A radiator is an important component of the heating system of any room, which also performs an aesthetic function. A correctly selected radiator model will fit perfectly into the interior of the room and can become an element of design. However, for reasons of technical characteristics, you should not rely solely on how aluminum radiators look. Which is better to choose, of course, is up to you. An excellent purchase will be a radiator with high performance and beautiful appearance. The main task of any radiator is to fit your heating system, provide maximum heat dissipation and adjust the temperature indicators inside the room.
Choosing a heating radiator for an apartment
What model of a heating radiator is preferred for installation in an apartment? This question is asked by many residents of multi-storey buildings. To get a clear answer to this seemingly simple question is almost impossible. It is difficult to achieve objective information either on the World Wide Web or in a specialized store. Everyone praises a particular radiator model. Moreover, models, like manufacturers of radiators, both imported and domestic, are becoming more and more every year.
Our article will give you a number of recommendations to deal with the variety of heating systems in the modern market, to choose the right sizes of aluminum heating radiators and to choose the model that is perfect for you in its parameters and fits perfectly into the interior of your home.
Room radiators for a water heating system according to the material of manufacture are:
- cast iron;
- bimetallic;
- steel;
- aluminum heating radiators.
Which are better? Suppose that cast-iron radiators are still being produced, but the demand for them has been steadily falling until it completely disappears. The reason for this is the enormous weight and poor heat dissipation of such radiators, which make them uncompetitive among modern models. And even the excellent corrosion resistance of cast iron does not save their position.
Therefore, we consider in more detail 3 main types of modern heating radiators.
Bimetal heating sections
These radiators of a new generation, designed for a pressure of 30 atmospheres, combined the best qualities of aluminum heating sections and tubular steel heaters. The outer coating and fins of such a radiator are made of aluminum alloy, and their inner tube part is steel.
Indisputable advantages of bimetallic heating sections:
- withstand without loss of their original qualities, the pressure in the system up to 40 atmospheres;
- long service life - up to 20 years, due to the resistance to become the chemical constituents of the water in the coolant;
- high heat transfer;
- modern stylish design.
Minuses:
- the high cost of bimetallic sectional radiators (almost a third higher than conventional aluminum);
- increased energy consumption due to the high hydraulic resistance in sections of such a radiator.
In accordance with the foregoing, the conclusion suggests itself: the main advantage of bimetallic sections is that they actively resist the aggressive properties of the local coolant and withstand high pressure in the heating system. In fairness, it should be noted that today the average pressure in the heating pipes does not exceed 15 atmospheres, and modern treatment and preparation of water poured into the system significantly reduces the possibility of corrosion and slagging of the elements of the heating system. Therefore, having decided to purchase a sectional radiator from bimetal, you, in fact, are overpaying for fashionable material and brand.
Steel panel radiators
Panel radiators with a working pressure of 10 atmospheres are two steel plates connected by a welding method, with recesses for the connecting channels and collectors. The sizes of steel panel-type radiators are fixed. They do not have the ability to add or decrease sections, as in section type radiators.
The large size of the panel radiator guarantees heat transfer at a high level, the presence between the fins panels in total will increase the heat efficiency of the radiator, due to the increased heating area.
Indisputable advantages of steel panel- type radiators :
- lack of inertia;
- profitability;
- high percentage of heat transfer;
- large heated area.
Disadvantages:
- non-withstanding high pressure in a centralized heating system;
- susceptibility to aggressive properties of the coolant, especially to the presence of oxygen.
Most often, steel panel-type radiators are used in closed autonomous heating systems. Installing a panel radiator in a centralized heating system is irrational.
Aluminum heating radiators
What are the best heating systems? Aluminum heating radiators, suitable for a pressure of 16 atmospheres, are considered the most popular, they are an elegant heating device with a low weight and a high level of heat transfer (maximum heat transfer in one section is 198 watts). Such high heat transfer rates are due to the double action of an aluminum radiator. This device transfers half the heat by radiation, and the second half by convection.
The presence of finning inside the sections increases the heated area to 0.5 square meters, thereby increasing its heat transfer coefficient.
Aluminum heating sections are most effective for heating enclosed spaces of any size. The dimensions of aluminum heating radiators are small, so these wonderful appliances do not require much water and perfectly regulate the heat flow.
Pluses of aluminum heating sections:
- optimal price-quality ratio;
- high level of heat transfer;
- stylish design;
- light weight;
- ideal working pressure.
Minuses:
- frequent metal corrosion with aggressive, poorly cleaned coolant in central heating systems.
To date, the best aluminum heating radiators are in greatest demand among consumers. This is due to the fact that such radiators are affordable, reliable in quality, durable in operation and efficient in operation. You can use them in any residential and non-residential premises.
Combined Copper-Aluminum Radiators
Combined radiators made of copper alloy and aluminum are used in rooms with excessive humidity, such as swimming pools. The exception is only those rooms in which the likelihood of a chemical substance reacting with the materials of which such a radiator is made and changing their quality is possible. Such a radiator is made of the most thermally conductive materials (for reference: the thermal conductivity of copper is 410 W / m2K, and aluminum - 220 W / m2K). The design of the copper-aluminum radiator is designed so that the water from the heating system comes into contact exclusively with copper, and the body and thermal conductivity plates are made of aluminum.
