Rating of the best heating radiators. Which heating radiator is best to choose for an apartment - analysis of four options Which radiators are the warmest
One of the important links in any heating system is a radiator, which is installed in every room to be heated. It is thanks to this device that comfort and coziness is created for the residents of an apartment or private house. Therefore, the choice of a high-quality battery should be based on heat transfer, visual appeal and low cost of the radiator. But for a better understanding of the issue of purchasing such a device, you need to consider the main characteristics different models, presented, on modern construction market.
Compatibility of radiators with different heating systems
On modern market heating technologies there is a wide range of radiators made of cast iron, aluminum, steel, copper and a combination of several metals. all that remains for the consumer to figure out is which heating device is suitable for a specific method of heating a home?. In this case, the choice should be based on the technical characteristics of the battery: permissible temperature indicators, pressure level, heat transfer coefficient, inertness, as well as the acid-base balance of the coolant used - indicators that correspond to the parameters of the heating system in a particular house or apartment.
The appearance of the heating battery is also important, along with the service life and cost of the device. In this case it is necessary consider in which heating scheme the radiator will be used – open system in an apartment building or closed wiring in a private house. If these criteria are neglected, then the heating efficiency will, at best, drop sharply, and in the worst case, the battery will simply fail.
How do technical characteristics affect the choice of radiator?
The main problem consumer is that when choosing a good radiator, the aesthetic component and the price of the battery are primarily taken into account, and not the technical and operational parameters of the heating equipment. Not any battery model even famous manufacturer is able to withstand operating conditions in a heating network that operates in multi-story buildings.
The work of centralized heating, which we inherited from the times former USSR, is characterized by constant pressure drops, temperature fluctuations, as well as poor-quality coolant circulating through the central risers. Calculated temperature parameters for single-pipe domestic heating systems open type in high-rise apartments can reach 120° C with pressure levels exceeding 10 atmospheres. In this case, frequent thermal shocks are observed, especially when the heating main is started for the first time after a period of inactivity. summer season.
Therefore, when choosing a good radiator, all the above indicators must be taken into account. First of all, you need to take into account the maximum permissible temperature and pressure parameters hot water in the heating system, which are usually indicated in the documentation for the purchased heating device.
Another important parameter of any heating radiator is the heat transfer coefficient. This criterion directly affects the efficiency of heating the air in a heated room and depends on the materials used in the production of the battery. It's no secret that an aluminum battery works much more efficiently than its cast iron counterpart., in turn, a copper product is rightfully considered a leader in terms of efficiency. But focusing on just one battery characteristic is completely wrong. It is necessary to rely on both the positive and negative qualities of the heating device. Only in such a situation can you choose the right heating radiator.
Popular options for heating radiators
Despite the wide range of different heating devices and related elements in the modern construction market today, there are several most popular types of batteries:
- cast iron heating device;
- aluminum product;
- heating battery made of steel;
- combined bimetallic radiator.
Depending on the shape and material, different types of radiators have both their advantages and disadvantages on which their choice should be based. But first you need to familiarize yourself with each individual heating battery model.
Heating battery made of cast iron
The massive batteries made of cast iron, painted white, familiar to every resident of our country, are gradually becoming history. They were replaced new improved radiators made of the same metal, but only with a more aesthetically attractive appearance and the same reliability, proven over the years. At the same time, they have certain advantages over competing products:
Plus, the cast iron battery is less susceptible to corrosion. This is due to the fact that as a result of the initial interaction with the coolant on internal surfaces Insoluble black deposits form on the radiator, which acts as protective screen, preventing contact of the air present in the water with the metal.
The destruction of a cast iron radiator, subject to operating conditions, will occur very slowly. The outside of a modern battery is covered with a special heat-resistant paint coating, which reliably protects it from destruction. Radiators made of cast iron practically do not produce gases and therefore there is no bubbling, so there is no need to regularly bleed the air.
If we consider the disadvantages of cast iron radiators, then we would like to draw attention to the large weight, due to which, when carrying out installation work you will need two people. Besides this cast iron - metal with high level inertia. The cast iron battery warms up very slowly, but also cools down slowly, making it impossible to quickly adjust the air temperature in the heated room.
