Which radiators to choose for heating a private house. Heating radiators - which ones are best for a private home? What are the best batteries to install in a wooden house?
To heat a private home, an autonomous heating system is often used. Compared to an apartment, the requirements and approach to choosing radiators change somewhat.
The choice of heating devices is influenced by the lack high pressure in the system, the ability to control the quality of the coolant and eliminate the presence of water hammer. Considering all these aspects, figure out which radiators to choose for heating a private country house, quite simple.
What metal batteries should be used in a country house?
On the roar heating equipment There are a large number of battery designs available. According to their design, all heaters can be divided into the following types:- Panel.
- Sectional.
- Tubular.
- Cast iron.
- Steel.
- Bimetallic.
- Aluminum.
- Copper.
Cast iron radiators are time-tested classics
Sectional batteries - the main advantage of cast iron is high quality and metal strength. Thick-walled cast iron makes the batteries almost eternal. The advantages include:- Reliability and durability.
- Possibility to add sections to increase the total power of the device.
- Corrosion resistance and unpretentiousness to the quality of the coolant.
In the event of an emergency shutdown of the boiler, the heated cast iron battery will cool down for a long time and will not allow the coolant temperature to drop quickly.
Bimetallic, aluminum and copper batteries - high heat transfer and reliability
If we talk about heat transfer, then you cannot find better copper and bimetallic radiators. The batteries can withstand high pressure and practically do not react to the quality of the coolant.It is not advisable to install bimetallic models for a private house. Radiators of this type were originally designed to connect to central heating.
As an alternative, you can use aluminum batteries, which are less expensive than their bimetallic counterparts. At the same time, the heat transfer of radiators is in no way inferior to devices made of two metals.
Steel radiators are a cheap and popular option
For autonomous heating a private house is most often chosen steel appliances heating. This is due to many factors: low cost, beautiful appearance, good heat transfer performance.Bottom and top connections are provided, the possibility of operation in one and the same two-pipe system heating.
The disadvantage of steel batteries is the susceptibility of the structure to corrosion. Another disadvantage is the inability to add power if there is an error in the calculations, as is the case with cast iron or bimetallic contractions. Place batteries in rooms with high humidity prohibited.
As practice has shown, for a private country house it is better to use aluminum, cast iron, steel and copper batteries.
How to correctly calculate the number of sections
Calculation of the power of heating radiators in country house depends on several factors. The calculations look like this:
When connecting, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of connecting batteries. Heat transfer decreases as sections are added. Therefore, for heating, several radiators with an equal number of “fins” are installed.
Which brand of radiators is better to choose for a house outside the city?
There are Italian, German, Turkish and domestic heating radiators on the market. You can also buy several Chinese-made models.When determining which brand of radiator is better, you should take into account consumer reviews and the quality of the product itself. Below is the popularity ranking. The list is compiled in descending order of popularity.
- Ferroli.
All these brands are popular and have many positive feedback. Thanks to the thoughtfulness of the design, connecting heating radiators in a private home is quick and practically effortless. The product has a service life of at least 15 years and is provided with a manufacturer's warranty.
You can choose other models based on facilities, building features and technical aspects.
Rules for the location of batteries in the house
To perform as much as possible efficient connection, you should strictly follow the rules for installing heating radiators. The most effective recommendations can be identified:- Placing radiators in a private house. Heating devices are located in such a way as to create a heat flow that reduces heat loss. Recommended installation locations for batteries are under windows, on load-bearing wall buildings.
- Selecting a radiator connection diagram. Traditionally, systems with forced and natural circulation of coolant, single-pipe and double-pipe, are used. The most effective scheme is considered to be with forced circulation.
Two-pipe systems, with natural coolant movement, are used for cast iron and aluminum batteries. This is due to the diameter of the side wiring connection.
Steel radiators are designed to connect a ¾ pipe, which is not enough to ensure the flow and circulation of liquid naturally.
