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Which is the best heating radiator? What are the best heating radiators for an apartment - comparison and characteristics. Which ones are better to choose?

Choice heating devices for a water system always remains the prerogative of the homeowner, even when the installation is performed by hired craftsmen. But choosing batteries based on the advice of sellers or reviews of Internet users is not easy - the former often do not understand the topic and repeat advertising slogans, the latter “praise their swamp,” which is understandable. To find out which heating radiators are best to choose for an apartment or private house, we suggest using a simple and understandable algorithm.

Instructions for choosing batteries - a simplified approach

We hope the previous description helped you figure out which heating batteries are best for an apartment in terms of price and technical indicators. Finally, here are some practical tips:

1. Please use the instructions at the beginning of this publication. Choose radiators that best suit your design and budget.
2. The working pressure of the coolant is important only for apartments in high-rise buildings; only bimetallic and aluminum batteries can withstand pressure above 10 bar. Any water heating devices are suitable for dachas and private cottages.
3. If you have a limited budget, feel free to buy steel panels - their heat output is not inferior to other heaters or convectors.
4. For a gravity-flow system, you need to take radiators with a large cross-section of internal channels. It is better not to install stamped steel heaters, only tubular ones.
5. In terms of price-quality ratio and set of operating parameters, the first place is occupied by sectional batteries made of light aluminum alloy.
6. It is worth paying for bimetal when there is no confidence in the parameters of the coolant - the pressure is unknown, hard water is used.
7. Try not to purchase frankly cheap radiators made from unknown material in China. They will warm, but probably not for long.

Characteristics of heaters of the same size made from various materials, - comparison table

Conclusion regarding cast iron. Heating radiators of the old type MS-90 and MS-140 are cheap, but they look unsightly. Beautifully designed models are incredibly expensive, and therefore beyond the reach of average homeowners. Cast iron is becoming a rarity, and the outdated “accordions” of the MC series are becoming a thing of the past.

If your budget allows you to install designer heaters, carefully select each battery according to its dimensions. It is better to place a vertical steel heating radiator in a narrow wall niche; stylish ones under the windows cast iron products. It is advisable to additionally attach heavy floor-standing versions to the wall using a pair of brackets.

Anyone who is dissatisfied with the heating in their own home has a reasonable question: how will replacing batteries affect the temperature? If you live in an old housing stock, then replacing heating appliances can radically change the situation. You just need to decide correctly for the apartment and by what criteria you should select them. About this we'll talk in our material.

Is it worth giving up central heating and which radiator is better to choose for heating an apartment?

Before we talk about how to choose radiators for heating an apartment, let's look at the main point: which is better, central or heating?

This is not an idle question. These systems have different operating modes and specific operating conditions. The type of heating devices depends on the choice you make.

Previously there were no options. In apartment buildings there has always been central heating. In modern new buildings, almost all developers offer an individual system that works or.

Let's compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems:

Central	Autonomous
Pros
Stable temperature in the apartment throughout the heating season.	Can be adjusted temperature regime depending on the weather.
There is no need to invest in periodic repairs and maintenance of the system - all this is included in the cost of housing and communal services.	The heating in the apartment can be turned on without waiting for the official start date of the heating season and turned off later or earlier, as necessary.
This method of heating a home is the most convenient and safe.	You can adjust the temperature in each room separately.
The system is not dependent on interruptions and... In large boiler rooms designed for apartment buildings, there are reserves for maintaining work in emergency situations.	When using an autonomous heating system, you will significantly save your budget. In addition to reducing costs by regulating temperature, you can use the system for...
Cons
Prices for centralized heating are quite high, in addition, the service bill also includes expenses “for that guy” and unaccounted heat losses	To install autonomous heating in an apartment, a long approval process will be required with numerous authorities.
The heating is turned on and off on strictly defined dates, without taking into account weather conditions and the wishes of the apartment owners	Installing the system will require capital investments; after installation, it is possible that it will have to be done throughout the entire apartment.
It will not be possible to regulate the temperature in the rooms and save on heating.	Autonomous heating depends on an uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas.
The safety of your home depends on a housing and communal services locksmith. If he closes the tap untimely or too abruptly, the resulting water hammer will destroy the batteries and lead to property damage.	A boiler in an apartment requires special safety measures. The system must be monitored and periodic inspection and maintenance carried out.

Now that you have an idea of ​​the weak points of both heating systems, you can think about how to choose heating batteries for your apartment.

There is a practice-tested list of basic criteria for heating radiators. How to choose devices:

1. Please note working pressure specified by the manufacturer in technical passport products. Compare it with the performance of your centralized or autonomous system. For information: in a standard five-story building the average pressure is 6-8 atmospheres, in houses with 9-12 floors - up to 15 atmospheres.
2. It is important to select devices that are resistant to possible water hammer. A harbinger of an accident can be humming and noise in pipes.
3. The radiator material must be resistant to chemical attack, rust and mechanical damage.
4. The heating device model should be selected according to the maximum coefficient. It is listed in technical documentation.
5. Radiators differ in their service life. If you don’t want to spend extra money on replacing batteries, choose those. Which have a maximum warranty period.
6. And the last but not least important factor is appearance. Select devices according to your size of window openings and arrangement.