Steel heating radiator
The steel battery is shaped like a ribbed plate, inside of which there is a hermetically sealed circuit through which the coolant will circulate. Thanks to large area such a radiator and its ribbed shape ensures good heat transfer and convection of warm air masses. The thermal conductivity of steel is comparable to cast iron, but the walls of a steel battery are much thinner and therefore heat up faster. The operating pressure of a steel heating device can reach 10 atmospheres, plus it has the following advantages:
- due to its shape and visual appeal, the steel battery will easily fit into the interior of a modern home;
- the service life of a steel radiator, like its cast iron counterpart, even despite the poor quality of the coolant in the centralized heating system, is 25 years;
- a steel radiator can be installed in both single-pipe and two-pipe heating systems;
- The steel battery is easy to install and relatively inexpensive.
Among the shortcomings I would like to highlight the need to correctly calculate the number of radiator fins, since the closed design of the circuit does not allow them to be expanded to change the thermal characteristics. In addition, operating steel radiators in constant voltage mode, that is, at maximum pressure, can lead to loss of tightness of steel panels.
Aluminum heating radiator
The aluminum battery has an attractive appearance and compact size. You can find it on store shelves additional sets of sections, thanks to which you can select the required quantity based on the parameters of the heated room.
Aluminum products are also available in different heights, so it is possible to install such a battery in places where a cast iron or steel counterpart would not fit. The operating pressure parameters of such a heating device reach 12 atmospheres. At the same time, such a radiator has obvious advantages:
- modern attractive appearance;
- high level of heat transfer compared to a cast iron or steel battery;
- due to the light weight of the aluminum battery, it can be installed alone;
- the ability to select the required number of sections;
- the outer side of the product is covered with high-quality polymer layer, which protects the battery from external damage.
The main disadvantage of an aluminum radiator is its use only in closed heating systems ah with high-quality coolant having a neutral acid-base balance. At the same time, in All components and pipes must match the battery material. Aluminum easily reacts with any other metals. For example, upon contact with copper, a galvanic couple is formed, which leads to electrochemical corrosion. Therefore, for heating distribution with aluminum radiators, a plastic pipeline is used with mandatory grounding of the radiators.
I would also like to note that when aluminum comes into contact with water, which is saturated with oxygen, a violent reaction occurs, as a result of which hydrogen is released. Gas bubbles accumulating in the heating system create not very pleasant sounds. Therefore, during the installation process, aluminum batteries are necessarily equipped with Mayevsky taps to remove air pockets.
Taking these features into account, the use aluminum batteries in multi-apartment buildings with centralized heating supply is not advisable. First of all, this is due to the quality of the coolant, which is not controlled by anyone.
Based on the name, such batteries consist of different materials– steel and aluminum, while incorporating their best characteristics. The design of the internal circuit of the bimetallic radiator, in which the coolant circulates, is made of steel, which makes it possible to use such a device in any heating system. In turn, external plates responsible for heat transfer to environment
, are made of aluminum - a material with a high thermal conductivity coefficient. Plus, in addition to the advantages borrowed from an aluminum and steel battery, a bimetallic radiator has the following advantages:
- operating pressure level up to 35 atmospheres;
- resistance to corrosion regardless of the coolant used;
- low coefficient of inertia, allowing you to quickly change temperature regime indoors;
- external attractiveness;
- ease of installation and low weight;
- possibility to select required quantity sections.
The only significant drawback is the high cost of the product, which is compensated by the reliability and long service life of the bimetallic radiator. Also, during the installation of such a bacterium, it is important to maintain a distance from the device to the wall, which should not be less than 4 cm.
In conclusion, we can come to the conclusion that in apartments with a centralized heating system it is better to install radiators made of cast iron or bimetallic analogues. In turn, in private housing construction the best option prices and quality are considered batteries made of steel or aluminum.
Replacing batteries that have stopped performing their functions is an important part of repairing a heating system. Therefore, their choice should be taken with all seriousness and responsibility. And in order not to make a mistake in your purchase and choose the option that best suits the individual characteristics of your home, you need to determine for yourself which heating radiators are best for your apartment. Moreover, the range of products of this type presented in specialized stores is quite wide.
