Which heating radiators to choose - aluminum, steel or cast iron. Heating radiators for a private home - types and classes, selection rules, prices How to choose the size of a heating radiator for an apartment

In our educational program for you, we tried to cover in as much detail as possible one of the fundamental issues in the design of water heating systems. What types of radiators are there, what are their fundamental differences and what type is right for you, what to look for when purchasing.

Fundamentals of Thermal Physics

To understand how a particular type of radiator will behave in a particular heating system, you need to understand a number of aspects of the operation of liquid heating. In particular, the heat conversion chain from the heating source to the direct air in the room is important.

Heat transfer occurs the faster, the higher the contact area of two bodies with different temperatures and the greater the difference between these temperatures. Therefore, the optimal option is when water of extremely low temperature enters the boiler heat exchanger, so that most of the heat from the combustion products will be literally “absorbed” into the coolant.

In reality, this approach is used only in those systems where the power of the heating unit is not regulated, as is the case with solid fuel boilers. Most modern heating equipment has a fairly flexible automation system, which allows you to quickly reach a balanced operating mode. In this case, the boiler delivers exactly as much energy as the system’s radiators are capable of dissipating.

This is the main misconception of novice designers: it is most obvious that the radiator should heat the air, although in fact its main task is to cool the coolant. The heat transfer rate can be easily adjusted by forced convection and its local adjustment. Therefore, when choosing and calculating the number of heating radiators, the main task is to compensate for heat loss in the premises, and not to struggle with balancing the heat exchange circuit.

Convection component of the structure

The high efficiency of modern radiators is due to the first factor influencing the rate of heat transfer - surface area. Numerous fins made of thermally conductive material provide very rapid cooling of the coolant, the effect is enhanced by the high speed of air flow passing through the radiator.

The undisputed leader in this regard is bimetallic and aluminum radiators. In addition to numerous channels for air flow, they have a bend at the top of the ribs, which allows you to effectively redirect the air flow to the center of the room and loop it around. Therefore, this type of radiator is installed mainly under windows with wide sills or inside technological niches.

Panel steel radiators have a slightly less efficient convection ability. From one to three ribbed panels provide high-quality heat transfer, but the heated air is directed predominantly vertically. Cast iron radiators have the lowest heat transfer. Among old-style batteries, the best performance in this regard is characterized by sections with oblique internal inserts; modern cast-iron radiators are slightly superior to them. But as you will see later, cast iron has other advantages.

Materials and their thermal capacity

Let us consider in more detail the option of operating the system at average temperatures of the coolant, when it does not have time to cool down to the level of the air in the room. In this case, both the upper and lower parts of the radiator will have a small temperature difference, and the boiler will only slightly heat the coolant.

The massiveness of cast iron radiators allows operation in this mode. Heated to 50-60 ºС, they manage to give off enough heat to the room air and at the same time provide stable heating without noticeable changes. This is the main difference from the operating mode of aluminum radiators: they operate in a cyclic mode, either warming up the room at maximum power, then quickly cooling down.

Cast iron and steel radiators have another interesting feature: they transfer heat not only by convection, but also by direct radiation. However, to heat such a mass of metal takes time, sometimes quite a long time. In terms of speed at which they reach operating mode and the amount of heat released per unit of time, cast iron radiators are inferior to other types. It is beneficial to install them in a private house with good insulation, but when connected to a centralized heating system, cast iron will not provide any tangible benefit. Considering the fact that in apartments the number of sections and the space for their installation are very limited, it is better to give preference to steel or metal.

Design pressure, internal coating

An additional limitation when choosing heating radiators is always the quality of the coolant and the technical parameters of the system. Aluminum ones are not suitable for replacing old radiators in an apartment; they are simply not designed for pressures above 6-8 atm. At least bimetallic ones are suitable as a replacement, but it is better to give preference to steel ones. They can be confidently called the most unpretentious among other varieties.

The quality of water or other coolant also greatly limits the use of aluminum radiators. You must be sure that the water does not contain high concentrations of dissolved ions. It is also important to exclude any manifestation of electrical emissions, which is possible when grounding/zeroing the metal elements of the heating water supply. Under such conditions, aluminum corrodes extremely quickly, which is accompanied by pronounced gas formation and airing of the system.

