When the question of which heating radiators is best to choose for a private home appears on the agenda, there are many who nostalgically recall Soviet cast-iron “accordions” - although bulky, they are hot and warm the room well. Indeed, at one time such batteries worked “excellently,” but now they are deteriorating and are considered obsolete. They have already been replaced by new, more efficient, convenient and cost-effective models.
But the main problem is that there are many diametrically opposed opinions regarding new radiators. And in practice it’s the same: you go to neighbors who have installed modern radiators at home - some are warm, while others are cold. At the same time, both places have almost identical heating batteries - that is, which of them is better for a private home does not always depend on the specific model. In order to understand all the existing models, we turned to the specialists of the Miralex store, which offers a very wide range of radiators.
Warmth in the house does not always depend on the quality of the selected radiators Source kp.md
Features of heating networks in a private house
Unlike multi-apartment buildings, an autonomous heating system is installed in a private house, that is, it does not depend on the central boiler room, which means that the pressure in the network and the temperature of the coolant will be completely different. Therefore, when choosing a radiator for a private home, you need to consider the following points:
- In private houses, the pressure on the coolant, and with it on the tanks and radiator pipes, is much less than in multi-storey buildings. Thus, the batteries do not experience overload, so you can choose any, including thin-walled models.
There is a horror story among residents of apartment buildings about pipes bursting due to water hammer due to sudden pressure surges in the water supply. In fact, there can be no water hammer even in apartment buildings, not to mention heating systems in cottages. But in private homes, especially those in which people do not live all the time, another problem may arise - freezing of water in the pipes. It is in this case that the batteries may simply burst if you forget to drain the water from the system before leaving.
Even cast iron batteries cannot always withstand system freezing Source ir-leasing.ru
- In a private house, the length of the pipeline from the heat source (boiler, stove) to the radiator is very short compared to multi-story buildings. Therefore, heat loss is minimal, and the coolant is more heated. Conclusion: in a private house there should be radiators that can withstand high-temperature coolant.
- A little liquid is needed to fill the heating system, so you can add antifreeze or ethyl alcohol to it. This protects pipes and radiators so that they do not freeze if the boiler is turned off for a long time.
Today, there is a large amount of antifreeze for radiators on the market.
One such option is Gibax antifreeze. When choosing, you must pay attention to the fact that antifreezes based on ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are prohibited from being used in systems that contain fittings, fittings, and pipes galvanized inside. At temperatures above 70 degrees, an intense chemical reaction occurs, which results in peeling of the galvanized layer, which leads to subsequent clogging of fittings, heating devices, etc. The second factor is the destruction of useful additives that protect the heating system from corrosion, as a result, the heating system begins to corrode intensively. For systems with galvanized products, glycerin-based antifreeze is used.
Adding antifreeze to the heating system Source homediz.info
- When choosing heating radiators, which ones are best for a private home should be determined based on the size of the heated area. In cottages there is a lot of space, and therefore energy consumption for heating is also large. It is advisable to install batteries that will warm up your home at a minimum cost.
Guided by these simple rules, you can buy the optimally suitable model.
conclusions
When choosing radiators for a private house or apartment in a high-rise building, you should take into account the operating conditions typical for autonomous or centralized heat supply. Cast iron or bimetallic radiators are suitable for an apartment; aluminum or cast iron are suitable for a private house.
For the rest, you need to be guided by specific conditions: interior requirements, financial capabilities, equipment cost, manufacturer reliability, etc.
We recommend checking the calculation of the required number of radiator sections for a specific room by receiving the seller’s recommendations upon purchase.
During installation, it is necessary to maintain all the necessary distances of the radiator from the floor, walls, etc., as well as the horizontal position of its position in different planes.
A thermostat installed on radiators helps you save money - you can turn off unnecessary radiators or set an automatic temperature maintenance mode.
Classes of heating radiators and their types and features
The principle of operation of a radiator is to transfer heat to the surrounding space from the coolant fluid circulating in this heating device.
The autonomous heating system (AHS) consists of:
- boiler;
- pipelines;
- thermal elements.