Modern industry produces several varieties heating batteries, made from various materials and having a specific set of characteristics. These include:
Sectional cast iron radiators
Their advantages:
- Reliability and durability. Average term operation of radiators is about 50 years.
- Undemanding to the quality of the coolant. Therefore, they are still installed in buildings with gravity system heating (operating on the principle of natural circulation).
- Sufficient thermal conductivity and high inertia. They do not warm up very quickly, but retain heat well (for systems with automatic control, high inertia is a disadvantage and for this reason cast iron radiators are not used in this case).
- Relatively low price, on average 2000-3500 rubles for 4-7 sections (exception - design options, the cost of which starts from 5,000 rubles).
Read in a separate article: and its fitting.
Disadvantages of cast iron radiators:
- Fragility, insufficient resistance to powerful ones.
- The need for periodic touch-up.
- Due to roughness internal walls sections of radiators, impurities may be retained in them, clogging the coolant flow channels, which can lead to a decrease in heat transfer.
- Large weight and large required volume of coolant.
Steel radiators
Although this type of heating radiator is also found in our country, many residents of the United States answer the question: “Which heating radiators are best installed in an apartment?” They will answer without the slightest hesitation: “Only steel panels.” And in some ways they will be right.
The design of these heating devices consists of two sheets of high-carbon steel, with stamped channels designed for the movement of coolant. For added corrosion resistance outer surface batteries are degreased and coated with a phosphate compound. Coating material – powder enamel.
Advantages of steel radiators:
- Various size range.
- Good heat dissipation.
- Ability to work with small volumes of coolant.
Flaws:
- Low operating pressure (no more than 6-10 atm.). With a water hammer of 13 atm. their sections may rupture.
- Lack of protection of the internal walls from exposure to water, leading to gradual destruction of the devices.
- Need for use shut-off valves on the supply and return pipelines.
- The need to remove dust from the back of the device.
- The operating period is on average about 10 years.
Please note: Tubular steel radiators are of better quality and reliability compared to panel ones. Their operating pressure range can be from 10 to 15 atm. In addition, they have a more effective, original design and more durable paint.
If you are thinking about which radiators to give preference to – steel tubular or panel ones, feel free to choose the first option Aluminum radiators
Another popular answer to the question: “Which heating batteries are best to choose for an apartment?” are sectional structures that can be assembled independently, taking into account the characteristics and area of the heated room in order to warm it up effectively and efficiently.
Advantages:
- The ability of such radiators to quickly take heat from the coolant and heat the room as quickly as possible.
- Light weight and compact dimensions.
- High thermal power (about 190 W).
- Attractive and discreet design.
- Working pressure of modern aluminum radiators: 16-20 atmospheres.
- Low cost (price of one section - starting from 120 rubles).
Disadvantages of aluminum radiators:
- Fast cooling when the system is turned off.
- Susceptibility to corrosion and demanding pH of the coolant (maximum permissible value is up to 7.5 units).
Important: When using aluminum radiators, it is strictly forbidden to install fittings made of copper or brass, which are antagonists of this metal, together with them. As a result of the resulting reaction, the batteries will begin to corrode from the inside, which will lead to their rapid deterioration.
Bimetallic radiators
Heating devices of this type consist of steel pipeline and aluminum ribs. Bimetal radiators are often used in apartments connected to central heating systems.
Their advantages:
- High heat transfer coefficient of radiators.
- A unique safety margin for radiators guarantees reliable protection against water hammer. (the functional pressure in such a device is 35 atm, the test pressure is up to 52.5 atm).
- Inertness to the coolant composition.
- Quite a long service life (about 20-25 years).
- Ability to work with small volumes of coolant.
Disadvantages of bimetallic radiators:
- Susceptibility to clogging of collectors due to the narrow cross-section of intercollector tubes.
- Sensitivity to an increase in the amount of oxygen in the coolant.
- The cost of radiators is quite high (the price of one section is about 450 rubles).
