What batteries are good for an apartment. Which heating batteries are best for an apartment: classification of radiators and their features. When to use a cast iron product - a long-term option

The question of choosing a suitable radiator for heating a house or apartment plays an important role. After all, safety, the possibility of saving on energy resources, compliance with interior design, warmth, and hence the feeling of comfort in housing depend on this. To answer the question, for central heating, you first need to establish the technical characteristics and features of each type of modern batteries.

Choosing a heating radiator is necessary considering many factors.

When purchasing a radiator, the following aspects are of no small importance:

  • Efficiency of functioning, that is, the ability to heat the room.
  • Safety and durability.
  • Availability in terms of price.

Also, the choice of heating radiators is largely determined by the system in which they will be installed - central or autonomous.

The centralized system used in apartment buildings has the following features:

  1. Typically, the operating pressure in this system when supplied is in the region of 4-5 kgf / cm 2 and slightly less at the outlet. In private homes, the maximum pressure is only 2 kgf / cm 2.
  2. In central systems, the probability of unforeseen circumstances associated with water hammer, the use of heat carriers with a temperature above the permissible level, etc. is much higher.

The technical characteristics of the heating system, which are determined by:

  • Working pressure.
    The basic rule: the pressure of heating batteries is greater than in the room in which they are installed. Otherwise, a leak will soon appear. The technical characteristics of the heating system, which are determined by:
  • The type of heating system is one- or two-pipe.
  • Radiator power. The most important value, which indicates the efficiency of heat transfer from the source to the consumer, that is, how well the radiator heats the house. The power indicator is influenced by the presence of windows and the material from which they are made (wood or plastic), the type of house (panel or brick), the number of external walls, and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room. The value required is determined by multiplying the area of ​​​​the room by 100 W and increases by a certain percentage depending on various factors:
    • in the presence of 2 external walls and 2 windows - by 30%;
    • when the windows go to the north side - by 10%.
  • Radiator sizes. The device must correspond in size to the place intended for installation. The optimal distance between the window and the radiator is from 10 cm or more, the floor and the radiator - from 6 cm. The width of the radiator should exceed 50% of the width of the window under which it is installed.

The main types of radiators have the following characteristics:

Also, do not forget about such nuances as the presence of a thermostat, pipe diameter, window width.

The main types of radiators for central heating, their disadvantages and advantages

Cast iron radiators. The leading type of radiators in terms of prevalence for several decades. Only the appearance has changed significantly - there are models that are real design samples (their cost is appropriate). Good for use in residential and industrial high-rise buildings.

Advantages:

  • high heat transfer;
  • strength and durability;
  • unpretentiousness and endurance;
  • large flow area, allowing you to maintain the throughput even with the accumulation of deposits.

Disadvantages:

  • the need for washing 2-3 times a year;
  • vulnerability to strong mechanical stress (the battery may crack);
  • high price.

aluminum radiators. Currently enjoys great popularity among Russians. They consist of sections, the number of which depends on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heated room. It is this type that is characterized by the highest degree of heating, achieved due to the high thermal conductivity of the metal itself and an increase in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthermal conductivity, thanks to the developed finning system. According to the design, sectional and solid models are distinguished.

Aluminum radiators are not recommended for centralized heating systems. Since, in the presence of oxygen in the coolant, this metal is oxidized, and the sections are “aired” due to the release of hydrogen. To avoid this, the device requires regular maintenance and evacuation of air.

Advantages:

  • ease;
  • external attractiveness;
  • strength and reliability;
  • excellent heat dissipation.

Disadvantages:

  • susceptibility to corrosion;
  • the need to regularly bleed air from the radiator through the air vent valve;
  • deformation of aluminum during water hammer;
  • solid particles present in coolants contribute to the destruction of the walls of the device from the inside, which reduces the life of the device (this problem is solved by equipping the radiator with mud collectors and additional filters that require regular cleaning);
  • when connecting aluminum pipes with copper, the rapid destruction of aluminum.


Steel radiators.
A common view in the conditions of low-rise private construction. Not the best option for centralized heating, because:

  • usually the working pressure in the heating system exceeds the allowable one;
  • with hydraulic shock, the service life is significantly reduced and is only a few months.

