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Radiators for heating - which ones are better for a private home, which ones to choose. Which heating radiators are better: choosing which radiators to install in an apartment or house Which radiators are better to install

Heating radiators are usually used as heating devices in apartments and private houses, and the first question that arises when installing heating systems is which batteries are best to install in the apartment? The answer to this question depends on many factors, and in order to thoroughly understand it, it is necessary to consider the design features and operating conditions of all types of radiators currently on the market.

Today there are four most popular types of radiators:

• Cast iron;
• Aluminum;
• Steel;
• Bimetallic.

Based on the differences in shape and material, each type of radiator has its own characteristics, and it is these that determine their use.

Cast iron radiators

The familiar bulky cast iron batteries painted with paint are becoming a thing of the past. They are being replaced in stores by modern varieties of cast iron radiators, which have not only an attractive appearance, but also reliability, proven over decades.

Features of cast iron radiators:

• Working pressure from 6 to 10 atm., test pressure – up to 18 atm.;
• Can work in systems with any pipes;
• Can be used for a long time in central heating systems with a pH value of 7-9;
• The sectional structure allows you to select the required number of sections, and in case of reconstruction, add or remove them.

Cast iron radiators have a number of advantages. They are slightly susceptible to corrosion - as a result of the initial interaction with water, a black insoluble precipitate is formed on their inner surface, which prevents the penetration of oxygen dissolved in water to the metal. When properly used, the destruction of cast iron pipes from the inside occurs extremely slowly. The outside of the radiators are covered with durable paint and are reliably protected from destruction. Cast iron radiators have extremely low gas formation, they do not bubble, and do not require constant bleeding of air.

One of the main disadvantages of cast iron batteries is their heavy weight, which makes their installation difficult. The disadvantages of cast iron radiators also include inertia - cast iron heats up slowly and cools down slowly, so quickly regulating the air temperature in a room with cast iron radiators is impossible.

Steel radiators

Steel radiators have the shape of a ribbed plate, inside of which there is a hermetically sealed circuit filled with coolant. The large area of ​​the radiators and the ribbed shape of the surface provide good heat transfer and warm air convection conditions. The material is steel, it has almost the same thermal conductivity as cast iron, but the wall thickness of steel batteries is smaller, so they warm up faster. Steel radiators are designed for operating pressure from 6 to 10 atm.

Advantages of steel radiators:

• The shape and appearance allow steel radiators to successfully fit into any modern interior;
• Steel radiators, like cast iron ones, with proper water treatment in centralized heating systems last 15-25 years;
• Can be used in systems with any pipes. Both in single-pipe and double-pipe;
• They have a low price and are easy to install.

Before installing steel radiators, it is necessary to do this - a closed loop does not allow them to be expanded and the thermal characteristics to be changed.

Under high pressure conditions, steel panel radiators may lose their seal. Therefore, you should not use them in houses with more than 5 floors - the system in them is designed for a pressure of more than 6-8 atmospheres.

Aluminum radiators

Aluminum radiators have a neat, compact and modern appearance; they are also sold in the form of stacked sections, so you can choose the optimal number of them, determined by calculation. The height of aluminum radiators also varies, so they can be placed in convenient places in the room. The working pressure of aluminum radiators is from 6 to 12 atm, test pressure is up to 25 atm.

The advantages of aluminum radiators are obvious:

• Have a modern appearance;
• Heat dissipation is high compared to other radiators and can reach 200 W per section;
• Aluminum radiators are much lighter than other types of batteries, making them easy to install;
• You can select the required number of sections;
• On the outside they are protected with a polymer coating that protects the radiators from damage.

The main disadvantage of aluminum radiators is that they can only be used for a long time in closed systems with strict control of the pH of the coolant. In this case, pipes and fittings made of other metals cannot be used. Aluminum is an extremely reactive metal, and when interacting with copper and brass, it forms a galvanic couple, which can cause electrochemical corrosion and the appearance of surface currents. Therefore, to implement coolant supply systems to aluminum radiators, it is better to use plastic pipes and ground the radiators themselves.

In addition, upon contact with fresh, oxygenated water, aluminum reacts, the product of which is hydrogen gas. Gas bubbles entering the system cause unpleasant sounds. Because of this feature, when installing aluminum radiators, it is necessary to provide a gas exhaust system and install a Mayevsky valve.

Based on these features, we can conclude: despite their low price and excellent heat transfer, it is better not to install aluminum radiators in city apartments with centralized heating. If it is impossible to control the quality of the coolant, one cannot be sure of their long service life.

