Technical features of different types of heating radiators. What types of radiators are better: a comparative review of all types of heating batteries Different types of heating devices
Cast iron radiators heating systems have been popular for many decades. And, despite high competition, new materials and developments, the share of their sales is quite high. And all because they have no competitors in terms of reliability and durability. No other heating device will last half a century or more in our centralized heating networks, with our coolants. That’s why they are often installed in high-rise apartments. And this despite the heavy weight and the need to lift this weight to the floor.
But cast iron is not only used in apartments. Much more often it is preferred in individual heating:
- in networks open type, due to high corrosion resistance;
- in systems with natural circulation due to low hydraulic resistance ( large diameter channels);
- when installed with solid fuel boilers- they smooth out temperature changes due to high thermal inertia.
So the scope of use is quite wide, and they have practically no competitors in private heating.
Styles, sizes, varieties
When choosing the type of heating device, aesthetic considerations play an important role. This is understandable: every day in front of our eyes. And if appearance annoying, then what kind of rest and good mood there may be talk. So let's start with the appearance.
Old style
Most of us remember old batteries that were far from perfect. Today there are such people. Despite their unattractive appearance, they have very good characteristics, and in a modern interpretation, with a slightly reduced intersection distance, they do not look so bad. Moreover, today everyone is trying to hide heating devices behind the screen, in a niche or box. In this case, it is generally unclear what role appearance plays: it is still not visible.
MS-140 and MS-90 - difference in section depth
And the cost of one section of this type is the lowest: Russian production from 270 to 350 rub. Those brought from other countries cost more, but they differ in size - the standards are different, some manufacturers have higher heat transfer. For Belarusian cast iron radiators the price per section starts from 300 rubles, for Lugansk ones from 410 rubles.
The name of cast iron radiators of the old type is simple - “MS”, and then through the dash there are numbers that indicate the depth of the section (first) and the center distance (second). For example, it means that the section depth is 140 mm, the center-to-center distance (also called inter-nipple) is 500 mm. Another example: MS-110 300. Depth 110 mm, center distance 300 mm.
From these numbers you can at least roughly understand whether the modification is right for you or not. The depth determines whether the radiator will fit under the window sill or will stick out. Only to the value itself you need to add another 30-50 mm for the distance from the back wall of the heater to the wall. In total, it turns out that the MS-140 will cover a window sill that protrudes by at least 18-20 cm.
The center-to-center distance determines how far apart the inlet and outlet pipes should be. At bottom connection this parameter can only suggest the approximate height of the section. Why not accurate? Because with an interaxal distance of 500 mm, it can be either 552 mm or 585 mm, and in cases with retro-style radiators, more than 600 mm. The difference may not be very big, but sometimes it is significant: the height to the window sill may not be enough.
Technical characteristics of MS-140 radiators (click on the picture to enlarge)
New generation
But not everyone wants to install screens on radiators. Some interiors allow aluminum and bimetallic models to fit well. For this reason, many installed new products for themselves. Today there are models made of cast iron, which from a distance cannot be distinguished from aluminum ones. They have the same modern look, flat front panel, smooth surface. Some are covered with factory enamel, others you have to paint yourself.
Just a few years ago, such new generation cast iron radiators were supplied only from European countries: Italy, Czech Republic, Turkey, and of course from China. Today they are also available in Belarusian, Russian, and Ukrainian versions.
Unfortunately, the quality of coverage among Europeans remains better, but the price is also much higher. If we talk about new cast iron heating radiators made in Russia, they are 100-150 rubles more expensive than the “old” form. Compared to them, the price for “Europeans” is several times higher. But you need to take into account the following features:
There is a difference in all respects and is quite noticeable. So the choice is not easy.
Designer radiators in “Retro” style
These heating devices will not fit into any interior. Most likely, you need to choose a model together with the designer: they are definitely not hidden, but used as a decorative element. Cast iron radiators “Retro” are stylized as products of past centuries, there are different drawings and bas-reliefs, projections above and below. Often such “antique” batteries have legs designed in the same style.
