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» Reliable batteries. Which heating radiators are best for an apartment: selection criteria and an overview of market offers

Reliable batteries. Which heating radiators are best for an apartment: selection criteria and an overview of market offers

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

Types of heating radiators

In the modern construction market, you can find many varieties heating radiators... All modern radiators for an apartment or house have their own characteristics and characteristics: for example, some radiators are suitable only for autonomous heating systems, while others are quite suitable for district heating. The main types of radiators should be considered 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 Of course, outdated radiators manufactured in Soviet times, they do not differ good quality, in contrast to modern analogues, which will be considered further.

The updated models of cast iron heating radiators are quite compact, have a pleasant appearance and are distinguished by well-processed surfaces. If the financial possibilities allow you to choose more expensive products, then you should pay attention to the radiators stylized as retro, which can be ideally fit into a 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 give off accumulated heat for a long time, resistance to corrosion and a long service life, which, with proper maintenance, can be tens of years. Of the shortcomings, it is mainly worth noting the large weight and the associated installation difficulties. In addition, noticeable disadvantages are the long heating of the radiators, the large volume of the coolant and the fragility of cast iron, which is why such devices sometimes do not withstand strong water shocks.

Aluminum radiators

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

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


Aluminum radiators fall into two categories:

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

Bimetallic radiators

To equip the heating system in apartment buildings bimetallic radiators are well suited, easily withstanding high pressure and regular water hammer. Structurally, bimetallic radiators for central heating live up to their name: the outer layer is made of aluminum, and steel or copper pipes... As a result, it turns out robust design with excellent performance and good visual qualities.

There are two types of bimetallic radiators:

  1. Complete bimetallic radiators... Inside such devices there is a core without the inclusion of aluminum. For the manufacture of the core, steel or copper is used - materials that do not lend themselves to corrosion. Due to the corrugated body located outside the core, efficient heat dissipation is ensured.
  2. Semi-metallic radiators... The core of this type of radiator is almost entirely made of aluminum - steel is used only to strengthen the vertical channels. The degree of heat transfer due to this design increases, but the strength is significantly reduced. Pseudo-bimetallic radiators are cheaper than full-fledged products.


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

  • Conventional sectional radiators consist of several sections, each of which, if necessary, can be replaced or removed without problems;
  • Monolithic radiators, as the name implies, consist of a single element, which significantly increases the ability to withstand high pressures, 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 radiators are steel, with a pleasant design, relatively low weight and a high degree of heat transfer.


Steel heaters are divided into two types:

  1. Panel... The design of panel radiators includes metal sheets welded in pairs, in which there are oval recesses for the passage of the 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. Standard models without welded fins, due to their cleanliness, are well suited for children's and medical institutions.
  2. Tubular... In tubular radiators, the collectors are connected by vertical steel pipes. The advantages of such radiators in comparison with panel radiators 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 batteries are best for an apartment, steel ones will definitely be one of the most interesting options.

Floor convectors

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

It should be noted that convectors can withstand high pressure and corrosive effects without any problems. The convector body heats up to a temperature not higher than 43 degrees, and the adjustment of the degree of heating is greatly simplified due to the small inertia of the device.


The disadvantage of this type of heating devices is the uneven heating of the room and, as a result, low economic and thermal efficiency. It is most advisable to use convection appliances 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, take into account their combination.

Heating system type

The main parameter that most affects the choice of a heating radiator is the heating system, which can be performed according to two basic schemes:

District heating... In the domestic space, one-pipe heating circuits are used, in which radiators are connected in series. When deciding which radiators are best to choose for an apartment, it must be borne in mind that the centralized heating system works under high pressure, and its value is constantly changing over a very wide range. In addition, the coolant poured into the system rarely has a sufficient degree of purity, therefore all elements of the system are subject to corrosion.


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

  • Cast iron radiators that can withstand pressures from 6 to 16 bar and are highly resistant to corrosion;
  • Bimetallic radiators for central heating, non-corrosive and capable of withstanding pressures from 35 bar (sectional) to 100 bar (monolithic).

Heating system... As a rule, an autonomous heating system has two working 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 expedient).

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

  • Aluminum with excellent heat dissipation;
  • Steel, which is inexpensive and looks good;
  • Cast iron is the most common and democratic option.

Heat dissipation of different types of radiators

The heat dissipation level of different radiators varies depending on the material used. The exact value of the efficiency of a particular model, by which a decision is often made, which battery is better to put in an apartment, can be found only in the documentation attached to it.