Methods of connecting heating radiators in a country house affect the heating efficiency. The main disadvantage of a system with forced coolant circulation is that it cannot work during a power outage. The problem is solved by connecting a generator or installing a bypass. Systems with natural circulation are ineffective and require strict adherence to slopes.
There are two options for connecting radiators - upper and lower. At natural circulation The first method is used. The coolant is supplied through the upper outlet. The bottom connection is used for closed systems with high pressure.
At correct installation, the heating system is assembled sequentially, starting from connecting the radiator closest to the heating source, and ending with the last heating device.
What is better to use as a coolant?
Water or antifreeze can be used as a coolant. It is necessary to consider what type of radiator is installed in the heating system.Antifreeze is not suitable for cast iron and steel batteries. For the first, the weak point is the connections between sections. Under the influence of antifreeze, the gaskets become deformed and leak. Steel batteries are sensitive to the quality of the coolant. The use of antifreeze reduces the service life.
For aluminum, copper and bimetallic batteries You can use any type of coolant.
For a private home, it is better to use steel, cast iron and aluminum radiators. The high cost of bimetallic batteries and the lack of high pressure in autonomous systems makes their installation for heating a country house impractical.
Selecting batteries for heating in own home- is not at all the same as buying batteries for use in an apartment where the central heating system always functions. Heating a private home involves organizing your own heating system, which, as a rule, is based on a gas boiler. This and other nuances impose certain requirements on radiators.
To help you navigate the issue, Santekhbomb has prepared an article with recommendations. After reading it, you will find out which heating batteries are best for a private home, what you should pay attention to when choosing them, and also get an idea of the main characteristics of the most popular ones. at the moment batteries suitable for use in gas heating systems.
Features of a gas heating system
First of all, it is worth identifying several features inherent in gas heating systems.
- Low operating pressure.
- Absence of pressure surges and water hammer due to the closed circuit.
- The ability to use good quality coolant, change its type or properties.
Based on this, such common types of heating batteries as cast iron and bimetallic should be immediately “swept away” from the selection. Yes, they are wonderful in their own way, but there is no point in using them in a closed system. Bimetallic ones, despite all their advantages, cost a lot - more expensive than aluminum and often even cast iron analogues, which will make their purchase completely impractical. Cast iron ones are simply not suitable for autonomous gas heating. It's all about their high thermal inertia - because of it you can't quickly heat up the room, and the efficiency of cast iron is such that using it in your home will be too expensive. This will also prevent the automatic temperature control system, if any, from working. The main advantages of cast iron come to naught - there will be no water hammer in such a system, as already mentioned, but to ensure good quality coolant will not be difficult.
If you are looking for heating batteries, which ones are best for a private home, the only options left are aluminum batteries. But you should choose them based on your needs. To do this, let’s take a closer look at how exactly they interact with gas system heating systems, what are their main advantages, and what characteristics should you pay attention to before purchasing.
A radiator is a necessary link in the heating system of a private home. This device is responsible for warmth and comfort in the room. Homeowners often have the question of which heating radiators are best for a private home. Here you should take into account not only the cost and appearance, but also the technical indicators of the product. If the properties declared by the manufacturer do not correspond to the specifications a certain system heating, then rapid wear of the radiator and even its failure is inevitable.
Advantages and disadvantages of different types of radiators
Time-tested cast iron batteries
The first cast iron radiators were used in heating systems even before the October Revolution. Their reliability, durability, and corrosion resistance are due to the significant thickness of the walls and the inertness of cast iron to aggressive environments. Batteries are not afraid of water hammer, hard water with impurities, or critical pressure drops.
Each section of the radiator is manufactured separately using the casting method. Ready elements They are connected to each other using threaded nipples, resulting in the familiar cast iron battery. Such “accordions” are sold unpainted.
Interesting! The main disadvantage cast iron products external unpresentability has always been considered. But some enterprises began to master the production of exquisite cast iron radiators in retro style - decorated with monograms, with a bronze and copper patina. These batteries are ideal for a classic interior.
