When carrying out repair work, people are often faced with the task of replacing old batteries with modern, highly efficient analogues. Naturally, the question arises - what is the right way? choose the most efficient heating radiators, which of them is best to install in the apartment. The answer will depend on many components, the main of which are the area of future heating, the type of intended device, its operating conditions, etc. Nowadays, the building materials market offers a wide range of heaters made from different raw materials and for different needs.
Central heating system: main characteristics
For apartment radiators there are special requirements, since they will become part of the central heating supply, which has its own specifics of operation. All such systems have similar operating conditions - the coolant is supplied through heating mains from a thermal power plant or boiler room to a multi-storey building, where, with the help of a pump and other equipment, it is distributed through internal pipelines that deliver it directly to the home.
The centralized heat supply system has its own underwater rocks and significant disadvantages:
- Fluctuations in temperature indicators (either rapid heating or cooling);
- Possibility of sudden pressure changes - water hammer;
- Low heat transfer coefficient to the batteries, as a result, insufficient heating of the rooms and uneven temperature of the latter (some are hot, others are cooler);
- Seasonal drainage of coolant from the system;
- Poor water quality - the presence of aggressive components, oxygen, sludge, hardness, acidity, etc.
All of the above, over time, leads to increased wear and tear of the equipment. And in a situation where water hammer occurs, the connections themselves batteries may begin to leak or even burst, bringing a lot of trouble. Also, due to a less-than-ideal coolant, which may, during circulation, carry plaque, particles of rust, lime and other debris, the channels and pipes of the radiators become clogged. The result of this will be shortfall in receipt of paid heat resources, as well as increased corrosion reactions inside the heaters, which significantly reduces their shelf life.
Important! To minimize all of these risks, you need to choose heating devices wisely.
Selection options
The main point on which worth paying attention, when selecting radiators is material, from which they are made. Different alloys will behave differently under the same operating conditions. At the moment the market is ready to offer four main types of heating equipment:
- cast iron;
- aluminum;
- steel;
- bimetallic.
For each type of heater, the manufacturer prescribes its technical characteristics:
- operating pressure;
- maximum permissible pressure;
- design feature (sectional, tubular or panel);
- water volume;
- recommended hardness and coolant temperature;
- warranty period for the device.
Most of the products produced on the market made according to the requirements of EU countries, the quality of heating networks, which is many times superior to domestic ones. Therefore, be sure to take this fact into account when purchasing. For example, the pressure indicator in our centralized heating systems is 11-16 atmospheres for high-rise buildings and 5-10 atmospheres in standard 5-story Khrushchev buildings. The operating temperature of the supplied liquid ranges from 65-90 °C. When choosing heating equipment based on these data, You will protect yourself from possible emergency situations.
Video. Which radiators to choose
The main products on the market can be divided into several most popular categories:
Aluminum
This type of battery is primarily has a beautiful aesthetic appearance, correct and ergonomic shape, as well as excellent technical characteristics. They are quite compact and can be sold in separate sections. This is very convenient, since having made the correct calculations, you can choose the size that suits you. optimally heats your room. Aluminum radiators are available in different heights and can be placed in any convenient corner of the room. Standard operating pressure at which the heater is most efficiently transfers heat, is 6-12 atmospheres, the maximum permissible, with sudden jumps up to 25 atmospheres.
The advantages of such equipment include:
- Great modern design;
- Increased heat transfer coefficient, depending on the wall thickness, can be up to 200 W per section of standard size;
- Light weight of the devices, which simplifies their installation, even with your own hands;
- By choosing a set of elements, you can select the required size that meets your requirements;
- Excellent powder coating to prevent damage.
The main thing disadvantage of such batteries, according to consumer reviews, is their ability to last operation only in closed cycle systems, with strict monitoring of the coolant hardness level. Such networks must be made from the same material as radiators, since aluminum, in contact with brass and copper parts, can start electrochemical reaction processes. Modern systems are recommended to be implemented using plastic pipes, and the heaters themselves are reliably grounded.
Important! Another phenomenon inherent in aluminum batteries ispossible unpleasant sounds . They can appear after the metal interacts with a liquid richly saturated with oxygen, resulting in the release of hydrogen. Because of this feature, everyone is recommendedThe radiator should be equipped with a Mayevsky tap.
