Which room heating batteries are better. What are the best heating radiators for an apartment - comparison and characteristics. Aluminum radiators - eaten away by corrosion, burst from water hammer
An important link in any heating system is a radiator, which is installed in each of the heated rooms. It is this device that is responsible for how comfortable living conditions will be created in your apartment or private house.
Unfortunately, not every sales assistant will provide you with adequate assistance in choosing, so let's understand it sequentially: how to choose the right heating battery so that it warms well, looks beautiful and does not “bite” at a price? So it is not easy to answer this question right away - it is necessary to take into account many nuances. We will tell you how to avoid common mistakes.
Comparative characteristics of heating radiators
In the heating equipment market, heating radiators are represented by products that differ from each other both structurally and in manufacturing materials. When choosing them, you can use the table of comparative characteristics of the most popular heating appliances. The manufacturer indicates the data for a specific model in the technical data sheet.
Comparative table of modern heating radiators
Very often, when choosing, the main criterion is price and appearance. Undoubtedly, these moments are very important. And yet, they should not be decisive. First of all, you should pay attention to compatibility with the heating system in terms of such parameters as the type of coolant. Equally important is the corrosion resistance and durability of the radiator. Ultimately right choice saves you money, time and nerves. Next, consider the features of each type.
Aluminum radiators stand out with their stylish, interesting design and do not require special maintenance during operation
High heat dissipation is combined with low weight, convenient sectional design and excellent performance. Given that these factors are complemented by ease of installation and elegant design, then it is not difficult to understand the reasons for the popularity of products made of aluminum alloys in the arrangement of individual heating systems.
Comparative table of aluminum heating radiators of the most popular brands
When choosing an aluminum radiator, one should not forget that such equipment puts forward higher requirements for the quality of the coolant (water). Water with a high alkali content causes corrosion of the metal, and the chemical reactions that occur during this process lead to gas formation. As a result, the service life of radiators is reduced and the risk of intersections increases. For this reason, cheap Chinese-made products should be abandoned in favor of products from well-known European manufacturers.
The probability of intersectional leaks is actually reduced to zero in the design of aluminum radiators from the STOUT brand. The equipment is manufactured at the Italian plant GLOBAL, the heaters are adapted for the operating conditions in Russia. The working pressure of each radiator is 16 atmospheres, they are suitable for working with antifreeze and have a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. Modern design in the Italian tradition will fit into any interior, and the increased heat radiation area will increase comfort in the room.
According to statistics, aluminum radiators have almost the same service life as steel ones - no more than 25 years, while bimetallic batteries can be operated for 30-35 years, and cast iron products easily survive half a century.
The destruction of aluminum radiators most often occurs due to poor water quality and excess pressure in the system.
Steel radiators
Like other heating equipment with open welds, require a stable coolant pressure. For this reason, they are most often used for installation in private houses and other buildings with autonomous heating. In this case, a closed heating circuit helps to slow down oxidative processes, moreover, it does not suffer from constant contamination of the coolant with alkali and other aggressive impurities. When using purified water and regularly monitoring the pressure, steel radiators do not require replacement for 20 years or more.
Technical characteristics of steel radiators of well-known European manufacturers
When installing steel radiators in buildings with central heating, one should be aware of the danger of water hammer and the low quality of the coolant. Sudden pressure drops and water with impurities of salts and alkalis reduce battery life by more than half. In this case, you should not count on the service life of the equipment for more than 10 years.
Such deposits in the central heating pipe indicate a strong contamination of the coolant with impurities - in this case it is better not to use steel radiators.
On sale you can find steel radiators of two types:
- tubular,
- panel.
The advantages of the former stem from a simple and reliable design, which resembles a ladder of parallel vertical tubes.
Tubular radiators are experiencing a second youth, being the object of attention of designers and lovers of modern trends in the interior.
Tubular radiators are more resistant to water hammer than panel radiators. Their design allows you to implement any scheme of eyeliner and arbitrary placement in space. In the range of tubular batteries, there are both monolithic and sectional models, from which you can easily assemble a battery of the required power. A simple manufacturing technology is reflected in an affordable price, and the appearance of the radiator from a variety of vertical elements provides a wide field for design research. Unpretentious at first glance, tubular radiators are not so bad in practice, if you write your opinion about it in the comments, we will discuss it with pleasure?
