What radiators are better to put on heating. A warm house without problems: which radiators are better for heating an apartment. Volume calculation

Not only the efficiency of the heating system, but also its durability depends on the choice of suitable batteries. Therefore, this step is very important, and it is given Special attention. It should also be noted that the heating apartment buildings most often centralized, which means that the batteries will be subject to various hazards, such as water hammer. Which heating radiators are best for an apartment? Our detailed overview, in which we will look at commercially available radiators and find out which ones are suitable for an apartment installation.

Features of centralized heating systems

Scheme central heating in apartment buildings.

Heating a multi-storey building requires the construction of a large boiler room, where a powerful gas boiler is installed. From here, pipes of solid thickness are sent to the house, along which the coolant moves. And the higher multi-storey building, the higher the coolant pressure, since it needs to rise to a great height and pass through hundreds of radiators, overcoming high hydraulic resistance.

As for multi-storey buildings with individual apartment heating, they are much rarer. This is how they build houses with a height of 3-5 floors, where it is more profitable to create several autonomous heating systems than to build and maintain a common boiler room - this requires additional funds and additional human resources for the maintenance of boiler equipment. But the pressure in autonomous systems is much lower - the batteries will be in comparative safety.

As you can already understand, the main enemy of heating batteries in apartment buildings with a centralized heating system is high coolant pressure. Due to it, the batteries often begin to flow, or even burst completely, being subjected to the pressure of water. Subsequent repairs result not only in the replacement of the batteries themselves, but also in full repair apartments (sometimes not their own, but a neighbor's).

It must be remembered that the higher the building, the higher the pressure in the pipes. The highest rate is in modern houses up to 20-26 floors (and above).

Centralized heating systems are fraught with other dangers:

Water hammer instantly increases the pressure in the heating system and not all radiators can withstand it.

• Water hammer - they occur as a result of pressure drops. If the boiler room employees open the coolant supply too abruptly, or shut it off just as abruptly, then the pipes and heating radiators in the houses will undergo a powerful blow. And many radiators, for example, aluminum ones, may not withstand such an impact and burst, flooding hot water rooms and household items;
• The low quality of the coolant is another factor that negatively affects not only pipes, but also radiators. It often contains quite active chemical components that spoil the metal. Also, fine mechanical impurities of various origins affect corrosion - they have an equally negative effect on radiators and pipes;
• Temperature fluctuations - it cannot be said that they have a direct effect on heating equipment, but as the temperature rises, so does the pressure. Therefore, some batteries simply do not withstand and burst, as they are not designed for such temperature loads.

What batteries are better to put in the apartment

We already know what threatens radiators in centralized heating systems. These are high pressure and water hammer - the rest can be neglected (to some extent). How to choose heating radiators for an apartment and what are the requirements for them? Everything is easy and simple here, which will be described below.

Resistant to high pressure and water hammer

The best heating batteries for an apartment are those that can withstand high pressure. The higher the house, the higher the maximum possible pressure in the battery should be. You also need to remember about possible water hammer, so this figure is doubled. Considering that the pressure in the heating systems of high-rise buildings reaches 15-16 atmospheres, then the batteries must withstand a maximum pressure of up to 32 atmospheres.

Corrosion resistance

Many models of radiators are subject to corrosion. Especially dangerous is electrical corrosion, which can occur at the junction of different metals.

Not clean water flows in the pipes of heating systems. There are also quite aggressive components used to clean pipes and radiators from corrosion. Together with rust and scale, aggressive components eat through the metal. And if the same cast iron can still boast of resistance, then aluminum under such influence is subject to destruction. Mechanical impurities and do require the use of thick-walled metal, resistant to mechanical stress.

Design and brand

Which heating batteries are better for an apartment, and which ones are better for a house? In private houses, we are free to use any heating batteries, since there we are independently responsible for the absence of water hammer and for the quality of the coolant. Therefore, there we often use fairly cheap radiators, from which great endurance is not required (especially if an open-type heating system is installed in the house).

When it comes to apartment buildings, look out for the most durable batteries from leading brands. For example, it can be heating radiators from Kermi, Global or Fondital. best quality has products from German manufacturers, but here you need to be prepared for high costs. But such radiators can be used in heating batteries of any type - they are the most reliable and durable.

As for Chinese batteries, there is always a chance of running into trouble. For example, some manufacturers frankly "hack" by reducing the thickness of the metal. As a result, the batteries are thin and flimsy. Therefore, it is best to rely on European brands.

Modern models cast iron radiators made antique.

Battery design is of the utmost importance. Recently, thin panel and sectional radiators. They have an attractive appearance and good efficiency - manufacturers are doing everything possible to combine high build quality, excellent design and high heat dissipation. An interesting fact is that cast iron batteries have begun to appear on the market again, but now they have a rather interesting retro design.

It is cast iron batteries that can withstand almost any trouble that heating systems can create. But this comes at the cost of bulkiness and low efficiency.