Radiator selection criteria
To decide which heating radiator to choose for an apartment, you need to consider a whole series factors that have a direct impact on the performance of these devices in the future. This:
- Functional pressure declared by the manufacturer. This indicator must necessarily exceed the operating and test pressure in the system. Example: In old-plan houses consisting of five floors, the average working pressure in the heating system is about 5-8 atm. However, new high-rise buildings are heated under pressure of 10-12 atm.
- Ability of radiators to withstand water hammer. Problems in the heating system may be indicated by clicking and humming noises in the radiators. In this case, it is better to contact your utility service to check the pressure level in the system.
- Resistance to low quality coolant. For apartment buildings, it is better to use batteries with a special protective layer in their interior. In addition, their walls must be thick enough so that sand particles and pebbles present in the coolant do not rub them during use.
- Heat transfer level. This indicator will determine how quickly and efficiently the radiators used will heat the rooms.
- Design solution. The times of ugly cast iron “monsters” are a thing of the Soviet past. Modern radiators heating systems are distinguished by their visual appeal and ergonomics. So, when deciding which heating radiators to install at home, choose the option that in the best possible way It will fit into the architecture of any room, it’s not difficult at all.
- Service life. One of the main criteria when choosing radiators.
Calculation of power, number of sections
Before choosing a heating radiator for an apartment, you need to calculate how many sections should be installed in each specific room and determine the power and pressure rating of this device. This is done as follows:
Selecting radiator power
In this case, the following points must be taken into account:
- Type of building (brick or panels).
- The area of the heated room.
- Number of windows.
- Availability external walls.
- Type of glazing in the apartment (double glazing or wooden windows).
According to the standard, in a room with a ceiling height of 3 m, having one window with wooden frame and one door is usually equipped with a radiator with a power of 90-125 W per 1 m2.
Useful information: To pick up the battery optimal power For a room, to make calculations easier, you need to multiply its area by 100 W.
If there is one window and two external walls, this figure must be increased by 20%.
If there are two windows and two external walls - by 30%.
When the window is located on the north or northeast side: + 10%.
When placing the radiator in a niche: + 5%.
If there is a continuous screen on the battery: + 15%.
Deciding on the number of sections
Average power of a radiator section of various types:
There is another option for calculating how to choose the number of sections of a heating battery so that it is comfortable in a heated room, which is considered more accurate. This calculation is also made taking into account their heat transfer. In this case, the unit of space is not the area of the room, but its “cubic capacity”, that is, the volume of air mass that is to be heated. Each room is calculated separately: first, the power of the heating device is selected, and then the number of its sections is calculated.
Practical example:
Considering that to heat 1 m 3 of air space in a living room, 39-41 W of energy is needed, in order to heat a room with an area of 10 m 2, with a ceiling height of 3.0 m, 1230 W are needed.
Explanation:
- We calculate the cubic capacity: 3 x 10 = 30 m3.
- We determine energy consumption: 41 x 30 = 1230 W.
Let's agree that each section of a modern heating battery produces approximately 200 W of energy. That is, to calculate optimal quantity sections needed 1230:200 = 6.15 sections. Round to big side. It turns out that in a room with a cubic capacity of 30 m 3 you need to install a radiator with 7 sections.
Useful information: When installing a battery in a corner-type room, a heat loss coefficient (1.1-1.3) is added to the formula for calculating the number of sections, the value of which must correspond to the climatic zone. The result will be: 1230·1.3:200=7.995. That is, for such a room a radiator of 8 sections is suitable.
Understanding working pressure
When purchasing heating radiators, you need to take into account their operating pressure, which should be higher than the pressure of the heating system at home. This is especially important when conducting hydraulic tests, when the load on the system is especially intense..html
Features of central and autonomous heating systems
To figure out how to choose the right heating batteries for an apartment, it is important to take into account the design features of the central heating system and its differences from the autonomous heating system operating in a private house.
Aluminum With centralized heating, heat from the coolant is supplied through a pipeline to the apartment from an external heat source (boiler house or local thermal power plant).
Advantages of this type of heating system:
- Low cost of installation and maintenance.
- Ability to operate on inexpensive fuel (in boiler houses, coal, gas, wood waste, etc. can be used for this purpose).
