The issue of providing heat to their homes worries most people. If the problem of heating is not solved, then no refined modern environment will help to create comfort in the winter. Today it is difficult to find at least one home in which it is impossible to install heating batteries (radiators). And it doesn’t matter if it’s a house, an apartment or a mansion. In this case, a rather complicated question arises related to the choice of these devices. The market presents a huge variety of models and materials from which they are made. For an ordinary person, it becomes a problem to make an independent decision as to which particular option will be suitable in his particular case. That is why it is important not only to choose heating radiators, the characteristics of which will be optimal, but also to know the advantages and disadvantages of different types, heat transfer, as well as the degree of reliability. This will be discussed later.
Criterias of choice
Most often, when choosing heating batteries (radiators), people primarily pay attention to design, although this is completely contrary to logic. The second significant factor is usually the price. However, for specialists, the most important characteristic is heat transfer. Since it is this parameter that directly affects the efficiency of heating the room. You should focus on an indicator of 100-150 W per square meter of premises, or on numbers close to this value.
Durability and reliability are especially important parameters for our heating systems, as they are characterized by unpleasant features: severe water pollution and unstable pressure. This causes corrosion and water hammer. Therefore, the presence of a corrosion-resistant coating is a good option for the chosen model. It is worth considering that the pressure in the heating system of high-rise buildings is 9-10 atmospheres, and that of individual boiler rooms is no more than 6. It is this indicator that primarily determines the durability and reliability of heating devices.
Size is an important parameter that affects the overall appearance of the room. Here, such factors as the area of the heated room, as well as its purpose, are significant. Heating batteries (radiators) are important not only to purchase, but also to deliver them to the installation site, and then install. That is why such a parameter as mass is of considerable importance. Now you can consider each type of radiator separately to better navigate their characteristics.
Aluminum batteries
This type is made of aluminum alloy of a special property, which is characterized by a high degree of heat transfer. Aluminum heating radiators are currently the most popular among all other types. Despite the fact that they appeared not so long ago, about 30 years ago, they are recognized as the most effective for heating rooms. It is worthwhile to consider these heating radiators in more detail. The characteristics of aluminum batteries are as follows:
- small dimensions;
- light weight;
- the ability to work in high pressure;
- affordable cost;
- more ribs provide high-quality heat transfer.
These were positive aspects of this decision, but they also have a drawback - susceptibility to corrosion. Usually, this process is noticeably accelerated when there is a contact of two dissimilar metals or when stray currents occur in the heating system . Destruction also occurs due to the loss of integrity of the oxide film covering the batteries.
The properties
So, these were the pros and cons of aluminum heating radiators. The characteristics of these batteries are not limited to this, as they are sectional and solid, which is also important when choosing. The first type involves the connection of a number of sections among themselves. Thanks to this, you can either increase the radiators at any time, or replace the failed section. But the reliability and durability of such a solution can noticeably suffer due to the presence of these compounds. One-piece radiators are made of profiles, which are interconnected by welding. Since there are no intersectional gaskets in them, they are characterized by their reliability and durability. However, a non-separable design makes it impossible to build up devices during operation.
So, this information will be incomplete, not to mention the manufacturers of aluminum radiators. The best manufacturers are European companies. Global Italian radiators have already managed to establish themselves well in Russian territory. Under the license of the company, an exact copy is made under the name Rifar. Chinese products are characterized by worse quality, but at the same time their cost is two times lower. Among the leaders are Italian manufacturers Sira, Ferroli, Chinese Scola, as well as the Konner brand.
Cast Iron Radiators
This option is the cheapest of all currently known. At the same time, the existing equipment is characterized by a huge variety, cast-iron heating radiators for more than a century remain the most popular. Previously, when determining the strengths and weaknesses, the unremarkable form was primarily taken into account, but now we are talking about a variety of decorated options, characterized by a stylish appearance. Among the negative aspects, the old technology, insufficiently fast heating of the room and thermal inertia are usually distinguished. A lot of weight is another significant minus of such solutions.
Features of cast iron radiators
However, all these shortcomings are also the advantages of such equipment. For example, inertia. It allows you to significantly smooth out temperature differences in the room after turning on the heating system. That is why modern cast-iron heating batteries (radiators), whose prices depend on the design and range from 490 rubles per section, are able to retain heat for a very long time. The duration of their service life is completely incomparable with all other types.
In this case, it is customary to single out tubular and sectional varieties as varieties. The former are more in demand. The size and number of sections have a direct effect on heat transfer. Usually there are seven of them, they are interconnected into a battery. To increase heat transfer, ribs are placed in the section. The second option is also popular, especially considering the improved design and the ability to fit into any modern interior.
Subtleties of choice
If you choose cast-iron heating radiators (batteries), then you should be based on certain information about them. This is the best option for rooms in which there is natural water circulation. If you use a water heating system, then if you want to maintain heat for a long time when it is turned off, this option will be the best. If the boiler does not work on gas, but on a different type of fuel, then this option will be most correct, since it has passed the test of time with dignity.
Now we can name the manufacturers who managed to prove themselves on the positive side. One of the leading companies in Europe is Guratec (Germany). Consners are attracted by Konner brand products (joint production of China and Russia). The domestic company Santechlit also offers high-quality radiators.
Bimetal heating radiators
This device is a special alloy of steel and aluminum. In this case, a steel skeleton, which is made of welded pipes, is used as the basis. After that, such a preform is inserted into a special mold, which is poured with molten aluminum. Externally, such a section looks a lot like aluminum. In this case, a very high heat transfer is obtained.
Properties and features
So, if you are interested in bimetallic heating batteries (radiators), then it is important to know that they are full- and non-full-metal. The first option is acceptable, as it guarantees a long service life. When deciding to install such products, you need to know about their characteristics. Bimetal heating batteries (radiators), prices for which start at 600 rubles per section, are able to work with a pressure of 30 atmospheres. Among the advantages, it is customary to single out a high degree of resistance to chemical influences, which guarantees their durability. Optimum sizes are another indisputable advantage. A disadvantage is the ability of the structure to collapse over time due to the insufficiently tight connection of metals.
As the leading manufacturers of such products, Italian brands are usually called: Alurad, Global, Sira, as well as the Russian Rifar. Consumers are wary of products from China.
Heating steel radiators
This is an excellent combination of a whole range of advantages: appearance, thermal power and cost. This made them very popular. In addition, they are well combined with any materials that are used when creating a water heating system. To purchase the most reliable solution, you should focus on the requirements in each case.
Italy is a leader in the production and sale of steel radiators, mainly for the Delonghi brand. There are other popular brands.