High heat dissipation

Since we are talking about efficiency, when choosing radiators, you need to pay attention to heat dissipation. The higher this parameter, the warmer it will be in your apartment at the same coolant temperature. Some models of aluminum and bimetallic heating radiators have a heat output of up to 200 W and more per section. For the old cast iron batteries this figure is about one and a half times higher, but they are more reliable and enduring.

Which radiators to choose for heating an apartment

Which heating radiators are better to choose for your apartment? The choice of consumers are cast-iron radiators, steel, aluminum and bimetallic. Let's try to figure out how they differ from each other and which ones are best suited for an apartment installation.

Cast iron radiators

These are the oldest radiators on the market. heating equipment. They differ in solid dimensions, as they are made of thick cast iron. Such radiators withstand pressure drops, withstand water hammer and high temperatures. They are also able to work with aggressive coolant. Everything would be fine, but they are characterized by low heat dissipation, which makes them somewhat unsuitable for use in cold regions.

Their disadvantages also include:

• Inconvenience in installation - high weight affects;
• Not too attractive external data;
• Not suitable for use in high-rise buildings (above 5-9 floors).

Otherwise, these are good radiators, hardy and strong. Recently, quite modern models have appeared on the market that have acceptable dimensions and a decent appearance. And they can be mounted in low-rise buildings, where they will serve for many years.

Steel radiators

Looking at modern steel panel radiators, you immediately begin to understand that they obviously cannot withstand a lot of pressure. And this is true, because thin metal is used here, which is not distinguished by expressive durability. Steel radiators can be useful for heating small private houses or summer cottages, but they are not suitable for use in high-rise buildings.

The only exceptions are some models of steel radiators, through which relatively thick pipes pass - their endurance is somewhat higher. Often they are called tubular radiators. Today they are found in some houses with a height of 9-16 floors.

Steel radiators are characterized by high heat dissipation and heat the premises well. They are also very light and easy to install. The undoubted advantage is the small internal volume. But all these advantages become useless if you need to install these radiators in an apartment - they will still serve in low-rise buildings (the use of tubular models is required), but in high-rise buildings they will not withstand high pressure.

Aluminum radiators

Modern aluminum radiators are characterized by low weight and high heat dissipation. Yes, aluminum itself is a fairly strong metal. Radiators made of it are ready to withstand the high pressure of the coolant, but there is no resistance to water hammer here. No less negative is the lack of resistance to the effects of the coolant - aggressive impurities literally corrode such radiators, leading to ruptures and leaks.

The appearance of aluminum radiators captivates with its splendor - they are compact and neat, they are easy and pleasant to install, but the lack of resistance to water hammer and corrosion spoils everything. But they can become great solution for private households.

Sometimes it is allowed to use aluminum radiators in low-rise construction, where the coolant pressure is not as high as in high-rise buildings. They are also successfully used in apartments with individual heating.

Bimetal radiators

If you do not know which heating radiators are better to install in an apartment, then we recommend that you turn your attention to bimetallic models. Inside them we will find:

• Steel base - it withstands pressure up to 50 atmospheres and resists corrosion well;
• The aluminum body, not in contact with the coolant, provides simply excellent heat dissipation.

Bimetallic radiators are not afraid of water hammer and high pressure, they are easy to mount and dismantle. Also they are not afraid high temperatures and have a low weight, and due to the presence effective protection from corrosion, they boast a long service life. Exactly bimetal radiators and are the best for installation in apartments, be it a small three-story building or a solid 26-story building.

Despite many advantages, bimetallic batteries There is one downside - it's high cost. Therefore, the cost of their acquisition will be quite significant.

In contact with

Classmates

A radiator - a device, also known as a battery, is an essential part of the heating system of any house or apartment. This device is present in every room and heats it. Everyone would like the chosen battery to work well for a long time and please the eye. However, there are a huge number of models that differ in material, appearance, price, manufacturer, etc. To make it easier for you to navigate in this variety, then we will tell you which heating radiator is better to choose.

Which radiators to choose

To begin with, it is worth understanding which material will be preferable. Now there are several main types of radiators on the market:

Cast iron

Batteries made of cast iron are the cheapest. In addition, they last much longer than others and do not rust. But a number of disadvantages do not allow unequivocal choice of this material: high weight, low heat transfer, the need to regularly repaint the batteries.

Steel

If you are thinking about how to choose heating radiators for a private house, then take a closer look at this type. They fit well into the interior of the rooms, perform the function of heating well and are slightly more expensive than cast iron ones. It is worth remembering only that such batteries are vulnerable to water hammer and oxygen.

Copper

Copper battery is a solid tube large diameter(up to 3 cm), which does not include any other metals. The pipe is complemented by copper fins and a wooden screen for visual appeal. Copper radiators conduct heat better than others, which is associated with natural properties metal. They warm up within a couple of minutes due to the small amount of water in the case and the low inertia. That is why many people prefer copper batteries, since the heating system at home with them will not require such a huge amount of water as, say, with cast iron ones.

