Steel heating radiators

How to choose the right radiators

One of the important characteristics that affect the choice of heating equipment is power. In addition to it, there are a number of other characteristics that significantly affect the choice of steel batteries, which should be followed when buying them.

The size of the device must correspond to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heated room. Without taking into account individual nuances, it can be assumed that 0.1 kW of thermal energy is required to heat 1 m2 of area.

The heat transfer of steel appliances used in the heating system directly depends on their area. So, the length of the radiator installed under the window should be about 60-70% of the width of the window opening.

When choosing the most suitable model, it will not be superfluous to take into account such subtleties:

• the most practical are devices with a manual or mechanical thermostat;
• avoiding accidents or minimizing the risk of flooding will allow the installation of a ball valve that shuts off the flow of coolant;
• to ensure the efficiency of the heating system, it is required to periodically remove the air that accumulates inside - a Mayevsky crane is suitable for this purpose.

Another of the selection criteria is the reputation of the manufacturer and additional services offered when purchasing a product. So, preference should be given to those companies that provide services for the installation, operation and maintenance of steel devices being sold.

How to choose?

In order to choose the right battery for a particular location, several factors must be considered. Firstly, when installing a radiator in an apartment building or office space, you need to know the temperature limits and maximum water pressure in the central heating system. This depends on the specification of the product. Secondly, you need to find out which coolant and with what additives will circulate through the radiator, since the material and design must be resistant to it. Thirdly, it is necessary to take into account the required thermal power for each specific building or individual room. From this indicator depends on the number and size of purchased products. The calculation can be carried out either by the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, or by its volume.

It is advisable to imagine the future design of a room or house, at least in general terms. Products may vary in color, contain additional decorative elements. In general, a steel radiator can both emphasize the style of the interior and destroy the whole idea of ​​the owner.

Manufacturers overview

Since the range of steel heating products presented by different countries is very wide, it is quite difficult to choose one manufacturer that could monopolize the market. However, among all companies producing steel radiators, some specific ones can be distinguished.

Foreign

Among the European representatives, the following trademarks can be distinguished: Korado, Buderus, Arbonia.

Korado

Czech radiators from Korado are quite widely known to domestic buyers. The first products of this manufacturer began to be produced in the middle of the 20th century, when the Czech Republic and Slovakia were a single state. The first steel products appeared at the plant in 1990, when it passed into private ownership. Today it is a global brand, each product of which has certificates of quality. Batteries of this brand can be mounted even in high-rise buildings, if the pressure of the centralized heating system does not exceed 10 bar.

Among Korado's products, you can find steel radiators that can be connected to both a single-pipe system and a two-pipe system, as long as they are of a closed type. It is possible to connect products both with the natural circulation of the carrier, and in systems where water is pumped with a pump.

Buderus

Steel radiators from the German company Buderus are recognized as one of the best products on the world market.The company was founded in 1731 and began working with cast iron, switching to the production of steel products by the end of the 19th century. In Russia, panel radiators of this brand are manufactured in the city of Engels at the Bosh plant.

The length of Buderus radiators can vary from 400 to 3000 mm, and the height - from 300 to 900 mm. The elements of the heating system have 4 connections each, which makes it possible to conveniently integrate them into any heating system. And German production is already a kind of guarantor of quality.

Arbonia

Another symbol of the highest standard are steel tubular radiators made in Switzerland. Suitable for any heating system, Arbonia batteries withstand high pressure drops, and their operating pressure reaches 16 bar. Their shape allows for a thorough cleaning of the product, which allows them to be installed in rooms with allergy sufferers and small children, such as nurseries and schools.

In addition to the above companies, Serbian AXIS radiators, Austrian Vogel Noot products and Finnish Purmo batteries are not the last in the ranking of European manufacturers.

Relatively recently, Turkish-made steel radiators appeared on the domestic market. Their quality is in no way inferior to European standards, and the price is only slightly higher than cheap Chinese counterparts. Most often, the products of a Turkish manufacturer are installed in private houses with autonomous heating systems, but there are brands that represent radiators for multi-storey residential buildings and offices. For example, steel batteries of the Hidros or Ultratherm brand can withstand a pressure of 10 atmospheres and are available in various designs.

Domestic

Among the Russian manufacturers, there are also several leading companies in the Russian market.

"Lidea"

A powerful Belarusian production that produces products that surpass even European products in their characteristics. Made of steel of the highest category with a thickness of 1.2 mm, such radiators can be built into both single-pipe and two-pipe heating systems. All products have appropriate certificates, and production is based on the latest foreign technologies.

OOO "Press"

The Ukrainian company, founded on the basis of the largest Soviet plant Bolshevik, produces steel panel radiators that can withstand up to 40 years of operation. They are resistant to corrosion and do not need special additives to the coolant. Such batteries are mounted not only in private buildings, but also in tall office buildings and panel apartment buildings.

