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What is the difference between the Apero model and Melody line units (Alto, Mezzo and Solo)?
The Apero model is the simpliest version of the Mezzo model. It is equipped with the same thermostat and also the same heating element, but comparatively to the Mezzo, the Apero is not compatible to the Convectair Programmer. We can observe also some differences in their physical caracteristics: The Apero only comes in mimetic white (off white) comparatively to the Mezzo, which offers two colors(pure white and greige); the wall bracket is not painted; the Apero is not equipped with side wire covers and plastic grille protectors.
The Apero is the basic Convectair heater. Its low cost makes it a good unit for trying out the Convectair brand. If you only need supplement heat in one particular room or you do not want to do programmation, this unit is the best choice !
Please note that the Apero is also available in 120 V.
For U.S. residents only: the Apero is only available in 120 V in U.S.A.
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Where does the name Convectair come from?
The name comes from the word "convection," which means the transfer of heat through movement. The brand was registered 17 years ago. But be careful -not all convectors are made by Convectair. Make sure you check the label carefully before you buy.
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Where can I buy Convectair units?
Convectair units are sold throughout North America. More than 600,000 units have already been sold in Canada, and over ten million by our affiliates worldwide. Our equipment is available at selected specialized heating retailers and through electrical contractors. Call 1 800 463-6478 for the dealer nearest you.
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Do I really have to hire an electrician?
It is recommended that Convectair units be installed by a qualified electrician, in compliance with national and local codes.
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How many units should I install to replace my current baseboard heaters, and what should their wattage be?
We recommend that you install Convectair units with the same output as your baseboard heaters, provided their capacity is sufficient. However, since Convectair offers a variety of heating units in different sizes and outputs, you should do a heat-loss calculation before anything else.
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How is this calculation done?
A number of parameters are taken into consideration. To determine the capacity you need, it's important that you look at the specifics of your home, how well it is insulated, the layout of the rooms, your family's lifestyle and your desired level of comfort. (Please refer to page 10 for more details).
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I have wall thermostats. Can I still use them?
We recommend that you remove your wall thermostats since each Convectair unit has a more effective built-in electronic thermostat. Using two incompatible thermostats may cause your equipment to overheat, compromising performance and comfort.
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Why doesn't Convectair use a wall thermostat?
Regardless of a room's layout, a wall thermostat is almost always installed near the doorway, usually opposite the exterior wall and more than 5 feet above the floor -in other words, very far from where heat escapes. So, when a door or window is opened or closed, for example, it takes a while for a wall thermostat to react. And unlike Convectair's built-in proportional action thermostats, a wall thermostat can't detect temperature variations near the floor.
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Does that mean that the built-in electronic thermostat is better?
Definitely. It's what makes Convectair a heating system and not simply an appliance. It offers you comfort and energy savings because the units are installed near cold walls or where you may be losing heat, and all are equipped with highly sensitive thermostats that detect the slightest temperature change, systematically calculating your heating needs for vastly improved performance. Actually, Convectair doesn't sell heating - we sell comfort and a lower heating bill.
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What happens if the power fails?
In a power failure, the Programmer Module retains pre-set data for up to 6 hours and, once the power returns, it will resume normal operation. In the case of longer blackouts, it will restart in Frost Protection mode - you just have to take a few moments to reset the day and time.
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Should I place my Convectair units under a window?
Unlike baseboard units and other types of heaters, Convectair units can be installed anywhere in a room, depending on the layout and how it's used.
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Do I have to install all my units 4 inches from the floor?
How high you install your units depends on the model. The simple convection units are usually installed 4 inches from the floor, while it is preferable to mount the Boléro and Calypso at 10 inches, and the Jazz between 30 and 52 inches - whatever height is best for hanging your towels and bathrobes.
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Can I install a Convectair unit on an exterior wall?
