Which heating batteries are best for an apartment

Features of the central heating system

Most apartments in Russia have centralized heating. It works in a vicious circle: the thermal unit heats the coolant, and the pumps, creating pressure, distribute it among the apartments.

In domestic systems, there are many factors that negatively affect radiators.

Often there is a drain and filling of the liquid.

Process water entering the pipes contains a large amount of debris, impurities and small particles that scratch the radiator and clog its interior. It is chemically aggressive and can corrode metals.

The pressure value changes frequently. In the heating system, sometimes there are drops in the level of the coolant in the lines, causing water hammer. The reasons are different: for example, the valve of the pumping station is closed too abruptly or a large amount of air enters the pipes.

Apparatus must withstand these negative influences.

Attention! Compatibility of apartment piping materials and battery connection devices is required. Otherwise, the contact of dissimilar metals will cause an accident.

Connection

Due to the connection scheme, heat transfer may deteriorate, losses sometimes reach up to 25%. Connection is possible in several ways.

1. Lateral - the extreme sections will be colder than the central ones. The more segments are installed, the worse the extreme ones are heated.
2. Diagonal. If the water supply is carried out from below and goes into the upper pipe, then the radiator does not warm up completely. The correct method would be in which the liquid is supplied from above and goes down, such a scheme is recommended for long samples (more than 15 segments).
3. Lower - the distribution of heat occurs evenly. In addition, this variety has the most aesthetic appearance, since the feed elements are almost invisible.

You can fix the situation with unheated areas without running additional pipes around the battery by installing plugs in place of the radiator plug in front of the last section at the top or bottom (depending on which connection is used). Then we get a diagonal scheme with effective heat transfer.

To learn more about different connection methods and compare them, as well as how to increase the efficiency of the radiator, watch the video.

Steel panel radiators

Such radiators are often installed in office and commercial premises. The main advantage of these devices is that they are completely made of steel, which means that they are resistant to low-quality coolant, like bimetallic batteries.

Another plus is good heat dissipation. Steel itself gives off heat worse than aluminum, but due to the design, panel radiators heat almost the same as aluminum ones. The fact is that in the battery between the two plates there is an additional corrugated layer of metal, due to which the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe device and, accordingly, heat transfer increases.

However, this type of device has a number of disadvantages.

Firstly, the design is strictly vertical, warm air is directed only upwards, so the far corners of the premises can be heated worse.

Secondly, the working pressure of steel panel radiators is 10 atmospheres, that is, they are not recommended to be installed in apartments on the upper floors in houses with a standing heating system.

Thirdly, the steel thickness of such devices is slightly more than 1 mm, so they usually last no longer than 10 years. Whereas aluminum and bimetallic batteries can work properly for 20 years or more.

Bimetal radiators

The bimetallic radiator combines the high strength and durability of a steel heating register and the excellent thermal performance of aluminum convectors.

Bimetal radiators are indistinguishable from aluminum appliances, but have higher reliability and durability.

The internal channels of the device are welded from seamless steel pipes, thanks to which the battery can withstand pressures of more than 50 atmospheres and perfectly resists corrosion. An aluminum casing with convection ribs is welded onto this core.As a result of this trick, it is possible to obtain a product with maximum heat transfer, low thermal inertia and a service life of up to 25 years.

Technical characteristics of popular bimetallic radiators. The table is available in large size by clicking.

In addition to the monolithic bimetallic radiators described above, the industry produces aluminum-steel heat exchangers assembled from separate sections. A composite battery loses to an inseparable design in terms of reliability and durability, but it has advantages in the form of flexible adjustment of thermal power. All you need to do is add or remove a few additional sections. In addition, the indisputable advantage of stacked bimetallic batteries is their high maintainability.

STOUT Space bimetal radiators combine ease of installation, no-frills aesthetics and a robust design that can withstand pressures of more than 100 atmospheres. Products are manufactured at the largest Russian plant "RIFAR" and comply with GOST 31311-2005 "Heating appliances". The maximum heat carrier temperature is 135°C, the manufacturer's warranty is 10 years, the service life is 25 years. The available number of sections is from 4 to 14: bimetallic radiators can be installed both in a small kitchen and in the living room of a private house.

Bimetallic heating radiator STOUT in section. The steel heat exchange circuit and aluminum fins make the bimetal radiator as durable and efficient as possible.

The available number of sections is from 4 to 14: bimetallic radiators can be installed both in a small kitchen and in the living room of a private house.

