A heating unit that blows air through the heating element using a built-in fan is called a heat fan. The device is used in rooms where constant heating is not needed, but a rapid rise in temperature is required. The unit operates in fan mode if the heating element is switched off.
The principle of structure
Compact devices are installed anywhere in the room and are powered by electricity. The device produces heat, which is distributed around the room by means of a fan.
A home heating fan consists of parts:
- heater;
- blade fan;
- case box;
- Electrical engine;
- air inlet and outlet grill;
- thermostat;
- knob for switching modes and adjusting temperature;
- protective sensor against overheating.
During operation, safety rules must be observed. Do not put objects on the unit and dry things, put close flammable substances.
The body is made of plastic or metal, depending on the price category. For an apartment, a box of the second type is better suited.
Heat fan types
An electric heater with a fan is produced in different types, differing in technical parameters and internal filling. Reliability and trouble-free operation depends on the type of heating unit and fan design. Practicality and durability are determined by the version and control method.
By type of heating element
The heating group in the appliance determines the power and affects the rate at which the temperature rises. Some elements are used open, others are insulated with protective materials.
Models of fan heaters for home:
- With a spiral element. Low-cost units heat the air, which is pumped through a metal spiral with high electrical resistance. Nichrome wire is placed openly and wound on an elongated piece of refractory material.
- With heating element. The tubular electric heater is covered with insulation. A filler is poured inside, manganese oxide or quartz in the form of sand is used. The inner filling helps to distribute heat evenly over the outer shell.
- With ceramic heater. Externally, the accessory link resembles a structure in the form of separate cells. The composition consists of semiconductors protected by a ceramic shell and an aluminum grid with good heat conductivity.
The spiral burns oxygen in the room and gives off an unpleasant odor in a dusty atmosphere. Ceramics have a greater effect and are among the safest options in terms of fire.
By fans
An axial fan is a common type, with the blades attached to the rotor of the motor. The wings are made of plastic or metal, rotate around the central axis, their number may vary. This type is used in desktop and floor models of a thermal fan for the home.
The tangential or diametrical view contains a drum wheel with bent blades in the structure. The impellers are arranged in parallel on the axis. The body has two openings: a branch pipe (inlet), a diffuser (outlet). In such devices, the flow passes perpendicular to the rotational axis, the air is evenly distributed. A diametrical fan heater is better than an axial one, since it works silently.
In the diagonal design, the air first moves along the axis, then with the help of specially designed wings, the direction is changed by 45 °, which accelerates the heating of the room. Such a heater is used in some versions of tabletop models.
The bladeless design was developed by British manufacturers and does not include moving parts. The fan works on the principle of a jet turbine. Air enters the inside of the fan ring, which has aerodynamic characteristics, and exits from the slot along the outer perimeter.
The bladeless model provides comfort and safety, works silently.
By execution
The installation method divides the units into mobile and stationary categories. The first devices are carried to any part of the room and can be hung on hooks. This category includes a tabletop heater with a fan. The mobile device weighs little, has a power in the range of 2 - 2.5 kW.
Stationary devices are divided into types:
- wall-mounted;
- ceiling;
- floor;
- combined.
A floor heater with a fan looks like a vertical column, sometimes the body is made movable to transfer heat in different directions.
Wall-mounted models look like an air-conditioning indoor unit, the devices blow the air flow down. Such fans with a heating element are used to obtain a thermal zone above the entrance from the street. Ceiling fan heaters supply air in different directions, usually installed in rooms with high ceilings.
By control system
Management can be mechanical, automatic or electronic. Automation sets an acceptable degree of room heating, starts and turns off without human intervention. Energy saving mode can be selected.
Mechanical regulation is more often used in a home heater. There are handles on the body:
- Temperature regulator;
- power level coordinator.
With electronic control, the work is coordinated on a touchscreen or push-button housing panel. The models are equipped with a timer for economical operation and safety sensors against frost and overheating. The units are controlled by a remote control that regulates functions from a distance.
Specifications
The parameters of fan heaters differ depending on the model and power, therefore they differ in different versions.
General technical indicators:
- devices produce heat simultaneously with switching on, no time is required for the element to warm up;
- shutdown when a certain temperature is reached or after a specified time has passed;
- optimal ratio of power and temperature;
- overheating protection sensors;
- power from 0.8 to 12 kW;
- the ability to operate in fan mode;
- built-in roll-over sensor.
