiant heaters are much more energy-efficient. They require little time or energy to achieve target temperatures. Achieving heat with a convection heater, on the other hand, is slower and more energy-intensive.

What is the difference between convection and radiant wood heaters?

Convection stoves are designed to distribute heat a lot more evenly around the room. A radiant stove emits heat from the front; sides and top. The heat travels in straight lines from the stove, and is absorbed by any surface it encounters.

Do convection heaters use a lot of electricity?

The average daily cost of electric heaters is $2.32. Convection heaters are the cheapest type of gas heater to run, costing $2.56 per day.

What is the difference between convection and Infrared heaters?

The Principle Difference between Infrared and Convection Heating Method. An infrared heater is produces radiating heat; whereas, convection is produced by hot air. When a heater or product is heated by an infrared source, the heater requires a direct line of sight to the product.