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

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


One-piece radiators have the following indicators heat transfer:

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

Calculation of the size of heating radiators

In order to know exactly how to choose a heating radiator correctly, you need to accurately deal with the following nuances:

  • Liner type (open or hidden);
  • The method of bringing pipes to the radiator (from above, from the side, from the floor, from the wall, etc.);
  • Heating pipe diameter;
  • Center-to-center distance between pipes.

When deciding which heating batteries are best to put in an apartment, you also need to take into account their location. The fact is that air must be supplied to the radiator - if the device is not blown normally, then its heat transfer will decrease by 10-15%.


The general rules for installing radiators are as follows:

  • 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, it will not be difficult to decide which heating radiator is best for an apartment.

Buying batteries

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

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

Conclusion

This article answers in detail the question of which batteries are best to buy for the most efficient heating. It is enough to study all types of heating devices, their parameters and factors influencing the choice. Correctly selected radiators will work flawlessly throughout the entire service life.


One of the important links in any heating system is a radiator, which is mounted in every room to be heated. It is thanks to this device that the comfort and coziness of living is created, for residents of an apartment or a private house. Therefore, the choice of a high-quality battery should be based on heat dissipation, visual appeal and low cost of the radiator. But for a better understanding of the issue of buying such a device, you need to consider the main characteristics of the different models presented in the modern construction market.

Radiator compatibility with different heating systems

On the modern market heating technologies are represented by an extensive range of radiators made of cast iron, aluminum, steel, copper and a combination of several metals. for this consumer, it remains only to figure out which heating device is suitable for a particular way of heating a home... In this case, the choice should be based on the technical characteristics of the battery: permissible temperature indicators, pressure level, heat transfer coefficient, inertness, and acid-base balance used coolant - indicators that correspond to the parameters of the heating system in a particular house or apartment.

The appearance of the heating battery is also important, along with the service life and cost of the device. In this case, it is necessary take into account in which heating scheme the radiator will be usedopen system in an apartment building or closed wiring in a private house. If these criteria are neglected, then the efficiency of the heating operation will at best decrease sharply, and in the worst case, the battery will simply fail.

How do technical specifications affect the choice of a radiator?

The main problem of the consumer is that when choosing a good radiator, first of all, the aesthetic component and the price of the battery are taken into account, and not the technical and operational parameters. heating equipment... Not any model of a battery, even of a well-known manufacturer, is able to withstand the conditions of work in a heating network, which operates in multi-storey buildings.

The work of centralized heating, which we inherited from the times the former USSR, is characterized by constant pressure drops, temperature jumps, as well as low-quality coolant circulating through the central risers. Calculated temperature parameters for one-pipe domestic heating systems open type in high-rise apartments, they can reach 120 ° C at pressures above 10 atmospheres. At the same time, frequent heat strokes are observed, especially when the heating main is first started after a downtime in the summer season.

Therefore, choosing good radiator all of the above indicators must be taken into account. First of all, you need to take into account the maximum allowable temperature and pressure parameters. hot water in the heating system, which are usually indicated in the documentation for the purchased heater.

Another important parameter any heating radiator is the heat transfer coefficient. This criterion directly affects the efficiency of air heating in a heated room and depends on the materials used in the manufacture of the battery. It's no secret that an aluminum battery works much more efficiently than a cast iron counterpart., in turn, a copper product is rightfully considered the leader in terms of efficiency. But focusing on just one characteristic of a battery is completely wrong. It is necessary to rely on both the positive and negative qualities of the heating device. Only in such a situation can you choose the right heating radiator.

Popular options for heating radiators

Despite the wide range of various heating devices, and related elements in the modern construction market today there are several of the most popular types of batteries:

  • cast iron heater;
  • aluminum product;
  • heating battery made of steel;
  • combined bimetallic radiator.

Depending on the shape and material different types radiators have both their own advantages and disadvantages on which their choice should be based. But first you need to familiarize yourself with each individual heating battery model.

Cast iron heating battery

The massive batteries of cast iron painted with white paint, familiar to every inhabitant of our country, are gradually disappearing into history. They were replaced new improved radiators made of the same metal, but only with a more aesthetically pleasing appearance and the same, proven over the years, reliability. At the same time, they have certain advantages over competing products:

Plus, the cast-iron battery is not very susceptible to corrosion. This is due to the fact that as a result of the initial interaction with the coolant an insoluble black coating forms on the inner surfaces of the radiator, which acts as a protective screen that prevents contact of the air present in the water with the metal.

The destruction of a cast-iron radiator, subject to operating conditions, will occur very slowly. Outside, a modern battery is covered with a special heat-resistant paint and varnish coating, which reliably protects it from destruction. In cast iron radiators, gases are practically not formed and therefore no bubbling occurs, so there is no need to regularly bleed air.