Taking into account all of the above, we can say that heaters manufactured aluminum, despite a number of positive properties, in city apartments It's better not to mount it.
Video. What is the difference between aluminum radiators and bimetallic ones?
Bimetallic
This type of equipment is made from an alloy of two metals - soft aluminum and hard steel. The design of such batteries assumes that their internal part, which is in contact with the coolant, made of steel, and the outer one aluminum. This universal solution allows the use of this type of heaters in systems with any (within reason) pressure and with different types of connections and main pipes.
Advantages of such products:
- Increased wear resistance and resistance to corrosive reactions, regardless of the composition of the coolant;
- Permissible pressure up to 35 atm;
- Good external data;
- Light weight and easy to attach;
- Weak inertia – increased heating capacity, have excellent heat transfer properties;
- Equipped with taps for adjusting the intensity of the coolant supply;
- A stacked type of design that allows you to select a device of the required configuration.
Significant There are no disadvantages to such products, except perhaps a higher cost compared to competitors. But it is justified, first of all, by reliability and a longer service life. This type of radiator by popularity occupies leading positions in most ratings dedicated to heating devices.
Important! When installing such products,instructions must be followed from the manufacturer, and also adhere to technical distances from the wall, window sill and floor - at least 4 cm.
Cast iron
Good old cast iron is known to almost every resident of our country, due to its widespread use in the former USSR. Times change, and bulky, standard shape and painted with ordinary paint, batteries are becoming a thing of the past. In their place come modern analogues, made from the same cast iron, but manufactured using other technologies, according to new aesthetic requirements.
Cast iron batteries
Advantages of heating devices made of cast iron:
- Can be used in any heating systems, with all types of pipe products;
- Can work for a long time in centralized heat supply networks, with low quality coolant, the pH of which is in the maximum permissible range of 7-9;
- The working pressure of the products is 7-10 atmospheres, maximum 18 atmospheres;
- They have a sectional stackable design, which allows you to change the size to suit your needs.
Cast iron heaters have a number of undeniable advantages and unique qualities. The main thing is that they are practically not subject to corrosion. This is due to the fact that upon initial contact with water, a thin layer of insoluble black sediment forms on the alloy, which serves as an obstacle to the penetration of active oxygen contained in the water into the metal. Destruction of the structure of cast iron elements from the inside, of course, occurs, but extremely slowly. On the outside, they are coated with modern powder paint, specially designed to withstand large temperature changes. In such batteries, gas formation processes are insignificant, due to which there is no seething and there is no need to constantly bleed off air masses.
Against the backdrop of all the positive aspects, there are also negative ones - these are huge weight, leading to installation difficulties, and high inertia. Due to the latter, the heating of cast iron is quite slow, as is the cooling, so quick adjustment of the temperature of a room equipped with such heaters is impossible.
Steel or tubular
Batteries made from this material are universal and budget solution equip the heating system in a modern way. They are presented in the form of two plates, inside of which the coolant passes through steel tubes of a welded circuit. Radiators of this type have different sizes and a ribbed surface, providing excellent convection qualities and increased heat transfer. The metal has the same thermal conductivity coefficient as cast iron, although with some difference - its thickness is several times less than that of cast iron products. Due to this, they warm up much faster. This type of radiator is designed for operation at operating pressures up to 10 atmospheres.
Advantages of steel products:
- Variety of shapes and modern design, allow you to place such batteries in any interior;
- Long period of operation, subject to proper water treatment;
- Can be used in systems with any type of pipes;
- Relatively low cost and ease of installation.
An important nuance before purchasing steel radiators is their correct and competent calculation, due to the fact that they are sold in certain standard sizes and they cannot be built up like sectional ones.
Also, it is worth noting that in conditions of extremely high pressure surges, steel panels, may depressurize and leak. Therefore, their use in buildings with more than five floors is not recommended.
Tubular radiators are a type of steel radiators, only they differ from panel radiators in their special design. They come in a variety of shapes and designs. They have all the above-described characteristics of steel products.
How to calculate
There are certain standards by which you can calculate heat loss compensation premises and, accordingly, find out the required thermal power of the devices in order to compensate for losses and create comfortable conditions for people.
For the calculation itself, you can use the following formula:
K=S*100/Pc,
where K is the number of sections, S is the estimated area of heated square meters, Pc is the heat transfer power of one section of the battery (this value is indicated by the manufacturer in the product passport). Such the calculation is applicable for aluminum, bimetallic and cast iron heating devices.
