How to choose heating batteries - tips from the wizard

Main characteristics

In a private house, unlike high-rise buildings, an autonomous heating mechanism is being installed, that is, a system that does not depend on a conventional boiler room in any way. For this reason, the temperature of the coolant, as well as the network pressure, will be completely different.

When you choose heating batteries to be installed in a private house, a number of factors should be taken into account:

• In buildings of this type, the pressure on the coolant, tanks and radiator pipes will be significantly less. In fact, radiator batteries will not experience such loads, which is why you can pick up any model, even with thin walls.
• In buildings of this type, the length of pipes from the heat source to the radiator is small when compared with multi-storey buildings. For this reason, heat losses are practically zero, and the heat carrier will heat up more. That is, in a private house, models should be installed that will withstand such temperatures.
• It takes quite a bit of liquid to fill such a heating system. If desired, ethyl alcohol and antifreeze can be added to it. So you can make protection for radiators and pipes if the boiler does not turn on for a long time.
• Even the slightest possibility of the occurrence of so-called water hammers is excluded. True, in private-type houses, a problem may appear, expressed in the freezing of water in pipes. This will cause the batteries to simply burst if a person forgets to drain the water from there before leaving.

Features of different designs

The functionality of heating radiators is influenced not only by the material from which they are made, but also by their design.

So, structurally, batteries are:

• sectional (block);
• columnar (tubular);
• panel.

The first two options are a set of several elements assembled into a single heater, and the third is a monolithic block.

The sectional water heating devices are now widely used aluminum radiators. A classic example of a columnar counterpart is an old cast iron battery.

Column radiators require exclusively lateral connection, while sectional and panel options can be connected from the side and from below, you just need to choose the appropriate model

The sectional radiator consists of two collectors interconnected by metal plate blocks.Water in it does not move along these jumpers. The heat carrier first gives energy to a pair of pipes, and they already heat the sections with fins.

In a columnar heater, jumper blocks, on the contrary, have internal cavities for water circulation. And the panel is generally a completely hollow single block.

How to choose the right steel radiators for thermal power

As promised, for the convenience of selecting radiators for a specific room, method for calculating the required thermal power.

It is generally accepted that 100 W of thermal energy must be supplied per 1 square meter of area. However, this calculation is somewhat "rough", as it does not take into account many specific points. This includes the climatic conditions of the region of residence, and the features of the premises itself, and a number of other important circumstances. As a result, the resulting result may differ quite a lot from the actual needs for thermal power.

A special calculator below will help you quickly and fairly accurately calculate the required thermal power. Sequentially enter the requested values ​​- and the result will be obtained in watts, taking into account a 10% margin.

If any data is unknown, or the reader considers it irrelevant, then you can not enter them. But in this case, the program will give the result for the most unfavorable external conditions.

Since steel radiators are a non-separable structure, the resulting value will become a guideline for acquiring a finished model of the corresponding thermal power.

Calculator for calculating the required heat output of a steel radiator

So, when choosing heating radiators, you should carefully study and compare the characteristics of several types of devices made of different materials, as well as calculate the required power for each of the rooms. In addition, it would be nice to study the reviews of customers who have already installed certain radiators. Only after making sure that the models you like are ideal in all respects for a house or apartment, you can go shopping.

At the end of the article - a video story with recommendations for the selection and installation of steel heating radiators.

Choosing heating radiators for a private house which is better

Consider the main advantages of the heating system of a private house:

• Its work is carried out at low pressure, which favorably affects the operation;
• In this system, there are no large hydro-shocks, this provides a wide range of radiators;
• Observing the necessary technical conditions for the acid balance of water, the choice of radiators is very wide.

Taking into account the above, the choice of radiators should be made taking into account the maximum heat transfer coefficient and good value for money. Without going into details, any type of radiators can be operated in a private house. But knowing the advantages of one or the other still does not hurt.

For the manufacture of radiators, the following types of materials are used: cast iron, aluminum, metal (steel), bimetal.

Design of radiators

Depending on the design features, radiators can be divided into several subspecies:

• Sectional heating radiators - such batteries have several sections, so you can assemble a radiator of the right size and power.Section sizes and shapes may vary.
• Tubular radiators are a one-piece metal structure that has an upper and lower horizontal collector and vertical tubes welded to it. Such batteries are the prerogative of central heating, for which they were designed.
• Panel batteries - can be both steel and concrete. Concrete is built inside the walls, they can only transfer heat by radiation.
• Plate batteries - have convective heat transfer, they are a core and ribs mounted on it from metal thin plates.

