Types of heating radiators for an apartment. Which heating radiators are best for an apartment. System characteristics and service life
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.
Radiators in the interior
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
Manufacturer | Model | Weight, kg | power, kWt | Volume, l | Pressure, bar. | Dimensions, cm | Distance between axles, cm |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Rifar, RF | Alum 500 | 1,45 | 0,183 | 0,27 | 20 | 9x8x56.5 | 50 |
2 Fondital, Italy | Calidor Super-500 | 1,32 | 0,193 | 0,3 | 16 | 9.7x8x55.7 | 50 |
2. Rovall, (Italy) | Alux-500 | 1,31 | 0,179 | 0,23 | 20 | 10x8x54.5 | 50 |
3. Radiatori 20000 S.p.A. | 500R | 1,6 | 0,199 | 0,58 | 16 | 9.5x8x57.7 | 50 |
4. Faral | Green HP-350 | 1,12 | 0,136 | 0,26 | 16 | 8x8x43 | 35 |
5. Faral | TrioНР-500 | 1,58 | 0,212 | 0,5 | 16 | 9.5x8x58 | 50 |
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
Manufacturer/Model | Working fluid temperature, ᵒС | Weight, kg | Volume, l | power, kWt | Operating pressure | Section dimensions, cm |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Sira Group/Gladiator-500 | 110 | 1,6 | 0,42 | 0,185 | 30 | 8x8x42.3 |
2. Gordi/Gordi-500 | 100 | 1,7 | 0,3 | 0,181 | 30 | 8x8x57.2 |
. Rifar/Rifar Monolit-350 | 135 | 1,5 | 0,18 | 0,136 | 100 | 8x10x41.5 |
4.Tenrad/Tenrad-500 | 120 | 1,44 | 0,22 | 0,161 | 24 | 7.7x8x55 |
5.Global/Style-350 | 110 | 1,56 | 0,16 | 0,125 | 35 | 8x8x42.5 |
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
Manufacturer/Model | Weight, kg | Volume, l | Heating area with one section, m² | Power, W | Pressure, atm. | Dimensions, mm |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Konner, Modern | Up to 4.75 | Up to 0.96 | - | Up to 150 | 12 | 80x60x565 |
2. World Cup-3 | Up to 7 | 1,38 | 0,25 | 156 | 9 | 120x90x570 |
2. World Cup-2 | Up to 6.3 | 0,8-0,95 | 0,2 | 100-142 | 9 | 100x80x570 |
2. World Cup-1 | Up to 4.8 | 0,9 | 0,1-0,16 | 110 | 9 | 70x80x570 |
5. MS-140 | Up to 7.1 | 1,45 | 0,24 | 160 | 9 | 140x93x588 |
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
Manufacturer | Connection | Weight, kg | Volume, l | Power, W (at +70ᵒС) | Maximum allowable liquid temperature, ᵒС | Pressure, atm. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.DeLonghi RADEL (Italy) | lower | 14,9 | 3,1 | 1079 | 110 | 8,7 |
2. Purmo (Finland) | Side + bottom | 13,6 | 2,6 | 926 | 110 | 10 |
3. Korado Radik (Czech Republic) | Side + bottom | 15,6 | 2 | 914 | 110 | 10 |
4. "Lidea" (Belarus) | Side + bottom | 15,1 | 3,3 | 1080 | 110 | 8,6 |
5. Buderus (Germany) | Side + bottom | 14,1 | 3,15 | 913 | 120 | 10 |
6. Kermi (Germany) | Side + bottom | 17,7 | 2,7 | 965 | 110 | 10 |
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 many 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.
It is important for home owners that as many things as possible in their home were not only functional, but also had a pleasant appearance.
The choice of the heating system of the room, as a rule, stops at the radiators.
They are relatively easy to install and operate, do not require large financial and energy costs, quickly heat the air in the room, and the aesthetic properties and varieties finally convince the buyer to choose radiator heating.
Types of radiators, their price
There are several types of radiators for heating systems, which differ in the material of manufacture.
When is it wiser to choose cast iron
There is an opinion that all bad radiators are necessarily made of thick and heavy cast iron. Of course, this is not so: cast-iron heating systems are used as creative author's solutions and reliable sources of heat in the room.
Photo 1. Cast iron heating radiator with decorative forging. The device is installed on the floor.
Design
Batteries of this type consist of oblong sections, each of which is divided into two parts. These components are cast from metal in factory molds, after which such halves are fastened and sealed, leaving only holes for the coolant flow.
As a rule, batteries have a different number of cells, so differ in power: the more cells, the faster the air in the room heats up. Between themselves, these components of the radiator are connected by welds and several holes for the circulation of water inside.
Pros and cons
Advantages of cast iron radiators:
- No matter how many times water is drained from a cast-iron battery and what quality it is, a corrosion layer does not form inside, because. cast iron resists corrosive processes.
- Immunity to water hammer. Thick walls allow water to be supplied to the system under very high pressure, which determines their frequent use in central heating systems.
- Durability and reliability. Batteries will last for decades.
- If the metal is heated well, then it will give off heat for a very long time even after the coolant supply has stopped.
Radiator Disadvantages:
- Huge weight in comparison with other types of radiators, it makes it difficult to transport and install cast iron batteries.
- Each section, as a rule, requires about a liter of coolant- very important for other heating systems.
- To properly heat the walls of the battery , it is necessary to maintain a constant circulation of hot water for a long time.
