Some consider centralized heating in apartment buildings a relic of the Soviet era, while others consider it an undoubted blessing of civilization. But we all continue to use this heating method.
The main element of such a system is heating radiators for the apartment, which are located under the window in the living rooms of high-rise buildings. Their types and features will be discussed in our article. We will also briefly look at the main advantages and disadvantages of cast iron, aluminum, steel and bimetallic radiators.
Water heated to 95 °C is usually used as a coolant in centralized heating systems. Moreover, it is not purified distilled, but technical grade with dissolved salts and additives.
As a result, the material from which the battery in the apartment is made must easily withstand the effects of temperature changes, moisture, and impurities contained in the coolant for a long time.
To last for many years, an apartment heating battery must:
- withstand operating pressure up to 9 atm (ideally up to 12–15 atm);
- made of metals resistant to chemical and electrochemical corrosion;
- have high heat transfer.
The pressure in apartment radiators fluctuates around 4–7 atm. Much here depends on the number of floors of an apartment building, the temperature outside the window and the operating conditions of the heating network. But during pressure testing, the pressure can briefly rise to 15 atm and higher.
All heating radiators are made of metals (aluminum or iron) - only they are able to withstand the workloads generated in heating systems
Also, the heating device in question must be easy to install, have a presentable appearance and low cost. But, most importantly, it must have excellent heat transfer characteristics.
The main task of the radiator – give the room the heat that came through the water pipes. The more effectively he does this, the better it is for the owner of the apartment.
There are two main criteria for classifying heating batteries:
- Material of manufacture.
- Design.
All other parameters are technical characteristics of a specific radiator model.
Features of different designs
The functionality of heating radiators is influenced not only by the material from which they are made, but also by their design.
So, the batteries are structurally:
- sectional(block);
- columnar(tubular);
- panel.
The first two options are a set of several elements assembled into a single heater, and the third is a monolithic block.
Sectional water heating devices include the now widely used aluminum radiators. A classic example of a columnar analogue is an old cast-iron battery.
Option #2 - practical steel
Steel batteries are practical and come in two types - tubular or panel. The first are a direct analogue of the cast iron appliances described above. They have similar heat output and weight, but a more presentable appearance.
The latter are made of two steel sheets welded together and forming a thin layer-cavity inside for water circulation.
This option has higher heat transfer rates, so they are often connected together in several pieces. As a result, the total heat transfer area increases sharply.
Option #3 - durable aluminum
Aluminum radiators are the most common in the household heating market today. This is due to their low cost, durability and light weight, as well as extreme ease of installation.
Among the advantages of aluminum radiators it is worth highlighting:
- high heat transfer rates;
- light weight of the heating device;
- modern design;
- affordable price;
- possibility of completing with a thermostat;
- service life of 30 years;
- no predisposition to paint peeling.
The main disadvantage of an aluminum heater is its demands on the coolant characteristics. The slightest solid suspensions during water circulation begin to scratch the protective coating inside. As a result, aluminum remains unprotected and gradually begins to corrode.
These batteries were originally created to replace old cast iron ones. They were immediately designed taking into account the features of the centralized heat supply existing in Russia.
It’s not for nothing that they are called universal radiators, which can be installed without problems in almost any apartment.
The advantages of a bimetal radiator are as follows:
- Reliability - operating pressure around 35 atm.
- Undemanding to the chemical composition of the coolant.
- High corrosion resistance.
- Compact and modern appearance of the device.
- Light weight.
The main and only significant disadvantage of this device is its high price.. They are the most expensive among all analogues. However, these costs will certainly be covered by a long service life and the absence of leaks with floods.
Bimetallic radiators are especially relevant in homes where there are frequent changes in water pressure in the heating system.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
To make it easier for you to figure out which radiator is better, we have made a selection of videos analyzing the various nuances of these devices.
The following video will help you understand the types of radiators and determine which ones are best suited for specific operating conditions:
When choosing which battery to install in your apartment, you must first of all focus on the parameters of the central heating system.