If we talk about manufacturers, then there are already products from Russia. The RetroStyle and Exemet campaigns specialize in the release of this particular group. They have a large number of models in their assortment different designs. They also paint, tint and polish their products to match your interior (not for free, of course).
There are quite a large number of batteries in this style:
- German Guratec,
- Czech Viadrus;
- Turkish Demir Dokum;
- Spanish Roca;
- English Rococo;
- Polish F
The size range is quite wide: center distance from 300 mm to 900 mm, section width from 40 mm to 81 mm, depth from 100 mm to 235 mm. A wide variety of designs, styles and shapes.
As you can see, there are more cast iron radiators of different types and designs than aluminum and bimetallic ones combined. There's definitely plenty to choose from here.
Types and methods of installation
Most cast iron radiators are sectional models. This means that you can select any heating power depending on the heat loss of the room. Its expansion occurs section by section. As many as needed are collected into one battery.
There is another type - these are solid radiators. They have very high reliability: leaks are only possible if the cast iron breaks down, and this can happen after several decades. But this type is rare: this is how they are mostly cast designer models, in retro style or non-standard height - from a meter and above.
How cast iron radiators are assembled/disassembled
The sections are connected to each other by nipples, the tightness of the joints is ensured by gaskets made of heat-resistant rubber. The nipples have threads on the right and left, the same thread is on inner surface vertical collectors (upper and lower). They are twisted and untwisted using a special mounting wrench.
The mounting key for radiators is a rod with one end flattened. The second one often has a ring into which the lever is inserted. A lever is usually needed when disassembling old radiators: they boil, become overgrown, and it is often very difficult to remove the thread from its place. A crowbar or rod is inserted into this ring, which serves as a lever.
The key is inserted into the manifold to the required depth (try it on from the outside first). The end of the blade rests on the groove in the nipple. Then, turning the key and nipple in the desired direction, the section is unscrewed or tightened. In this case, you need to alternately turn it a couple of revolutions, either in the upper or in the lower manifold. You need to be especially careful with cast iron: it is fragile and excessive force can cause the section to burst. Therefore, there are no distortions: they turned a little at the top, moved down, then up again, etc.
In the case of cast iron, leaks often occur at the joints: over time, the gaskets lose their elasticity. But for collapsible models It's not scary: you need to unscrew the nipple, change the gaskets and put everything back together. It's not like that complex operation. The duration of trouble-free operation depends on the quality of the nipples and gaskets. So when choosing, pay close attention to these “minor” details.
Installation methods
Cast iron batteries are either hung on the wall or placed on legs. Everything is clear with the legs: they come complete with the radiator (retro models) or are ordered separately (with other models). But there is one problem with installation on the wall: a cast iron battery has a serious weight. Therefore, it can only be mounted on main wall. In principle, installation on partitions is also possible, but then a reinforcement system must be provided that can withstand this weight.
You can hang it on special brackets, pins, or hooks. Two are placed on top, one on the bottom. The main weight falls on the upper holders. The bottom one serves to give direction. The method of installing holders is any available. The main thing is that it is strong and reliable.
Which cast iron radiators are better?
Not an easy question. Each person has their own requirements and evaluation criteria. They are worth focusing on.
If quality is the main thing for you, and price is secondary, you should choose from the assortment European manufacturers. The Czech campaign Viadrus received very good reviews. They know how to work with cast iron: they make boilers and radiators. There are no problems with the quality of casting or painting: all technologies have been proven and tested over years of operation.
German campaigns are traditionally good. Germany has very strict regulations regarding the construction industry and building materials. And if a product has been tested in its homeland, then its quality is guaranteed.
All of the above does not mean that others are worse. You need to carefully read the information provided by developers and sellers, compare and evaluate, look for consumer reviews and expert opinions.