The average weight of one section of the radiator is from 4 to 7 kilograms, operating pressure - 9 atmospheres, heat transfer power - from 0.050 kW to 0.20 kW per section. Dimensions may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Attention! Large batteries are mounted only on special hooks or a bracket, as their weight reaches 100-150 kilograms.
As experience with such radiators shows, they can be installed once for life, and then only periodically serviced. This is the most durable type of heating on the market. The cost of one section of the radiator fluctuates from 1200 to 2500 rubles. For a ready-made retro radiator made of cast iron, you will have to pay a lot 6-8 thousand rubles.
Aluminum
Such batteries do not torment the eyes with an unpleasant look, heat the room well, weigh relatively little and are still in the budget price range.
Design
Such radiators are made by three methods:
- Casting: each section is created from a mixture of aluminum and silicon. After solidification, they are connected with nipples, and water-carrying channels are sealed for the flow of water.
- Pressing: the necessary number of parts are squeezed out of the metal mass with the help of a press, which are then again connected together thanks to it.
Important! Structures of this type are non-separable, additional sections can not be added.
- Anodized: 98% aluminum is subjected to a chemical process - anodizing, after which the metal acquires corrosion resistance, an increased level of heat transfer and high strength.
You will also be interested in:
Pros and cons
Advantages of aluminum radiators:
- Lightweight yet durable.
- No more is needed to heat the entire battery 10-20 minutes.
- Average section volume — 300-400 mm.
- Provides additional heat dissipation due to convectors.
- Acceptable cost.
Disadvantages of radiators:
- Batteries cool down quickly.
- Connections are the weak point of aluminum systems; frequent leaks are possible.
- Service Warranty - up to 15 years; only a few manufacturers confirm that their device will last longer: 20-25 years old.
- The metal is subject to corrosion processes. Anodized models are protected from this, but cost more.
- Sensitivity to water hammer.
System characteristics and service life
The average weight of one part - 1.5-2 kg. Operating pressure 12-30 atmospheres. Heat dissipation - from 0.09 to 0.23 kW. Section price ~ 400-1000 rubles, anodized models — 1.5-2 times higher.
Steel: where is it better to put them
A common heating solution for private houses and commercial premises.
Photo 2. Steel panel heating radiator. The device is fixed on the wall, heating pipes are connected from below.
The main distinguishing feature is low consumption of liquid heat carrier and very fast heat transfer from the battery to the walls, and from them into the air.
Reference. The system becomes most effective if you purchase radiators with convectors for each panel: 22- or 33-type.
Design
Steel (otherwise - panel) batteries are assembled from several prefabricated panels. Each panel consists of two fastened sheets of thin steel, on which grooves were applied by a press for water circulation. The maximum number of panels in one battery is 3.
Pros and cons
Advantages of radiators:
- The fastest heating among all systems with a liquid heat carrier.
- So easy to mount them and lift them up the floors one person can.
- Low hot water consumption.
- Effective energy consumption of the heating boiler and pump: streams of hot water quickly give off heat and are immediately replaced by new ones without stagnation in the channels.
Disadvantages of radiators:
- If the coolant supply is interrupted, the walls cool instantly.
- Metal subject to corrosion when using unfiltered water and frequent ingress of air inside.
- Sensitivity to water hammer.
System characteristics and service life
Power: from 1.5 to 1.8 kW. Weight: medium radiator 22-type weighs ~ 7 kilograms. Price: ~ 5 thousand rubles for an 11-type device and 15-17 thousand rubles. - for 33-type. Lifetime: 15-25 years old. Operating pressure - 6-10 atmospheres.
Important! Most steel batteries cannot be used in apartments, since they are not able to withstand the pressure of the public heating network.
Bimetallic batteries
Hybrid heating option. Perfect for heating any room due to its power and pleasant appearance.
Photo 3. Bimetallic heating battery. The product consists of ten sections, the number of which can be increased or decreased.
Design
Cast steel pipes are placed in thin aluminum cases, so bimetallic radiators can be difficult to distinguish from solid aluminum ones. This design solution allows you to quickly transfer heat from hot water to the aluminum walls, and then into the room. As a rule, it is produced with nipples between sections - if necessary, some of the parts can be removed or added.
Pros and cons
Advantages:
- Life time.
- steel core protects the entire radiator from corrosion(there is a special protective coating) and water hammer.
- Heat from water almost instantly transferred to the steel rod and from it also quickly - to the sheets of an aluminum box.
- Modern look, environmental friendliness and ease of cleaning provides the use of anti-corrosion coating on the outer walls of the battery.
Flaws:
- Relatively high cost.
System characteristics and service life
Power: from 0.09 to 0.20 kW. Average volume and weight of one section - 0.2 liters, 1.2 kilograms.
Maximum withstand pressure: 20-40 atm.
Radiator on 10 sections cost the homeowner 8-12 thousand rubles, but will serve ~ 30 years.
Copper - a good option for country houses
Often used in country houses, garages and cottages. Type of copper convector perfect for interiors in loft or grunge style.
Reference. Both hot water and steam can be used as a coolant in copper radiators.
You will also be interested in:
Design
One or more steel pipes are bent, giving a zigzag shape, after which these pipes are pierced into copper plates, which multiply improve heat transfer due to convection. The number of pipes and the number of plates in the convector determines the power of the device. Sometimes, for greater heat dissipation and better safety, the radiator is placed in a steel casing that fits into any interior.
Pros and cons
Advantages:
- Light weight- a copper heater can be mounted even on plasterboard walls.
- Excellent thermal conductivity and, accordingly, a good power level value.
- One of the most pleasing aesthetic sets in various technical and structural solutions.
