Which heating batteries are better: we choose according to the characteristics of the batteries for the apartment

What are the threats posed by centralized heating

On the one hand, the supply of heat from the outside is more convenient than autonomous heating - no need to fiddle with installing the boiler and adjusting it. Autumn will come, and hot water will run merrily through your batteries, warming up your apartment.

But not everything is so smooth in the district heating system:

• Water, which has come a long way, contains many chemically active impurities that can corrode pipes and radiators.
• And also small particles of sludge, which inevitably fall into the coolant, scratch the batteries from the inside, after a few years wiping them to holes.
• And the water temperature is not always stable - either the batteries are at room temperature, or it is impossible to touch them.
• And the most important danger is a sudden huge jump in pressure in the heating system, the so-called water hammer. It happens, for example, for the reason that the locksmith too abruptly closed the crane of the pumping station.

Previously, valves with a smooth running were used there, and with the advent of ball valves, it became possible to shut off the water instantly. There is also a water hammer when excess air enters the pipes. A second jump in the pressure of troubles can do a lot. Weak batteries cannot withstand enormous pressure and burst, splashing boiling water, ruining furnishings and damaging neighbors below.

How to choose the right steel radiators for thermal power

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

It is generally accepted that 100 W of thermal energy must be supplied per 1 square meter of area. However, this calculation is somewhat "coarse", since 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 can be quite different from the real needs for heat power.

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

If any data is unknown, or the reader considers them insignificant, then you can skip entering 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 ready-made model of the corresponding thermal power.

Calculator for calculating the required thermal power 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 buyers who have already installed certain radiators. Only after making sure that the vending models are ideal in all respects for a house or apartment, you can go shopping.

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

What radiators to choose for heating an apartment

What heating radiators are best for your apartment? The choice of consumers is represented by cast iron radiators, steel, aluminum and bimetallic. Let's try to figure out how they differ from each other and which ones are best suited for an apartment installation.

Cast iron radiators

These are the oldest radiators on the heating equipment market. They are distinguished by their solid dimensions, since they are made of thick cast iron.Such radiators withstand pressure drops, water hammer and high temperatures. They are also capable of working with aggressive coolants. Everything would be fine, but they are characterized by low heat dissipation, which makes them somewhat unsuitable for use in cold regions.

Their downsides also include:

• Inconvenience in installation - high weight affects;
• Not too attractive external data;
• Not suitable for use in high-rise buildings (above 5-9 floors).

Otherwise, these are good radiators, hardy and sturdy. Recently, quite modern models with acceptable dimensions and decent appearance have appeared on the market. And they can be installed in low-rise buildings, where they will serve for many years.

Steel radiators

Looking at modern steel panel radiators, you begin to immediately understand that they obviously cannot withstand high pressure. And this is really so, because thin metal is used here, which is not distinguished by expressive durability. Steel radiators can be useful for heating small private houses or summer cottages, but they are not suitable for use in high-rise buildings.

The only exceptions are some models of steel radiators, through which relatively thick pipes pass - their endurance is slightly higher. They are often called tubular radiators. Today they are found in some buildings with a height of 9-16 floors.

Steel radiators are distinguished by high heat transfer and heat the premises well. They are also very lightweight and easy to install. The small internal volume is also an undoubted advantage. But all these advantages become useless if you need to install these radiators in an apartment - in low-rise buildings they will still serve (the use of tubular models is required), but in high-rise buildings they will not withstand high pressure.

Aluminum radiators

Modern aluminum radiators are lightweight and have high heat dissipation. And aluminum itself is a pretty strong metal. Radiators from it are ready to withstand the high pressure of the coolant, but there is no resistance to water hammer here. A no less disadvantage is the lack of resistance to the effects of the coolant - aggressive impurities literally corrode such radiators, leading to ruptures and leaks.

The appearance of aluminum radiators impresses with its magnificence - they are compact and neat, they are easy and pleasant to install, but the lack of resistance to water hammer and corrosion spoils everything. But they can be an excellent solution for private home ownership.

