Which types of radiators are better: a comparative overview of all types of radiators

Bimetal radiators

Outwardly, they are twin brothers of aluminum radiators, hence the same advantages: uniform heating of the room, good working pressure and a fairly high heat transfer (170-185 W per section).

Design difference. Outside, the bimetallic battery has an aluminum shell that provides heat transfer. And inside the device consists entirely of steel, which is just resistant to acidic environments.Due to this, bimetallic radiators are recommended for installation in heating systems with a high pH.

The only problem with bimetallic radiators is that they are often counterfeited. Some manufacturers save money and do not make the entire internal mortgage from steel, but only vertical tubes. As a result, water with high acidity continues to come into contact with aluminum, and the whole point of the device is lost - it will fail just as quickly as aluminum.

Therefore, when choosing a bimetallic radiator, it is important to pay attention that it is full bimetallic. Ideally, find sectional photos on the Internet or study such samples in a store.

Aluminum radiators

Aluminum radiators have a neat, compact and modern appearance, they are also sold in the form of stacked sections, so you can choose the optimal number of them, determined by calculation. The height of aluminum radiators can also be different, so they can be placed in convenient places in the room. The working pressure of aluminum radiators is from 6 to 12 atm., Test - up to 25 atm.

Aluminum heating radiators

The advantages of aluminum radiators are obvious:

• Have a modern look
• Heat dissipation is high compared to other radiators and can reach 200W per section;
• Aluminum radiators are much lighter than other types of batteries, due to this they are easy to mount;
• You can choose the required number of sections;
• On the outside, they are protected by a polymer coating that protects the radiators from damage.

The main drawback of aluminum radiators is that they can only be used for a long time in closed systems with strict pH control of the coolant.Do not use pipes and fittings made of other metals. Aluminum is an extremely active metal, and when interacting with copper and brass, it forms a galvanic couple, which can cause electrochemical corrosion and surface currents. Therefore, to implement coolant supply systems for aluminum radiators, it is better to use plastic pipes, and ground the radiators themselves.

In addition, upon contact with fresh, oxygenated water, aluminum reacts, the product of which is hydrogen gas. Gas bubbles entering the system cause unpleasant sounds. Because of this feature, when installing aluminum radiators, it is imperative to provide a gas exhaust system and install a Mayevsky crane.

Based on these features, we can conclude: aluminum radiators, despite the low price and excellent heat dissipation, are better not to install in city apartments with centralized heating. If it is impossible to control the quality of the coolant, one cannot be sure of their long service life.

Bimetal radiators

As the name implies, these radiators consist of two metals - steel and aluminum, while using the advantages of both of these metals. The internal circuit that conducts the coolant in bimetallic radiators is made of steel, which allows them to be used in systems with any pressure and with various types of pipes and fittings. The outer plates, which transfer heat into the space of the room, are made of aluminum and, due to its high thermal conductivity, perfectly heat the room.

Bimetal radiators in the apartment

Advantages of bimetallic radiators:

• High working pressure - up to 35 atm.;
• Resistance to corrosion at any quality of the heat carrier;
• Low inertia - radiators heat up quickly, cool down just as quickly, and by controlling the supply of coolant, you can quickly reduce or increase the temperature in the room;
• Attractive appearance;
• Light weight, easy installation;
• Sectioned design, allowing you to select the desired number of ribs.

The disadvantages include, perhaps, the higher price of bimetallic radiators. What is soon compensated by their reliability and long service life. It should also be noted that when installing bimetallic radiators, it is imperative to observe the distances to the wall, floor and window sill - it must be at least 4 cm.

Summing up, we can say: for installation in an apartment with central heating, it is better to choose cast-iron or bimetallic radiators, and for low-rise buildings - also steel. Aluminum radiators are best used in closed systems connected to a heating boiler, that is, where it is possible to check the quality of the coolant.

TOP 4 aluminum heating radiators

Aluminum batteries have the highest thermal conductivity and rapid heating due to thin walls. They are recommended for heating a private house: they are simple, economical, there is no need to overpay (closed autonomous system). But aluminum is sensitive to water quality, subject to corrosion, therefore it is not used in systems where a long stay without water is provided (for example, draining the coolant for the summer in apartments of multi-storey buildings).

ROMMER Al Optima 500x12

All aluminum radiators provide lateral connection (1 inch). The center distance is standard - 500 mm.One section of the radiator weighs 0.81 kg and holds 0.28 liters of water. This type, unlike the others presented in the rating, will require a minimum of coolant in the system, so heating occurs much faster. Withstands temperatures up to 110 °C. The wall thickness of the vertical collector is 1.8 mm. Treated with anti-corrosion coating. The power of one section is 155 watts. Heat dissipation - 133.4 W at a temperature of 70 ° C. Designed for a pressure of 12 bar (maximum pressure testing - 24 bar).

