Convected Vs Radiant Heat

There are two main ways to heat any space - via convection or radiant heat - let’s break down their pros and cons, alongside how their processes really work…

Convection heat

The convection process is a way to heat a space. It draws cold air from the floor and then begins heating it and replacing it with warm air (this happens as cold air is more dense so it lies at the bottom of the room whereas hot air is less dense therefore it rises). The heat is then convected and distributed evenly throughout the room - which means no cold feet!

PRO’S

- Convection heaters can heat the entire room evenly, they can heat more people.

- Convection heaters are more economical as they can hold heat in the room for a longer period.

- The heating elements of convection heaters are not exposed and are safer to use than radiant heaters.

- They are even available in different designs, sizes, and models.

CON’S

- Some convection heaters should not be placed near windows or other areas where drafts are likely to occur as this will make them much less effective.

- Requires ventilation, no clothes to be dried on them however this is the case for most electric heaters.

- Can be slower to heat the room.

Radiant heat

Radiant heat acts like the sun, it travels towards you and the rays warm you up. A radiator does this with heat and not light, the sun does it with both heat and light. Radiant heat is the transfer of heat from one object to another, without the objects touching, for example, when you are near a fire you can feel the heat even though you are not touching the fire.

PRO’S

- Does not dry out the air.

- Quicker at heating smaller spaces.

- It is very good at giving out direct heat, meaning if you are within a certain distance and direction of a radiator it can be effective at heating you and the nearby objects.

CON’S

- Doesn’t heat up the entire room.

- Not suitable for all rooms in the house. For example, if it is in a kitchen or bathroom it can affect the moisture in the air.

There are positives and negatives to both types of heating as convection is great at heating a whole space evenly at a desired temperature, whereas radiant heat is quicker at warming up however it only has short rays therefore only things nearby will get warm.

Tags: Understanding Heating, Comparisons.