What heating batteries are better to put in the apartment. How to choose a heating radiator - types, characteristics, comparison of options

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

Types of heating radiators

In the modern construction market, you can find many varieties of heating radiators. All modern radiators 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 central heating. The main types of radiators are worth considering in more detail.

Cast iron radiators

Cast iron room heating radiators are familiar and familiar products that can still be found in any apartment. Of course, outdated radiators produced in Soviet times are not of good quality, unlike modern counterparts, which will be discussed further.

Updated models of cast-iron heating radiators are quite compact, have a pleasant appearance and are distinguished by well-finished surfaces. If financial possibilities allow you to choose more expensive products, then you should pay attention to retro-styled radiators that can fit perfectly into a suitable design - the perfect 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 decades. 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 radiators, a large volume of coolant and the brittleness of cast iron, which is why such devices sometimes cannot withstand strong water hammer.

Aluminum radiators

When deciding which heating batteries are better to install in a private house, you should pay attention to aluminum products, which are distinguished by their relatively low cost and a wide variety of external characteristics. If the heating system is filled with clean water with a normal level of acidity, 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 stress. 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. Radiator products, among other things, are characterized by a small 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 molded under pressure, so the finished products are more reliable and durable.

Bimetal radiators

For the arrangement of the heating system in apartment buildings, bimetallic radiators are well suited, which 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 steel or copper pipes are located under it. The result is a robust design with excellent performance and good visual qualities.

There are two types of bimetallic radiators:

1. Full bimetal 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 are not susceptible to corrosion. Due to the corrugated body, located outside the core, effective heat transfer is ensured.
2. Semi-metal 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 device sections:

• Conventional 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

A good and fairly modern version of radiators are steel, which have a nice 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 passing 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 - as a result, the efficiency increases, but the devices collect more dust during operation. Standard models without welded ribs are well suited for childcare and medical facilities due to their cleanliness.
2. Tubular. In tubular radiators, the collectors are connected by means of vertically mounted steel pipes. The advantages of such radiators in comparison with panel ones are an increased margin of safety 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 radiators are best 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 fins that increase heat transfer. Thanks to the shell, heated air moves to the upper zone.

It should be noted that convectors withstand high pressure and corrosive effects without any problems. The body of the convector is heated 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 heaters have several parameters that you need to consider before choosing a heating radiator. Each parameter must be studied separately, and when choosing, take into account their totality.

Type of heating system

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

Central heating. In the domestic space, single-pipe heating circuits are used, in which radiators are connected in series. When deciding which radiators are better to choose for an apartment, it must be taken into account that the centralized heating system operates 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, so all elements of the system are subject to corrosion.

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

• Cast iron radiators that can withstand pressure from 6 to 16 bar and are highly resistant to corrosion;
• Bimetallic radiators for central heating, not subject to corrosion 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 appropriate).

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

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

Heat dissipation of different types of radiators

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

The average heat transfer value of one section of the radiator 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 indicators:

• 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);
• The method of bringing 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 batteries are best placed 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 look like this:

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

Given these rules, it will not be difficult to decide which heating radiator is better to choose for an apartment.

Buying Batteries

When all the parameters have been studied, and the best heating batteries 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 just go to the store with your own calculations and buy the most suitable appliances.

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. It is necessary to select heating radiators for central heating with a small margin of pressure so that the system can withstand its differences, in particular, seasonal ones - centralized 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. Properly selected radiators will work without the slightest complaint throughout the entire period of operation.

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 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 features of each type of modern batteries.

Choosing a heating radiator is necessary considering many factors.

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

• Efficiency of functioning, that is, the ability to heat the room.
• Safety and durability.
• Availability in terms of price.

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

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

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

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

• Working pressure.
  The basic rule: the pressure of heating batteries is greater than in the room in which they are installed. Otherwise, a leak will soon appear. The 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, and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room. The value 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 the windows go 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 - 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 leading type of radiators in terms of prevalence for several decades. Only the appearance has changed significantly - there are models that are real design samples (their cost is appropriate). Good for use in residential and industrial high-rise buildings.

