Convector radiators are increasingly popular in modern homes due to their excellent efficiency and the speed with which they increase the heat in a room. They warm the surrounding air by circulating hot water through a tube, which is surrounded by small fins. The fins conduct the heat from the central tube, resulting in a larger surface area and more contact with the surrounding air, increasing the speed with which the heat transfer takes place. Hot air rises from the radiator and cool air is drawn into the unit from the sides; this process is called “convective heating”, hence the name.
There are several benefits to choosing a convector radiator. Due to the increased contact area and the way they encourage airflow, convectors warm a room far more quickly than traditional radiators. This is always useful in the colder months of the year but has the added benefit of saving money; there's no need to leave your heating active for longer than necessary when you have radiators that can quickly raise room temperature.
Due to regular radiators requiring a larger surface in order to heat an area, convectors can achieve the same results in a much smaller unit, helping you save space and opening up a wide range of design possibilities. Many convector designs are sleek and stylish but even a diminutive size doesn't reduce their ability to heat a room. Unlike other radiators, which need to be prominent in your home, convectors can be incorporated into a larger variety of locations, such as installed directly into the floor. This is helpful in rooms that don't have a lot of wall space, such as where there is a floor to ceiling window or anywhere else that you want to keep a clean and featureless aesthetic. Convector heaters aren't as warm to the touch, making them safer for homes with small children where there is a risk of infants touching the hot surface of traditional radiators. Convectors can be hidden from sight and left to perform their function without interference.
Despite their benefits, the method of heating the air means there is some potential for convectors to be less hygienic than radiant heaters. The constant circulation of air is heated by an element that might be unclean and sometimes encourages the spread of germs throughout an area. It is important to keep your convector clean to avoid this but doing so will greatly reduce the likelihood of any issues.
Convectors currently don't have as long a lifespan as radiant heaters and are more costly, however their speed at heating a room and their lower energy requirements balance this out. Which type you prefer will largely depend on whether you prefer better efficiency and heating in the shorter term or the longevity and durability of a radiant heater. For a modern radiator that will warm your home quickly and thoroughly, convector heaters are currently the popular choice.