Separately, there are corner heating radiators. They can be made in any given design option. However, corner radiators are designed for installation in the corners of rooms.

Corner radiators

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

Aluminum radiators

Aluminum radiators enjoy well-deserved popularity among buyers. They have many advantages: they are light, compact, give off a lot of heat to the environment, what else do you need? But, there are also disadvantages:

1. Gas formation is possible (it is impossible to let “anti-freeze” into the batteries);
2. Aluminum is subject to corrosion (to prevent this, a chemical-neutral film is applied to the product);
3. Possible leaks in the seams;
4. A short period of work - up to fifteen years. Some manufacturers have been able to increase this by several years;
5. Sensitivity to pressure drops in the system, which is often observed in multi-storey buildings;
6. Sensitivity to the composition of the coolant.

Sectional aluminum radiator

Cast iron sectional radiators

The first development of cast iron batteries was carried out almost 150 years ago by our compatriot. A few years later, the Americans received a patent and finalized the design. Radiators gained popularity after the advent of the central heating system, and their mass production was adjusted during the industrial revolution.

The batteries that were used in the USSR and now remain in many homes have the MS 140 brand. The value "140" is the power given by one section. The operating and test pressure of the battery is 9 and 18 atmospheres, respectively. The number of sections is from 4 to 10.

Today, cast iron radiators are gaining popularity again, thanks to the improvement of their design and design.

Advantages and disadvantages of batteries of this type are approximately the same number.

• Long service life (more than 50 years);
• Affordable price;
• Resistance to mechanical damage;
• Corrosion resistance;
• High abrasive wear. Pebbles and sand in the water do not cause much harm to the battery from the inside;
• Heating efficiency at the maximum number of sections.

• Great weight and bulkiness;
• Possibility of depressurization of joints;
• Accumulation of rust inside during long-term operation;
• Unpresentable appearance;
• Difficulty in embedding radiators in autonomous heating systems, the impossibility of saving on the coolant;
• Difficulty cleaning.

The best bimetallic radiators with a center distance of 500 mm

The choice of heating equipment with a center distance of 500 mm for the rating is not accidental. The vast majority of modern residential premises have sufficiently large window openings, and the distance between the window sill and the floor is, as a rule, at least 60 cm. Therefore, bimetallic radiators of this qualification are most popular among the population.

Royal Thermo Piano Forte 500

A lot of positive user ratings for this Italian radiator on Yandex.Market, which fully confirm the reliability of the design, long service life, original design, puts it in first place in the rating.

• heat transfer from 740 W to 2590 W (depending on the number of sections);
• the number of sections varies from 4 to 14;
• Power Shift technology that increases heat transfer;
• steel collectors are designed for pressure surges in the system up to 30 atmospheres;
• resistant to the most aggressive coolants;
• wall and floor mounting possible;
• original design;
• manufacturer's warranty - 10 years.

rather high cost.

In general, as the British say, we are not rich enough to buy cheap things. Therefore, in this case, the price corresponds to the quality. Particular emphasis is placed on the presence of Power Shift technology - the presence of additional ribs on the vertical collector, which significantly increase the heat transfer of the model. In addition, in addition to the basic white and black colors, the buyer can order other tones or RAL palettes.

Rifar Monolit 500

Domestic development, deservedly taking second place in the rating in terms of the number of collected laudatory reviews in its direction. The features include the technology of the same name used in the production process - the sections are connected using contact-butt welding.

• a monolithic design that allows operation in the most severe conditions;
• heat transfer from 784 W to 2744 W;
• complete set of sections - from 4 to 14;
• high resistance to aggressive coolants (pH 7 - 9);
• there is a bottom connection;
• manufacturer's warranty - 25 years.

• expensive for a domestic product;
• there are no odd sections - for example, 5 or 7.

However, in general, the radiator of this model collects extremely positive reviews. Moreover, management companies strongly recommend it for use, due to the high resistance of the model to corrosion and a long guaranteed service life.

Global Style Plus 500

Once again, the Italian model, who has collected a significant number of admiring reviews addressed to her.The inside of the radiator is made of alloy steel, while the outside is coated with aluminum alloy.

• high strength;
• maximum working pressure 35 atmospheres;
• crimping pressure - 5.25 MPa;
• heat transfer in the range from 740 W to 2590 W;
• equipment - from 4 to 14 sections;
• pH value (aggressiveness of the coolant) - from 6.5 to 8.5;
• manufacturer's warranty - 10 years.

heat transfer decreases slightly with a decrease in the temperature of the coolant.