Advantages:

1. It's easy to set.
2. Laconic design.
3. Lungs.
4. Reliable.
5. Inexpensive.

Flaw:

1. The material is fragile. During transportation, it can be crushed (there are isolated cases).

ROMMER Al Optima 500 for 3500 rubles for 12 sections is the most economical option, with a discreet design and a normal degree of reliability. Provides good heat dissipation, although less than Rifar Alum 500. 86% of users recommend these batteries for purchase.

Rifar Alum 500x10

It has a much larger weight - 1.45 kg. The volume in one section is almost the same - 0.27 liters. The upper part has rounded petals that enhance convection. Withstands much higher pressure - 20 bar (up to 30 when pressing). Designed for any temperature up to 135 °C. Heat dissipation is quite high - 183 watts. 10 sections are needed to heat an area of ​​​​about 18 square meters. m.

Advantages:

1. Nice view.
2. High heat dissipation.
3. Heat up the room quickly.
4. Convenient easy installation.
5. Reliable, high quality.

Flaw:

1. High price.

Rifar Alum 500 for 6 thousand rubles (10 sections) provides an optimal level of heat transfer.This type of radiators has excellent characteristics, but also a little overpriced. A model with a small number of reviews, but they are all positive.

Royal Thermo Revolution 500x10

Weigh less than Rifar Alum 500 - 1.2 kg. The ribs are also made somewhat "wavy", which improves the appearance. Differ in large volume. One section holds 0.37 liters. Withstands the same pressure in the system. The limit temperature is 110 °C. Heat dissipation is also high - 181 watts. The power of one section is 171 watts.

Advantages:

1. Design.
2. High heat dissipation.
3. Good paint quality (does not peel off like cheap models).
4. They warm up well.

Flaws:

1. There are isolated cases of a small marriage: the back wall is poorly painted, a drop of paint on the thread.
2. Expensive.

The price of Royal Thermo Revolution 500 is 6250 rubles for 10 sections. Despite the larger amount of coolant in the system, radiators provide fast heating. High heat dissipation. 92% of buyers are satisfied with the reliability, quality of materials and painting.

Global ISEO 500x10

Model in a laconic design with subtle petals. One section weighs a little more than the Rifar Alum at 1.31 kg. It is distinguished by the largest volume of coolant in one section - 0.44 l. Designed for a pressure of 16 bar (24 bar - crimping pressure). Maintains temperature of the heat carrier up to 110 °C. The heat output of one section is less - 115 watts. The power is higher - 181 watts.

Advantages:

1. Appearance.
2. Normal heat dissipation.
3. They heat great.
4. Good quality coverage.

Flaw:

High price.

The cost of Global ISEO 500 x10 is 6500 rubles. In terms of heat transfer, it loses to all aluminum radiators in the rating. It has a very large amount of coolant in the system for this segment.But 91% of buyers are satisfied with the purchase and recommend it for purchase.

Cast iron radiator

1. STI Nova 500

One of the cheapest, but at the same time very effective, models. Outwardly, such a radiator is practically indistinguishable from a bimetallic or aluminum one. The products are designed and manufactured by a domestic company. With small overall dimensions, it is possible to provide a decent level of heat transfer - the power of the device is about 1200 watts. This is quite enough for high-quality heating of about 20 sq.m of the room. It withstands crimping pressure well, as well as strong water hammer. Working pressure can reach 18 atmospheres. The maximum coolant temperature is 150 degrees, which allows it to be used in systems with hot water, antifreeze, steam. The main advantage of a radiator compared to batteries made from other materials is its absolute insensitivity to the quality of the coolant.

Although the radiator is cast iron, it does not look too bulky and has compact overall dimensions. Products are low maintenance

Installation is simple, but you need to take into account the decent weight of the device - it is best to install with two people. The battery was developed in strict accordance with Russian state standards, so it is fully adapted to our climatic conditions

The radiator is not subject to corrosion processes at all. Leak protection is reliable, you can not be afraid that one day hot water will pour out of the seams.

Advantages:

• Heat dissipation at a decent level;
• Looks attractive;
• Takes up little free space.

Flaws:

There are many areas where dust accumulates, which is quite problematic to remove.

STI Nova 500

Convectors

Convectors are another class of heaters. Most often, they work from the socket and not connected to the central heating system. But they have their own advantages and applications.

The types of heaters used in the water heating system are distinguished not only by the material from which they were made, but also by the principle of operation. Since the days of the Soviet Union, radiators and convectors have been used in heating systems.

Radiators have higher heat transfer rates than convectors. They radiate heat from their surface and provide constant heating of the room, and convectors move air flows from the bottom up, thus forming a draft.