Bimetal heating radiator STOUT for 8 sections

Don't be fooled by choosing the most technologically advanced radiators in existence. In order to save materials and reduce the price of the final product, manufacturers go to tricks. In some models, steel pipes do not make a monolithic circuit, but only vertical radiator channels. As for the horizontal working cavities, they are cast simultaneously with the aluminum body.

In semi-bimetallic radiators, only vertical channels are made of steel, therefore, according to the criteria of reliability and durability, they do not differ from aluminum ones.

6 How to choose a heating radiator depending on the power

How to choose the right heating radiators for a private house? Here, not only the appearance of the products is important, but also the power - when buying a device, you need to find out how much power is needed to heat the system. This is not as difficult to do as it might seem at first. So, for heating one square meter in a room with a ceiling height of three meters and one window, about 100 watts are needed. Then simply multiply the area of ​​the room by 100 watts. And to make the calculations even more accurate, do not forget:

• if the room has one window and two external walls, add about 20% more to the calculated power;
• if there are two windows and two external walls - we add about 25-30%;
• when the window faces the northern part, it is worth adding at least 10% to the calculations.

Having carried out such calculations, you can more accurately choose the right radiator for your home. And the power of the devices can always be viewed in the documents - the “passport” of the device

By the way, it doesn’t matter at all which radiators you decide to choose for installation in a private house, if you install them incorrectly, they will decorate your home, but will not provide the necessary heat to heat the room.

The choice of radiators for a country house

Let's look at where to mount radiators - this information will definitely be useful to you when you create a heating scheme. So, batteries should be placed under light openings - windows. This place always has the most heat loss, even if you have modern double-glazed windows installed. A radiator placed under the window will warm the air around it. After that, the heated air rises and creates a curtain in front of the window that prevents the penetration of cold into the room.

When choosing which heating radiators are best purchased for a private house, do not forget about the importance of the length of the appliances - it must correspond to the width of the window opening. In extreme cases, the length should be at least 50% of the width of the window. In a corner room, it is worth placing 1-2 additional devices along the outer walls exposed to cold air

If you are going to install heating risers, mount them in the corners, which will ensure their heating and avoid the possibility of blackening of the walls and the appearance of mold in them

In a corner room, it is worth placing 1-2 additional devices along the outer walls exposed to cold air. If you are going to install heating risers, mount them in the corners, which will ensure their heating and avoid the possibility of blackening of the walls and the appearance of mold in them.

And do not forget that access to the batteries must be open.Many owners of private houses cover heating radiators with drywall sheets, which is undesirable - this will complicate the process of cleaning and repairing appliances if necessary. In addition, the use of such a fence will lead to a revision of previously performed power calculations.

We told you how and which radiators are best to choose for installation in a private house. Now you know that when buying appliances, you need to consider the quality of the water in the pipes, the power of the devices, their appearance, and even the ability to install on fragile partitions, if necessary.

Bimetal heating radiators

A large type of radiators, including various solutions, both in terms of materials used and design options. Each metal individually has its own unique properties.

Bimetal radiators look very similar to aluminum ones.

By combining them, you can compensate for the shortcomings of one, using the advantages of the other, and vice versa.

The device and general technical characteristics of the models

The prefix "bi" in the word means two, that is, the battery is made of two types of metals. The main component is always aluminum. The second can be steel or copper.

Bimetallic radiators combine all the advantages of other types

That is, all bimetallic batteries can be divided into two types: steel-aluminum and copper-aluminum. There are significant differences in their design. The first option is a steel frame, which consists of a collector and speakers, on which, in turn, an aluminum radiator is already attached. In fact, the coolant interacts with steel, and aluminum provides only the transfer and dissipation of heat in the room.But batteries made of aluminum and copper are a little more complicated in their design. But the meaning is the same: under the aluminum case there is a special copper coil responsible for the transfer of the coolant. Copper has all the necessary set of qualities for this: excellent thermal conductivity and high resistance to various aggressive environments and corrosion. Therefore, any type of coolant can be used with copper.

Advantages and disadvantages of bimetallic radiators for heating apartments

This type of battery is the best suited for apartments because of its features. First of all, we can note a high degree of protection against corrosion, which ultimately results in the durability of the radiator. Meanwhile, models with copper are not afraid of draining the coolant, like steel ones. Both steel and copper can withstand significant stresses in a central heating system such as water hammer, high pressure and high temperature. This type of battery is lighter than cast iron or steel counterparts. But heavier than aluminum. In general, the bimetallic type of radiators has practically no significant disadvantages, except for the high price and rare flaws in specific models. This type has absorbed many of the different battery manufacturing technologies, so it can be considered the most optimal. Maybe expensive, as a one-time purchase, but in the long term, bimetal undoubtedly wins.