Types of heating radiators for apartments and their features

Each type of heating radiator in an apartment has its own characteristics. They differ in material, design specifics and permitted pressure.

Table of main parameters:

Radiator material	Warranty periods, years	Permissible pH of the coolant	Working pressure/pressure pressure/breaking pressure
Cast iron	10	9	9/15/25
Steel	1	9	12/9/18
Aluminum	3-8	8	20/30/50
Bimetal	3-10	9	35/57/75

These four main types of radiators are most in demand in apartment buildings. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cast iron: weighty and durable

Cast iron batteries are at least one hundred and fifty years old, and rare exhibits can be used for their intended purpose today.

Advantages of cast iron radiators:

Advantage	Description
Corrosion resistance	The inner surface of the radiator is coated with oxide from contact with water, protecting the metal from contact with oxygen. To prevent such batteries from rusting on the outside, they can simply be painted.
Low requirements for coolant	Cast iron calmly tolerates the presence of sand particles in the coolant and does not become capricious due to the pH level. Thick walls, resistance to chemicals and high temperatures make it one of the most reliable materials.
Possibility of connection with other materials	Cast iron batteries can be connected to steel and plastic pipes. The material perfectly withstands water hammer up to 25 atmospheres.
Maintainability	For cast iron batteries, sections can be replaced if necessary. These batteries can be cleaned from the inside and disassembled.
Long service life	Such radiators can last at least half a century, and with proper care – even more.

Cast iron models also have their disadvantages, which you should be aware of before making a choice:

Flaw	Description
Slow heating	Cast iron warms up very slowly, so it can take half an hour to an hour from the moment the heating is turned on until the temperature in the room normalizes. But it also cools down for a long time, retaining heat.
Small heat dissipation	Compared to models made of steel or aluminum, the heat transfer of cast iron is one and a half times less.
Heavy weight	Each section of such a battery weighs at least 6 kilograms. Plus the weight of the coolant is about another kilogram.
Price	The prices of cast iron radiators are not the most affordable. The cost of a section starts from 500 rubles.

Opponents of cast iron batteries may argue that they are not the most aesthetically pleasing device. And by the way, they will be completely wrong, look at what masterpieces modern manufacturers offer, how can they be compared with primitive radiators made of aluminum and steel?

Steel: attractive, but unreliable

Now you can buy steel heating radiators in almost every store household appliances. Until recently, they were new to most buyers and when they appeared on the shelves they began to enjoy wild popularity. This is understandable: such batteries look weightless and neat, unlike the old cast-iron monsters that were in Soviet apartments.

The main advantages of steel batteries:

Advantage	Description
Good thermal conductivity	Steel panel heating radiators have thin walls, which allows them to warm up very quickly.
Long service life	The design of steel radiators is very primitive, due to this they can work for up to ten years, subject to careful care.
Light weight	The weight of steel tubular heating radiators is 3-4 kilograms. They are easy to install and can be connected to coolant pipes in several ways.
Price	The price of steel models is low and affordable for most consumers with average incomes. The cost of one section is from 300 rubles.

Steel batteries cannot be expanded like cast iron ones. And this is not the only drawback of such devices:

Considering all the listed disadvantages, we can conclude that steel radiators are not suitable for central heating systems. They can only be used for autonomous heating in an apartment or private house with a couple of floors.

Aluminum: a heating revolution

Weightless aluminum batteries have excellent performance. They appeared relatively recently, in the sixties of the last century, and over the years they have proven themselves well. Before you decide which aluminum radiator to choose, study the characteristics of models from different manufacturers. They may differ in the level of heat transfer.

Average heat transfer rates of aluminum radiators, table:

Returning to the question of use different types batteries in apartments with autonomous and central heating, it should be noted that aluminum heating radiators do not occupy the last place in the rating. They have their advantages:

Advantage	Description
High heat dissipation	The low inertia of aluminum results in excellent heat transfer characteristics. Aluminum batteries heat up very quickly.
Temperature adjustment	Radiators made of lightweight material are equipped with thermoregulation devices. This allows you to set different temperatures in the rooms.
Easy to install and transport	Aluminum is a lightweight material. Such batteries can even be hung on frame walls. Sections can be added and removed if necessary.
Variability of design	Aluminum batteries have a wide range of models; it is not difficult to choose a radiator that is suitable in size and design for your design.

At the same time, there is also a fly in the ointment in this ointment, which will not allow the use of aluminum appliances for central heating systems. So, the disadvantages:

Flaw	Description
Need for constant pressure	For normal functioning aluminum radiators need a stable pressure of up to 10-12 atmospheres. Such conditions are difficult to maintain big system central heating.
Chemical sensitivity	Oxygen reacts chemically with aluminum. As a result, hydrogen is formed, which causes air jams and noise in the batteries.
Selectivity in installation materials	Fittings made of brass, steel or copper should not be used for fastening. Contact with these metals leads to corrosive processes in the radiator and the formation of surface discharges. Such batteries must be grounded without fail.

There is only one conclusion from all this information: aluminum - excellent material, but it is only suitable for an autonomous heating system. It is not suitable for the central one.