- Water hammer tolerance(but over time, copper stretches, which reduces the service life) and the ability to withstand high pressure.
Photo 4. Copper heating radiator. It consists of a tube through which many copper plates pass.
Flaws:
- Copper practically does not tolerate neighborhood with other metals, so copper-steel or copper-aluminum radiators deteriorate quickly.
- The high cost of quality products.
System characteristics and service life
Operating pressure 12-18 atmospheres. Maximum coolant temperature — 150°C. Power: average 0.30 kW. The cost of a copper radiator will be approximately 11-13 thousand rubles, and the service life 30-40 years old subject to the rules of operation and careful handling.
Plastic
The most budget option. The characteristics of plastic cannot be compared with metal and alloys, so the use of plastic radiators is justified only by economic considerations.
Design
The plastic mass is pressed with a hammer and moulds. Then steel pipes are placed inside to circulate water. Additional sections cannot be added. because everything is hermetically sealed.
Pros and cons
Advantages:
- Low cost.
- Light weight.
Flaws:
- very little power
- poor thermal conductivity;
- brittleness of the material;
- sensitivity to pressure surges and its high level.
With proper care, the service life will be 5-10 years. Price 3-4 thousand rubles.
Electrical
In essence, this an ordinary electric heater, but somewhat larger. Use is possible both in the house and in the apartment, but most often they are used in dedicated dry rooms: attic, veranda, loggia.
Design and characteristics
According to the device, an electric heating system is a set of heating elements, plates and convectors that transfer heat to the surrounding space. Advantages:
- Instant heating and the beginning of heating the air in the room.
- Quick thermoregulation with a switch.
- Small size and weight.
- Nice appearance.
- Lack of coolants inside the radiator.
The disadvantages include the constant consumption of electricity, which can hit the budget hard if electricity is expensive in the homeowner's region. In addition, there is a risk of short circuit and fire, but this is minimized due to quality control in production. Middle Radiator Power: about 1.5 kW. Price - 4-5 thousand rubles with a service life of 3-5 years.
What are the best for central heating in an apartment
An important condition when choosing a radiator - t technical and structural component: heating networks in a house and a communal apartment give a different pressure value. Autonomous (private house) - do not give out pressure anymore 10 atm., and in the pipes of a communal apartment - 16 atm.
Important! In communal apartments, pressure drops often occur - water hammer that damage the heating system; this rarely happens on offline networks.
For an apartment (central heating) it is better to purchase: cast iron, aluminum and bimetallic radiators, as they tolerate high pressure and its differences well.
In addition, copper or steel (panel) radiators are suitable for an apartment, but they are more sensitive to water hammer.
For a private house (autonomous network) you can choose any radiator, but since the pressure in the network is not so high, a steel, aluminum or copper radiator will be the best solution.
The electric heating system is suitable for any room with a normal level of humidity.
Useful video
Watch a video that explains how to choose the right heating radiator.
How to keep warm for a long time
A properly installed heating system – regardless of type – will work for more than a dozen years, if you follow all the measures and warnings
Radiators are the main elements of the heating system, organizing the flow of heat transfer from the coolant to the environment. It is they who are entrusted with the task of heating the premises by returning up to 90% of the total volume of heat released during the operation of electrical elements (electric furnaces) or fuel combustion (boiler room, stove heating of private houses). Initially, the bulk of sectional heaters was cast from cast iron, which has good strength characteristics and immunity to temperature changes. However, such systems had a lot of flaws, since thick walls and discontinuities (in the form of pores, shells, and other casting defects) led to low efficiency or rapid destruction of such structures.
To date, in addition to improving the process of obtaining cast iron batteries, radiators from the following metal groups are widespread:
- aluminum - the most energy-efficient type, having an extremely low susceptibility to coolant, corrosion and light weight.
- bimetallic - like aluminum models, they have high heat transfer, increased strength and light weight, as well as neutrality to the chemical composition of the coolant.
- steel - are made mainly in the form of panels, have an average energy efficiency, but are subject to corrosion due to constant interaction with water.
People who are familiar with the properties of a particular material, as well as following the range of manufacturing companies, usually do not have problems choosing radiators for houses and apartments. However, the bulk of consumers are "pioneers" in this segment, and they know about the principles of choice only by hearsay. Moreover, over the past 5 years, this category of the market has almost doubled, having got hold of hundreds of fresh models of stacked batteries, as well as the opening of a number of new companies. Therefore, having carefully studied the current range, we have compiled for you a rating of the best heating radiators, the purchase of which will not only increase the efficiency of the heating system, but also a profitable investment of your own funds.
The best bimetallic heating radiators
Bimetal radiators have good heat dissipation and withstand high pressure. The combination of two metals makes this heater resistant to water hammer with a pressure of about 150 atm. The main disadvantage is that the system must be constantly filled with coolant. In addition, these heaters are somewhat more expensive than others.
The most popular and best manufacturers of bimetallic heating radiators are Global (Italy), Rifar (Russia), Sira (Italy) and Royal (Italy).
3 Sira RS Bimetal 500
The best heat dissipation. Silent operation
Country: Italy
Average price: 5 640 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5
SIRA RS BIMETAL 500 is a high-quality bimetal sectional heater with a heat output of 201 W per element. Such a good indicator is due mainly to the successful design of the product, and therefore, in a large assembly, it is able to heat up to 40 square meters of space.