Bimetallic radiators

As the name suggests, these radiators are made of two metals - steel and aluminum, using the advantages of both of these metals. The internal circuit conducting the coolant in bimetallic radiators is made of steel, which allows them to be used in systems with any pressure and with various types of pipes and fittings. The external plates that transfer heat into the room are made of aluminum and, thanks to its high thermal conductivity, perfectly heat the room.

Advantages of bimetallic radiators:

• High working pressure – up to 35 atm.;
• Resistance to corrosion at any quality of coolant;
• Low inertia - radiators quickly heat up and cool down just as quickly, and by regulating the coolant supply you can quickly reduce or increase the temperature in the room;
• Attractive appearance;
• Light weight, easy to install;
• Sectional design allowing you to select the desired number of ribs.

The disadvantages include, perhaps, the higher price of bimetallic radiators. This is soon compensated by their reliability and long service life. It should also be noted that when installing bimetallic radiators, it is necessary to maintain distances from the wall, floor and window sill - it must be at least 4 cm.

To summarize, we can say: for installation in an apartment with centralized heating, it is better to choose cast iron or bimetallic radiators, and for low-rise buildings - also steel ones. Aluminum radiators are best used in closed systems connected to a heating boiler, that is, where it is possible to check the quality of the coolant.

It is important for home owners to have as many things as possible in their home. were not only functional, but also had a pleasant appearance.

The choice of heating system for a room, as a rule, stops at radiators.

They are relatively simple 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 prices

There are several types of radiators for heating systems, which differ in the material they are made of.

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 true: cast iron heating systems are used as creative original solutions and reliable sources of heat in the room.

Photo 1. Cast iron heating radiator with decorative forging. The device is installed in a floor-standing manner.

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 the halves are fastened and sealed, leaving only holes for the coolant to flow through.

Typically, batteries have different numbers of cells, so differ in power: The more cells, the faster the air in the room heats up. These components of the radiator are connected to each other by welds and several holes for water circulation inside.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of cast iron radiators:

• No matter how many times water is drained from a cast iron battery and what quality it is, a corrosive layer does not form inside, because... Cast iron resists corrosion processes.
• Immunity to water hammer. Thick walls allow water to be supplied into the system under very high pressure, which determines their frequent use in central heating systems.
• Durability and reliability. The batteries will last for decades.
• If you heat the metal well, then it will give off heat for a very long time even after the coolant supply has stopped.

Radiator disadvantages:

• Huge weight Compared to other types of radiators, it makes it difficult to transport and install cast iron batteries.
• Each section usually 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 constant circulation of hot water for a long time.

Average weight of one radiator section - from 4 to 7 kilograms, operating pressure - 9 atmospheres, heat transfer power - from 0.050 kW to 0.20 kW per section. Sizes may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Attention! Large batteries are mounted only on special hooks or brackets, since 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 available on the market. The cost of one radiator section varies from 1200 to 2500 rubles. For a finished retro radiator made of cast iron you will have to pay a 6-8 thousand rubles.

Aluminum

Such batteries do not torment the eyes with an unpleasant appearance, they heat the room well, weigh relatively little And They are still in the budget price range.

Design

Such radiators are manufactured using three methods:

1. Casting: Each section is created from a mixture of aluminum and silicon. After hardening, they are connected with nipples, and the water supply channels are sealed to allow water to flow through.
2. Pressing: The required number of parts are squeezed out of the metal mass using a press, which are then joined together again thanks to it.

Important! Structures of this type are non-removable, It is not possible to add additional sections.

1. Anodized: 98% Aluminum is subjected to a chemical process - anodization, after which the metal acquires corrosion resistance, an increased level of heat transfer and high strength.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of aluminum radiators:

• Lightweight, yet durable.
• It takes no more to heat the entire battery 10-20 minutes.
• Average section volume - 300—400 mm.
• Additional heat removal is provided due to convectors.
• Reasonable price.

Disadvantages of radiators:

• Batteries cool down quickly.
• Connections are the weak point of aluminum systems; Frequent leaks are possible.
• Service guarantee - up to 15 years; only some manufacturers confirm that their device will last longer: 20-25 years.
• The metal is susceptible to corrosion processes. Anodized models are protected from this, but their cost is higher.
• Sensitivity to water hammer.

System characteristics and service life

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 place them?

A common heating solution for private homes and commercial premises.

Photo 2. Steel panel heating radiator. The device is mounted on the wall, with heating pipes connected from below.

The main distinguishing feature is low coolant consumption And very fast heat transfer from the battery to the walls, and from them - into the air.

Reference. The system becomes as efficient as possible if you purchase radiators with convectors for each panel: 22- or 33-type.