Cast iron batteries are not at all sensitive to aggressive substances, and fairly wide flow channels allow a significant content of mechanical impurities. Steel radiators can be somewhat susceptible to the deposition of undissolved particles on the internal walls, so the water for them must be filtered and softened.

Displacement, conventional thermal power

The heat transfer and the potential ability to regulate the flow locally depend on how much volume passes through the radiator per unit time. Cast iron radiators require a slightly larger pipeline capacity than steel and aluminum ones. And this means deliberately overestimating the boiler power and the size of the expansion tank.

Large displacement and power reserves remain a reasonable investment until a certain time. In this mode, the heating system consumes its operating resource much more slowly, there is a slight increase in the efficiency of the heating unit, and the high intrinsic heat capacity smoothes out temperature differences. However, it is not worth increasing the internal volume of the system indefinitely, at least because of the unwanted inertia of the system; moreover, the ultimate task remains to heat the air in the room, and not the water in the pipes.

The modern method of calculating a heating system involves the reverse order of calculations. First, it is determined how many radiators need to be installed to replenish heat loss, and then a heating boiler is selected for a certain total power. In this case, the calculation in each room should be carried out using a redundancy coefficient from 1.1 to 1.5, depending on climatic conditions, insulation features and radiator placement density.

Note that power dissipation values are entirely relative. This is how the manufacturer indicates how much heat the radiator is capable of dissipating in principle, as if it were connected to an ideal heating system. In fact, operating modes always differ from ideal ones and therefore special corrections should be taken, noting the actual temperature level from the design one. The indicated values for the heated area also take into account the convection capacity of the radiators.

dimensions

When choosing radiators, it is also necessary to take into account the installation conditions: whether it will be possible to fit a heat exchanger with the required dissipation power into the available space. For convenience, here we can introduce the concept of energy density: it will be highest for aluminum radiators, followed by bimetal, then steel, and cast iron batteries are the least profitable. Assessing the possibility of placing a certain type of radiator is quite simple, since they are well standardized.

The task is easiest with bimetallic and aluminum radiators. They are assembled from sections, each of which has a set indicator of power dissipation, displacement and heated area. The standard section width is 80 mm, the height can vary from 13.5 to 117.5 cm in increments of about 10 cm. There are six types of sections depending on the number of flow channels (columns). There is a directly proportional relationship between the size of the section, its thermal and convection efficiency.

In addition to dimensions, steel radiators have an additional two-digit marking. The first is the number of dissipating panels, the second is the number of heat exchange coils. Depending on this, the depth of the radiator changes: from 47 to 155 mm. Steel radiators are not assembled from sections, and therefore their length is determined individually for each product in the range from 40 cm to 3 meters. The height of steel radiators can be either 300mm or 500mm, with rare exceptions.

Cast iron radiators have the least clear standardization when it comes to dimensions. Some manufacturers adhere to the dimensions generally accepted for aluminum and bimetallic radiators; some products correspond to the dimensions of sections of old cast iron batteries: 90x580 mm with a depth of 90 or 140 mm.

And centralized heating systems have fundamental differences that are taken into account when choosing equipment. The operating mode of autonomous heating of a private house allows you to select radiators based on the maximum heat transfer coefficient, materials with the best characteristics, high quality and the best price. The operating conditions of heating equipment in apartments are very different - here reliability and load resistance are in the foreground. Let's figure out which heating radiators are best installed in an apartment, where and how to buy them, and what users say in reviews about this equipment.

There are two fundamentally different types of home heating: centralized (open) and autonomous (closed). In the first case, steam or hot water from a boiler house or thermal power plant is supplied through pipes to apartments in multi-storey buildings. The second option is a separate heating system for a private house or cottage, including its own boiler, heat supply pipelines, radiators and pumps.

When determining which heating radiators are best for an apartment, we proceed from the operating conditions of radiators in such systems:

temperature from 100°C;
pressure up to 10 atm;
sudden pressure surges and hydraulic shocks when flushing systems and restarting.

When choosing a radiator, the consumer must know the load limits for the model in question.

Cast iron radiators

Resistant to high pressure and water hammer. There are models that can cope with heavy loads, but do not meet aesthetic needs. Such samples include cast iron batteries, known to us since Soviet times. A good example of modern cast iron radiators can be considered retro-style batteries that fit perfectly into the interior.