For steel non-removable radiators of the steel type, it is customary to take the power value from the passport. The heater is selected at the rate of 100W per 1 m2. That is, if the area of the room is, for example, 20 m2, then you will need a radiator with a power of 2 kW, or two panels of 1 kW each.
| Thermal power of 1 battery 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 |
Counting the number of sections
Electrical
Sometimes the use of centralized heating is impossible for a number of reasons - it could be a break in the heating main, economic disadvantage, etc. In such a situation, many consumers pay attention to electric batteries. And not without reason, they a lot of advantages- they are easy to operate, economical, highly adjustable, both mechanically and remotely, and also have an acceptable cost. In many Western European countries, residents have long moved away from central heating systems in favor of individual electric heating networks. Today the market is represented variety of heating devices that use electricity, the most popular of which are fan heaters, oil and infrared radiators, as well as convectors.
Results
Choosing new batteries for the apartment, don't save too much, since this could lead to big troubles in the future, in the form of a flood. Therefore, to the problem of selecting heating equipment of this type, approach with full responsibility, collect all the necessary information, consult with specialists. Buy products only from well-known and trusted brands that can reliably provide warmth to you and your loved ones.
Video. 10 mistakes when replacing radiators
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 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 a 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 restoring a heating system or installing a new one, a logical question arises - which radiators to choose so that they are not only efficient and heat the home well, but also fit perfectly into the interior. Despite the fact that the appearance of the heating elements is important, first of all you should pay attention to technical characteristics, such as operating pressure, maximum temperature, and the material from which the batteries are made. However, which heating radiators for an apartment are best to choose among all the variety presented on the heating systems market? Let's try to understand the basic criteria for choosing heating devices.
Read in the article:
Which is the best heating radiator for an apartment?
Water entering the heating system from a centralized water supply goes a long way, carrying various chemical and mechanical impurities that slowly but surely lead to the destruction of pipes and heating elements. Frequent water hammers also play an important role in the failure of the radiator, causing the devices to burst and leak, flooding everything around with hot water. Therefore, before choosing heating radiators for an apartment, you need to study the basic criteria that high-quality and efficient heating devices must meet.
What you should pay attention to first of all is the metal from which the radiator is made, in particular its physical and chemical parameters. The battery must withstand pressure 1.5 times higher than that created in the heating circuit. For example, in Soviet houses this figure does not exceed 5-8 atm, while in the heating circuit of modern high-rise buildings it is 12-15 atm.
The market offers a huge selection of radiators of any color, configuration and material. Also, the metal from which the heating battery is made must be resistant to sudden pressure surges in the system, to the so-called “water hammer”. For your information, if you notice that clicks and hums are heard in the pipes, then it is better to contact utility workers, since this is a sure sign that not everything is in order with the pressure and it is better to immediately prevent the possibility of an accident.
Before choosing a heating radiator battery, you should consider that the water in our water supply is full of various chemical compounds and mechanical particles, so the metal used to produce heating devices must be able to resist corrosion and other damage.
The efficiency indicator is heat transfer. Accordingly, if you want the room to be warm in winter, you need to choose heating radiators that have high heat output.
Service life. Everything is clear here, because the larger it is, the less often the heating batteries will have to be changed, which means there is an opportunity to save significant money and effort.
The design of the radiator is very important, since the heating device must fit harmoniously into the interior of the room. The huge range of heating devices on the market allows you to purchase batteries for every taste and budget, but at the same time it makes it difficult to choose.
So, before choosing heating batteries for your apartment, you need to weigh all the pros and cons and only then make a purchase and begin installing them.
Main types of heating radiators for apartments
As we have already understood, choosing radiators is not an easy task, and in order to make your task easier, you first need to learn a little about the types of heating radiators in the apartments of modern houses.
Advantages and disadvantages of cast iron radiators
Nondescript and massive cast-iron heating radiators are familiar to the older generation from the days of the USSR. Modern cast iron radiators look more neat and elegant. Like everything in this world, a cast iron heating battery, the price of which varies depending on the model and manufacturer, has its advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages include:
- long service life, which is over 50 years;
- resistance to corrosion;
- undemanding to the cleanliness of the coolant;
- long-term heat retention in cases of heating system shutdown;
- acceptable cost.
