Difference Radiant Heat versus Convective Heat

Whether a room climate is comfortable or not is not determined solely by the room temperature. What is important is how the heat is absorbed by the person. Because: Heating not only influences the room temperature, it changes the entire room climate.

In general, there are two different types of heat transfer in enclosed spaces. While radiators transfer heat to the room through convection, surface heating systems work with radiant heat. But what is the difference?

Conventional radiators, air heaters, and convectors mostly work with convective heat. Surface heating (wall, floor, ceiling) and tiled stoves warm the room pleasantly and comfortably using soothing radiant heat. The heat is transferred directly from the surface to the body. 

Radiant heat can be compared to sunlight: When infrared rays hit a solid object, it is set into faster vibration and warms up. This energy is released as heat into the room. Thus, a person is warmed "from within."

Who doesn't know this? When sitting in the sun in a ski lodge in winter, a T-shirt is usually enough. In the shade, however, you need a ski jacket to avoid getting cold. 

Convective heat warms the air and distributes it in the room. The heat is transferred from one place to another by means of convection. The air thus acts as the heat carrier. This often creates drafts in the room, which are perceived as unpleasant.

A convector moves the air and thus stirs up dust. This can be unpleasant for allergy sufferers. 

The advantage of convection heat is that the heat is quickly available and spreads rapidly throughout the room. The disadvantage is that different temperature zones are created in the room. The warm air rises and the cold air sinks. This means: warm head and cold feet, even if the room temperature is quite high. The room does not become comfortable.