Autonomous heating system Source gidroguru.com
The table shows the main types of heating devices:
| Device | Operating principle | Example |
| Radiator | Heat is radiated | ceiling radiant panels, sectional cast iron, tubular radiators |
| Battery | Heat is radiated and also transferred by convection | sectional aluminum, sectional steel, bimetallic, tubular |
| Convector | Heat is mainly transferred by convection | plate, tubular convectors, finned tubes |
In addition, heating devices are divided into the following classes; let’s consider a unique rating of heating radiators from this side:
Sectional
They consist of heating sections that are connected to each other. The more sections, the more heat they will transfer to the surrounding space. To prevent the room from overheating, special thermostats are installed on the radiators to regulate the temperature.
Thermostatic tap for temperature control Source drive2.ru
Standard cast iron radiators are also sectional: heat from them is transferred in the form of infrared radiation, evenly distributed throughout the room - top, bottom and middle. Such batteries have large dimensions and thick walls, which accumulate enough heat so that it is emitted in the infrared spectrum. It is this method of heating that is considered optimal for human health, although it must be borne in mind that part of the heating also occurs through convection.
Thanks to the thick walls, such batteries have high thermal inertia - therefore, after turning off the AOS, the radiators remain hot for a long time. Cast iron is not very susceptible to corrosion and is not afraid of harmful impurities in the coolant - the service life of such devices reaches 50 years. One of the disadvantages is the heavy weight.
Aluminum radiators have good heat transfer (1/2 radiation + 1/2 convection) and quickly warm up the room. Compared to cast iron, they are more lightweight, and in general, the ability to transfer heat into the room is several times higher than that of cast iron and steel.
Sectional radiator Source isu.org.ua
An additional advantage of modern models is the ability to regulate the temperature using a valve with a thermal head. The metal surface is coated with a protective coating, which increases its service life. The cost of aluminum radiators is low, and therefore the prices are more affordable.
Aluminum radiators cannot withstand high overloads, so they are not used in central heating systems (CHS). They break due to pressure surges, the presence of rust or sand particles in the coolant. Chemical additives are not allowed in liquids.
Bimetallic heating radiators consist of external aluminum plates and steel pipes located inside the sections. They are valued for their reliability and durability, but are not cheap. Equally well suited for centralized and autonomous heating systems.
which heating batteries are best for a private home Source nehomesdeaf.org
Radiators are also produced that have only steel-reinforced vertical pipes. These are no longer completely bimetallic devices; they are less corrosion resistant. Among their advantages, it is worth noting their high thermal conductivity, which is higher than that of real bimetallic radiators.
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in home insulation
Tubular
Steel tubular heating devices give off heat well, are economical in terms of energy consumption, and heat up quickly. Their disadvantage is that they are sensitive to oxidative processes. If the coolant fluid does not fill the steel radiator reservoirs, it will begin to corrode. Another weakness of a steel radiator is its hypersensitivity to water quality. Even if the water is considered good by usual standards and can be drunk, it is recommended to install filters to minimize the formation of scale.
A steel tubular radiator can be placed in a narrow niche Source bouw.ru
The sizes of steel tubular radiators are from 30 cm to 3 m. The number of rows of tubes is 1–9. They are considered very reliable - the permissible operating pressure for devices from a number of Russian manufacturers reaches 15 atm. Radiator reservoirs are designed to hold a large volume of liquid, so they quickly reach the required temperature levels when it is necessary to increase or decrease power. The method of heat transfer is radiation and convection.
Steel radiators are also used as heated towel rails, which, in addition to drying clothes, provide additional heating in bathrooms
Steel tubular radiator-bench Source krovati-i-divany.ru
Floor radiators-benches with support legs are steel tubular heating devices with a seat in the form of a wooden board on top. They are connected to the heating system in the same way as conventional radiators. They can also serve as the main heating device in rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom, hallway.
Panel
These steel radiators are a rectangular panel that acts as a heating device. The panel consists of 2 ribbed sheets welded to each other; plates with a U-shaped relief are placed inside.