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Types of radiators for an apartment, their main characteristics, price

Sectional devices made of cast iron

Modern models differ from the usual, oil-painted batteries. They are attractive in appearance, durable and reliable.

Product advantages:

• Undemanding to the coolant. Cast iron is a chemically passive material that does not corrode. A protective film is created inside the radiator, preventing its destruction. Fine abrasive particles in water do not damage the thick walls of the product.
• Ability to withstand high pressure in the system: working - from 6 to 10 atm., Test - up to 18 atm. The devices successfully resist water hammer.
• Long service life. If the devices are washed regularly, they will last 50 years or more.
• Convenient sectional system. You can buy the optimal number of cells and mount batteries of the desired length.
• Low price: 2500-3000 rubles. for 4-6 sections.

Flaws:

• Big mass.
• A significant amount of coolant is required for operation.
• The devices warm up and cool down slowly and therefore cannot be used in regulated systems.
• Devices have to be washed frequently due to rough inner walls, into which particles and impurities are clogged.
• The surface of the batteries is regularly painted, as the coating cracks quickly.

aluminum

These are stylish modern designs of various designs. Manufacturers produce sections of different heights and lengths from which batteries are assembled. When choosing, consumers take into account the characteristics of a particular room. There are models for every taste and budget.

Photo 1. Heating radiators made of aluminum. The devices are available in different sizes.

Advantages:

• devices easily heat the room;
• they are small in size and weight;
• they are able to withstand high pressure - from 16 to 20 atm .;
• thermal power - about 190 W;
• attractive and varied design;
• affordable price - from 120 rubles. per section.

Flaws:

• sensitivity to coolant contamination;
• poor resistance to corrosion;
• when the heating is turned off, the devices cool down quickly;
• they should not be used in conjunction with copper or brass fittings - this leads to rust and damage to radiators.

Steel structures

Devices are of two types: panel and tubular. The first are inexpensive devices made of steel sheets with channels for the coolant. They are used in all types of houses.

Photo 2. Steel tubular-type radiators for heating. The device has a rather attractive design.

Tubular - premium products with a designer design. Especially attractive are stainless steel radiators - expensive devices that are installed in luxury homes.

Advantages:

• various implementation options;
• a small amount of coolant needed for operation;
• products heat up quickly and give off heat well.

Disadvantages of panel radiators:

• low working pressure - from 6 to 10 atm.;
• poorly withstand water hammer;
• a short period of operation - 10 years;
• there is no protection against corrosion inside the product.

Tubular radiators have better workmanship. Their working pressure is 15 atmospheres, and the service life is up to 25 years.

Bimetallic batteries

The devices consist of a steel inner contour and aluminum outer plates. Collectors withstand high pressure. They are compatible with fittings and pipes made of all metals. Aluminum plates conduct heat well.

Enterprises produce both cast models without seams, and devices from separate sections, which are connected by nipples and gaskets.

Photo 3. Bimetallic heating radiators. Currently the most popular.

Advantages:

• high heat transfer;
• small volume of liquid;
• good resistance to aggressive environments;
• pressure up to 35 atm.;
• long service life - up to 25 years.

The disadvantage of products is the high price. One section costs from 450 rubles.

For houses with central heating, it is better to use cast iron and bimetallic devices.

For low-rise buildings, steel radiators are added to them.

Aluminum products are suitable for closed systems in which the quality of the coolant is checked.

Overview of different types

Before you purchase equipment so valuable for a comfortable life, you should analyze all the properties of radiators from different materials and understand which ones are better to choose for heating your private home.

Real "veterans" of the market. They are characterized by high performance, impressive durability and resistance to various kinds of loads. They have proven themselves when used in systems with high operating pressures - on average up to 10 bar.

The sections of such batteries have a fairly large volume and thick walls, which guarantees a fairly highly efficient heating. The service life of cast iron appliances in most cases significantly exceeds the 50-year indicator.

The heat transfer indicators of 1 section of the device can vary on average from 100 to 200 watts. The specific value is determined by the size of the compartment. Comparative characteristics of cast iron and bimetallic radiators you can see in this article.

In general, cast-iron batteries, known for their almost absolute resistance to contacts with low-quality coolants, are very popular among domestic consumers - operating features affect.

Radiators made of this material have proven themselves in private housing construction. The design features and feedstock are such that the finished product weighs much less compared to the previously considered cast-iron counterpart and has less thick walls, which ensures faster heating of the unit.

