How to choose heating radiators: types and characteristics

The best steel radiators for heating

Kermi FTV(FKV) 22 400

The German-made Kermi radiator is made of high-quality sheet steel. Panel structure, with a smooth surface and powder varnish coating. The coloring composition is environmentally friendly. The design of 2 panels is designed for heating a room of 6.4 m2.

Model Features:

• installation - wall;
• connection type - lower;
• heat transfer level - 642 W;
• working/pressure pressure — 10/13 atm.

Advantages:

• quality manufacturing;
• beautiful view;
• fast heating.

Minus: the need for self-configuration of the mounted valve insert, since the manufacturer sets the economy mode. In severe cold it is not enough. There is no instruction in the kit where this algorithm would be described.

KZTO Harmony 1-500

Wall-mounted tubular construction with side connection capable of withstanding temperatures up to 130 degrees and working pressure up to 15 atm. The capacity of a 10-section battery is 3.6 liters, weight is 21 kg. Water circulation occurs both in sections and in horizontal collectors.

Advantages:

• low price;
• heating efficiency;
• unusual appearance.

Arbonia 2180

Arbonia 2180 steel radiators with side connection can be installed both in administrative and residential buildings. The battery is a columnar structure with a height of 1800 mm. 45 mm sections are interconnected by welding in the collector part. A coloring coating is applied to the outer surface.

Advantages:

• nice look;
• safety for animals and children;
• The battery does not dry out the air.

Cons: high cost.

Buderus Logatrend VK-Profil 22 300

The wall-mounted panel radiator with a bottom connection helps to create a cozy microclimate in the room in the shortest period of time. The scope of the heater is 1- and 2-pipe water heating systems in residential and office buildings, both one- and multi-storey. The model features an attractive design and economy. The innovative valve allows you to save thermal energy by 5% better when compared with analogues. External anti-corrosion treatment is carried out in 4 stages.The design can withstand temperatures up to 120 degrees, the maximum pressure is 10 atm. Capacity 1.68 l. The heat transfer index is 476 W.

Advantages:

• use of new welding technology;
• efficiency (as part of the design - a built-in thermostatic valve);
• reversibility (the ability to mount the battery on either side);
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• durable paintwork;
• safe design.

Axis Classic 22 500

Device intended for use in closed water heating systems. The panel construction is made of 1.2 mm steel. Side liner. The connection can be right or left. The battery is used for heating buildings for various purposes, including medical facilities.

Main parameters:

• operating temperature - up to 120 degrees;
• working pressure - up to 10 atm.;
• standard equipment - 2 panels with mounting kit.

Advantages:

• versatility, the ability to use in residential and public buildings for various purposes;
• adaptation to the operating conditions of Russia (steel sheet thickness 1.2 mm, European version - 1.1 mm);
• the possibility of left and right connection;
• the possibility of using antifreeze;
• design safety.

Buying Batteries

When all the parameters have been studied, and the best heating batteries for the apartment have been selected, all that remains is to purchase them. In the case of an autonomous heating system, there will be no problems at all - you can just go to the store with your own calculations and buy the most suitable appliances.

Before choosing radiators, it is advisable for owners of apartments in multi-storey buildings to go to the local heating network authorities and ask what the operating pressure is in the centralized heating system.It is necessary to select heating radiators for central heating with a small margin of pressure so that the system can withstand its fluctuations, in particular, seasonal ones - centralized heating is tested every year under a pressure increased by 1.5 times.

Conclusion

This article answers in detail the question of which batteries are best to buy for the greatest heating efficiency. It is enough to study all types of heating devices, their parameters and factors influencing the choice. Properly selected radiators will work without the slightest complaint throughout the entire period of operation.

Which heating radiators are better to buy

Before buying, you should determine the thermal output of the battery for each room. The required indicator depends on the characteristics of a particular room, including the size, number of external walls, house construction materials and window features.

With good insulation, one section with a power of about 120 watts is usually enough to heat an area of ​​​​1.5-2 m².

An equally important characteristic of batteries is the operating pressure. The recommended indicator should be at least 1.5 times higher than the value noted in the heating system

In standard five-story apartment buildings, the central heating pressure is about 6-8 atmospheres.

The battery package should include all the elements necessary for installation: plugs, fittings, taps, sealants and fasteners. Missing will have to be purchased separately.

