Why Are Convection Heaters So-called?
Why Are Convection Heaters So-called? Heating appliances specially designed to create a circulating movement of warmed air are called convection heaters because they operate by using convection currents of air. When air is heated it becomes less dense and, therefore, duly rises and is replaced by cold air. Convector heaters consist, basically, of metal cabinets with openings at the top and bottom to produce and direct this flow of rising warm air.
At the base of this cabinet there is a heating element and this warms the air within the cabinet. This warm air rises and, as it rises; cold air is drawn into the convector from the bottom of the appliance. The cabinet of the convector acts as a flue or chimney and creates a continuous current of warm air.
Oil heaters are an example of this kind of heating appliance. A convection heater may have an electrical heater element, a hot water coil, or a steam coil. Because of the natural ventilation, they are quieter in operation than fan heaters.
The portable model, here as illustrated, is an example of a convection space heater, considered to be highly efficient. The heater utilizes radiant heat, and, by virtue of draft construction, supplements its power by drawing cold air through the facing, heating it and forcing it into the room through the register.
This not only forces the circulation that provides even warmth in every section of the room, but enables the heater to operate at all times with a perfectly cool exterior. Positive circulation provides even warmth throughout the room, and guarantees a clean, humid, healthful air to occupants.
The mixing chamber, due to its exclusive construction, utilizes centrifugal force to insure a perfect mixture between the gas and air, which in turn provides complete combustion, thus preventing dangerous fumes. After the gas leaves the mixing chamber it passes into a distribution chamber whose shape is such that an equal amount of gas passes into each jet, giving uniform flame height and also intensity.
Due to the rising warm air from convector heaters, warm air may accumulate at the ceiling of the room. Therefore, convector heaters are often paired with ceiling fans, especially in rooms with tall ceilings. In the winter, setting a fan to turn clockwise will allow for more air circulation and will keep heat from rising completely, making the room feel warmer and allowing one to turn down the thermostat.