OOO NITI Progress, Konrad, Oasis and other Russian companies.

Trust in the domestic manufacturer of steel batteries is growing every year due to the quality and reliability of products. Products practically do not differ from Western models, and their cost is significantly lower than foreign products. A distinctive feature of Russian products is their versatility for our heating systems. So, for example, Konrad produces the RVS-1 model, which can be installed in place of an old cast-iron battery even without adjustment.

Installation rules

After making all the calculations and purchasing the required number of steel radiators, you can proceed with their installation. There are several types of connection of the battery itself with the pipes of the heating system.The best way is considered a diagonal connection, which minimizes heat loss. In this case, the supply pipe is connected at the top of the radiator, and the outlet pipe is connected at the bottom. For batteries with side connection, both pipes are connected only on one side, which can be convenient in small rooms. Batteries with a bottom connection are rarely seen in apartment buildings, as it contributes to the loss of about 15% of heat, but this option is sometimes found in private construction. This design allows you to hide the supply pipes under the floor, which gives the battery a more decorative look.

Whatever the connection, for the correct installation of the radiator, certain rules must be observed:

• the correct distance between the radiator and the walls of the room should be at least 30–50 mm so as not to disturb air convection;
• above the floor, the battery rises by a minimum of 100-120 mm to reduce heat loss.

The most optimal place for installing a radiator both in the house and in the apartment is the space under the window. So the ascending currents of warm air prevent the penetration of cold through the structures of the window sill and window. In order for the air to rise unhindered, the radiator is lowered from the level of the window sill by at least 100 mm. Also a very important nuance is the connection of the supply and output pipes according to the markings.

For the process of installation and dismantling, a certain set of tools is required. To dump the air accumulated in the radiator, you will need a special air vent or a device called the Mayevsky crane. If the size of the device does not match the holes of the radiator, then you will additionally have to purchase a suitable adapter.In addition, you will need plugs for the remaining holes and valves, such as ball valves. For installation on the floor or wall, hooks and brackets are required, and for insulating the joints, linen tow or fum tape is required. Of the universal tools, you will need drills and a drill, a level, dowels or anchor bolts.

The process of mounting radiators of various shapes and materials does not differ from each other and is divided into stages:

Dismantling the old radiator (if necessary). Of particular difficulty is the dismantling of old, more than once painted cast-iron batteries. Their fasteners are almost impossible to unscrew, since the layer of paint on it serves as a kind of “concrete”, which tightly holds the parts together. To remove this layer, it is necessary to melt it with a building hair dryer or blowtorch, and then go through all the joints with a metal brush. Using a pipe wrench, all cleaned parts are unscrewed, and the battery is removed from the brackets screwed to the wall.

Summarizing all the points described, it can be noted that when choosing one or another type of steel radiator, it is worthwhile to clearly understand whether it suits your current needs. It is necessary to correctly make all the calculations and read the reviews of real buyers. Only the product that is ideal for its characteristics will please the eye for a long time and will not bring unplanned troubles.

The following video will tell you more about how to choose a heating radiator.

Advantages and disadvantages of panel-type radiators

Steel panel radiators have a lot of positive qualities, among which the following are worth noting:

1. Ease of installation.Since the steel panel heating radiator is a one-piece product, its installation is reduced to very simple operations - first you need to hang the device on the brackets, and then connect it to the heating pipeline. True, the inability to disassemble the radiator can also be attributed to the disadvantages - in case of damage to the device, it will have to be changed completely, while sectional batteries can be changed in parts.
2. High heat dissipation. The panels have a rather large area, due to which the thermal energy is transferred to the room in full. The presence of convectors, which allows you to direct warm air in the right direction, also greatly increases the efficiency of steel batteries.
3. Profitability. A relatively small volume of coolant passes through the internal cavities, so relatively little energy is required for heating. Compared to conventional cast iron batteries, panel devices produce about a third more heat.
4. Low injury risk. There are no sharp corners in the design of steel panel radiators, which can cause injury. This item is especially relevant for families with small children - the smooth metal surface of the radiator reduces the likelihood of serious injury to a minimum.
5. Good visual qualities. Panel radiators initially have a fairly neat and pleasant appearance, so after installing them you do not have to think about various options for protective or decorative elements.

Panel devices also have disadvantages, of which the following stand out:

Weak resistance to pressure drops. In the manufacture of panel batteries, welding is used - and the resulting welds do not withstand water hammer very well.However, this disadvantage can be leveled with the help of gearboxes, which take the effect of pressure drops on themselves.