Cast iron retro miracle
The disadvantages include the considerable weight of the products - one section weighs on average 6 kg. However, heavy cast iron will thoroughly warm the room, and in the event of an accident it will continue to give off heat for a long time. The service life of cast iron products is 50 years or more, and their prices remain within reasonable limits.
Pros and cons of aluminum radiators
To be precise, the batteries are made from silumin, an alloy of aluminum and silicon. Structures are divided into two types - extruded and cast. The latter consist of separate sections, like cast iron ones. If desired, the battery can be repaired or reconstructed.
The rigor and simplicity of aluminum forms
Extrusion involves the production of individual vertical blocks, which are connected by pressing. This method is more economical, but it is impossible to add or remove sections from the radiator.
Important! Antifreeze liquid cannot be poured into aluminum batteries - the likelihood that the metal will react with it is too high.
Advantages of aluminum heating devices:
- High heat transfer inherent in aluminum and its alloys. Rapid heating of the batteries and, as a result, the room.
- Possibility of adjusting heat transfer parameters.
- Light weight and compact.
- Modern design.
Attention! During operation, hydrogen accumulates in aluminum radiators, which is regularly released through special air vents. If this is not done, the battery may rupture.
Flaws:
- Active reaction of the metal to acidic and alkaline environments.
- Rapid corrosion of a radiator connected to pipes made of another metal.
- Possible leaks at the junctions of sections.
- Uneven heating: the main part of the heat is concentrated on the fins of the battery.
- Manufacturers of aluminum radiators usually provide a warranty of 10-20 years. This does not mean that after this period the devices need to be dismantled and taken to a landfill. It is only necessary to periodically inspect the batteries for suspicious defects.
Practical steel batteries
There are two types of steel batteries - panel and tubular. The best heating radiators for the home are panel ones. The product is based on two sheets of steel welded together. Channels for coolant circulation are installed inside. U-shaped metal plates are attached to them, transferring heat into the room. The thickness of the steel reaches 2 mm. This entire structure is enclosed in a decorative metal box.
Important! You cannot leave the system without coolant for more than 10-12 days. Oxidation processes begin inside the battery, causing severe corrosion of unprotected steel.
Elegant steel radiator profile
The large radiator area (from 300x400 mm to 900x3000 mm) promotes efficient heat exchange, which makes the devices highly profitable. To increase their service life, the pressure in the system should not exceed 8 atmospheres, and the acidity of the water should not exceed 8-9 pH.
Reliable bimetallic radiators
This type of battery is designed specifically for systems central heating. Essentially, they represent steel radiators, cast in an aluminum shell. The steel is in contact with the coolant, and the aluminum layer ensures rapid heat transfer into the room.
Attention! When purchasing, you should choose heating devices with a pressure reserve if the house is connected to central heating. For an autonomous system, 15 atmospheres are sufficient, for a centralized system – 30 atmospheres.
Resistant bimetallic radiators
The bimetallic radiator successfully withstands hydraulic and mechanical shocks, a pressure of 40 atmospheres, and is undemanding chemical composition water. The use of bimetal in a private house with autonomous heating is impractical, since such radiators were originally created to work in the unfavorable conditions of domestic heating networks.
Water and copper pipes
The structures are made from a seamless copper pipe with a diameter of 28 mm, passed through copper ribs. No other metals are used. The main advantage of the product is the rapid heating of the room. The thermal conductivity of copper is two times higher than aluminum, and 5-6 times higher than cast iron and steel.
Elite copper radiator
A small amount of water is poured into batteries of this type, which also speeds up the heating process. It is possible to use a thermostat. A small volume of coolant is an important indicator for the efficiency of autonomous heating systems, since it is not necessary to heat and circulate a large mass of water through the pipeline.
Interesting! After 4 days of continuous use, an oxide layer appears on the inner surface of the radiator, protecting copper from the mechanical and chemical effects of low-quality water.
The copper battery is resistant to corrosion, so it has a huge service life - tens of times longer than radiators made of other metals. In the absence external influences copper will last up to 100 years. Other product advantages:
- Due to the plasticity of the metal, the pipe is not afraid of the system freezing. Ice will not rupture copper piping.