Sometimes it is allowed to use aluminum radiators in low-rise construction, where the coolant pressure is not as high as in high-rise buildings. They are also successfully used in apartments with individual heating.

Bimetal radiators

If you don’t know which heating radiators are better to put in an apartment, then we recommend that you turn your attention to bimetallic models. Inside them we will find:

• Steel base - it can withstand pressure up to 50 atmospheres and is well resistant to corrosion;
• The aluminum case, which does not come into contact with the coolant, provides simply excellent heat dissipation.

Bimetallic radiators are not afraid of water hammer and high pressure, they are easy to assemble and dismantle. They are also not afraid of high temperatures and have a low weight, and due to the presence of effective protection against corrosion, they boast a long service life. It is bimetallic radiators that are the best for installation in apartments, be it a small three-story building or a solid 26-story building.

Despite the many advantages, bimetallic batteries have one drawback - they are high cost. Therefore, the cost of purchasing them will be quite significant.

Electric radiators

In addition to the heating devices discussed above, there are others - those that do not require connection to the heating system. You probably already guessed that we are talking about electric radiators.

Modern electric radiators combine high efficiency, reliability and safety.

Depending on the design, there are several types of heat exchangers operating from the electrical network:

• oil radiators;
• convectors;
• infrared devices.

The design of the oil cooler most closely resembles a traditional heating battery. Mineral oil is used as a heat carrier, and heating is carried out by a tubular electric heater (TEN). The closed design contributes to fire safety and mobility of the device, in addition, the oil heater does not burn oxygen and dust. The disadvantages include bulkiness, low efficiency and the possibility of getting burned when touching a metal surface.

Oil radiators differ from traditional heating radiators in mobility - if necessary, they can be easily carried from place to place

Electric convectors also use heating due to ohmic losses, only their design uses not a liquid, but an air heating element. Thanks to their closed design, this type of heater has the same advantages as oil radiators. As for the design, it is optimized so that the device uses convection as efficiently as possible. The disadvantages of the convector include only low mobility - most often such devices are intended for stationary use.

Simple design and heat transfer by convection contribute to the reliability and efficiency of electric convectors

Infrared radiators are the most modern type of heating equipment. Unlike any other equipment, their design is based on the principle of heat transfer by radiation.

The principle of operation of infra-frame radiators is borrowed from the Sun - it is not the air in the room that heats up, but the reflecting objects

By heating not the air, but the surrounding objects, IR heaters are highly efficient and at the same time have the highest efficiency. The disadvantages of devices that work similarly to the Sun can be attributed only to the relatively high cost.

Unlike other radiators, infrared devices work most effectively on the ceiling - in this case, the radiation penetrates into the most distant corners of the room.

Modern bimetallic batteries

As the name suggests, these batteries are made of different materials - steel and aluminum, while incorporating their best characteristics. The design of the internal circuit of the bimetallic radiator, in which the coolant circulates, is steel, which makes it possible to use such a device in any heating system. In turn, the outer plates are responsible for transferring heat to the environment. are made of aluminum - a material with a high coefficient of thermal conductivity. Plus, in addition to the advantages borrowed from the aluminum and steel batteries, the bimetallic radiator has the following advantages:

• working pressure level up to 35 atmospheres;
• corrosion resistance regardless of the heat carrier used;
• low coefficient of inertia, which allows you to quickly change the temperature regime in the room;
• external attractiveness;
• ease of installation and low weight;
• the ability to select the required number of sections.

The only but significant drawback is the high cost of the product, which is compensated by the reliability and long-term operational life of the bimetallic radiator.

Also, during the installation of such a bacterium, it is important to observe the distance from the device to the wall, which should not be less than 4 cm.

In conclusion, we can conclude that it is better to install cast iron radiators or bimetallic counterparts in apartments with a centralized heating system. In turn, in private housing construction, batteries made of steel or aluminum are considered the best option for price and quality.