Dependence on the quality of the coolant. If there is a high concentration of impurities in the water poured into the heating system, then the radiators will very quickly become unusable. In centralized systems, the quality of the coolant is usually not very good, so the inner surface of the radiators becomes covered with a thick layer of scale and begins to rust.

Low mechanical strength

The components of panel radiators are not very durable, so care must be taken when transporting and operating them - even a slight impact can lead to damage to the products.

Where to buy steel heating radiators

In Moscow and MO

1. Thermal water service - a full range of models from well-known manufacturers - +7 (495) 134-44-998 or (800) 555-00-81, Moscow, 25 km of the Moscow Ring Road, outer side, TK "Konstruktor", line E, pav. 1.8.
2. ProstoTeplo.ru - +7 (495) 584-00-01, Moscow region, Mytishchi, st. Kolpakova d.2 bldg. 13, entrance 1, 4th floor, office 401.

In St. Petersburg

1. ProTeplo – 8 (812) 507-88-09, Saint-Petersburg, Chugunnaya street, house number 14, LITER K building, OFFICE 1.
2. Heat 3000 - +7 (812) 401-66-31, St. Petersburg, st. Voroshilova, 2 lit.E, check-in only from the street. Ash.

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, the following is 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.

The best compact steel radiators

In cramped conditions or along panoramic windows, the best solution is to install compact steel radiators. They provide efficient heating of the room, despite their small size.

The height of such equipment, as a rule, does not exceed 30 cm. More often, compact batteries are panel-mounted and can be mounted both on the wall and on the floor.

Purmo Ventil Compact CV

4.9★★★★★editorial score96% of buyers recommend this product

A modern compact panel-type radiator has a height of 200 mm. It is suitable for side and bottom connection and can be installed in any heating systems that use both water and antifreeze as a heat carrier.

The radiator is implemented with a built-in thermostatic valve and makes it possible to set a comfortable temperature in the room.

The structural parts of the equipment underwent five-stage processing, including electrophoresis primer and powder paint baking. This makes the batteries resistant to corrosion, damage, scratches and paint peeling due to high temperatures. You can mount them on the wall or install them on the floor - the legs are purchased separately.

Advantages:

• thermostatic valve;
• Five-stage metal processing;
• Work with water and antifreeze;
• Bottom and side connection;
• Wall and floor mounting.

Flaws:

Thermal head sold separately.

Purmo's Ventil Compact CV radiators are designed for installation in pumped heating systems and are capable of operating at pressures up to 10 bar. They will look attractive along the panoramic windows.

Bosch Classic K-Profil 22 300x800

4.8★★★★★editorial score90% of buyers recommend this product

Steel radiators have a height of 30 cm. They are able to work in heating systems, the operating pressure in which does not exceed 8.7 bar. The equipment is made in a classic design for panel radiators, painted white.

Each battery has two heating plates and two convectors, which provides an optimal combination of economy and efficiency.

The radiators are deep degreased, primed, phosphated and hot sprayed, making them resistant to corrosion and scratches. But if the coating is still damaged, the batteries can be hung upside down - they do not have hanging hooks.

Advantages:

• Bilateral installation;
• Anti-corrosion treatment;
• Reliable coloring;
• High heat dissipation;
• Discreet design.

Flaws:

There is no thermostat.

Bosch steel radiators are optimal for autonomous heat supply.Despite their compactness, they have excellent performance.

ROSTerm 22 300×800

4.8★★★★★editorial score89% of buyers recommend this product

The compact 30 cm high batteries are designed for installation in confined spaces, under low windows or in bathrooms. They have a standard working pressure of 10 bar and are recommended for installation in autonomous heating networks.

The series is represented by panel radiators made in a classic design. The small size of the equipment allows you to save on heating the coolant, since the internal circuit holds no more than 2.45 liters.

Advantages:

• Discreet design;
• Low price;
• Profitability;
• Ease of installation;
• Safe design.

Flaws:

Side connection only.

ROSTerm 22 is a budget option for arranging heat supply for private and low-rise buildings, which is suitable for rooms with low windows, as well as for bathrooms.

Which compact steel radiator would you recommend?

• Purmo Ventil Compact CV
• Bosch Classic K-Profil 22 300x800
• ROSTerm 22 300×800

Vote

Steel panel heating radiators

The next variety is steel panel heating radiators. They differ in their appearance, really resembling a metal panel. The technique for their production is extremely simple - two specially shaped metal sheets are taken, which are welded together and form a panel with channels. The coolant flows through these channels, transferring heat to the premises.

Differences in the types of tubular heating devices and their sizes.