In an old house, it is often possible to install only cast iron radiators. Aluminum options are ideal for new buildings and five-story panel buildings. And reliable bimetallic analogues are universal devices that are suitable in almost any situation, but cost a lot.
Which batteries do you personally consider the best and which ones are installed in the heating circuit of your house/apartment? Share your impressions of using them, add unique photos of your radiators and useful recommendations for beginners.
The long-term operation of the entire system and its efficiency completely depend on the correct selection of batteries. Increased demands are placed on such equipment, especially when used in an apartment. In multi-apartment buildings, heating is most often tied to a centralized circuit, which increases the risk of water hammer. An analysis of individual models and equipment characteristics will tell you which ones are best for an apartment.
Read in the article
Heating radiators: which ones are better for an apartment and 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. In this case, there is no need to set up 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 changes. Particularly dangerous is a water hammer with a battery breakthrough.
When selecting heating devices, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
- material of manufacture;
- the ability of the structure to withstand pressure of about 12-15 atmospheres;
- the material must be safe and resistant to sudden pressure and pressure changes;
- the product should not be subject to corrosion or any damage;
- an important indicator of the product is the heat transfer of the equipment;
- service life;
- appearance of the product.
When choosing radiators, it is worth considering the operating and test pressure.
Helpful advice! It is not worth paying more money for the safety margin of pressure indicators, since shut-off valves will not withstand a pressure of more than 15 kg/cm².
Related article:
In the article we will consider in detail the design, modern modifications, application features, parameters of devices for the radiator, an overview of modern models and the secrets of correctly installing the regulator yourself without errors.
Types of heating batteries in an apartment and their characteristics
Before choosing heating radiators for your apartment, let's look at the main manufacturing materials:
| Types of radiators | Characteristics |
| Cast iron | Pressure value from 10 to 13 bar. The section power indicator is up to 160 Watt. Acceptable temperature indicator is 150 degrees. |
| Aluminum | Pressure from 7 to 17 bar. The maximum water temperature in the battery is 110. |
| Steel | Pressure from 6 to 15 bar. High heat transfer rate. Corrosion protection. |
| Bimetallic | Pressure up to 50 atmospheres and temperature up to 130 degrees are provided. |
Features of cast iron radiators
Cast iron radiators were especially popular back in Soviet times. Such designs have certain advantages:
- long service life;
- corrosion resistance;
- affordable price;
- maintaining temperature when the system is turned off.
Also, such designs are distinguished by their resistance to various types of coolants, ease of installation and resistance to various chemical compounds.
The disadvantages include the fact that such products heat up for a long time, are characterized by heavy weight and do not have protection against water hammer. The choice of cast iron types of heating radiators for an apartment is just as good as the choice of this option for industrial buildings, country houses and cottages.
Steel models
Steel products do not have sections, but are made as a set. Can withstand temperatures up to 120 degrees. It is believed that it is better to install them in buildings with autonomous or small buildings. You cannot use such elements in rooms with high temperatures: in bathrooms or. The steel unit must always be filled with water, which protects it from.
By deciding which heating radiators are best for an apartment and choosing this option, you can get certain advantages. This device warms up quickly, is characterized by increased heat transfer and has a presentable design.
Steel options come in tubular and panel versions. 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-story buildings, and convection can cause 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 of these two types of radiators differ little. Only tubular models are more expensive due to higher values.
Aluminum products
Many people are interested in how to choose a heating battery or radiator made of aluminum. There are two types of such instructions. Cast - produced by casting and have wide walls. Extrusion – characterized by the technology of extruding aluminum alloy through an extruder. Sections cannot be added to such a product.
The advantages 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 of different countries. These are the Chinese companies Konner and Lammin. Russian company Rifar and equipment from Italy from Global and Royal Thermo companies.
Note! It is important that the device has a polymer coating, which allows you to extend the service life of the product.
Which radiator is better, aluminum or bimetallic?