- Absence harmful products combustion during system operation.
Flaws:
- The presence of chemically active impurities in the coolant, leading to corrosion of pipes and radiators.
- The presence of small pebbles and grains of sand in the circulating fluid, which contribute to abrasion of the working elements of the battery.
- Instability of operating temperature (it may fluctuate during the heating season).
- Quite high pressure.
- The possibility of water hammer occurring - powerful pressure surges in the system.
Advantages of an autonomous system:
- Independence.
- Possibility of adjusting heating.
- Possibility of year-round provision hot at home water (when using a double-circuit heating boiler).
- Savings in payment.
- Low pressure in the system and absence of water hammer.
- More high quality coolant compared to a centralized system.
Flaws:
- Difficult to install.
- Additional costs for repairs and maintenance.
- Availability required permitting documents when installing such a system in an urban apartment.
Thus, the main factors based on which we can answer the question of which heating radiators are best for an apartment are the price, power and reliability of these devices, as well as their compliance with the requirements in each specific case. And speaking about which manufacturer of heating radiators is the best, we recommend paying attention to well-established manufacturers such as Sira, Global (Italy), Rifar (Russia).
Therefore, for an apartment in a multi-storey building, it is recommended to choose batteries that can withstand high pressure, water hammer and aggressive coolant - they meet all these criteria bimetallic radiators. For old houses with a small number of floors, where the pressure is not so high, cast iron radiators are also suitable.
And for a private home, you can consider the option of installing aluminum batteries, since their cost is quite reasonable, heat transfer is high, the design is modern, plus, they can be used for systems with temperature control.
A Question of Choice suitable radiator for heating a house or apartment plays an important role. After all, safety, the possibility of saving on energy resources, compliance with interior design, warmth, and therefore a feeling of comfort in the home depend on this. To answer the question for central heating, you first need to establish the technical characteristics and operating features of each type of modern battery.
Choosing a heating radiator must take into account many factors.
When purchasing a radiator, the following aspects are important:
- Operational efficiency, that is, the ability to heat the room.
- Safety and durability.
- Availability in terms of price.
Also, the choice of heating radiators is largely determined by the system in which they will be installed - central or autonomous.
Centralized system used in apartment buildings, has the following features:
- Typically, the operating pressure in this system at supply is around 4-5 kgf/cm 2 and slightly less at the outlet. In private homes, the maximum pressure is only 2 kgf/cm2.
- IN central systems the probability of unforeseen circumstances associated with water hammer, the use of coolants with a temperature higher than permissible, etc. is much higher.
The choice of radiator is also directly influenced by the technical characteristics of the heating system, which are determined by:
- The magnitude of the working pressure.
The basic rule: the pressure of heating batteries is greater than in the room in which they are installed. Otherwise, a leak will soon appear. The choice of radiator is also directly influenced by the technical characteristics of the heating system, which are determined by: - The type of heating system is one- or two-pipe.
- Radiator power. The most important quantity that indicates the efficiency of heat transfer from the source to the consumer, that is, how well the radiator heats the house. The power indicator is influenced by the presence of windows and the material from which they are made (wood or plastic), the type of house (panel or brick), the number of external walls, and the area of the room. The required value is determined by multiplying the area of the room by 100 W and increases by a certain percentage depending on various factors:
- if there are 2 external walls and 2 windows - by 30%;
- when windows face north - by 10%.
- Radiator sizes. The dimensions of the device must correspond to the location intended for installation. Optimal distance between the window and the radiator - from 10 cm and more, from the floor and the radiator - from 6 cm. The width of the radiator must exceed 50% of the width of the window under which it is installed.
The main types of radiators have the following characteristics:
Also, do not forget about such nuances as the presence of a thermostat, pipe diameter, window width.
Main types of radiators for central heating, their disadvantages and advantages
Cast iron radiators. The leading type of radiator in terms of popularity for several decades. Only the appearance has changed significantly - there are models that are real designer samples (their cost is appropriate). Good for use in residential and industrial multi-storey buildings.
Advantages:
- high heat transfer;
- strength and durability;
- unpretentiousness and endurance;
- large flow area, allowing you to maintain throughput even with the accumulation of deposits.