The advantages of cast iron radiators include:

operating pressure 6 – 10 atm, peak loads 18 or more atm;
installation with different types of pipes;
long service life;
high heat output (100 – 200 W);
quick size change if necessary;
minimal corrosion.

Disadvantages of cast iron radiators:

heavy weight;
fragility;
slow heating and cooling, inability to control temperature.

Bimetallic radiators

Steel and aluminum are used to produce such batteries. The inner surface of such radiators, which plays the role of coolant, is steel.

Advantages of bimetallic radiators:

working pressure more than 35 atm;
anti-corrosion resistance;
fast heating and cooling, lack of inertia;
modern attractive design;
light weight;
easy set of the required number of sections.

The disadvantage is the high cost.

A comparison of the two options does not reveal the superiority of any of them. Cast iron batteries cost 250 - 400 rubles per section in a conventional version and 1,500 - 6,000 rubles in a “retro” version. Prices for bimetallic radiators are 400 - 1500 rubles per section, imported ones are more expensive. Externally, bimetallic batteries look more attractive: they are more compact, more modern, and easy to clean. Based on the cost, we consider bimetallic radiators to be more preferable for apartments.

The photo shows bimetallic radiators for an apartment

Which heating radiators are best to choose for a private home?

Autonomous heating systems for private housing are distinguished by other operating conditions: low pressure and the absence of water hammer in the networks. The choice of radiators in this case is based on maximum heat transfer, price and quality. Any of the existing radiators is suitable for heating a private home. Let's briefly look at the types of such equipment in order to choose which radiators are best for heating a private home.

Tubular and panel radiators made of steel

Such radiators are compact and visually attractive.

Advantages of steel radiators:

high efficiency;
resistance to corrosion with properly prepared water;
long service life;
compactness and light weight;
low price.

Flaws:

not very good design;
the need for periodic washing;
the need for constant filling to prevent corrosion.

Aluminum radiators

They feature a modern design and excellent heat dissipation. Imported models are much more expensive than Russian ones, but we recommend buying them.

Special operating requirements:

Careful control of the acidity of the coolant - aluminum quickly corrodes if this condition is not met.
Due to the high thermal power, uneven heat distribution in the room is possible. Before purchasing radiators, accurate calculations are required.

Overall, very good radiators for heating a home. If the operating instructions are followed, they will last quite a long time. The price of aluminum radiators is relatively low.

Bimetallic radiators

Combined radiators made of steel (internal part) and aluminum fins. Such radiators are treated with a primer against corrosion. They can withstand pressures of up to 20-35 atm and are unpretentious to the composition of circulating water.

The main disadvantage is the high cost. There are no water hammers or high pressure with autonomous heating, and the use of expensive radiators is impractical.

Cast iron radiators

The high thermal inertia of these radiators reduces the cost of heating a home. Cast iron batteries are resistant to corrosion. They are priced higher than aluminum and steel ones, but much lower than bimetallic ones.

The disadvantages of cast iron batteries are fragility and heavy weight.

When choosing which heating batteries are best for a private home, you need to consider two groups - steel or aluminum batteries. Aluminum ones are more interesting - they are lighter, more economical and give off more heat.

The photo shows ideal aluminum radiators for a country house

Which bimetallic heating radiators are better?

The choice of bimetallic batteries is large - the models are different in design, characteristics, design and cost. By comparing the characteristics of different radiators, we will determine which bimetallic heating radiators are better.

Bimetallic and semi-bimetallic radiators

Bimetallic radiators have aluminum only at the top. They are made from steel and then filled with aluminum under pressure. The coolant is in contact with the steel. There are models whose interior is made of copper. Such radiators are used with coolant to which antifreeze is added.

The interior of semi-bimetallic batteries consists of two metals: steel and aluminum. The best models of such radiators are produced by Sira, Rifar, Gordi. They are not cheap, but the quality is excellent.

Bimetallic radiators, sectional and monolithic

Monolithic radiators are distinguished by a solid steel or copper collector, onto which an aluminum “jacket” is placed. This design is called monolithic. Radiators of this type are more reliable than sectional ones, the weak point of which is the joints between sections. Characteristics of monolithic radiators:

service life up to 40 years (2 times longer than sectional ones);
operating pressure up to 100 bar (3 times more than sectional ones);
thermal power per section 100-200 W (equal to sectional).