Outwardly, convectors are also very different from radiators, just look at the photos of these devices, and you can accurately determine which device is a convector and which is a radiator.
The basis of the design of the convector is a pipe through which the coolant passes. There are thin, sharp steel plates on the pipe.

The advantages of convectors include small size, reliability, low cost. These devices can be built into the floor, into the wall and placed where there is simply not enough space to install a radiator.

The disadvantages of convectors include a low heat transfer coefficient. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be possible to warm up a large room with the help of these devices; they can only be used as additional sources of heat.

The convection method of heating a room can hardly be called a virtue.Since air convection, or easier air movement, is nothing more than a draft, and you are unlikely to be happy with such a phenomenon in your home. Convectors are often used in office buildings, where a large glazing area makes it impossible to install conventional radiators.

Table. Comparison of working pressure and applications of different radiators

Steel panel	Steel tubular	Aluminum	Bimetallic	Cast iron
Working pressure, Atm.	6 — 10	8 — 15	6 — 25	20 — 30	6 — 9
For a private house
For an apartment
Price	Low	Very high for decorative models	Medium	high	On the MC model - low, on decorative models - high

So we examined all the common heating radiators, which ones are better to decide in a private house yourself, using this article as a hint, and not a guide to action. As you can see, any radiators for heating a private house require certain operating conditions, and you need to choose them taking into account the general technical condition and capabilities of the heating system itself, as a whole. Much depends on the budget, when choosing any type of battery, you can find a middle ground in terms of technical characteristics and price range.

In my opinion, in this case, it is most expedient to consider 2 types of radiators - steel panel radiators or aluminum ones. But still, if we compare them with each other, then probably steel ones are still more practical, more reliable, more efficient and cheaper.

Heating radiators for a country dwelling

Several parameters have a great influence on which radiators to choose for heating a private house. The main ones are:

1. Profitability.
2. Convenience during operation.
3. The cost of equipment and installation.

Water heating is recommended for use in a house built of wood, brick, blocks. This option is much more economical to use when compared with a stove heated with wood and coal, as well as with electrical equipment.

For a private or suburban building, radiator heating is more suitable. This is due to the fact that the installation of batteries and pipelines is cheaper compared to water-type floor heating.

The differences between autonomous heating and central heating are as follows:

1. Profitability.
2. The ability to adjust the acid balance in the coolant.
3. Temperature indicator adjustment.
4. The risk of water hammer is completely absent.
5. The operating pressure is within normal limits.

Selection criteria depending on the type of heating system

The difference between autonomous and centralized heating is great. Therefore, the heating elements must also be different. Let's start with the standalone schema differences.

• Low network pressure. The length of the network is small, therefore, significant pressure is not required for the movement of fluid through the pipes. The possibility of water hammer is excluded. The components of the circuit receive a small load, therefore, for a private house, equipment with low protection against pressure drops, including devices with thin walls, is chosen.
• Small heat losses. The distance from the boiler to the batteries is small, the liquid does not even have time to cool down a little. This is good, since strong heating is not required, which means that resources are saved. But in an emergency, it is quite likely that overheated coolant will be thrown into the system. Therefore, thermal stability is important for it.
• Possibility of freezing. If the temperature in the rooms drops below zero, the liquid freezes, expands and bursts pipes and heating elements.This is quite rare, but still possible. To prevent it, alcohol-containing additives are added to the water or completely replaced with antifreeze, similar compounds. This is allowed only for closed systems, otherwise toxic fumes will appear in the air.

Mounting method

This parameter depends not only on the personal taste of the owners, but also on the features of the wall. After all, there are structures (for example, from drywall) on which you simply cannot hang heavy metal samples. There are also special models of cast iron products, in which the floor arrangement is initially provided.

In this case, they are mounted on special brackets that are attached to the floor, and a radiator is placed on top. The leg can have a fixed or adjustable height.

If a wall connection is used, then four fasteners must be installed, so that two of them hold the top and two hold the bottom. To save money, some use only the top holders, and this leads to the fact that the battery wobbles.

In this case, the main load falls on the upper brackets, so they should be given special attention. The lower ones perform supporting and fixing functions.

Heating device materials

Performance characteristics depend on the material, this should be taken into account when choosing.

Steel heaters

Variety in design and features. All steel devices have common advantages.

• Good heat dissipation. They quickly heat up and raise the temperature.
• Light weight. The weight is relatively small, which facilitates installation and transportation.
• Long service life, subject to the rules of operation.
• Strength. They can work in circuits with high pressure, withstand water hammer.

Of the significant shortcomings, you need to know about instability before corrosion. The low quality of the coolant provokes the appearance of rust on the inside, which reduces the service life. Steel is especially sensitive to alkaline solutions.

Steel panel radiator Stelrad Compact

It is not recommended to drain water for the summer. This activates the corrosion process, which in just two to three years will render the equipment unusable. When using steel heaters, it is advisable to flush them every three years to remove accumulated slags from the system.