When deciding which heating radiator is better for an apartment - bimetallic or aluminum, it is worth knowing their features.
A special feature of the aluminum product is that it can only be purchased for private homes. Such equipment cannot be installed in production areas where pressure surges occur. An aluminum radiator can be used in conjunction with a temperature controller. Exceeding the permissible pressure may result in battery rupture and internal corrosion.
They can last for a long period of time, as they are resistant to pressure pressure up to 50 atmospheres. These structures consist of a steel core and aluminum ribs. 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 what to choose? Read our review. We invite you to consider the main varieties, study their characteristics, and also get acquainted with useful recommendations from experts on the best materials.
Heating radiators: prices and review of models
When 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 read the certificate of conformity.
Models from the following manufacturers are popular among domestic consumers:
- Italian companies Syrah And Global produce equipment that is well adapted to Russian heating systems;
- models of the German company Kermi characterized by powerful convection and excellent quality;
- steel tubular radiators are produced by a company from Sweden Zehnder . Such structures are coated with an anti-corrosion compound that protects the steel surface in any acidity;
- Rifar - This is a domestic manufacturer. Its products can be used in central heating systems;
- products of a Chinese company Smart has a low cost;
- German manufacturer Arbonia sells high-quality devices that are distinguished by modern design and durability.
How to calculate the power of radiators and the number of sections?
The purchase of effective, high-quality equipment should be complemented by correct calculations of the number of sections.
SNiP consists of design rules and operating standards for heating systems. Radiators need to be installed taking this into account. For the calculations to be effective, the following rules should be used:
- the maximum width of the structure should not exceed 70% of the size of the window opening;
- the product must be mounted along the center line of the window;
- the distance between the wall and the device is 3-5 cm;
- the product should rise above the floor no more than 12 cm;
- the distance from the battery to the window sill is 5 cm.
In some cases, for better heat transfer, the wall surface is covered with a special one. Such rules promote the free movement of air masses. For correct calculation you need to know the following parameters:
- room sizes;
- number of windows;
- materials for building a house;
- placement of rooms relative to cardinal directions;
- technical parameters of the heating design.
The table shows a simple calculation of the number of sections.
| Power of 1 heating radiator section according to the passport, W | Room area, m² | ||||||
| 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | |
| 140 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 150 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| 160 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 180 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 |
| 190 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 200 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
Rare cases of installing new batteries are invariably accompanied by the question, which heating radiator is better? There are several selection criteria: material of manufacture, design, what heating system the batteries are designed for. Studying the characteristics of various heating devices will help you navigate a wide range of products.
Types of radiators
The choice of radiators for heating an apartment is a multifaceted issue. The monotony of cast iron batteries is a thing of the past; now the market is saturated with products made from different materials that differ in design, shape and color. Of course, exclusive designer models will cost much more. But first of all, the performance characteristics of the batteries deserve attention, and only then their appearance and organic perception in the interior of the apartment.
Depending on the material of manufacture, heating radiators are divided into the following types:
- cast iron;
- aluminum;
- bimetallic, where the aluminum outer part has a steel coating inside;
- steel;
- copper.
The manufacturing material determines the quality parameters of the batteries. The operating pressure of radiators is a key criterion that people pay attention to when choosing.
Among the main indicators:
- heat capacity;
- heat transfer coefficient;
- period of operation;
- resistance to mechanical stress.
Among the entire assortment, as always, there are sales leaders and outsiders. The combination of quality characteristics and cost determines the popularity of a particular type of battery for heating an apartment.
The form of heating is another factor influencing the choice of material. A centralized heat supply system does not guarantee high quality coolant, so it is better to avoid aluminum models in an apartment. If the room is equipped with autonomous heating, there are no restrictions on the choice of material; aluminum appliances, on the contrary, come to the fore.
The design of heating devices also matters. All radiators are conventionally divided into two large groups - sectional and panel. The first option allows for the possibility of adjusting the number of sections. The second group is divided into tubular and panel heating devices.