Advantages:

  • attractive design;
  • occupation of a small space in the room.

Disadvantages:

  • susceptibility to corrosion;
  • average service life at observance of operational rules - no more than 7 years.

Bimetal radiators. They combine the advantages of the two previous types of radiators, due to the special design - an aluminum shell and a steel core. They are used for any type of heating, but they have proven themselves especially well in high-rise buildings with central heating.

Advantages:

  • the ability to withstand significant loads and hydraulic shocks, strength;
  • high heat transfer;
  • light weight and thoughtful shape, contributing to the efficient heating of the room.

Disadvantages:

  • high price due to the complexity of the design.

conclusions

So, it is not possible to give an unambiguous answer to the question of which heating radiators are best for central heating, since each specific situation is individual and the choice depends on the characteristics of housing conditions and the price range. But in general, the opinions of experts boil down to the following:

  1. Due to the unpredictability of central heating, the best at the moment are those that combine mechanical strength, high heat transfer and aesthetic appearance. The main disadvantage is the high cost.
  2. Cast iron radiators also deserve attention, but require more maintenance.
  3. It is better to refuse steel and aluminum radiators in houses with central heating, due to the characteristics of these metals - susceptibility to corrosion, interaction with other metals, etc.

Which heating radiator is best to choose for an apartment? This question is asked by all citizens who are dissatisfied with the standard heating system in their homes. Moreover, the reasons for dissatisfaction can be both aesthetic - the old battery disfigures the design, and practical - the radiator does not heat as well as we would like. In this article we will try to help you with the choice of an externally attractive and truly warm radiator.

Modern heating batteries for an apartment

Not sure which radiator is best? Then let's go through all the possible options. And it will take quite a bit of time, because modern manufacturers are ready to offer us only four types of "apartment" batteries:

  • Steel radiators are the simplest and cheapest type of heating device. Such a heater is assembled on the basis of a circulation circuit sewn from two sheets of far from the thickest rolled products. The coolant flows along the contour-panel and heats up the ribbed elements fixed on its surface. Moreover, these fins are very thin, so they heat up in a very short time.
  • Aluminum batteries are a more expensive heater. Instead of cheap ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal is used here, which has a higher thermal conductivity. That is, both the circulation circuit (pipe) and the plates (ribs strung on this pipe) are made of expensive aluminum here. But the high price is offset by a very high heat transfer. Such batteries squeeze more energy out of the coolant than other radiators.
  • Cast iron radiators - such a heater is made of cheap ferrous metal, but the technology for manufacturing such radiators cannot be called inexpensive. Cast iron is poured into a mold, getting a section of the future battery. And small-scale foundry production is the most expensive and, in addition, environmentally dirty metalworking technology. However, there are no complaints about the cast-iron sections themselves - they do not harm human health during the operation stage and have an amazingly long service life and enormous thermal inertia. Such a battery cools down more slowly than competitors.
  • Bimetallic batteries - similar heaters appeared relatively recently, when they patented the technology for building a radiator based on a steel or copper tubular circuit and aluminum heating elements (ribs). Thanks to this, manufacturers were able to increase the heat transfer of the heating element, simultaneously improving all other characteristics.

Now that you are already familiar with the main types of batteries, you can choose the best option that suits you. How to do it? We will talk about this below in the text.

Steel battery - is it suitable for residents of 9-storey buildings?

When choosing a battery, try to focus not on the advantages, but on the disadvantages of a particular type of radiator. Or rather, on the balance of the pros and cons of each option. And if we look at the varieties of modern apartment heaters from this point of view, then the following picture will open before us. The steel battery is good for its low cost and huge active surface. The circulation circuits-panels sewn from sheet steel give a large radiation area and without ribbed elements. And they are also very light and do not cause difficulties during installation, since the inlet and outlet pipes can be located literally anywhere, and not just at the corners of the structure.

However, outwardly, such batteries look like boxes, which does not decorate the interior. In addition, a steel heater can withstand only 6-10 atmospheres of internal pressure, and such batteries have virtually no corrosion resistance, so they will live in an apartment for no more than 15-20 years. In addition, the steel heater cools down very quickly. Conclusion: a steel radiator is suitable when there is a budget deficit, but even in this case, only residents of 5-storey buildings can buy it. In nine-story dwellings, such a battery will burst at the first pressure surge.