The disadvantages are that cast iron batteries take a long time to heat up, are heavy, difficult to install and are practically not protected from water hammer.
General technical characteristics of cast iron heating radiators MS-140-500
The standard section has a volume of 4 liters and a weight of 7.5 kg. The heating area is 0.23 m2. Heating occurs due to convection currents (no more than 20%), and the rest is due to radiation. That is why cast iron batteries are mounted under windows.
Heating batteries made of steel
Steel heating radiators are available in two versions - panel and tubular. Schematically, panel batteries look like two steel panels, 1.2 mm thick, with stamped channels for coolant and welded together. To make the radiator more efficient, 2-3 panels are connected parallel to each other. As a result, such a steel three-panel battery, the same size as its cast iron counterpart, weighs almost the same, and with a thickness of 160 mm. even exceeds it. When deciding to buy steel heating radiators for your apartment, you need to take into account that the performance of panel batteries in terms of heat transfer is no better than models made of cast iron.
Among the positive aspects of panel radiators it is worth noting:
- Efficiency reaching up to 77%;
- high heat transfer;
- environmental Safety;
- low cost.
The disadvantages for owners of steel panel heating radiators include:
- susceptibility to corrosion;
- inappropriate installation in high-rise buildings due to the high risk of water hammer;
- Convection inherent in this type of battery contributes to the formation of drafts.
Consumer interest in tubular steel heating radiators is more due to the variety of shapes, which allows this heating device to fit into almost any interior. Tubular batteries are stronger than panel batteries due to their 1.5 mm wall thickness and can withstand up to 16 atm. For this reason, steel radiators are installed only in houses with autonomous heating.
The advantages of this type of battery are:
- high working pressure;
- greater efficiency compared to panel analogues;
- corrosion protection.
In principle, when comparing panel and tubular radiators, it is worth noting that their strengths and weaknesses are almost the same. However, having the ability to withstand higher operating pressures, tubular steel radiators are much more expensive than their panel counterparts.
Aluminum radiators
Heating radiators are also produced in two modifications - cast and extruded. This nuance must be taken into account when deciding which aluminum radiator to choose for your apartment.
Sections of cast batteries are made separately from an alloy of aluminum and silicon (silumin). Sewing occurs at increased pressure, which makes it possible to obtain sections of very different shapes that can withstand 6-16 atm. For strength, the walls of the batteries are made thick, and for free circulation of the coolant, expanded channels for water are created. Cast sections can be combined into a single battery
The elements of extruded aluminum batteries are made separately, by extrusion, and then joined together. This method is cheap, but in such a radiator you cannot remove or add a section.
Structurally, aluminum batteries are more advanced than their cast iron counterparts. The aluminum section has a depth of 110 mm. versus 140, the heating area is 0.4 m 2, and the volume is 0.5 l. Heat transfer by convection and radiation is approximately the same - almost 50% each. When adding new sections, the heating area increases to 0.5 m2, which increases the share of the convection component to 60%. The heat transfer indicators of an aluminum heating radiator are in the table presented after the types of batteries.
Positive characteristics of aluminum heating radiators:
The disadvantages are:
- short service life;
- susceptibility to corrosion;
- vulnerability to water hammer;
- tendency to leak.
And let’s complete the list of advantages and disadvantages with the rating of an aluminum heating radiator.
| Photo | Manufacturer | Model and dimensions of 1 element (W/H/D), mm. | Heat dissipation of 1 battery cell, W | Approximate cost of 1 section, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Termal (Russia) | Standard Plus 500 (79/531/72) | 198 | From 460 | |
| Oasis (Russia) | Al 500/80 (79/531/72) | 170 | From 480 | |
| Sira | ALICE ROYAL 95/500 (80/580/95) | 190 | From 580 | |
| Global | ISEO 500 (80/582/80) | 180 | From 800 | |
| Royal Thermo | Indigo 500 (80/591/100) | 185 | From 670 |
Bimetallic batteries: pros and cons
The design of these heating devices successfully combines the strength of steel and the thermal conductivity of aluminum. Bimetallic radiators are able to withstand pressures of up to 35 atm, and are well resistant to water hammer. When deciding which heating radiators are better for an apartment, bimetallic or made of another material, it is worth taking into account that radiators made of two materials can be connected to the heating system in several ways to ensure maximum efficiency.