When choosing a shape, preference is given to streamlined models. Sharp corners are especially avoided if children live in the apartment. The method of connection to the general heating system also matters. There are bottom, side and universal connections. Typically, modern radiators provide the opportunity to choose any connection method.
Traditionally, heating radiators are chosen in white. But this element of the interior can be accentuated if you choose a non-standard bright model. From an operational point of view, the most profitable are black batteries, the heat transfer of which is a quarter higher than their light counterparts. But such an element in the design of an apartment is not always appropriate, so it is better to focus on your own taste.
When purchasing a heating radiator, it is advisable to pay attention to the environmental friendliness of the materials used in production. The absence of formaldehyde on the internal elements and the surface with high-quality polymer coating are the best option for installation in an apartment.
A detailed description of each type will help you make your own choice.
Characteristics of cast iron batteries
The heating system of the old housing stock was equipped exclusively with cast iron radiators. Therefore, a standard picture of several white sections is imprinted in the memory of every inhabitant of the apartment. Modern battery models look much more aesthetically pleasing in an apartment. But at the same time, cast iron has not changed its characteristics, retaining all the advantages and disadvantages of the material.
Let's consider the advantages of cast iron batteries, why the builders of Soviet apartments loved them so much:
- Durability. Cast iron radiators can serve for 40 years without repairing breakdowns. Batteries made from other materials cannot boast of such indicators.
- Reliability. Cast iron batteries can withstand a working pressure of 25-30 atm, when the average varies within 16 atm.
- High heat capacity. Cast iron takes a long time to warm up and cools down slowly. The residual heat retention rate is 30%, which is 2 times more than in products made of aluminum or steel.
- The material is resistant to corrosion processes; at a water pH level of 7-9 units, the integrity of the radiators is maintained for the period declared by the manufacturer.
- Cast iron batteries are suitable for apartments with central heating, where there is low-quality coolant saturated with foreign impurities.
- Standard cast iron radiators are inexpensive and available to a wide range of consumers. The exorbitant cost is found on designer models, where the price of one battery reaches 1000 euros, and taking into account the shut-off valves, all of 1250 euros.
Good performance characteristics of cast iron radiators are accompanied by a number of disadvantages:
- heavy weight;
- prolonged heating of the metal;
- uninteresting appearance.
Comment! The large weight of cast iron radiators creates problems during transportation, during loading, unloading and installation of heating devices.
But, despite the negative aspects, the need for cast iron batteries remains. People are accustomed to trusting quality that has been tested for decades. And the standard configuration has been replaced by new stylish models that do not spoil the interior of the apartment. Coating the surface at the factory with a special protective paint eliminates the need for regular painting of radiators directly in the apartment.
The convenience of sectional models is the ability to expand radiators. Their number is determined taking into account the following factors:
- apartment area;
- number and size of window openings;
- Number of doors;
- climate zone of the region.
Comparative characteristics of cast iron batteries are given in the table below:
There are models where wall mounting is not required; the battery is equipped with stylish legs. Cast iron products are rarely chosen for apartments with autonomous heating, since the ability to quickly adjust the temperature is offset by the material’s ability to cool slowly.
Aluminum products
The topic of which heating radiators are best for apartments is continued by aluminum products. Perhaps this is the only material that is not suitable for rooms with central heating. If the apartment is equipped with an autonomous system, then installing an aluminum battery would be appropriate.
The reason lies in the characteristics of the material. Aluminum is thin in nature and is therefore susceptible to corrosion. Due to the low quality of water in the heating system, after 6-7 years there is a possibility of the radiator failing. Where there is no problem of impurities in the coolant, aluminum heating devices will become a worthy element of the apartment’s interior.
What is useful to know if the choice fell on installing aluminum heating radiators in an apartment:
- The service life, provided that it is filled with high-quality coolant, is 20-25 years. The pH level of the water should not exceed 5-6 units.