The production uses certified materials. There are service centers that carry out repairs.
Advantages and disadvantages
Fan heaters work constantly according to a given program. The heat is evenly distributed in the room thanks to the forced air. Tabletop appliances are transferred to the desired location and heat a specific area. Wall-mounted units create targeted air curtains where cold air is most exposed.
The disadvantages are that fans (except for ceramic appliances) dry the air, so manual humidification or installation of an appropriate system is required. Non-electrical devices such as heat guns or diesel stoves pose a risk of poisoning from fuel vapors.
Heat fan selection rules
When determining the type of unit, pay attention to the indicators:
- power consumption;
- type of thermoelement;
- number of additional functions;
- functionality mode.
Low power home devices are selected. Industrial units are designed to heat large rooms. The technical data sheet indicates the characteristics with the help of which the optimal model is selected without overpaying for unnecessary functions.
Power
Home fan heaters are characterized by a capacity of 0.8 - 3.0 kW and are used for rooms with an area of 10 - 20 m2. If the device complements the main water heating, it is enough to select an indicator of 1 - 1.5 kW.
Low-power devices (0.8 - 1.2 kW) are used in such cases:
- the building has old wiring with aluminum wires and an overload of the electrical system threatens with fire;
- the house has several rooms and appliances must be turned on in each;
- small size of the room.
Ordinary household sockets have a current limit of 16 A, which corresponds to a power of 3.0 kW, therefore, it is not recommended to use powerful fan heaters for a long time.
Heating element
Nichrome wire has been used in devices for a long time and is a cheap type of heater, reaching + 800 ° C. The spiral often burns out, is a fire hazard, therefore the device requires a monitoring overheating sensor.
The heating element burns out less often, since it heats up to + 450 ° С, the dust in the air does not burn out, so there is no unpleasant smell. The price of heat fans with heating elements is higher than spiral fans, but they are safer. In ceramic units, the heater is made of semiconductors covered with a protective layer. The temperature is in the range of +100 - + 150 ° C, and the impeller is located behind the element, which provides uniform cooling.
Modes of operation
Each model has several modes of functionality. Some are exhibited during the off-season to create comfort, while others are ideal on frosty days.
Varieties of modes:
- ½ power indicator is indicated on the panel by one dot or number 1;
- work in full force is selected by moving the toggle switch to 2 points or number 2;
- ventilation is carried out when the handle is moved to the initial position.
The third position is chosen in the summer when airing the room. Switching the toggle switch means changing the speed of the impeller revolutions, coordinating heating, automatically maintaining the selected indicators.
Additional functions
Overheating protection is implemented by a thermostat and turns on when the maximum values are reached, the fan heater stops working for a certain time and cools down. There is a relay that turns off the device when dropped or thrown over.
The air flow rate is regulated by the selection of the fan speed. The mode is selected if the area close to the heater is heated without heat spreading throughout the room.
Additional features include:
- device rotation mechanism;
- silent bearings;
- thermostat;
- case with protection against moisture drops;
- humidifying device;
- air filter;
- remote command set.
The ionization function is available in additional working conditions, but for efficiency it is better to purchase a separate device.
Application area
Fan heaters are used in different premises, for example, apartments, private houses, garages. Appliances heat greenhouses and utility rooms.
Thermal appliances are divided into household and industrial.
Household appliances are notable for their low power. Industrial fan heaters can operate around the clock without damage to internal mechanisms. Such units are connected to separate wiring and are equipped with circuit breakers that carry high currents.
Popular models of heat fans
Galore compact household appliances are distinguished by their ergonomic design and are equipped with overheating protection. The line includes table and floor models that quickly heat up the room.
Ballu - portable units work efficiently and are distinguished by simple operation. There is a regulator for heating the element and the speed of rotation of the impeller.
Electrolux devices have an innovative design and are distinguished by the use of environmentally friendly materials in their production. Switching toggle switches and additional functions allow you to solve a variety of tasks.
The Timberk line contains ceramic and spiral models in a variety of placement. Some options are equipped with a rotary housing, air humidification system, safety sensors.
The Polaris range is represented by easy-to-use units. Lightweight and ergonomic fan heaters have good performance, differ in heaters of various types.