Bimetallic batteries: a compromise option

Such radiators are called bimetallic because of their special design, consisting of tubular steel and aluminum. Combining these two metals makes it possible to create devices that rival the strength and reliability of cast iron. This invention is already more than 60 years old, this time is quite enough to determine operational features device. Main heat transfer characteristics of bimetallic heating radiators, table:

– these are monolithic panels without welded joints. And since there is no welding, there will be no leakage.

Advantages of bimetallic radiators:

Advantage	Description
High pressure resistance	The monolithic design allows bimetallic radiators to withstand pressure up to 75 atmospheres
Chemical resistance	The insides of such radiators are treated with a compound that prevents water and oxygen from contacting the metal
High heat dissipation	Such batteries heat up quickly and dissipate heat well.
Possibility of thermoregulation	Modern models are equipped with special devices for temperature control, which allow you to quite accurately control the indoor climate.
Lightness and decent design	Bimetallic radiators are light and stylish. They are easy to install and fit into any interior.

It would seem that this is a simple answer to the question, what better battery heating for the apartment: bimetallic. Everything about them is wonderful, but there are a couple of significant drawbacks:

Thus, bimetallic devices are excellent for central heating systems. They are an example modern technologies and high efficiency.

Related article:

From the publication you will learn the scope of application of devices, their design, varieties, selection criteria, how to correctly calculate the number of sections, manufacturers and models, installation secrets.

How to determine the number of radiators for an apartment

To calculate the number of sections of heating radiators, you will need to know two basic quantities:

• heat loss of the room (depending on the region, building materials used and the size of windows and doors);
• power of one radiator section (indicated in the technical characteristics of the product).

For your information! The radiator data sheet usually indicates the maximum heat output of the device.

The easiest way is to calculate the number of battery sections by. To do this, you need to multiply the height, width and length of the room. The resulting value is the area. To determine the amount of heat for heating a room, you need to multiply the result obtained by the regional norm. For central Russia this is 80 W, for the north - 150, and for the south - 60.

But this will only be an approximate calculation, without taking into account the material of the walls. The resulting heat demand should be divided by the heat output of one section of the battery. As a result, you will receive the required number of sections. For the calculation, a table of heat transfer from heating radiators with average values ​​is useful:

You can take an even simpler route. Just take into account that one cast iron section heats 1.5 square meters, aluminum – 2, bimetallic – 1.8. If you have a room, say, 15 square meters, then draw a conclusion: you will need 10 sections of a cast-iron appliance, 8 of aluminum and bimetallic.

But remember, these are just approximate calculations.

Important! When choosing radiators, be sure to take into account the pressure level in the central heating radiators.

What are the best batteries for heating an apartment: prices and a dozen top manufacturers

The domestic market offers a wide range of modern heating batteries for apartments from a variety of manufacturers. We have selected for you the top three manufacturers in each segment. So, the rating of heating radiators for an apartment:

Aluminum radiators:

• Global Radiators is an Italian company that occupies a leading position in Europe in sales of aluminum heating appliances. Global Radiatori products are adapted to Russian operating conditions and have a warranty of up to 10 years. The cost of radiators is from 480 rubles per section

• Sira Industry- another Italian manufacturer that was at the forefront of the production of aluminum radiators. This company offers customers a wide range of models and budget models, available to most buyers. Price per section – from 450 rubles

• Nami– the products of this Hungarian company are particularly resistant to adverse operating conditions, and this is important for us. Nami devices are coated on the inside with a special compound that protects the metal from corrosion and chemical reactions. Section price – from 299 rubles

Bimetallic radiators:

• Radena– and again Italy tops the list of the best. In addition to the fact that batteries from this manufacturer are suitable for Russian operating conditions, they are distinguished by an elegant external design suitable for any interior. Section price – from 548 rubles

• Rifar– domestic products are famous for their excellent heat dissipation and the possibility of bottom connection of pipes. This connection looks much neater. The batteries will last at least a quarter of a century, and the cost of one section starts from 500 rubles

• Oasis– the combination of German quality and affordable prices makes the products of this company very popular in Russia. The batteries can withstand pressure of 30 atmospheres, so they can be installed in houses with central heating. Section price – from 1000 rubles

Cast iron radiators:

• Conner– the Russian company offers extremely reliable batteries created using the latest technologies. The decent quality of the products is confirmed by numerous international awards. The company's designers offer models for every taste. Section price – from 790 rubles

• Guratec–retro design of these German radiators Lovers of antiquity will love it. These are real masterpieces that will decorate your apartment and serve faithfully for decades. Section price – from 6000 rubles

• Demir Dokum– the Turkish manufacturer has extensive experience in the manufacture of such products. It offers six product lines for different interiors. The appearance and quality of the radiators are worthy of the highest praise. Section price – from 1250 rubles

Steel radiators:

• Buderus– the oldest German company has more than 250 years of history. Today it also produces steel batteries with a stylish design and excellent performance characteristics. Section price – from 1100 rubles

• Kermi– another German manufacturer with extensive experience. Batteries are produced only in Germany using the latest equipment. All products meet strict European quality standards. Section price – from 1050 rubles

• Korado– a young Czech company quickly climbed to the podium thanks to the high quality of its products. The company's designers offer customers a rich color scheme and refined appearance of heating devices. Section price – from 1030 rubles

It’s up to you to decide which heating radiators are best installed in your apartment, but if you choose products from one of the listed companies, you definitely won’t go wrong.