The image below shows a sectional view that clearly shows the structure of this heating device.
The advantages of bimetallic batteries include the following:
- high level of heat transfer;
- resistance to hydraulic shock;
- For normal operation, a small volume of coolant is required;
- ease of installation;
- attractive appearance.
Among the few disadvantages:
- lower heat transfer compared to aluminum analogues;
- high price.
The given table of heat transfer of a bimetallic heating radiator and batteries made of other materials will help determine the choice of the desired design.
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Technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, connection methods, criteria for the right choice, review of companies, nuances of do-it-yourself installation - read in the publication.
In principle, we have dealt with the types and brief characteristics of heating radiators, and now it is worth familiarizing yourself with the basic calculations of the required number of sections, heat transfer and other characteristics.
How to calculate the required number of radiator sections
When reconstructing or creating a new heating system, in order not to suffer from the cold in a poorly heated room, you first need to carry out some calculations that will allow you to select and install effective heating devices. To select the necessary heating devices, as we have already found out, you need to know the material from which they are made, their resistance to corrosion, the heat transfer of the heating radiator, the table given above, the number of sections and much more. The required number of heating radiators is calculated in two ways - by the volume of the room or by its area. It is also necessary to take into account the expected pressure in the central heating battery.
Basic calculations to determine the number of sections and thermal power
Calculation by area
It is believed that in order to compensate for the thermal losses of the building and create a temperature regime that is comfortable for humans, it is necessary to provide thermal power within the range of 100 W/m2. You can use a calculator to determine the required number of heating radiator sections or make simpler calculations using the formula
N = S × 100 / Pc, Where
- N – number of heating elements of the battery;
- S – area of the room;
- PC – thermal power of one element of the heating structure (data is indicated in the technical data sheet of the battery).
Calculation by volume
To make a more accurate calculation of the number of heating radiator sections, they resort to calculating the volume of the room that will be heated. Moreover, for a brick house the power of the heating system should be 34 W/m2, and for a panel house – 41 W/m2. Calculations are made using almost the same formula as given above, but slightly modified:
N = S × h × 34(41) / Pc , Where
- h - ceiling height.
Of course, when deciding to purchase a one-piece, non-separable battery, there is no need to divide the calculations by the thermal power of 1 radiator element. Then the resulting value will mean the total power of the heating battery that is required for a particular room.
It’s worth noting right away that these formulas will only be true for standard average conditions. For this reason, when making calculations by volume or area, it is necessary to take into account correction factors determined by the minimum winter temperature prevailing in the region of residence, the location of the room, the degree of insulation of the walls, the number and type of windows, and the location of doors. Even the installation diagram and location of the radiators can play a big role in calculating the thermal power of the battery.
It is quite difficult to list all this in one article and therefore it is best to use a special calculator.
Calculator for calculating the required thermal power of heating radiators
Replacing batteries that have stopped performing their functions is an important part of repairing a heating system. Therefore, their choice should be taken with all seriousness and responsibility. And in order not to make a mistake in your purchase and choose the option that best suits the individual characteristics of your home, you need to determine for yourself which heating radiators are best for your apartment. Moreover, the range of products of this type presented in specialized stores is quite wide.
Modern industry produces several types of heating batteries, made of various materials and having a specific set of characteristics. These include:
Sectional cast iron radiators
Their advantages:
- Reliability and durability. The average lifespan of radiators is about 50 years.
- Undemanding to the quality of the coolant. Therefore, they are still installed in buildings with a gravity heating system (operating on the principle of natural circulation).
- Sufficient thermal conductivity and high inertia. They do not warm up very quickly, but retain heat well (for systems with automatic control, high inertia is a disadvantage and for this reason cast iron radiators are not used in this case).
- Relatively low price, on average 2000-3500 rubles for 4-7 sections (with the exception of designer options, the cost of which starts from 5000 rubles).
Read in a separate article: and its fitting.
Disadvantages of cast iron radiators:
- Fragility, insufficient resistance to powerful ones.
- The need for periodic touch-up.
- Due to the roughness of the inner walls of radiator sections, impurities can be retained in them, clogging the coolant flow channels, which can lead to a decrease in heat transfer.
- Large weight and large required volume of coolant.