As advantages of SIRA RS BIMETAL, the reviews include a pleasant design, high-quality powder coating and reliability in all aspects of operation. True, the operating pressure does not particularly shine with magnitude - the battery is capable of withstanding up to 40 bar, but this is enough for installation in apartments for centralized heat supply, and in private houses with an independent source of heating. Of the minor shortcomings, only the sensitivity of the bimetal to the composition of the coolant can be distinguished, although, to be honest, the consequences of such influences are negligible. Otherwise, this heater seems to be a very good option for purchase, combining many positive aspects.
2 Global STYLE PLUS 500
High build quality. User Popularity
Country: Italy
Average price: 6,400 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
One of the brightest representatives of the Global company, which got into the rating due to balanced performance parameters and a good combination of them with the asking price. The first thing that catches your eye when studying the documentation for STYLE PLUS is a solid warranty period of 25 years. All this clearly indicates the high reliability of the radiator and the manufacturer's confidence in its product.
In a standard assembly (consisting of 10-12 sections), this heater is capable of delivering up to 2280 W of heat to the environment, which, according to the company's experimental calculations, is suitable for fairly spacious rooms ranging from 30 to 37 squares. The maximum allowable operating temperature of the coolant in the system can reach 110 degrees Celsius, and the pressure - no more than 35 bar, and therefore prefabricated radiators are recommended to be used only in central heating systems.
Table of advantages and disadvantages of different types of radiators.
Radiator type |
Advantages |
Flaws |
Cast iron |
Low price Good thermal conductivity Not demanding on the quality of the coolant Durability (up to 50 years) Keep warm for a long time after turning off the heating |
Warm up slowly Poorly tolerated water hammer Uses a lot of water for heating Have a large mass fragile Collect a lot of dust Requires frequent maintenance (painting) |
Aluminum |
High heat dissipation Beautiful appearance (design) Light weight (can be hung even on drywall) compactness Low price |
High requirements for the quality of the coolant (water pH should not be less than 7.5) Corrosion resistant Air pockets may form |
Steel |
Fast heating The highest heat output Low inertia Affordable price |
Rust forms (steel rusts in water) Demanding on the quality of the coolant May burst due to water hammer over 13 atm |
Bimetallic |
High strength Fast heating Excellent heat dissipation Neutrality to the chemical composition of the coolant High pressure resistance Long service life (up to 20 years) A light weight Good appearance |
High price Demanding on water quality |
1 Rifar Monolit 500
The best ratio of price and quality. Operating pressure 100 bar
Country Russia
Average price: 5 100 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The main advantage of the bimetallic heating radiator Rifar Monolit 500 is its low cost on the market with characteristics identical to its main competitors in the rating. The maximum heat output can reach 2744 W, which is enough to heat rooms up to 27-29 square meters. An important feature of the heater is the ability to operate at a pressure of 100 bar, which allows the sections to survive water hammer and maintain operating conditions for a long time.
Reviews of the Rifar Monolit 500 often include statements regarding a 25-year factory warranty. It is worth saying that this information is true, and Rifar is very scrupulous about the quality of its entire range of products. Other advantages of the model include 135 degrees of permissible operating temperature, a pleasant design, as well as a minimum of 210 milliliters of water per section for normal operation.
The best aluminum heating radiators
Aluminum radiators are the most popular type of heaters today. The service life of such heaters can reach 15 years due to corrosion resistance. They are light, easy to install and have an attractive appearance, however, they withstand less pressure and are sensitive to the composition of the coolant.
3 Thermal RAP-500
Best price. Maximum working pressure 24 bar.
Country Russia
Average price: 3127 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The domestically produced radiator from the Termal company is distinguished by the lowest price in the segment, however, in terms of operating parameters, it is practically not inferior to the recognized leaders of the category. The main advantage of the RAP-500 is the high specific heat transfer of the section, equal to 252 W. This is the largest indicator in the rating, indirectly indicating the high efficiency of the entire installation. Coupled with decent thermal endurance (the coolant temperature in this case can be up to 130 degrees Celsius), it will not be difficult for the assembled radiator to heat rooms with a total area of up to 50 square meters.
Despite such excellent performance, users note the ill-conceived design of the Thermal RAP-500, although such sharp attacks (from a purely operational point of view) have no good reasons. Of the other parameters of the radiator, it is worth highlighting the possibility of working at increased pressure in the system (about 60 bar), which makes it possible to install it not only in apartments, but also in private houses with individual heating.
2 Rifar Alum 500
Maximum operating temperature 135 gr.
Country Russia
Average price: 2,442 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Another representative of the Rifar company got into the rating due to a set of good performance characteristics, however, with a slight overestimation of the purchase price. This heater is designed to work with coolants with temperatures up to 135 degrees Celsius and pressures up to 20 bar - an ideal set of parameters for installation in apartments with central heating.
In terms of heat dissipation, Rifar Alum 500 is slightly inferior to its competitors: one section is capable of generating up to 183 W of heat. In the aggregate (if there are 14-16 elements in the assembly), such a battery will be effective on living space up to 26 square meters. It is noteworthy that for the correct operation of the section, the required amount of water is 270 milliliters, which suggests that the efficiency of the radiator is not the highest. However, with the exception of this nuance, there is nothing more to complain about here: consumer reviews speak of the excellent reliability of the model, compactness and a convenient method of wall mounting.
1 Global Vox 500
The best choice for the climate of the Russian Federation. 10 years warranty
Country: Italy
Average price: 680 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
Despite its southern origin (Global production is located in Italy), Vox series radiators are perfect for heating systems in the harsh climatic conditions of Russia. They have one of the highest heat transfer rates (up to 195 W), which in practice translates into significant savings in the number of sections during assembly. In addition, Global's aluminum products are famous for their low inertia, which allows you to quickly heat a room or optimize temperature parameters.
