Saturday, December 26, 2009

How much do oil filled radiators cost to run,compared to convector radiators?

If they have the same output (e.g. 2kw or 3kw) on their label, then they cost exactly the same to run. The convector puts out heat quicker, but stops putting out heat quicker when you turn it off. The oil-filled radiator is quieter than a convector with a fan, which may be helpful at night.How much do oil filled radiators cost to run,compared to convector radiators?
For the same amount of heat the cost will be the same, since both rely upon convection to circulate the heat. Current (in Amps) multiplied by voltage (in Volts) will give the power (in Watts). So a 2 Kilowatt oil filled radiator will consume the same amount of energy as a 2 Kilowatt convector heater. HOWEVER, the convector heater will provide heat almost right away, whereas the oil filled radiator will take several minutes before it provides any useful amount of heat. This might make you think that the oil filled radiator is wasting energy, but in the end both the convector heater and the oil filled radiator release the same amount of heat for the same amount of energy consumed. So for example, although the oil filled radiator takes longer to produce heat initially, it will continue to give out heat long after the power is disconnected, whereas the convector heater ceases to produce heat almost as soon as it is turned off.
  • sunshine
  • No comments:

    Post a Comment