Where is an aluminum radiator useful - an apartment or a private house?

Aluminum batteries are more expensive than steel panel radiators, but they have amazing heat dissipation. Therefore, a large steel panel can be replaced by a smaller aluminum structure. As a result, due to the difference in dimensions, the price of aluminum heaters can approach the cost of cheap steel batteries. In addition, aluminum does not rust on the outside, and the internal pressure in such a heating element can be raised to 12 atmospheres.

The dark side of this option is the high sensitivity of aluminum to the chemical composition of the coolant. This metal oxidizes with a jump in acidity, releasing hydrogen. And it also forms a galvanic couple with brass fittings, which also leads to corrosion, which provokes leaks and other troubles. In a word, the capricious nature of such a battery had to be paid for the high heat transfer. Conclusion: an aluminum battery is good where there is confidence in the stability of the chemical composition of the coolant and the pressure in the system. This radiator is useful, rather, in a country house, townhouse or cottage. In urban conditions, its use is not justified due to its capricious nature.

When to use a cast iron product - a long-term option

A cast iron battery can look like a work of art. Cast patterns and an unusual shape of the sections turn such a radiator into an art object that can fit into any interior style. In addition, such a heater is not afraid of acidity and corrosion. After all, the cast-iron section has very thick walls - a by-product of the foundry production technology, which will withstand 50 years of operation.

Among the disadvantages of this option, the following can be noted: cast-iron sections have high thermal inertia, so they slowly cool down and heat up, such a battery needs a very hot coolant that can warm up massive elements. In addition, the significant weight of such structures makes it necessary to equip a special system for attaching to the wall. Therefore, multi-section radiators are supplied with legs (for floor mounting). Conclusion: a cast-iron radiator is suitable for wealthy people who are going to live in a particular apartment for decades. Moreover, the maximum pressure in a cast-iron battery (10 atmospheres) does not allow placing such an element above the 5th-7th floor.

The best battery in terms of the sum of advantages and disadvantages

Bimetallic radiators can withstand 35 atmospheres, so you do not need to look at the number of storeys in your home. In addition, the non-principal issues in this case include both the quality of the coolant and its temperature. Aluminum fins can work with both warm and hot flow, and steel pipes can withstand both high acidity and an abundance of abrasive inclusions that try to scratch the circuit from the inside.

Moreover, such a heater is easy to mount in the system, since it does not need either massive wall brackets or special fittings that exclude electrochemical corrosion.

The only drawback of the bimetallic version is the high price, but it also pays off due to a very long service life. Conclusion: such a battery can be placed anywhere - both in a five-story building and in a skyscraper. Yes, it is not cheap, but its advantages cover this drawback. Therefore, only a bimetallic radiator can claim the title of "best battery for an apartment".

How to choose a heater by the footage of a room - simple formulas

We have already decided on the optimal type of radiator, so now it remains for us to understand how to choose heating batteries for a city apartment by the footage of the dwelling. After all, too large or too small a heater will make living conditions in an apartment simply unbearable. From the first you will be stuffy, and from the second - cold. Moreover, the golden mean - this is when the room is warm enough, but not hot - it is determined very simply.

To do this, you need to follow these recommendations:

  • First, determine the footage of the room. To do this, multiply the length and width, measuring the parameters with a tape measure. If you are too lazy to mess with the calculations, find the documents for the apartment and look at the footage of the room there.
  • Next, convert square meters (area units) to watts (power units). Use the proportion: 1 m 2 \u003d 100 watts. That is, for a large room of 20 squares, you need 2000 watts (20x100) or 2 kW.
  • After that, you can go to the store and ask the consultant to show you a battery with a thermal power equal to the calculated number of watts.
  • If the battery is recruited from sections, then you need to clarify the heat transfer of one section and divide this value by the desired battery power. As a result, you will get the correct number of sections. That is, if one section emits 200 watts, and we need a 2000 W battery, then to assemble such a radiator, we will have to buy 10 sections (2000/200).

Guided by these simple rules, you can buy a battery without overpaying for extra dimensions and sections.