Steel panel radiator Source 999.md
Battery installation technology
To summarize, we can say that heating radiators in a wooden house are installed using the following technology:
- Marking and installation of holders;
- Installation of components on the radiator;
- Installation of an air vent (there are automatic and manual devices);
- Installation of adapters (performed if there is a need to connect pipes of different diameters);
- Installation of shut-off and control valves;
- Hanging radiators on brackets;
- Connecting radiators in accordance with the selected circuit and the characteristics of the materials used;
- Test run of the system or pressure testing (the latter is an increase in pressure in the system in order to check the circuit for leaks).
Rules for the location of batteries in the house
In order for the system to work properly, installation rules must be strictly followed. Although the installation technology is not complicated, it has its own nuances, so the work must be carried out by specialists.
Important! If radiators are installed incorrectly, they are not covered by the warranty.
In order to avoid heat loss and uneven heating of the room, when installing devices it is necessary to observe indentations and choose the correct location:
- The most suitable option for the battery is considered to be a place under the window, i.e. where the heat loss is the most significant. The radiator width must be at least 70% of the window width. Mounted clearly in the middle.
Correct placement of the battery Source koffkindom.ru
- Leave at least 10 cm from the battery to the windowsill, as well as to the floor. The optimal distance between the floor and the radiator is 12 cm. It is not recommended to leave more than 15 cm.
- The battery is fixed at a distance of 5 cm from the wall.
- You can stick heat-reflecting material behind the radiator - then some of the heat will not go into the wall, but will return to the room.
- If the radiator is planned to be placed not under the window sill, but on the wall, then the distance between them should be at least 20 mm.
Preparing components for installing batteries
To ensure that installing heating radiators in a private home does not cause problems, you need to stock up on a set of materials and tools. You will need elements of shut-off valves (taps, taps, dampers and thermostats), adapters, brackets with angles and bypasses.
It is best to purchase all these parts in accordance with a pre-designed heating system project. It is important to consider the way in which the heating will be installed.
The possibility of hidden pipe laying should not be overlooked - if the walls are sheathed with plasterboard or decorative plastic, then the pipes must be immediately laid in niches, leaving only the edges outside that are necessary for connecting the external elements of the system.
Hidden installation makes it possible to avoid damage to the wall covering. Pipes can be connected either by welding or by threading.
Welding seams are reliable and ideal for difficult situations (for example, in old houses where pipe threading is not possible).
In turn, a threaded connection requires less labor, but parts assembled in this way do not withstand mechanical loads and vibration well. However, modern heating systems are very often made of plastic products, which do not even require welding.
Wall marking
The installation of batteries in a wooden house (as in any other house) begins with marking the walls, according to which heating devices will be installed in the next stages of work.
If a system with natural circulation of coolant is installed in the house, then the pipeline must have a constant slope of at least 6 degrees along the flow of water.
Failure to comply with this rule will certainly lead to the appearance of air jams, and in the worst case, will not allow the system to function. For systems with forced circulation, this rule does not matter.
You need to mark the wall along which the brackets for the radiators will be installed. Radiators cannot be installed close to the wall - the distance between them should be about 5–10 cm.
The radiator must be removed from the floor by at least 10 cm, and from the window sill by 8 cm. The markings are done level with a pencil. When marking, you need to take into account the width of the radiator sections so that the installed holders are strictly between the sections.
It is advisable to install foil material behind the radiators, which will act as a heat reflector. If there is a gap of at least 3 cm between this material and the radiator, it is possible to significantly increase the efficiency of the radiator and reduce heat losses.
When the marking is completed, holes of the required sizes are drilled in accordance with it. The dowels are driven in with a hammer, after which the brackets are secured using self-tapping screws.
To make your work easier, you can purchase special battery holders equipped with threads that allow you to screw them directly into the dowel.
When selecting brackets, you need to take into account the type and characteristics of the radiators being installed so that the elements match each other.
You also need to pay attention to the number of brackets used for one radiator (in most cases, three holders are enough, two of which are located at the top and one at the bottom).
Radiator assembly
Before connecting the radiator to the heating system, it must be assembled. A winder is screwed into the threaded section of the radiator.
Previously, paint-treated tow acted as a winding material, but today there are more modern options - for example, high-temperature sealing paste, or fum tape, which ensures a tight connection of pipes.