- The operating pressure declared by the manufacturer is 15-20 atm, although in practice the figure is usually limited to 12 atm.
- Conical shut-off valves are the best choice when installing aluminum heating radiators in an apartment. Attention! Copper, steel and brass fittings are not suitable for installing aluminum products in an apartment heating system. Otherwise there is a risk of corrosion.
- Light weight is an undoubted advantage of aluminum batteries. Transportation, unloading and installation are not difficult. The process can be organized by one person.
- If the radiator is connected to the central heating system, be sure to install a Mayevsky valve for manual air release.
- Aluminum has the lowest inertia, so the batteries have high heat transfer, which varies between 200-210 W per 1 section.
- One section contains 0.4-0.45 liters of water. The usual operating temperature for radiators is in the range of 70-80°C, the maximum limit is 90°C.
- A wide range of radiators is presented in models with a height of 25, 35 and 50 cm. If desired, you can order copies with a height of 70 and 80 cm.
The production of aluminum heating batteries is carried out in two ways: extrusion and casting. The choice of technology significantly affects the quality characteristics of radiators.
Budget items are produced using the extrusion method. It is based on recycled aluminum alloy and silicon additives. The presence of additional impurities worsens the performance of heating radiators. The material becomes more brittle and susceptible to corrosion damage.
Casting ensures each section of the aluminum battery is perfectly sealed. The working pressure of such products is higher. The smooth surface of the heating device makes cleaning easier.
When performing a comparative characterization of the quality of heating radiators, those with anode coating are in the lead. The oxidized anode increases the resistance of products to corrosion processes, so low-quality coolant does not pose a threat to them. In this case, the working pressure increases to 20-25 atm. Externally, anode heating radiators are no different from ordinary products made by casting, but their cost is incomparably higher. A quality certificate and passport are evidence of the special coating. It is better to purchase such batteries for heating in an apartment at trusted sales points.
Comparative characteristics of aluminum heating radiators from various manufacturers are shown in the table:
Types of steel radiators
The production of steel radiators is made from low-carbon steel. Special enamel creates a good protective layer on the surface, preventing damage from aggressive mechanical and chemical influences.
Advice! When purchasing, pay attention to the uniform application of the protective layer of paint. Poorly treated areas are susceptible to corrosion.
The consumer is offered tubular and panel models of steel radiators to choose from.
Panel
The heating device consists of two ribbed plates made by casting. There is a sealed circuit inside. The coolant moves along the circuit, providing heating in the apartment. The ribbed surface of the radiator panels promotes efficient heat transfer. The thermal conductivity of steel is equivalent to cast iron, but due to the thin walls of the batteries, heating takes less time.
Main characteristics of panel-type steel batteries:
Type 10 is characterized by maximum simplicity. But its heat transfer efficiency is extremely low due to the lack of a convector. The cost of the product is also low.
Steel models vary in size. Depending on the size of the apartment for heating, you can choose batteries with a height of 20 to 90 cm, a length of 40 cm to 3 m. When considering the question of how to choose a radiator, the type of connection is not ignored. Steel appliances have a side or bottom version.
Despite the numerous advantages of steel panel heating radiators, there are also certain negative aspects:
- It is better not to install small-sized structures in an apartment with autonomous heating. A small volume of coolant provokes frequent shutdowns of the boiler, which will increase energy consumption. With central heating, the dimensions of the batteries are not particularly important.
- If the inner surface of radiators does not have a protective layer, there is a risk of corrosion due to damage from abrasive particles that are found in low-quality coolant.
The installation of a panel radiator with a bottom connection for heating an apartment is shown in the photo:
Tubular
The design consists of several pipes, hermetically connected to each other by welding. Unlike cast iron radiators, tubular steel models cannot be expanded or individual sections removed. The operating pressure of the batteries is only 8-10 atm, so it is better to equip the heating device with a reducer that smoothes out pressure drops.
Important! A significant advantage of tubular radiators compared to panel models is their greater resistance to abrasive substances and corrosion processes.