If we consider the disadvantages of cast-iron radiators, then I would like to draw attention to the large weight, due to which, when carrying out installation works you need two people. Besides cast iron - metal with high level inertia... The cast-iron battery heats up very slowly, but it also cools down slowly, which makes it impossible to quickly adjust the air temperature in the heated room.

Steel heating radiator

The steel battery is shaped like a ribbed plate, inside which a hermetically sealed circuit is located, through which the coolant will circulate. Due to the large area of ​​such a radiator and its ribbed shape good heat transfer and convection of warm air masses is ensured... The thermal conductivity of steel is comparable to cast iron, but the walls of the steel battery are much thinner and therefore heat up faster. The working pressure of a steel heater can reach 10 atmospheres, plus, in addition, it has the following advantages:

  • due to its shape and visual appeal, the steel battery will easily fit into the interior of a modern home;
  • the service life of a steel radiator, like a cast-iron analogue, even despite the poor quality of the coolant in a centralized heating system, is 25 years;
  • a steel radiator can be installed in both one-pipe and two-pipe heating systems;
  • the steel battery is easy to install and relatively inexpensive.

Of the shortcomings, I would like to highlight n the need to correctly calculate the number of radiator fins, since the closed circuit design does not allow to build them up to change the heat engineering characteristics. In addition, the operation steel radiators in constant voltage mode, that is, at maximum pressure, it can lead to loss of tightness of steel panels.

Aluminum heating radiator

The aluminum battery has an attractive appearance and compact size. On store shelves you can find additional sets of sections, thanks to which you can choose the right amount of them, based on the parameters of the heated room.

Aluminum products are also available in different heights, so it became possible to install such a battery in places where a cast-iron or steel analogue cannot fit. The working pressure parameters of such a heater reach 12 atmospheres.... Moreover, such a radiator has obvious advantages:

  • modern attractive appearance;
  • a high level of heat transfer compared to a cast iron or steel battery;
  • due to the low weight of the aluminum battery, it can be installed alone;
  • the ability to select the required number of sections;
  • the outer side of the product is covered with a high-quality polymer layer, which protects the battery from external damage.

The main disadvantage of an aluminum radiator is considered to be its use only in closed heating systems with a high-quality coolant that has a neutral acid-base balance. Moreover, in All accessories and pipes must match the material of the battery... Aluminum reacts easily with any other metal. So, for example, on contact with copper, a galvanic pair is formed, which leads to electrochemical corrosion. Therefore, for the distribution of heating with aluminum batteries, a plastic pipeline is used with the obligatory grounding of radiators.

I would also like to note that when aluminum comes into contact with water, which is saturated with oxygen, a violent reaction occurs, as a result of which hydrogen is released. Gas bubbles, accumulating in the heating system, create not very pleasant sounds. Therefore, during the installation process, aluminum batteries are necessarily supplied with Mayevsky cranes to remove air jams.

Considering these features, the use of aluminum batteries in multi-apartment buildings with centralized heating supply is not advisable. First of all, this is due to the quality of the coolant, which is not controlled by anyone.

As the name suggests, these batteries are composed of different materials - steel and aluminum, while incorporating their best characteristics. The design of the internal circuit of the bimetallic radiator, in which the coolant circulates, is steel, which makes it possible to use such a device in any heating system. In turn, outer plates responsible for transferring heat to the environment, are made of aluminum - a material with a high coefficient of thermal conductivity. Plus, in addition to the advantages borrowed from the aluminum and steel batteries, the bimetallic radiator has the following advantages:

  • working pressure level up to 35 atmospheres;
  • corrosion resistance regardless of the heat carrier used;
  • low coefficient of inertia, which allows you to quickly change temperature regime in room;
  • external attractiveness;
  • ease of installation and low weight;
  • the ability to select the required number of sections.

The only, but significant drawback is the high cost of the product, which is compensated by the reliability and long service life of the bimetallic radiator. Also, during the installation of such a bacterium, it is important to observe the distance from the device to the wall, which should not be less than 4 cm.

In conclusion, we can conclude that it is better to install cast iron radiators or bimetallic counterparts in apartments with a centralized heating system. In turn, in private housing construction, batteries made of steel or aluminum are considered the best option for price and quality.

The question of choosing a suitable radiator for heating a house or apartment plays an important role. After all, safety, the possibility of saving on energy resources, compliance with the interior design, warmth, and hence the feeling of comfort in housing depend on this. To answer the question for central heating, you first need to establish the technical characteristics and operating features of each type of modern batteries.

It is necessary to choose a heating radiator considering many factors.