Copper is also one of the most resistant metals, because it is not afraid of low temperature water, corrosion, aggressive external influence, etc. Accordingly, to the question of which heating radiators to choose in an apartment located in high-rise building, we can say with confidence that copper ones are 100 percent suitable. A significant plus is also the fact that the copper device itself protects itself from damage to the coolant, because an oxide layer forms inside it after some time of operation.

Aluminum

Batteries made from a metal such as aluminum are among the most popular. Among the advantages of this type can be called light weight, sufficient strength, beautiful design. Due to the fact that the radiator consists of sections, it is possible to choose the optimal number of them necessary for heating a room of one size or another. Such a device can be chosen for installation in an apartment, as well as in a house with an autonomous heating system. Manufacturers produce aluminum radiators designed specifically for each of the two main systems that exist in our country. One type is able to withstand large atmospheric loads, the other, on the contrary, to work at low pressure. But there are also disadvantages: it is aluminum radiators that require more care during operation. However, maintenance of these radiators is easy to implement, using a special valve (or Mayevsky crane).

Bimetallic

So called radiators, consisting of steel pipe and coated with aluminium. The combination of the properties of these two metals provides greater resistance to pressure and water quality. Accordingly, this type is also possible to choose for both apartments and houses. The problem is the high complexity of such a design, which affects the manufacturing process and, as a result, the price of the device.

Which is better to choose a heating radiator: 5 criteria

Criterion No. 1. Type of heating system

This factor is paramount when choosing a battery, because the different level of water pressure in two heating systems leads to the need to choose different types of devices. Russia has centralized and autonomous heating systems. What is the difference?

In a centralized system, the water pressure is quite high and not constant. This is due to the fact that all batteries are connected to the same pipe and turn on one after another. When heating starts centrifugal pump turns on abruptly, which can lead to water hammer and damage to certain material. In general, a centralized system does not spare the devices connected to it. The coolant in it is hard water, which damages metals. In addition, during the absence of heating, metals corrode. To decide which heating radiator is better to choose for an apartment, you first need to look at the pressure level at which one or another type of device will function. For heating apartment buildings, a radiator operating at a pressure of up to 10 atmospheres is needed. It must also be resistant to water hammer and the negative chemical effects of water.

The best choice for a central heating system would be:

The battery is made of cast iron, as it can withstand pressure up to 15 bar, is resistant to pressure surges and does not rust.

• How to choose a steel heating radiator

  Steel radiators are most often used for heating private houses. This is facilitated by the temperature and pressure indicators to which they are adapted. They withstand pressure up to 10 atmospheres and coolant temperature up to 110 degrees.

  Of course, over time, the indicators may increase slightly. You can find out about this in the passport of the particular heating device that you want to choose.

  You can also install a panel-type steel radiator in an apartment building or other room that is connected to a centralized heating system.

  The heating appliances we are talking about are made of high quality sheet steel, which ensures great stability. Inside, the design provides a number of recesses and channels for proper circulation water. Steel plates are used to provide additional air movement.

  Also, in order to choose a heating radiator for a room, you need to know what varieties exist.

  According to the type of connection, steel batteries are divided into two groups:

  Batteries with bottom connection. They are called universal. In addition to such batteries, various thermal heads and valves are made to help adjust the radiator to specific room conditions.

  Side connection radiators.

  By power they can also be divided into groups:

  10 - the first digit indicates the number of panels (in this case - 1), and the second - the fins. This radiator consists only of a heating panel, that is, it has neither a convector nor a grate. Such batteries can be chosen for a nursery or other similar room. They are distinguished by the absence of convection and accumulation of dust.

  11 - has one panel, but in addition to it there is also a fin on the back side. Due to this, this device heats up somewhat faster. Along with this, convection appears, and dust accumulates on the radiator faster.

  20 - a device with two rows of panels, without a convector. The air exits through the grate. Due to the presence of the second panel, the power of such a radiator is much greater than the previous types.

  21 - a battery with two panels and fins between them. From above, such a device, as a rule, is closed by a casing.

  22 - the design of such a battery consists of two steel panels, each of which has a separate convector, as well as a casing on the outside. It is the most popular model.

  30 – a radiator with three internal panels without convectors. There is a grid on top.

  33 – radiator with the highest power rating due to three steel panels. The finning is also triple. From above the radiator is closed by a casing.

  All heating batteries discussed above are of the convector type. This means that they provide heating not only due to the temperature of the radiator itself, but also due to air circulation, which also distributes heat in the room. This greatly improves the efficiency heating appliances compared to those in which heating is not supported by convection.

  In addition, the design of these radiators provides for the presence of holes through which air is sucked in from the room and issued back already heated.

  It is better to choose a steel heater for a private house with an autonomous system. When connected to a central system, it will receive a load that it was not designed for, which will lead to a decrease in the expected service life by almost half.

  It is also worth remembering that panel-type models are not intended for use in heating systems that do not have pumps and operate only due to the natural circulation of the coolant. It is highly likely that in this system the battery will not produce right amount heat.