Steel radiators

Like other heating equipment with open welds, steel radiators require a stable heating medium pressure. For this reason, they are most often used for installation in private houses and other buildings with autonomous heating. In this case, a closed heating circuit slows down oxidative processes, besides, individual heating does not suffer from constant contamination of the coolant with alkali and other aggressive impurities. When using purified water and regular monitoring of the pressure, steel radiators do not need to be replaced for 20 years or more.

Technical characteristics of steel radiators from well-known European manufacturers

When installing steel radiators in buildings with central heating, one should be aware of the danger of water hammer and poor quality of the coolant. Sudden pressure drops and water with salt and alkali impurities reduce the battery life by more than half. In this case, you should not expect the equipment to last more than 10 years.

Such deposits in the central heating pipe indicate a strong contamination of the coolant with impurities - in this case, it is better not to use steel radiators.

There are two types of steel radiators on sale:

• tubular,
• panel.

The advantages of the former stem from a simple and reliable design that resembles a ladder of parallel vertical tubes.

Tubular radiators are experiencing a second youth, being the object of attention of designers and lovers of modern trends in the interior.

Flat, level surfaces of panel radiators make maintenance much easier. That is why housewives love them so much.

For the manufacture of panel radiators, steel zigzag plates are used, which are spot welded to each other. The cavities formed in this case serve as channels through which the coolant circulates. To increase heat transfer, manufacturers complicate the design by assembling a radiator from three panels. The downside of this improvement is the heavier structure - the weight of multilayer steel heat exchangers approaches that of cast iron.

For the manufacture of a panel radiator, profile steel plates are used, the space between which acts as a water circuit of the heat exchanger

As you yourself can see, the advantages of panel radiators, such as low price and attractive appearance, overshadow the disadvantages in the form of low performance. Most often, these heating devices are chosen for undemanding budget heating systems.

How to distinguish a quality radiator

Usually, buyers are offered a warranty card for the purchased product. High-quality radiators will serve not only during the warranty period, but also for many years after its expiration.

Be sure to ask for the warranty card at points of sale and keep it for the entire warranty period

The same cannot be said about Chinese radiators made of recycled materials and covered with paint that peels off at the first mechanical impact.

Heating battery defect

Is it worth saving on quality so that after the very first crimping the radiator turns into scrap metal?

How to recognize a Chinese counterfeit?

1. Visually inspect the radiator. The coating should be uniform, without scratches and flaking, homogeneous.
2. Evaluate the quality of the radiator edges.Low-quality models have sharp edges, you can even cut yourself on them. Discard such devices without hesitation.
3. If possible, estimate the weight of one section of the radiator. The lower the weight, the lower the thermal conductivity of the device, the worse the quality. Thus, an aluminum section with a center-to-center distance of 500 mm should not weigh less than one kilogram. If the section weighs less, then provided that the temperature head ΔT = 70 ° C, the thermal conductivity does not exceed 140 W / m * K.

Always inspect the product before purchasing

Comparison of the thermal conductivity index of various radiators is presented in the table.

In some models, heat transfer is increased due to the presence of vertical fins or channels.

Use our calculator to calculate the required number of radiator sections.

What selection criteria to follow when buying

When choosing a radiator for centralized heating, not least of all it is worth paying attention to durability, service life, which are determined by the chemical composition of the coolant. Based on this, unfortunately, beautiful aluminum batteries will have to be abandoned, since aluminum will not last long.

So which batteries are best for the apartment?

If you need austerity, you can choose good old cast iron with an attractive camouflage screen, in conditions of average savings, you can give preference to steel panels, if the purchase price is not the main selection criterion for you, then choose an expensive and reliable bimetal.

What heating batteries are best for an apartment - what to buy?

Before going to the market or store, it is worthwhile to determine the type of connection at home and estimate the approximate performance characteristics of suitable radiators. Already in the store, you should look at the technical data sheet of the battery, on the pages of which all the characteristics and parameters of the radiator are indicated.