When purchasing a radiator, the following aspects are of no small importance:

  • Functioning efficiency, that is, the ability to heat the room.
  • Safety and durability of operation.
  • Availability in the price plan.

Also, the choice of heating radiators is largely determined by the system in which they will be installed - central or autonomous.

The centralized system used in apartment buildings has the following features:

  1. Typically, the operating pressure in this system when feeding is in the region of 4-5 kgf / cm 2 and slightly less at the outlet. In private houses, the maximum pressure is only 2 kgf / cm 2.
  2. In central systems, the likelihood of unforeseen circumstances associated with water hammer, the use of heat carriers with a temperature higher than the permissible, etc. is much higher.

The technical characteristics of the heating system, which are determined by:

  • The value of the working pressure.
    The basic rule: the pressure at the heating batteries is higher than in the room in which they are installed. Otherwise, a leak will soon appear. The technical characteristics of the heating system, which are determined by:
  • The type of heating system is one- or two-pipe.
  • Radiator power. The most important value, which indicates the efficiency of heat transfer from the source to the consumer, that is, how well the radiator heats the house. The power indicator is influenced by the presence of windows and the material from which they are made (wood or plastic), the type of house (panel or brick), the number of external walls, the area of ​​the room. The amount required is determined by multiplying the area of ​​the room by 100 W and increases by a certain percentage depending on various factors:
    • in the presence of 2 external walls and 2 windows - by 30%;
    • when windows exit to the north side - by 10%.
  • Radiator sizes. The device must correspond in size to the place intended for installation. The optimal distance between the window and the radiator is from 10 cm or more, the floor and the radiator is from 6 cm. The width of the radiator should exceed 50% of the width of the window under which it is installed.

The main types of radiators have the following characteristics:

Also, do not forget about such nuances as the presence of a thermostat, pipe diameter, window width.

The main types of radiators for central heating, their disadvantages and advantages

Cast iron radiators. The most widespread type of radiators for several decades. Only the appearance has changed significantly - there are models that are real design samples (their cost is corresponding). They are good for use in residential and industrial multi-storey buildings.

Advantages:

  • high heat transfer;
  • strength and durability;
  • unpretentiousness and endurance;
  • large flow area, allowing to maintain the throughput even with the accumulation of deposits.

Flaws:

  • the need for flushing 2-3 times a year;
  • vulnerability to strong mechanical stress (the battery may crack);
  • high price.

Aluminum radiators. It is currently very popular with Russians. They consist of sections, the number of which depends on the area of ​​the heated room. Exactly given view characterized by the highest degree of heating, achieved due to the high thermal conductivity of the metal itself and an increase in the area of ​​thermal conductivity, thanks to the developed system of ribbing. By design, the models are sectional and solid.

For centralized heating systems, aluminum radiators are not recommended for use. Since in the presence of oxygen in the coolant, this metal is oxidized, and "airing" of the sections occurs due to the release of hydrogen. To avoid this, the device requires regular maintenance and evacuation.

Advantages:

  • ease;
  • external attractiveness;
  • strength and reliability;
  • excellent heat dissipation.

Flaws:

  • susceptibility to corrosion;
  • the need for regular bleeding of air from the radiator through the air vent valve;
  • deformation of aluminum during water hammer;
  • solid particles present in the coolants contribute to the destruction of the walls of the device from the inside, which reduces the service life of the device (this problem is solved by equipping the radiator with mud collectors and additional filters that require regular cleaning);
  • when connecting aluminum pipes with copper, rapid destruction of aluminum.


Steel radiators.
A common view in low-rise private construction. For district heating, no the best option, because the:

  • usually the working pressure in the heating system exceeds the permissible;
  • with water hammer, the service life is significantly reduced and is only a few months.

Advantages:

  • attractive design;
  • occupation of a small place in the room.

Flaws:

  • susceptibility to corrosion;
  • the average service life, subject to the operating rules, is no more than 7 years.

Bimetallic radiators. Combines the advantages of the two previous types of radiators, due to a special design - an aluminum shell and a steel core. They are used for any type of heating, but especially from the good side, they have proven themselves in high-rise buildings with central heating.

Advantages:

  • the ability to withstand significant loads and hydraulic shocks, strength;
  • high heat transfer;
  • light weight and well-thought-out shape, contributing to efficient heating of the room.