  What should be considered in order to choose a quality steel radiator?

  Firstly, check whether this model has certificates of quality and conformity. This will protect you from acquiring a fake, which in the future will show a very low quality of space heating.

  Secondly, inspect the device for damage, cracks, etc. The seams should be even, the valves should turn easily.

  How to choose cast iron radiators: pros and cons

  Most of us are accustomed to cast-iron heating radiators since childhood. It was they who were installed in most Russian apartments back in the days of the Soviet Union. Then the decision to mass install cast iron batteries was the only right one, since it is this material that combines high power and affordable price with a fairly long service life. Cast iron without failures heats apartments for several decades. Also, many owners of private houses preferred to choose this material that has been proven over the years.

  Until now, cast-iron heating appliances remain one of the most popular. Even on the Internet, to the question “which heating radiator to choose?” forums often recommend it. It can be assembled from several sections using gasketed nipples to obtain required size. Batteries made of cast iron can withstand pressure up to 10 atmospheres. More modern models with pressure testing have an increased pressure threshold - up to 20 atmospheres. Also, cast-iron heating batteries are able to withstand water temperatures up to 130 degrees. Thus, they get along well with traditional centralized heating systems. The main advantage of cast iron is also called its low price, especially in comparison with the most modern materials.

  Of course, there are cast-iron batteries and disadvantages. First of all, this is the largest weight among all types of radiators. Because of it, difficulties arise with the installation of devices. Externally, all cast-iron radiators also do not look very aesthetically pleasing. However, this can be fixed using grids, however they require extra space. Therefore, the owners small apartments prefer compact batteries with own design. Another disadvantage is the possibility of defective cast radiator design, which in the future will lead to coolant leaks. It can be said that the low cost of a cast iron battery is rarely a factor that can outweigh the significant advantages of devices made from other materials. After all, these advantages relate to the quality of heating, appearance and reliability of the design.

  How to choose a bimetallic heating radiator

  In general, any heating device that is made of two types of metal can be called bimetallic. For example, there are batteries made of copper coated with aluminum. To choose one or another combination of metals manufacturers is prompted by the desire to combine their properties.

  Although this is true, it is still customary to call a certain group of devices bimetallic, which are made of steel and covered with aluminum on the outside. It is this combination that is considered the most successful for the manufacture of a heating device.

  What makes these two metals different?

  The combination of steel and aluminum in the manufacture of a heating battery gives a combination of two remarkable properties:

  Maximum internal strength;

  Good thermal conductivity and uniform heating of the entire radiator.

  Of course, this manufacturing method is more complicated and more expensive than if only one metal is taken for the entire structure. So, one section of a bimetallic radiator can reach a cost of 700 rubles.

  How to choose bimetallic heating radiators for an apartment?

  Now there are several large manufacturers of such devices on the market. The variety often poses a difficult task for buyers, which bimetallic radiators to choose. As a rule, the percentage of defects among the products of different manufacturers is equally small and easily detected during inspection.

  It is worth focusing on two main factors:

  Interaxal distance of the eyeliner.

  Number of sections.

  The center distance for bimetallic heating radiators can vary from 2.5 to 5 cm. Which model should be preferred?

  Let's think logically, based on the properties that distinguish models with a smaller or larger center distance eyeliners.

  If you need to decide which bimetallic radiators to choose for a quick replacement of an old cast-iron battery, then take a similar one with a distance of 5 cm.

  If you want to replace the battery with a more compact one and are ready for the costs of adapting your eyeliner, then choose any model with a small center distance. But do not forget that similar heating requires more such sections.

  How to choose an aluminum heating radiator

  aluminum batteries produced with the addition of silicon to the base metal. This allows them to be made much more durable and resistant to external influences. In order for the inner surface in contact with water not to rust, it is often coated with a polymer. The thickness of such a coating reaches 50 µm.

  In general, models of heating batteries can radically differ from each other in size, design and other properties. The following classifications will help you decide which aluminum heating radiator to choose:

  In general terms:

  Panel, consisting of two plates welded together;

  Tubular, the body of which consists of tubes;

  Cast, made by one-piece casting;

  Extrusion, the design of which includes three elements bolted together. When assembling such models, it is important to take care of the tightness of the joints, for which special silicone gaskets are used.

  By dimensions:

  Radiators standard size 40 by 58 cm.

  Low, the height of which can be up to 15 cm. Such heating devices will come in handy if there is no room for standard ones in the room. In this case, the level of heat transfer can be compensated by increasing the width. The minimum height of a low radiator is 2 cm. Such models are also called skirting boards.

  High. In this case, on the contrary, a small width is compensated by an increase in height up to several meters. Such radiators are suitable for rooms with high ceilings. There they will not take up much living space and at the same time they will warm the air well. Firms produce models of this type in various design solutions, including, for example, towel holders. Thus, they become a beautiful and useful addition to the design of the room.

  If you want to choose such a radiator, then the included thermostatic valve can be an additional plus. A thermostat is attached to such a valve, which allows you to change the temperature in the apartment by adjusting the heating power.