If you feel like it good quality, but the budget is not so wide, pay attention to the Belarusian cast iron batteries Minsk plant. There are also standard MS-140 and their restylings. Yes, they are not painted, but primed. But you can paint them yourself to match the walls (use heat-resistant paint).
Russian-made radiators also performed well. These are mainly four factories:
- radiator in Nizhny Tagil,
- OJSC "Santekhlit" in the Bryansk region,
- LLC "Descartes" in Novosibirsk,
- Cheboksary Aggregate Plant.
But here it also plays a role geographical position. Whichever is closer will most likely be your choice.
There are Chinese cast iron radiators of good quality on the market. It's important to choose famous brands, who have been supplying products for years. No “new, but very good”, etc. Only those that already have a name and whose products are already known. Yes, they are not the cheapest. But it has long been known how many times you need to pay for cheap things. Good feedback the “Chinese” Sti “Nova” and “Breeze” have. With Conner, by the way, it is not clear whether the radiators are Italian, Russian or Chinese: the office is in Italy, the radiators are developed and exported by a company from St. Petersburg, and the plant is located in China. This is a difficult situation. However, the reviews are positive.
If you decide to install cast iron radiators, then we can please you: there are practically no cases of rapid failure of radiators due to poor quality.
There are casting defects: microfistulas, which, in theory, should be rejected at the stage of checking a section at the factory. But after installing any radiator, before connecting it to the system, it is pressure tested (tested at high blood pressure), so it is at this stage that marriage is revealed, which usually changes without talking. The percentage of defects is approximately 0.5-1% (this is among the “trusted” Chinese; among ours and Europeans, defects are extremely rare on the network). In all other cases possible malfunctions- these are leaking gaskets or loose nipples.
Complete destruction of cast iron batteries is possible only with strong water hammer. But here it’s not a matter of quality, but of correctly selected parameters or emergency situation. Second possible variant rupture - system defrosting. But these cases are the exception rather than the rule. In the entire practice of a plumber, this is one or two cases. So cast iron is the most reliable option.
Results
The choice of cast iron radiators is much wider than aluminum and bimetallic ones combined. If anything changes there, it is only the shape of the air ducts and fins; everything else is standard. There are batteries made of cast iron that are so different that you are simply amazed. So you can forget about the old “accordion”.
Batteries are an important part heating system V apartment building. The temperature in the room depends not only on how hot the water runs through the pipes. The quality of room heating depends on the design, material, power and method of placement of heating radiators.
Extremely wide range heating equipment may cause difficulties in selecting suitable batteries. In order to find out which devices to give preference to, you will have to first study the features existing types batteries
Various types of heating devices
There are several classifications of batteries.
Depending on the type of heat or energy carrier, they are divided into the following types:
- electric radiators;
- oil radiators powered by electricity;
- water batteries.
Depending on the material, batteries are:
- cast iron;
- steel;
- aluminum;
- copper;
- plastic.
Depending on the design, heating radiators are divided into the following types:
- sectional - thanks to the presence of separate sections, they allow you to adjust the size and power of the installed heating device;
- tubular - batteries designed specifically for a centralized heating system. They are an all-metal structure with a horizontal manifold and vertical tubes;
- panel - made of steel and even concrete. In the second case, such batteries are located inside the walls and transfer heat in the form of radiation;
- lamellar - have a core with plate ribs made of thin sheets of metal mounted on it, they carry out convection-type heat exchange.
Types of batteries suitable for apartments
Let's consider what types of radiators are suitable for a standard centralized heating system in an apartment building. It is characterized by the use process water as a coolant, high operating pressure and temperature. The characteristics of heating devices for an apartment must correspond to the features of this system. Compare device parameters from different materials To understand which types are suitable for your home, you can use the table.
Classic radiators made of cast iron, despite the large number of modern analogues made of other materials, are not going to retire yet. Cast iron is resistant to corrosion and impact high temperatures, durable. Some manufacturers have changed better side appearance cast iron products, decorating them with carvings and turning this device into a design element.