Modern steel batteries can be used in systems with a working pressure of up to 10 atm and a temperature of no more than +150 degrees. Models with horizontal and vertical channels are available for sale.

Additional advantages of such devices include a wide range of design solutions - batteries from the factory can have a variety of colors, which allows them to organically fit into any interior.

Aluminum

Aluminum products compare favorably with their "brothers" in light weight, elegance and high heat transfer rates. Such products combine 2 mechanisms of heat transfer: through convection and radiation, which makes them the most efficient devices for heating residential premises. At the same time, the permissible operating pressure in the system is also impressive - up to 18 atm.

Aluminum is characterized by high heat dissipation, which allows for the most efficient heating. In general, when using aluminum batteries, approximately 20-30% savings in thermal resource consumption are noted compared to devices made from other materials.

Bimetallic

Products are manufactured using high-strength steel (internal manifold) and aluminum (external part of the product) at the same time. In terms of operating pressure indicators, bimetallic batteries significantly exceed the previously considered options - up to 35 atm.

The combined use of aluminum and steel in the design of devices has made it possible to significantly increase their resistance to contact with a coolant, as well as their strength, resistance to corrosion damage, and heat transfer performance. At the same time, the units have relatively compact dimensions and, in general, a neat appearance.

Bimetallic heating radiators are characterized by relative ease of installation and are equally well combined with centralized and autonomous heating systems. How to calculate how many radiator sections you need, see here.

The design of the device is represented by seamless copper pipe. Other metals are not used in the manufacture of such units. The pipe diameter is about 2.8 cm. Additionally, there are copper fins and a decorative casing, usually made of solid wood.

In terms of thermal conductivity, copper exceeds aluminum by about 2 times, and cast iron and steel by an average of 5-6 times. In combination with low inertia, the radiator provides fast and efficient heating of the serviced premises.

The volume of the battery holds a little water, so that the unit warms up for 3-5 minutes. The mentioned property is especially relevant for autonomous heating systems - this eliminates the need for constant heating and "running" large volumes of coolant through the pipeline, as, for example, in the case of cast iron batteries.

Copper is resistant to corrosion.shows itself well when working in combination with a coolant with a low temperature, is characterized by high plasticity and resistance to aggressive media.

Cast iron radiators

This type of radiator was used in Russia even under the tsar. In houses that were built in Soviet times, they still serve faithfully.

Cast iron batteries heat up for a long time, but cool down for a long time. The residual heat retention number is twice that of other types and is 30%.

This makes it possible to reduce the cost of gas for home heating.

Advantages of cast iron radiators:

• Very high resistance to corrosion;
• Durability and reliability that have been tested over the years;
• Low heat transfer;
• Cast iron is not afraid of exposure to chemicals;
• The radiator can be assembled from a different number of sections.

Cast iron radiators have only one drawback - they are very heavy.

The modern market offers cast-iron radiators with decorative design.

Power and dimensions

We have decided on the material, now it's time to calculate the number of sections and the dimensions of the most suitable device for us

In a good way, many parameters of the room are taken into account here:

• square;
• ceiling height;
• wall thickness;
• number of windows and how they are glazed;
• the presence of a balcony;
• location: corner or in the middle of the building, first, last or middle floor.

In addition, it is important to take into account the climatic features of your region and personal preferences: do you like it when the house is cool or, conversely, hot. There is even a special calculator that, using a complex formula, will select the required power, taking into account the entered parameters.

There is even a special calculator that, using a complex formula, will select the required power, taking into account the entered parameters.

Simplified, this formula looks like this:

N = S x 100 / Pc,

where N is the number of sections,

S is the area of ​​the room in sq. m.,

Pc - the power of one segment of the model you have chosen (indicated in the product data sheet)

There is an option where the height of the ceilings (h) is also taken into account:

N = S x h x 41 (34) / Pc.

Separately, it should be explained what the numbers 41 and 34 are, and which one should be used in your calculations. This is the power of the heating system per 1 sq. m. of the room, which is:

• 41 W in panel houses;
• 34 watts in brick.

As for the height of the battery, it all depends on the place where you install it: if under the window, then you need to measure the distance from the top edge of the battery to the window sill, and from the bottom to the floor. Free space here should be at least 10 cm on each side. This is necessary to ensure proper convection. There are two standard values: 35 and 50 cm, so choose the one that best matches the dimensions of your apartment.

The depth also varies from 7 to 10 cm, so if you are limited in space, you can always take equipment of greater depth and thus increase its efficiency.