Flaws:

  • high price due to the complexity of the design.

conclusions

So, it is not possible to give an unambiguous answer to the question of which heating radiators are better for central heating, since each specific situation is individual and the choice depends on the characteristics of the living conditions and the price range. But in the general case, the opinions of experts boil down to the following:

  1. Due to the unpredictability of central heating, they are considered the best at the moment, combining mechanical strength, high heat transfer and aesthetic appearance. The main disadvantage is the high cost.
  2. Cast iron radiators are also noteworthy, but require more maintenance.
  3. It is better to refuse steel and aluminum radiators in houses with central heating, due to the peculiarities of these metals - susceptibility to corrosion, interaction with other metals, etc.
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Rare cases of installing new batteries are invariably accompanied by the question, which heating radiator is better? There are several selection criteria: material of manufacture, design, for which heating system the batteries are intended. Studying the characteristics of various heating devices will help you navigate a wide range of goods.

Types of radiators

The choice of radiators for heating an apartment is a multifaceted question. The monotony of cast iron batteries is a thing of the past, now the market is saturated with products from different materials that differ in design, shape and color. Of course, exclusive designer models will cost significantly more. But deserve attention first of all performance characteristics batteries, and only then their appearance and organic perception in the interior of the apartment.

Depending on the material of manufacture, heating radiators are divided into the following types:

  • cast iron;
  • aluminum;
  • bimetallic, where aluminum outer part has a steel coating inside;
  • steel;
  • copper.

The material of manufacture determines the quality parameters of the batteries. The working pressure of radiators is a key criterion that is considered when choosing.

Among the main indicators:

  • heat capacity;
  • heat transfer coefficient;
  • period of operation;
  • resistance to mechanical stress.

Among the entire assortment, as always, there are sales leaders and outsiders. The combination of quality characteristics and cost determines the popularity of this or that type of batteries for heating an apartment.

The form of heating is another factor influencing the choice of material. The centralized heat supply system does not guarantee the high quality of the heat carrier, therefore it is better to refuse aluminum models in the apartment. If the room is equipped autonomous heating, there are no restrictions on the choice of material, aluminum devices, on the contrary, come to the fore.

The design of heating devices also matters. All radiators are conventionally divided into two large groups - sectional and panel. The first option allows the possibility of adjusting the number of sections. The second group is subdivided into tubular and panel heating devices.

When choosing a shape, preference is given to streamlined models. Sharp corners are especially avoided if children live in the apartment. The method of connection to the general heating system also matters. There are bottom, side and universal joints. Usually, modern radiators provide the ability to choose any connection method.

Traditionally, heating radiators are chosen in white. But this element of the interior can be accentuated by choosing a non-standard bright model. From the point of view of operation, the most advantageous are black batteries, the heat transfer of which is a quarter higher than their light counterparts. But such an element in the design of an apartment is not always appropriate, so it is better to focus on your own taste.

When purchasing a heating radiator, it is advisable to pay attention to the environmental friendliness of the materials used in the production. No formaldehyde on internal elements and high-quality polymer-coated surface - the best option for installation in an apartment.

A detailed description of each species will help you understand your own choice.

Characteristics of cast iron batteries

The heating system of the old housing stock was completed exclusively with cast-iron radiators. Therefore, a standard picture of several white sections is imprinted in the memory of each inhabitant of the apartment. Modern models batteries look much more aesthetically pleasing in the apartment. But at the same time, cast iron did not change its characteristics, retaining all the advantages and disadvantages of the material.

Consider the advantages of cast-iron batteries, for which the builders of Soviet apartments loved them so much:

  • Durability. Cast iron radiators can serve for 40 years without repairing breakdowns. Batteries made of other materials cannot boast of such indicators.
  • Reliability. Cast iron batteries can withstand a working pressure of 25-30 atm., When the average rate varies within 16 atm.
  • High heat capacity. Cast iron takes a long time to warm up and slowly cools down. The residual heat retention rate is 30%, which is 2 times more than in aluminum or steel products.
  • The material is resistant to corrosion processes; at a water pH of 7-9 units, the integrity of the radiators is maintained for the period declared by the manufacturer.
  • Cast iron batteries are suitable for apartments with central heating, where there is a low-quality heat carrier saturated with foreign impurities.
  • Standard cast iron radiators are inexpensive and available to a wide range of consumers. The sky-high cost is found on designer models, where the price of one battery reaches 1000 euros, and taking into account the stop valves, all 1250 euros.

Good performance characteristics of cast iron radiators are accompanied by a number of disadvantages:

  • heavy weight;
  • prolonged heating of the metal;
  • uninteresting appearance.

Comment! The large weight of cast iron radiators creates problems during transportation, in the process of loading, unloading and installing heating devices.

But, despite the negative aspects, the need for cast iron batteries remains. People are used to trusting the quality, proven for decades. And the standard configuration was replaced by new stylish models that do not spoil the interior of the apartment. Coating the surface in the factory with a special protective paint eliminates the need for regular painting of radiators directly in the apartment.