Flat, even surfaces of panel radiators make maintenance much easier. That is why housewives love them so much.
For the manufacture of panel radiators, steel zigzag plates are used, which are welded to each other by spot welding. The cavities formed in this case serve as channels through which the coolant circulates. To increase heat transfer, manufacturers complicate the design by assembling a radiator from three panels. The reverse side of this improvement is the weight of the structure - the weight of multilayer steel heat exchangers is close to cast iron.
For the manufacture of a panel radiator, profiled steel plates are used, the space between which acts as a water circuit of the heat exchanger
As you can see for yourself, such advantages of panel radiators as low price and attractive appearance overshadow the disadvantages in the form of low performance. Most often, these heaters are chosen for undemanding heating systems budget category.
The appearance of copper radiators is only suitable for fans industrial design, therefore, manufacturers complete thermal devices with decorative screens made of wood and other materials.
A pipe with a diameter of up to 28 mm is complemented by copper or aluminum fins and decorative protection made of solid wood, thermoplastics or composite materials. This option provides efficient heating of the room due to the unique heat transfer of non-ferrous metals. By the way, in terms of thermal conductivity, copper is more than 2 times ahead of aluminum, and steel and cast iron - 5-6 times. With a low inertia, a copper battery provides a quick warm-up of the room and allows the use of temperature control equipment.
In terms of its thermal conductivity, copper is second only to silver, with a significant margin ahead of other metals.
The plasticity inherent in copper, corrosion resistance and the ability to contact polluted coolant without harm make it possible to use copper batteries in apartments in high-rise buildings. It is noteworthy that after 90 hours of operation, the inner surface of the copper radiator is covered with an oxide film, which further protects the heater from interaction with aggressive substances. There is only one disadvantage of copper radiators - the cost is too high.
Comparative table of technical characteristics of copper and copper-aluminum radiators
Plastic radiators
At the moment, heating radiators are made entirely of plastic, a kind of know-how. Including Russian engineers in Skolkovo are also working on this type of heater. Contrary to popular belief, in terms of reliability, plastic radiators are close to metal products, and in terms of such an indicator as corrosion resistance, they are completely unmatched. Thermoplastic products have high mechanical strength, good thermal conductivity and wear resistance. Plastic radiators are not very heavy, so they are easy to transport and install.
For those who doubt thermophysical properties plastic, we recommend remembering the contours of water-heated floors made of cross-linked polypropylene. Its thermal conductivity is lower than that of rigid thermoplastics, and, nevertheless, this does not interfere with the use plastic pipes to build reliable and efficient systems floor heating.
Ease of manufacture and, as a result, low cost make thermoplastic batteries an excellent proposition for those who have set themselves the task of saving money. A significant disadvantage of plastic heat exchangers is that they can only be used in systems with a stable pressure of up to 3 atm and a coolant temperature not higher than 80 ° C. For this reason, the promotion of plastic batteries in our market is difficult.
Electric radiators
In addition to the heating devices discussed above, there are others - those that do not require connection to the heating system. You probably already guessed what we are talking about.
Modern electric radiators combine high efficiency, reliability and safety.
Depending on the design, several types of heat exchangers operating from the electrical network can be distinguished:
- oil coolers;
- convectors;
- infrared devices.
The design of the oil cooler most of all resembles a traditional heating battery. Mineral oil is used as a heat carrier, and heating is carried out by a tubular electric heater (TEH). The closed design contributes to the fire safety and mobility of the device, in addition, the oil heater does not burn oxygen and dust. The disadvantages include bulkiness, low efficiency and the possibility of getting burned when touching a metal surface.
Oil radiators differ from traditional radiators in mobility - if necessary, they can be easily moved from place to place
Electric convectors also use heating due to ohmic losses, only their design uses not a liquid, but an air heating element. Due to the closed design, this type of heaters have the same advantages as oil coolers. As for the design, it is optimized in such a way that the device uses convection as efficiently as possible. The disadvantages of the convector include only low mobility - most often such devices are intended for stationary use.