Radiators made of metals that are not resistant to corrosion (steel, cast iron) require special treatment both inside and out.The decorative coating of the batteries must also meet the requirements of heat resistance - otherwise it will quickly turn yellow, or even crack.

As a conclusion

Comparison of different heating appliances

It should be noted that any of the described types of batteries can be used for residential heating systems. Although the purchase of bimetallic devices is often impractical, because their advantages are almost the same as those of aluminum, and the cost is several times higher. Therefore, it is better that they continue to remain in industrial and public facilities.

Calculation of heating power

It is undesirable to install aluminum appliances in apartments due to pressure drops in the system that negatively affect the metal. The optimal and proven option for apartments for years is cast-iron batteries. One way or another, you need to focus on financial capabilities and personal wishes.

Standard calculation of heating radiators

For those who do not want to dive into independent calculations, we recommend using a special calculator for calculations, which takes into account almost all the nuances that affect the efficiency of space heating:

Heating radiators

Bimetallic heating radiators which is better selection instructions

The first heating radiators made from two metals (bimetallic) appeared in Europe more than sixty years ago. Such radiators quite coped with the assigned function of maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room during the cold season.At present, the production of bimetallic radiators has been resumed in Russia, while the European market, in turn, is dominated by various aluminum alloy radiators.

Bimetal heating radiators which are better

Bimetallic radiators are a frame made of steel or copper hollow pipes (horizontal and vertical), inside which the coolant circulates. Outside, aluminum radiator plates are attached to the pipes. They are attached by spot welding or special injection molding. Each section of the radiator is connected to the other by steel nipples with heat-resistant (up to two hundred degrees) rubber gaskets.

The design of the bimetallic radiator

In Russian city apartments with centralized heating, radiators of this type perfectly withstand pressures up to 25 atmospheres (when pressure tested up to 37 atmospheres) and, due to their high heat transfer, perform their function much better than their cast-iron predecessors.

Radiator - photo

Externally, it is quite difficult to distinguish bimetallic and aluminum radiators. You can verify the correct choice only by comparing the weight of these radiators. Bimetallic because of the steel core will be heavier than its aluminum counterpart by about 60% and you will make an error-free purchase.

The device of a bimetallic radiator from the inside

The positive aspects of using bimetallic radiators

• Bimetal panel-type radiators fit perfectly into the design of any interior (residential buildings, offices, etc.), without taking up much space. The front side of the radiator can be one or both, the size and color scheme of the sections are varied (self-coloring is allowed).The absence of sharp corners and too hot panels makes aluminum radiators suitable even for children's rooms. In addition, there are models on the market that are installed vertically without the use of brackets due to the additionally present stiffeners.
• The service life of radiators made of an alloy of two metals reaches 25 years.
• Bimetal is suitable for all heating systems, including central heating. As you know, low-quality coolant in municipal heating systems adversely affects radiators, reducing their service life, however, bimetal radiators are not afraid of high acidity and poor quality of coolants due to the high corrosion resistance of steel.
• Bimetallic radiators are the standard of strength and reliability. Even if the pressure in the system reaches 35-37 atmospheres, this will not damage the batteries.
• High heat transfer is one of the main advantages of bimetal radiators.
• The regulation of the heating temperature using a thermostat occurs almost instantly due to the small cross section of the channels in the radiator. The same factor allows you to halve the amount of coolant used.
• Even if it becomes necessary to repair one of the radiator sections, thanks to the well-thought-out design of the nipples, the work will take a minimum of time and effort.
• The number of radiator sections needed to heat a room can be easily calculated mathematically. This eliminates unnecessary financial costs for the purchase, installation and operation of radiators.

The negative aspects of using bimetallic radiators

• As mentioned above, bimetallic radiators are suitable for operation with a low-quality coolant, but the latter significantly reduces the life of the radiator.
• The main disadvantage of a bimetallic battery is the different expansion coefficient for aluminum alloy and steel. After prolonged use, creaking and a decrease in the strength and durability of the radiator may occur.
• When operating radiators with low-quality coolant, steel pipes may quickly become clogged, corrosion may occur, and heat transfer may decrease.
• The contested disadvantage is the cost of bimetal radiators. It is higher than that of cast iron, steel and aluminum radiators, but considering all the advantages, the price is fully justified.

The best cast iron radiators

Models of this type are characterized by massiveness and high inertia. They are not affected by corrosion and do not require the use of a large amount of coolant for space heating.