Design

Steel (otherwise known as panel) batteries are assembled from several pre-fabricated panels. Each panel consists of two sheets of thin steel fastened together, onto which grooves were applied with a press for water circulation. The maximum number of panels in one battery is 3.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of radiators:

• Fastest heating among all systems with liquid coolant.
• So light that they can be mounted and lifted up and down the floors one person can do it.
• Low hot water consumption.
• Efficient energy consumption of the heating boiler and pump: streams of hot water quickly release heat and are immediately replaced by new ones, without stagnating in the channels.

Disadvantages of radiators:

• If the coolant supply is stopped, the walls instantly cool down.
• Metal is susceptible to corrosion when using unfiltered water and frequent exposure to air.
• 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. 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 municipal heating network.

Bimetallic batteries

Hybrid heating option. They are perfect for heating any room due to their 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.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• Life time.
• Steel core protects the entire radiator from corrosion(there is a special protective coating) and water hammer.
• Warmth from water almost instantly transferred to the steel rod and from it just as quickly - onto the sheets of an aluminum box.
• Modern look, environmental friendliness and ease of cleaning are ensured by 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 will cost the homeowner 8-12 thousand rubles, but will last ~ 30 years.

Copper is 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.

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Design

One or more steel pipes are bent into a zigzag shape, after which these pipes are pierced into copper plates, which significantly 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 transfer and better safety, the radiator is placed in a steel casing that fits into any interior.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• Light weight— a copper heater can be mounted even on plasterboard walls.
• Excellent thermal conductivity and, accordingly, a good power level.
• One of the most pleasant aesthetic sets in various technical and design solutions.
• Water hammer tolerance(but over time, copper stretches, which reduces its service life) and the ability to withstand high pressure.

Photo 4. Copper heating radiator. Consists of a tube through which many copper plates pass.

Flaws:

• Copper practically does not tolerate proximity to other metals, so copper-steel or copper-aluminum radiators quickly deteriorate.
• 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 is 30-40 years subject to operating instructions 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 using a hammer and molds. Then steel pipes are placed inside to circulate water. Additional sections cannot be added, since everything is hermetically sealed.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• Low cost.
• Light weight.

Flaws:

• very low power;
• poor thermal conductivity;
• fragility of the material;
• sensitivity to pressure surges and high levels.

With proper care, the service life will be 5-10 years. Price 3-4 thousand rubles.

Electrical

In essence this is an ordinary electric heater, but slightly 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

The design of an electric heating system is a set of heating elements, plates and convectors that transfer heat to the surrounding space. Advantages:

• Instant heating and start to warm the air in the room.
• Fast thermoregulation using a switch.
• Small size and weight.
• Nice appearance.
• Lack of coolants inside the radiator.

Disadvantages include constant electricity consumption, which can hit the budget hard if electricity is expensive in the homeowner’s region. In addition, there is a risk of short circuiting and fire, but this is minimized due to quality control in production. Medium 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 is that Technical and structural components: Heating networks in a house and a communal apartment give different pressure values. Autonomous (private house) - do not produce 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 in offline networks.

For an apartment (central heating) it is better to purchase: cast iron, aluminum and bimetallic radiators, since they tolerate high pressure and pressure changes well.

In addition, copper or steel (panel) radiators are suitable for apartments, but they are more sensitive to water hammer.

For a private home (autonomous network) you can choose any radiator, but since the pressure in the network is not so high, the best solution would be a steel, aluminum or copper radiator.

An electric heating system is suitable for any room with normal humidity levels.

Useful video

Watch the video that explains how to choose the right heating radiator.

How to keep warm for a long time

A correctly installed heating system - regardless of type - will work for decades if all measures and precautions are followed

When organizing a major renovation of a house or apartment, the list of activities of which includes the replacement or modernization of the heating system, the owner will inevitably face the problem of which heating radiators are best to choose in order to increase the comfort of living and at the same time not lose with the interior design.

Previously, such a question was usually not raised in principle - in addition to cast iron batteries of a single model, inefficient, poorly made steel convectors were only sometimes installed in new houses. Today the situation is different - radiators can differ significantly in material of manufacture, characteristics, and external design. Naturally, you want to install in your apartment the best of those that the budget allocated for renovation allows.

However, when choosing these devices, you need to take into account that not all of them may be suitable for the existing heating system. Having different performance characteristics designed for a certain load and coolant, batteries can either disappoint the buyer with their low efficiency, or even simply not fit the technical parameters.

In addition, in order to achieve proper heating efficiency, it is necessary to correctly calculate and install the required number of sections in the radiators. Just do it V in all conditions and making sure to adhere to installation rules, you can get the desired result.

