How They Work
Fan Convectors
Fan Convectors require connection to a 'wet' central heating system and an electrical connection to run the fan.
Hot water from the central heating system passes through the heat exchanger transferring its heat to the aluminium fins. Cooler air is drawn in by the fan and heated as it passes over the heat exchanger before being expelled gently back into the room. This gives a more even temperature and will heat a room in much less time than a traditional panel radiator.
Flame-Effect Fan Convectors
Require connection to the wet central heating system and an electrical connection to run the flame-effect and fan.
Hot water from the central heating system passes through a heat exchanger and transfers its heat to the aluminium fins.
Cooler air is drawn in at floor level and used to create the flame-effect. The air is heated as it passes over the heat exchanger, a patented process that creates a realistic flame-effect, and then expelled gently back into the room.
This gives a more even temperature spread and will heat a room in much less time than a traditional panel radiator.
The fan will not come into operation until the central heating system water passing through the heat exchanger reaches 40oC (or the temperature set by the installer). This ensures that cooler air is not circulated at start up and allows Hydroflame to switch on and off automatically in conjunction with the central heating system.
Natural Convectors
(Perimeter Heating)
Require connection to the wet central heating system. Hot water from the central heating system passes through the heat exchanger transferring its heat to the aluminium fins. The natural movement of air gently circulates over the heat exchanger, is warmed and evenly distributed around the room.
Fan-Assisted Electric Heaters
Connect to an electrical system via either a fused spur (recommended) or a standard 3-pin plug.
Fan-assisted heaters cost around 15 pence per hour for each 1kW of heat.
Running Costs - Domestic Installations
Fan convectors and flame-effect fan convectors use a very small amount of electricity to run the fan and bulb (flame-effect fan convectors only). Based on an annual usage of 1300 hours with electricity charged at 15p per kWh we calculate these electricity costs to be less than £5 per year for a fan convector and less than £6 per year for flame-effect fan convectors. In independent efficiency tests carried out by BSRIA* this electricity usage was taken into account, however these type of products were still shown to use at least 24% less energy in heating up a room.
* BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) tests were carried out in August 2008.
What It Means
Hydronic
Connects to and runs from a central heating system.
Hydronic Low Voltage
Suitable for bathrooms and other high humidity areas.
Connects to and runs from a central heating system but includes a transformer to convert your 240V supply to 12V making it safe to operate with wet hands.
Hydronic/Electric (Dual)
Connects to and runs from a central heating system but also includes an electric heating element to provide supplementary heating when the central heating system is switched off.
All Electric
Connects to and runs from a 240V electrical supply. Only suitable for bathrooms and other high humidity areas if operated by pull-cord or switch, remote from the room.
Room Size Guide
(domestic applications only)
The figures quoted in the product performance tables use an average heat requirement of 45 watts per cubic metre of room space. (For room space multiply length x width x height).
For low voltage models 50 watts per cubic metre is used as these are designed for use in bathrooms or other high humidity areas which generally have a higher number of air changes per hour.
Operation
Fan convectors and flame-effect fan convectors will, if the heat output switch is left in either the normal or boost position, come on and off automatically with the central heating system. Each model includes a low temperature cut-out thermostat (LTC), which prevents the product operating until the water temperature reaches a pre-set temperature - normally 42ºC (108ºF). Electric fan-assisted heaters are designed to be switched on and off manually or via a room thermostat.
Fan-Only Option
Where indicated models include a fan-only option which allows the fan to run for a cooling flow of air. This function only operates when the heating system is switched off.