Convection questions

We've had some epic discussions about radiation, convection, conduction and the like. This thread may blossom into one - you never know. There is plenty of info archived, too. Basically you have it right. Most heaters will have a little of each going on - some convection and some radiation. If you are looking to move heat to multiple levels or multiple rooms, you will have to rely on convection.

As for which is best - I'm sure others will chime in. I would look for a stove that looks like it has a big quiet blower 'engineered' into the design. If it has a little box fan slapped on the side as an afterthought, it probably won't do too good with the convection.

Corey

Tone said:

Do I have this right?

Radiant heaters heat the objects in the room and convection heaters heat the air in the room.

Which stoves in particular are better convection heaters and do they require a built in fan to accomplish this?

I want to heat the air then blow some of it downstairs.

Thanks

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As a very rough first guide, radiant heat comes from hot surfaces, and convection comes from air blowing over / across hot surfaces. Thus the best radiant heat stoves tend to be those with single walls and exposed surfaces. The best convection stoves tend to be ones that have a jacket around much of the firebox (sort of like an insert) and a large blower to circulate the air between the jacket and the box.

Generally you will need a blower on a convection stove in order to shove the air through the gap and move the heat out.

Gooserider

Radiant will Heat a room but just will take some time to get the room up to temp. A convection with move the heat into the room quicker. But there are alot of factors like BTU of the unit, CFM of the blower, location of the unit, construction of the room. I sell them like this if you want to heat get a convection unit with a blower if you are more for the looks and want to enjoy the fire longer than get a radiant unit. Hope this also helps you.