Results

Choosing suitable radiators is not the same simple task as it seems at first glance. The type of heating system should be taken into account, technical specifications products and the need for premises.

The most common and traditional heating devices are radiators, which ensure the transfer of heat from its source to living spaces. In the domestic space, heavy and inconvenient cast iron radiators have been used for a long time. Such devices have long been obsolete, so owners are increasingly paying attention to more modern products with good energy efficiency and small in size. How to choose a heating radiator will be discussed in this article.

Types of heating radiators

On modern construction market You can find many types of heating radiators. All modern heating batteries for an apartment or house have their own characteristics and characteristics: for example, some radiators are only suitable for autonomous heating systems, while others are quite suitable for centralized heating. The main types of radiators are worth considering in more detail.

Cast iron radiators

Room heating radiators made of cast iron are familiar and familiar products that can still be found in any apartment. Of course, outdated radiators manufactured in Soviet times, no different good quality, in contrast to modern analogues, which will be discussed further.

Updated models of cast iron heating radiators are quite compact, have nice view and are distinguished by well-treated surfaces. If your financial capabilities allow you to choose more expensive products, then you should pay attention to retro-styled radiators that can fit perfectly into suitable design- the ideal answer to the question of which heating batteries are best for an apartment.

The main advantages of cast iron radiators are the ability to release accumulated heat for a long time, resistance to corrosion and long service life, which with proper maintenance can be tens of years. Among the disadvantages, it is mainly worth noting the large weight and the associated installation difficulties. In addition, noticeable disadvantages are the long heating time of radiators, the large volume of coolant and the fragility of cast iron, which is why such devices sometimes cannot withstand strong water hammer.

Aluminum radiators

When deciding which heating radiators are best installed in a private home, you should pay attention to aluminum products, which are characterized by their relatively low cost and a wide variety of external characteristics. If the heating system is full clean water with a normal acidity level, then aluminum radiators can work for about 20 years without problems.

Due to the fact that the pressure in autonomous heating is low, the radiators will not be subject to stress. By filling the system with water without impurities, you can minimize chemical reactions that provoke the release of hydrogen - they accelerate the destruction of the radiator and can cause a fire. Radiator products, among other things, are characterized by slight inertia.

Aluminum radiators are divided into two categories:

• Extrusion radiators, consisting of glued and pressed sections (the central part is made by extrusion, and the upper and lower manifolds are cast);
• Cast radiators, each section of which is injection molded, so the finished products are more reliable and durable.

Bimetallic radiators

Bimetallic radiators are well suited for installing a heating system in apartment buildings, as they can easily withstand high pressure and regular water hammer. Structurally, bimetallic radiators for central heating correspond to their name: the outer layer is made of aluminum, and underneath there are steel or copper pipes. In the end it turns out reliable design with excellent performance characteristics and good visual qualities.

There are two types of bimetallic radiators:

1. Full bimetallic radiators. Inside such devices there is a core without aluminum. For the manufacture of the core, steel or copper is used - materials that are resistant to corrosion. Due to the corrugated body located outside the core, effective heat transfer is ensured.
2. Semi-metallic radiators. The core of this type of radiator is almost entirely made of aluminum - steel is used only to reinforce the vertical channels. The degree of heat transfer due to this design increases, but the strength is significantly reduced. Pseudo-bimetallic radiators are cheaper compared to full-fledged products.

Bimetallic devices are also classified depending on the structure of the sections:

• Regular sectional radiators consist of several sections, each of which, if necessary, can be easily replaced or removed;
• Monolithic radiators, as the name implies, consist of a single element, which significantly increases the ability to withstand high pressure, up to 100 atmospheres.

If local central heating is characterized by constant pressure drops, then monolithic bimetallic devices will be the best answer to the question of which heating radiators are best for an apartment.

Steel heating radiators

Not bad and enough modern version The radiators are made of steel, have a nice design, relatively light weight and a high degree of heat transfer.

Steel heating devices are divided into two types:

1. Panel. The design of panel radiators includes metal sheets welded in pairs, which have oval recesses for the passage of coolant. The number of such panels in one radiator can vary from one to three. To increase heat transfer, convectors are welded onto the inside of the panels - the efficiency ultimately increases, but the devices collect more dust during operation. Due to their cleanliness, standard models without welded fins are well suited for children's and medical institutions.
2. Tubular. In tubular radiators, the connection of the collectors is carried out using vertically installed steel pipes. The advantages of such radiators compared to panel ones are an increased safety margin and a more interesting design. The disadvantage is the rather high cost. If you do not take into account the price, then when trying to determine which heating radiators are better for an apartment, steel ones will definitely be one of the most interesting options.

Floor convectors

Another type of heating devices are floor convectors. Such devices are based on a core, represented by a metal tube with ribs that increase heat transfer. Thanks to the shell, heated air moves to the upper zone.

It is worth noting that convectors can withstand high pressure and corrosive effects without problems. The convector body heats up to a temperature of no higher than 43 degrees, and adjusting the degree of heating is greatly simplified due to the small inertia of the device.