Which steel radiators are better to buy

Steel radiators are divided into two types: panel and tubular. The former are cheaper and lighter, but less durable. The latter are more expensive and heavier, but withstand increased pressure and last longer. Models differ in design and principle of operation. Let's consider these two types in more detail to understand which radiators are best for specific operating conditions.

Steel panel or tubular radiators

Panel steel radiators

The design is a panel filled with a coolant and a corrugated metal sheet in contact with it for accelerated heat removal (the metal sheet increases the heat transfer area). The device works in two ways, combining them. Heat from the panel is given off to the surrounding air, and its passage through the fins starts natural convection in the room.

Sectional steel panel heating radiator.

Panel radiator - type 11.

Panel radiator - type 22.

Panel radiator - type 33.

Advantages of steel panel radiators

• light weight;
• good heat dissipation;
• affordable cost.

Cons of steel panel radiators

• low resistance to hydraulic pressure shocks;
• low inertia (quickly cool down after the boiler is turned off);
• the appearance of dust in the air from convection.

Tubular steel radiators

This category is visually similar to cast-iron batteries, but since the walls here are 1.2-1.5 mm thick, they are much thinner and more aesthetically pleasing, unlike bulky heavy metal radiators. The design is based on the lower and upper collectors, connected by vertical steel pipes. There can be two, three or four of them in each section, which increases the volume of the coolant and the area for heat exchange.

Steel tubular radiator.

Often the design can be expanded by adding additional sections if the current number is not enough to heat a particular room. This cannot be done in panel types. This type of battery does not create strong convection.

Advantages of tubular steel radiators

• resistance to water hammer;
• long service life;
• more attractive look;
• less hull depth;
• the possibility of growing or shortening.

Cons of tubular steel radiators

• higher cost;
• increased weight;
• may leak between sections.

Radiators with bottom or side connection

Lateral connection implies the supply of coolant to the upper fitting of the radiator, and the exit of water through the lower one, located on the left or right side of the body. This allows the fluid to pass through all internal channels faster and more efficiently in heat transfer. But with this installation, more pipe will be required for supply to the upper fitting, which can be located at a height of 300-850 mm.Still, such communications can spoil the interior, and you will have to think about how to hide them behind false panels.

Panel radiator with side connection.

The bottom connection involves the supply and removal of water through the fittings from the bottom of the radiator. When the panel is located close to the floor at a distance of 50 mm, such communications are not visible at all. This helps to make hidden wiring around the room without the cost of decorative materials. But the lower connection is less efficient in terms of the mixing speed of the hot and cold coolant, so the heating efficiency is reduced by 2-7%.

Panel radiator with bottom connection.

An example of calculating the required radiator power

In order not to miscalculate with the efficiency of heating, it is important to calculate in advance how much power the radiator should be, so that this is enough to heat a particular room. Here is the calculation formula:

Here is the calculation formula:

P=V*B*40+To+Td.

Let's take a look at these values:

• P is the power of the radiator, which we need to determine by substituting other values.
• V is the area of ​​the room.
• B is the height of the ceilings in the room.
• 40 kW is the approximate heating power required to heat 1 m³.
• That is the inevitable heat loss on the windows, where one standard opening takes about 100 watts.
• Tg - similar losses occurring on the doors. Up to 150-200 watts can be lost on one leaf.

Now we count. There is a bedroom with an area of ​​15 m², in which there is one standard window and one door. Which radiator to buy for such a room?

15 m²*2.5 m (ceiling height)*40+100+200=1800 W. It is with such a minimum power that it is necessary to look for a radiator among panel or tubular options. If there is no exact value, then the choice is given in favor of a larger one.

Why Radiator Certification Is So Important

When certifying radiators checked:

• compliance with the declared heat transfer in terms of power;
• thickness of steel walls (should be at least 1.2 mm);
• maintaining nominal and maximum pressure.

Conclusions regarding the choice of a radiator for an apartment

In conclusion, we can conclude which heating radiator is better to choose for an apartment. As practice shows, aluminum and steel models are not able to withstand the tests that accompany operation in the conditions of domestic heating systems. Such batteries are not able to withstand pressure and temperature changes. There are only cast-iron and bimetallic devices to choose from.

What to buy - you can decide by evaluating the budget, as well as the characteristics of the models. However, there are a few tips you can use. If you still do not know which heating radiator is best for an apartment, then you should evaluate how old the house you live in is. If we are talking about "Khrushchev", then it is best to use cast iron products. For residents of high-rise buildings, where the pressure is higher, it is recommended to purchase bimetallic radiators. If earlier cast iron batteries were installed in the apartment, then the choice can be stopped on any of the two options. However, those who are going to replace a battery made of another metal should purchase bimetallic models.