Technical parameters for choosing radiators:

• the maximum temperature and pressure that the radiator holds;
• heat dissipation of the battery;
• requirements for the coolant when connected;
• thermal inertia, how long the radiator will cool down.

It is not an easy task to choose and buy heating radiators, which are best suited for an apartment, taking into account the known weak points inherent in central heating, but you can list the list of requirements that suitable radiators must meet:

the manufacturer's declared pressure, withstood by the radiator, must be at least 50% higher than the test pressure in the general system;
anti-water hammer system;
resistance to "chemical attack" of the coolant in the central heating system. Consequently, the inside of the radiators must be coated with a special chemically neutral compound; the thickness of the radiator walls is also important. It, of course, should be optimal for resisting particles of sand and even small stones, which are in the coolant supplied to our apartments by the central heating system.

not uncommon at all;
requirements to maintain an optimally comfortable air temperature in the apartment, pay attention to the heat transfer characteristics, the higher the numbers, the better. To put it simply, the radiators should warm up.

In addition, do not choose too expensive heating radiators, too massive and bulky, the easier their installation is, the easier the possible repair will be. Heating batteries - which are best for an apartment, prices, as well as the cost of ownership (maintenance cost) depends on the class.

Prices for radiators, depending on the class

All of the above radiators belong to models of budget, medium and premium class:

• Economy class, that is, the most "budget" models of radiators, are made of cast iron, "relatively inexpensive" models are made of aluminum, they have their own drawbacks, which were written above;
• The middle class is represented by radiators made of steel, some models made of bimetal are quite reliable, and their line allows you to choose;
• The premium class is, as a rule, stainless steel, created using the art stamp technology (at the forge) or casting, as well as a number of models in the line of bimetal structures.

Heating radiators - which are best for an apartment, prices per section, depending on the material of manufacture. Indicating even the average price for a particular product is a thankless task, but you can roughly focus on the cost of one section from:

• cast iron - about 300;
• aluminum - about 350;
• steel - from 450
• bimetal - from 550 rubles.

Drawing conclusions from the above comparative characteristics of modern radiators of various types, we can note the main recommendations for buyers which heating batteries are best for an apartment and reviews:

• proven cast-iron radiators remain the best option;
• an alternative to cast iron can be a bimetallic radiator, especially if it is an alloy of steel and aluminum, or steel and copper;
• which heating battery to choose for an apartment when using autonomous heating or for a private house? You can choose any designs and types, but, as practice shows, the simpler, the better, and in all respects. The best option would be lightweight aluminum radiators;
• an alternative to aluminum can be radiators made of steel;
• one of the good options can be a copper radiator, however, such models are quite expensive.

Replacing heating radiators in an apartment video

How to connect a heating radiator

It is not enough to correctly install the battery, while it is necessary to fully comply with all the formalities and restrictions of the housing code and the instructions of the Heating Network.

Do-it-yourself installation and replacement of heating batteries is prohibited. All work must be carried out by organizations licensed to carry out installation work on heating systems. Batteries in the apartment must be replaced by a representative of the heating network (a plumber from the housing office) or a certified specialist with a permit.

It is not allowed to independently transfer heating batteries in your apartment. To change the location of the radiators, you will need to make changes to the technical and design documentation and obtain permission from the Heating Network. The connection diagram to the heating system is documented. After the changes, it will be impossible to sell the apartment without the registration of approvals.
In addition to agreeing on the replacement of batteries, you will need to obtain permission to drain the heating risers. The request for disconnection is certified by the ZhEK. It is possible to drain the water from the system only before or after the heating season has ended, as well as in the event of an emergency. Therefore, it is better to change the batteries in the summer, after carrying out preventive measures.

The choice of radiators is simple. In a multi-storey building, it is better to install cast iron or bimetallic batteries. The choice depends on the purchasing power and characteristics of the building.