Flaws:
- the need for washing 2-3 times a year;
- vulnerability to strong mechanical stress (the battery may crack);
- high price.
Aluminum radiators. Currently, it is very popular among Russians. They consist of sections, the number of which depends on the area of the heated room. Exactly this type characterized to the greatest extent heating, achieved due to the high thermal conductivity of the metal itself and an increase in the thermal conductivity area, thanks to a developed finning system. Based on their design, there are sectional and solid models.
For centralized systems heating radiators made of aluminum are not recommended for use. Because in the presence of oxygen in the coolant, this metal oxidizes, and “airing” of the sections occurs due to the release of hydrogen. To avoid this, the device requires regular maintenance and air pumping.
Advantages:
- ease;
- external attractiveness;
- strength and reliability;
- excellent heat dissipation.
Flaws:
- susceptibility to corrosion;
- the need to regularly bleed air from the radiator through the vent valve;
- deformation of aluminum during water hammer;
- solid particles present in coolants contribute to the destruction of the walls of the device from the inside, which reduces the life of the device (this problem can be solved by equipping the radiator with mud traps and additional filters that require regular cleaning);
- when connecting aluminum pipes with copper, rapid destruction of aluminum.
Steel radiators. A common type in low-rise private construction. For central heating not best option because:
- usually the operating pressure in the heating system exceeds the permissible limit;
- with water hammer service life is significantly reduced and amounts to only a few months.
Advantages:
- attractive design;
- occupying a small space indoors.
Flaws:
- susceptibility to corrosion;
- The average service life, subject to operating rules, is no more than 7 years.
Bimetallic radiators. They combine the advantages of the two previous types of radiators due to a special design - an aluminum shell and a steel core. They are used for any type of heating, but have proven themselves especially well in high-rise buildings with central heating.
Advantages:
- ability to withstand significant loads and hydraulic shocks, strength;
- high heat transfer;
- light weight and well-thought-out shape, contributing to efficient heating of the room.
Flaws:
- high price due to the complexity of the design.
Conclusions
So, it is not possible to give an unambiguous answer to the question of which heating radiators are better for central heating, since each specific situation is individual and the choice depends on the characteristics of living conditions and the price range. But in general, expert opinions boil down to the following:
- Due to the unpredictability of central heating, the best at the moment are considered to be those that combine mechanical strength, high heat transfer and aesthetic appearance. The main disadvantage is the high cost.
- Cast iron radiators also deserve attention, but require more care.
- It is better to avoid steel and aluminum radiators in houses with central heating, due to the characteristics of these metals - susceptibility to corrosion, interaction with other metals, etc.
Heating radiators are usually used as heating devices in apartments and private houses, and the first question that arises when installing heating systems is which batteries are best to install in an apartment? The answer to this question depends on many factors, and in order to thoroughly understand it, it is necessary to consider the design features and operating conditions of all types of radiators currently on the market.
Today there are four most popular types of radiators:
- Cast iron;
- Aluminum;
- Steel;
- Bimetallic.
Based on the differences in shape and material, each type of radiator has its own characteristics, and it is these that determine their use.
Cast iron radiators
The familiar bulky cast iron batteries painted with paint are becoming a thing of the past. They are being replaced in stores by modern varieties of cast iron radiators, which have not only an attractive appearance, but also reliability, proven over decades.
Features of cast iron radiators:
- Working pressure from 6 to 10 atm., test pressure – up to 18 atm.;
- Can work in systems with any pipes;
- Can be used for a long time in central heating systems with a pH value of 7-9;
- The partitioned structure allows you to choose required quantity sections, and in case of reconstruction - add or remove them.
Cast iron radiators have a number of advantages. They are slightly susceptible to corrosion - as a result of the initial interaction with water, a black insoluble precipitate is formed on their inner surface, which prevents the penetration of oxygen dissolved in water to the metal. Destruction cast iron pipes from the inside at correct operation happens extremely slowly. The outside of the radiators are covered with durable paint and are reliably protected from destruction. Cast iron radiators have extremely low gas formation, they do not bubble, and do not require constant bleeding of air.