It’s good to sit in an easy chair on long winter evenings and drink tea with lemon, watching the suffering of another Mary from the television series. Outside the window it is dark, only the howling of a blizzard is occasionally heard. The apartment is warm and cozy, crackles and rustles from the radiator are heard. But this should not be! A high-quality device works silently and heats the air in the room well.

In order not to torture yourself with constant music from the heating system and not save property as a result of battery leakage, let's find out which heating radiators are best suited for an apartment.

Most multi-storey buildings have a central heating system, when the coolant heated in boiler houses or CHPPs is transferred to the consumer. But the water circulating through the pipes receives a lot of harmful impurities that cause corrosion of devices. Often, residents have an unstable temperature regime of radiators and the risk associated with pressure surges in the common heating network. What batteries are better to install for heating in an apartment?

Experts advise choosing devices that will be able to withstand possible troubles with honor:

  1. Due to poor-quality coolant, it is advisable to purchase batteries with a special internal coating or with walls made of chemically neutral material. Before you buy heating radiators, pay attention to the thickness of the material: you need to choose batteries in which small abrasive particles that have got inside will not be able to wipe the walls.
  2. The pressure in the heating systems of large modern houses is usually in the range of 12-15 atmospheres, and in the so-called Khrushchev houses it does not exceed 6-9. Therefore, when choosing a radiator, make sure that its declared pressure exceeds what is available in the heating system of the house.
  3. When choosing a heating battery for an apartment from a certain material, it is advisable to know whether it can withstand water hammer. Not all radiators come out of such situations intact and undamaged.
  4. The main function of such a device is space heating. Therefore, the batteries must be of good heat dissipation and normal service life, so as not to have a headache with the frequent replacement of heating devices.
  5. The modern market is very diverse. You can choose the best radiators with suitable characteristics for heating an apartment.

Types of modern radiators and their differences

We will find out how and based on what points you can choose the right heating radiator for an apartment:

  • The material from which the battery is made. It affects the weight of the device, heat transfer, attitude to the coolant.
  • According to the chosen design and size, based on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe apartment, ceiling height, design.
  • In terms of power and operating pressure, starting from the heating network available in the house.

Now you can name what kind of heating radiators for an apartment are, characterize them and decide what is best for creating a comfortable climate. Today, manufacturers can offer batteries: cast iron, aluminum alloy, steel, bimetallic.

Cast iron radiators

For the first time such radiators appeared in Russia more than 150 years ago. In the 20th century, cast iron batteries began to be squeezed out by more modern competitors, but even today these devices occupy a significant part of the market.
The ageless popularity of these types of heating radiators for an apartment is based on their characteristics, which allow them to ideally fit the heating networks of multi-storey buildings.

The advantages of cast iron appliances include the following qualities:

  • Cast iron batteries do not corrode. The inner walls of the device from interaction with the coolant are covered with a special black precipitate, which prevents oxygen from destroying the cast iron. For safety and durability, a resistant coloring composition is also applied to the outer surface of the battery.
  • For cast iron radiators, any coolant can be suitable. Bringing with it impurities from sand and litter, the liquid can cause irreparable harm to the inside of the device. But not the one made of cast iron. Because it is chemically passive and does not react with various substances, and its walls are thick enough to withstand the invasion of various media. In addition, such radiators do not seethe and it is very rare to bleed air from them.
  • Many consider cast iron appliances to be the best radiators for an apartment, which can be perfectly combined with pipes made of any material. Their production pressure starts from 9 atmospheres and can withstand values ​​equal to 20 units. This suggests that such a radiator calmly tolerates water hammer.

Take note! The cast iron radiator device allows you to remove or add sections. Maintenance is also simple in case of repair, they can be removed, disassembled and cleaned inside.

Cast iron models have a number of disadvantages:

  • Such a radiator heats up for a long time, unlike other similar devices. But it also cools down slowly after shutdown.
  • A cast iron battery has a slow heat transfer compared to the same models made of steel or aluminum, which require less coolant to function, and they give off heat one and a half times more.
  • Radiators also have impressive weight, for example, one section weighs 5-6 kg. And water is poured into each department almost a liter. A similar device made of aluminum requires only 0.4 liters.