The cost of monolithic radiators is approximately 20% higher than sectional ones, and it is impossible to change the size by adding or removing sections. A large selection of models allows you to choose the right radiator.

Manufacturers of bimetallic radiators

Imported radiators are represented on the Russian market by Italian, South Korean, and Polish companies.

Italian radiators

Represented by equipment from Sira, Global Style and Radena. Cost 700 – 1500 rubles per section, service life from 20 years. Main characteristics:

section thermal power 120 – 185 watts;
maximum water temperature – 110°C;
operating pressure up to 35 bar.

South Korean radiators

MARS batteries with a copper core costing from 400 rubles with the following characteristics:

section thermal power 167 watts;
maximum water temperature – 130°C;
operating pressure up to 20 bar.

Polish radiators

The REGULUS-system equipment with a copper core is well known in Russia.

Characteristics:

operating pressure – 15 bar;
maximum water temperature – 110°C.

Russian radiators

The most famous batteries are from the manufacturer Rifar, costing 500 - 900 rubles per section.

Characteristics:

section thermal power 100 – 200 watts;
maximum water temperature – 135°C;
operating pressure up to 20 bar.

Chinese radiators

They are characterized by low cost, modest design and low quality. If the budget does not allow you to buy high-quality equipment, then you can get by with cheap “Chinese” ones. Of course, you cannot count on high performance.

In my opinion, the RIFAR MONOLIT radiator is considered the best Russian product. Characteristics: section thermal power 134 – 196 watts; maximum water temperature – 135 °C; operating pressure up to 100 bar.

The photo shows a RIFAR brand radiator

Which aluminum radiators are better?

Aluminum radiators are produced by Russian and foreign companies in a wide range. Among the main manufacturers:

Rifar, Russia

The best Russian company. Prices are higher than the Russian average - an average of 580 rubles per section. Main characteristics:

working pressure up to 20 atm (maximum 30 atm);
maximum coolant temperature 135°C;
10 year warranty, 25 year service life.

Royal Termo, Russia

Co-production with Italians. Available models:

Thermo revolution;
Thermo Dream Liner;
Thermo Indigo.

Characteristics:

working pressure – up to 20 atm;
thermal power 170 – 185 watts.

Radiators are manufactured using patented technologies.

VitaTerm, Russia

Aluminum alloys with magnesium, lithium and titanium are used for production.

Characteristics:

thermal power 140 – 184 W;
operating pressure 16 atm (test pressure 24 atm).

Global, Italy

The well-known Italian manufacturer offers radiators of excellent quality and elegant design. A section of such a radiator costs about 400 rubles. One of the best offers on the market, considering the price and quality.

SMART, China

Budget option for aluminum radiators. The design is simple, universal, good quality. The cost of the section is about 300 rubles.

Choosing an aluminum radiator is not difficult - there are many offers in different technical and price categories. If you choose from domestic equipment, then Rifar radiators will be a worthy purchase; among imported ones, we recommend the Italian Global. Of course, the proposals are very general - the buyer should base his choice on his own capabilities and needs.

The photo shows a Global brand radiator

Which heating radiators are better - aluminum or bimetallic?

Let's start with the comparison of bimetallic and aluminum radiators with the design and characteristics of the batteries.

1. Aluminum radiators consist of separate sections that are connected by nipples. Gaskets are installed between the sections. The fins on the inside increase the heat transfer area.

2. Bimetallic radiators consist of a steel core and an aluminum body with fins.

Comparative characteristics:

In terms of heat transfer, aluminum is much preferable - within 10 minutes after switching on the room is warm.
Aluminum radiators have a lower operating pressure (up to 20 atm) than bimetallic ones (up to 40 atm), i.e. they can only be installed in autonomous heating systems of private houses.
Aluminum radiators are more sensitive to the quality of the coolant. When the pH rises above 8, aluminum batteries will quickly fail.
The maximum temperature for bimetallic batteries (130°C) is higher than for aluminum batteries (110°C).
The service life of bimetallic batteries is 15-20 years, aluminum - 10 years.
The cost of bimetallic radiators is 20–35% higher than aluminum ones.