Connection of these radiators is carried out from below or from the side - batteries of any kind are available for sale at the choice of buyers.In order to increase heat transfer, manufacturers increase the number of panels in one device to two or three pieces, and also supplement heaters with fins (convectors). As a result, the thermal power of the equipment and the efficiency of heating increase - radiators not only radiate heat, but also provide air convection in heated rooms.

The following types of panel radiators are available for customers to choose from:

• 10 - single-row models without fins;
• 11 - single-row models with fins;
• 12 - two-row radiators with one finning;
• 20 - two-row radiators without fins;
• 21 - two-row models with one fin and cover with ventilation holes;
• 22 - two rows of panels and two convectors;
• 30 - simple three-row models of radiators;
• 33 - three-row radiators with three convectors.

Fins (convectors) provide heated rooms with additional portions of heat. But many scold these internal ribs, as dust settles on them, and it is very inconvenient to remove it from there.

Some floor models can be equipped with four or even five rows of panels, which significantly increases their heat transfer with their own small dimensions.

The more rows in the device, the faster the room where it is installed will warm up.

Multi-row panel steel heating radiators consist of several heating panels combined into a single whole with the help of metal distribution tubes-collectors. The height of these heaters varies from 400 to 3000 mm, width - from 300 to 900 mm. Such a large selection allows you to implement any tasks for heating residential, office, administrative premises.

Advantages of panel heating radiators:

• high heat transfer - according to this indicator, they are close to aluminum models;
• a large model range - there are a lot of panel devices on sale;
• small internal volume - this helps to reduce heating costs, since the heating boiler needs to spend less electricity to heat the entire system;
• decent appearance - they look much better compared to cast-iron batteries;
• the presence of floor and built-in models - for special cases.

Not without drawbacks:

• lack of resistance to water hammer - if a water hammer occurs in the heating system, then such heating devices can swell and burst (this is due to the use of weak resistance welding in the manufacture of panels);
• narrow clearance - due to this, panel radiators can become clogged;
• low structural strength - the use of thin metal sheets does not provide a good margin of safety.

Thus, panel radiators are somewhat flimsy - they are demanding on the pressure in the system and may not endure careless handling.

Do you want to create a sophisticated interior in your home or office? Then we advise you to look at tubular or aluminum radiators - they have a more decent appearance. Also, we do not recommend the use of panel radiators in centralized heating systems and in systems with poor heat carrier quality.

Which manufacturers of steel aggregates are preferable

panel type

If you want to purchase domestic panel radiators, we have to disappoint you.In our country, products of this type are produced in a small volume, since Russian companies cannot compete with Western ones that offer a lower price. Therefore, it is worth mentioning here exclusively manufacturers from abroad:

• Kermi, Buderus (Germany);
• Copa, Insolo (Turkey);
• Korado (Czech Republic);
• DeLonghi (Italy);
• Purmo (Finland).

The above companies offer a large number of models that differ in power, size and appearance. To select the appropriate option, you will have to spend a lot of time studying the characteristics of the equipment.

Tubular type

As for radiators made of steel cylindrical products, these products are of a more expensive class, so the number of companies producing them is relatively small. Geographically, the manufacturers of these radiators are mostly located in Germany: Kermi, Zehnder, Charleston, Arbonia. Italians in this market segment are represented by Irsap Tesi.

Russian companies also produce tubular radiators. For example, at the KZTO plant (Kimry, Tver region) metal batteries of this type are produced, the operating pressure of which is 15 atm. Such a high parameter makes it possible to use them in multi-storey buildings connected to centralized heating.

The choice of steel radiators according to the degree of heat transfer

To select the optimal power of radiators for heating rooms, you need to make some calculations. According to average values, 100 W of thermal energy is required to heat 1 square meter of room area.This value is far from always relevant - the required power of radiators depends on a lot of parameters, starting with the climatic conditions of a particular region and ending with the individual characteristics of the building.

To get the most accurate calculation results suitable for a particular situation, you should use online calculators. A good application allows you to determine the required power of radiators, taking into account a tolerance of 10%. Of course, with a lack of data, one should not hope for high accuracy of calculations, but minor deviations will not adversely affect the quality of space heating. Calculations must be carried out for each room separately.

The following data will be required for calculations:

• Room area;
• The number of external walls (some calculators also take into account the direction of the walls, as well as the influence of the movement of the prevailing air masses);
• Peak values ​​of negative temperatures in winter;
• The presence and quality of insulation of the outer walls of the room;
• Ceiling height;
• The degree of insulation of the floor and ceiling;
• The number of windows in the room and their dimensions;
• The presence of doors facing the street or balcony;
• The proposed scheme for installing radiators and their features.

Conclusion

There are several types of steel heating radiators, each of which is designed for use in certain conditions. When choosing steel heating radiators, you need to take into account all the features of the room, carry out a series of calculations and carefully study the products of manufacturers on the market.