Tip: The radiation intensity of the radiator can be increased by painting it dark.
Bimetallic radiators
Efficiency and reliability bimetallic radiators achieved through a combination of two types of materials: steel and aluminum. The high thermal conductivity of aluminum makes it an excellent material for a battery case, and the strength of steel ensures immunity to pressure changes and corrosion processes. Bimetallic products from Italian manufacturers are considered the best on the Russian market.
Steel radiators
Steel radiators can be panel, tubular or sectional. The first type is the most popular due to optimal combination characteristics and cost. However, steel batteries are practically not used in multi-storey buildings with centralized heating, since they are not intended for high-pressure systems.
Aluminum batteries
Aluminum radiators have very attractive characteristics, including excellent heat transfer and low inertia, allowing you to quickly change the temperature in the room. But they are very demanding on the quality of the coolant, so they are also not suitable for a centralized heating system.
Copper heating radiators
Copper batteries have a lot of advantages and only one drawback - very high cost. Their performance characteristics are impressive: copper radiators are superior to all existing species in terms of efficiency, reliability and durability, as well as resistance to corrosion and water hammer.
Installing copper radiators is expensive, not only because of the cost of the battery itself. They can only be connected to all-metal pipes, which are also expensive. Take advantage of the advantages of copper, and at the same time purchase the product at more affordable price You can if you choose a copper-aluminum radiator, the tubes of which are made of copper and the fins are made of aluminum.
Plastic batteries
Most the new kind heating devices are plastic batteries. Such products are easy to install and have wide choose flowers and do not require additional care. However, many apartment owners interested in the new product will be disappointed: plastic radiators cannot be installed in a house with a centralized heating system. The reasons for this are the maximum operating temperature and pressure, which should not exceed 80 degrees and 2 bar, respectively.
Attention: for a standard room with a three-meter ceiling height, having one door and one window for each square meter Radiator power from 90 to 125 W will be required.
The required number of sections will depend on the material the radiator is made of. Power of one section different types batteries:
- Cast iron - from 80 to 150 W;
- Aluminum – 190 W;
- Bimetallic – 200 W;
- Steel - from 450 to 5700 W (meaning the power of the entire battery).
Duration heating season in our latitudes it is close to 2/3 of the year. The indicator depends on the region, but on average it is about 250 days. For us, all issues related to the efficiency of the heating system are extremely important, which largely depends on the right choice its devices.
Let's look at which heating radiators are better and what the different types are. The article presented for consideration describes in detail the criteria for selecting heating devices. For independent home DIYers, we have provided tips from experienced plumbers.
Regardless of the complexity of the heating system, the main task is to maintain the set temperature in the house or apartment. The heating radiator plays a key role in this, carrying out heat exchange between the air in the room and the coolant.
Uniform heating, efficient heat transfer, microclimate maintenance, stable operation - these are the basic requirements for a heating battery.
In residential premises, single, panel or sectional paired radiators are installed that do not emit toxins when heated
The main parameters influencing the choice of a specific model:
- Operating pressure of the system. Depends on whether the device is connected to an autonomous or centralized network. It is arranged on a gravity or forced principle. On average it varies from 3 to 10 bar or in a similar atmosphere range.
- Thermal power. A characteristic required to calculate the thermal power required to heat a room. It is also needed for selecting individual components sectional batteries. Approximately 1 kW is required to process 10 m².
- Modularity. The quality inherent in prefabricated radiators, which makes it possible to assemble and disassemble the device to suit individual requirements.
- Speed of reaction to tº. More precisely, the ability to respond to changes in coolant temperature. period of time for cooling and warming up.
- Possibility of equipping with automation. Devices that monitor weather conditions and independently eliminate air jams.
The devices now available for sale ensure free circulation throughout the system. They are characterized by corrosion resistance and attractive appearance.
