Every owner wants his apartment to be warm, cozy and comfortable. Among the many offers, we often begin to doubt and get lost in choosing, so we will tell you about which heating batteries are best for an apartment in this publication.
If you go to the store and start studying the assortment of heating radiators, even a whole day will not be enough, because the models differ not only in the number of sections and dimensions, but also:
- connection type and installation depth;
- quantity and quality of water contained in the device;
- thermal power;
- quality of decorative coating.
It is also worth considering the country in which the radiators are manufactured. This, as well as brand recognition, often influences the cost of products. For an apartment it is important to choose the most high-quality model with the longest possible service life, without overpaying just for the brand name.
On a note! Heating devices are manufactured in accordance with GOST 31311-2005. Cast iron radiators are subject to standard number 8690 from 1994.
Prices for cast iron radiators can vary greatly. New elite-class and designer products are much more expensive than classic models.
When choosing such a device, you should consider:
- heavy weight of both floor and hanging products;
- complexity of installation. It will be difficult or impossible to cope alone;
- the need to tighten connections before installation;
- the need to install a multi-section radiator, since the room is heated mainly by radiation, and convection accounts for no more than 25%;
- impossibility hidden installation radiators and pipelines;
- difficulty in cleaning and painting.
Advice! In order for the radiator to work properly and at full capacity, it must be repaired every few years. The sediment from the coolant settling in the sections reduces the heat transfer level of the device.
The best floor-mounted sectional cast iron radiators for an apartment.
Model Heat dissipation Center distance, mm Maximum working temperature, °С Weight of one section, kg Estimated cost of one section (as of 2019), rub. ΔT = 60°C heat transfer 120 W. 300 110 9,44 8 / 10,5 From 8 662 ΔT =60°C heat transfer 118 W. ΔT =70°C heat transfer 144 W.
400 110 8,2 10 / 15 From 4 260 ΔT =60°C heat transfer 163 W. 500 110 11 8 / 15 From 3 520 Important! Don’t forget to consider the type and diameter of the connection when choosing a radiator for your apartment.
The best wall-mounted sectional cast iron radiators for an apartment.
Model Heat dissipation Center distance and dimensions, mm Connection type Weight of one section, kg Working and testing pressure, bar Estimated cost (as of 2019), rub. ΔT =70°C heat transfer 87.5 W. 500 Lateral 4,9 12 / 18 7 sections from 7 378 ΔT =60°C heat transfer 53.9 W. 500 Lower side 4 18 / 27 1 section from 1,497 ΔT =60°C heat transfer 146.9 W. 500 Lateral 5,5 10 / 15 1 section from 2 360 Do not know, how to change the heating battery in an apartment? Start by studying the theory to avoid mistakes during installation. Check out. Do not forget that replacing radiators during heating season carried out only after receiving the appropriate permission.
Steel
Steel heating radiators are not the best option for installation in an apartment because:
- react negatively to coolant drainage;
- have a small operating pressure - up to 6 atmospheres;
- vulnerable to water hammer;
- incompatible with some polypropylene pipes.
Despite significant disadvantages, steel radiators are presented in large assortment with good value for money. Such devices can be equipped with a thermostat, hidden installation is possible.
Steel heating radiators are best installed in high-rise buildings with autonomous heating or private houses.
Aluminum
Radiators of convective-radiation type, designed for operating pressure up to 9 atmospheres. They quickly warm up rooms and can be equipped with a thermostat. Such heating batteries are much lighter than cast iron ones, but at the same time they have high heat transfer.
However, these advantages are offset by one significant drawback. Aluminum radiators are too sensitive to chemical composition water. And in city apartments it is very difficult to control the quality of the coolant.
In addition, aluminum is a soft metal; pressure drops in the system (water hammer), which often occur in multi-story buildings, significantly reduce the service life of the device and lead to breakdowns.
It is better to install aluminum radiators in private homes, provided that non-freezing liquid is not used as the coolant, and the system will provide for automatic air release (or a gas/air release valve must be installed on each radiator).
Combination of metals
Namely, a combination of steel or copper pipes inside and aluminum panels outside. Such radiators are called bimetallic. Products made of steel and aluminum are lightweight, durable, highly efficient, and operate for more than 20 years without maintenance.