The disadvantage of this type of heating devices is uneven heating of the room and, as a consequence, low economic and thermal efficiency. It is most advisable to use convection devices in rooms with windows that occupy the entire wall - thanks to the radiator, a heat shield will be created along the entire window, preventing the spread of cold.

How to choose heating radiators

All heating devices have several parameters that must be considered before choosing a heating radiator. Each parameter must be studied separately, and when choosing, their totality must be taken into account.

Heating system type

The main parameter in to the greatest extent influencing the choice of a heating radiator is the heating system, which can be implemented according to two basic schemes:

Central heating. In the domestic market, single-pipe heating circuits are used, in which radiators are connected in series. When deciding which radiators are best to choose for an apartment, you must take into account that the centralized heating system operates under high pressure, and its value is constantly changing within very wide limits. In addition, the coolant poured into the system is rarely of a sufficient degree of purity, so all elements of the system are susceptible to corrosion.

When dealing with a centralized system, you need to know which batteries are best installed in the apartment:

• Cast iron radiators that can withstand pressures from 6 to 16 bar and have good corrosion resistance;
• Bimetallic batteries central heating systems that are not subject to corrosion and can withstand pressures from 35 bar (sectional) to 100 bar (monolithic).

Autonomous heating. As a rule, an autonomous heating system has two operating circuits, the operating pressure rarely exceeds 3-5 bar, and the water in the system has a neutral acidity level. All this suggests that any radiators are suitable for autonomous heating (except for bimetallic ones, the use of which in this case cannot be called appropriate).

To achieve maximum efficiency of an autonomous system, it is worth using the following types radiators:

• Aluminum with excellent heat dissipation;
• Steel ones, which are inexpensive and look good;
• Cast iron is the most familiar and democratic option.

Heat transfer of different types of radiators

The heat output level of different radiators varies depending on the material used. Exact value The effectiveness of a particular model, which is often used to decide which battery is best to install in an apartment, can only be found in the documentation attached to it.

The average heat transfer value of one radiator section is as follows:

• Cast iron radiators – 100-160 watts;
• Aluminum radiators – 82-212 watts;
• Bimetallic radiators - 150-180 watts.

Solid radiators have the following heat transfer rates:

• Steel - 1200-1600 watts;
• Convectors - 130-10000 watts.

Calculation of the size of heating radiators

To know exactly how to choose a heating radiator correctly, you need to accurately understand the following nuances:

• Type of eyeliner (open or hidden);
• Method of connecting pipes to the radiator (from above, from the side, from the floor, from the wall, etc.);
• Diameter of heating pipes;
• Center distance between pipes.

When deciding which heating radiators are best to install in an apartment, you also need to take into account their location. The fact is that there must be an air supply to the radiator - if the device is not properly ventilated, its heat transfer will decrease by 10-15%.

The general rules for installing radiators look like this:

• The distance between the floor and the radiator should be 7-10 cm;
• The radiator should be at a distance of about 3-5 cm from the wall;
• There should be at least 10-15 cm of free space between the window sill and the radiator.

Considering these rules, deciding which heating radiator is best to choose for an apartment will not be difficult.

Buying batteries

When all the parameters have been studied, and the most best batteries The heating systems for the apartment have been selected, all that remains is to purchase them. In the case of an autonomous heating system, there will be no problems at all - you can simply go to the store with your calculations and buy the most suitable devices.

Before choosing radiators, it is advisable for owners of apartments in multi-storey buildings to go to the local heating network authorities and ask what the operating pressure is in the centralized heating system. heating system. It is necessary to select heating radiators for central heating with a small pressure margin so that the system can withstand pressure changes, in particular seasonal ones - central heating is tested every year under a pressure increased by 1.5 times.

Conclusion

This article answers in detail the question of which batteries are best to buy for the greatest heating efficiency. It is enough to study all types of heating devices, their parameters and factors influencing the choice. Correctly selected radiators will work without the slightest complaints throughout their entire service life.

But the right choice can be made if you have an idea about each individual material. Only in this case can we say that you are now really making the right purchase. What are the features of each specific material?

Central heating system

Before you come to the question of how to choose heating radiators for an apartment, it is worth understanding that a lot depends on the heating system itself. Today the majority apartment buildings served thanks to a central heating system. Its arrangement has many advantages and, at the same time, disadvantages. If in your room the radiators for heating are connected to a single central system, then new units must be selected taking into account the peculiarities of their structure.

What is a central heating system?

In fact, this is a central heating unit, the main task of which is to generate heat. It's warm main lines will be transmitted to apartments and then returned back. The circulation itself will be carried out in a closed circle due to the functioning of the pumps. Depending on the amount of equipment placed, the operation of such a central system can be excellent. However, pumps can create a load that is equal to 15 working atmospheres. This means that when choosing a heating unit, you need to pay attention not only to the technical characteristics of the system, but also to the parameters of the unit itself. There are all kinds of heating batteries in the apartment on the market; finding the right one is not difficult.

The variety of the market can often confuse buyers, and they choose the wrong model that could fully satisfy their requirements. In order to avoid this, you need to have an idea of ​​the materials and structural features of each model. There is a high probability that after studying the nuances, you will be able to qualitatively change your choice in the completely opposite direction.