Sectional radiators differ in the shape and size of the sections that provide required quantity thermal energy
The thermal efficiency of a radiator depends on the energy dissipation surface area. A flat metal convector has a much smaller area compared to a sectional aluminum convector of the same geometric size. Because the latter radiates heat over the entire area of the fins.
Types of modern heating radiators
During Soviet times, the question of which heating battery is better to choose was never asked for a simple reason. The industry produced only two types of them - steel and cast iron. We live in a fortunate time of diversity, technological and environmental excellence.
The global and domestic industry offers a fairly wide range to choose from. There are several signs according to which it is advisable to separate heating radiators.
Radiators can be divided according to materials of manufacture:
- steel panel convectors;
- cast iron batteries;
- aluminum radiators;
- bimetallic radiators.
By design features:
- sectional;
- panel.
Each of these types the best way suitable for its operating conditions, and therefore has its own nuances. Separate view heating radiators are highly specialized. These are devices designed to solve one task, often to the detriment of overall functionality.
Image gallery
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Useful tips from experts will help you understand the choice of heating device:
The most best choice A heating radiator can be considered the one that achieves the greatest comfort and coziness. The radiator can be invisible or, on the contrary, be part of general design. But the most important thing is reliability and no hassle.
You can tell us about how you chose a radiator to replace old batteries in an apartment or to furnish a new home in the block below. Please write comments, ask questions, share useful tips and photos related to the topic of the article. We are interested in your opinion.
For more than a hundred years, cast iron radiators have been widely used for heating rooms. It would seem that radiators cast iron heating They should have outlived themselves long ago. Indeed, today many manufacturers offer more modern models made of aluminum, bimetal, steel or copper, while cast iron analogues are considered obsolete. Is it really? After all, despite the availability of more modern models, cast iron batteries continue to be in demand. In this article we will look at the main characteristics, pros and cons of cast iron heating devices, as well as some models.
Previously, cast iron heating radiators were used for drying things and shoes. They were often used for defrosting and drying food. This device was multifunctional. Modern radiators have changed a little. Today manufacturers use only new, efficient technologies manufacturing. The appearance of cast iron heaters has also changed.
The question of which heating radiators are better, cast iron or bimetallic, is not easy to answer. After all, bimetallic devices have a heat transfer rate that is twice as good. At the same time, cast iron radiators are much more reliable.
When considering heating radiators, cast iron heating radiators MS 140 are cheap. Especially when compared with bimetallic ones. True, many models of cast iron radiators do not have a special design. And often they try to hide them behind bars, in niches or behind screens. And the cost finishing works quite decent. Of course, you can buy cast iron heating radiators second-hand, they are cheaper, and thereby save a little. But High Quality No one guarantees previously used batteries. In addition, cast iron needs to be painted from time to time. In view of these disadvantages of cast iron batteries, some prefer bimetal.
It is worth noting that not all modern cast iron batteries have an unsightly appearance. Decorative and designer models are available for sale. True, prices for cast iron heating batteries will be much higher. Even in comparison with bimetal. There are also models that look similar to their bimetallic and aluminum counterparts. They are not cheap. The weight remains high, and the heat transfer is low.
Cast iron radiators – optimal solution, If:
- pressure drops no more than 12 bar;
- low hydraulic resistance of the system is required;
- the system uses an aggressive coolant;
- large thermal inertia is required;
- coolant temperature is above 100 degrees.
If you don’t know whether to buy cast iron or bimetallic radiators, then you should pay attention to the following key parameters:
- coolant contamination level. If there is a lot of dirt, the internal tubes of the bimetallic battery may become clogged. To avoid this, it is necessary to additionally install mud traps and filters;
- hydrogen coefficient of the coolant. Bimetal works normally in systems with a pH of 7-8;
- possible peak pressure values. The rupture pressure of bimetal is on average 80-90 atm.
For heating radiators, the price of cast iron or bimetallic depends on the manufacturer, quality and model.