Produced bimetallic radiators companies “Santekhprom” (Russia), Royal Thermo(Russia) and Global (Italy).
Which bimetallic radiators are best for an apartment?
You can always choose an option to suit your taste, color, budget, and we offer a table to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of popular models.
Brand Model Section weight, kg 115 185 2,3 110 185 2,2 110 171 1,85 110 171 1,87 110 188 1,94 In addition, the Profi Bm 500 model from the Russian brand Rommer has received a lot of positive reviews.
The radiator manifold is completely steel. The design was developed by leading Russian engineers in accordance with GOST. The sections have an injury-proof design without sharp corners and edges. The decorative coating is applied in two stages (cataphoresis method). Each section weighs one and a half kilograms and holds 180 ml of water. The heat transfer of one section at ∆T = 70°C is 143.3 W. And the price of one section is less than five hundred rubles.
It is worth paying attention to another Russian brand - Halsen. The company produces sectional radiators using injection molding and provides a twenty-year warranty on its products. Model BS 500 with ten sections weighs only 17 kg, product dimensions are 80 x 96 x 56.8 cm. The thermal power of one section is 183 W. The device is compatible with plastic, steel and copper pipes, is resistant to water hammer, and does not break the seal when in contact with aggressive liquids. All Halsen products comply with GOST 31311-2005.
There are also semi-bimetallic radiators. That is, only the “core” pipes are made of steel. All other radiator elements are aluminum. Due to this combination, heat transfer is slightly improved (compared to the previous option) and the price is reduced.
Semi-metallic radiators are produced under the brands Rifar (Russia), Gordi (China), Sira (Italy).
Brand Model Maximum coolant temperature, °C Heat transfer at ∆T = 70°C, W Section weight, kg Rifar 135 138 / 196 1,45 /2,1 Gordi 135 170 1,9 Sira 110 145 / 201 1,48 / 1,92 Radiators made of aluminum and steel can be sectional or solid.
The characteristics of bimetallic radiators made of steel and aluminum must be within the following limits:
- heat transfer 170-190 W at ΔT =70°C;
- working pressure of at least 16 atmospheres. In a centralized heating system, a pressure of about 10 atmospheres is maintained. With a sharp increase in pressure, the radiator should not burst;
- center distance 200, 300, 350, 500 or 800 mm. This parameter is selected according to the existing heating pipe layout in the apartment;
- The maximum withstand temperature is 90°C. Typically, the coolant temperature in apartment buildings is 5-10°C lower than this indicator.
Video - How to choose a bimetallic radiator?
Electric radiators
They are usually not used in apartments as the main source of heat, except for short periods of the year, when the radiators are already or still cold, and outside the window the thermometer suddenly quickly crept down. To avoid wrapping yourself in 5 blankets and going to bed with the oven open (this is very, very unsafe!), you just need to plug in an oil radiator or convector.
Oil heaters
- Installation type: floor only.
- The number of instrument sections is from 3 to 14.
- Radiator power up to 3000 W.
- The height of radiators is usually in the range of 50-80 cm, width up to half a meter.
- Oil radiators weigh a lot - up to 30 kg. It is better not to purchase models that are too light.
- Additional options: fan, humidifier, heated towel rail, tilt sensor, automatic switch-on function and room frost protection.
Calculator for calculating the number of sections for a heating radiator
The duration of the heating season in our latitudes is close to 2/3 of the year. The indicator depends on the region, but on average it is about 250 days. For us, all issues related to the efficiency of the heating system are extremely important, which largely depends on the correct choice of its devices.
Let's look at which heating radiators are better and what the different types are. The article presented for consideration describes in detail the criteria for selecting heating devices. For independent home DIYers, we have provided tips from experienced plumbers.
Regardless of the complexity of the heating system, the main task is to maintain the set temperature in the house or apartment. The heating radiator plays a key role in this, carrying out heat exchange between the air in the room and the coolant.
Uniform heating, efficient heat transfer, microclimate maintenance, stable operation - these are the basic requirements for a heating battery.