Whether the traditional design of cast iron batteries can be attributed to the disadvantages is a moot point. Of course, for luxury housing with exclusive interiors, such a choice is hardly suitable. But in rooms made in the style of a loft, Provence, eclecticism, it is quite appropriate to put them. Those who wish can also hide unloved outlines under various screens and panels. Or purchase the best glamorous models of heating radiators specially designed in retro style for your apartment. Attention to the photo.

Batteries made of aluminum, lightweight, with good heat dissipation, made a real revolution with their appearance on the heating appliance market in the mid-60s of the XX century.

The heat transfer of such batteries is quite high, because aluminum has a low inertia. It is possible to control the temperature in the apartment. The radiator is lightweight, easy to transport and easy to install, it is possible to assemble the required number of sections on your own. Externally, the surface of the battery has a special polymer coating that protects against mechanical stress.

When deciding which heating radiators are better to choose for an apartment with a closed heating network, you can stop at aluminum ones, because they fit any style and have a nice design. Many interesting models of various heights and lengths are produced, among which you can find those suitable for taste and prosperity.

But according to the reviews of many buyers and the opinion of experts, it was decided that for heating apartments with a common heating system, the choice of such radiators is not entirely successful. There are several reasons for this:

  • Aluminum batteries need a constant pressure of up to 12 atmospheres. It is unlikely that the heating networks of apartment buildings with periodically uneven pressure and the possibility of water hammer can fit such conditions. Yes, and the existing coolant in them causes a lot of reproaches.
  • The coolant with oxygen circulating in the heating system is very unreliable for the described radiators. Reacting with aluminum, this gaseous substance can turn into hydrogen, which creates constant noise and air voids in batteries. This eventually leads to the paralysis of the operation of such a radiator.
  • Installation of aluminum batteries eliminates the choice of connecting parts made of steel, copper, brass. When these metals interact, reactions occur that lead to corrosion of the radiator surface. Surface discharges can also form. Therefore, a mandatory requirement for aluminum batteries is their installation with plastic pipes and grounding.

Having learned the advantages and disadvantages of aluminum appliances, we can say that they are more suitable for apartments and private houses with closed autonomous heating.

The appearance of such radiators, which differs from the usual batteries, initially appealed to many consumers. Instead of massive cast-iron sections, the light, ribbed plates of the device looked like aliens caught in the Middle Ages. For some consumers, it was possible not to raise the question of which heating battery is better for an apartment.

There are two types of steel devices to choose from:

  • panel have the form of plates, unpretentious in operation and simple in design;
  • tubular are a series of steel pipes that heat up quickly and cool down after being turned off.

Advantages of steel radiators:

  • They have good thermal conductivity. The wall thickness of the battery is less than that of cast iron, which causes faster heating.
  • They have a fairly long service life due to the simplicity of the design.
  • Easy to install due to its light weight. And you can connect them to the heating system in several ways.
  • The price of panel radiators is cheaper than similar aluminum models. But this does not apply to tubular types, which are much more expensive and are purchased for luxury housing.

Having decided to make a choice in favor of a steel radiator, it is necessary to accurately calculate its power. It will become impossible to purchase additional sections and build up such a battery. A consultant in a store or a specialist who installs heating equipment will help you make the necessary calculations and buy the right model.

They have steel radiators and a number of disadvantages:

  • Poor resistance to corrosion. To avoid this, it is required to keep the device constantly filled with water. In its absence, the inside begins to rust. Therefore, panel steel radiators are not well suited for centralized heating systems that operate in most multi-storey buildings. They regularly drain the coolant both during preventive repairs and as a result of emergencies.
  • May not withstand water hammer. Occurring serious pressure surges in the heating system can lead to the fact that the battery will lose shape or burst at the seams. In working condition, they are able to endure 6-10 atmospheres. Experts advise operating batteries in houses with a height of no more than five floors or in autonomous heating systems.
  • On radiators of low quality, the paint may begin to peel off after a few years.

Bimetal radiators

Radiators, which are an alloy of a tubular steel base and aluminum panels, were invented over 60 years ago. The combination of the technical components of the two metals created modern heating batteries for the apartment, which began to compete with cast-iron counterparts.