Simple design and heat transfer by convection contribute to the reliability and efficiency of electric convectors
Infrared radiators are the most modern type of heating equipment. Unlike any other equipment, their design is based on the principle of heat transfer by radiation.
The principle of operation of infrared radiators is borrowed from the Sun - it is not the air in the room that heats up, but reflecting objects
By heating not the air, but the surrounding objects, IR heaters are highly efficient and at the same time have the most high efficiency. Only relatively high cost can be attributed to the disadvantages of devices operating similarly to the Sun.
Unlike other radiators, infrared devices work most effectively on the ceiling - in this case, the radiation penetrates into the most remote corners of the room
How to determine the optimal size of the radiator
The dimensions of the radiator affect not only whether the heating device can heat the room up to comfortable temperature but also on the efficiency of the heating system.
When determining the size of the radiator, among other factors, consider the width window opening and window sill height
The dimensions of the battery are directly dependent on its thermal power, so the first step is to calculate the heat loss of the room. To do this, the volume in cubic meters is multiplied by 41 W - the amount of heat required to heat 1 cubic meter. m of a structure located in the middle latitudes. 20% should be added to the desired value - this reserve will not be superfluous in the event of an extreme low temperatures. Knowing the cost of heat that will be needed to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room, you can choose a monolithic battery of the right size or calculate the number of modular radiator sections. In the latter case, the resulting figure should be divided by the power of one section.
When determining the number of sections of heating radiators, you can use a special table.
For rooms with non-standard ceilings, an oversized heating battery will be required. In this case, a table that takes into account the height of the ceilings will help determine the number of radiator sections.
The table is enlarged on click.
It must be remembered that the radiator installed under the window should cover ¾ of the length of the window opening. In this case, the glass will not accumulate cold air and they won't fog up.
For those who do not want to deal with the calculation of power, there is a convenient one on our website. All that is needed in this case is to enter the parameters of the room and the heat transfer of one section of the selected radiator. The program will do all the necessary calculations for you.
Summing up the comparative characteristic various kinds heating appliances, the following main points can be distinguished:
- For a centralized open heating network present in high-rise buildings, as many years ago, the most the best option remains cast iron radiator. It is resistant to the poor quality water circulating through our pipelines and will last for many years. "Accordion" will withstand pressure drops and water hammer, while effectively heating the air in the room. The low price of this type of heater makes it quite affordable for everyone. However, the high inertness of cast iron will not allow such a radiator to be combined with a thermostat.
- A good alternative to a cast iron battery in conditions apartment buildings- bimetallic on the basis of steel with aluminum or copper. The steel has sufficient rigidity and corrosion resistance to resist water hammer and adverse chemical composition water in central system, and aluminum or copper compensate for not the most outstanding heat transfer of steel. However, the high cost does not allow us to say that this will be the best option.
- For closed heating systems present in private homes, it is usually easier to choose batteries - there is no overpressure in the heating system, and water is being prepared before it enters the pipeline. Therefore, the optimal type of heating device for the home is aluminum. Its price is affordable, the design is good, and the heat dissipation is high. The low inertness of this will allow it to be used in conjunction with a thermoregulation system.
- A good alternative to aluminum batteries in conditions autonomous heat supply- steel radiators. Having a lower heat output than aluminum, steel heating appliances have many advantages - light weight, low inertia, nice design, attractive price.
- Steel and aluminum batteries are produced primed on the inner plane of the heating element to prevent corrosion from the aggressive environment of the coolant. Scale and rust particles present in the coolant of open heating systems lead to mechanical destruction of the primer layer inside the devices, so manufacturers recommend that they be used in closed systems heating of private houses. Good option for open centralized systems a copper radiator can become, but not everyone will be pleased with its cost.
Kirill Sysoev
Calloused hands do not know boredom!
