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If you want to determine which heating battery is best for an apartment, then first of all you should not discount the difference in the source of the coolant, that is, it can be both centralized and autonomous. For the effect of heating the room, there is practically no difference here, but the pressure in the circuit is different, therefore, the source material from which the device is made must be of appropriate strength. But when choosing a radiator made of any metal or alloy, there are also some nuances that will have to be taken into account.

The difference in pressure between centralized and autonomous heating systems

Pressure difference in the system with central heating

In order to choose heating radiators for an apartment in a multi-storey building, you will have to take into account the possible working and pressure pressure in the system. First of all, you should consider the load on the circuits when connected to centralized boilers or CHPs. In this case, we are not interested in static (gauge) or dynamic pressure - we will leave this to the designers.

The pressure in the system is affected by the following factors:

• capacity of equipment (pumps) supplying water to the consumer;
• diameter of risers and deck chairs in the system;
• the height of the apartment in the house (number of storeys);
• wear of the pipeline (the occurrence of emergency situations).

Taking into account all the factors listed above, the working pressure can be:

• 1-5 floor - 2-4 atm;
• 6-9 floor - 5-7 atm;
• 10th floor and above - 12 atm.

To identify defects and prevent breakthroughs from water hammer at startup, pressure testing is used, which exceeds the operating pressure by 0.5-1.5 times, that is, such a check provides for a load of up to 15 atmospheres, which not every radiator can withstand.

In autonomous heating systems, this issue is most often not even considered, since the pressure there does not exceed 1-3 atmospheres, and when this threshold rises, the safety valve is activated on the boiler. There are, of course, some brands of boilers where the heat exchanger can withstand up to 7 atmospheres, but this is already a margin of safety for the unit, and not a circuit need, so the valve will work already at 4 atmospheres or not reaching this mark.

The choice of radiators

All heaters can be divided not only by the source material of manufacture, but also by their design. They are mainly divided into four types:

1. Sectional - they are also called columnar, as the vertically arranged sections resemble columns. Devices of this type are prefabricated structures, therefore, to change the power, you can add or remove the required number of sections.
2. Tubular - are two horizontal pipes Ø50-75 mm, connected by vertical pipes of a smaller diameter. They are used only for central heating.
3. Panel - are made mainly of metal, although there are also concrete options. Power depends on the volume of the tank.
4. Lamellar - designed as an economy option for materials. They are a horizontal pipe with plates welded onto it, which contributes to convection heat transfer.

Heating radiators - which are better

Differences in materials

Consider a number of options, taking into account the source materials. That is, the choice of heating devices depends on these parameters, they may or may not be suitable simply for technical or aesthetic characteristics.

Aluminum heating appliances

Aluminum radiators of different sizes and power

There is a lot of talk about aluminum radiators, as about some kind of know-how or just some kind of superstructure that can provide the most maximum heat transfer and energy savings for the boiler. In fact, this is far from the case, and more precisely, it does not correspond to reality at all. The only truth here is that aluminum has a very good heat dissipation and ... Yes, and that's it! It is in heat transfer that the artificially created hype around aluminum lies, in addition, this metal has more critical flaws.

Firstly, this is a small resistance to pressure and, in order not to go into calculations, let's just say that they are suitable only for autonomous heating, where the operating pressure does not exceed 2-3 atmospheres. In addition, aluminum itself is a rather “delicate” metal and water with its salts and alkalis will destroy it. Therefore, the use of aluminum entirely depends on the quality of the coolant, which is possible only in the private sector or.

More precisely, it is necessary to add preparations such as antifreeze to the water (more on this separately). Not a single centralized boiler house in the world has yet provided the proper conditions for aluminum radiators!

Copper heating appliances

Copper heaters made according to the Buleryan principle

It would be wrong to keep silent about copper heaters made on the principle of a convector or "buleryan" - these are perhaps the best devices, based on the principle of heat transfer, although they are used extremely rarely. Of course, this is not so surprising, since copper is the most expensive of the non-ferrous metals (precious ones are not taken into account). Here, plate radiators and those made according to the “buleryan” principle behave best here, although I did not mention them in the “Choice of Radiators” header, but this is not so important.

Note. Most often, such devices are made in the form of plate structures - they are much cheaper, but less effective. The Buleryan system has the highest heat transfer of all possible at the moment!

Of course, copper is stronger than aluminum and can be used in high-rise buildings, it is very effective, beautiful and convenient, but ... too expensive. Firstly, if you need to find out which heating battery is best for an apartment, then first of all you are interested in heat transfer and pressure resistance, that is, an operational resource. Secondly, you ask how much it costs and the second question will most often be fatal ... You politely refuse and buy another heater, especially since they are more suitable for autonomous heating.

Cast iron radiators

Cast iron radiators are known to all people

Finally, we have reached such familiar and native cast-iron radiators that are familiar to any tenant of an apartment in a multi-storey building, but I want to warn you - do not consider them as "sucks" - this is not just a delusion, but elementary technical illiteracy. First of all, cast iron is one of the metals that are least susceptible to corrosion, and this is very convenient in high-rise buildings, since when draining the coolant, you can not be afraid of rust. In addition, cast iron itself is a weak heat-conducting material, that is, it heats up for a long time, but it cools down for a long time. It was this factor that became the decisive argument when choosing heaters for the apartments of Soviet citizens!

