What is the difference between radiant heat and convection heat for an electric radiator?

What is the difference between radiant heat and convection heat for an electric radiator?

Radiant heat and convection heat describe the two different ways in which an electric radiator can deliver heat into a room. Radiant heat is the same type of heat we can feel from the sun, convection heat can feel less natural.

Electric radiators with radiant heat technology generate infrared electromagnetic energy that passes through the air in straight lines to directly heat objects and people in a room. Radiant heat from an electric radiator is not affected by air movement, such as draughts in a room, just as we can still feel the sun’s heat on a windy day. However, the source of radiant heat can only warm objects that are in its direct line of sight and in relatively close proximity. Radiant heat is also more instantaneous due to the properties of infrared electromagnetic energy.

By contrast, electric radiators delivering convection heat use the air to transfer warmth around the room. The air they heat rises on a convection current to be replaced by colder air, which is then warmed up by the electric radiator. This warm air circulates objects and reaches spaces that are not directly in front of the electric radiator. In this way, convection heat can heat a whole room. However, if draughts are present, such as from a window that has been left open, then heat energy can quickly be lost. This type of heating is also slower in comparison to radiant heat.

H2 - How can modern electric radiators deliver thermal comfort through the provision of radiant and convection heat? 

As we have discussed, radiant and convection heat each have distinctive methods of warming up a living space. There are occasions where one style of delivery may be better suited than the other. Modern electric radiators can also combine both methods to ensure that a variety of options are available to meet thermal comfort requirements.

Radiant electric heaters are ideal for:

• Situations where the room is occupied for a short period of time and heat is required quickly, such as in a bathroom. 

• Heating spaces where high air flow rates can be expected, such as converted garages or where heat loss through the building fabric can be high in conservatories or outside offices. 

• Rooms where space is limited as they are slim, lightweight and unobtrusive and fit seamlessly into any setting.

The disadvantages of radiant heat are:

• They only heat the objects and people in their line of sight
• Careful placement is needed, for example radiant heaters pointed at a window will heat the outside environment, not the room

Electric heaters that provide convection heat are ideal for:

• Rapid heating of spaces to a controlled temperature
• Warming up a whole room evenly, including areas that are not directly in front of the heater

The disadvantages of convection heat 

• Without an Open Window Detection feature, the heat can be rapidly lost through open doors, windows and draughts
• The air movement caused can circulate dust

The IRP Far-Infrared Panel Heater by Dimplex incorporates cutting-edge for-infrared technology for precise and comfortable heat distribution. Its ultra-slim profile of just 3cm is ideal for light commercial spaces and highly insulated new-build homes with minimal heat loss.

Some modern electric radiators combine the two technologies and can deliver a perfect blend of radiant and convection heat for a natural feel of warmth, on demand. The Q-Rad electric radiator by Dimplex is designed with comfort and energy efficiency in mind. It incorporates the most advanced technologies to give the users maximum control over their heating. Open Window detection ensures energy is not wasted by heating air that would be lost to the outside through an open window. Programmable controls allow living spaces to be heated only when required and a delayed start function brings a room up to the required temperature making it comfortable straight away when occupied. All these controls and intelligent technologies combine to increase the effectiveness and energy efficiency of the Q-Rad which has been dubbed ‘the electric radiator with a brain’.

At Dimplex we have a range of modern and stylish installed heating and panel heaters and electric radiators to suit all environments. If you would like to find out how choosing the Q-Rad, or any of our products, can benefit your next project, please contact our application design specialists who will be happy to help.