Currently, the most common types of heating batteries are: The following types of radiators are produced:

— steel, panel and tubular;

— cast iron, having both modern and retro design;

— aluminum and aluminum anodized;

- bimetallic.

To make the right choice, you need to understand in more detail the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each type. To begin with, here are a few “dry” numbers, which, nevertheless, can already give an initial idea. Some parameters of various types of batteries are in the table:

	TS	Chg	Al	BM	AA
Maximum pressure, (atmospheres)
- working	6-10	6-9	10-20	35	15-40
- crimping	9 -15	12-15	15-30	57	25-75
- destruction	18-25	20-25	30-50	75	100
Limitation on pH (hydrogen value)	6,5-9	6,5-9	7-8	6,5-9	6,5-9
Susceptibility to corrosion when exposed to:
- oxygen	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
- stray currents	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No
- electrolytic pairs	weak	No	Yes	weak	No
Section power at h=500 mm; Dt=70 ° , W	85	110	175-199	199	216,3
Warranty, years	1	10	3-10	3-10	30

Abbreviations in the table:

TS– tubular steel;

Chg– cast iron;

Al– regular aluminum;

AA– aluminum anodized;

BM– bimetallic.

Well, now - about each of the types in more detail.

Steel radiators

They may differ both in their design and in their design solutions. They can be made in the form of panels or a certain number of vertical pipes interconnected into one common battery.

Panel steel radiators

Each panel of such a radiator is made of two metal sheets, which are given the desired shape by stamping and joined by welding. Then, in most of the models, the panels are equipped with convector heat exchangers, which contribute to the rapid heating of the air and the creation of a thermal upward flow. After combining all the elements into a single structure, it is painted using a special technology.

In order for this type of radiator to serve for a long time, the coloring must be uniform - you need to pay special attention to this parameter when purchasing.

Prices for panel heating radiators Lideya

panel heating radiators Lideya

Panel radiators are designed for a coolant temperature of 85 ÷ 95 degrees, and for standard operating pressure in a central heating system (up to 10 atmospheres).

Structure of a panel radiator type “22”

Similar batteries have your own classification, which is predetermined by the number of panels and the presence of convector plate heat exchangers between them. Each type is expressed by a specific two-digit number:

• Type 10 consists of only one panel;
• Type 11 is one panel equipped with one convector;
• 21 type - has two panels and one convector located between them;
• Type 22 - consists of two panels and two convectors;
• Type 33 - has three convectors, which are located between three panels.

There may be significant differences between models And by overall dimensions. It is clear that the more panels, the thicker the assembled structure itself, usually from 50 to 155 mm. The length of such a battery can vary from 400 to 3000 mm, and height - usually, ranging from 200 to 900 mm.

Panel batteries are produced with side and bottom connections - the choice for this parameter is made depending on the passage of the heating system pipes and the preferences of the owners.

The advantages of panel batteries include the following:

• Easy to install. The battery has a one-piece design, so it does not need to be assembled from several elements. The panel is hung on brackets fixed to the wall, and the pipes are connected to the heating circuit pipes.
• Due to the small mass of the steel sheet, the panel warms up almost immediately after starting the heating. This promotes good heat transfer both from the surface directed into the room and in the plate heat exchanger, which makes it possible to obtain the desired air temperature in the room quickly enough.
• Compact size and neat appearance allow the panels to fit into any interior.
• The operation of panel batteries in an autonomous heating system allows you to save on fuel, since a relatively small amount of coolant is used to fill the circuit.

The negative features of the panels include the following factors:

• Metal panels do not have an anti-corrosion coating on their inner surface, which is in direct contact with the coolant, which can lead to fairly rapid rusting, leaks, and failure. This is especially typical for central systems, where the coolant is drained in the summer, opening up “wide opportunities” for corrosion processes. And the quality of the coolant also does not always contribute to the duration of trouble-free operation of the devices.
• If batteries are installed in a central heating system, then it will not be possible to avoid water hammer, which the panels may not withstand. Therefore, it will also be necessary to install a reducer that equalizes the pressure and takes the blow.

To get more detailed information about the manufacturing process, characteristics and operating nuances, you should follow the recommended link to a special page on the portal.

Tubular batteries

Tubular steel batteries consist of stacked sections that are welded together. The efficiency of this design will be at the proper level if the required number of sections are installed in the battery, with a total thermal power corresponding to the area of ​​the room.

Tubular radiators can have a very wide variety of different design solutions, and this is one of the criteria that directly influences the choice of this particular type of battery. In addition, tubular batteries can be equipped with a special bracket for drying towels, which is very convenient, for example, for the kitchen, or a top panel that can serve as a seat or shelf for drying shoes.