But that's not all - cast iron is able to withstand operating pressures up to 16 MPa (maximum pressing or water hammer), as well as maintain temperature (this has already been mentioned, but this is not superfluous). Perhaps someone will not be satisfied with the appearance of a cast-iron battery, but do not forget that this is one of the most efficient for central heating systems! For autonomous structures, cast iron is unacceptable due to the duration of heating sections.

Steel radiators

Steel panel radiators

First of all, it can be mentioned that the technical characteristics of steel heating appliances are no worse (and even better) than those of cast-iron radiators, but the problem is that ordinary black steel is susceptible to corrosion. It makes no sense to understand the characteristics of materials - this is not the topic, just a steel battery will not last long, although it does not care about any pressure drops. Such devices can be of any configuration listed in the "Selecting Radiators" section.

Note. From personal practice. A steel radiator of 6 sections dripped on the 5th year of operation. The bottom rib rusted - I first sealed it with dry welding, and at the end of the heating season I simply removed it and threw it away.

Bimetal radiators

Bimetal radiators of different sizes

Now let's talk about the best household heating appliances - about, which withstand the highest pressure and temperatures in the heating circuit and at the same time have the highest operational resource. So, the walls of such a device are made of two metals - steel and aluminum, therefore, one element is responsible for the maximum strength of the heater (steel), and the other for the maximum heat transfer efficiency (aluminum). Such a tandem can be called the most successful option of all devices for centralized or autonomous heating systems of radiator circuits.

Features of the choice of radiators

Conclusion

Perhaps you will not dispute the question of which radiators are best for an apartment, if the answer suggests itself - bimetallic. But do not rush to buy and first understand the classification of such devices - research is never superfluous!

An important link in any heating system is a radiator, which is installed in each of the heated rooms. It is this device that is responsible for how comfortable living conditions will be created in your apartment or private house.

Unfortunately, not every sales assistant will provide you with adequate assistance in choosing, so let's understand it sequentially: how to choose the right heating battery so that it warms well, looks beautiful and does not “bite” at a price? So it is not easy to answer this question right away - it is necessary to take into account many nuances. We will tell you how to avoid common mistakes.

Comparative characteristics of heating radiators

In the heating equipment market, heating radiators are represented by products that differ from each other both structurally and in manufacturing materials. When choosing them, you can use the table of comparative characteristics of the most popular heaters. The manufacturer indicates the data for a specific model in the technical data sheet.

Comparative table of modern heating radiators

Very often, when choosing, the main criterion is price and appearance. Undoubtedly, these moments are very important. And yet, they should not be decisive. First of all, you should pay attention to compatibility with the heating system in terms of such parameters as the type of coolant. Equally important is the corrosion resistance and durability of the radiator. In the end, making the right choice will save you money, time and nerves. Next, consider the features of each type.

Aluminum radiators stand out with a stylish, interesting design, and do not require special care during operation.

High heat dissipation is combined with low weight, convenient sectional design and excellent performance. When you consider that these factors are complemented by ease of installation and elegant design, it is not difficult to understand the reasons for the popularity of aluminum alloy products in the arrangement of individual heating systems.

Comparative table of aluminum heating radiators of the most popular brands

When choosing an aluminum radiator, one should not forget that such equipment puts forward higher requirements for the quality of the coolant (water). Water with a high alkali content causes corrosion of the metal, and the chemical reactions that occur during this process lead to gas formation. As a result, the service life of radiators is reduced and the risk of intersections increases. For this reason, cheap Chinese-made products should be abandoned in favor of products from well-known European manufacturers.

The probability of intersectional leaks is actually reduced to zero in the design of aluminum radiators from the STOUT brand. The equipment is manufactured at the Italian plant GLOBAL, the heaters are adapted for the operating conditions in Russia. The working pressure of each radiator is 16 atmospheres, they are suitable for working with antifreeze and have a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. Modern design in the Italian tradition will fit into any interior, and the increased heat radiation area will increase comfort in the room.

According to statistics, aluminum radiators have almost the same service life as steel ones - no more than 25 years, while bimetallic batteries can be operated for 30-35 years, and cast iron products easily survive half a century.

The destruction of aluminum radiators most often occurs due to poor water quality and excess pressure in the system.

Steel radiators

Like other heating equipment with open welds, they require a stable coolant pressure. For this reason, they are most often used for installation in private houses and other buildings with autonomous heating. In this case, a closed heating circuit helps to slow down oxidative processes, moreover, it does not suffer from constant contamination of the coolant with alkali and other aggressive impurities. When using purified water and regularly monitoring the pressure, steel radiators do not require replacement for 20 years or more.