One of the main disadvantages cast iron batteries is their heavy weight, which makes their installation difficult. The disadvantages of cast iron radiators also include inertia - cast iron heats up slowly and cools down slowly, so quickly regulating the air temperature in a room with cast iron radiators is impossible.
Steel radiators
Steel radiators have the shape of a ribbed plate, inside of which there is a hermetically sealed circuit filled with coolant. Large area radiators and ribbed surface shape provide good heat transfer and convection conditions warm air. The material is steel, it has almost the same thermal conductivity as cast iron, but the wall thickness of steel batteries is smaller, so they warm up faster. Steel radiators are designed for operating pressure from 6 to 10 atm.
Advantages of steel radiators:
- The shape and appearance allow steel radiators to successfully fit into any modern interior;
- Steel radiators, like cast iron ones, with proper water treatment in centralized heating systems last 15-25 years;
- Can be used in systems with any pipes. Both in single-pipe and double-pipe;
- They have a low price and are easy to install.
Before installing steel radiators, it is necessary to do so - a closed loop does not allow them to be expanded and the thermal characteristics to be changed.
In conditions high blood pressure steel panel radiators may lose their seal. Therefore, you should not use them in houses with more than 5 floors - the system in them is designed for a pressure of more than 6-8 atmospheres.
Aluminum radiators
Aluminum radiators have a neat, compact and modern appearance; they are also sold in the form of stacked sections, so you can choose the optimal number of them, determined by calculation. The height of aluminum radiators also varies, so they can be placed in convenient places rooms. Working pressure of aluminum radiators is from 6 to 12 atm., test pressure - up to 25 atm.
The advantages of aluminum radiators are obvious:
- Have a modern appearance;
- The heat output is high compared to other radiators and can reach 200 W per section;
- Aluminum radiators are much lighter than other types of batteries, making them easy to install;
- You can select the required number of sections;
- On the outside they are protected with a polymer coating that protects the radiators from damage.
The main disadvantage of aluminum radiators is that they can only be used for a long time in closed systems with strict control of coolant pH. In this case, pipes and fittings made of other metals cannot be used. Aluminum is an extremely reactive metal, and when interacting with copper and brass, it forms a galvanic couple that can cause electrochemical corrosion and the appearance of surface currents. Therefore, to implement coolant supply systems to aluminum radiators, it is better to use plastic pipes and ground the radiators themselves.
In addition, upon contact with fresh, oxygenated water, aluminum reacts, the product of which is hydrogen gas. Gas bubbles entering the system cause unpleasant sounds. Because of this feature, when installing aluminum radiators, it is necessary to provide a gas exhaust system and install a Mayevsky valve.
Based on these features, we can conclude: despite their low price and excellent heat transfer, it is better not to install aluminum radiators in city apartments with centralized heating. If it is impossible to control the quality of the coolant, one cannot be sure of their long service life.
Bimetallic radiators
As the name suggests, these radiators are made of two metals - steel and aluminum, using the advantages of both of these metals. The internal circuit conducting the coolant in bimetallic radiators is made of steel, which allows them to be used in systems with any pressure and with different types pipes and fittings. The external plates that transfer heat into the room are made of aluminum and, thanks to its high thermal conductivity, perfectly heat the room.
Advantages of bimetallic radiators:
- High working pressure – up to 35 atm.;
- Resistance to corrosion at any quality of coolant;
- Low inertia - radiators quickly heat up and cool down just as quickly, and by regulating the coolant supply you can quickly reduce or increase the temperature in the room;
- Attractive appearance;
- Light weight, easy to install;
- Sectional design allowing you to select the desired number of ribs.
The disadvantages include, perhaps, the higher price of bimetallic radiators. This is soon compensated by their reliability and long service life. It should also be noted that when installing bimetallic radiators, it is necessary to maintain distances to the wall, floor and window sill - it must be at least 4 cm.
To summarize, we can say: for installation in an apartment with centralized heating, it is better to choose cast iron or bimetallic radiators, and for low-rise buildings– also steel. Aluminum radiators are best used in closed systems connected to a heating boiler, that is, where it is possible to check the quality of the coolant.