Convenience of sectional models - the ability to build up radiators. Their number is determined taking into account the following factors:

  • apartment area;
  • the number and size of window openings;
  • Number of doors;
  • climatic zone of the region.

Comparative characteristics of cast iron batteries are shown in the table below:

There are models where wall mounting is not required, the battery is equipped with stylish legs. Cast iron products are rarely chosen for apartments with autonomous heating, since the ability to quickly adjust the temperature regime is leveled by the feature of the material to slowly cool down.

Aluminum products

The topic of which heating radiators are better for an apartment is continued by aluminum products. Perhaps this is the only material that is not suitable for rooms with centralized heating. If the apartment is equipped autonomous system then installing an aluminum battery would be appropriate.

The reason lies in the characteristics of the material. Aluminum is thin in nature and therefore susceptible to corrosion. Due to the low quality of water in the heating system, after 6-7 years there is a possibility of failure of the radiator. Where there is no problem of impurities in the coolant, aluminum heating devices will become a worthy element of the interior of an apartment.

What is useful to know if the choice fell on the installation of aluminum heating radiators in the apartment:

  • The service life, provided that it is filled with a high-quality coolant, is 20-25 years. The pH level of the water should not exceed 5-6 units.
  • The working pressure declared by the manufacturer is 15-20 atm., Although in practice the indicator is usually limited to 12 atm.
  • Tapered shut-off valves - optimal choice when installing aluminum radiators in an apartment. Copper, steel and brass fittings are not suitable for the installation of aluminum products in the heating system of an apartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of corrosion.
  • Light weight is an undoubted advantage of aluminum batteries. Transportation, unloading and installation are not difficult. The process can be organized by one person.
  • If the radiator is connected to central system heating, be sure to install a Mayevsky crane for manual air release.
  • Aluminum is characterized by the lowest inertness, so the batteries have high heat transfer, which varies within 200-210 W per 1 section.
  • One section contains 0.4-0.45 liters of water. The usual operating temperature for radiators is in the range of 70-80 ° C, the maximum limit is 90 ° C.
  • A wide range of radiators is represented by models with heights of 25, 35 and 50 cm.If you wish, you can order specimens with a height of 70 and 80 cm.

The production of aluminum heating batteries is carried out in two ways: extrusion and casting. The choice of technology significantly affects quality characteristics radiators.

Budget copies are produced by extrusion. It is based on recycled aluminum alloy and silicon additives. The presence of additional impurities impairs the characteristics of heating radiators. The material becomes more brittle and susceptible to corrosion damage.

Casting ensures that each section of the aluminum battery is perfectly sealed. The working pressure of such products is higher. The smooth surface of the heating device makes it easy to clean.

When carrying out a comparative characteristic of the quality of heating radiators, specimens with an anode coating are in the lead. The oxidized anode contributes to an increase in the resistance of products to corrosion processes, therefore, a low-quality coolant does not pose a threat to them. In this case, the working pressure rises to 20-25 atm. Externally, anode heating radiators are no different from ordinary products made by casting, but their cost is incomparably higher. The quality certificate and passport serve as evidence of the special coating. It is better to purchase such batteries for arranging heating in an apartment at proven points of sale.

Comparative characteristics of heating radiators made of aluminum from various manufacturers are shown in the table:

Varieties of steel radiators

The production of steel radiators is based on low carbon steel. Special enamel creates a good protective layer on the surface, preventing damage from aggressive mechanical and chemical influences.

Advice! When buying, pay attention to the uniformity of the application of the protective paint layer. Poorly treated areas are susceptible to corrosion damage.

Tubular and panel models of steel radiators are offered at the choice of the consumer.

Panel

The heating device consists of two ribbed molded plates. Inside there is a sealed circuit. The movement of the coolant follows the contour, providing heating in the apartment. The finned surface of the radiator panels promotes efficient heat dissipation. The thermal conductivity of steel is equivalent to cast iron, but due to the thin walls of the batteries, heating takes less time.

Main characteristics steel batteries panel type:

The 10th type is characterized by the maximum simplicity. But the efficiency of its heat transfer is extremely low due to the absence of a convector. The cost of the product is also low.

Steel models vary in size. Depending on the size of the apartment for heating, you can choose batteries with a height of 20 to 90 cm, a length of 40 cm to 3 m. Considering the question of how to choose a radiator, the type of connection is not bypassed. For steel appliances, there is a side or bottom version.