Technical characteristics of steel radiators of well-known European manufacturers

When installing steel radiators in buildings with central heating, one should be aware of the danger of water hammer and the low quality of the coolant. Sudden pressure drops and water with impurities of salts and alkalis reduce battery life by more than half. In this case, you should not count on the service life of the equipment for more than 10 years.

Such deposits in the central heating pipe indicate a strong contamination of the coolant with impurities - in this case it is better not to use steel radiators.

On sale you can find steel radiators of two types:

• tubular,
• panel.

The advantages of the former stem from a simple and reliable design, which resembles a ladder of parallel vertical tubes.

Tubular radiators are experiencing a second youth, being the object of attention of designers and lovers of modern trends in the interior.

Tubular radiators are more resistant to water hammer than panel radiators. Their design allows you to implement any scheme of eyeliner and arbitrary placement in space. In the range of tubular batteries, there are both monolithic and sectional models, from which you can easily assemble a battery of the required power. A simple manufacturing technology is reflected in an affordable price, and the appearance of the radiator from a variety of vertical elements provides a wide field for design research. Unpretentious at first glance, tubular radiators are not so bad in practice, if you write your opinion about it in the comments, we will discuss it with pleasure?

Flat, even surfaces of panel radiators make maintenance much easier. That is why housewives love them so much.

For the manufacture of panel radiators, steel zigzag plates are used, which are welded to each other by spot welding. The cavities formed in this case serve as channels through which the coolant circulates. To increase heat transfer, manufacturers complicate the design by assembling a radiator from three panels. The reverse side of this improvement is the weight of the structure - the weight of multilayer steel heat exchangers is close to cast iron.

For the manufacture of a panel radiator, profiled steel plates are used, the space between which acts as a water circuit of the heat exchanger

As you can see for yourself, such advantages of panel radiators as low price and attractive appearance overshadow the disadvantages in the form of low performance. Most often, these heaters are chosen for undemanding heating systems of the budget category.

The appearance of copper radiators is suitable only for fans of industrial design, so manufacturers complete thermal appliances with decorative screens made of wood and other materials.

A pipe with a diameter of up to 28 mm is complemented by copper or aluminum fins and decorative protection made of solid wood, thermoplastics or composite materials. This option provides efficient heating of the room due to the unique heat transfer of non-ferrous metals. By the way, in terms of thermal conductivity, copper is more than 2 times ahead of aluminum, and steel and cast iron - 5-6 times. With a low inertia, a copper battery provides a quick warm-up of the room and allows the use of temperature control equipment.

In terms of its thermal conductivity, copper is second only to silver, with a significant margin ahead of other metals.

The plasticity inherent in copper, corrosion resistance and the ability to contact polluted coolant without harm make it possible to use copper batteries in apartments in high-rise buildings. It is noteworthy that after 90 hours of operation, the inner surface of the copper radiator is covered with an oxide film, which further protects the heater from interaction with aggressive substances. There is only one disadvantage of copper radiators - the cost is too high.

Comparative table of technical characteristics of copper and copper-aluminum radiators

Plastic radiators

At the moment, heating radiators are made entirely of plastic, a kind of know-how. Including Russian engineers in Skolkovo are also working on this type of heater. Contrary to popular belief, in terms of reliability, plastic radiators are close to metal products, and in terms of such an indicator as corrosion resistance, they are completely unmatched. Thermoplastic products have high mechanical strength, good thermal conductivity and wear resistance. Plastic radiators are not very heavy, so they are easy to transport and install.

For those who doubt the thermophysical properties of plastic, we recommend recalling the contours of water-heated floors made of cross-linked polypropylene. Its thermal conductivity is lower than that of rigid thermoplastics, and yet this does not prevent the use of plastic pipes to build reliable and efficient underfloor heating systems.

Ease of manufacture and, as a result, low cost make thermoplastic batteries an excellent proposition for those who have set themselves the task of saving money. A significant disadvantage of plastic heat exchangers is that they can only be used in systems with a stable pressure of up to 3 atm and a coolant temperature not higher than 80 ° C. For this reason, the promotion of plastic batteries in our market is difficult.

Electric radiators

In addition to the heating devices discussed above, there are others - those that do not require connection to the heating system. You probably already guessed what we are talking about.

Modern electric radiators combine high efficiency, reliability and safety.

Depending on the design, several types of heat exchangers operating from the electrical network can be distinguished:

• oil coolers;
• convectors;
• infrared devices.

The design of the oil cooler most of all resembles a traditional heating battery. Mineral oil is used as a heat carrier, and heating is carried out by a tubular electric heater (TEH). The closed design contributes to the fire safety and mobility of the device, in addition, the oil heater does not burn oxygen and dust. The disadvantages include bulkiness, low efficiency and the possibility of getting burned when touching a metal surface.

Oil radiators differ from traditional radiators in mobility - if necessary, they can be easily moved from place to place

Electric convectors also use heating due to ohmic losses, only their design uses not a liquid, but an air heating element. Due to the closed design, this type of heaters have the same advantages as oil coolers. As for the design, it is optimized in such a way that the device uses convection as efficiently as possible. The disadvantages of the convector include only low mobility - most often such devices are intended for stationary use.