Carefully read the instructions and data sheet. It must indicate the maximum permissible pressure.

On my own central system heating works using different pressures. And its differences will create corresponding water hammer, which will negatively affect the efficiency of heat transfer and the service life. At the same time, the water temperature will not be enviably constant. You may experience the batteries alternating between cold and hot. In this way, utility workers are trying to speed up heating in order to reach the average monthly norm.

In addition, changes in pressure and temperature negatively affect the condition of radiators. Do not forget that any central heating system does not exclude the absence of accidents. Sometimes it will be necessary to technically drain the water. This is why the radiator must withstand various conditions operation.

First of all, you should pay attention to the quality of the coolant. Most of the models that are presented on modern market, are produced in the European Union. The water quality standard in these countries is higher than in Russia, so materials can quickly deteriorate when interacting with low-quality water. Considering that the Russian heating system contains a large amount dirty water with stones, debris, lime, rust, the materials will quickly wear out. The inner shell becomes thinner, which reduces its service life.

An advantage is the fact that the manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty on its products. Considering the above, you can be sure that the radiator in this case will serve you for at least 20 years.

The most efficient radiators The heating units are definitely not made of aluminum.

The declared figure may not withstand the pressure inside the radiator, because European devices are designed only for 12 atmospheres. This may result in cracks and breakages.

However, if you decide to purchase aluminum batteries at any cost, then you need to purchase a special conical tip for the coolant. It will allow you to increase the coolant pressure in this system.

Shut-off valves

But at the same time, aluminum radiators have strict requirements regarding the quality of the coolant. They can function efficiently only if the indicator is equal to 6 units. However, domestic coolants cannot boast of such figures.

Aluminum structures are very fragile, so it is quite possible for one person to install them. However, in this case, you need to take into account some features. For example, when connecting a battery to a heating system, you should never use copper, brass or other fittings. Unfortunately, when interacting with other types of metal, corrosion formations can appear on aluminum. The structures will be secured using the coupling threaded connection method.

Coupling threaded connection

Remember that your central heating system contains large amounts of oxygen. Keep in mind that when oxygen reacts with aluminum, it gradually transforms into the state of hydrogen gas. This becomes the main reason for the terrible, incomprehensible sounds that often come from batteries. This is the result of the formation of air pockets.

Unfortunately, air locks are very dangerous and can paralyze the operation of the system. Therefore, your radiator must have a special tap that will allow it to function as an air regulator.

Mayevsky crane

Aluminum also has low inertness. This will provide the highest heat transfer compared to other materials. The heat dissipation is approximately 200 W, taking into account the distribution into just one section of 6 parts. The volume of each section can be about 400 ml of water. The aluminum battery is designed for temperatures up to 120 degrees. The maximum mark in gentle conditions reaches 90 degrees Celsius.

The distance between the top and bottom of the device is approximately 350 / 500 mm. However, if your apartment allows it, you can order devices with non-standard sizes from the manufacturer.

Not standard sizes aluminum radiators

Aluminum radiators retain heat well. Modern batteries made from this material have performed well in urban environments. Therefore, you can choose for yourself an effective device that will regulate optimal temperatures.

Aluminum batteries can be expanded by adding additional sections. But this must be done within reasonable limits, otherwise you will lose all the heat.

Aluminum batteries have a smooth surface

Another way to speed up heat transfer is to manufacture each section separately. A special metal alloy is prepared for this in order to find good tightness for each individual section. Production tests made it possible to create a pressure of 25 atmospheres, which may indicate a large margin of safety for a particular product.

In order to increase heat transfer, you need to choose radiators with smooth surface, which simultaneously provides best care behind the devices.

At the same time, additional impurities will be released into the radiator, which helps to increase the reliability of the material and increase protection against corrosion.

Extrusion technology

Extrusion technology involves squeezing out a product section from a material. Special clamps are used for this. The sections are then connected to form the finished structure. While operating a finished unit, reducing or increasing its size, you will feel the difference.

Positive aspects of buying an aluminum battery.

1. Weightless.
2. Ideal for any style.
3. Cheap.
4. You can install it yourself

Disadvantages of the product.

1. They break due to water hammer.
2. They do not tolerate impurities in water.
3. A large amount of air inside.
4. They break down quickly.
5. There are high demands on the coolant.
6. Working pressure is more than 12 atmospheres.

Also pay attention to devices with anode coating. They are made from a high-quality alloy of silicon and aluminum compounds. And the device itself is covered with an anode.

Anodic coating of aluminum radiators

Thanks to this production, aluminum changes its structure and its resistance to corrosion increases. Such a battery can withstand various water hammers and poor quality water.

All produced sections will be assembled into a common structure, and reliable seals will be used.

The internal surface of such radiators is very smooth and can withstand pressure of 25 atmospheres.

But when purchasing anode batteries, you need to be especially careful. In appearance, they are practically no different from aluminum radiators. However chemical composition There are different types of such batteries, and often ordinary aluminum is sold under the guise of anode products.

Steel batteries

What types of batteries are there for heating an apartment? Steel batteries differ from each other not only in their appearance, but also due to their design.

For example, two types of such batteries are known.