The part treated with a sealant is put on the tap nut, after which the entire structure is screwed into the battery plug. Subsequently, it will need to be carefully tightened with a wrench.
Using a similar technology, Mayevsky taps and plugs are installed on all pipes that will not be used for connection.
Calculation of the number of sections
It is not necessary to look for the most expensive heating devices to make the room comfortable. The main thing is to correctly calculate the number of sections. If the rooms are standard, then this greatly simplifies the calculations.
Often they resort to calculations based on the volume of space because they are simple, but at the same time give fairly accurate results.
- 1 m³ requires 41 W of power. If good double-glazed windows are installed and heat loss is minimal, then the indicator drops to 34 W.
- Room volume (m³) = area (m²) × height (m).
- Required heating power for the entire room (W) = room volume (m³) × 41 W (or 34 W).
- In the technical data sheets of devices, manufacturers indicate the heat transfer of one section.
- The total power (the value calculated in point 3) must be divided by the heat transfer of one section. The resulting number is the number of sections.
For example, the required thermal power is 2890 W, and the heat output of one section is 170 W. Then for this room you need to purchase 17 sections.
In a non-standard room, calculations are made using a more complex formula Source rmnt.mirtesen.ru
If the room is non-standard, the calculations become more complicated. To calculate the total power, the features of double-glazed windows (double or triple), thermal insulation parameters of the walls, the ratio of the sizes of windows and floors, ceiling heights and other parameters are taken into account. Designers calculate all this using specialized software.
Principles for calculating battery power
To choose heating radiators for a country or private house, you need to perform calculations based on the fact that to heat one square meter. m of living space requires approximately 95–125 kW.
To warm up a room with average parameters (one window, one door, ceiling height up to 3 meters), it is necessary to heat the coolant to 70 °C.
If actual parameters differ from those indicated, adjustments must be made. For example, with a ceiling height of more than 3 meters, it is necessary to increase the calculated power of the batteries as many times as the actual height exceeds the conditional one. For low ceilings, recalculation is carried out in the opposite direction.
A decrease in coolant temperature for every 10 °C relative to the specified average level forces a corresponding increase in the design power of heating devices by 15–20%. If the room is corner and has two windows, the average calculated power of the batteries is increased by 1.5 times.
The heat transfer of radiators largely depends on their connection diagram. The average calculation is based on the fact that the heated coolant is supplied to the upper side inlet, and the return is connected to the lower inlet diagonally. Other connection options are less efficient and reduce the heat dissipation of batteries by 5–10%.
Note! The number of sections for radiator models of this type should not exceed 10 pieces - further expansion will not help increase power, since the coolant will not be able to fully warm up such a battery.
Calculating radiator parameters
Particular care should be taken when choosing panel and tubular batteries. Manufacturers include in their product line models of the same power, but with different geometric parameters.
When choosing, take into account the features of the installation location - the height from the floor to the window sill, the length of the wall in an elongated room, etc.
Homeowners choosing heating devices and wanting to purchase the best options at a reasonable price opt for steel or aluminum models.
The cost of the most reliable, imported bimetallic radiator is prohibitively high, and cast iron batteries have many serious disadvantages.
According to statistics, those who are thinking about which radiators to choose for a private home or country house choose aluminum sectional or steel panel models based on the ratio of price and practicality.
Source: https://profiteplo.com/radiatory/111-kak-vybrat-dlya-chastnogo-doma.html
Which radiators to choose for a wooden house
Heating a wooden house (we are talking primarily about log houses) indeed has its own characteristics, since the thermal conductivity of wood is low and depends on its species. In addition, it is necessary to ensure maximum fire safety. But in general, the issue of providing heat, as well as safety, rests primarily on the correct installation of the heating system, the choice of boiler and the number of radiators. There are no restrictions on the type of radiators here: steel, cast iron, bimetallic, aluminum - all of them can be used in a wooden frame.
Any type of radiator is suitable for a wooden house Source pinterest.com
Radiator connection diagrams
Before installing a heating battery in the house, you need to choose the optimal connection diagram for heating devices. The heat transfer of the batteries and the efficiency of the heating system as a whole directly depend on the choice of circuit.