Content
Many people face the problem of lack of heat in the house. The solution to the problem will be the installation of modern boilers. In multi-storey buildings, only powerful heating radiators for an apartment will provide comfort to the house. The device will allow you to maintain the optimum room temperature, adjust it if necessary. If you do not know which radiators are best for heating an apartment, then this article will introduce you to the main aspects of the choice. Thanks to practical advice, you will be able to find the perfect option.
Which heating batteries are best for an apartment
Radiators differ in the level of heat transfer, service life and price. The determining factor in the quality of the installation is the material of manufacture. The most popular types of heating batteries in an apartment are:
- bimetallic;
- aluminum;
- cast iron;
- steel.
The principle of operation of the design is simple. Hot water is the predominant heat carrier. The connection is made through a pipe. Under the influence of heat, the surface of the installation begins to heat up, and the room temperature increases. Depending on the material of manufacture and the design of the panels, water radiators cool down faster or slower.
In cast iron installations, hot water enters from one side and exits from the other. To carry out such work, it is necessary a large number of coolant. The principle of operation of steel, aluminum and bimetallic heat exchangers has a slight difference. Inside each section there is a thin tube that is filled with hot water. Due to the air cushion that forms inside, the thermal conductivity of such batteries is higher. Only 350 g of water is needed to start the system, which simplifies installation.
To understand which radiators are best suited for heating an apartment, you should familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of each type. The battery - a universal installation for heating commercial, industrial and residential buildings - has its own characteristics depending on the material of manufacture. By comparing the pros and cons, you will find the best option.
Bimetal radiators
Devices are made of steel and aluminum. The installation is very durable, has a high thermal conductivity. The attractive look of the batteries makes them the best option for the office, home. The system is a construction of vertical steel tubes, which are covered with aluminum on the outside. Such a heat exchanger is resistant to corrosion, durable. If you miss the temperature, then you can always attach another section to the bimetallic battery.
Aluminum
The units are characterized by high heat dissipation and attractive design. Compared to the previous version, their price is more affordable. If you are interested in replacing heating radiators in apartments, aluminum option is suitable never better. Mounting them is easy. Batteries are installed in autonomous and central heating systems. For more economical energy consumption, it is recommended to use thermostatic valves.
Cast iron
If you do not know which radiators are best for central heating, then choose this option. The design is ideal for a cyclic type heating system. The installation is reliable and will last for many years. The disadvantages include a relatively small heat transfer, rapid cooling of the systems. It is very bulky, so it requires special skills to install. Such heat exchangers are inexpensive, which makes them very popular.
Steel
Affordable and practical systems remain in demand to this day. They are installed in cottages, apartments, commercial premises. The degree of heat transfer is very high. In case of incorrect calculation of the system power or low temperature of the coolant, one-piece iron structure can become a problem. It is impossible to modernize it, so you have to change the entire structure. The cost of steel batteries is low.
How to choose a heating radiator for an apartment
When the main characteristics of the devices are indicated, it is easier to decide. Regardless of which batteries you like for heating an apartment, when making a purchase, you need to take into account everything from the footage of the rooms to the installation site. Do not forget about the dubious quality of the coolant: it is better to play it safe once again.
Check out practical tips that will help you understand which radiators are best placed in an apartment:
- It is necessary to calculate the power of the installation for your premises. The desired value is equal to the product of the volume and the required heat flow for standard buildings (0.41 kW).
- Find out the amount of coolant in the system. If there is little water, then it is better to give preference to steel, aluminum or bimetallic models. In cases where heating with natural circulation is planned, choose cast iron.
- Determine the installation location. The size of the systems and the required heat transfer will largely depend on this.
- For a room with 1 window and external walls, the power of the device must be increased by 20-30%.
Rating of heating radiators for an apartment
Battery replacement is ideally done once and for all life, or at least for 20 years. If you want the devices to serve for a long time, carefully approach the choice of the manufacturer. The reliability of the device, the quality of its work will largely depend on this. Regardless of how much a heating radiator in an apartment costs, be sure to ask the manufacturer for certificates confirming the originality of the heat exchangers.