  To choose an aluminum device, you can focus on several objective criteria:

  Manufacturer. Which manufacturer of heating radiators to choose? It can be a European, Russian or Chinese company. Often, the low price pushes the choice of the latter (about 50% lower than the European ones). European models are preferred by wealthy people who are accustomed to focus on quality. However, Russian manufacturers do not always lag behind foreign ones.

  Dimensions. As we have already said, aluminum radiators are up to 5 cm high. Such (standard) radiators can be chosen for an ordinary apartment. They easily fit into their dimensions and give a sufficient amount of heat. Devices with a lower height are made for apartments with non-standard windows, under which a conventional radiator simply does not fit.

  Heat dissipation. Each radiator model may have a different level of heat transfer from the standard. Speaking of appliances standard height, then German radiators have the highest heat transfer. Chinese and Russian manufacturers follow.

  Price. Depending on which company to choose an apartment heating radiator, what will be its heat output and size, as a result, you can get a completely different cost.

  Here are some useful tips on how to determine the quality of a particular model by appearance and other understandable factors:

  First- pay attention to how much the radiator weighs. Divide its weight by the number of sections. Each of them must have a weight of at least 1 kg. Less weight (for Chinese firms, it can drop to 650 g per section) a priori means poor quality. Experts recommend avoiding such devices.

  Second- try bending the radiator fins with your hands. If you choose a quality model, then the shape will never change under such a weak influence. Accordingly, the quality of the material, which is easily bent, leaves much to be desired. These batteries are also not worth taking if you do not want to run into the problem of constant leakage.

  Why AQUALINK radiators are popular

  AQUALINK® radiators can operate both with autonomous and centralized heating systems. Aluminum batteries, like bimetallic ones, have a number of features that adapt them to the specifics of Russian heating systems. The undoubted advantages of this brand include also a large heat transfer and low inertia. The combination of these qualities ensures that the AQUALINK® battery will quickly heat up the room to the desired temperature. The number of sections can vary from 4 to 12, so that you can choose the size of the radiator for any room. If you are still not sure which company to choose a heating radiator for an apartment, then take a closer look at AQUALINK®, a brand that, among other things, has a quality certificate in the GOST R system.

  The last thing I would like to say is that now you can easily choose a radiator on the Internet. On the websites of manufacturers, you can view the models, get acquainted with their characteristics and order the delivery of the selected radiator directly to your home. A good online store of heating equipment has online consultants who will help you make the right choice and provide certificates of conformity. The SantekhStandard company will help you decide on the choice of equipment and place an order. All you need to do is call:

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, under which heating system the batteries are intended. 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 from different materials which 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 material of manufacture determines the quality parameters of the batteries. The working pressure of radiators is a key criterion that is paid attention to when choosing.

Among the main indicators:

• heat capacity;
• heat transfer coefficient;
• period of operation;
• resistance to mechanical stress.

Among the entire range, as always, there are bestsellers and outsiders. The combination of quality characteristics and cost determines the popularity of one or another 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 a high quality of the coolant, so it is better to refuse 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 conditionally divided into two large groups- sectional and panel. The first option allows you to adjust the number of sections. The second group is divided into tubular and panel heaters.

When choosing a shape, preference is given to streamlined models. Sharp corners are especially avoided if children live in the apartment. The connection method also matters. common system heating. There are bottom, side and universal connections. Usually modern radiators provide an opportunity to choose any connection method.

Traditionally, heating radiators are chosen in white. But this element of the interior can be made accented if you choose a non-standard bright model. From the point of view of operation, black batteries are the most profitable, 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 the production. No formaldehyde on internal elements and a surface with high-quality polymer coating - the best option for installation in an apartment.

A detailed description of each type will help you understand your 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 did not change its characteristics, retaining all the advantages and disadvantages of the material.

Consider the advantages of cast-iron batteries, for which the builders of Soviet apartments loved them so much:

• Durability. Cast iron radiators can serve for 40 years without repairing breakdowns. Batteries from other materials cannot boast of such indicators.
• Reliability. Cast iron batteries withstand an operating 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 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 a low-quality coolant saturated with impurities.
• Standard cast iron radiators are inexpensive and available to a wide range of consumers. Sky-high cost meets on designer models, where the price of one battery reaches 1000 euros, and taking into account the valves, all 1250 euros.

Good performance characteristics of cast iron radiators are accompanied by a number of disadvantages:

• big weight;
• prolonged heating of the metal;
• uninteresting appearance.

Comment! Big weight 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. Quality, proven for decades, used to be trusted. And the standard configuration has been replaced by new stylish models that do not spoil the interior of the apartment. Surface coating in 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 build up radiators. Their number is determined taking into account the following factors:

• area of ​​the apartment;
• quantity and size window openings;
• Number of doors;
• climatic zone of the region.

Comparative characteristics of cast iron batteries are shown 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 regime is offset by the feature of the material to cool slowly.