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

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

aluminum radiators. Currently enjoys great popularity among Russians. They consist of sections, the number of which depends on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heated room. It is this type that is 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 ​​\u200b\u200bthermal conductivity, thanks to the developed finning system. According to the design, sectional and solid models are distinguished.

Aluminum radiators are not recommended for centralized heating systems. Since in the presence of oxygen in the coolant, this metal is oxidized, and the sections are “aired” due to the release of hydrogen. To avoid this, the device requires regular maintenance and evacuation of air.

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

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

Steel radiators. A common view in the conditions of low-rise private construction. Not the best option for centralized heating, because:

• usually the working pressure in the heating system exceeds the allowable one;
• with hydraulic shock, the service life is significantly reduced and is only a few months.

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

• susceptibility to corrosion;
• average service life at observance of operational rules - no more than 7 years.

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

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

• 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 best for central heating, since each specific situation is individual and the choice depends on the characteristics of housing conditions and the price range. But in general, the opinions of experts boil down to the following:

1. Due to the unpredictability of central heating, those that combine mechanical strength, high heat transfer and aesthetic appearance are currently considered the best. The main disadvantage is the high cost.
2. Cast iron radiators also deserve attention, but require more maintenance.
3. It is better to refuse steel and aluminum radiators in houses with central heating, due to the characteristics of these metals - susceptibility to corrosion, interaction with other metals, etc.

The radiator is an important part of the home heating system. Its thermal conductivity and aesthetics affect the appearance of the room and comfort. Price is also an important factor. This is especially true for apartments. We will try to tell you in this article how to make the right choice of a heating radiator for an apartment.

Heating system and radiator compatibility

There is a wide range of heating radiators on the market:

• steel;
• aluminum;
• cast iron;
• Copper;
• bimetallic devices.

The choice of a particular radiator depends on various parameters of the entire heating system. The allowable temperature, pressure in the system and the composition of the coolant are taken into account, as well as heat transfer and inertness, which must correspond to the indicators of the heating system of an apartment building.

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Important! Heating radiators for open systems of apartment buildings differ from those designed for closed heating systems of private (individual) houses. If the radiator does not match your heating system, not only rapid wear is possible, but also a complete failure of the radiator.

How to choose a radiator?

First of all, when buying a battery, you should pay attention to its technical and operational characteristics, and only then to the cost or appearance.

Regardless of the country of manufacture, it must be clearly understood that not every battery can withstand the operating conditions of our heating networks: fluctuations in pressure and temperature, poor quality of water supplied to the pipes (coolant) and others. For example, in high-rise buildings for a single-pipe open heating system, the design temperature is 105 ° C, and the pressure is 10 atmospheres. But, despite this, the limits of these parameters can go off scale, and heating radiators of foreign manufacturers that do not have the necessary margin of safety may simply not withstand a water hammer.

Note! Before buying a radiator, it is necessary to take into account the allowable temperature and pressure of the coolant in the heating system. These data are indicated in the passport of the heating device.

The heat transfer of the heating battery is also important. The efficiency of air heating depends on this indicator, which is also determined by the design of the radiator. For example, the heat transfer of aluminum is higher than that of steel, and copper gives off heat better than cast iron. However, relying only on these technical parameters is also not entirely correct. It is necessary to comprehensively evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of each element of the heating system before buying the best heating radiators for the apartment in which you live.

Heating radiator options

Consider the most common types of heating batteries on the market

Cast iron radiators

Cast iron batteries have been used in domestic heating systems for over a hundred years. They have shown excellent resistance to corrosion, are sufficiently durable, have good heat dissipation and are able to withstand pressure and temperature drops in the system. Almost ideal option for operation in the territory of the countries of the former USSR.

Cast iron radiators are able to retain heat for a long time, even after an emergency shutdown of the system. These batteries withstand both poor water quality in the system and water hammer. They are not affected by rust or air pockets, compared to appliances made from other materials. All these advantages make cast-iron radiators an ideal option for a heating battery for an apartment.

The disadvantages of cast-iron radiators include high inertia, unsightly design and bulkiness. The inertia makes these batteries unsuitable for heating systems with thermoregulation.