Particularly noteworthy are the products of the Italian brand Global, Sira. Models are not cheap, but the quality justifies the price. The devices have a classic look, made of bimetal or aluminum. The advantage lies in the cost-effectiveness and high heat transfer of the installations. Good feedback buyers received the following brands:
- Kermi - excellent German quality and conciseness of forms;
- Arbonia- original design, which will allow these devices to become a decoration of the room;
- Smart - inexpensive branded China is quite worthy of attention;
- Rifar is a domestic manufacturer that deserves attention.
Video: which is better to put batteries in the apartment
Thanks to the video, you can understand which radiators are better aluminum or bimetallic, learn about their device features, operating principles and installation. If there are still doubts about which batteries are better to put in the apartment, then practical advice, presented in the video, will place all the accents. After watching the video, you will be able to make the right choice yourself.
A warm and cozy apartment is the best reward in winter time. In many ways, the quality of heating depends on the heating radiators installed in the apartment.
When choosing the right equipment, it is necessary to take into account many nuances and technical characteristics. What radiators are best for heating an apartment? To answer this question, it is necessary to consider in detail all existing varieties batteries.
Varieties of apartment radiators
All heating radiators can be classified according to two criteria - design features and device, and the type of material used.Design classification
To choose radiators, you should pay attention to internal organization and instrument design. There are the following varieties:
For the apartment good batteries- These are type-setting sectional radiators. Panels often fail high pressure in the central heating system, and the lack of a beautiful appearance of a pipe-type battery does not allow its installation in a room.
Classification by material used
Can install general rule that batteries are better for heating an apartment, which have good heat transfer performance, an acceptable cost, are able to withstand pressure up to 16 atm., and are not whimsical to the quality of the coolant used.To choose the right heater, you should consider specifications all radiators offered by manufacturers: 
Classification by the cost of devices will also help you choose batteries for heating an apartment. The budget versions include cast iron and aluminum, steel and bimetallic products have an average price category. The most expensive are copper heaters, and stainless steel models.
The cost of replacing heating batteries in an apartment directly depends on the cost and quality of heating appliances.
Which heating radiators are better to put in the apartment
The right choice of heating radiators for an apartment depends on several factors:
Given all these three aspects, it becomes clear that you can change the batteries in the apartment to bimetallic and cast iron version. Aluminum-steel heaters have the best heat transfer characteristics, are resistant to the aggressive environment of the coolant. Cast iron ones are cheaper, but with a sharp jump in pressure they can crack.
Replacing the radiators in your apartment can require a significant investment. Budget versions of radiators are mainly designed for connection to systems with a pressure of less than 7 atm.
How to choose a heating battery for an apartment
When choosing a suitable heating device, you should pay attention to the following aspects:- Performance. You do not need to calculate the battery power for an apartment. When replacing radiators, it is required to install a heating device that is completely identical to the previous one in terms of heat output. Any performance increase is illegal. Similarly, the calculation of the number of radiators is performed.
- Max pressure- an indicator of 15 atm is considered optimal. This pressure ensures that the device is able to withstand water hammer.
- Coolant quality. Substances added to the water used in the central heating system are aggressive. Scale builds up in pipes over time. Corrosion causes leaks. For this reason, it becomes necessary to replace pipes and batteries. Installing aluminum radiators and steel panels in high-rise buildings is not recommended.
Which company's radiators are best for an apartment
A good option is the installation of products of Italian and domestic manufacturers. , Radena, Oasis, Global, Ferroli, Thermia - all these brands are invariably popular due to a good ratio of acceptable cost and high quality products.How to connect a heating radiator
It is not enough to install the battery correctly, it is necessary to fully comply with all the formalities and restrictions of the housing code and the instructions of the Heating System.
The choice of radiators is not difficult. In a multi-storey building, it is better to install cast-iron or bimetallic batteries. The choice depends on the purchasing power and characteristics of the building.
From correct selection batteries completely depends on the long-term operation of the entire system and its efficiency. Such equipment is subject to increased requirements, especially when used in an apartment. AT apartment buildings heating is most often tied to a centralized scheme, which increases the risk of water hammer. Which is better for an apartment will be prompted by an analysis of individual models and equipment characteristics.