They are produced in different sizes, the height varies from 200 to 2000 mm, and the thickness, as a rule, from 100 to 250 mm. The ordered length can be any, depending on the heating needs.

These elements of the heating system can withstand pressure from 8 to 15 atmospheres. To avoid damage to batteries due to water hammer, if they are installed in a central heating system, they, like panel ones, will require the installation of a gearbox.

The wall thickness of steel tubular radiators is only 1 ÷ 1.5 mm, so they warm up very quickly and release heat into the room. But this same factor can also be attributed to design flaws, since thin steel is easily susceptible to mechanical damage.

Unlike the panel type, the tubes of these batteries are internally coated with polymer protective films, which protect them from exposure to the aggressive coolant environment, and as a result, from the occurrence of corrosion, which significantly extends their service life.

The advantages of tubular steel batteries include a variety of design solutions in shape and color, the provision of radiators with additional elements, and an original, neat appearance.

This type of battery has only two serious disadvantages, but they can have a much more significant impact on the home heating system than the already mentioned advantages:

• Low heat transfer, which will lead to high energy costs. The batteries heat up quickly, but also cool down quickly, so the boiler will turn off for a very short period of time. The absence of an additional heat exchanger, other than the surface of the pipes themselves, makes the area of ​​active heat transfer very small. This ultimately suggests that tubular batteries are unprofitable to install in an autonomous heating system.
• At the same time, welded connecting seams can be considered a weak point of such batteries - there have been cases of leaks appearing on them after water hammer. The conclusion is quite the opposite - tubular batteries without a gearbox can only be installed in a system with autonomous heating.

In a word, there are a lot of contradictions, and you need to think very carefully before purchasing such heating batteries.

Cast iron radiators

Although today a large number of batteries are produced from modern materials, cast iron elements of the heating system have not been forgotten. They can be found in stores in a transformed form, decorated for modern interiors or for strict “classics”. In some cases, such radiators even play the role of a decorative element and are able to set the tone for the entire design of the room.

In addition, modern cast iron batteries do not require periodic painting, as was the case with old “Soviet” models. They go on sale with a treated and painted surface, which only needs to be wiped or dusted occasionally.

Modern radiators can have different sizes, so they can be selected to suit any size room area. In addition, if old batteries had to be hung on brackets driven into the walls, today you can purchase options that have massive legs on which they are installed and secured to the floor in a specific place for them.

Prices for cast iron heating radiators Konner

cast iron heating radiators Konner

Unlike all other types of batteries, cast iron ones have an important advantage - they will function equally effectively in both autonomous and central heating systems. The main thing is that all connections of sections and pipes are made correctly and reliably - then the cast iron elements will not be afraid of either water hammer or corrosion.

Despite the emergence of new battery options, cast iron continue to be popular due to their excellent heat capacity- ability to retain heat for a long time. They have thick and massive walls that take a long time to warm up, but, having gained temperature and warmed up, when the heat flow along the circuit is turned off, they remain hot for a much longer period than radiators made from other materials. This is due to the properties of cast iron - it is not without reason that it is widely used for the manufacture of heating stoves and or individual components for them.

In specialized stores you can find both domestic and imported versions of cast iron radiators. Countries such as Germany and Turkey, Spain and England, the Czech Republic and Italy are presenting their products - in many respects they compare favorably with those manufactured at domestic enterprises.

• Imported radiators have high-quality smooth or decorated with relief casting surfaces.
• An important functional feature is the high thermal output, even with small dimensions. For comparison, you can take the volume of a traditional domestic battery, which is 1.3 liters, while a Czech-made radiator has a volume of only 0.8 liters, with the same heat transfer. Thus, the foreign version will be more compact and will save a decent amount on coolant and on boiler operation.
• In addition, unlike domestic ones, imported batteries have a perfectly smooth internal surface, which prevents the formation of scale on the walls and significantly reduces the hydraulic resistance to coolant circulation.
• Since any cast iron radiators are resistant to corrosion, they can be used in open heating systems, where a large amount of dissolved air enters the coolant.
• All cast iron batteries have fairly thick walls, which increases their resistance to possible abrasive wear.
• Unlike domestic ones, imported radiators are supplied to stores already painted and do not require periodic renewal of the coating, which will save not only money, but also the time of homeowners.

However, all foreign-made products have a price much higher than the cost of domestic batteries.

The disadvantages of all cast iron batteries include their heavy weight, so they can be hung on all walls or partitions. And the process of mounting it on the wall is somewhat more complicated than with other radiators.