Aluminum products

The theme of which heating radiators are better for an apartment 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 inherently thin and therefore susceptible to corrosion. Due to the poor quality of water in the heating system, after 6-7 years there is a possibility of failure of the radiator. Where there is no problem of impurities in the coolant, aluminum heating appliances will become a worthy element of the interior of the apartment.

What is useful to know if the choice fell on the installation of aluminum heating radiators in the apartment:

• The service life, subject to filling with high-quality coolant, is 20-25 years. The pH level of water should not exceed 5-6 units.
• The operating pressure declared by the manufacturer is 15-20 atm, although in practice the indicator is usually limited to 12 atm.
• conical shut-off valves - optimal choice when installing aluminum heating radiators in an apartment. Attention! Copper, steel and brass fittings are not suitable for mounting 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 is 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 is characterized by the lowest inertia, so the batteries have a high heat output, which varies between 200-210 W per 1 section.
• One section contains 0.4-0.45 liters of water. Habitual working temperature for radiators is located in the range of 70-80 ° C, the maximum limit is 90 ° C.
• A wide range of radiators is represented by models with a height of 25, 35 and 50 cm. If desired, you can order specimens with a height of 70 and 80 cm.

The production of aluminum radiators is carried out in two ways: extrusion and casting. The choice of technology significantly affects the quality characteristics of radiators.

Budget copies are made by extrusion. Based on recycled aluminum alloy and silicon additives. The presence of additional impurities worsens the characteristics of heating radiators. The material becomes more brittle and susceptible to corrosion damage.

Casting provides each section of the aluminum battery with perfect tightness. The working pressure of such products is higher. The smooth surface of the heater makes it easy to clean.

When conducting a comparative characteristic of the quality of heating radiators, specimens with an anodized coating are in the lead. The oxidized anode helps to increase the resistance of products to corrosion processes, so low-quality coolant does not pose a threat to them. In this case, the working pressure rises to 20-25 atm. Externally, anode heating radiators are no different from ordinary products made by casting, but their cost is incomparably higher. Evidence of special coverage is a certificate of quality and a passport. It is better to purchase such batteries for arranging heating in an apartment at proven points of sale.

Comparative characteristics of aluminum heating radiators from various manufacturers are shown in the table:

Varieties of steel radiators

Production of steel radiators is established from low-carbon steel. The special enamel creates a good surface protective layer, preventing damage under aggressive mechanical and chemical influences.

Advice! When buying, pay attention to the uniformity of applying a protective layer of paint. Poorly treated areas are susceptible to corrosion.

The choice of the consumer is offered tubular and panel models of steel radiators.

Panel

The heating device consists of two ribbed plates made by casting. There is a sealed circuit inside. The movement of the coolant goes along the contour, providing heating in the apartment. The ribbed surface of the radiator panels contributes to efficient heat transfer. The thermal conductivity of steel is equivalent to cast iron, but due to the thin walls of the batteries, warming up lasts less time.

The main characteristics of steel panel batteries:

Type 10 is characterized by maximum simplicity. But the efficiency of its heat transfer 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 how to choose a radiator, they do not bypass the type of connection. Steel appliances have a side or bottom option.

With many advantages panel radiators heating from steel, there are certain negative points:

• It is better not to install small-sized structures in an apartment with autonomous heating. A small amount of coolant provokes frequent shutdowns of the boiler, which will increase energy consumption. With central heating, the dimensions of the batteries special significance Dont Have.
• If the inner surface of the radiators does not have a protective layer, there is a risk of corrosion due to damage by abrasive particles that are in a low-quality coolant.

Installing a panel radiator with a bottom connection for heating an apartment shows a photo:

Tubular

The design consists of several pipes hermetically connected to each other by welding. Unlike cast iron radiators, steel tubular models cannot be extended or removed individual sections. The operating pressure of the batteries is only 8-10 atm., Therefore, it is better to equip the heating device with a reducer that smooths 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 choose a product that best matches the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe 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 need for power of heating radiators.

Numerous advantages of steel batteries are accompanied by an acceptable cost of products. Transportation and installation is not difficult. Low requirements for the coolant allow you to install in an apartment with central heating.

To understand which radiator is better to install in your own apartment, a comparative table of models of famous brands will help:

Bimetallic specimens

Bimetallic radiators are considered a practical symbiosis of steel and aluminum heating devices. Combining the advantages of two materials, they are great for heating an apartment with central heating. The only obstacle may be the high cost of products.

A prominent representative of functional heating devices are models of the Stoup brand. The main performance characteristics of radiators:

• working pressure reaches 100 atmospheres;
• withstand coolant temperature up to 135оС;
• the manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty;
• models include batteries with the number of sections from 4 to 14, which allows you to choose the best option for an apartment of any size.