There is no clear answer about which radiators are better.
Everything depends on the parameters of the heating system and conditions of use. For example, cast iron is ideal for systems with natural circulation. But for multi-storey buildings Preference should be given to bimetallic batteries. For individual heating systems with forced circulation Aluminum radiators are the best choice. The cost of radiators made from different materials varies. If your budget is limited, you can choose used options. For example, prices for cast iron heating batteries are quite low.
Advantages and disadvantages of cast iron radiators
Cast iron radiators are manufactured using casting. The cast iron alloy has a homogeneous composition. Such heating devices are widely used for both central heating systems and autonomous heating. The sizes of cast iron radiators can vary.
Among the advantages of cast iron radiators are:
Among the disadvantages are:
- heavy weight. Only one section can weigh about 7 kg;
- installation should be done on a previously prepared, reliable wall;
- Radiators must be coated with paint. If after a while it is necessary to paint the battery again, old layer paints must be sanded. Otherwise, heat transfer will decrease;
- increased fuel consumption. One segment of a cast iron battery contains 2-3 times more liquid than other types of batteries.
Technical characteristics of cast iron radiators
A cast iron heating radiator is made from a homogeneous in structure, strong cast iron alloy. Each section is cast separately. And then the sections are combined into one group.
The technical parameters of cast iron batteries are related to their reliability and endurance. The main characteristics of a cast iron radiator, like any other heating device, is heat transfer and power. As a rule, manufacturers indicate the power of cast iron heating radiators for one section. The number of sections may vary. As a rule, from 3 to 6. But sometimes it can reach 12. Required quantity sections is calculated separately for each apartment.
The number of sections depends on a number of factors:
- room area;
- room height;
- number of windows;
- floor;
- presence of installed double-glazed windows;
- corner placement of the apartment.
The price given for cast iron heating radiators is per section, and may vary depending on the manufacturer. The heat dissipation of batteries depends on what material they are made of. In this regard, cast iron is inferior to aluminum and steel.
Other technical parameters include:
Such batteries should be installed with a distance between the radiator and the wall of 2 to 5 cm. The installation height above the floor should be at least 10 cm. If there are several windows in the room, the batteries should be installed under each window. If the apartment is corner, then it is recommended to carry out external insulation of the walls or increase the number of sections.
It should be noted that cast iron batteries are often sold unpainted. In this regard, after purchase they must be coated with heat-resistant decorative composition, be sure to stretch it first.
Among domestic radiators, one can distinguish the ms 140 model. For cast iron heating radiators ms 140, the technical specifications are given below:
- heat transfer of the MS section 140 – 175 W;
- height – 59 cm;
- The radiator weighs 7 kg;
- capacity of one section - 1.4 l;
- section depth is 14 cm;
- section power reaches 160 W;
- section width is 9.3 cm;
- the maximum coolant temperature is 130 degrees;
- maximum operating pressure– 9 bar;
- the radiator has a sectional design;
- crimping pressure is 15 bar;
- the volume of water in one section is 1.35 liters;
- Heat-resistant rubber is used as a material for intersection gaskets.
It is worth noting that MS 140 cast iron radiators are reliable and durable. And the price is quite affordable. Which determines their demand in the domestic market.
Features of choosing cast iron radiators
To choose which cast iron heating radiators are best suited for your conditions, you need to consider the following: technical specifications:
To calculate the thermal power of a cast iron battery, you need to be guided by the following rule: for a room with 1 outer wall and 1 window needs 1 kW of power per 10 sq.m. room area; for a room with 2 external walls and 1 window - 1.2 kW; for heating a room with 2 external walls and 2 windows - 1.3 kW.
If you decide to buy cast iron heating radiators, you should consider the following nuances:
- if the ceiling is higher than 3 m, the required power will increase proportionally;
- if the room has double-glazed windows, then the battery power can be reduced by 15%;
- If there are several windows in the apartment, then a radiator must be installed under each of them.