The exception is modern models in retro style, with monograms, patinated, painted to look like copper, bronze or brass, which fit perfectly into the interior, being both a heating device and an art object.

Aluminum radiators

Sectional radiators made of aluminum are very popular today. Light weight, aesthetic appearance, high heat dissipation, these batteries are good for arranging heating systems in apartments and houses.

Thanks to the sections, you can dial any length of the radiator, and ease of installation is another indisputable plus. This type of batteries is not inertial, which makes it possible to install them in systems with temperature controllers. In addition, a large amount of coolant (water) is not required.

A significant disadvantage of aluminum batteries, experts consider susceptibility to corrosion at an increased concentration of alkali in water, as well as a tendency to form air bubbles inside the structure and the risk of leakage between sections.

Steel radiators

In the heating systems of houses and offices, you can often find batteries made of steel. They may look different:

• Type-setting panel from separate sections;
• One-piece rectangular construction;
• tubular construction.

The advantages of steel batteries are in an affordable price, inertia, attractive appearance, excellent heat dissipation and corrosion resistance.

However, steel batteries are not capable of withstanding water hammer in excess of 25 atmospheres, which makes them unacceptable for use in high-rise apartment buildings. In addition, steel is quite sensitive to the presence of oxygen in the coolant.

The optimal pressure for the normal operation of steel batteries ranges from 6 to 16 atmospheres and depends on the thickness of the steel and the design of the device. The operating temperature must not exceed 110°C. Heat transfer is carried out by convection and radiation through the walls of the device and the grate located in the upper part of the radiator.

Bimetallic radiators

Bimetal radiator consists of aluminum fins and steel piping. This type of battery is optimally suited for operation with our city district heating networks. In this design, hot water circulates through seamless steel pipes, welded together by a method that prevents corrosion and destruction of the metal. And aluminum, in turn, due to its high thermal conductivity, perfectly transfers heat from the core to the room.

The radiator is able to withstand pressure in the system up to 40-50 atmospheres. Modern designs have a fairly attractive appearance. Thus, in a bimetallic radiator, the properties of steel and aluminum are combined in the best way as heating devices.

Among the advantages, one can also point out that bimetallic batteries contribute to the turbulent distribution of air masses (with eddies). Thus, there is no local overheating of the air, the formation of a positive ionization field in the heater zone. Bimetallic heaters can serve for about 20 years and come to the retail network already painted, which simplifies their maintenance.

The disadvantages of bimetallic heating devices include their rather high cost, as well as the tendency to accumulate slag deposits along the inner walls over time and sensitivity to the presence of oxygen in the coolant. They also distinguish the resistance that occurs at the interface between the two metals, which reduces the efficiency of heat transfer as a whole.

Copper radiators

Copper heating radiators are made of seamless copper pipe. The design consists of a pipe with a diameter of about 28 mm, complemented by copper fins and a wooden casing. The efficiency of air heating is achieved due to the high thermal conductivity of copper, which is 2 times higher than that of aluminum and 5-6 times higher than that of steel and cast iron. Copper has a low inertia and can be used in systems equipped with thermostats.

Despite the fact that copper batteries require less coolant, they heat up in 3 minutes. In this case, there is no need to drive large masses of hot water through copper batteries (for example, as is the case with cast iron appliances).

The advantages of copper are undeniable:

• Corrosion resistance;
• Plastic;
• It is not subject to wear when exposed to an aggressive environment;
• Plastic;
• High efficiency at low coolant temperature;
• Suitable for installation in apartments of multi-storey buildings.

Interesting! After the first 90 hours of operation of copper radiators, an oxide layer forms on the inner surface, which subsequently protects the battery from mechanical and chemical damage from poor quality hot water.

Almost the only drawback is the high price of copper heating appliances.

Calculation of the power of heating radiators for an apartment

For a normal microclimate in a living room, the heating radiator should not overlap 70-75% of the width of the window opening. Then the cold air from the window and the warm air from the battery mix freely and move around the room, without fogging the windows. Therefore, instead of 5-6 powerful sections, it is better to put 8-10 sections with less power, but occupying the required area under the window.