When choosing radiators, you need to take into account the conditions in which they will have to work. For autonomous heating of a private house, aluminum batteries are more suitable, for an apartment in a high-rise building - bimetallic ones.

Installation and installation of heating radiators

The high cost of installing heating radiators in an apartment or private house often forces owners to carry out this work themselves. The cost of heating installation work depends on the total volume, number of installation elements, selected connection diagram, type and model of radiators, etc.

To install heating radiators yourself, you must:

become familiar with connection methods;
know the connection rules;
correctly calculate and accurately measure the location of radiators;
have the necessary tools for installation.

The heating battery is installed to ensure maximum heating efficiency. The greatest heat loss is through windows, so placing radiators under the windows creates a thermal curtain, preventing heat from escaping.

The installation of heating radiators must be done strictly at right angles in the horizontal and vertical planes - incorrect placement leads to air accumulation and rapid corrosion of the radiator.

Distances that must be ensured during installation for normal heat exchange and warm air circulation:

from the top grille of the battery to the window sill - 5-10 cm;
from the bottom edge of the battery to the floor – 8-12 cm;
from the radiator to the wall – 2-5 cm;
When installing reflective thermal insulation on a wall, you should purchase longer retaining hooks.

Calculation of the number of radiator sections

When purchasing radiators, find out how to calculate the required number of sections. It is better to assemble the sections in the store when purchasing batteries. Remember a simple rule: one section is used to heat 2 square meters of area with a ceiling height of 2.7 m. Make roundings upward.

To install radiators you will need the following tools:

pliers;
screwdriver;
hammer drill;
pipe wrench;
construction level;
tape measure, pencil.

Replacing the battery is done in the following order:

the old battery is dismantled;
markings are made for attaching a new one;
brackets and battery canopy are installed;
assembly kit is assembled;
a valve, a valve under the thermal head and a Mayevsky valve are installed;
heating pipes are connected.

Particularly common is the installation of heating radiators with a bottom connection, in which hot water is introduced into the bottom of the radiator and discharged from the bottom of the other side. Such radiators are more attractive in appearance, fit perfectly into the interior and allow you to hide the pipework under the floor.

Thermostats for heating radiators

To regulate the heat supply during the heating season, we recommend installing a thermostat on each radiator. Installing a thermostat on a heating radiator is described in detail on websites on the Internet. More complex programmable thermostats will automatically turn radiators on and off to maintain the desired temperature. You can install thermostats on each battery with two-pipe heating, which is typical for a private house. With a single-pipe system (in apartment buildings), to install a thermostat, a bypass is installed in front of the radiator - a pipe perpendicular between the supply and the “return”. The diameter of the bypass pipe is always smaller than the diameter of the distribution pipes.

If the radiators are covered with thick curtains to the floor, the circulation of warm air is disrupted and only the window is heated. The window sill covering the top of the battery also interferes with normal air circulation. The efficiency of the heating radiator is reduced by 20%.

Heating radiator connection diagrams

Basic radiator connection diagrams:

1. Lateral one-way connection

The most commonly used and provides maximum heat transfer. The inlet pipe is connected to the upper branch pipe, the outlet pipe to the lower one.

2. Bottom connection

It is used if heating pipes are hidden under the floor or baseboard. Aesthetically the most successful way. The supply and return pipes from below go vertically to the floor.

3. Diagonal connection

This is done with a large number of sections (more than 12). The supply pipe is connected to the upper pipe on one side, and the return pipe is discharged from the opposite side through the lower pipe. The Mayevsky valve on radiators serves to remove excess air. The connection is inconvenient because when replacing or repairing a radiator, you need to turn off the entire heating system

4. Parallel connection

With this connection, the coolant is supplied through a heat pipe that is built into the heating system. The withdrawal also occurs. Inlet and outlet valves allow you to replace the radiator without shutting down the system as a whole. The disadvantage of this scheme is that at low pressure the radiator heats up poorly.

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.

In the current market, which is saturated with varieties of heating devices from many manufacturers, it is sometimes very difficult for the average homeowner who has decided to replace batteries to choose suitable products for their home. Our goal is to help solve this problem and figure out which batteries are best installed in an apartment or in a private house.