A wide range of tubular steel batteries allows you to select a product that best suits the area of your apartment, taking into account the number and size of windows. Manufacturing options:
- the height of tubular radiators varies from 20 to 60 cm;
- depth from 10 to 25 cm;
- the length is selected based on the power requirement of the heating radiators.
The numerous advantages of steel batteries are accompanied by an acceptable cost of the products. Transportation and installation are not difficult. Low coolant requirements allow installation in an apartment with centralized heating.
A comparative table of models from well-known brands will help you understand which radiator is best to install in your own apartment:
Bimetallic specimens
Bimetallic radiators are considered a practical symbiosis of steel and aluminum heating devices. Combining the advantages of two materials, they are excellent for heating an apartment with centralized heating. The only obstacle may be the high cost of the products.
A striking representative of functional heating devices are models from the Stoup brand. Main performance characteristics of radiators:
- working pressure reaches 100 atmospheres;
- withstand coolant temperatures up to 135°C;
- the manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty;
- models include batteries with a number of sections from 4 to 14, which allows you to choose the best option for an apartment of any size.
Radiators are produced from steel and aluminum with the addition of silicon compounds, which improves the technical properties of heating devices. The internal structure of the structure is shown in the photo below:
Comment! In some models, the steel core is replaced with a copper one, which is especially valuable for autonomous heating, where there is a need to add antifreeze to the system.
Advantages of bimetallic radiators for heating an apartment:
- Ribbed panels increase heat transfer efficiency.
- Low weight facilitates the installation procedure.
- The smooth surface is easy to clean; dust practically does not accumulate on it.
- The internal protective layer prevents damage to the coolant by abrasive particles and prevents the development of corrosion.
The strength and reliability of bimetallic radiators is especially valuable in apartments with central heating. According to manufacturers, the service life reaches half a century. The table presents comparative characteristics of individual models of bimetallic radiators:
Copper batteries
The high cost of copper radiators is the main reason for the low demand for such heating devices for apartments. The technical characteristics of the products are not inferior to bimetallic and aluminum batteries. Among the undeniable advantages of copper models:
- The efficiency is 5 times higher than that of cast iron batteries. Fast heating takes place with minimal energy consumption.
- High strength. The working pressure reaches 20-25 atmospheres. This indicator is always important for apartments with a centralized heating system.
- Ideal for regions with harsh climates, it can withstand coolant temperatures up to 140°C.
- A copper radiator is resistant to antifreeze, so it is often chosen for autonomous heating.
- Long period of operation. This indicator is not inferior to cast iron and bimetallic batteries.
In addition to the high price, among the negative aspects is the need to connect the heating system exclusively to copper pipes.
Conclusion
Each of the presented types of radiators has undeniable advantages and some disadvantages. Steel and aluminum heating devices lead among competitors due to their high technical characteristics combined with an affordable price. The choice of batteries takes into account the area of the apartment. What matters is the operating pressure that the device can withstand and its resistance to negative influence factors.
2018-09-26Before you begin assembling a heating system for a country house, it is imperative to develop its detailed design. In this case, first of all, you need to decide on the type of equipment needed, as well as make all the required calculations. for a private home, how to choose the right boiler and pipes for mains, what type of wiring will be better in a particular case - read about all this further in the article.
Main design elements
To assemble a heating system in a country house you will need to purchase:
radiators;
circulation pump;
pipes for highways.
You will also need to buy an expansion tank. In modern heating systems, mainly only membrane equipment of this type is used.
What to consider when choosing radiators
When purchasing batteries, you should first pay attention to:
their design features;
maximum working pressure;
power;
number of sections.
Which heating radiator is best for a private home: main varieties
Modern industry produces several types of such equipment. In specialized stores you can find batteries:
cast iron;
of steel;
made of aluminum;
bimetallic.
All these types of heating radiators are quite suitable for a private home. The choice in this case depends mainly on the operational characteristics of a particular system and the financial capabilities of the owners of the building itself.