There are the following connection diagrams for heating radiators:
- Diagonal. This option is the most effective. When connected diagonally, the coolant enters the radiator through the upper pipe on one side and exits through the lower pipe on the other side. This is precisely the reason for the name of the connection diagram. Due to the diagonal scheme, the most uniform distribution of coolant throughout the internal cavities of the radiator is achieved.
- Lateral. With a lateral connection, both radiator pipes located on the same side are used. The supply is carried out through the upper pipe, and the return pipe is connected to the lower one. This scheme leads to insufficient heating of different sections of the radiator - areas located closer to the pipeline receive most of the heat. However, for small buildings, lateral connection of radiators is quite suitable, especially if the heating system is equipped with a circulation pump.
- Bottom. The bottom connection is usually used if hidden installation of heating pipelines is planned. Supply and return are connected only to the lower radiator pipes. This connection scheme is characterized by the greatest heat loss, but also the best visual qualities.
Knowing how to properly install a heating radiator is closely related to its connection diagram, because the efficiency of the entire heating system depends on it.
Which heating batteries to choose for a private home and cottage
It is not difficult to select batteries for a private home, because the autonomous heating system operates without significant overloads, which a centralized system experiences. Here you can connect any radiators, focusing on the required power, quality, efficiency, and cost of the device.
Many owners of private houses prefer aluminum radiators. They are cheaper than cast iron, more economical to operate and have higher heat transfer rates, and the sensitivity of aluminum devices to water hammer in an autonomous heating system can be neglected.
If you want to choose batteries based on the brand name, then you can take into account the unspoken rating of aluminum heating radiators for a private home. The top positions here belong to the brands Calidor, Global, Rifar, STI, which are well suited for operation in Russian climatic conditions.
Modern radiators will provide a comfortable atmosphere in the room even in the coldest weather Source nehomesdeaf.org
Steel radiators are no less common, which is not surprising, because they are reliable, affordable, able to warm up quickly and have good heat dissipation. Here, in the ranking of steel heating radiators for a private home, the leading places are occupied by Kermi, Purmo, Zehnder, Sunerzha.
Among the worthy brands producing bimetallic radiators are the Russian Rifar and the Italian Global. Those who decide to purchase cast iron heaters should pay attention to Konner (Russia), Guratec (Germany), Retro Style (Russia).
As a result, all radiators are universal, which means posing the question of which heating radiators are best for a private house with a gas boiler is not entirely correct, because when choosing, they are mainly guided by the required power, the features of the room and the possibilities of the budget.
Bimetal heating radiators
Bimetallic batteries are made of two types of metal
The peculiarity of bimetallic battery models is the combination of two metals in the design. The basis of the frame is made up of tubes arranged vertically and horizontal steel collectors connected by an aluminum shell. The design is made by injection molding, the elements are connected by electric arc welding, and therefore is highly durable.
The advantages of bimetallic batteries are based on the high resistance of steel to corrosion and the thermal conductivity of aluminum, as well as their low weight. However, their cost is higher than that of other models, and it is difficult for people with average incomes to buy them.
Note! You can find cheap bimetallic radiators in stores, but in quality they are in any case inferior to similar priced aluminum and steel batteries.
It is not advisable to use bimetallic heating devices in a private home due to cost. In autonomous systems there are no water hammers or high pressure in the network, which reduces the need for a safety margin, and the coolant is of relatively good quality, so resistance to rust is practically useless.
Radiator prices
The cost of heating devices varies significantly depending on the following factors:
- brand and country of origin;
- material and production technology;
- design.
Italian, German, Finnish, and Czech batteries are more expensive than Russian ones, but in terms of their technical and operational characteristics, products from domestic manufacturers are not much inferior and even superior to many foreign analogues.
Buying heating radiators for a private home is quite expensive. But if you make the right calculations and select cost-effective devices, then costs can be significantly reduced.