The Italian manufacturer is aware of the peculiarities of Russian heating systems and has taken care of the reliability of its radiators. They are made by injection molding from high quality aluminum alloys EN AB 46100. The structure is reinforced with solid ribs on the sides, a 2-step painting technology is applied. The devices are so good that their installation can be carried out in heating systems with a working pressure within 16 atmospheres (the norm according to SNIPs is no more than 12 atm. at the level of the 10th floor and above) with an allowable short-term jump twice as much. Destruction occurs only at 48 atm., So that the inhabitants of the house with such radiators are protected from breakthroughs for at least 10 years - this is the official guarantee of the company. There are no complaints about the appearance of the equipment - thanks to a good choice of colors, it fits perfectly into the interior and even serves as its decoration.
The best steel heating radiators
Steel radiators are more often used in apartment buildings and small cottages. The main advantage of this type of heaters is low cost due to cheap material and well-established production. In addition, such heaters require less coolant and practically do not take up space, but their heat transfer is slightly lower than that of other types.
3 Purmo Compact 22 500
The largest heat transfer rate (5572 W). Possibility of heating rooms up to 50 sq. m.
Country: Finland
Average price: 7,302 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
In the segment of steel heating radiators, there is a surprisingly even selection of options by characteristics. Often, as in this case, all the difference between them lies only in the price parameters. Purmo Compact 22 500, in a sense, became a "victim" and "hostage" of the company's pricing policy, which did not respond in a timely manner to price cuts by competitors.
The configuration of the dimensions of this panel is almost identical to the opponents (500x102 mm), and in terms of nominal parameters of pressure in the system (10 bar + 13 bar of pressure pressure) and coolant temperature (110 degrees Celsius), it does not differ much from the nominal value. True, the heat transfer efficiency here is quite high: 5572 W, which allows you to heat up to 50 square meters of area. A small nuance that greatly influenced the ranking in the ranking was the question of the quality of the Purmo Compact exterior finish. User reviews contain information about the gradual yellowing of the coating, as well as the not always clear fit of the elements to each other, which causes significant gaps in the panel.
2 Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 22 500
Nice design. Operation with heating medium up to 120 °C
Country: Germany
Average price: 4,720 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 22 500 panel kit loses to the segment leader solely in the cost component, compared at the performance cutoff. With the same length-to-thickness ratios, as well as the maximum system pressure (10 bar), this sectional heater allows circulation of coolant with a temperature of up to 120 degrees Celsius, thereby compensating for some deviations in the heating system.
As for the opinions of users, they often notice the equally good appearance of the panel, the ease of installation and further operation. A small nuance is that the radiator metal is sensitive to the composition of the coolant, which can lead to accelerated battery wear long before the warranty period expires. The opposite cases also take place (an increase in the working resource), but this is either the merit of the consumers themselves, or the individual features of the water in the system.
1 Kermi FKO 11 500
Optimal combination of price and quality
Country: Germany
Average price: 4,520 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The panel heater Kermi FKO 11 500 is the most budgetary solution to the issue of purchasing a metal heater. And it is worth noting, not the most in vain. Despite the low cost, this model has a very solid energy efficiency. With a length of 400 to 3000 millimeters, its heat transfer can be from 459 to 3441 W, respectively. And, as a result - the ability to heat rooms up to 34.9 square meters.
With a maximum panel length, Kermi FKO 11 500 requires 8.1 liters of coolant in order to reach its nominal parameters. The working pressure at the peak can reach only 10 bar, however, this quantitative indicator is enough to withstand rare water hammers in the system. Kermi FKO is also distinguished by good design - consumers like to notice this positive property in their reviews.
The best cast iron radiators
3 Viadrus Style 500/130
Great design. High quality product
Country: Czech Republic
Average price: 26,647 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The Viadrus Styl 500/130 heating radiator is the most expensive model in the ranking, but at the same time it is very popular with consumers due to its beautiful appearance and high performance standards. The peak temperature of the coolant here can reach up to 115 degrees Celsius, leaving a small reserve in case of changes in the pressure parameters in the circuit, which is not uncommon for central heating. In general, the pressure can reach up to 12 bar, and pressure testing - up to 18, which is quite a normal result for cast iron batteries.
Judging by consumer reviews, the only truly serious nuance of Viadrus Styl is the coolant flow parameter. Due to the thin-walled design (intended to increase heat dissipation), up to 800 milliliters of water is required for efficient operation of one section. This is not critical for residents of apartments with central heating, but for “private owners” it results in the need for periodic maintenance of the system (for example, adding water to the expansion tank).
2 Konner Modern 500
Good heat transfer performance. The optimum ratio of price and quality
Country: Germany (made in China)
Average price: 3 860 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The sectional cast-iron radiator Konner Modern 500 is an even greater “spender” of the coolant than the previous representative of the rating, but it has much better energy efficiency parameters. For the normal operation of one section, 900 milliliters of water is needed here, however, such indicators are explained by the increased dimensions of the installation and the notorious thin-walled design. Due to this, for example, a 12-section radiator is able to heat up to 27-30 square meters of space, which is the most optimal result in the selection.
Regarding the working pressure in the system, the Konner Modern 500 has a standard value of 12 bar, used mainly for installation in apartments with central heating. The main prerequisites for popularity among users in this case were not only operating parameters, but also the price averaged against the background of the total number of representatives of this segment.