Cast iron batteries
The main advantages of radiators of this type are low cost and durability. Cast iron batteries are not subject to corrosion and can last faithfully for up to 50 years. In addition, they are undemanding to the quality of the coolant and can easily withstand quite serious pressure in the system - up to 12 atmospheres.
Cast iron models thus have a lot of advantages, and therefore in some cases they can be an excellent answer to the question of which radiators to choose for heating a private home. However, despite the large number of advantages, such batteries are installed quite rarely in residential suburban buildings. The thing is that Soviet radiators of this variety look too old-fashioned. It is almost impossible to fit them harmoniously into a modern interior. In addition, these batteries weigh a lot and can mainly only be used in buildings with very strong walls. For example, they are absolutely not suitable for a house built from foam concrete.
Cast iron heating radiators are suitable for a private home, but when deciding to choose just such models, it is worth keeping in mind that they are not particularly high in efficiency. Such batteries heat up rather slowly, and their heat transfer is not particularly large.
Steel models
Radiators of this type, unlike cast iron ones, warm up very quickly. This makes them simply ideal for heating systems with temperature control. In addition, steel batteries do not weigh too much. Therefore, they can be installed in buildings with walls made of any materials, including foam blocks or SIP panels.
Steel radiators for heating a private house are thus quite suitable. Their only disadvantages are their fragility and inability to withstand significant pressure. The second drawback for a private house usually does not play too big a role. After all, the pressure in the pipes in such buildings is most often not particularly high. If this indicator in the system does not exceed 7-8 atmospheres, you can safely buy steel models. However, you should also pay attention to the quality of the coolant. If an effective water purification system from a well or well is not installed in the house, you should still refuse to purchase such equipment. When using low-quality coolant, such radiators quickly rust and begin to leak.
When answering the question about which radiators to choose for heating a private home, you should also think about purchasing a relatively new type of steel equipment of this type, which recently appeared on the domestic market. We are talking about batteries made of stainless steel. Such radiators can last even longer than cast iron ones, are characterized by high efficiency and attractive appearance. However, such equipment, unfortunately, is quite expensive. Only owners of elite cottages can afford batteries of this type.
Aluminum models
The main advantage of such radiators is their attractive appearance. Aluminum batteries look very modern and easily fit into almost any interior. They are inexpensive, but, like cast iron, they are used extremely rarely in private homes. It's all about their increased demands on the quality of the coolant. In an acidic environment, aluminum reacts very quickly, releasing quite a large amount of gas. And this, in turn, leads to airing of the system and its failure.
Aluminum heating radiators for a private home are therefore only suitable when the lines use a sufficiently clean coolant. As for pressure, such models can easily withstand loads of up to 15 atm.
Bimetallic batteries
When answering the question about which heating radiator is best for a private home, you should think about purchasing a model of this particular type first. Bimetallic batteries are currently perhaps the most popular type of such equipment. The design of radiators of this type includes elements made of two types of metal - aluminum and steel (or copper). Hence their name. The advantages of bimetallic radiators, among other things, include:
ability to withstand very high coolant pressure (up to 35 atm) and water hammer;
attractive appearance;
light weight;
durability (can last up to 25 years).
In general, bimetallic heating radiators are best suited for a private home. Reviews of models of this type available on the Internet clearly indicate this. Country property owners consider such equipment to be of very high quality, easy to install and operate. In appearance, such radiators resemble aluminum ones, but at the same time they are much more reliable. Their design is such that they look like a monolithic product. Since the performance characteristics of such batteries are better than aluminum ones, they cost a little more (about 25%).
Radiators power
When calculating the heating of a private house, you should start by determining this particular indicator. The selection of radiators for a large cottage, of course, should be entrusted to specialists. If the system is assembled in a small one-story private house, this procedure can be carried out independently, according to a simplified scheme.
total area of the room;
necessary compensation for heat loss.