The average cost of aluminum radiators per section is in the range of 1227–8200 rubles, bimetallic devices – 3000–11900 rubles. The cheapest of them can be purchased at a price of 1100 rubles. The range of prices for steel radiators is also quite wide: from 830 to 60,000 rubles. Steel models costing from 3,500 to 26,000 rubles are popular. Inexpensive cast iron batteries can be purchased for 500–1000 rubles. Cast iron appliances are in demand for RUR 3,000–8,000.
Retro-style batteries can be found from 8,000 rubles.
Cast iron batteries in retro style Source gidroguru.com
If batteries are needed for an entire house, then even inexpensive devices cost a pretty penny. In addition, costs will be added for related products: valves, thermostat heads, brackets and other parts.
Trusted manufacturers
On the Russian heating engineering market there is a wide range of heating radiators, the manufacturers of which are known for their quality products.
The best radiators are presented by several well-known manufacturers.
Aluminum
Among products of this type, two manufacturers worth noting are Global ISEO and Royal Thermo Revolution.
DO NOT BUY Radiators Until You See THIS!!!
Global ISEO
The Italian company Global ISEO has been manufacturing aluminum radiators for more than fifty years. Elegant products fit harmoniously into window sill niches and look great in the open. The model range is represented by devices with different numbers of sections. The average price of a radiator of 8 sections is 5.2 thousand rubles, of 10 sections – 10.2 thousand rubles.
Royal Thermo Revolution
This brand has established itself as a manufacturer of reliable products at an affordable price. Impeccable design, increased power, resistance to water hammer and a 10-year warranty - all this indicates the high quality of aluminum batteries. The average price of a Royal Thermo Revolution radiator with 10 sections is 10.8 thousand rubles.
Steel
The best steel radiators are represented by manufacturers such as Kermi and Buderus.
Radiator in the heating system of a private house.
Kermi
The Kermi brand presents one of its best steel batteries, the Kermi FKO 22 with side connection. German products are made from high-quality low-carbon steel. Thanks to this, radiators are characterized by high performance.
All devices are supplied with a complete set of brackets, plugs and an air valve. The average price of a 500 x 800 mm panel is 6.3 thousand rubles.
Buderus
The German company is one of the manufacturers of high-quality products such as steel panel heating radiators. One of the best models, Buderus Logatrend VK-Profil 22, is made by roller welding.
The devices have an elegant appearance and are designed for 50 years of trouble-free service. The average price of this model measuring 500 x 600 mm is about 5 thousand rubles.
Cast iron: MS-140 and GURATEC Apollo 970/05
The budget version of cast iron products is presented by the Lugansk Foundry and Mechanical Plant. They are preferred to be installed in public places and non-residential premises. The cost of one battery from section 5 of MS-140 with a height of 800 mm is on average 2.7 thousand rubles.
The German company Guratec is considered one of the best foreign manufacturers of cast iron batteries. The products are made in retro style. The products are expensive because each device is a unique work of art with painting and monograms in a wide color range. A cast iron radiator GURATEC Apollo 970/05 will cost the buyer about 90 thousand rubles.
Bimetal: SIRA GLADIATOR 500x4 and ROYAL Thermo Revolution Bimetall 350
In the heating engineering market, the Italian company Sira Group is known for its high-quality Gladiator bimetallic radiators. The wide range of products includes models Alfa Bimetal, Gladiator, RS Bimetal, etc. The average price of a bimetallic radiator model SIRA GLADIATOR 500x4 is about 3.6 thousand rubles.
Bimetallic devices ROYAL Thermo Revolution Bimetall 350 are of high quality. The main advantage is a seven-layer anti-corrosion coating, which allows the batteries to be used in rooms with high humidity levels (gyms, swimming pools, etc.). The average cost of a 60 x 415 mm radiator is 8.3 thousand rubles.
Vacuum: EnergyEco
The Russian company EnergyEco is considered one of the best manufacturers of vacuum heating radiators. The devices are made of 1.5 mm steel. The heat output of 1 section is 170 kW. The average price of a lithium bromide flow radiator of 10 sections is 7 thousand rubles.
Quartz: TeplEco
Judging by the 2022 ratings, the Russian company TeplEko was named the best manufacturer. Quartz panels can be installed in rooms with high humidity. For a bathroom, a 400W stove will provide a comfortable air temperature. A quartz monolithic slab measuring 600 x 350 x 25 mm costs an average of 2.6 rubles.