Features of the choice of heating devices

Now people no longer need to hide or decorate radiators, since modern appliances can become a worthy decoration for any interior. The radiators sold today can vary in color, size, material of manufacture and general style of execution, so it will not be difficult to choose the most suitable option.

Heating radiators

With regards to the form, it must be streamlined. For safety reasons, it is advisable to abandon sharp corners altogether, especially if children live in the house.Before buying, familiarize yourself with the strengths and weaknesses of each of the existing types of radiators to determine which one is more suitable for a particular room.

The first thing to pay attention to is the working pressure of the instruments.

How to choose heating radiators

Depending on the material, radiators are divided into:

• aluminum;
• bimetallic (from alloys of two metals);
• cast iron;

• steel.

The above-mentioned pressure, heat transfer coefficient, heat capacity, resistance to mechanical and chemical damage, as well as service life depend on the material.

Interior radiators

Also pay attention to the way of connection to the heating main. The connection can be side, bottom and universal

It is characteristic that modern radiators provide for all these connection methods.

Radiator connection options

Now in more detail about each material.

Tips for choosing heating radiators

In order not to be mistaken with the choice of a heating radiator for a house or apartment, you need to know which parameters to pay attention to. Here they are:

Radiator working pressure

Before going to the store, you need to know the maximum (at start-up) operating pressure in the heating system. In multi-storey buildings, it can reach up to 16 atmospheres, in panel houses (up to 9 floors) - up to 9 atmospheres. For private houses, a pressure of 2-3 atm is considered normal. Given these data, you can choose a radiator that will withstand the loads indicated here. If this requirement is not met, the battery can simply rupture, which is hazardous to health.

1. Bimetallic radiator - 35 atmospheres;
2. Steel radiator - 6-9 atmospheres;
3. Cast iron radiator - 10-15 atmospheres;
4. Aluminum radiator - 16 atmospheres.
5. Accounting for the power required for space heating

Everything is simple here. To heat one cubic meter of area, 41 watts are required. This standard is established for Russia and several other countries. Let's say you want to heat a room with an area of ​​20 "squares" with a ceiling height of 3 meters. You have to multiply 20 × 3. We get the value 60 (cubic meters). Since 1 cube needs 41 watts of power, we multiply these values ​​and get the number 2460 watts. Next, a heating radiator is selected, taking into account the power of one of its sections.

Section power

The power of one section of different types of radiators:

1. Bimetallic - 180-200 watts;
2. Cast iron - 80-140 watts;
3. Steel - 500-5800 watts for the entire radiator;
4. Aluminum - 190-200 watts.

Select the battery type and divide 2460 watts by the power of one section. You will receive the required number of sections.

The calculations shown are approximate. It is difficult to create perfectly sealed conditions in the room. Heat can escape through the floor, walls, windows. It is necessary to take into account all the nuances, down to what material the house is made of, whether the room is heated under and above you, etc. Instead of 41 watts per cubic meter, you can set a power of 60-70 watts, although it is better to carry out competent insulation so as not to spend money on heating the street. But it is also impossible to achieve overheating, this will negatively affect your well-being.

Unit dimensions

Dimensions depend in part on the power of the radiator. In this case, the location of the device must be taken into account. Most often, batteries are mounted under a windowsill. Measure in advance the distances (height, width) in the place where the radiator will be installed, calculate the power required to heat the apartment and select the heater using these parameters.

Manufacturers

Italian manufacturers are considered the best. Good products are produced by German, Austrian, Finnish craftsmen. The producers of the CIS countries are not much inferior to them.

Measure all the features of different types of radiators, make a calculation and make the right choice.

Rating of heating radiators for an apartment

Battery replacement is ideally carried out once and for a lifetime, or at least 20 years. If you want the devices to serve for a long time, go thoroughly to the choice of the manufacturer. The reliability of the device and the quality of its work will largely depend on this.Regardless of how much a heating radiator in an apartment costs, be sure to ask the manufacturer for certificates confirming the originality of the heat exchangers.