1 STI Nova 500
Best price. The most popular cast iron radiator
Country: Italy
Average price: 7,420 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Of course, one of the best cast-iron radiators for installation in an apartment (and one of the most inexpensive) is the domestically produced model STI Nova 500. With small overall dimensions, this heater provides heat transfer at the level of 1200 W, which is enough for high-quality heating of 20 square meters of a room . The radiator also performs very well when pressure is applied, which (in some cases) can be increased to 18 bar without any damage to the integrity of the structure. The temperature of the coolant in the pipes can reach up to 150 degrees Celsius, leveling all possible manifestations of jumps in the main parameters, especially when working in an individual heating system.
According to consumers, another important advantage of STI Nova is the appearance parameter. The manufacturers managed to create a pretty nice design that can fit into any interior. In addition, these radiators are very unpretentious in maintenance and easy to install, even despite the rather large weight.
When restoring a heating system or installing a new one, a natural question arises - which radiators to choose so that they are not only efficient and heat the home well, but also fit perfectly into the interior. Despite the fact that the appearance of heating elements is important, first of all, you should pay attention to the technical characteristics, such as operating pressure, temperature limit, as well as the material from which the batteries are made. However, which heating radiators for an apartment is better to choose among all the variety on the heating systems market? Let's try to understand the main criteria for choosing heaters.
Read in the article:
Which is better to choose a heating radiator for an apartment
The water coming from the centralized water supply to the heating system goes a long way, carrying various chemical and mechanical impurities, which slowly but surely lead to the destruction of pipes and heating elements. Not the last role in the failure of the radiator is played by frequent water hammer, which causes the devices to burst and leak, pouring hot water all around. Therefore, before choosing heating radiators for an apartment, you need to study the main criteria that high-quality and efficient heating devices must meet.
What you should pay attention to first of all is the metal from which the radiator is made, in particular, its physical and chemical parameters. The battery must withstand a pressure that is 1.5 times greater than what is created in the heating circuit. For example, in Soviet houses this figure does not exceed 5-8 atm., While in the heating circuit of modern high-rise buildings it is 12-15 atm.
The market offers a huge selection of radiators of any color, configuration and materials.
Also, the metal from which the heating battery is made must be resistant to sudden pressure surges in the system, to the so-called "water hammer". For your information, if it is noticed that clicks and rumble are heard in the pipes, then it is better to contact the public utilities, since this is a sure sign that not everything is in order with the pressure and it is better to immediately prevent the possibility of an accident.
Before choosing a heating battery-radiator, it should be borne in mind that the water in our plumbing is full of various chemical compounds and mechanical particles, so the metal used for the production of heating devices must be able to withstand corrosion and other damage.
An indicator of efficiency is heat transfer. Accordingly, if you want the room to be warm in winter, you must choose heating radiators that have a high heat output.
Terms of operation. Everything is clear here, because the larger it is, the less often you will have to change the heating batteries, which means that there is an opportunity to save significant money and effort.
The design of the radiator is very important, because the heater must harmoniously fit into the interior of the room. A huge range of heating appliances on the market allows you to purchase batteries for every taste and budget, but at the same time makes it difficult to choose.
So, before choosing heating batteries for an apartment, you need to weigh all the pros and cons, and only then make a purchase and proceed with their installation.
The main types of heating radiators for an apartment
As we have already understood, the choice of radiators is not an easy task, and in order to make your task easier, you first need to learn a little about the types of heating batteries in the apartments of modern houses.
Advantages and disadvantages of cast iron radiators
Nondescript and massive cast-iron radiators are familiar to the older generation since the existence of the USSR. Modern cast iron radiators look neater and more elegant. Like everything in this world, a cast iron radiator, the price of which varies depending on the model and manufacturer, has its advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages should include:
- long service life, which is over 50 years;
- resistance to corrosion;
- undemanding to the purity of the coolant;
- long-term preservation of heat, in cases of shutdown of the heating system;
- acceptable cost.
The disadvantages are that cast-iron batteries heat up for a long time, are heavy, hard to install and practically not protected from water hammer.
General technical characteristics of cast-iron heating radiators MS-140-500
The standard section has a volume of 4 liters and a weight of 7.5 kg. The heating area is 0.23 m 2 . Heating occurs due to convection currents (no more than 20%), and the rest is due to radiation. That is why cast iron batteries are mounted under the windows.
Heating radiators made of steel
Steel heating radiators are available in two versions - panel and tubular. Schematically, panel batteries look like two steel panels, 1.2 mm thick, having stamped channels for the coolant and welded together. For greater efficiency of the radiator, 2-3 panels are connected in parallel to each other. As a result, such a steel three-panel battery, the size of a cast-iron counterpart, weighs almost the same, but with a thickness of 160 mm. even exceeds it. Having decided to buy steel heating radiators for your apartment, you need to take into account that the indicators of panel batteries, in terms of heat transfer, are no better than models made of cast iron.
Among the positive aspects of panel radiators, it is worth noting:
- Efficiency up to 77%;
- high heat transfer;
- environmental Safety;
- low cost.
The disadvantages, the owners of steel panel heating radiators, include:
- susceptibility to corrosion;
- inexpediency of installation in high-rise buildings due to the high risk of water hammer;
- the convection inherent in this type of battery contributes to the formation of drafts.
The consumer's interest in tubular steel heating radiators is more caused by a variety of forms, which allows this heating device to fit into almost any interior. Tubular batteries are stronger than panel ones due to 1.5 mm wall thickness and can withstand up to 16 atm. For this reason, steel radiators are installed only in houses with autonomous heating.
The advantages of this type of battery are:
- high working pressure;
- greater efficiency compared to panel counterparts;
- corrosion protection.