Aluminum batteries

Aluminum batteries are only suitable for installation in an autonomous heating system, since they are quite demanding on the quality of the coolant. This type of radiator is quite popular among owners of private houses due to its affordable price, good performance and modern appearance.

Manufacturers set in the passport the minimum service life for aluminum batteries at 10 ÷ 25 years, but they may well last for a longer time. The duration of their “life” will directly depend on the quality of the coolant, the correct installation and operation of the heating device.

Prices for aluminum radiators

Sectional aluminum radiator

This one is designed for a pressure in the system of up to 15 atmospheres, a coolant temperature of 90 ÷ 100 degrees, and the heat transfer of the section can reach up to 200 ÷ 210 W. At the same time, the capacity of each radiator section is only 450 ml, and the weight is 1.0 ÷ 1.5 kg. The individual sections are fastened together into a single battery using a threaded axial connection.

The standard distances between the upper and lower axles are 200, 350 or 500 mm, but it happens that non-standard options are also manufactured with an interaxle distance of 800 or even more millimeters.

Aluminum radiators, just like all other heating devices, have their advantages and disadvantages.

TO benefits Their qualities include the following:

— high level of heat transfer;

- light weight;

— relative ease of installation;

— convenient and wide range of sizes;

— neat, aesthetic appearance;

— as a rule, it is equipped with a thermostat, which allows you to set the desired temperature.

From shortcomings The following are worth mentioning:

— possible risk of gas formation, which can provoke “ airing" and blockage of the heating circuit;

— the possibility of leakage at the connections of individual sections;

— the main concentration of heat is on the fins of the elements.

— susceptibility of some types of aluminum radiators to corrosion processes.

Some problems that can occur with aluminum batteries can be avoided. For example, in order for possible gas formation to paralyze the operation of the system, it is necessary to cut into a common autonomous circuit or install an air vent on each battery. And in the case of an autonomous system, it is generally better to use one that is well adapted to aluminum (this is described in detail in the corresponding publication of the portal).

Aluminum battery sections are made from aluminum alloy using silicon additives, but different models may also differ in the way they are made manufacturing - casting and extrusion.

• The first method involves manufacturing each section separately by pouring the alloy into special molds under high pressure. The silicon present in the alloy gives special strength to the walls of the radiators, and the manufacturing method fully guarantees the tightness of the container.

Batteries made by this method are able to withstand operating pressure in the system reaching up to 16 atmospheres. During testing, the coolant is supplied to this type of battery under a pressure of 25 atmospheres, that is, when characterizing its products, the manufacturer gives a safety margin of one and a half.

Using this technology, sections of various shapes are made, but traditional ones still remain those that have a flat, smooth outer surface - it is optimal for better heat transfer.

• Another method of making sections is the extrusion method. Using this technology, the melt is pressed through forming nozzles - the desired profile of the workpiece is obtained. This is followed by cutting the profile into individual parts.

Then the finished sections are assembled into a single structure. Batteries made in this way have a lower cost, but during operation they cannot be increased or made smaller - the design is non-removable. The quality of such radiators is also lower, since the joints of the sections (with seals or even with special glue) under unfavorable circumstances may leak and cannot be repaired.

Aluminum batteries with anodic oxidation

There is another type of aluminum batteries. They are made from metal that has a high degree of purification, and also undergo a stage of anodic oxidation - which is why the term “anodized aluminum” is often used. With this special treatment, aluminum slightly changes its structure, and if conventional aluminum radiators are susceptible to oxygen corrosion, then anodized sections withstand this influence with dignity. In such structures, batteries are assembled using couplings that are secured to the outside of the sections.

Anodized sections for radiators are made by casting, and in appearance they are almost no different from conventional aluminum batteries. Therefore, when purchasing them in a store, you must carefully study the passport, which should be attached to such products.

The internal surfaces of this type of radiator are absolutely smooth, so there are no obstacles to the circulation of coolant. Their upper limit of operating pressure is much higher than that of conventional aluminum ones, and ranges from 45 to 75 atmospheres.

Naturally, due to their outstanding technical characteristics, the cost is also significantly higher. But still, in order for aluminum batteries to last as long as possible, it is worth choosing radiators of this particular type.

Bimetallic batteries

In terms of reliability, bimetallic radiators are, perhaps, second only to cast iron ones. They are produced according to a combined principle, from two metal alloys - the inner part is made of a stainless steel alloy, and the outer part is made of aluminum coated with a layer of enamel.