Steel radiators
Although this type of heating radiator is also found in our country, many residents of the United States answer the question: “Which heating radiators are best to install in an apartment?” They will answer without the slightest hesitation: “Only steel panels.” And in some ways they will be right.
The design of these heating devices consists of two sheets of high-carbon steel, which have stamped channels designed for the movement of coolant. To provide additional corrosion resistance, the outer surface of the batteries is degreased and coated with a phosphate compound. Coating material – powder enamel.
Advantages of steel radiators:
- Various size range.
- Good heat dissipation.
- Ability to work with small volumes of coolant.
Flaws:
- Low operating pressure (no more than 6-10 atm.). With a water hammer of 13 atm. their sections may rupture.
- Lack of protection of the internal walls from exposure to water, leading to gradual destruction of the devices.
- The need to use shut-off valves on the supply and return pipelines.
- The need to remove dust from the back of the device.
- The operating period is on average about 10 years.
Please note: Tubular steel radiators are of better quality and reliability compared to panel ones. Their operating pressure range can be from 10 to 15 atm. In addition, they have a more impressive, original design and more durable paint.
If you are thinking about which radiators to give preference to – steel tubular or panel ones, feel free to choose the first option Aluminum radiators
Another popular answer to the question: “Which heating batteries are best to choose for an apartment?” are sectional structures that can be assembled independently, taking into account the characteristics and area of the heated room in order to warm it up effectively and efficiently.
Advantages:
- The ability of such radiators to quickly take heat from the coolant and heat the room as quickly as possible.
- Light weight and compact dimensions.
- High thermal power (about 190 W).
- Attractive and discreet design.
- Working pressure of modern aluminum radiators: 16-20 atmospheres.
- Low cost (price of one section - starting from 120 rubles).
Disadvantages of aluminum radiators:
- Fast cooling when the system is turned off.
- Susceptibility to corrosion and demanding pH of the coolant (maximum permissible value is up to 7.5 units).
Important: When using aluminum radiators, it is strictly forbidden to install fittings made of copper or brass, which are antagonists of this metal. As a result of the resulting reaction, the batteries will begin to corrode from the inside, which will lead to their rapid deterioration.
Bimetallic radiators
Heating devices of this type consist of a steel pipeline and aluminum fins. Bimetal radiators are often used in apartments connected to central heating systems.
Their advantages:
- High heat transfer coefficient of radiators.
- A unique safety margin for radiators guarantees reliable protection against water hammer. (the functional pressure in such a device is 35 atm, the test pressure is up to 52.5 atm).
- Inertness to the coolant composition.
- Quite a long service life (about 20-25 years).
- Ability to work with small volumes of coolant.
Disadvantages of bimetallic radiators:
- Susceptibility to clogging of collectors due to the narrow cross-section of intercollector tubes.
- Sensitivity to an increase in the amount of oxygen in the coolant.
- The cost of radiators is quite high (the price of one section is about 450 rubles).
Radiator selection criteria
To decide which heating radiator to choose for an apartment, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors that have a direct impact on the performance of these devices in the future. This:
- Functional pressure declared by the manufacturer. This indicator must necessarily exceed the operating and test pressure in the system. Example: In old-style houses consisting of five floors, the average operating pressure in the heating system is about 5-8 atm. However, new high-rise buildings are heated under pressure of 10-12 atm.
- Ability of radiators to withstand water hammer. Problems in the heating system may be indicated by clicking and humming noises in the radiators. In this case, it is better to contact your utility service to check the pressure level in the system.
- Resistance to low quality coolant. For apartment buildings, it is better to use batteries with a special protective layer in their inner part. In addition, their walls must be thick enough so that sand particles and pebbles present in the coolant do not rub them during use.
- Heat transfer level. This indicator will determine how quickly and efficiently the radiators used will heat the rooms.
- Design solution. The times of ugly cast iron “monsters” are a thing of the Soviet past. Modern heating radiators are distinguished by their visual appeal and ergonomics. So, when deciding which heating radiators to install at home, choosing the option that best fits into the architecture of any room is not difficult at all.
- Life time. One of the main criteria when choosing radiators.
Calculation of power, number of sections
Before choosing a heating radiator for an apartment, you need to calculate how many sections should be installed in each specific room and determine the power and pressure rating of this device. This is done as follows:
Selecting radiator power
In this case, the following points must be taken into account:
- Type of building (brick or panels).