Steel radiator

They can be tubular, the most common type, or they can be panel.

Let's consider each separate species in order to understand the main nuances when purchasing.

Panel View

Basically, such radiators consist of ribbed plates. They are produced by adopting non-ferrous casting. Inside there is a special sealed tank, which is carefully sealed. It ends with a coolant, which
increases heat transfer.

Hot air stays in the room much longer.

But at the same time there are many other nuances in such batteries.

Panel steel radiator

The ribbed shape will provide the greatest heat transfer efficiency. Consider the air circulation that occurs indoors. Steel has good thermal conductivity, just like cast iron. In order to have time to warm up a cold room, you will need 2 times less money and time, since it warms up faster than cast iron. Such good performance is achieved for a reason, but through thermal radiation.

The steel battery is designed for a working pressure of 11 atmospheres.

It is suitable for central heating system.
After the buyer has assembled the panel, the entire structure must be covered with a special protective paint. This provides reliable protection from receiving chemical or technical damage.

The radiator is designed to withstand temperatures up to 90 degrees Celsius. However, when severe cold occurs, it can withstand temperatures of 110 degrees Celsius.

Convection ensures high performance

It is also encouraging to know that water quality can remain mediocre. Such radiators are absolutely insensitive to impurities in water and function completely calmly long time, even if the water is heavily polluted.

Steel is susceptible to corrosion, but its threshold is 9.5 units.

Important! Steel radiators do not need to be left without water for a long time.

Unfortunately, upon contact with air masses they will be subject to corrosion.

Steel radiators are classified into several types. Basically, belonging to one type or another depends on the number of panels.
Type 10 is rightfully considered one of the most accessible and effective.
However, the absence of a convector has a positive effect on the heat transfer of such panels.

At the same time, depending on their design, radiators vary greatly in size. For example, the length of the product varies from 400 mm to 500 mm. And the height varies from 200 to 900 millimeters. This discrepancy in parameters will allow you to choose the ideal model specifically for your room, both for a standard room and for a non-standard one.

At the same time, when choosing such a product, you need to pay attention to the type of fastening. It can be lateral and bottom. The type of connection directly depends on the pipe layout.

The heating circuit also plays an important role. If there is a bottom connection, then at the same time the efficiency of heat transfer decreases, however, the pipes are well disguised and do not spoil the appearance of the room. They can be hidden under the floor covering.

Steel radiator design

Let's look at the advantages of steel radiators.

1. Reasonable price.
2. Fast heating.
3. Ease of fastening.

Now let's look at the disadvantages that also exist.

The disadvantages of such batteries are the price. They also manifest themselves when they are used in rooms with autonomous heating. Large structures allow large amounts of water to pass through them. This means that the heat exchanger will turn on very often to maintain the temperature regime. Unfortunately, this greatly affects energy consumption and economical use. If the apartment has a central heating system, then such moments do not occur.

Feedback on purchasing a steel battery:

My name is Marina. My husband and I built a house that needed heating. At first we wanted to save money and buy aluminum batteries. But they turned out to be not the most effective. Then the choice fell on steel. We were attracted by the price and reviews on the Internet. We were very pleased. The quality is excellent. Plus, the house is warmed up in minutes.

Also inner surface steel structures will be made of a special protective coating. As a result, there will be an increased risk of mechanical damage due to interaction with abrasive substances in water. Therefore, if there are impurities in your central heating system, then such a steel structure, unfortunately, will not serve you for very long.

Pipes can be hidden under the floor

Simultaneously steel structure will not withstand water hammer, which often occurs when operating a central heating system.

If you notice that the system often encounters shocks, it is better to opt for cast iron batteries.

How to understand that water hammer often occurs in the heating system? To do this you need to listen to the sounds. If you hear murmurs, clicks and crackles, this means that water hammer still occurs.

Tubular radiators

Comparing tubular and panel radiators, you can see that they also consist of a number of separate sections. The sections are made in the form of a fraction. By welding, these are glued together very tightly.

You can purchase tubular batteries in ready-made, assembled form. However, it will be possible to increase them by replacing sections if it is necessary to remove the failed part.

In order for the batteries to provide heat to the premises, you will need to try to calculate the power of your unit before purchasing. This should be done based on the number of pipes, as well as the area of ​​the room.

Tubular steel radiator

Continuity of pipe connections is a disadvantage and at the same time an advantage. On the one hand, there is no possibility of increasing battery power. On the other hand, the absence of connections will eliminate the possibility of leaks during accidents. This will affect the lifespan of the product.

Taking into account the low operating pressure that exists in tubular batteries, it is better to equip the design with gearboxes. They will allow you to avoid severe shocks due to temperature changes.

If we compare floor and panel structures with tubular models, we can understand that the latter are highly resistant to corrosion. However, the whole point is actually in the protective coating, which is made of polymer materials. This protective coating applied to the inside of the unit.

The reducer helps smooth out pressure drops

A wide variety of tubular batteries allows you to select units for any type of premises. You can select them according to size, parameters, appearance. Their length will directly depend on the power.

It is worth highlighting the various design solutions which will allow you to select optimal model. There are floor, corner, wall, horizontal and vertical models. Some can even be located in the very center of the room. This option will allow you to quickly warm up the room and visually divide it into two zones at once.