The products of the Italian brand Global, Sira deserve special attention. The models are not cheap, but the quality justifies the price. The devices have a classic look, made of bimetal or aluminum. The advantage lies in the efficiency and high heat transfer of the installations. The following brands also received good customer reviews:

• Kermi - excellent German quality and laconic forms;
• Arbonia is an original design that will allow these devices to become a decoration of the room;
• Smart - inexpensive branded China is quite worthy of attention;
• Rifar is a noteworthy domestic manufacturer.

Varieties of apartment radiators

All heating radiators can be classified according to two criteria - design features and device, and the type of material used.

Classification by design

To choose radiators, you should pay attention to the internal structure and design of the devices. There are the following varieties: Panel batteries - one-piece housing

There are no typesetting sections. Convection holes are provided in the body for quick room heating

Panel Batteries - One-piece body. There are no typesetting sections. Convection openings are provided in the body for quick heating of the room.

Sectional radiators are the most common type of design. The advantage of the sectional device is the ability to add power by connecting additional sections. The design of aluminum and bimetallic radiators is equipped with special convection fins.

Tube type batteries - The structure consists of a steel core and diffuser plates fixed on top.

For an apartment, the best batteries are type-setting sectional radiators. The panels often do not withstand high pressure in the central heating system, and the lack of a beautiful appearance of the tube-type battery does not allow its installation in the room.

Classification by material used

It is possible to establish a general rule that for heating an apartment, batteries are better, which have good heat transfer rates, an acceptable cost, and are able to withstand pressures up to 16 atm. and are not whimsical to the quality of the heat carrier used.

To find the right heater, you should consider the technical characteristics of all radiators offered by manufacturers:

Cast iron batteries - the main advantage of cast iron products, unpretentious operation. The heater is not affected by the quality of the coolant, the features of operation. The only limitation is installation in multi-storey buildings with a height of more than 9 floors. An obvious disadvantage of the battery is its low thermal conductivity.

Aluminum sections - have a beautiful appearance and heat dissipation. In direct contact with the coolant, they quickly fail. To increase the service life of radiators, manufacturers cover the inner cavity of the sections with a polymer coating. It is prohibited to install heaters without a protective layer.

Steel radiators are a budget option. Manufacturers recommend installing steel heating appliances in private homes. Under the influence of high pressure and the presence of water hammer, the service life is significantly reduced.

Bimetallic batteries - the installation of such heating radiators in an apartment building is the best option. A steel core is installed inside the heater, increasing the resistance to pressure in the system. The aluminum housing provides maximum heat dissipation.

Classification by the cost of devices will also help to select batteries for heating an apartment. The budget versions include cast iron and aluminum, steel and bimetallic products have an average price category. The most expensive are copper heaters and stainless steel models.

The cost of replacing heating batteries in an apartment directly depends on the cost and quality of heating devices.

Heating radiator classes

There are 4 classes of heating devices:

• Sectional;
• Lamellar;
• Tubular;
• Panel.

Sectional type radiators are known to everyone. They are made of cast iron, aluminum, steel. There are models for the production of which two materials are used (usually steel and aluminum). Such batteries are called bimetallic. Sectional radiators are assembled from separate sections (sections), receiving at the output a heating device with the required power, given to them in the external environment during operation.

Plate heaters are so named because they are made of several plates that are mounted on curved or straight pipes. The pipes, in turn, circulate a coolant (water). Another name for plate heating devices is convectors. They can be electrical and non-electrical.

Tubular radiators are made of several tubes connected by collectors. They look pretty original. Such radiators are often found in apartments where the interior is made by professional designers. Pipes can be made of any size and shape, for example, in the form of a specific shape.

Panel heating radiators consist of panels that receive heat from a heat carrier circulating in the space between them through channels formed by stamping. There are models with one, two and three panels.

Let's consider in more detail each of the types of heating radiators.