To find out the required power of the radiator, it is necessary to multiply the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room by 100 watts. If:

• If the room has 1 window or outside door and 2 outside walls, then the battery power is increased by 20%;
• 2 windows and 2 external walls - by 30%;
• The window faces north or northeast - by 10%;
• Battery in a niche - by 5%;
• The radiator is closed by a panel with slots - by 15%.

When installing or restoring a heating system, radiators most often need to be replaced. Some have already worn out so much that they simply cannot continue to work, others are simply tired. In any case, the question arises: "Which heating radiators are better?". After all, I want them to be beautiful and effective. The appearance of heating devices is certainly important, but the choice of heating radiators must begin with the selection of your heating system according to the technical characteristics. After all, first of all, it is a part of engineering systems, and the working pressure, the maximum temperature of the coolant or its composition is much more important than shape and color. And then, having decided on the type of suitable batteries, you can also select a model from the point of view of aesthetics, but again you will have to keep in mind one more technical parameter - the thermal power of the radiator section or the whole battery. So, this is not an easy task - the choice of heating radiators.

Choosing a heating radiator is not an easy task.

The choice of heating radiators today is huge. There are six large groups that differ in structure and/or material:

1. cast iron;
2. steel (tubular and panel)
3. aluminum (cast and extrusion);
4. bimetallic (full and partial bimetal);
5. convectors (floor, wall, floor);
6. baseboard heating.

Radiators are different both in appearance and in characteristics, but they have not yet come up with an ideal and universal heating device. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and it is possible to say exactly which heating radiators are better only in relation to each specific case. In order for you to make an informed choice, you need to be aware of the pros and cons of each group.

Cast iron batteries

The oldest of heating appliances. They are distinguished by high reliability, long service life, calmly tolerate overheating of the coolant (up to + 135 ° C), normally respond to water hammer. All because of the fact that they have thick walls. But the large thickness of the metal is not only pluses, there are also minuses. The first is a large mass. Not all modern building materials can support the weight of cast iron. Let today they are far from being as heavy as in the days of the USSR, but still much more massive than all the others. A large mass is also a difficulty in transportation and installation. Firstly, powerful hooks are required, and secondly, it is desirable to mount them together - the mass of a radiator for 6-7 sections is 60-80 kg. But that's not all. A large mass of metal means high heat capacity and significant inertia. On the one hand, this is a minus - until the batteries warm up, it will be cold in the room, but on the other - a plus, because they will cool down for a long time. There is one more minus in high inertia - cast-iron batteries are inefficient in systems with thermostats. All this together leads to the fact that cast-iron heating radiators are not installed very often today.

But they have their own scope - high-rise high-rise buildings. If the number of storeys is higher than 16, high pressure is created in such systems, which only cast iron and some types of bimetallic radiators (full bimetal) are able to withstand. Their properties are also optimal in heating systems of private houses and cottages with conventional solid fuel boilers without automation. These boilers have a cyclic principle of operation, then heating the coolant to a boiling point or even higher, then cooling down. Cast iron normally reacts to high temperatures, and also smooths out temperature differences due to inertia.

Until recently, cast-iron heating radiators had an unattractive appearance - the well-known and long-bored "accordion". Today there are models that look like aluminum or bimetallic - with smooth front edges, painted with powder enamel (most often white). There are many designer models, mostly on legs, decorated with cast ornaments. This option is generally available only in cast iron, all the rest have basically a more strict, ascetic design.

Aluminum

Aluminum heating radiators are not made of pure aluminum, but of an alloy based on it. This metal was not chosen by chance, as it has one of the highest heat transfer coefficients - 4-4.5 times better than cast iron and 5 times better than steel.

Therefore, aluminum radiators are distinguished by high power (180-190 W per section), at least a high heating rate and low inertia. They work very effectively in tandem with thermostats, allow you to maintain a stable temperature with an accuracy of one degree. The advantages of aluminum radiators include their low weight (one section weighs 1.5-2 kilograms), which facilitates delivery and installation. Another positive point is that the shape is designed in such a way that it has a large cross-section of channels for the coolant (slightly smaller than that of cast-iron "accordions"). This is good, since there is a low probability that these channels will become clogged and the radiator will stop heating.