Simple design and heat transfer by convection contribute to the reliability and efficiency of electric convectors

Infrared radiators are the most modern type of heating equipment. Unlike any other equipment, their design is based on the principle of heat transfer by radiation.

The principle of operation of infrared radiators is borrowed from the Sun - it is not the air in the room that heats up, but reflecting objects

By heating not the air, but the surrounding objects, IR heaters are highly efficient and at the same time have the highest efficiency. Only relatively high cost can be attributed to the disadvantages of devices operating similarly to the Sun.

Unlike other radiators, infrared devices work most effectively on the ceiling - in this case, the radiation penetrates into the most remote corners of the room

How to determine the optimal size of the radiator

The dimensions of the radiator affect not only whether the heating device can heat the room to a comfortable temperature, but also the efficiency of the heating system.

When determining the size of the radiator, among other factors, the width of the window opening and the height of the window sill should be taken into account

The dimensions of the battery are directly dependent on its thermal power, so the first step is to calculate the heat loss of the room. To do this, the volume in cubic meters is multiplied by 41 W - the amount of heat required to heat 1 cubic meter. m of a structure located in the middle latitudes. 20% should be added to the desired value - this reserve will not be superfluous when extremely low temperatures occur. Knowing the cost of heat that will be needed to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room, you can choose a monolithic battery of the right size or calculate the number of modular radiator sections. In the latter case, the resulting figure should be divided by the power of one section.

When determining the number of sections of heating radiators, you can use a special table.

For rooms with non-standard ceilings, an oversized heating battery will be required. In this case, a table that takes into account the height of the ceilings will help determine the number of radiator sections.

The table is enlarged on click.

It must be remembered that the radiator installed under the window should cover ¾ of the length of the window opening. In this case, the glasses will not accumulate cold air, and they will not fog up.

For those who do not want to deal with the calculation of power, there is a convenient one on our website. All that is needed in this case is to enter the parameters of the room and the heat transfer of one section of the selected radiator. The program will do all the necessary calculations for you.

Summing up the comparative characteristics of various types of heating devices, we can distinguish the following main points:

1. For a centralized open heating network, present in high-rise buildings, as many years ago, a cast-iron radiator remains the best option. It is resistant to the poor quality water circulating through our pipelines and will last for many years. "Accordion" will withstand pressure drops and water hammer, while effectively heating the air in the room. The low price of this type of heater makes it quite affordable for everyone. However, the high inertness of cast iron will not allow such a radiator to be combined with a thermostat.
2. A good alternative to a cast-iron battery in an apartment building is a bimetallic steel-based battery with aluminum or copper. Steel has sufficient rigidity and corrosion resistance to withstand water hammer and unfavorable chemical composition of water in the central system, while aluminum or copper compensate for steel's less than outstanding heat transfer. However, the high cost does not allow us to say that this will be the best option.
3. For closed heating systems present in private homes, it is usually easier to choose batteries - there is no overpressure in the heating system, and water is being prepared before it enters the pipeline. Therefore, the optimal type of heating device for the home is aluminum. Its price is affordable, the design is good, and the heat dissipation is high. The low inertness of this will allow it to be used in conjunction with a thermoregulation system.
4. A good alternative to aluminum batteries in conditions of autonomous heat supply is steel radiators. Having a lower heat output than aluminum, steel heating appliances have many advantages - light weight, low inertia, nice design, attractive price.
5. Steel and aluminum batteries are produced primed on the inner plane of the heating element to prevent corrosion from the aggressive environment of the coolant. Scale and rust particles present in the coolant of open heating systems lead to mechanical destruction of the primer layer inside the devices, so manufacturers recommend that they be used in closed heating systems of private houses. A good option for open centralized systems can be a copper radiator, but not everyone will be pleased with its cost.

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The quality and efficiency of the heating system affects the creation of a comfortable environment in a residential area. One of the main elements of the heating system is a radiator, which transfers heat from a heated coolant using radiation, convection and thermal conductivity.

They are divided into separate groups depending on the material of manufacture, design, shape, application.

One of the important details that you need to pay attention to when choosing is the material of manufacture. The modern market offers several options: aluminum, cast iron, steel, bimetallic heaters.

Aluminum heat exchangers comprehensively heat the room by thermal radiation and convection, which occurs through the movement of heated air from the lower sections of the heater to the upper ones.

Main characteristics:

• Working pressure from 5 to 16 atmospheres;
• Thermal power of one section - 81–212 W;
• The maximum water heating temperature is 110 degrees;
• The pH of the water is 7–8;
• The service life is 10-15 years.

There are two manufacturing methods:

1. Casting.

At increased pressure, separate sections are made of aluminum with the addition of silicon (no more than 12%), which are fastened into one heater. The number of sections varies, it is possible to attach additional sections to one section.

1. extrusion method.

This method is cheaper than injection molding and involves the manufacture of vertical parts of the battery on an extruder, and the collector is made of silumin (aluminum-silicon alloy). Parts are connected, adding or reducing sections is not possible.