RETROstyle Windsor

5

★★★★★
editorial score

100%
buyers recommend this product

Very beautiful batteries made by artistic casting. The kit includes cast-iron plugs and adapters for easy self-assembly and quick integration into systems with various connection schemes.

A primer is used as a protective and preparatory coating, on top of it - matte paint. The maximum wall thickness can reach 8 mm, which guarantees resistance to sharp impacts. For additional strengthening of a design stiffening ribs are provided.

Advantages:

• very long service life;
• attractive appearance;
• rich equipment, facilitating installation.

Flaws:

high price.

RETROstyle Windsor are suitable for installation in Art Deco, Rococo or Baroque environments. A stylish choice to complement a luxurious interior.

GuRaTec Apollo

5

★★★★★
editorial score

100%
buyers recommend this product

Batteries with four connection holes allow you to implement any wiring scheme. Before applying the decorative coating, even at the factory, the radiators are heated in an oven to displace excess moisture, and then primed. Painting with varnish is carried out by powder spraying in an electrostatic field.

Batteries are not afraid of contact with aggressive media, therefore they allow the use of not only water as a coolant. If it is necessary to fully match the design of the equipment with the retro style of the room, the radiators can be equipped with Carlo Poletti installation kits.

Advantages:

• long service life;
• high-quality coloring;
• connection according to any scheme.

Flaws:

high price.

GuRaTec Apollo are recommended for floor installation. Such radiators will appeal to lovers of old interiors and vintage.

Konner Modern

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

94%
buyers recommend this product

Modern radiators retain heat in the room for a long time even when the heating system is turned off. The cast iron used in their production is not afraid of difficult operating conditions, so the equipment will last at least 50 years.

Batteries Konner are able to work with any coolant. The number of sections can be changed depending on the characteristics of the room. Radiators do not need regular painting, they are quickly cleaned of dust and dirt, and do not take up much space.

Advantages:

• compactness;
• fast installation;
• stylish design;
• impact resistance;
• high heat capacity.

Flaws:

• big weight;
• respond slowly to changes in flow temperature.

Konner Modern are suitable for systems with forced or natural circulation of the coolant. Versatile and very reliable choice for years of use.

Ogint Fortis

4.8

★★★★★
editorial score

90%
buyers recommend this product

The robust design of Fortis batteries is not afraid of high pressure and is able to withstand strong water hammer. Improved heat transfer allows you to save resources spent on heating.

Batteries are delivered completely ready for installation. On the outside, they are covered with a special enamel that is resistant to heat. The kit comes with all the necessary elements for self-installation.

Advantages:

• work in networks with very high pressure;
• heat resistant coating;
• rich equipment and fast installation.

Flaws:

take a long time to heat up.

Ogint Fortis are suitable for residential or commercial installations. A universal choice for difficult operating conditions, but such models react poorly to thermostats.

STI Nova

4.8

★★★★★
editorial score

87%
buyers recommend this product

Models of the Nova series are distinguished by increased external dimensions, with a small volume for the coolant. This ensures high heating efficiency and the lowest possible inertia for cast iron when regulating the flow. Heat-resistant coating creates an additional level of protection for radiators.

Low hydraulic resistance and wide bores contribute to the stable operation of batteries in natural circulation systems. And thanks to the stylish design, they organically fit into the modern interior.

Advantages:

• strength and durability;
• effective heating;
• reduced thermal inertia;
• modern design.

Flaws:

a thin layer of paint that will have to be updated.

STI Nova can be used in various types of systems.The reliable choice for heating residential, industrial and public buildings.

The best aluminum radiators

For the production of aluminum batteries, a casting method is used. Due to this, the products are solid, which guarantees complete protection against leaks. Some companies rely on existing casting methods, while others apply their own, achieving better performance. In the manufacture of such products, alloys with good thermal conductivity and excellent corrosion protection are used. According to these parameters, aluminum radiators for the home almost always outperform the main competitors.

1.Global VOX R 500

Opens the first category popular manufacturer heating radiators Global. Its range is quite extensive, so there is a product for any need. We settled on the VOX R 500 model. The buyer can choose the number of sections within 1-20 elements. The minimum width of the finished battery is 8 cm, and the maximum exceeds one and a half meters. Diameter connections to a good heating radiator 3/4 in. Crimping and maximum working pressure - 24 and 16 bar, respectively. The connection is exclusively bottom, vertical configuration is not provided.