With the numerous advantages of steel panel heating radiators, there are certain negative points:

  • It is better not to install small-sized structures in an apartment with autonomous heating. A small volume of coolant provokes frequent shutdowns of the boiler, which will increase energy consumption. With central heating, the dimensions of the batteries do not really matter.
  • If the inner surface of the radiators does not have a protective layer, there is a risk of corrosion due to damage by abrasive particles that are in a low-quality coolant.

Installation panel radiator with a bottom connection for heating the apartment shows a photo:

Tubular

The design consists of several pipes, hermetically connected to each other by welding. Unlike cast iron radiators, steel tubular models cannot be extended or removed from individual sections. The operating pressure of the batteries is only 8-10 atm., Therefore, it is better to equip the heating device with a reducer, which smooths out pressure drops.

Important! A significant advantage of tubular radiators in comparison with panel models is their greater resistance to abrasive substances and corrosion processes.

A rich assortment of tubular steel batteries allows you to choose a product that best suits the area of ​​the apartment, taking into account the number and size of windows. Manufacturing options:

  • the height of tubular radiators varies from 20 to 60 cm;
  • depth from 10 to 25 cm;
  • the length is selected based on the need for the power of heating radiators.

The numerous advantages of steel batteries are accompanied by the acceptable cost of the products. Transportation and installation is not difficult. Low requirements for the heating medium allow installation in an apartment with centralized heating.

To understand which radiator is better to install in your own apartment, a comparative table of models of famous brands will help:

Bimetallic specimens

Bimetallic radiators are considered a practical symbiosis of steel and aluminum heating devices. Combining the merits of two materials, they are perfect for heating an apartment with centralized heating. The only obstacle can be the high cost of products.

A striking representative of functional heating devices are models of the Stoup brand. Basic performance characteristics of radiators:

  • working pressure reaches 100 atmospheres;
  • withstand the temperature of the coolant up to 135оС;
  • the manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty;
  • models include batteries with the number of sections from 4 to 14, which allows you to choose the best option for an apartment of any size.

The production of radiators is carried out from steel and aluminum with the addition of silicon compounds, which improves the technical properties of heating devices. Internal organization designs are shown in the photo below:

Comment! In some models, the steel core is replaced with a copper one, which is especially valuable for autonomous heating, where there is a need to add antifreeze to the system.

Advantages of bimetallic radiators for heating an apartment:

  • Ribbed panels increase heat dissipation efficiency.
  • Low weight makes installation easier.
  • The smooth surface is easy to clean, dust practically does not accumulate on it.
  • The inner protective layer prevents damage from abrasive particles to the coolant and prevents the development of corrosion.

The strength and reliability of bimetallic radiators are especially valuable in apartments with central heating. According to the assurances of manufacturers, the service life reaches half a century. The table represents comparative characteristics individual models of bimetallic radiators:

Copper batteries

High price copper radiators- the main reason for the low demand for such heating devices for an apartment. The technical characteristics of the products are not inferior to bimetallic and aluminum batteries. Among the indisputable advantages of copper models:

  • The efficiency is 5 times higher than that of cast iron batteries. Fast heating takes place with minimal energy consumption.
  • High strength. The working pressure reaches 20-25 atmospheres. This indicator is always important for apartments with a centralized heating system.
  • Ideal for regions with harsh climates, withstands coolant temperatures up to 140 ° C.
  • A copper radiator is resistant to the effects of antifreeze, therefore it is often chosen for autonomous heating.
  • Long period of operation. This figure is not inferior to cast iron and bimetallic batteries.

In addition to the high price, among negative points highlight the need to connect to the heating system exclusively to copper pipes.

Conclusion

Each of the presented types of radiators has undeniable advantages and some disadvantages. Steel and aluminum heating appliances lead the competition due to their high technical specifications in conjunction with the affordable cost. The choice of batteries is based on the area of ​​the apartment. What matters is the working pressure that the device can withstand and its resistance to negative factors.

2018-09-26

Which batteries are best for central heating? And for a private house with autonomous heating? Can a heater be made by hand? Let's have a quick overview of the options.

Features of heating systems

What is the difference between centralized heating and an autonomous heating system in terms of heating devices?

  • Higher working pressure in central heating systems. Typical parameters of central heating in winter are 4 - 5 kgf / cm2 on the supply and 0.2 atmospheres less on the return pipe.

Please note: we are not talking about the parameters of the heating main, but about what is done after the house valves of the elevator unit.

In low-rise private houses, the working pressure in the kennel rarely exceeds 2 kgf / cm2.

  • The likelihood of water hammer, exceeding the design pressure or using a coolant with a hazardous high temperature much more in the case of central heating. This should not be, but it does happen. The human factor, you know ...

From these positions, among other things, we will try to find out which heating batteries are better.