Satisfied with the purchase, the owners shower this model with extremely positive assessments - high resistance to pressure drops in the system, the presence of silicone gaskets between the sectional joints prevent leaks, adjustment works stably, and so on.

Sira RS Bimetal 500

Another Italian, appreciated by the domestic user, as the reviews speak eloquently.

• high strength - working pressure up to 40 bar;
• heat transfer from 804 W to 2412 W;
• equipment - from 4 to 12 sections;
• coolant resistance is expressed in terms of pH - from 7.5 to 8.5;
• manufacturer's warranty - 20 years.

Well, that's what premium class is for! In addition to satisfactory assessments regarding the technical characteristics of this radiator model, satisfied with the purchase, the owners note the unique design - smooth, curved shapes, the complete absence of sharp corners.

Fondital Alustal 500/100

Also, the Italian miracle of engineering, which won the approval of Russian users, which was reflected in the number of positive reviews.

• heat transfer from 191 W to 2674 W;
• equipment from 1 to 14 sections;
• high strength - working pressure up to 40 bar;
• the most aggressive coolants are not afraid (pH 7 - 10);
• manufacturer's warranty - 20 years.

In general, a minor minus, due to the fact that this model is a continuous water chamber. On the other hand, there is an internal anti-corrosion coating, as the owners of this radiator note, and a stroke pattern that prevents the system from airing.

Fact 1

A heating radiator works efficiently if its heat output corresponds to the area of ​​​​the room (the term “heat transfer” is also used in the characteristics of radiators).

If you buy a radiator with much more power than you need, the room will be constantly overheated, which can lead to a decrease in air humidity and oxygen content in it. If the power is insufficient for a given area, you will freeze.

It is difficult to accurately calculate the required heat output of a radiator; there are special methods for this. Everything is taken into account: climate, building features, parameters of the thermal system. But this value can be approximately estimated as follows: to heat a room that has one medium-sized window and one wall facing the street, in the middle zone of the Russian Federation, at least 1 kW is required for every 10 m². If you have a room of 12 m², you need a radiator with a heat output of at least 1200 watts.

So, one of the most popular models - aluminum Global ISEO 500 - has a heat output of 181 W per section. A radiator assembled from 12 such sections can effectively heat a standard room of about 20 m². The thermal power of the bimetallic Royal Thermo BiLiner 500, consisting of 10 compact sections, is 1710 W.The model was designed taking into account the requirements of aerodynamics for optimal distribution of air flows. Kermi steel radiator 11 (panel) length 110 cm has a power of 1190 W. Cast iron 7-section Konner - 1050 W and 56 cm long.

What is the difference between bimetallic and semi-bimetallic radiators

In real bimetallic heating devices, only the outer part is made of aluminum. Radiators are produced as follows: pipes of a steel core are welded, and then they are filled with aluminum under pressure. As a result, the coolant comes into contact only with steel, without touching aluminum surfaces. This saves the radiator from corrosion and gives it increased strength. Well, the figured body increases the heat transfer performance.

They also make radiators, the core of which is made not of steel, but of copper. This is a real salvation for those autonomous heating systems where antifreeze is added to the water. After all, such a coolant will quickly destroy steel pipes.

semi-bimetal

In a semi-bimetallic radiator, the core consists of two metals. The vertical channels in it are reinforced with steel elements, but the horizontal channels are aluminum. Due to the increase in the amount of aluminum in the product, the heat transfer of the radiator increases. However, hot water with a high alkali content (in central heating) in contact with this aluminum causes corrosion. And one more thing: different thermal expansion of aluminum and steel parts of the core can cause their displacement, leading to instability of the radiator.

As a rule, bimetallic radiators are installed in apartments with a central heating system.In such systems, there are 2 big problems - this is high pressure with periodic jumps and low-quality coolant. Both will have a rather large negative impact on semi-bimetallic type radiators.

Floor convectors

This is a relatively new solution in the arrangement of the heating system - floor convectors consist of a box, a grate (it performs an exclusively decorative function) and a heat exchanger. Floor convectors are installed in rooms with large windows (“to the floor”), they are actively used in the arrangement of the heating system of airports, railway stations, hospitals and clinics.

Advantages of floor convectors:

• light weight;
• the design is durable and easy to install and operate;
• the room warms up as evenly as possible;
• easy to clean from dust and dirt;
• do not spoil even the most intricate design of the room - floor convectors are practically invisible.

Disadvantages of floor convectors:

• the length required for high-quality installation is large enough;
• forced ventilation cannot be installed;
• heat output is low.