Bimetallic batteries also consist of sections that are connected via a threaded connection. At the same time, their exceptional reliability is based on the fact that the outer aluminum casing does not come into any contact with the coolant, but serves only as an effective heat exchanger (thanks to the highest thermal conductivity of this metal) and somewhat of a decorative element. And water or antifreeze circulates through channels made of a steel alloy, which is more resistant to pressure loads and oxygen corrosion. Thanks to this, such batteries can easily withstand pressure surges of up to 35 ÷ 40 atmospheres.

These qualities of bimetallic batteries make it possible to install them, without any restrictions, both in the central heating system of high-rise buildings and in the autonomous heating system of a private house. The only thing is that in the second case it would be desirable for them to create the necessary pressure, otherwise they will not function at full strength, losing a number of their advantages. This means that natural circulation will not work here, and it is necessary to install a circulation pump in an autonomous system.

Bimetallic batteries are quite expensive - their price is, in any case, much higher than that of steel or conventional aluminum ones, but this is fully justified by their high reliability and long service life. In fact, high cost can be called the only drawback, while they have much more advantages:

• The high thermal conductivity of the outer aluminum “shell” makes it possible to quickly heat the room.
• The corrosion resistance already mentioned above.
• Compactness and aesthetic appearance, thanks to which the radiators will fit perfectly into any interior style.
• Bimetallic batteries do not require special care or periodic painting, as they are covered with a two-layer hardened polymer coating.
• Ability to withstand high temperatures and increased operating pressure, thanks to the internal steel casing.
• Relatively light weight, easy installation, which can be carried out without the help of specialists.

The appearance of bimetallic radiator options is somewhat similar to aluminum batteries, but the difference in price is quite significant. When purchasing, sometimes it is even impossible to distinguish between two adjacent types of radiators, so it is better to purchase them in specialized stores or from trusted suppliers. Be sure to require technical documentation.

Prices for popular heating radiators

When choosing, you should not save, because by buying cheap, low-quality products, you can doom yourself to another, completely unplanned and unwanted repair in two or three years. Installation by the owner of radiators that are unsuitable for the existing heating system can ruin not only the flooring in his own apartment, but also lead to serious problems with flooded neighbors below. So, saving on little things can lead to significant costs later.

Therefore, when purchasing any product, it is necessary to study not only the passport with the specified technical characteristics, but also the certification of the product with the manufacturer’s warranty obligations. This is important to do in order to avoid buying fakes, which are very similar to the “brand” sample in appearance, but still remain of low quality.

To “consolidate the material”, it is suggested to watch a video lesson that will help answer the question: “Which heating radiators are better?”

And one moment. It is important not only to decide on the type of radiators - the total thermal power must correspond to the parameters of the room where they are installed. To carry out such calculations, we suggest using a special calculator located below.

Many people are forced to live in difficult climatic conditions. Not everyone can move to more suitable regions, so most of the time has to be spent in well-heated rooms. This suggests that heating systems should be as efficient as possible, and special devices for them should be aesthetically pleasing! So which heating batteries are better for an apartment, what are their prices? You will find answers to these questions in our article.

What to look for when choosing radiators?

Modern heating devices should be selected with extreme care, as they must serve their owners for a long time and reliably. The main selection criteria are:

System type. Today, 4 types of radiators are especially popular, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Cast iron models are characterized by low cost, excellent thermal conductivity, durability and the ability to retain heat even after the heating is turned off. Their disadvantages include slow heating, the need for frequent maintenance, fragility, consumption of large amounts of water and poor tolerance to water hammer. Aluminum systems have high heat transfer, compactness, reasonable cost and light weight, but they are subject to corrosion. Steel radiators heat up quickly and are liked by customers for their low inertia and maximum heat transfer, but the most significant disadvantage of this type is the formation of rust. Bimetallic models are very demanding on water quality, but at the same time they are light in weight and resistant to high pressure.

Price. Water heating devices are considered the cheapest, so when purchasing them you can save a good amount of money. Foreign goods, of course, will cost more than domestic ones, but some of them will last much longer. Cast iron and aluminum radiators cost on average 350 rubles per section, bimetallic ones - about 600 rubles per section, and steel ones in a complete set will cost 2-12 thousand rubles.

Heat dissipation. Non-sectional radiators (steel) have a total heat output of 1200 to 1600 W. As for this criterion for one section, in cast iron it is 100-160 W, in aluminum - 82-212 W, and in bimetallic - 150-180 W.

What are the best heating batteries for an apartment? Prices in 2019? Rating.

The best models of cast iron radiators. TOP 5

Despite the active promotion of modern heating devices, cast iron radiators are still popular and have their customers. People like them for their durability, as well as resistance to fairly high temperatures. In addition, most of them are not too expensive, so choosing a cast iron battery will always be the right choice.