The latter indicator, when using a simplified calculation scheme, is usually defined as 1 kW of power per 10 m 2 of room (or per 1 m 2 100 W). That is, in order to find out which batteries of what capacity are needed in a particular case, you should simply substitute the required value into the formula N=S*100*1.45, where S is the area of the room, 1.45 is the coefficient of possible heat leakage.
Next, let's look at how to calculate heating radiators for a private house using a specific example. This procedure is actually quite easy to perform. For example, for a room 4 m wide and 5 m long, the calculation will look like this:
20*100=2000 W;
2000*1.45=2900 W.
Heating radiators are most often installed under windows. The required number is selected accordingly. Houses with an area of 20 m2 usually have 2 windows. Therefore, in our example, we will need two radiators with a power of 1450 W each. This indicator can be adjusted first of all by changing the number of sections in the battery. But, of course, in any case there should be just enough of them so that the radiator fits freely in the niche under the window.
The power of one section in different types of batteries may vary. So, for bimetallic radiators with a height of 500 mm, this figure is usually 180 W, and for cast iron - 160 W.
How to choose a boiler
So, we found out which heating radiator is best for a private home. If desired, for a country building you can choose either cast iron, aluminum, steel or bimetallic batteries. In this case, everything depends mainly on the quality of the coolant, the pressure in the system and the interior features of the premises. However, when drawing up a project, of course, you should determine the characteristics of other necessary equipment. In particular, it is necessary to calculate the boiler power. Modern industry produces four types of such equipment:
gas boilers;
electrical;
liquid fuel;
solid fuel.
These are the types of boilers that are mainly on sale today for heating private homes. How to choose a specific type of such equipment is actually not a very difficult question. Most often they are installed in houses. Installation of them is usually quite expensive. But at the same time, such equipment is quite economical and convenient to use. They are cheap, but are expensive to operate. Therefore, they are most often installed only if there is no gas main near the house.
Solid fuel and diesel heating boilers are used mostly in buildings built in remote areas. That is, where there is no gas supply and no power lines. Such equipment is usually quite expensive and not very convenient to use.
Boilers for heating a private house: how to choose power
In order to determine this indicator, a specialist is usually also hired. You can try to calculate the boiler power yourself only for a small country house. As when choosing radiators, in this case the basis is the fact that 1 kW of boiler power is required per 10 m 2 of room area.
Selecting a wiring diagram
Heating system lines can be laid in different ways. In small country houses, the simplest “Leningradka” or dead-end two-pipe system is usually used. In residential cottages with several floors, a collector circuit is more often used. In one-story houses of a very large area, a very efficient heating system can be installed, called
How to determine the required diameter of lines
When calculating the heating of a private house, you should, of course, calculate this indicator. If the diameter of the lines is incorrectly selected, the system will not work effectively. To buy suitable pipes, you first need to decide:
with the thermal power of the system;
optimal coolant pressure.
The first indicator is calculated by the formula Q=(V*Δt*K)*860, where V is the volume of the room, Δt is the difference in air temperatures indoors and outdoors, K is a correction factor (depends on the degree of insulation of the building and is determined using a special table) .
The optimal speed of coolant movement in the system is 0.36-0.7 m/s. The resulting value of thermal power and the selected pressure indicator should simply be inserted into the table for determining the diameter of the pipes.
As for the material of highways, in our time both in small country houses and cottages, metal-plastic is usually used. However, if desired, you can install steel or even expensive and very durable copper pipes in a private residential building.
Buying a circulation pump
When choosing this type of equipment, you should decide mainly on two indicators:
with working pressure;
with performance.
The second characteristic is calculated by the formula P = 3.6 x Q/(c x ΔT) (kg/h), where ΔT is the difference between the air temperatures outside and indoors, c is the specific 1.6 dimension.
The required pump pressure can be determined by the formula J= (F+R x L)/p x g (m), where F is the resistance of the reinforcement, R is the hydraulic resistance, L is the length of the section, p is the density of the working fluid, g is the acceleration of gravity .