Advantages:

1. High thermal conductivity
2. Light weight, easy installation
3. An increased level of heat transfer, which is facilitated by the design features of the heat exchanger.
4. Modern design that fits into any interior.
5. Due to the reduced volume of coolant in the sections, aluminum units heat up quickly.
6. The design of the battery allows you to build in thermostats, thermal valves, which contribute to economical heat consumption by regulating the heating of the coolant to the required temperature.
7. Easy to install, installation is possible without the involvement of professionals.
8. The outer coating of the battery prevents the formation of peeling paint.
9. Low cost.

Flaws:

1. Sensitive to shock and other physical influences, as well as pressure surges. These batteries are contraindicated for installation in industrial plants due to the high pressure in the heating system.
2. The need to constantly maintain the pH level of the water within the acceptable range.
3. Contaminated coolant - water with solid particles, chemical impurities - damages the inner protective layer of the walls, causing their destruction, corrosion and blockages, which reduces the service life. Filters need to be installed and cleaned.
4. Aluminum reacts with oxygen in water to oxidize, releasing hydrogen. This leads to gas formation in the heating system. To avoid rupture, the installation of an air release device is required, which needs constant maintenance.
5. Joints between sections are susceptible to leakage.
6. Aluminum radiators are not compatible with copper pipes, which are often used in modern heating systems. When they interact, oxidation processes occur.
7. Weak convection.

Characteristics:

• Heat dissipation - 1200–1800 W;
• The indicator of working pressure is from 6 to 15 atmospheres;
• Hot water temperature is 110–120 C.
• Steel thickness - from 1.15 to 1.25 mm.

Advantages:

1. Little inertia. The steel heat exchanger heats up very quickly and begins to give off heat to the room
2. Increased heat transfer by thermal radiation and convection
3. Long service life due to uncomplicated design
4. Ease of installation
5. A light weight
6. Low cost
7. Attractive appearance, original design. Steel are made in various forms, allowing them to be placed vertically, horizontally and at an angle.
8. Compatibility with various materials used as fasteners
9. High level of energy saving
10. Installation of temperature controllers
11. Simple design ensures easy maintenance

Flaws:

1. Low resistance to corrosion. Units made of the thickest steel can withstand a service life of no more than ten years.
2. Do not leave for a long time without water inside, which is not suitable for central heating.
3. Inability to withstand strong water hammer and pressure surges, especially at welds.
4. If the outer coating was initially applied with flaws, over time it will begin to flake off.

Models of steel radiators differ in the type of connection - it can be side or bottom. The bottom connection is considered universal, it is discreet in the interior, but more expensive in cost.

Depending on the number of panels and convectors, or internal sections, there are several types.

Type 10 has one panel without a convector, 11 has one panel and one convector, 21 has two heating panels and one internal section, and so on, types 22, 33 and others are divided by analogy. Three-panel heat exchangers are quite heavy, heat up more slowly and require more complex maintenance.

They are made of several identical sections, cast from cast iron and hermetically connected to each other. When installing such a heater, it is necessary to determine the number of sections, which depends on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, the number of windows, the height of the floor, the angular placement of the apartment.

Characteristics:

• Withstanding pressure 18 atmospheres;
• Hot water temperature - 150 C;
• Power 100–150 W;

Advantages:

1. Corrosion resistant. Cast iron is a wear-resistant material, the quality of the coolant does not affect functionality.
2. Retains heat for a long time after stopping heating.
3. Service life of 30 years or more.
4. Compatibility with other materials.
5. Increased heat transfer due to the vertical arrangement of the internal fins.
6. Heat resistance, strength.
7. Due to the internal diameter and volume of the sections, minimal hydraulic resistance is created and blockages do not occur.

Flaws:

1. Heavy weight, making it difficult to install and move.
2. Slow heating.
3. The impossibility of embedding a temperature controller.
4. Difficulty in care and coloring.
5. The outer coating is not stable, may flake off and peel off. For this reason, it becomes necessary to periodically stain the battery.
6. Unrepresentable appearance.
7. Increased fuel costs due to large internal volume.
8. Cast iron heat exchangers have a porous inner surface that collects dirt on itself, which over time will lead to a deterioration in the heat-conducting qualities of the battery.

This type includes devices with an aluminum case and steel pipes inside. They are most common when installed in residential areas.

Characteristics:

• The indicator of working pressure is from 18 to 40 atmospheres;
• Thermal power - 125–180 W;
• The permissible temperature of the coolant is from 110 to 130 degrees;
• The warranty period is 20 years on average.

Varieties:

1. 100% bimetallic, i.e. the inner core is made of steel, the outer part is made of aluminum. They are stronger.
2. Bimetallic by 50% - only those pipes that reinforce vertical channels consist of steel. At a cost, they are cheaper than the first type, and heat up faster.

Advantages:

1. Long service life without the need for maintenance.
2. Increased level of heat transfer. This is achieved due to the rapid heating of the aluminum panels and the small internal volume of the steel core.
3. Strength, reliability, resistance to mechanical stress and pressure surges.
4. Corrosion resistance due to the use of high-strength steel with a special coating.
5. Light weight, easy installation.
6. Aesthetic appearance that will fit into the interior.