- If a water hammer or pressure drop occurs in a centralized heating network, threaded joints and welds usually become the weak point. The copper pipeline is connected by soldering, which can withstand critical pressure of water and steam.
- Inner surface The radiator does not become overgrown with deposits, because copper prevents the proliferation of organic matter.
- The main disadvantage of copper batteries is their high cost.
Conclusion
When choosing heating appliances for a private home, first of all, take into account the type of existing heating system. For centralized ones, cast iron, bimetallic or copper radiators are usually chosen. They successfully withstand high coolant pressure, including during pressure testing, and are inert to chemical active substances, have a significant operational resource.
For individual system Aluminum and steel batteries are suitable for heating. IN autonomous pipeline Prepared water is used, there is no overpressure or critical temperatures. Important factors are light weight, attractive design and reasonable price of the devices.
Many of us, planning the construction of our home or its large-scale reconstruction, are interested in which heating radiators are best for a private home. And although it is, of course, impossible to give a definite answer to this question - too much depends on both financial capabilities and personal preferences - we will still provide some recommendations for selecting batteries.
Features of heating networks in a private house
Houses, unlike apartments, in the vast majority of cases are equipped with autonomous heating systems. Accordingly, when trying to choose the best heating radiators for a private home, we should first of all take into account the parameters of these systems.
We will try to analyze the key features in the table:
| Key Factor | Influence on the selection of radiators |
| Low pressure | As a rule, in a private house the coolant in the pipes is under relatively low pressure. On the one hand, this necessitates the use circulation pumps, but on the other hand, it reduces the load on pipes and radiator tanks, extending their service life. |
| No water hammer | Since the system eliminates water hammer, there is no need for a huge safety margin. It is quite possible to limit ourselves to light, thin-walled structures, which are characterized by high heat transfer. |
| Short length of communications | Compared to an apartment building, in a private home the distance from the boiler or stove to the radiator will be minimal. Accordingly, heat loss will also be reduced, so it is worth buying batteries designed to work with high-temperature coolant. |
| Using a small volume of coolant | The volume of water poured into the system is quite small. This means that we can not only provide adequate cleaning, protecting radiators from damage by abrasive particles, but also replace part of the liquid with antifreeze or ethyl alcohol. Despite the fact that the price of such additives is quite significant, their use protects pipes and radiators from freezing during prolonged shutdown of the boiler, and also allows for increased heat transfer. |
| Significant heating area | House area usually more area apartments, so we have to heat very large spaces. Accordingly, when deciding which heating radiators are best for the home, we should give preference to those models that will provide the most efficient heating at minimal cost. |
As can be seen from the table, we will have to analyze the market assortment quite seriously. That is why below we will try to provide information about the most commonly used types of batteries, which can make it easier for you to choose radiators for a private home.
Radiator material
Cast iron
The key parameter that determines the functionality of the radiator is the material it is made of. In addition to heat transfer itself, the type of material used imposes restrictions on the design of the product, so that certain technological solutions only possible when using a specific metal.
Previously and for installation in apartment buildings, and mainly cast iron radiators were used to heat private homes. They were produced by injection molding and were quite bulky structures.
The following features are characteristic of cast iron products:
- The material has good resistance to corrosion and pressure, but does not withstand impacts well. This drawback is especially relevant for products of the mid-to-late 20th century: low-grade cast iron, which often cracked upon impact, began to be used for casting radiator sections at that time.
- The heat transfer of cast iron is relatively low, which makes its use not very effective. At the same time, such a battery will release the accumulated heat for a long time, so the heating kennel can be turned off at night or during long absences.
- Another disadvantage is the significant mass. Cast iron radiators can be installed either on floor mounting or on solid wall hooks. In this case, the bearing surface must be very strong: neither frame houses, nor buildings made of foam concrete will withstand such a load.
- The advantages include the design of the products. Today, many manufacturers focus on production cast iron batteries in the premium segment, and these models compensate for the lack of heating efficiency with an attractive “antique” appearance.