Overview of heating radiators

Walking into a large heating equipment store, you get the feeling that there are countless types of heating batteries. In fact, there are only five of them:

cast iron products;
steel heaters;
aluminum radiators;
bimetallic batteries;
electric heating devices.

All these types of heating radiators have different technical characteristics, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, which determine their scope of application. Let's take a closer look at each of them, and clearly determine which type of device is best placed where.

Cast iron radiators

This type of water heater, familiar to us from childhood, is still used to this day, despite the emergence of many modern competitors whose technical characteristics are much better. This is due to several reasons, for example, the high corrosion resistance of cast iron and the ability to work in systems with high coolant pressure. In addition, for many people, tribute to tradition is important and, despite any explanations, they are still convinced that cast iron batteries are the best.

This opinion has a basis, since these devices are very reliable and durable; according to these criteria, they have no equal, since they last from 30 to 50 years. In addition, cast iron heaters retain heat for a long time, having great massiveness and inertia. This advantage is also a disadvantage: cast iron batteries take a long time to heat up and take just as long to cool down, so it is very difficult to organize automatic climate control in the room where such devices are installed.

If previously the appearance of cast iron batteries left much to be desired, now many companies offer cast iron heating radiators with various powder coatings or decorative casting.

True, this improvement has removed traditionally cheap heaters from the budget category, since such products are much more expensive. Their other disadvantages are well known: large weight and water capacity, although recently these have been reduced to a minimum.

What’s good about cast iron batteries is that they can be installed everywhere: in an apartment, house, or cottage. But it is best to use them for heating a private house where a gravity system is organized. It itself is inertial and has a large volume of coolant flowing at a low speed. This is exactly what a massive cast iron appliance needs.

Steel batteries

This type of heaters is divided into two types

panel;
tubular.

Panel radiators are good radiators for a private home, where the operating pressure of the coolant does not exceed 3 Bar. The fact is that their design and manufacturing technology provide for operation in a system with a maximum pressure of up to 15 Bar. This is often not enough in conditions of centralized heating, especially in high-rise buildings.

The panels have good heat transfer, relatively light weight and size, and are also distinguished by their aesthetic appearance. There are also steel radiators with bottom connections, which makes it possible to install them in apartments with individual heating and piping hidden in the floor.

In addition, among all heating devices, steel panels have the lowest cost, so they often remain the only acceptable option. Disadvantages include sensitivity to corrosion and a relatively short service life (up to 15 years).

When you need to install a steel radiator in a central heating system, it is better to choose a tubular type device that has thick, massive walls that can withstand high pressure and water hammer. Therefore, such batteries can be installed anywhere, they are reliable and durable.

Another thing is that the cost of tubular devices is quite high, and there are disadvantages similar to cast iron batteries: inertia, large capacity and considerable weight. Because of this, they are rarely installed in country houses and other buildings with an individual heating system, preferring the same heaters made of cast iron or aluminum.

Aluminum radiators

One of the most popular heating devices - sectional aluminum batteries - are distinguished by the best degree of heat transfer, fast heating and cooling, low weight and remarkable appearance.

All these advantages are realized thanks to the device body made of aluminum alloy. It contains vertical channels with a cross-section close to circular, and on the outside these ducts are equipped with many ribs that intensively transfer the energy of the coolant to the air in the room. In turn, the flat surfaces of the aluminum battery produce a uniform flow of radiant heat. The physical properties of aluminum make it possible to organize automatic control of heating power, since inertia in this case is practically absent. A small capacity (up to 0.25 liters of water in each section) also contributes to rapid heating.

Aluminum radiators for the home are easy to assemble and install due to their simple design and low weight of the products. They can be attached to any building structures, even plasterboard partitions. You just need to correctly calculate the required number of sections for heating the room; sales representatives or online consultants of online stores will always help you with this.

As for the shortcomings, there are only two. The first is similar to steel panels: a low threshold for maximum operating pressure (up to 16 Bar), which makes the installation of aluminum batteries in centralized heating systems risky. The second is ordinary and electrochemical corrosion of the alloy due to exposure to low-quality coolant from central heating networks. Therefore, aluminum ones are the best radiators for any individual heating systems, where the quality of the coolant is controlled by the homeowner himself, and the pressure in the system is controlled by the boiler automation. But in apartments with central heating it is better to install bimetal.