Flaws:

1. Expensive.
2. During the draining of water from the heating system, with simultaneous exposure to air and water, the steel core may corrode. In this case, it is better to use bimetallic models with a copper core and aluminum panels.
3. Aluminum and steel differ in terms of thermal expansion. Therefore, heat transfer instability, characteristic noises and crackling inside the device are possible during the first years of operation.

For proper operation of the bimetal heat exchanger, it is recommended to install an air vent valve and shut-off valves on the inlet and outlet pipes.

By design features are divided into the following types:

1. Sectional
2. Panel
3. Tubular

Devices consisting of sections of the same type, connected together, inside each of which there are from two to four channels through which the coolant moves.

The body with sections is assembled to the required thermal power, length, shape. They are made of various materials - steel, aluminum, cast iron, bimetals.

Advantages:

1. The ability to install additional sections or remove unnecessary ones, depending on the required length of the heat exchanger and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heated room.
2. Increased heat transfer produced by the method of radiation and convection.
3. By increasing the number of sections, the power of the radiator increases.
4. Low cost.
5. Profitability.
6. Installation of temperature controllers.
7. Different center distance allows you to install the heater everywhere.

Flaws:

1. Joints between sections are subject to water leakage, and with a sharp increase in pressure, they can disperse.
2. Difficulties in maintenance associated with the removal of contaminants in the space between sections.
3. The inner surface of the sections has irregularities, which creates blockages.

They consist of two metal shields treated with anti-corrosion protection, fastened together by welding. Inside the panels, a coolant circulates through vertical channels, and ribs are attached to the back side to increase the area of ​​the heated surface in the form of a P.

Panel heat exchangers are divided into one-, two-, and three-row, made of steel.

Advantages:

1. A variety of sizes of panel boards allows you to select for heating in accordance with the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room. Depending on the dimensions, the power increases or decreases. The large surface area of ​​the shields has increased heat dissipation.
2. Due to the low inertia, the battery responds quickly to temperature changes.
3. A light weight.
4. Due to the compact design, the battery can be placed in hard-to-reach places in the room.
5. Low cost.
6. To heat a panel radiator, several times less water is needed than for a sectional one.
7. Aesthetic appearance.
8. Ease of installation due to integral design.

Flaws:

1. Cannot be used in high pressure systems.
2. They need a clean coolant without chemical impurities and dirt.
3. The inability to increase or decrease the size for heating, as is the case with sectional.
4. In case of poor-quality painting with a protective material, corrosion may occur.
5. Sensitivity to water hammer.

They consist of vertical tubes from 1 to 6, connected by a lower and upper manifold. Due to the simple design, unhindered and efficient circulation of the coolant is ensured.

The level of heat transfer depends on the thickness of the tubes and the dimensions of the unit itself, which vary from 30 cm to 3 m. The operating pressure maintained by tubular models is up to 20 atmospheres. Made from steel.

Main advantage- resistance to pressure drops. The rounded edges and the shape of the tubes do not allow dust and other contaminants to accumulate on their surface. The appearance is stylish and modern, the variety of shapes allows you to create a design model for any interior. Strong welded joints exclude water flow.

Flaws: corrosion susceptibility and cost.

Thanks to convection, such radiators thoroughly warm up the air in the room.

When creating comfortable living conditions, attention is paid to details that should harmoniously fit into the design of a residential or public space. Often, when implementing a design project, it is required to organically fit each element into it.

The heater also has a variety of forms that can create the integrity of the interior. These include vertical, flat, mirror, floor, plinth devices made of various materials.

Vertical units have been designed for applications where indoor installation is not possible. It depends both on the interior design and on the dimensions or non-standard shape of the living space.

The vertical heat exchanger can be made part of the interior and not hidden behind decorative elements. The main difference is the dimensions, where the length exceeds the width, and vertical placement on the wall. A device of this type is indispensable in a room with panoramic windows.

Vertical radiators can be of various designs - panel, tubular, sectional, and made of various materials - cast iron, steel, aluminum. According to the method of connection to the heating system, there are lateral, lower and diagonal.

Advantages:

1. A wide range of shapes and sizes, colors.
2. Compactness, which is achieved by reducing the length of the battery along the wall.
3. Decorativeness is also expressed in the invisibility of all its fasteners and connecting elements.
4. Ease of installation, which is achieved due to the low weight and integrity of its design.
5. Large area for increased heat dissipation.
6. Heating speed.
7. Heating does not require a large amount of water, which helps to save.
8. Ease of care.

Flaws:

1. Expensive
2. It is possible that the thermal performance of the heater will drop due to the fact that the air from above will always be warmer than the bottom. In accordance with this, the upper part will give off less heat than the lower one.
3. Uneven distribution of heat over the entire area of ​​​​the room due to the fact that the radiant heat accumulates in the upper part of the room.
4. It is recommended to install a battery with a reducer to normalize the internal pressure.