The best cast iron radiators include:

In first place it is worth placing a model that has a magnificent design copied from the French battery. It will definitely appeal to lovers of rarities. In addition to its stylish appearance, it has other advantages: thermal power of 725 W, the amount of water in the section is up to 2.1 liters, and the presence of 5 sections.

This wonderful device, designed in a classic style, operates with a power of 420 W and has as many as 6 sections. This model can be connected both from the side and from the bottom, which makes it easy to use. The distance between the axles is 500 mm, which is one of the main points that buyers pay attention to.

The heat exchanger at a favorable price has a power that can reach 1.2 kW. The battery is connected to the side. Its operating pressure is 15 Bars, and the permissible temperature is 150 degrees.

4. MZOO MS-140M-05

An excellent battery with 7 sections is liked by customers for its high quality and, of course, durability. Many people call it indestructible, which is not at all surprising. This model can serve its owners for a long time, despite any obstacles.

One of the main advantages of the radiator is its design, which allows you to place the battery in any interior. In addition, it has convenient dimensions and a heat flow of 150 W. The volume of one section is 0.90 l.

Read also: Solid fuel boiler for heating a private house, which one is better to choose?

The best aluminum models

Heating systems that heat up fairly quickly and release heat are known to all customers. They are light in weight, so installation on drywall will not be a problem. In addition, they are distinguished by a modern and memorable design, thanks to which the radiators can be easily used in any interior.

The highest quality aluminum models are:

The Italian battery takes first place in many ratings. It can heat a room well, the area of ​​which is 40 m2. At the same time, this model generates a heat transfer equal to 180 W per section.

A good domestic radiator has excellent heat output of 250 W per section, which is why it is gaining popularity at a rapid pace.

The German-made panel radiator operates at a power of 5.8 kW. It can only be used with a central heating system.

The model with a maximum operating temperature of 135 degrees pleases its owners with a heat output of 183 W per section, as well as good heating of a room with an area of ​​25.6 sq.m.

The device, produced by injection molding, has an interesting design, a good volume of coolant and the possibility of lateral connection.

Read also: G gas boilers for heating a private house: how to choose. Rating of the best 2018

The best steel radiators

Steel models have virtually no disadvantages. They are great for placing in an apartment. Such radiators heat up quickly, have an acceptable cost and are neutral to the chemical composition of the coolant.

The best steel radiators are:

The German-made model very often comes first. It has excellent thermal output of 5790 W. It is also worth noting its convenient fastening and good resistance to fairly strong pressure drops, which often occur in centralized heating systems.

Another German product worthy of the attention of all buyers. It differs from its competitors by the presence of safety edges. Thanks to this design, the battery can easily be placed in an apartment where small children are constantly running around. The thermal power of this model is 2014 W, but the number of sections is only 3.

A decent tubular model is very reliable. It, of course, is quite expensive, but this is explained by a number of advantages: heat output of 3900 W, the possibility of high-quality heating of an area of ​​40 square meters, as well as ease of operation. Some customers also comment positively on the beautiful enamel finish.

4. PURMO COMPACT 22,500

The battery, which arrived in our stores from Finland, has a wall mount, a good side coolant wire and an acceptable price. Power (maximum) is 5572 W.

5. KZTO Harmony 2-500-12

The remarkable steel radiator is famous for its thermal power of 2160 W, 12 sections, and the possibility of side or diagonal connection.

The best bimetallic models

Bimetallic heating batteries can be called truly universal and high-quality. They are made of aluminum on the outside and steel on the inside, which is where the name comes from. These models are easy to install and are durable and lightweight. They are resistant to any pressure, heat up quickly and last more than 20 years.

1. SIRA RS 500

The high-quality Italian model is a profitable, reliable and efficient device for heating an apartment. The working pressure reaches 40 Bar, and the resistance to thermal fluid is expressed in a good indicator - from 7.5 to 8.5.

2. Royal Thermo PianoForte 500

The radiator can have from 4 to 14 sections. It is decorated in a stylish and modern design. The manufacturer has included here a unique Power Shift technology, thanks to which it is possible to increase heat transfer. This model is distinguished by the possibility of both floor and wall mounting, which pleases all buyers.

Experts call the main distinguishing feature of a radiator a fairly high operating pressure. It is 100 Bar and can significantly reduce the risk of premature battery failure. The model has a beautiful design and requires only 210 ml of water per section to operate normally. The disadvantages of the model include not very good sound insulation and a fairly high percentage of defects.

4. Global STYLE PLUS 500

The best economical electric heaters of the new generation. TOP 12 rating.