In principle, when comparing panel and tubular radiators, it is worth noting that their strengths and weaknesses are almost the same. However, having the ability to withstand higher operating pressures, tubular steel radiators are much more expensive than panel counterparts.
Aluminum radiators
Heating radiators are also produced in two modifications - cast and extrusion. This nuance must be taken into account when deciding which aluminum radiator to choose for your apartment.
Sections of cast batteries are made individually from an aluminum-silicon alloy (silumin). Sewing takes place at elevated pressure, which makes it possible to obtain sections of various shapes that can withstand 6-16 atm. For strength, the walls of the battery are made thick, and for the free circulation of the coolant, expanded channels for water are created. Cast sections can be combined into a single battery
Elements of extruded aluminum batteries are made separately by extrusion and then joined together. This method is cheap, but in such a radiator you cannot remove or add a section.
Structurally, aluminum batteries are more perfect than their cast-iron counterparts. The aluminum section has a depth of 110 mm. against 140, the heating area is 0.4 m 2, and the volume is 0.5 l. Heat transfer by convection and radiation is approximately the same - almost 50% each. When adding new sections, the heating area increases to 0.5 m 2, which increases the share of the convection component to 60%. The heat transfer indicators of an aluminum heating radiator are in the table presented after the types of batteries.
Positive characteristics of aluminum heating radiators:
The disadvantages are:
- short service life;
- susceptibility to corrosion;
- vulnerability to water hammer;
- tendency to leak.
And we will complete the list of advantages and disadvantages with a rating of an aluminum heating radiator.
A photo | Manufacturer | Model and dimensions of 1 element (W/H/D), mm. | Heat output of 1 battery cell, W | Approximate cost of 1 section, rub. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thermal (Russia) | Standard Plus 500 (79/531/72) | 198 | From 460 | |
Oasis (Russia) | Al 500/80 (79/531/72) | 170 | From 480 | |
Sira | ALICE ROYAL 95/500 (80/580/95) | 190 | From 580 | |
Global | ISEO 500 (80/582/80) | 180 | From 800 | |
Royal Thermo | Indigo 500 (80/591/100) | 185 | From 670 |
Bimetallic batteries: pros and cons
The design of these heaters successfully combines the strength of steel and the thermal conductivity of aluminum. Bimetallic radiators are able to withstand pressure up to 35 atm., and well resist water hammer. When deciding which bimetallic or other material heating batteries are best for an apartment, it should be taken into account that radiators made of two materials can be connected to the heating system in several ways to ensure maximum efficiency.
In the image below, it is visible in a section that clearly shows the device of this heater.
The advantages of bimetallic batteries include the following:
- high level of heat transfer;
- resistance to hydraulic shocks;
- for normal operation, a small amount of coolant is required;
- ease of installation;
- attractive appearance.
Among the few disadvantages:
- lower heat transfer compared to aluminum counterparts;
- high price.
The above heat transfer table of a bimetallic heating radiator and batteries made of other materials will help determine the choice of the desired design.
Related article:
Technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, connection methods, criteria for the right choice, an overview of companies, do-it-yourself installation nuances - read in the publication.
In principle, we have dealt with the types and brief characteristics of heating radiators, and now it is worth familiarizing yourself with the basic calculations of the required number of sections, heat transfer and other characteristics.
How to calculate the required number of radiator sections
When reconstructing or creating a new heating system, in order not to suffer from the cold in a poorly heated room, you first need to make some calculations that will allow you to select and install effective heating devices. To select the necessary heating devices, as we have already found out, you need to know the material from which they are made, their resistance to corrosion, the heat transfer of a heating radiator, the table was given above, the number of sections and much more. The required number of heating radiators is calculated in two ways - by the volume of the room or by its area. It is also necessary to take into account the expected pressure in the central heating battery.
Basic calculations for determining the number of sections and thermal power
Area calculation
It is believed that in order to compensate for the heat losses of the building and create a comfortable temperature regime for a person, it is required to provide a thermal power within 100 W / m 2. You can use a calculator to determine the required number of heating radiator sections or make simpler calculations using the formula
N = S × 100 / Pc, where
- N - the number of heating elements of the battery;
- S - the area of the room;
- PC – thermal power of one element of the heating structure (data are indicated in the technical data sheet of the battery).
Volume calculation
To make a more accurate calculation of the number of sections of the heating radiator, they resort to calculating the volume of the room that will be heated. Moreover, for a brick house, the power of the heating system should be 34 W / m 2, and for a panel house - 41 W / m 2. Calculations are made using almost the same formula as above, but slightly modified:
N = S × h × 34(41) / Pc , where
- h - ceiling height.
Of course, when deciding to purchase a one-piece non-separable battery, there is no need to divide by the thermal power of 1 radiator element in calculations. Then the value obtained will mean the total power of the heating battery, which is required for a particular room.
It is immediately worth noting that these formulas will be true only for standard average conditions. For this reason, when making calculations by volume or area, it is necessary to take into account the correction factors determined by the minimum winter temperature prevailing in the region of residence, the location of the room, the degree of wall insulation, the number and type of windows, and the location of the doors. Even the layout of the installation and the location of the radiators can play a big role in calculating the heat output of the battery.
It is quite difficult to list all this in one article, and therefore it is best to use a special calculator.
Calculator for calculating the required heat output of heating radiators
In today's market, saturated with varieties of heating devices from many manufacturers, it is sometimes very difficult for an ordinary homeowner who has decided to replace batteries to find suitable products for his home. Our goal is to help solve this problem and figure out which batteries are better to install in an apartment or in a private house.