In other cases, the disadvantages and advantages correspond to those that are characteristic of each type of conventional batteries - sectional, tubular, panel.

Factors affecting work efficiency:

1. One or two pipe connections in the system. The first is less economical in terms of water consumption, but easy to install and does not require unnecessary costs.
2. Type of water supply to the system - top, bottom, side.
3. Method of connection to the heating system. Diagonal connection is considered universal.

The efficiency of heat transfer depends on the correct connection to the heating system. Before installation, it is important to insulate part of the wall to reduce heat loss.

For compact placement and freeing up space, flat models are used.

Characteristics:

• Smooth front panel that does not allow dust to accumulate on it.
• Dimensions - from 30 cm to 3 m.
• A small amount of water is consumed, which makes it easy to regulate using thermostats.
• Bottom and side connection.
• It is used as a decorative element, strict forms or bright colors.

Functioning is similar to panel and sectional ones: a coolant circulates between two metal sheets, if a heating element is laid, an electric flat version is obtained.

Operating pressure up to ten atmospheres, maximum water heating - 110 C. There are single-panel, two-panel and three-panel heaters.

The main advantage is compact size and fast heating. In addition, they are easy to care for, have an attractive and stylish appearance. The decoration of flat heat exchangers allows you to fit into any design of the room, and the mirror surface will replace the mirror. Small installation depth and good thermal radiation.

Among the disadvantages is the impossibility of installation in wet rooms to avoid corrosion, as well as high cost.

Flat and vertical must be equipped with venting devices, since this arrangement causes a difference in internal pressure.

Radiator identical to conventional wall heat exchangers, but mounted on a horizontal surface. It consists of a heat exchanger with a coolant circulating in it, surrounded by aluminum or steel plates and closed from the outside with a metal crate or protective casing.

Equipped with an air vent and connects to pipes of any diameter. The only difference from the wall-mounted options is that the floor radiator is attached to the floor or stands autonomously on it.

Characteristics:

• Indicators of working pressure up to 15 atmospheres;
• The heating temperature of the outer case is up to 60 degrees;
• Heat carrier temperature - 110 C;
• Dimensions in length are up to 2 m, in height on average - 1 m.

They are made of cast iron, aluminum, steel, bimetals. Many of the models are transformed from wall to floor and vice versa, using brackets.

Advantages:

1. Fire - and safety.
2. Uniform space heating.
3. A variety of shapes and sizes to suit the style of the interior and at the request of the buyer.
4. The use of copper in the heat exchanger improves the anti-corrosion properties and increases the service life.
5. Built-in electronic and automated control.
6. Profitability.
7. Installation is possible in any place of the room where a pipe with hot water supply is supplied.
8. Ensuring natural convection.
9. Built-in additional functions heat and purify the surrounding air.
10. A floor heat exchanger is a convenient option in rooms where there is no possibility of installing wall-mounted ones due to weight, or panoramic windows are installed.
11. Compact dimensions.
12. Increased heat dissipation.
13. Resistance to mechanical influences.

Flaws:

1. Installation problems are possible, since the installation of a floor radiator involves the supply of pipes hidden under the floor.
2. The cost with copper pipes and aluminum plates is quite high. Cast iron models are cheaper, but have lower thermal conductivity. Steel floor models have low heat dissipation.

A comfortable atmosphere in the bathroom, lack of dampness, unpleasant odor, maintaining the optimal level of humidity will provide a properly installed radiator.

They are divided according to the method of heating and form:

1. Water, heated by running water

They are connected to the heating system of the house according to the usual wall-mounted method. In addition, it can be equipped with temperature controllers, with the help of which the required surface temperature is set.

It is recommended to use stainless steel, copper or brass as the external coating of the water unit.

1. Electrical

It functions autonomously, a heating element operating from the mains is built in. Ease of installation. It is not able to heat the entire area of ​​the bathroom, so it is advisable to use it in conjunction with other heaters, for example, with a floor heating system. In addition, this type is more expensive to maintain than water.

1. Combined: water and electric.

Able to function from the heating system and from the network. Of the minuses - the cost. There are simple forms and designer ones.

Depending on the material, there are:

1. Cast iron.

Pros: increased heat dissipation, cheap price, good service life.

Cons: unattractive appearance. If there is no protective polymer layer, the outer paintwork will peel off and the battery will lose its appearance.

1. Steel.

Cons: susceptibility to corrosion, the occurrence of leaks over time, which, under strong water pressure, make a breach.

1. Aluminum.

Pros: light weight, compact size, attractive appearance.

Cons: not suitable for a system with central heating, because they do not tolerate water hammer and polluted with sand and chemical impurities, the coolant.

1. Bimetallic.

Pros: service life (up to 20 years), good heat transfer performance, resistance to water hammer and pressure drops.

Cons: cost.

1. infrared.

Pros: convenient mounting anywhere in the bathroom, while maintaining the usable area of ​​the room, the ability to control the temperature, heating objects in the room.

Cons: high cost.

The radiator in the bathroom, regardless of type and shape, can be covered with a decorative panel. So the surface will not be exposed to external influences with a constant amount of radiated heat.