Tubular radiator design

Let's look at the pros and cons of these options. Pros:

• Light weight and thickness.
• Simplified installation.
• Corrosion resistance.
• Fairly affordable price.
• The room warms up very quickly.
• Variety of sizes and various design solutions.
• The quality of the coolant does not affect the performance of the battery.

The downside is the high sensitivity to various water hammers.

In addition, a slightly reduced heat transfer should be noted.

Tubular steel radiator can be given any shape

We conclude that for multi-storey buildings in which there is a central heating system, experts do not recommend choosing such radiators.

Bimetallic radiators

This radiator was considered something unusual just a few years ago. Today, these models combine the advantages of both cast iron and aluminum structures. This radiator is ideal for installation in rooms where there is central heating. The biggest disadvantage of such structures is the relatively high cost.

Radiators STOUT

Thanks to the optimization that was achieved thanks to high power, as well as thanks to the logistics scheme, the material allows us to maintain affordable prices for all similar radiators. It is the market leader.

Heating devices were developed for the Russian market with the purpose of operation in every region of the country. At the same time, radiators can withstand pressure up to 50 atmospheres. They work very effectively with temperatures up to 135 degrees Celsius. The manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty.

Each buyer is free to choose the number of sections for himself - from 4 to 14.

Bimetallic radiator design

In order to produce radiators from metal material, two metals are used at once. It is an alloy of steel and aluminum. In order to improve technical properties, manufacturers can add silicon - it increases durability.

Bimetallic radiators were previously used only in industrial premises. For some reason, there was previously an opinion that these heaters are harmful to human health. But it turned out that this is not at all the case. In fact, bimetal copes well with its tasks, and numerous studies have confirmed that units made from it are not at all dangerous.

Let's get acquainted with the design of a bimetal radiator.

In fact it consists of two components. This is a core made of steel. It is through it that your coolant circulates. The core has a very important function. It accumulates energy and transfers it to another part of the device, which is made of aluminum. This heat exchanger distributes heat in the apartment.

The aluminum casing does not come into contact with the liquid, which is often very high temperature. This is a task inherent in alloy steel. In this case, the outer part is covered with paint, which has a protective coating. All this together gives the design a modern and stylish look.

Such products combine strength and high heat transfer. Therefore, manufacturers are trying to produce very highly efficient devices that will quickly warm up the room. In this case, there is no need to be afraid that a pressure drop will occur.

As for the operation of the steel core, it can withstand operating pressures that reach up to 40 atmospheres. In factory conditions, bimetallic radiators are necessarily tested for strength; if the device does not pass this test, it is removed from production.

Bimetallic radiator with copper core

In general, bimetallic devices can withstand pressure of 50 atmospheres.

Some models of bimetallic radiators are made not of steel, but of special copper. This great solution For autonomous systems heating. The fact is that antifreeze is sometimes added to the coolant. And this means that steel product will quickly collapse. But copper can withstand this.

On my own external panel The radiator looks like a ribbed structure, and this directly affects the efficiency of heat transfer.

It is also worth noting that this design is very light in weight. Therefore, installation will not take much effort and, accordingly, time.

The interior of the structure must be covered with a specialized layer for protection. For this, polymers are used to protect the radiator from various mechanical influences and the influence of abrasive substances. Unfortunately, these substances are directly contained in the water that is supplied to modern radiators.

Sectional model of a bimetallic radiator

Standard sizes of bimetallic radiators are available for sale. Their center distance varies from 20 to 80 mm. Counting required quantity sections, it is imperative to focus on this parameter.

Also, batteries made of bimetal can be divided into two more types. These are monolithic and sectional. Monolithic structures They are much more expensive, but the price is determined by technical features. The operating efficiency of such devices is much higher. They have no joints, various connections. This allows you to prevent leaks and various ruptures. At the same time, reliability increases. The nuance of such a product is that it has a solid core that cannot be cut.

Let's consider the pros and cons of such products.

1. The positive aspects include resistance to high pressure.
2. Resistant to water hammer.
3. Various design solutions.
4. Stylish appearance.
5. Simplified installation.
6. The heat transfer coefficient is much higher compared to other materials.
7. Minimum quality requirements.
8. The service life can reach 50 years.

Despite all these advantages, the only disadvantage of these radiators lies in the high cost. However, if you are purchasing a radiator for a long service life, then this cost will be conditional.

Bimetallic products are very expensive. This is, of course, an unpleasant moment. But just imagine that you are solving the indoor heating problem for yourself forever. We think it's worth it.

If you want to install bimetal batteries in rooms where there is individual systems heating, while the pressure does not exceed 10 atmospheres, and operating temperature will be regulated manually, then purchasing a bimetallic radiator will become an unprecedented luxury. But if we are talking about apartments with central heating, then this is an ideal option.

Important! Please note that before purchasing it is important to understand the difference between aluminum and bimetallic radiators. The fact is that the appearance of these radiators is very similar to each other, and there is a high risk of confusion. And unscrupulous sellers often, in pursuit of profit, pass off one type of radiator after another.

To do this, you will have to look inside and also read the technical documentation, which is issued specifically at this type products.