Now about the disadvantages of aluminum radiators. They are related to the properties of aluminum. As you know, it is a reactive metal. It actively interacts with most of the chemical table, and reacts especially violently with copper. And in modern heating systems, copper parts are common. Such a neighborhood threatens the rapid exit of the copper parts of the system and system, as well as increased gas formation. They learned how to deal with gases - they put automatic gas vents (valves) in the systems, and they save copper by not putting it close to aluminum appliances. The process, of course, still goes on, but not with such intensity.

The chemical activity of aluminum is also manifested in the demands on the quality of the coolant. Not in the sense of its contamination, but in the sense of its acidity. Aluminum radiators work normally in systems with a coolant acidity not higher than 7 (Ph 7).

The softness of aluminum is not very good for the operation of the heating system. In the alloy, from which heating radiators are made, there are additives that increase its rigidity, but, anyway, they do not work in high pressure networks. Typical working pressure is 8-16 atm depending on the type and manufacturer.

Based on the foregoing, an area looms where aluminum radiators will be the best. These are individual heating systems with boilers controlled by automation. They also feel good in apartments, but only in low-rise buildings (up to 10 floors), in which a coolant with Ph 7-8 circulates.

Bimetal radiators

To correct the shortcomings of aluminum radiators, bimetallic radiators were invented. Stainless steel tubes are soldered inside the aluminum jacket. Stainless steel is known to be chemically neutral and very durable. This solves two problems. But the cost of bimetallic radiators becomes much higher - the manufacturing technology is more complicated, and the thermal power becomes a little lower. On average, the heat output of one section of bimetallic radiators of a standard size is 170-180 watts. Another plus is the higher working pressure with which these heaters can work. On average, it is 20-30 atm, which is more than enough even for high-rise buildings.

At the same time, another problem is added - the cross section of the channels for the coolant in bimetallic radiators is much smaller than in aluminum ones. Therefore, it is advisable to install filters in front of the radiator. There are not so many cons, as you can see, but there are nuances. There are simply two types of bimetallic radiators: full and partial bimetal. For a full bimetal, all collectors (channels through which the coolant moves) are made of stainless steel. If you decide which bimetal heating radiators are better, then this is exactly the full bimetal. Partially bimetallic stainless steel radiators have only vertical collectors, and horizontal collectors are made of aluminum. That is, for such products, the chemical activity is slightly lower, but still at a fairly high level and the working pressure is much lower.

Now heating systems for which bimetallic radiators are the best. These are high-rise buildings with any type of coolant (including very acidic or alkaline). In individual heating systems, their properties will be unclaimed, so you should not overpay.

Steel radiators - panel and tubular

There are two different types of steel radiators, with different characteristics and very different looks. These are tubular and panel. Some are made from steel pipes, others from steel sheets. Both of them have a relatively low price, which is what attracts them. But steel in heating systems does not “live” for a very long time, so these are also the most short-lived heating devices. Of course, there are exceptions - some manufacturers cover pipes or sheets with a protective layer, due to which the warranty period is estimated at a decade or even more. But the price of such steel radiators is also far from small.

These are tubular radiators. They can be both high and narrow, and low and wide.

Of the other characteristics - a small thermal inertia, exactingness to the coolant. Moreover, both in acidity and in the presence of foreign particles. Panel models are especially demanding - thin channels are formed in them through which the coolant moves. They are even thinner than bimetallic ones, so inlet filters are strictly required. If we talk about the acidity of the coolant, then the highest rate at which steel radiators work is Ph8. Working pressure - about 10-16 atm.

With power, the spread is very large. The design of both panel and tubular radiators is such that they can be of different sizes. Serially produced panel radiators are from 30 cm to 90 cm high, from 40 cm to 3 m long. There are special models that are elongated in height. Their maximum height is 2.7 meters (on special order they can do even higher, only there will be problems with transportation).