Pay attention!
Cost of vintage cast iron radiators rarely less than 10 thousand rubles, so such a purchase cannot be called a budget purchase.
Steel
When choosing which radiators are best for a private home, many experts choose steel panel products.
They have their advantages:
- Firstly, in terms of heat transfer they are superior to cast iron, and quite significantly.
- Secondly, they weigh much less.
- Thirdly, the design of such batteries does not involve the use of thick-walled pipes, so the surface warms up very quickly.
If we talk about the disadvantages of steel, they are as follows:
- The material not only heats up quickly, but also cools down quickly, so the boiler will have to be heated constantly.
Pay attention!
This is typical for all other models of radiators, ranging from aluminum to bimetallic.
- When in contact with water, steel rusts, so radiators need to be cleaned regularly, and if signs of weakening the strength of the walls appear, they must be replaced immediately.
Aluminum
According to a number of heating engineers, the best radiators for heating a private home (meaning price/quality ratio) are made of aluminum.
There is a reason for this:
- Aluminum conducts heat very well, so the heat transfer from the battery will be higher than that of products made from other metals.
- The material does not rust, which allows it to be used for a long time.
- Externally, aluminum radiators look quite attractive, although they do not always fit into the interior of a private home.
- As for the relatively low resistance to pressure changes, this characteristic is not a disadvantage: as we noted above, water hammer in the network is practically excluded.
- The main difficulty when using aluminum radiators is water treatment: before pouring coolant into the circuits, it is necessary to reduce its alkalinity. Otherwise, plaque will accumulate on the walls of the batteries, and the radiators themselves will begin to undergo electrochemical corrosion.
Copper
Thinking about which heating radiators for wooden house Better in terms of not only functionality, but also design, you should not lose sight of copper models:
- Of course, copper is very expensive, but it also provides excellent heat transfer, so the house will always be warm.
- Copper battery tanks are not subject to corrosion, so they will last a long time.
Advice!
To avoid sediment buildup, it is worthwhile to build a particulate filter into the pipes.
If this is not done, then the suspension with abrasive properties will scratch the walls of the pipes, making them rough.
- Finally, copper radiators simply look great, and the look of polished (or patina) metal goes well with wood paneling walls
Bimetallic models
If we talk purely about functionality, then the best heating radiators for the home are still bimetallic:
- These products combine the significant strength and reliability of steel or copper pipes with good heat transfer of aluminum panels.
- At the same time, aluminum does not come into contact with water, which protects it from alkaline corrosion.
- On the other hand, the cost of such products is quite high, so not every owner of a private home can afford to install bimetallic radiators.
Selection by performance
Calculation of the total thermal power of batteries
When looking for answers to the question of which radiators are best to choose for a private home, you should not limit yourself only to material analysis and comparison appearance models. The radiators must heat the room as efficiently as possible, and therefore you need to purchase products with sufficient heat output.
As a rule, the instructions for the equipment contain information about its heat transfer, so to calculate the purchase volume we need to determine the heating needs of our home.
Pay attention!
U sectional radiators heat transfer is indicated per section, for panel models - for the entire product as a whole.
This value is quite easy to calculate with your own hands:
- You can use the simplest proportion: for 1 m2 of area you need 100 W of heat from batteries. Of course, this calculation is very approximate, but it gives a fairly complete idea of the order of numbers.
- There is a more accurate method. To determine heat consumption, multiply the volume of the room in cubic meters by 41 W (standard coefficient for middle zone Russia).
- We divide the resulting value by the heat transfer of the battery, and we get the number of radiators we need for the selected room. It is better to round the number in big side, since some extra power won't hurt!
If the room has windows facing the street, or other objects that are a source of heat loss, it is worth adjusting the power consumption:
- For rooms with a window and two external walls, add 20%.
- For rooms with two windows and two external walls - 30%.
- If the windows face north or northeast - 10%.
- If radiators are planned to be installed in wall niches - 5%.
- If you plan to use protective screens for batteries – from 15 to 20%.