The whole difference is in thickness
Aluminum radiators have thicker feathers and walls. Moreover, it does not particularly affect the heating efficiency, since this metal has good thermal conductivity. But due to the thickness, the strength of the heating device increases, which makes it possible to work with coolants at high temperatures and under high pressure.
Steel radiators are made of fairly thin metal. This is done in order to compensate for the low thermal conductivity of steel. The small thickness of the walls of the tubes and plates makes it possible to effectively heat the room, but has a negative impact on strength.
Pros and cons of steel models
The advantages of stainless steel batteries are:
- low thermal inertia and good heat dissipation;
- large selection of standard sizes and the possibility of do-it-yourself installation;
- simplicity and strength of design, ensuring a long working life;
- resistance of tubular products to hydraulic shocks;
- the ability to adjust the room temperature using a thermostat;
- optimal price/quality ratio for panel products;
- beautiful design, especially for tubular batteries.
The disadvantages of this type of product are:
- negative reaction to the lack of coolant (if there is no water in the system for a long time, corrosion of the metal inside the product occurs);
- low resistance to hydraulic shocks in panel radiators due to the presence of welds;
- incompatibility with certain types of polypropylene pipes;
- poor quality of paintwork on some types of products.
The current cost and range of steel radiators can be found in the largest online stores:
- MSK-Pump
- 220 volt
- All Tools
Construction of aluminum radiators
Structurally, all aluminum radiators consist of separate sections made of various alloys of aluminum and other metals. Several methods are used in their production.
Sections can be:
- Cast . With this production method, sections of aluminum radiators are cast entirely.
- Extruded . In this case, several parts of the section are formed, which are then connected with special gaskets and glue.
- Hybrid . With this method, 2-3 sections are immediately cast, which are then connected to the collector blocks by electrochemical welding. Such radiators are produced by the Italian company Rovall.
Solid sections are more resistant to tearing, but since their production is more difficult, the price of such products is higher. In European countries, preference is given to cast batteries, and in our country - those manufactured by extrusion.
Thanks to the sectional design, it is possible to create heating batteries with exactly the number of sections that were determined taking into account the size of the room and other characteristics that affect heat transfer.
Cast iron
Cast iron radiators are a classic, the most popular heating devices over the last hundred years. Long accordions of seven or eight sections can be seen in many retro photographs of Soviet apartments. Even then they were reliable, like a rock, withstanding any external mechanical impact and high pressure from the inside; they served for 50 years, got so hot that you couldn’t touch them, were resistant to corrosion and did not stop working even when they were “poorly heated” and the coolant temperature was low.
They are made from cast iron grade SCH 12-28, which is quite resistant to corrosion, using gaskets made of heat-resistant rubber - thanks to them, the products maintain tightness even when heated to 130 degrees.
But “cast iron” somehow looks antediluvian, they have a high heat capacity, many people talk about the sharp corners of the sections and the rough, unaesthetic casting surface. The best models of cast iron heating radiators are devoid of these shortcomings and will decorate any private home, some of them are even quite elegant, with smooth front surfaces and factory primer, with two- and three-column sections, which allows you to optimally reduce the width of the radiator for a given heat transfer.
TeploNetUser FORUMHOUSE
Cast iron radiators will never go out of style. Only the appearance will change.
A modern cast iron battery consists of several hollow sections, usually seven or eight, hermetically assembled together, with horizontal channels through which the coolant passes. Radiators can be one-, two- and three-channel. Their sizes are regulated by special GOST 8690-94 Cast iron heating radiators, according to which
- the distance between nipple holes should be from 300 to 800 mm;
- product height from 400 to 900 mm;
- depth from 100 to 160 mm.
Technical characteristics are given in the product labeling: this is how the MS-140-580-0.9-7 labeling is read: this is a product with a depth of 140 mm, a height of 580 mm, with a working pressure of 0.9 MPa, which consists of seven sections. This radiator fully complies with GOST.