Read in the article
Heating radiators: which is better for an apartment and the choice of type
When deciding which heating radiators are best to install in an apartment, you need to learn more about the capabilities of the heating system in multi-apartment buildings. At the same time, there is no need to equip and monitor the operation of the equipment, controlling the entire process. moves from one device to another, giving off heat through the surface of the radiator.
Such a system has various problems. The water in the batteries often changes temperature, and there are also pressure drops. Of particular danger is a water hammer with a battery breakthrough.
When choosing heating devices, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
- material of manufacture;
- the ability of the structure to withstand a pressure of about 12-15 atmospheres;
- the material must be safe and resistant to sudden pressure and pressure drops;
- the product should not be subject to corrosion and various damage;
- an important indicator of the product is the heat transfer of the equipment;
- operational period;
- product appearance.
Deciding which heating radiators are best for an apartment and choosing this option, you can get certain advantages. Such a device warms up quickly, is characterized by increased heat transfer and has a presentable design.
Steel options are tubular and panel. The latter have the following advantages:
- excellent heat dissipation;
- environmental safety;
- low cost;
- high level of efficiency.
The disadvantages include susceptibility to corrosion, the inability to use in multi-storey buildings, and convection can provoke the appearance of drafts.
Tubular models have the following advantages:
- increased heat transfer rate;
- operating pressure from 8 to 15 bar;
- protective properties against corrosion.
The main indicators for these two types of radiators differ little. Only tubular models are more expensive due to higher values.
Aluminum products
Many are interested in how to choose an aluminum radiator for a heating battery. Similar Instructions are of two types. Cast - are produced by casting and have wide walls. Extrusion - differ in the technology of extruding an aluminum alloy through an extruder. In such a product, you can not add sections.
The benefits include:
The disadvantages include susceptibility to corrosion, fragility and a tendency to leak. In addition, such structures do not provide protection against water hammer. Similar designs are produced by representatives different countries. These are the Chinese companies Konner and Lammin. Russian firm Rifar and equipment from Italy from Global and Royal Thermo companies.
Note! It is important that the device has a polymer coating that allows you to extend the life of the product.
Which radiator is better aluminum or bimetallic?
When deciding which heating radiator is best for an apartment - bimetallic or aluminum, it is worth knowing their features.
A feature of the aluminum product is that it can only be purchased for private homes. It is impossible to install such equipment in production, where there are pressure surges. An aluminum radiator can be used together with a temperature controller. Exceeding the permissible pressure indicator is fraught with rupture of the battery and the appearance of internal corrosion.
Able to serve for a long period of time, as they are resistant to pressure pressure up to 50 atmospheres. These structures consist of a steel filling and aluminum fins. They warm up quickly and are characterized by an aesthetic appearance. The disadvantages include the accumulation of slag deposits inside the sections. In addition, due to the use of several material options, the heat transfer rate may decrease.
Related article:
Want to know choose? Read our review. We suggest that you consider the main varieties, study their characteristics, and also familiarize yourself with useful advice from experts about the best materials.
Heating batteries radiators: prices and overview of models
Considering which heating battery is best for an apartment, it is recommended to read about models from different manufacturers. When making a purchase, you need to familiarize yourself with the certificate of conformity.
| Image | Model | Characteristics | Cost, rub. |
| Rifar Base 500 | Sectional model. Material aluminum. Area-1.9-28 sq.m. The number of sections can be up to 20. | 4400 |
| Many models can be installed independently Models of the following manufacturers are popular with domestic consumers:
 How to calculate the power of radiators and the number of sections?The acquisition of efficient, high-quality equipment must be complemented by correct calculations of the number of sections. SNiP consists of design rules and operating standards for heating systems. With it in mind, you need to mount radiators. In order for the calculations to be effective, it is worth using the following rules:
In some cases, for better heat transfer, the surface of the wall is covered with a special one. Such rules contribute to the free movement of air masses. For a correct calculation, you need to know the following parameters:
The table shows a simple calculation of the number of sections.
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