It is also important to know that the location in a deep niche or mounting the screen in front of the radiator leads to a decrease in the efficiency of heat transfer. In this case, it is desirable to increase the power of the installed device

There are devices that can be expanded by attaching additional elements after installation. If you suddenly freeze in the winter, then you can buy a couple more parts and build up.

For those cases when it is impossible to build sections, you will have to buy an electric room heater to create a comfortable environment.

TOP-4 steel heating radiators

Steel radiators are distinguished by reliability, high heat transfer. Of the minuses, it is worth highlighting the instability to water hammer, susceptibility to corrosion. Some manufacturers use special coatings to protect against it. Most steel radiators have a panel view, i.e. it is impossible to dial the required number of sections, as in aluminum and bimetallic ones. The exception is tubular steel radiators.

Axis Classic 22 500×1000

The steel radiator consists of two water-conducting panels and two convection rows. The outer grille is removable: you can clean the internal parts. It differs from the standard dimensions characteristic of all models of the rating (50 × 100 × 10 cm) by a slightly larger thickness - 11 cm. Almost all radiators weigh about 28 kg. The capacity of water is 5.63 liters. Steel radiators differ from bimetallic radiators with a lower working pressure - 9 bar (13.5 - during pressure testing). Side connection ½ inch. The center distance is non-standard - 449 mm. Designed for coolant temperatures up to 120 °C. The model has increased power - 2188 watts.

Advantages:

1. Nice view. Simple design.
2. Quality build. Russian production on Italian equipment.
3. The kit includes everything you need for installation.
4. Heats well.
5. Inexpensive.

Flaw

1. Non-standard center connection. There are no problems if the eyeliner is made of polypropylene pipes.

Axis Classic 22 500 1000 costs 3700 rubles. The model surpasses all types of steel radiators included in the rating in terms of power. Provides rapid heating of the room.The quality of the metal, reliability satisfied demanding users, so the vast majority of them recommend the product for purchase.

Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 22 500×1000

It features a large volume of water - 6.3 liters. The working pressure in the system is higher - up to 10 bar, but less power - 1826 watts. According to the manufacturer's calculations, one radiator is enough to heat a room of about 18 square meters. m. The model undergoes anti-corrosion treatment by phosphating and hot powder spraying. Center distance - 450 mm.

Advantages:

1. Laconic design.
2. Good painted. Does not turn yellow over time.
3. They heat well.
4. Build quality is ok.

Flaw:

1. One radiator is not enough for the declared area (but it depends on the coolant temperature).

Price Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 22 500 1000 - 4270 rubles. The model is somewhat inferior to Axis Classic 22 in terms of power, but it has a better anti-corrosion coating. Customers are satisfied with the quality of workmanship and the operation of the radiator.

Kermi FKO 22 500×1000

Differs in the smallest volume - 5.4 liters. But it loses in power to the first two models - 1808 watts. Designed for system pressure up to 10 bar (13 bar - pressure test). Provides operation at a coolant temperature up to 110 °C. Center distance - 446 mm. The manufacturer has applied Therm X2 technology, which increases the energy efficiency of the equipment. The outer coating is made of two layers of powder paint, which increases the resistance to mechanical damage.

Advantages:

1. Beautiful view.
2. Quality made.
3. Ease of care.
4. Good heat dissipation.

Flaw:

There are cases of leakage after several years of use (in an apartment building where the system is drained for the summer).

Kermi FKO 22 500 1000 for 6200 rubles provide a normal level of heat. Due to the small volume of coolant, the heating of the radiator and the room is faster. Recommended for installation in a closed system without draining the coolant for a long period.

Arbonia 2180 1800 270

The only representative of tubular steel radiators in the review. It differs from panel models in non-standard dimensions. This is a narrow model (65 mm) with a very high height (1800 mm). The width of one section (tube) is 45 mm. Center distance - 1730 mm. One section weighs 2.61 kg, but it includes a much larger volume than aluminum and bimetallic radiators - 1.56 liters. In terms of heat transfer, the six-section Arbonia is expectedly inferior to other models in the rating - 1730 W. Power - 990 watts.

Advantages:

1. Interesting view.
2. Normal heat dissipation. Heats up well.
3. Quality build.

Flaw:

1. It is necessary to take into account the place for installation, the possibility of piping. If there are windows in the room, they will blow (you cannot place such a radiator under them).

The price of Arbonia 2180 1800 270 is 9950 rubles. You can choose the number of sections, unlike other steel samples. Non-standard sizes significantly increase heat transfer due to the larger radiator area. Can become part of the interior. Customers have no complaints about the quality.