A convection heater is a type of heater that uses convection currents to heat and circulate air. These currents circulate throughout the body of the appliance and across its heating element. Convection heaters work much like a convection oven and differ from radiant or conduction heating, as they rely on the movement of air. In the context of central heating, they function by warming a room from the top down, relying on the properties of air to rise when it is warm and fall when it cools.

Convection heaters are commonly classified according to their power source. Electric convection heaters use electricity, while combustion or gas-fired heaters use gas, propane, or any other type of fuel. For the heating element, convection heaters usually use metal coils, nickel-chromium, resistance wire, thermal fluids, or ceramic.

Convection heaters have several advantages over other types of heaters. They warm a room evenly as the air rises and falls uniformly within the space, and they can be mounted in unique spaces such as up high or at the base of stairways, allowing for more versatile ways to heat an environment. In most instances, convection heaters are relatively silent, as they do not rely on ductwork to provide heat. They are also considered one of the safest home heating options on the market.

The main difference between a convection heater and a radiant heater is the way in which they heat a room. Convection heaters produce indirect heat and rely on the natural convection process, while radiant heaters use direct heat to warm the space. Radiators are often plumbed central heating units, but there are also electric versions that have heating elements and conductive cores.

In summary, a convection heater is a type of heater that uses convection currents to heat and circulate air. They are commonly classified according to their power source and heating element. Convection heaters have several advantages over other types of heaters, including even heating and versatility in mounting. The main difference between a convection heater and a radiant heater is the way in which they heat a room.