Any model of such a radiator consists of two parts. The inner part is a steel circuit in which the coolant is located. External - aluminum alloy panels that give off heat. The liquid, moving through the steel pipes, heats the plates without coming into contact with them.

The combination of the best qualities of two metals: the high heat transfer rate of aluminum with the long service life of steel, has given radiators the opportunity to become very popular with homeowners and decide which batteries are best for central heating. Such batteries are produced in the form of monolithic panels without connecting seams, excluding possible leakage, and devices consisting of separate sections. The second type allows you to increase or decrease the battery area using a system of gaskets and nipples. It is more affordable.

By opting for bimetallic radiators, you get the following advantages:

  • The ability of monolithic models to withstand a pressure of 35 atmospheres.
  • Compatibility with any coolant due to the treatment of the internal surfaces of steel pipes with a special compound.
  • Fast heating and high efficiency due to heating of two metals.
  • The presence of thermostats that allow you to independently coordinate the temperature.
  • Light weight and relative ease of installation complements the stylish appearance.

Whatever the disadvantages of the heating system, you can choose bimetallic radiators for the apartment and the house. But long-term operation due to the different coefficient of expansion of steel and aluminum alloy can lead to squeaks in batteries and reduce their durability. Among other disadvantages is the high price. But you always pay more for quality.

Classification of radiators

Having learned what batteries are for heating an apartment, they can be classified into several classes according to quality and cost:

  • The economy class includes inexpensive cast iron and aluminum alloy models.
  • The middle class is a wide selection of bimetallic and steel structures with reliable performance.
  • The premium class consists of models made of stainless steel, designer cast iron devices and some bimetal designs.

You can visually evaluate which heating radiators are best for an apartment in the photo.

  • We offer to buy heating radiators with delivery, in the online store "Tavago".
  • The price of heating radiators from 200 rubles.
  • Read instructions and reviews.

What are the features?


Heating radiators(another name is heating batteries), are invariably present in every Soviet-built apartment, and are quite common in modern homes. After connecting the radiators, you can not worry about the comfortable weather in the house and the warm winter in the office. Today, the domestic market of thermal equipment offers a wide range of the latest from various manufacturers and provides the following additional services: calculation, installation, replacement, connection or installation of heating batteries.

How to buy heating batteries in "Tavago"?

When choosing heating radiators, be sure to contact our Tavago online store. With professional passion, we will tell you about the features of certain models, advise which one is best for your needs, and help you calculate heating radiators based on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room and the height of the ceilings. If necessary, the specialists of our company will install heating batteries in an apartment or other room with all guarantees for the work done.
In this section of the site you will find aluminum and bimetallic sectional heating radiators, the prices of which are focused on the Russian buyer.

We will send the material to you by e-mail

Repairs in apartments of the old stock often require a complete replacement of all heating radiators. Cast-iron monsters of the Soviet period cannot be eternal, besides, their efficiency leaves much to be desired. A natural question arises: which heating radiators are best for an apartment? The price of the product is not the only selection criterion. Here it is important to think over everything to the smallest detail - from the aesthetic component to practicality and economy.

Comfortable temperature in the house depends on the choice of heater

Which heating radiators are better to put in an apartment: types, disadvantages and disadvantages

Heating appliances are made of various materials, each of them reacts in its own way to pressure and temperature. So, the types of heating batteries in the apartment:

Steel convector batteries

These are panels and between which metal plates are installed. The coolant circulates in the panels. It is believed that these devices have the highest heat dissipation.

Such devices are very popular among owners of country houses. Steel heaters are produced in the Czech Republic, Italy, Finland. They differ in the number of sections and metal ribs

Positive aspects of steel radiators:

  • good heat dissipation;
  • low power consumption;
  • low inertia;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • democratic price.

Disadvantages of steel batteries:

  • tendency to form rust;
  • instability to water hammer.

It is the last minus that is a significant obstacle to the installation of a steel heater in a multi-storey building. When deciding which radiators are best for an apartment, steel heaters should be considered last.

Cast iron batteries

These products are considered the cheapest and most durable.