The variation in the size of tubular radiators is even greater. They can be from 19 cm to 3 m high, from 10 cm (two sections) to 3 meters wide, from 6 cm to 21 cm deep. The power of these radiators depends not only on the number of sections, but also on the number of columns (pipes in one row). Columns can be from two to six. Two or three columns can be hung on the wall, wider ones are often placed on the floor. Unlike all others, the sections of tubular radiators are one-piece, that is, they cannot be grown or reduced. They are welded together. On the one hand, there are fewer leaks, but on the other, less mobility. But this is compensated by their high plasticity - tubular steel radiators can be curvilinear - at least install them around the columns or wrap large containers with plants (there is a minimum bending radius). There are, by the way, models in the form of benches or tables.

Convectors

Recently, floor-to-ceiling glazing has become increasingly popular. Really beautiful, but what about the heating .... question. You can put low radiators on legs, but then all the chic is smeared. That's when floor convectors are used. Under them, a niche is made in the floor and the device itself is installed on the floor, closing it with a grate. In order to increase heat transfer at the same time (necessary for a period of cold weather), fans are built inside. The solution is aesthetic, but such systems cost decently. There is another nuance - fans, even the quietest ones, are noisy. This noise does not annoy someone, it bothers someone very much. In any case, there are more and less noisy models.

Floor convector - output for heating floor-to-ceiling French windows and glass doors

So, if you need to heat a French window from floor to ceiling, the best option is a convector built into the floor.

Baseboard heating

In shape, skirting heating resembles old-style plate radiators - these are two pipes with a large number of thin plates. The difference is that these pipes are thin, usually copper, and have such a small height and width that they are hidden behind a high plinth of a special shape (open at the top). Due to the high heat transfer coefficient of copper, the power of these small radiators is high, it is gained due to the length - even around the entire perimeter of the room.

In addition to invisibility, baseboard heating has another plus - most of the heat is transferred not by convection, but in the infrared range - from heated walls. A stream of warm air rises along the walls, warming them up. When the walls heat up, they begin to radiate heat, which our body perceives as more comfortable. Cons of this system

The disadvantages of baseboard heating are the exactingness of the coolant and the thermal regime (it is impossible to overheat), low operating pressure (up to 10 atm). All this suggests that such systems can only work in individual heating, and with boilers controlled by automation.

Which heating radiators are best for an apartment and a house

Now let's systematize all the information a little from a different point of view - which batteries are better to choose for an apartment, and which ones for a private house or cottage. First, let's talk about what can be put in apartments. To choose everything correctly, you first need to visit the housing maintenance office or talk to plumbers. You need to find out what pressure is in your heating system and what is the acidity of the coolant and its operating temperature (at least according to the documents). It would be nice to know what jumps in temperature and pressure are. Armed with these figures, you will need to choose a specific model from those types of radiators that are suitable for your situation.

Now about what kind of heating radiators are best for an apartment. Here are your options:

Once again, we draw your attention to the fact that when choosing a specific model, you must definitely look at the technical parameters. Only in this case, the radiators will work for a long time without repair and replacement.

Now about which radiators are best for a private house and cottage. These systems have a small volume, differ in that in them you control the state of the coolant yourself, you can adjust the acidity, clean the filters. So the selection by acidity in this situation is irrelevant. What needs to be considered is the type of boiler. If there is a solid fuel boiler in the system and there is no heat accumulator in it, which smoothed out temperature fluctuations, cast-iron batteries would be the best choice. They will withstand overheating, and their thermal inertia will smooth out temperature fluctuations.

In all other cases, aluminum radiators are the best choice. They have low inertia, quickly respond to temperature changes. They heat up in just minutes, and a tangible flow of heat comes from them. True, they cool down just as quickly, so that during an emergency stop, the house will be cold quickly.

Steel radiators will also be good. This is an economical option, but even during normal operation they do not last long - a short service life. For aesthetes, the option with plinth or convector (built into the floor) heating is suitable. Both systems work great with any automated boiler.

For the correct choice of heating radiators, you need to know about their main technical parameters. Otherwise, the result may not meet expectations. There are not so many really important parameters for radiators, so even a non-professional can easily understand them.

Features of the choice of heating devices

Now people no longer need to hide or, because modern appliances can become a worthy decoration for any interior. Radiators that are sold today may differ in color, size, material of manufacture and general style of execution, so it will not be difficult to choose the most suitable option.