Advantages:

• stable connections;
• excellent heat dissipation;
• work with antifreeze;
• the possibility of staining;
• high efficiency;
• sealing gaskets.

Flaws:

break due to pressure drops.

2. Royal Thermo Revolution 500

One of the best heating radiators in combination price-quality. The Revolution 500 model has a nice design, a modest 80 mm section thickness, as well as high thermal conductivity.The customer can configure the battery for 1-22 cells, which will provide an effective power from 171 to 3762 watts of thermal energy.

The width of the section at the radiator is standard - 80 mm. Accordingly, if the maximum available number of elements is installed, the width of the finished battery will be 176 cm. The weight of this design will be a little more than 26 kg, which is not too much. Radiators from Royal Thermo can work not only with water, but also with antifreeze.

Advantages:

• advanced design;
• auxiliary ribs;
• the presence of a polymer membrane;
• increased heat transfer;
• wave-shaped sections.

3.Radena 500

Radena sectional radiators continue the TOP of the best heating batteries. They are created in Italy using the latest European technologies. But in the development process, specialists take into account the peculiarities of Russian heating systems, so Radena products are ideal for our country. The Radena 500 aluminum battery has an oval channel section, which improves the heat transfer of all sections and increases the overall reliability of the structure. Other features of these radiators include low weight, maximum heat transfer power of 2304 W and the ability to connect up to 12 sections together.

Advantages:

• reasoned price;
• small weight of sections;
• environmental friendliness;
• nice appearance;
• leakage protection;
• rust resistance.

Flaws:

only for private houses.

4 Rifar Alum 500

And the best aluminum radiator, without a doubt, is the Alum 500 model from the Rifar brand. It boasts excellent quality, a relatively affordable price and the ability to combine from 1 to 16 elements. The volume of the battery, depending on the selected configuration, varies from 0.27 to 4.32 liters.The heated area, in turn, is in the range from 1.8 to 25.6 m2. The inexpensive radiator from Rifar can withstand a maximum operating pressure of 20 bar and a temperature of no more than 135 ° C.

Advantages:

• reliable design;
• reduced hydraulic resistance;
• leak resistant;
• color quality;
• good protection against water hammer;
• moderate cost.

Flaws:

brand overpayment.

How to choose a heating radiator

• Material. All batteries are divided into steel, bimetallic, aluminum and cast iron. We have written more about each type in the relevant categories.
• Design. In this case, it all depends solely on the preferences of the buyer.
• Pressure. Its choice directly depends on the heating system. So, in apartments, the working pressure should be higher. In addition, the radiator must cope with its differences. For the home, you can choose products with less strength, for example, aluminum radiators.
• Heat dissipation. As a rule, it should be taken into account not as a whole, but for each section, because for different configurations this will provide different efficiency. The best heat dissipation is usually offered by steel models. But they are not sectional. Cast iron, aluminum and bimetal solutions can offer power up to 160, 210 and 180 watts respectively (based on each structural element).
• Life time. For aluminum and steel models, approximately 15-25 years. Bimetallic type batteries last about 5 years longer. Cast iron batteries are considered the most durable, they can last over 50 years.

2 Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 22 500

The Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 22 500 panel kit loses to the segment leader solely in the cost component, compared at the performance cutoff. With the same length-to-thickness ratios, as well as the maximum pressure in the system (10 bar), this sectional heater provides the possibility of circulating a coolant with a temperature of up to 120 degrees Celsius, thereby compensating for some deviations in the heating system.

As for the opinions of users, they often notice the equally good appearance of the panel, the ease of installation and further operation. A small nuance is that the radiator metal is sensitive to the composition of the coolant, which can lead to accelerated battery wear long before the warranty period expires. The opposite cases also take place (an increase in the working resource), but this is either the merit of the consumers themselves, or the individual features of the water in the system.

Installation rules

Radiator-type heating in your own home is a guarantee of comfort and coziness in autumn and winter. It is good when such a mechanism has already been connected to a centralized heating mechanism. If something like this is not there, then it becomes necessary to use autonomous heating. If we are talking about how to install the heating system with our own hands correctly, then it should be said that the most important element will be the choice of options for connecting radiators in a house of our own construction.