Copper-aluminum heating radiators are used exclusively in autonomous heating systems. Because for the durability of these devices it is necessary that the entire heating system, including the heat exchanger in the boiler, pipes and the radiator itself, be made of one of the least susceptible to corrosion material.
Aluminum or bimetal heating radiators, which ones to prefer
This question will cause difficulty even for a highly qualified heating installation specialist. Unambiguously, the use of bimetallic sections is recommended in apartments of high-rise buildings and in heating networks with poor water treatment. Owners of autonomous heating, as well as residents of apartments of ordinary five-story buildings, should not pay extra for such heating devices due to the usual pressure in the heating pipeline.
And an important warning for those who have already opted for bimetal heating sections - over 80% of such radiators on the domestic market are manufactured in China. That is, the quality of the metal from which such a device is made, as well as the quality of the work on its manufacture, correspond to the reputation of the manufacturer.
Calculation of the power of the selected radiator model
The power rate of one heating unit of the device for the Russian Federation, according to the directory:
• Northern part of the Russian Federation - from 150 to 200 W / sq.m.
• The middle part of the Russian Federation - 100 W / sq.m.
Aluminum radiators, depending on their model and manufacturer, have an average power of 82 - 212 W / sq. M. Therefore, to heat a room with an area of 10 meters in the central part of the Russian Federation, it will be most practical to install a radiator consisting of 9-10 sections with a power of one in 100 W / sq. M. or consisting of 5 sections with a capacity of 200 W / sq. m. each one.
When calculating aluminum heating radiators, it is important to consider that excess heat is preferable to its lack. Indeed, in central Russia there are winters with severe frosts. When installing an internal heating system, place aluminum sections in radiators with a margin.
Installation of heating radiators from aluminum
In order for the new batteries to serve for a long time and provide high-quality heat to your home, the connection of aluminum heating radiators should be carried out adhering to a number of special conditions.
- Aluminum well resists corrosion, however, in the composition with a copper alloy in the coolant, it will soon lose its original qualities.
- Improper installation of aluminum radiators, especially regarding screwing in the nipple, leads to annoying troubles during operation.
- Aluminum belongs to a number of soft metals. Therefore, a section of such a radiator can easily be damaged by mechanical shock.
In the modern market of goods for heating, aluminum radiators of various domestic and foreign manufacturers are presented, which are specially designed for the heating systems of the Russian Federation. The developers of these models took into account both the high pressure in the systems and the high acidity of the coolant, and tried to adapt their products to this. The price of an aluminum radiator depends on the quality of workmanship and manufacturer.
Installation of aluminum heating radiators:
1. Mark the place where the radiator will be installed.
2. Attach the radiator mounting brackets to the wall.
3. Hang the radiator to the brackets.
4. Connect the radiator to the heat pipe.
5. Install the plug or special valve.
Chinese-made radiators
Today, China has licenses to produce heating aluminum radiators from some well-known manufacturers. Those who do not want or cannot overpay for a well-known brand may well opt for Chinese-made models. Manufacturers of aluminum heating radiators from China often supply high-quality goods to the Russian market at a relatively low cost, due to their cheap labor.
Chinese-made heating radiators should be bought in specialized stores that value reputation and clientele. By purchasing such heaters on the market or in the online store, there is a risk of getting a poor-quality model or inappropriate to the declared technical characteristics. And besides this, Chinese radiator models have their own indicators, which must be taken into account when choosing a model.
Italian-made radiators
The most popular models on the domestic market are Italian aluminum radiators.
These products have a stylish design, perfectly suited to any interior, and are used as heating appliances in residential and non-residential premises. Italian radiator models are covered with special enamel, which withstands high temperatures of the coolant and adds strength to the metal.
Heating sections are made of high-quality aluminum alloy with high strength, which does not harm constant contact with process water and its impurities.
Choosing a manufacturer of heating radiators
We have compiled a small list of well-known companies that produce aluminum heating radiators. Firms are all worthy of your attention. However, which radiator will be optimal for installation in your room, you decide, focusing on your budget and type of heating system.
Global
An Italian company producing high quality aluminum radiators. The heating devices of this company are distinguished by their long period of operation and stylish appearance, and the materials used in their manufacture reliably protect them from rust and mechanical damage. The cost of one section of the aluminum radiator of this company is about 400 rubles. The price is consistent with the quality.
SMART (Smart)
The Chinese company produces inexpensive bimetallic heating sections and universal aluminum heating radiators. Which ones are best to buy, decide for yourself, the cost of one aluminum section - about 300 rubles., Bimetal - about 350 rubles.
Rifar
Domestic company producing bimetallic and aluminum heating sections. Such radiators are 100% suitable for Russian operating conditions, at a price significantly lower than that offered by foreign manufacturers. Depending on the chosen model, one section of heating from the company Rifar costs from 450 to 900 rubles. These are high-quality heating radiators at a low price.