Radiator for an apartment

In apartment buildings, not every unit can be used effectively for many years.

It is necessary to take into account the features of the central heating system:

1. The coolant has contamination in the form of various chemical impurities that can cause corrosion over time.
2. Hard grains of sand and other blockages, over time, act on the walls of the pipes, calling for their abrasion.
3. The temperature of the water changes, as does the level of acidity.
4. Pressure surges cause the divergence of the joints of the welds on the walls.

Selection options:

1. The operating pressure specified by the manufacturer in the unit exceeds the pressure in the heating system.
2. The heating device is resistant to water hammer.
3. The inner surface of the heat exchanger walls must be with a special protective coating that protects against the chemical action of the elements on each other, and the wall thickness must withstand the physical effects of clogging particles from the inside.
4. It is worth choosing with the greatest heat transfer.
5. The duration of the service life.
6. External design.

Options suitable for installation in an apartment:

1. Bimetallic.

They are suitable for all the necessary parameters for installation and long service life in an apartment of a multi-storey building. Withstand hydraulic shocks, the maximum working pressure is up to 50 atmospheres, internal and external treatment with a protective coating keeps the surface from corrosion and wear.

Light weight makes it easy to install, and the appearance is attractive in any interior. The only downside is it's expensive.

1. Cast iron.

Long service life, thick walls, resistance to corrosion, chemically passive material of such heat exchangers creates conditions for use in an apartment. Cast iron retains heat for a long time compared to other materials. Heating by radiation is more efficient than convection.

Good heat dissipation, affordable price, when draining water from the system, the inner surface does not rust. Cons - cast iron may not withstand too large pressure surges, it is heavy and creates inconvenience during installation.

Not suitable for installation in an apartment:

1. Steel.

They do not withstand the pressure typical of a central heating system, despite good heat dissipation and economical use of resources.

1. Aluminum.

Aluminum quickly corrodes in combination with water with chemical impurities and its pH level, and does not withstand strong pressure in the heating system.

Bimetal and cast iron are suitable. If the height of the house is more than five floors, and non-cast iron batteries were originally installed in the apartment, it is recommended to install bimetallic ones.

To choose the right heater for a private house, you need to rely on the following features of an autonomous heating system:

1. Unlike a centralized heating system, an autonomous heating system operates at low pressure and without chemical impurities.
2. No large pressure drops.
3. The acidity level of the water is relatively constant.

Before choosing, it is necessary to make an accurate calculation of the released thermal energy in accordance with the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe premises.

The heat losses of the building must be taken into account in order to correctly select the power. Important factors are its size, as well as the ratio of price and quality.

Peculiarities:

1. Steel.

Sectional and panel types are an affordable option with good heat dissipation and attractive appearance. In a private house with large window openings, it allows you to block the access of cold air from the outside.

Tubular steel are similar in positive characteristics, but the price is higher.

The advantages of steel heat exchangers when used in a private house: light weight, convenient size, long service life, economy and lack of oxidization from low-quality coolant.

Cons: the need for constant filling with water to avoid corrosion, maintenance every three years to prevent blockages inside the battery, as well as sensitivity to mechanical stress.

1. Aluminum.

Due to its high heat output, the aluminum heat exchanger is suitable for independent heating systems. For long life, you need to monitor the pH level of the water.

When choosing this type of radiator, you need to make an accurate calculation of the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, otherwise there is a risk of a temperature difference between the floor and the ceiling. Must be equipped with temperature and pressure sensors and dirt filters.

1. Bimetallic.

Characteristics suitable for use in a private home, but the cost is high. Since an autonomous heating system does not require resistance to powerful pressure surges and an aggressive coolant medium, you can find a profitable option with the parameters necessary for high-quality service.

The cost of a bimetallic radiator will pay off due to the long service life.

1. Cast iron.

Due to the fact that the cast-iron radiator cools slowly, you can save on fuel resources. Increased corrosion resistance and strength in relation to low cost can provide a long service life, which is suitable for heating a private house.

The disadvantage is that periodic maintenance, cleaning, painting, and the need for a strong fastening of the cast-iron battery are required.

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 taken into account that heating in apartment buildings is 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? This will be told by our detailed review, 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 of 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 the 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 less common. 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 to maintain 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 a full-fledged repair of an apartment (sometimes not one’s 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, may not withstand such exposure and burst, pouring hot water into 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 do require the use of thick-walled metal that is 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. Products from German manufacturers have the best quality, 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 of antique cast iron radiators.

Battery design is of the utmost importance. Recently, thin panel and sectional radiators have become the most popular. 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 old cast-iron batteries, this figure is about one and a half times higher, but they are more reliable and durable.

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 for 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 be an excellent solution for private households.

Sometimes it is allowed to use aluminum radiators in low-rise buildings, 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 of high temperatures and have a low weight, and thanks to the presence of effective protection against 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 the many advantages, bimetallic batteries have one drawback - this is a high cost. Therefore, the cost of their acquisition will be quite significant.