Variants

Cast iron radiators

Their most unsightly version, readers had an excellent opportunity to see under every window in Soviet-built apartments. Now on sale you can find quite beautiful solutions cast iron, positioned as designer; however, their price may not be to your liking.

The photo shows a modern cast-iron radiator.

For the most part, however, it is understood as that sectional structure, the appearance of which has changed little over the past half century.

What do we know about her?

  • Gray cast iron is shock-resistant. A strong blow can cause the section to crack; water hammer theoretically can lead to its complete destruction.
  • The channels in the sections have a large cross-section. For us, this means slow movement of the coolant and fast silting up of batteries. Flushing is advisable at least every three years.
  • Vulnerability cast iron sections- paronite gaskets between them. Over time, cooled batteries begin to flow at the joints. The problem is treated by bulkhead sections with replacement of gaskets.
  • Working pressure - up to 16 kgf / cm2; more often you can find devices with a declared pressure of up to 12 atmospheres.

Plate steel radiators

We will touch on them very briefly: the only advantage of plate batteries is their compactness. When mounted near the wall, they will hardly take up space in the room. But corrosion-resistant steel and water are not best combination: the service life of these devices is no more than 7 years.

Aluminum radiators

A great advantage of aluminum is its high thermal conductivity. With a small cross-section of the channels, they have excellent heat transfer. Thanks to high speed the movement of the coolant and the smooth inner surface, aluminum radiators rarely need to be flushed.

Most commercially available aluminum batteries claim the same operating parameters:

  • Temperature - up to 110 - 130C;
  • Pressure - up to 16 atmospheres.

In theory, for the typical parameters of heating systems - both central heating and autonomous - this will be enough with your head. In practice, two nuances interfere.

  1. Water hammer can deform or break aluminum.
  2. When copper piping is used, copper and aluminum form a galvanic pair with rapid destruction of the latter. If in a private house you yourself choose which pipes to use, then in an apartment building literally a couple of meters from you there is a piping to the neighbors' radiators. And it can be made of anything ...

Bimetallic radiators

Both problems are successfully solved by inserting a steel core into aluminum. combine the high thermal conductivity of aluminum, which, in combination with the developed fins, provides excellent heat transfer, with the strength and chemical stability of steel.

However: stainless steel is rarely used in bimetallic radiators, and corrosion-unstable steels, albeit slowly, are destroyed by rust.

Nevertheless, if aluminum and cast iron can be designed for a MAXIMUM of 16 atmospheres, then for a bimetal it is minimum value for which they are intended. A good working pressure is 25 kgf / cm2; the Russian company Rifar does have a series of Monolith, which includes devices with a working pressure of 100 atmospheres.

The steel core provides strength, the aluminum fins provide heat dissipation.

Registers

The simplest and cheapest heating device, the register, ends our gallery.

The instructions for making it are extremely simple:

  • An even number of pipes DN50 - DN150 is cut to the required length, depending on the required heat transfer.
  • The ends of the pipes are muffled.
  • Holes are cut in the pipes, corresponding to the inner section of thinner jumper pipes, after which the structure is welded. The register should form a circuit through which the coolant can circulate without any pockets and stagnant zones.

In garages and industrial premises sometimes another type of register is used - a thick pipe at the level of the plinth around the entire perimeter of the room.

The disadvantages of the solution are obvious: the aesthetics are lame in both legs; compactness is also out of the question.

And what are its advantages?

  • Mechanical strength- beyond praise. Before us steel pipes connected by welding. There are no vulnerabilities in the form of threads; the design is afraid only of defrosting. Of course, when circulation stops.
  • Heat dissipation can be as large as you like. Nothing will prevent you from making a register in the whole wall; at the same time, you may not be content with a ready-made solution, but adjust its dimensions depending on your own wishes.
  • Costs- are minimal. At the very least, they are incomparable with the purchase price of any modern heating devices with comparable heat transfer.

conclusions

Do not regard them as the ultimate truth. This is a deeply personal opinion of the author, and alternative points of view deserve no less respect.

So:

  • To the question of which heating battery is better for a garage or greenhouse, you can give a completely unambiguous answer: a homemade register made of thick steel pipes.
  • The best radiators for an apartment due to the unpredictability of central heating are bimetallic. They combine excellent heat dissipation (often in excess of 200 watts per section) with mechanical strength, chemical resistance and an attractive appearance.
  • The best choice for a private house, where all heating parameters are controlled by you yourself - aluminum batteries. With a slightly lower strength compared to bimetallic ones, they are much cheaper.

Conclusion

Another point of view on choosing a radiator is set out in the video at the end of the article. Perhaps it will seem to you no less reasoned. Warm winters!