LPC Q&A
What is Wall Streaking?
Wall streaking is common to every convection type of heating system, it is caused when the warm air from the baseboard, deposits airborne dust particles, allowing for a gradual buildup of this airborne material on the wall. There is no way to stop wall streaking from occurring, however regular upkeep in the area including washing the walls, drapes, vacuuming and ensuring the heater is free of dust can go a long way in reducing the occurrence of wall streaking
What is Through-the-Wall Heat Loss?
Through-the-wall heat loss is the penetration of heated air through a wall's surface. The LC/LPC reduces heat loss in two ways. First, by reducing turbulent air flow above the heater, the insulating boundary layer of still air against the wall is much thicker. The thicker this layer, the greater the insulating value. Second, the heater is up to 42% shorter than a conventional baseboard, thus heating less of the outside wall. These factors can reduce heat loss by as much as 10%.
How does a Conventional Baseboard work?
The "lip" of a conventional front discharge baseboard creates air vortices above the board which "scrub away" the insulating still air layer on the surface of the wall. This "scrubbed" surface then permits the heated air to penetrate the wall surface, losing its heating value in the room. The "lip" does not redirect warmed air into the room, as commonly believed. Rather, it serves to slow air movement, creating turbulence in the air flow above the board.
How does a Linear Convector work?
Vertical movement of warm air is 40% faster through the LC than a conventional baseboard. The increased air flow speeds dispersal of warm air into the center of the room. Tests show that the LC raises the temperature at the center of a typical room by 5°C, in half the time of a conventional baseboard.
With top discharge will objects get caught in the heater?
The LC and LPC have a removable grill to keep large objects from falling through to the elements. Smaller objects will fall through the shark fin elements and exit out the bottom of the heater.
What is the difference between an LC and LPC Convector?
The LC is the standard Linear Convector heater which requires a field installable on-board or wall mounted thermostat to operate.
The LPC is the deluxe Linear Convector heater that comes equipped with a built-in electronic proportioning thermostat with an optional RF transceiver.
Can an LC heat my room as well as a traditional equivalent wattage baseboard?
Better. Due to the Dimplex shark fin element design, easier airflow from top discharge of heated air, and an on-board CSA-C828 compliant electronic thermostat (LPC only), a Linear Convector (of the same wattage as a baseboard) will heat the same space quicker, more accurately, and maintain that temperature better than any baseboard on the market.
Since the LC is so much smaller, could I use one higher wattage LC to replace two old style baseboards?
Absolutely. As long as your wiring can accommodate the specific voltage and amps required, one Linear Convector could be used to replace two conventional boards in a fraction of the space.
My old baseboards creak and ping when they are on. Will the LC do that?
The creaking and pinging produced by old-style baseboards is typical of expansion and contraction experienced in the larger length boards due to heating and cooling. The new, compact design of the Linear Convectors, with reduced length and top air discharge, will correspondingly reduce the experience of creaking and pinging. As well, the LPC proportions the heat so does not heat up and cool down like a conventional baseboard, resulting in reduced heating and cooling noise.
How do I replace a baseboard that has an old style wall thermostat with an LPC?
Simply disconnect the power to the board and original thermostat, remove the old board, and replace it with the new LPC Linear Convector. If the wires that power the heater need to be replaced, do so before installing the LPC. You will no longer need to run a wire to the heater for the thermostat, as it is contained on-board the LPC. Remove the old thermostat from the wall, along with any unnecessary wires. Mount the new optional remote control into a Decor-style switch plate and screw it directly into the old wall box. It is battery-powered so it won't require wiring to the LPC. The remote control needs to be synchronized with the LPC in order to communicate, and then it's ready to go. We recommend that, whenever dealing with installation, you refer to a licensed electrical contractor to ensure safety and efficiency.
Can I operate multiple LPC heaters with one Wall Mounted Remote Control?
Yes, a single Wall Remote will set the temperature of the thermostat mounted on the LPC. You can use a remote to set an individual heater or multiple LPC heaters. The remote control uses 2.4GHz, RF (radio frequency) to send a single signal to the LPC. As each heater has an antenna and transceiver, you can synchronize multiple heaters without losing the RF signal.
How does "micro-zone" heating work?
"Micro zone" technology takes zonal heating to a new level. Each LPC senses the ambient temperature entering it. Each LPC accurately proportions the heat output to maintain the temperature in the "micro zone" around it, to exceed the performance requirements of CSA- C828. Even though the set point of all heaters may be the same, each heater operates independently. Comparatively, a central wall thermostat controls all the heaters connected to it, controlling only the temperature at the wall thermostat.
Can any kind of thermostat operate the LC or the LPC?
The LC and LPC Linear Convectors work on line voltage (i.e. 120 through 347 Volts, determinant upon the heater). The LC must be wired to a thermostat, much like a conventional baseboard. The LPC is supplied with a built-in electronic thermostat, so no additional thermostat is required. We recommend that, whenever dealing with installation, you refer to a licensed electrical contractor to ensure safety and efficiency.
