Old and unsightly heaters are increasingly being replaced by more modern convector heaters: immediate, high-efficiency room heaters that can be installed in a few simple steps.
There are two main types of convector heaters: electric and gas.
Electric convector heaters
They can be of varying shape (radiator, flat, horizontal, column, etc.) and be mobile or fixed to the wall.
All electric convector heaters have special electric resistances that heat air which is expelled upwards through special openings. In most cases they also have a fan, usually of a tangential type, which increases the heat exchange between the convector heater and the environment.
Gas convector heaters
These have sealed circulation (the gas and combustion products cannot come into contact with the internal environment) and are installed on a perimeter wall through which an inflow/outflow pipe allows the combustion to be discharged. An internal tangential fan with selectable speed reinforces the heat exchange with the environment.
Electric convector maintenance
Maintenance should be carried out on electric convectors ideally at least once a year, coinciding with the end of the period of use.
Dust
The main problem is the dust that accumulates in the interior and in the air inlet and outlet slots/grilles. Most of the dust can be removed with a good vacuum cleaner and a slightly damp microfibre cloth (of course these operations must be carried out with the power plug disconnected).
The tangential fan
To more thoroughly clean convector heaters, it’s best to open the container whenever possible and check the condition of the tangential fan. It is very often covered with a thick layer of adherent dust that reduces the space between the slats and significantly reduces the functionality of the fan.
Here too the best thing to do is use a strong vacuum to remove the dust while you pass over the vents with a brush.
Then use your hands to check for any extra space between the rotation axis and the supports of the rotation shaft consisting of two ball bearings. The extra space would cause an annoying noise and requires replacement of the piece (by a technician).
Useful lubrication
Lubricate the bearings by applying some WD-40 Specialist High Performance PTFE Lubricant, which provides excellent lubrication and corrosion prevention and can be applied to all metals, glass, vinyl, rubber and plastic. It is available with the practical Double Position System, which lets you switch from a broad spray to a precise application.
Gas convector maintenance
The maintenance of a gas convector heater is similar. Also in this case, the outer casing of the appliance must be removed to access the internal components. Once you have removed the dust, there are two simple operations that should be performed.
First of all, check that there are no microscopic gas leaks using a splash of special detector liquid on the joint and on the tap of the supply system.
Then apply some WD-40 Specialist Fast Drying Contact Cleaner on the electrical contacts and connections in the appliance, which quickly penetrates into the most difficult to reach areas, drying quickly and without leaving residues. Doing so improves electrical conductivity.
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