Attention! Despite the fact that we are accustomed to light-colored batteries, the heat dissipation of black devices is approximately ¼ higher due to color alone. Although when choosing a color it is better to focus on the design of the home and personal preferences.

With regards to the form, it must be streamlined. For security reasons, it is advisable to refuse sharp corners altogether, especially if children live in the house. Before buying, check out the strengths and weaknesses of each of the existing types of radiators to determine which one is more suitable for a particular room. The first thing you should pay attention to is the working pressure of the devices.

Depending on the material, radiators are divided into:

The pressure mentioned above, the heat transfer coefficient, heat capacity, resistance to mechanical and chemical damage, as well as the service life depend on the material.

Also pay attention to the method of connection to the heating line. The connection can be side, bottom and universal. It is characteristic that in modern radiators all these connection methods are provided.

Attention! The environmental friendliness of the material used in the manufacture of heating devices is also very important. There should be no formaldehyde in the internal elements, and high-quality polymer spraying on the surface is also welcome.

Now in more detail about each material.

Characteristics of aluminum radiators

Heating appliances made of are considered one of the most popular types of radiators. Aluminum is a light and ductile metal, therefore, batteries made from it weigh a little and are characterized by increased heat dissipation.

The devices consist of sections, each of which is a set of interconnected plates. Thanks to this, heat saving is also at a fairly high level here.

Advantages such units are as follows:

At the same time, after turning off the heating, such radiators cool down quite quickly. Among the others shortcomings worth highlighting:

• instability to chemical influences (the problem can be solved by polymer spraying on the inner surface);
• low strength;
• poor quality of the threaded connection in the upper valve to bleed air from the system.

In view of this, before buying, it is imperative to inquire about the operating pressure of the heating system. The maximum pressure of a particular product must be viewed in the data sheet, since it is different for different models.

But still, according to its characteristics, aluminum is excellent for the manufacture of radiators, and its fusibility has made it possible to significantly expand the model range. Today you can choose exactly the battery that fits perfectly into the interior of your home.

Table 1. Comparison of aluminum batteries from well-known brands

Aluminum radiators from STOUT Bravo are ideal for installation in apartments and houses with individual heating. These heaters are manufactured at the facilities of the GLOBAL plant, Italy. Each stage of production is controlled by European specialists. Each section is made by injection molding and is a monolith of two headers and a connecting section of fins. Available center distance - 350 or 500 mm. Manufacturer's warranty - 10 years.

Prices for popular models of aluminum heating radiators

Aluminum heating radiators

Characteristics of bimetallic batteries

The main difference between bimetallic radiators is the use of two different metals in the manufacturing process - steel to create the core and aluminum to assemble the case. Thanks to this, the rod is very durable. Another advantage of such products is the high working pressure, which can reach 50 (!) Atmospheres. Moreover, steel perfectly "cooperates" even with the water in which there are various impurities, while aluminum heats up quickly and gives off maximum heat.

In a word, the use of two metals at once made it possible to obtain radiators that have the advantages of each of them. Therefore, it is quite obvious that the cost of these devices is the highest among all possible options.

Attention! are used mainly for heating industrial and public facilities. In residential buildings, they are rare due to the high cost.

The service life is 20-25 years, which is quite normal.

Table 2. Comparison of bimetallic radiators

All the advantages of using bimetallic radiators are clearly expressed in the design of STOUT Space heaters. These radiators are easy to install, they are suitable for rooms of any design and have a reliable design. The maximum pressure that the heater can withstand is 100 atmospheres. Production - the Russian plant "RIFAR", the largest in the country. Service life - 25 years, manufacturer's warranty - 10 years. available from 4 to 14 - you can complete any object and choose a radiator for a room of any size.

Prices for bimetallic batteries

Bimetallic batteries

Characteristics of cast iron radiators

Such batteries are the most common and known to every option, since they are installed in most of the typical apartments. Agree, old cast iron appliances can hardly be considered stylish and attractive. New models look better, but in terms of aesthetic indicators they are still significantly inferior to devices made of other materials.

As you know, cast iron is very heavy. Batteries made from it weigh a lot, which cannot but affect the complexity of transportation and installation.

Consider their main Benefits.