The production of radiators is carried out from steel and aluminum with the addition of silicon compounds, which improves the technical properties of heating devices. Internal organization The design is shown in the photo below:

Comment! In some models, the steel core is replaced by 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 apartment heating:

• Ribbed panels increase heat transfer efficiency.
• The low weight facilitates the installation procedure.
• The smooth surface is easy to clean, dust practically does not accumulate on it.
• The inner protective layer prevents damage by abrasive particles of the coolant 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 a comparative characteristic individual models bimetallic radiators:

copper batteries

The high cost of copper radiators is the main reason for the low demand for such heating devices for an apartment. The technical characteristics of the products are not inferior to bimetallic and aluminum batteries. Among the undeniable advantages of copper models:

• The efficiency exceeds that of cast-iron batteries by 5 times. Rapid heating takes place with minimal energy consumption.
• High strength. Working pressure reaches 20-25 atmospheres. This indicator is always important for apartments with a central heating system.
• Ideal for regions with a harsh climate, withstands coolant temperatures up to 140 ° C.
• The 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 points are the need to connect to 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 appliances are in the lead among competitors due to their high technical characteristics combined with affordable prices. The choice of batteries is based on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe apartment. What matters is the working pressure that the device is able to withstand and its resistance to negative impact factors.

Everyone who is dissatisfied with the heating in their own home has a reasonable question: how will the replacement of batteries affect the temperature regime? If you live in an old house housing stock, then the replacement of heating devices can radically change the situation. You just need to decide correctly for the apartment and by what criteria it is worth choosing them. This will be discussed in our material.

Is it worth giving up central heating and which radiator is better to choose for heating an apartment

Before talking about how to choose radiators for heating an apartment, let's deal with the main point: which is better, central or heating?

The question is not idle. These systems have different modes of operation and specific operating conditions. The type of heating devices depends on what choice you make.

There were no options before. Apartment buildings have always had centralized heating. It is in modern new buildings that almost all developers offer individual system, running or .

Let's compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems:

Now that you have an idea about weak points both heating systems, you can think about how to choose heating batteries in an apartment.

There is a practice-tested list of the main criteria for heating batteries-radiators. How to choose appliances:

1. Pay attention to the operating pressure specified by the manufacturer in technical passport products. Compare it to your centralized or standalone system. For information: in a standard five-story building, the average pressure is 6-8 atmospheres, in houses on 9-12 floors - up to 15 atmospheres.
2. It is important to select devices that are resistant to possible water hammer. A harbinger of an accident can be a buzz and noise in the pipes.
3. The material of radiators must be resistant to chemical attack, rust and mechanical damage.
4. The model of the heater should be selected according to the maximum coefficient. It is listed in the technical documentation.
5. Radiators differ in service life. If you do not want to spend money on replacing batteries once again, choose those. Which have a maximum warranty period.
6. And the last but not least factor is the appearance. Select fixtures to suit your window size and placement.

Types of heating radiators for an apartment and their features

Each type of heating batteries in the apartment has its own characteristics. They differ in material, design specifics and allowed pressure.

Table of main parameters:

These four main types of radiators are most in demand in apartment buildings. Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cast iron: weighty and for centuries

Cast iron batteries are at least one hundred and fifty years old, and rare exhibits can still be used for their intended purpose today.

Advantages of cast iron radiators:

Cast iron models also have their drawbacks, which you should be aware of before making a choice:

Opponents of cast iron batteries may argue that this is not the most aesthetically pleasing device. And by the way, they will be completely wrong, look at what masterpieces modern manufacturers offer, can you compare them with primitive radiators made of aluminum and steel?

Steel: attractive but unreliable

Now you can buy steel heating radiators in almost every store household appliances. And more recently, they were new to most buyers and, with the appearance on the shelves, they began to enjoy wild popularity. It is understandable: such batteries look weightless and neat, not like the old cast-iron monsters that were in Soviet apartments.

The main advantages of steel batteries:

Steel batteries cannot be built up like cast iron ones. And this is not the only drawback of such devices:

Given all the disadvantages listed, we can conclude that steel radiators are not suitable for central heating systems. They can only be used for autonomous heating in an apartment or a private house with a couple of floors.

Aluminum: a revolution in heating

Weightless aluminum batteries have excellent performance. They appeared relatively recently, in the sixties of the last century, and over the years they have proven themselves well. Before you decide which aluminum radiator to choose, study the characteristics of the models different manufacturers. They may differ in terms of heat transfer.

Average heat transfer rates of aluminum radiators, table:

Returning to the issue of using different types of batteries in apartments with autonomous and centralized heating, it should be noted that aluminum heating radiators are not the last in the rating. They have their own advantages:

At the same time, there is a fly in the ointment in this barrel of honey, which will not allow the use of aluminum appliances for central heating systems. So, disadvantages:

There is only one conclusion from all this information: aluminum is an excellent material, but it is only suitable for an autonomous heating system. It is not suitable for the central one.

Bimetallic batteries: a compromise option

Such radiators are called bimetallic because of the special design, consisting of tubular steel and aluminum. The combination of these two metals allows you to create devices that compete with the strength and reliability of cast iron. This invention is already more than 60 years old, this time is quite enough to determine the operational features of the device. The main characteristics of heat transfer of bimetallic heating radiators, table:

- These are monolithic panels without welded joints. And if there is no welding, then there will be no leakage.