- The area of the heated room.
- Number of windows.
- Presence of external walls.
- Type of glazing in the apartment (double glazing or wooden windows).
According to the standard, in a room with a ceiling height of 3 m, having one window with a wooden frame and one door, a radiator with a power of 90-125 W per 1 m2 is usually installed.
Useful information: To select a battery of optimal power for a room, for ease of calculation, you need to multiply its area by 100 W.
If there is one window and two external walls, this figure must be increased by 20%.
If there are two windows and two external walls - by 30%.
When the window is located on the north or northeast side: + 10%.
When placing the radiator in a niche: + 5%.
If there is a continuous screen on the battery: + 15%.
Deciding on the number of sections
Average power of a radiator section of various types:
There is another option for calculating how to choose the number of sections of a heating battery so that it is comfortable in a heated room, which is considered more accurate. This calculation is also made taking into account their heat transfer. In this case, the unit of space is not the area of the room, but its “cubic capacity”, that is, the volume of air mass that is to be heated. Each room is calculated separately: first, the power of the heating device is selected, and then the number of its sections is calculated.
Practical example:
Considering that to heat 1 m 3 of air space in a living room, 39-41 W of energy is needed, in order to heat a room with an area of 10 m 2, with a ceiling height of 3.0 m, 1230 W are needed.
Explanation:
- We calculate the cubic capacity: 3 x 10 = 30 m3.
- We determine the energy consumption: 41 x 30 = 1230 W.
Let's agree that each section of a modern heating battery produces approximately 200 W of energy. That is, to calculate the optimal number of sections you need 1230:200 = 6.15 sections. Round up. It turns out that in a room with a cubic capacity of 30 m 3 you need to install a radiator with 7 sections.
Useful information: When installing a battery in a corner-type room, a heat loss coefficient (1.1-1.3) is added to the formula for calculating the number of sections, the value of which must correspond to the climatic zone. The result will be: 1230·1.3:200=7.995. That is, for such a room a radiator of 8 sections is suitable.
Understanding working pressure
When purchasing heating radiators, you need to take into account their operating pressure, which should be higher than the pressure of the heating system at home. This is especially important when conducting hydraulic tests, when the load on the system is especially intense..html
Features of central and autonomous heating systems
To figure out how to choose the right heating batteries for an apartment, it is important to take into account the design features of the central heating system and its differences from the autonomous heating system operating in a private house.
Aluminum With centralized heating, heat from the coolant is supplied through a pipeline to the apartment from an external heat source (boiler house or local thermal power plant).
Advantages of this type of heating system:
- Low cost of installation and maintenance.
- Ability to operate on inexpensive fuel (in boiler houses, coal, gas, wood waste, etc. can be used for this purpose).
- No harmful combustion products during system operation.
Flaws:
- The presence of chemically active impurities in the coolant, leading to corrosion of pipes and radiators.
- The presence of small pebbles and grains of sand in the circulating fluid, which contribute to abrasion of the working elements of the battery.
- Instability of operating temperature (it may fluctuate during the heating season).
- Quite high pressure.
- The possibility of water hammer occurring - powerful pressure surges in the system.
Advantages of an autonomous system:
- Independence.
- Possibility of adjusting heating.
- Possibility of year-round provision of hot water to the house (when using a double-circuit heating boiler).
- Savings in payment.
- Low pressure in the system and absence of water hammer.
- Higher quality coolant compared to a centralized system.
Flaws:
- Difficult to install.
- Additional costs for repairs and maintenance.
- The need to have permits when installing such a system in an urban apartment.
Thus, the main factors based on which we can answer the question of which heating radiators are best for an apartment are the price, power and reliability of these devices, as well as their compliance with the requirements in each specific case. And speaking about which manufacturer of heating radiators is the best, we recommend paying attention to well-established manufacturers such as Sira, Global (Italy), Rifar (Russia).
Therefore, for an apartment in a multi-storey building, it is recommended to choose batteries that can withstand high pressure, water hammer and aggressive coolant - bimetallic radiators meet all these criteria. For old houses with a small number of floors, where the pressure is not so high, cast iron radiators are also suitable.
And for a private home, you can consider the option of installing aluminum batteries, since their cost is quite reasonable, heat transfer is high, the design is modern, plus, they can be used for systems with temperature control.