Cast iron in modern or retro style is produced in England, France and Turkey.These radiators can withstand up to twelve bar pressure and coolant temperatures up to one hundred and ten degrees. Thus, water hammer and boiling water in the heating system are not terrible for them.

Advantages of cast iron heating systems:

  • half a century of operation;
  • resistance to temperature and pressure of centralized heating systems
  • long-term heat retention, slow cooling.

Disadvantages:

  • heavy weight, which requires particularly strong fasteners;
  • long warm-up period;
  • a large amount of coolant used;
  • fragility.

Aluminum heaters

When solving the problem “How to choose heating radiators for an apartment with central heating”, unfortunately, products made of light and durable aluminum should be excluded from the list. These batteries have the best thermal conductivity and an attractive exterior. But they are completely unsuitable for use in a central heating system due to instability to water hammer.

Aluminum heaters are available in lithium and extrusion and can withstand pressures as low as 16 bar.


Therefore, if the apartment is equipped with its own boiler, these radiators are hard to find better.

Advantages:

Disadvantages of aluminum heaters:

  • short service life - up to fifteen years;
  • weak convection;
  • chemical instability of the material;
  • inability to withstand water hammer.

Bimetallic products

At first glance, these batteries are very similar to aluminum ones. Their body is made of this light metal, and the interior is made up of steel elements.

Bimetallic heaters are produced in Russia and Italy.On sale you can find pseudo-bimetallic products, additionally reinforced with steel verticals. They are less resistant to corrosion, but are characterized by increased heat transfer.

Advantages of bimetallic products:

  • high heat transfer;
  • resistance to water hammer;
  • ease of installation;
  • aesthetics.

Minuses:

  • high price.


Which radiators are better: aluminum or bimetallic?

There can be only one answer to this question: of course, bimetallic heaters are the best choice. They not only combine all the advantages of aluminum and steel products. These batteries are distinguished by increased strength and resistance to water hammer, which often threatens central heating systems and is the main cause of numerous accidents in heating networks.

Useful information! Bimetallic devices withstand pressure up to twenty atmospheres!

Choice and calculation

So, how to choose heating batteries (radiators) for an apartment in an apartment building:

  • Instruments must maintain a pressure of at least 15 atmospheres.
  • Heaters must withstand water hammer.
  • The design of the device must be resistant to corrosion and chemical attack.
  • The heat transfer performance of the device should be studied.

Aesthetics of the device is not the last selection criterion

  • Batteries can't last forever, but the longer they last, the better.

How to calculate the number of radiators

For the calculation it is necessary to measure the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room. This is a problem for a third grader: you need to multiply the width by the length. For example, a standard room 3x5 m = 15 sq. meters of area.

To heat an apartment located in central Russia, an average of 41 W of thermal energy per square meter is required. Multiply 15 by 41 and get 615 watts. For our own peace of mind, we will round the figure to 650.

Each modern battery has technical documentation that indicates its thermal power. It remains only to choose the right number of sections. The proposed calculation option is very conditional and does not take into account the features of a particular apartment. Therefore, we suggest using the calculator below.

What are the best heating radiators for an apartment: the price of products and manufacturers

Despite the fact that the choice of heating devices on the domestic market is very wide, there are undoubted leaders among manufacturers who have earned an impeccable reputation:

  • Smart (China);
  • Kermi (Germany);
  • Purmo (Finland);
  • Rifar (Russia);
  • Royal (Italy);
  • Global (Italy).

To solve the problem of which heating radiators are better for an apartment, the price of the product is not decisive, but remains an important factor. Below are the most popular battery models.

Table 1. Overview of popular radiator models

ImageModelMaterialMount typeHeat transfer, WAverage price, rub.
Monolit 500 Rifarbimetallicwall1960 6890
STYLE 500 PLUS Globalbimetallicwall1140 6991
RS 500 Bimetal Sirabimetallicwall2010 8450
Thermo 500 Revolution Royalaluminumwall1448 3704
Alum 500 Rifaraluminumwall1464 3840
RAP Thermal 500aluminumwall1288 3120
22 500 FTV(FKV) Kermisteelwall1930 5332
22 500 Compact Purmosteelwall1470 4119
2180 Arboniasteelwall780 8132
500 STI Novacast ironwall1200 6470