Advantages of bimetallic radiators:

It would seem that this is a simple answer to the question of which heating batteries are better for an apartment: bimetallic ones. Everything about them is wonderful, but there are a couple of significant drawbacks:

Thus, bimetallic devices are excellent for central heating systems. They are exemplary modern technologies and high efficiency.

Related article:

From the publication you will learn the scope of devices, their design, varieties, selection criteria, how to correctly calculate the number of sections, manufacturers and models, installation secrets.

How to determine the number of radiators for an apartment

To calculate the number of sections of heating radiators, you will need to know two basic quantities:

• heat loss of the room (depending on the region, building materials used and the size of windows and doors);
• power of one section of the radiator (indicated in the technical characteristics of the product).

For your information! The data sheet of the radiator usually indicates the maximum heat transfer of the device.

The easiest way is to calculate the number of battery sections by. To do this, multiply the height, width and length of the room. The resulting value is the area. To determine the amount of heat for space heating, you need to multiply the result by the regional norm. For central Russia, this is 80 W, for the north - 150, for the south - 60.

But this will be only an approximate calculation, without taking into account the material of the walls. The resulting heat demand should be divided by the heat output of one section of the battery. As a result, you will get the required number of sections. For the calculation, a heat transfer table of heating radiators with average indicators is useful:

Can go even more simple way. Just take into account that one cast iron section heats 1.5 square meters, aluminum - 2, bimetallic - 1.8. If you have a room, say, 15 squares, then conclude: you need 10 sections of a cast-iron appliance, 8 - aluminum and bimetallic.

But this, we recall, is just an approximate calculation.

Important! When choosing radiators, be sure to consider the pressure level in the central heating batteries.

What are the best batteries for heating an apartment: prices and a dozen top manufacturers

Presented on the domestic market a wide range of modern heating batteries for an apartment from a variety of manufacturers. We have selected for you the top three manufacturers in each segment. So, the rating of heating radiators for an apartment:

Aluminum radiators:

• Global Radiators is an Italian company that occupies a leading position in Europe in sales of aluminum heating appliances. Global Radiatori products are adapted to Russian operating conditions and have a guarantee of up to 10 years. The cost of radiators - from 480 rubles per section

• Sira Industry- Another one Italian manufacturer, who stood at the origins of the production of aluminum radiators. This company offers customers a wide range of models and budget models available to most buyers. Price per section - from 450 rubles

• Nami- the products of this Hungarian company stand out for their special resistance to adverse operating conditions, and this is important for us. Nami appliances are coated on the inside special composition protecting metal from corrosion and chemical reactions. Section price - from 299 rubles

Bimetal radiators:

• Radena– and again Italy tops the list of the best. In addition to the fact that the batteries of this manufacturer are suitable for Russian conditions operation, they are distinguished by a graceful exterior design suitable for any interior. Section price - from 548 rubles

• Rifar- domestic products are famous for their excellent heat dissipation and the ability to bottom connection pipes. This connection looks much neater. Batteries will last at least a quarter of a century, and the cost of one section is from 500 rubles

• Oasis– a combination of German quality and affordable prices make the products of this company very popular in Russia. Batteries can withstand a pressure of 30 atmospheres, so they can be installed in houses with central heating. Section price - from 1000 rubles

Cast iron radiators:

• Konner – Russian company offers exceptionally reliable batteries built to the latest technologies. Decent quality products have been confirmed by numerous international awards. Designers of the company offer models for every taste. Section price - from 790 rubles

• Guratec The retro design of these German radiators will appeal to lovers of antiquity. These are real masterpieces that will decorate your apartment and serve faithfully and faithfully for decades. Section price - from 6000 rubles

• Demir Dokum- The Turkish manufacturer has extensive experience in the manufacture of such products. It offers six product lines for different interiors. The appearance and quality of the radiators deserve the highest praise. Section price - from 1250 rubles

Steel radiators:

• Buderus– the oldest German company has more than 250 years of history. Today it also produces steel batteries with stylish design and excellent operational characteristics. Section price - from 1100 rubles

• Kermi- Another German manufacturer with extensive experience. Batteries are manufactured only in Germany using the latest equipment. All products comply with strict European quality standards. Section price - from 1050 rubles

• Korado– a young Czech company quickly ascended the podium thanks to high quality products. The firm's designers offer customers a rich color scheme and refined appearance of heating devices. Section price - from 1030 rubles

It is up to you to decide which heating radiators to install in an apartment, but if you choose the products of one of the listed companies, you will definitely not lose.

Results

Choice suitable radiators is not such an easy task as it seems at first glance. Consider the type of heating system, specifications products and space requirements.

For stand-alone systems, aluminum appliances are an excellent choice, light and elegant. Steel is not the best choice, but if you decide to buy steel radiators, look for products from reputable manufacturers.

In conclusion, we offer you a short video on the topic. Don't forget to share your comments and tips!

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