The number of sections is simply calculated based on the area of the room (although there are also precise, complex and labor-intensive calculation methods that take into account many circumstances, from the region - winter is one thing in Moscow, and another in Irkutsk - to the number of windows in the room). A simple calculation is done like this: to heat a square meter of area, you need 100 W, therefore, by multiplying the area of the room by 100, we will find out how much heat is needed. Then we divide this value by the thermal power of one section of the selected model from the selected manufacturer.
The formula for calculating the number of sections of a cast iron battery is: multiply the area of the room by one hundred and divide by the thermal power of the section.
For a room of 21 square meters. meters according to this formula you will need 7.5 sections of a 160W radiator. It's better to round to eight than to seven.
There is nothing particularly difficult about installing cast iron batteries. Like all types of radiators, they must be installed at a certain distance from the wall, floor and window sill. These distances are regulated by SP 73.13330.2012 “SNiP 3.05.01-85. Internal sanitary systems of buildings."
- From the floor 60 mm;
- From the bottom surface of the window sill – 50 mm;
- 25 mm from the wall plaster surface (but the manufacturer may specify other dimensions).
RoaromaFORUMHOUSE user
The radiator will not operate at full capacity if the distance between it and the wall is not maintained. They passed, it’s not even discussed.
A cast-iron radiator is hung from the wall on metal supports, but sometimes, due to the design features of the house and the heavy weight of the device, it is placed on legs. Floor radiators are often stylized as antique ones, decorated with intricate castings; such products, even domestically produced, have a refreshingly high cost, but fit perfectly into a classic interior.
But when deciding on cast iron radiators, you should remember this important feature: they have high thermal inertia; They both heat up and cool down slowly. It will not be possible to quickly change the temperature in a room heated by cast iron radiators.
But in houses that are heated by solid fuel boilers, the disadvantages of cast iron become advantages: the large heat capacity in this case is rather a plus.
Lord LLC User FORUMHOUSE
Aluminum convectors quickly heat the air, but also quickly cool themselves. This is the reason for my choice of cast iron. If there was gas, I would install aluminum.
VashnovoselFORUMHOUSE user
Well, cast iron takes longer to heat up, well, inertia, so this is better with a solid fuel boiler and permanent residence!
And for houses connected to main gas, cast iron batteries, according to reviews from our users, are not the best choice.
TraksFORUMHOUSE User
My neighbor last year threw out cast iron and installed aluminum. Now pay less for gas. His house is well insulated; at a temperature of -25 degrees outside there is no need to heat the coolant to 90 degrees, 50-60 is enough.
Operation and Maintenance
Steel radiators are produced in the form of finished panels. If the heating battery power is calculated incorrectly, you will have to add a new one.
With an aluminum radiator, everything is simpler - if desired, you can add one or more sections, or remove unnecessary ones. You can do this yourself.
The service life of aluminum radiators depends significantly on the manufacturer and model range. The cheapest ones will begin to leak after 5 years, or will crack with a slight water hammer (see photo). And expensive models can last 20 years or more.
An aluminum radiator burst due to water hammer.
It's more difficult with steel radiators. By definition, they cannot be particularly durable - thick metal will worsen their thermal conductivity. Therefore, they are afraid of high pressure and quickly wear out when it changes.
But if the system has stable operating pressure and there are no water hammers or surges, then a steel panel radiator can last 15 years. In addition, in case of problems, it can be “patched up”. This is much easier to do than repairing aluminum.
As for special care, neither steel nor aluminum require it. Unless you need to wipe them from dust, which is easier to do with a steel radiator.
How a steel radiator is made
Steel panel radiator is a non-separable design. Its heating element consists of two horizontal tubes, between which there are vertical ones through which water circulates.
Between the tubes there is a Z-shaped or U-shaped plate (casing) along the entire length of the radiator. It warms up from the element and gives off heat to the air. This entire structure is enclosed in a steel casing, in the upper part of which there is a grille for air circulation.
Steel radiators come in three main classes: 11, 22, 33. They differ in the number of heating circuits and casings:
- 11 – one circuit, one casing;
- 22 – two circuits, two casings;
- 33 – three circuits, three casings.
Types of steel panel radiators.