Overview of heating radiators
When you go to a large heating equipment store, you get the feeling that there are countless types of heating batteries. In fact, there are only five of them:
- cast iron products;
- steel heaters;
- aluminum radiators;
- bimetallic batteries;
- electrical heating appliances.
All these types of heating radiators have different technical characteristics, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, which determine the scope of their application. Let's take a closer look at each of them, and clearly define which type of device is best placed where.
Cast iron radiators
This type of water heaters, well known to us since childhood, is still used to this day, despite the emergence of many modern competitors, whose technical characteristics are much better. This is due to several reasons, for example, the high corrosion resistance of cast iron and the ability to work in systems with high coolant pressure. In addition, a tribute to traditions is important for many people and, despite any explanations, they are still convinced that cast iron batteries are the best.
This opinion is justified, since these devices are very reliable and durable, according to these criteria they are unmatched, since they serve from 30 to 50 years. In addition, cast iron heaters retain heat for a long time, having great massiveness and inertia. This advantage is also a disadvantage: cast-iron batteries warm up for a long time and cool down just as long, so it is very difficult to organize automatic climate control in a room where such devices are installed.
If earlier the appearance of cast-iron batteries left much to be desired, now many companies offer cast-iron heating radiators with various powder coatings or decorative castings.
True, this improvement brought traditionally cheap heaters out of the category of budget ones, since such products are much more expensive. Their other shortcomings are well known: a lot of weight and water capacity, although recently they have been reduced to a minimum.
What is good about cast-iron batteries is that they can be placed everywhere: in an apartment, house, cottage. But it is best to use them for heating a private house, where a gravity system is organized. It is inertial in itself and has a large volume of coolant flowing at a low speed. This is just what a massive cast iron appliance needs.
Steel Batteries
This type of heater is divided into two types
- panel;
- tubular.
Panel radiators are good radiators for a private house, where the operating pressure of the coolant does not exceed 3 bar. The fact is that their device and manufacturing technology provides for work in a system with a maximum pressure of up to 15 bar. This is often not enough in district heating environments, especially in high-rise buildings.
The panels have good heat dissipation, relatively small weight and size, and also have an aesthetic appearance. There are also steel radiators with a bottom connection, which makes it possible to install them in apartments with individual heating and pipelines hidden in the floor.
In addition, among all heating devices, steel panels have the lowest cost, so they often remain the only viable option. Among the disadvantages are sensitivity to corrosion and a relatively short service life (up to 15 years).
When it is required to put a steel radiator in the central heating system, it is better to choose a tubular type device with thick massive walls that can withstand high pressure and water hammer. Therefore, such batteries can be placed anywhere, they are reliable and durable.
Another thing is that the cost of tubular devices is quite high, while there are disadvantages similar to cast-iron batteries: inertia, large capacity and considerable weight. Because of this, they are rarely installed in country houses and other buildings with an individual heating system, preferring the same cast iron or aluminum heaters.
Aluminum radiators
One of the most popular heating devices - sectional aluminum batteries - are distinguished by the best degree of heat transfer, fast heating and cooling, low weight and wonderful appearance.
All these advantages are realized thanks to the body of the device made of aluminum alloy. It has vertical channels with a cross section close to round, and outside these channels are equipped with many fins that intensively transfer the energy of the coolant to the room air. In turn, the flat surfaces of the aluminum battery give out a uniform flow of radiant heat. The physical properties of aluminum make it possible to organize automatic control of the heating power, since inertia in this case is practically absent. Promotes rapid heating and a small capacity (up to 0.25 liters of water in each section).
Aluminum radiators for the home are easy to assemble and install due to their simple design and low weight. They can be attached to any building structure, even drywall partitions. It is only necessary to correctly calculate the required number of sections for heating the room, in this you will always be assisted by sales representatives or online consultants of online stores.
As for the shortcomings, there are only two of them. The first is akin to steel panels: a low threshold for maximum operating pressure (up to 16 bar), which makes the installation of aluminum batteries in district heating systems risky. The second is the usual and electrochemical corrosion of the alloy due to exposure to low-quality coolant from central heating networks. Therefore, aluminum ones are the best radiators for any individual heating systems, where the quality of the coolant is controlled by the homeowner himself, and the pressure in the system is controlled by the boiler automation. But in apartments with central heating it is better to install bimetal.
Bimetal radiators
In fact, bimetallic batteries are the same aluminum products, inside of which there is a welded frame made of steel pipes with thick walls. As a result of this modernization, the shortcomings associated with the quality of the coolant and its pressure were successfully eliminated.
At the same time, heaters have a slightly lower heat transfer than pure aluminum, but much more than steel or cast iron appliances. Therefore, in the case of centralized heating systems for heating, it is better to install bimetal radiators, they will serve for a long time and reliably, while giving off heat much more intensively than other types of devices. But it should be said that the cost of bimetallic batteries is significantly higher than aluminum ones.
Conclusion
Before drawing a line, it is worth saying a few words about products such as electric heating radiators. They are very efficient and easy to install, all they need is a 220 V socket. Another thing is that the cost of electric heating is quite high, so heaters are often used as additional heat sources.
From the foregoing, we can conclude that the choice of batteries largely depends on the type of heating system. If there is a financial opportunity, then it is better to put aluminum appliances in a private house as the most economical. When this is not possible, then steel panels will fit, and with a gravity system, cast-iron heating appliances. The same applies to apartments with an individual heat source. But in centralized networks, cast-iron or bimetallic batteries, as well as steel tubular ones, will be appropriate. The choice largely depends on the budget of the homeowner.