But cast iron has limitations, among which:

• significant weight;
• slow heating;
• unaesthetic.

Attention! Despite the abundance of more modern analogues, many people prefer to install cast-iron batteries, trusting what has been tested for decades.

Table 3. Comparison of cast iron batteries from the most famous manufacturers

Prices for popular models of cast iron radiators

Cast iron radiators

In the manufacture of these devices using low-carbon steel. In order to protect the surface is coated with a special enamel. If of good quality, then they have excellent operational parameters, including:

• strength;
• reliability;
• resistance to corrosion;
• durability;
• resistance to various kinds of aggressive substances.

Such batteries can be tubular and panel.

Tubular appliances

For their assembly, high quality polymer-coated steel pipes are used. The maximum load that the devices can handle depends solely on the thickness of the pipe walls. It is desirable that the pipes are made of stainless steel.

The service life of tubular devices significantly exceeds that of panel devices and is about 30 years. It is possible to connect in all the ways described above. The working pressure is 10-16 atmospheres, more detailed data should be clarified in the product data sheet.

Prominent representatives of tubular radiators are models manufactured by Loten:

• Loten Gray V;
• horizontal LotenGrey Z.

These radiators are made of a steel profile pipe with a rectangular cross section. In addition to providing comfortable heating, the presented radiators demonstrate the latest trends in the design of heating devices, perfectly fitting into the interior of any home.

When creating Loten tubular radiators, there were two main ideas:

• to create high-quality heating equipment: for the manufacture of radiators, high-strength metal with a wall thickness of 2.5 mm is used, due to which these heaters have a working pressure of 16 atm. Radiators withstand a test pressure of 25 atm;
• at the same time turn the battery into a stylish element of the interior of a home, office space, public location, etc.

The presented models of heaters can have a different number of sections, from 4 to 12. The length of the sections varies from 750 to 2000 mm. The price of each heating element is directly dependent on the following parameters:

• number and length of sections;
• connection type (side/bottom).

Without extra charge, you can purchase radiator models painted in colors that are at the peak of popularity regarding interior design:

• matte black;
• classic white;
• soft beige;
• concrete grey.

However, lovers of a bright environment can order any other colors and shades.

The presented models of radiators are suitable for connection to a central as well as an autonomous system. The size range is really wide, it is possible to equip the presented radiators with both a cozy small one-room apartment and a spacious country mansion.

Each model can be with side or bottom connection. Heating systems that are suitable for this battery can be:

• single-pipe;
• two-pipe.

The high quality of the material and the laconic style of the products will allow them to take place for many years not only in the apartment, but also in the list of your preferred interior items. Their peculiarity is that they have a long service life (warranty - 5 years, service life - 30 years), so you will not have to think about changing batteries soon. So, you can confidently trust the manufacturer, and make a choice in favor of the considered devices.

Panel devices

As the name suggests, such radiators are made in the form of panels. To do this, a certain number of steel plates are connected to each other. Thanks to this assembly, a high heat capacity is achieved, while the thickness of each individual plate is negligible. In addition, they weigh a little and provide the ability to connect in all available ways.

Attention! Before buying new heaters, look at how your old ones are connected. It is advisable to have new batteries as well.

The cost of panel radiators is slightly higher than the average, the operating pressure is 10 atmospheres. According to experts, such units are best used in autonomous heating systems. As for city apartments, the use of such batteries is unacceptable here due to too high pressure in the central system.

Table 4. Comparison of steel radiators with dimensions of 50x50 cm from the most famous manufacturers

Prices for steel radiators

Steel radiators

As a conclusion

It should be noted that any of the described types of batteries can be used for residential heating systems. Although the purchase of bimetallic devices is often impractical, because their advantages are almost the same as those of aluminum, and the cost is several times higher. Therefore, it is better that they continue to remain in industrial and public facilities.

It is undesirable to install aluminum appliances in apartments due to pressure drops in the system that negatively affect the metal. The optimal and proven option for apartments for years is cast-iron batteries. One way or another, you need to focus on financial capabilities and personal wishes.

For those who do not want to dive into independent calculations, we recommend using a special calculator for calculations, which takes into account almost all the nuances that affect the efficiency of space heating.