The first thing to deal with is piping.This can be called an important point, because the residents of their own houses at the stage of their construction are rarely able to clearly and correctly calculate the costs that will be made to form the heating system, therefore, they have to make savings on various kinds of materials. Typically, the pipe connection method can be either one- or two-pipe. The first option is economical, in which a pipe is laid from the heating boiler along the floor, which goes through all the walls and rooms and which returns to the boiler. Radiators should be installed on top of it, and the connection will be made using pipes from below. At the same time, hot water flows into the pipes, completely filling the batteries. Then the water descends and through another pipe enters the pipe. In fact, there is a serial connection of radiators due to the bottom connection. But there is a minus, because at the end of such a connection in all subsequent radiators, the temperature of the heat carrier will be lower.

There are two ways to solve this moment:

• connect a special circulation pump to the entire mechanism, which allows you to distribute hot water evenly over all heating appliances;
• connect additional batteries in the last rooms, which will increase the heat transfer area to the maximum.

When everything became clear with this issue, you should stop your attention on the scheme for connecting heating batteries. The most common will be lateral

To make it, pipes should be led out to the side of the wall and connected to two battery pipes - top and bottom. From above, a pipe is usually connected that supplies the coolant, and from below - the output. A diagonal type connection will also be effective.To perform it, you must first connect a pipe supplying a coolant to the nozzle at the top, and a return pipe to the lower one, located on the other side. It turns out that the coolant will be transported diagonally inside the radiator. The effectiveness of such a mechanism will depend on how the liquid is distributed in the radiator. It is rare that several battery sections can be cold. This happens only in cases where the ability to pass or the pressure is rather weak.

Note that the connection of the radiator from below can be not only in single-pipe, but also in two-pipe versions. But such a system is considered extremely inefficient. In this case, it will still be necessary to install a circulation pump, which will significantly increase the cost of creating a heating mechanism and create electricity costs that are needed to operate the pump. If you say what you don’t need to do, then this is not to replace the water supply with a return line. Typically, the presence of this problem shows debugging.

Installation of heating do-it-yourself radiators in your own home is associated with a number of points that do not allow to say that this is an easy process. Its complexity also lies in the fact that in each individual case it is necessary to select batteries for a particular building, and also to know exactly how pipes pass in a private house that has already been built. Also, an equally important fact will be understanding the needs for heating and making all the necessary calculations.

In addition, we should not forget that there are various connection schemes and what may be inefficient in one house, in another will be a great solution.

If you decide to do installation of heating radiators independently, then you should carefully study the theoretical points, and also, if possible, at least consult with a specialist who will tell you what to do during installation of radiators and heating systems in general, particular attention should be paid

How to choose the right heating radiator, see the following video.

Which radiators are more suitable for which systems

1. Now, having examined and compared the main characteristics of radiators, we can draw conclusions. First, let's find out which heating radiators are better - aluminum or bimetallic - for an apartment in a multi-storey building. It uses central heating.

• The pressure in the system can change dramatically, reaching exorbitant values. Water hammer is possible.
• The temperature will also not be stable, sometimes changing greatly during the heating season and even during the day.
• The composition of the coolant is not clean. It contains chemical impurities, as well as abrasive particles. It is hardly possible to speak of a pH not exceeding 8 units.

Based on all this, you can forget about aluminum batteries. Because the central heating system will destroy them. If electrochemical corrosion does not eat, then the pressure will be finished with temperature. And the water hammer will make the last, “control shot”. Therefore, choosing from two types of radiators (aluminum or bimetal), stop only at the latter.

2. Now consider the heating system installed in a private house. A well-functioning boiler produces a constant low pressure, not exceeding 1.4 - 10 atmospheres, depending on the boiler and system. Pressure surges, and even more water hammer, are not observed. The temperature of the water is also stable, and its purity is beyond doubt.It will not contain any chemical impurities, and the pH value can always be measured.

Therefore, aluminum batteries can also be installed in such an autonomous heating system - these devices will work perfectly. They are inexpensive, have excellent heat dissipation, and their design is attractive. In stores you can pick up batteries made in Europe. It is preferable to choose models made by casting. Bimetallic batteries are also suitable for those who live in their own house. If you have the desire and enough funds, you can put them.

Just remember that there are many fakes on the market.

And if a model (whether aluminum or bimetallic) has a suspiciously low price, then you can already be wary. In order not to get into a mess, check that each section and the packaging (high-quality and full-color) have the manufacturer's marking