Absolutely. Unlike a baseboard heater, which is installed directly against the cold wall, Convectair units are 3/4 of an inch from the wall. A built-in temperature sensor takes an exact reading of your room's temperature.
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Why is this sensor located at the bottom of the unit?
The sensor is at the bottom of the unit - where cool air circulates - so it can measure the temperature of incoming air and react more quickly to temperature changes.
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What's the difference between the various models? Does it matter if I get the Alto, Mezzo or Solo? They seem the same to me.
These three models are in fact identical in terms of manufacturing and performance, but have different dimensions so you can optimize your use of space and ensure comfort in any room in your home.
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What is the purpose of the light on the Convectair units?
It's a heating indicator, to let you know which mode it is running in.
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Are Convectair units noisy?
Convectair units are silent because they operate on the principle of natural convection, without using fans. Also, they are equipped with a monoblock element which, comparatively to baseboard heater, does not generate any cracking sound. However, the Calypso, Jazz, Boléro, Diva, Samba and Soprano models, all conceived for the bathroom, have a built-in turbine, which heats up a room and defogs windows and mirrors faster.
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Should I clean my Convectair equipment often?
Convectair units only require minimal maintenance to give optimal performance. You can easily use a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove dust and lint from the front tray of most of the models. The grille, located just below the tray, can be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleansers that may damage the coating.
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I bought Convectair units 15 years ago, and I'm still pleased with how they work. Should I replace them with higher-performance models anyway?
Why change them if they still work well? However, should you ever have a problem, don't discard them. Convectair has all the required parts and can check and repair any unit we've ever sold.
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I've heard people talking about the Programmer Module. Can it be used with the Convectair units I already own?
The Programmer Module can be used with the latest-generation Alto, Mezzo and Solo models - in other words, models sold since 2000 - as well as with the Tenor and the Opera. It will also allows you to program Alto, Mezzo and Solo units sold since 1994, as well as the Jazz, the Diva, the Samba and the Calypso. Only the Apéro, the Soprano and the Boléro are incompatible with the Programmer Module.
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Are Convectair units guaranteed?
All Convectair units come with a two-year warranty. The heating element itself is guaranteed for five years. If you run into problems, please call us at 1 800 463-6478.
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What are consequences of installing an undersized unit?
In heating, there is no magic formula !
The reason is simple... Each room is unique of its kind !
There are many important factors that we have to take into account to make sure weve got the right wattage.
Some of these important factors are :
The number of exterior walls in the room.
The number of windows and their dimension.
Is there a patio door in the room ?
What type of insulation is in the wall? ...and in the ceiling?
Is there a fireplace in this room?
Whats happening when youre installing a unit smaller than you need ?
It may cause a premature deterioration of the components as they will need to work constantly to compensate for the lack of power.
The unit will probably not be able to do the job when the temperature drops below the freezing point.
Result: You will not be comfortable in that particular room and it will increase your electricity bill amount.
So, it is certainly a good thing to take a few minutes of your time to fill in the heating evaluation form and this way, take full advantage of your Convectair heating units.
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Why purchase an oversized unit when you are looking to save energy and money?
In heating, there is no magic formula !
The reason is simple... Each room is unique of its kind !
There are many important factors that we have to take into account to make sure weve got the right wattage.
Some of these important factors are :
The number of outside walls in the room.
The number of windows and their dimension.
Is there a patio door in the room ?
The type of insulation in the walls, in the ceiling and in the floor.
Is there a fireplace in this room ?
Whats happening when youre installing a unit bigger than you need?
A too big unit is not necessarly more efficient.
The unit itself is more expensive as it is more powerful.
An oversized unit will stay "off" too long. Il will results a bad heat distribution that will increase or reduce the temperature and then cause discomfort.
In some cases, more power than is necessary will add to installation costs by the increase in circuits and the upgrade of the electrical main panel.
So, it is certainly a good thing to take a few minutes of your time to fill in the heating evaluation form and this way, take full advantage of your Convectair heating units.
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