Modern market
Previously, cast iron radiators had an unaesthetic shape and appearance. The surface was rough and needed painting. Modern models are distinguished by originality of design. They have smaller dimensions. Some kind of ornament may be applied to the surface. You can choose an option to match the style of the apartment. New generation cast iron radiators are equipped with legs. Therefore, there is no need to drive brackets into the walls; the battery is installed on the floor and mounted to the heating circuit.
Today you can buy cast iron heating batteries different color. Models available in purple and green are available for sale. Also available in gold, silver, bronze or copper. For lovers of antique models, there are options that repeat old samples, decorated with artistic castings, equipped with fittings of the corresponding theme. But these models are not for everyone, because not everyone can afford to buy cast iron heating batteries, the price of which is quite high. There are many models on the market, both domestic and foreign. Türkiye, England, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Italy offer their products.
Imported batteries have a perfectly smooth surface, they are of higher quality and look more aesthetically pleasing. True, their cost is high.
Among domestic analogues, we can highlight cast iron radiators Konner, which are in good demand today. They are characterized by a long service life, reliability, and fit perfectly into modern interior. Konner heating cast iron radiators are available in any configuration.
Modern manufacturers of heating devices such as radiators today offer a wide range of products. The types of heating radiators today depend not only on technical characteristics, but also on appearance. Currently important role not only technical parameters play a role, but also size, shape, color scheme radiators. So let’s figure out what types of heating radiators there are.
Types of heating radiators
Types of heating batteries depending on material
Of course, when choosing heating devices, the efficiency of radiators still comes first. To understand which batteries will be better, you need to study the features of different types.
The very first division of radiators is based on the material used to make the batteries. So, modern radiators heating systems can be cast iron, steel, aluminum, bimetallic, copper, plastic, and also include various alloys.
Cast iron batteries
Cast iron batteries - we can say that these are a kind of Soviet heating batteries. Such radiators were at the peak of popularity at one time. Despite the variety of batteries in modern times, we still use cast iron radiators. As for the disadvantages of cast iron batteries, everything here is based on the cast iron material. First of all, cast iron has a low level of thermal conductivity. And for the radiator to heat up to 45 degrees, the temperature of the water or other coolant should be about 70 degrees. And this will cause high fuel costs.
At least cast iron gas batteries heating systems and have a fairly long service life, yet they do not last forever. Typically, cast iron radiators are deterred by their appearance - in modern rooms they are very difficult to fit. The only, but very significant, advantage of cast iron radiators is that they are not demanding on the heat carrier. Thus, the technical characteristics of heating radiators made of cast iron allow them to use water of any quality - even rusty, even with a lot of bacteria.
The following types of heating radiators are aluminum. As for appearance, such batteries are much better than cast iron ones. Besides, the lineup batteries are constantly replenished with new models. An excellent advantage of aluminum radiators is their high thermal conductivity. But it is worth noting that such radiators for individual heating are very sensitive to the quality of the coolant. If the water is even a little dirty, they will immediately fail. That is why it is worthwhile to thoroughly clean the coolant in advance - install a variety of filters and devices. And these are additional costs. Also, aluminum is not suitable for industrial premises where there is high pressure hot water– these types of heating batteries will simply tear to pieces.
Another material for the manufacture of heating radiators is steel. Steel batteries can be tubular or panel. Panel options belong to the budget category, but they have high heat transfer. Panel models are quite unpretentious, so they are widely used not only in homes, but also in offices and factories. Tubular steel radiators are premium heating devices. These models achieved such characteristics not only thanks to excellent technical parameters - high level heat transfer and long service life (about 25 years). In addition to all this, these batteries have an excellent appearance. Steel radiators will not only heat rooms, but can also decorate them. It is especially worth noting the radiator steam heating, made of stainless steel - of all steel pipe batteries, they are the most efficient.