Bimetallic radiators

In fact, bimetallic batteries are the same products made of aluminum, inside of which there is a welded frame made of steel pipes with thick walls. As a result of this modernization, the shortcomings associated with the quality of the coolant and its pressure were successfully eliminated.

At the same time, the heaters have slightly less heat output than purely aluminum ones, but much more than those of steel or cast iron appliances. Therefore, in the case of centralized heat supply systems for heating, it is better to install bimetal radiators; they will serve for a long time and reliably, while releasing heat much more intensely than other types of devices. But it should be said that the cost of bimetallic batteries is significantly higher than aluminum ones.

Conclusion

Before we draw the line, it’s worth saying a few words about products such as electric heating radiators. They are very effective and easy to install, all they need is a 220 V outlet. Another thing is that the cost of electric heating is quite high, so heaters are often used as additional heat sources.

From the above we can conclude that the choice of batteries largely depends on the type of heating system. If you have the financial opportunity, it is better to install aluminum appliances in a private home as they are the most economical. When this is not possible, then steel panels will do, and with a gravity system - cast iron heating devices. The same applies to apartments with an individual heat source. But in centralized networks, cast iron or bimetallic batteries, as well as tubular steel ones, would be appropriate. The choice largely depends on the homeowner's budget.

The heating season is already approaching, but you still haven’t acquired heating radiators? You need to hurry, because few people want to be caught in the cold in a cold apartment. Many users are interested in one important question: how to choose heating radiators by area? There are many nuances here that we will have to get acquainted with. Each heating element must be selected, starting with determining the amount of heat generated that is required for the apartment or house. This important indicator can be calculated in different ways, from the simplest to the most complex. The easiest ones involve using the area and height of the room. Let's find the most accurate and optimal of all.

Classic method of determination

How to choose a heating radiator based on area if the height of the room is less than three meters? It all looks something like this:

First you need to determine the size of the room in which this radiator will be placed. For example, let's take 25 square meters.
Multiply the resulting figure by 100 W. For our case, the result will be 2500 W.
We take the resulting power and divide it by the heat transfer of only one section of the device.

With panel radiators, the story will take a slightly different form. Panel batteries are a one-piece structure that cannot be increased or decreased in size, so the full power will have to be taken into account. Installing such devices with a power of more than 2500 watts will be a huge mistake, since the calculation method will look completely different.

Some features of the standard method

To ensure accurate calculations, you need to enter the following adjustments:

The final value should be increased by 20% if the room is corner, that is, it has two external walls.
The total power increases by 10% if the connection type is lower.
The total amount of heat should be reduced by 15-25% if the room has metal-plastic windows.

Important! For each case, the required percentage is added or subtracted to the final power. If each of these criteria is met, then the value of 2500 Watts will turn into 2625 Watts, then you will need to purchase a heating apparatus for 18 sections.

Easy way

If you follow the instructions, you will need one radiator fin to heat two square meters. You should also pay attention to the fact that you will have to add one more to the total number of edges. For cases where the room is 25 square meters in size, you will have to take a device with 12.5 ribs. You need to round the value and add another unit to it - you get 14. As you may have noticed, this result is less than the number that was obtained by the classical method for the same room.

Of course, the absence of three sections will affect the heating of the room, which is why this calculation method should be used only for an approximate result. Do not use the resulting value as a basis for choosing a radiator.

Important! Are you planning to install heating devices yourself? We have prepared a lot of useful and educational information on this topic:

Calculation for the second type of heating device

How to choose a heating radiator for a private house by area if you need a panel type of device? For this method, only one area of the room is not enough; here we will need its height, as well as a coefficient of 41. According to standards, the battery should create 41 watts per unit cubic meter, as you can see, we will need to perform mathematical operations with the volume.

The algorithm looks quite simple:

Determine the area of the room.
Calculate the volume. To do this, simply multiply the area by the height.
Multiply the resulting value by a factor of 41.
The final result needs to be adjusted according to the criteria that were described just above.

Important! After all the actions, you should get the required output power. You can install one powerful heating device to achieve the goal. This option will be acceptable for those rooms that have one window, but if there are two or more, then it is better to take advantage of the effect of two panel batteries with a heat output of 1250 Watts.