Bimetallic radiators
Bimetallic types of heating radiators are great option. They have high heat transfer due to the presence of aluminum in the design. Also, such batteries are very durable, and their service life is also long - due to the fact that the devices are equipped with metal pipes. But the only drawback of bimetallic batteries is their high cost.
Another option could be copper radiators. Such batteries are the most resistant to aggressive environments. These radiators hardly wear out, but they are very expensive. Today, copper heating batteries are used in those heating systems where the coolant is both water and antifreeze. They are installed for both centralized and autonomous heating. Copper radiators eliminate coolant resistance. They also dissipate heat as much as possible and increase the efficiency of the heating device. The design of copper batteries is more reliable; they are practically not subject to corrosion processes and water hammer.
Plastic heating radiators
In addition to the above options, there are also plastic heating radiators. If you want to save money, then this option is suitable for you. However, here you should be sure that the temperature of your heating will not exceed 80 degrees Celsius. Such low-temperature heating radiators are quite simple to install and operate, they are wear-resistant, lightweight, and inexpensive.
Radiator design
Depending on the design features, radiators can be divided into several subtypes:
- Sectional heating radiators– these batteries have several sections, so you can assemble a radiator the right size and power. The sizes and shapes of sections may vary.
- Tubular radiators is a one-piece metal structure that has an upper and lower horizontal collector and vertical tubes welded to it. Such batteries are the prerogative central heating for which they were designed.
- Panel batteries – can be either steel or concrete. Concrete ones are built inside walls; they can only transfer heat by radiation.
- Plate batteries– have convective heat exchange, consist of a core and ribs made of thin metal plates mounted on it.
Separately, there are corner heating radiators. They can be made in any given design option. However, corner radiators are designed for installation in the corners of rooms.
Stand-alone battery models
We figured out what kind of heating batteries there are for standard heating systems. However, it is worth noting the autonomous models of radiators, which are not dependent on the heating system and can be used as an addition.
Oil radiators - they are also called oil-filled. This great solution, if you need to heat small room up to 30 sq.m. Such wall-mounted oil heating radiators operate from electrical network. They are completely independent from the heating system. They are also mobile - this makes it easy to carry devices.
Another option is quartz heating batteries. Such devices are monolithic slab, which is made from a special solution on quartz sand. The heating component is made of an alloy of spirit metals - chromium and nickel, it is completely separate from environment. The device also operates from the network.
A relatively new solution is baseboard heating radiators. These are comfortable devices that operate from low-temperature sources. Such radiators are made thermal curtain, while maintaining temperature regime along the perimeter of all premises.
Selecting the radiator model
When we look at the photos that a catalog of heating radiators provides, we can only evaluate the appearance and design characteristics of a particular device. It is visually impossible to determine the quality and technical parameters of batteries.
When choosing types of heating batteries, first of all, you should determine their service life. This indicator will depend on the quality of the product and under what conditions it is used. And if you live in an apartment building, your radiators central heating will be supplied with water of terrible quality. Therefore, you should not install aluminum batteries in multi-storey building. Of course, modern manufacturers install a lot of protective technologies and treat the insides of batteries with polymers. This is, of course, a better option, but also more expensive.
As for steel and bimetallic batteries, they are also subject to corrosion, but to a lesser extent. In this case, cast iron central heating batteries will be the most reliable.
It is worth noting that there is another indicator that needs to be especially taken into account - the ability to withstand coolant pressure. The minimum value is 7 atmospheres, but experts recommend choosing heating radiators with a 15 atm fan - if the system suffers a water hammer.
Today, when choosing a type of heating battery, many consumers often pay attention to such a parameter as design. Of course, this is also important. But remember that the beauty of radiators should in no case come at the expense of quality and functionality. Modern euro heating radiators along with excellent technical characteristics have good design. Euro radiators for heating can be successfully integrated into almost every modern interior.
Currently, much attention is paid to such an issue as savings. Therefore, energy-saving heating batteries appeared. Such devices will save heating costs. They are also called economical heating radiators.