In residential premises, single, panel or sectional twin radiators are installed that do not emit toxins when heated
The main parameters influencing the choice of a specific model:
- System operating pressure. Depends on whether the device is connected to an autonomous or centralized network. It is arranged on a gravity or forced principle. On average it varies from 3 to 10 bar or in a similar atmosphere range.
- Thermal power. A characteristic required to calculate the thermal power required to heat a room. It is also needed for selecting individual components of sectional batteries. Approximately 1 kW is required to process 10 m².
- Modularity. The quality inherent in prefabricated radiators, which makes it possible to assemble and disassemble the device to suit individual requirements.
- Speed of reaction to tº. More precisely, the ability to respond to changes in coolant temperature. period of time for cooling and warming up.
- Possibility of equipping with automation. Devices that monitor weather conditions and independently eliminate air jams.
The devices now available for sale ensure free circulation throughout the system. They are characterized by corrosion resistance and attractive appearance.
Sectional radiators differ in the shape and size of the sections that provide required quantity thermal energy
The thermal efficiency of a radiator depends on the energy dissipation surface area. A flat metal convector has a much smaller area compared to a sectional aluminum convector of the same geometric size. Because the latter radiates heat over the entire area of the fins.
Types of modern heating radiators
During Soviet times, the question of which heating battery is better to choose was never asked for a simple reason. The industry produced only two types of them - steel and cast iron. We live in a fortunate time of diversity, technological and environmental excellence.
The global and domestic industry offers a fairly wide range to choose from. There are several signs according to which it is advisable to separate heating radiators.
Radiators can be divided according to materials of manufacture:
- steel panel convectors;
- cast iron batteries;
- aluminum radiators;
- bimetallic radiators.
By design features:
- sectional;
- panel.
Each of these types is best suited for its operating conditions, and therefore has its own nuances. A separate type of heating radiators is highly specialized. These are devices designed to solve one task, often to the detriment of overall functionality.
Image gallery
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Useful tips from experts will help you understand the choice of heating device:
The best choice of heating radiator can be considered the one that achieves the greatest comfort and coziness. The radiator can be invisible or, on the contrary, be part of general design. But the most important thing is reliability and no hassle.
You can tell us about how you chose a radiator to replace old batteries in an apartment or to furnish a new home in the block below. Please write comments, ask questions, share useful tips and photos related to the topic of the article. We are interested in your opinion.
It is important for home owners to have as many things as possible in their home. were not only functional, but also had a pleasant appearance.
The choice of heating system for a room, as a rule, stops at radiators.
They are relatively simple to install and operate, do not require large financial and energy costs, quickly heat the air in the room, and the aesthetic properties and varieties finally convince the buyer to choose radiator heating.
Types of radiators, their prices
There are several types of radiators for heating systems, which differ in the material they are made of.
When is it wiser to choose cast iron?
There is an opinion that all bad radiators are necessarily made of thick and heavy cast iron. Of course, this is not true: cast iron heating systems are used as creative author's solutions and reliable sources heat in the room.
Photo 1. Cast iron heating radiator with decorative forging. The device is installed in a floor-standing manner.
Design
Batteries of this type consist of oblong sections, each of which is divided into two parts. These components are cast from metal in factory molds, after which the halves are fastened and sealed, leaving only holes for the coolant to flow through.
Typically, batteries have different number cells, so differ in power: The more cells, the faster the air in the room heats up. These components of the radiator are connected to each other by welds and several holes for water circulation inside.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of cast iron radiators:
- No matter how many times cast iron battery the water is drained and what quality it is, a corrosive layer does not form inside, because... Cast iron resists corrosion processes.
- Immunity to water hammer. Thick walls allow water to be supplied into the system under very high pressure, which determines their frequent use in central heating systems.
- Durability and reliability. The batteries will last for decades.
- If you heat the metal well, then it will give off heat for a very long time even after the coolant supply has stopped.
Radiator disadvantages:
- Huge weight Compared to other types of radiators, it makes it difficult to transport and install cast iron batteries.
- Each section usually requires about a liter of coolant- Very great importance For others heating systems.
- To properly heat the walls of the battery , necessary long time maintain constant circulation of hot water.
Average weight of one radiator section - from 4 to 7 kilograms, operating pressure - 9 atmospheres, heat transfer power - from 0.050 kW to 0.20 kW per section. Sizes may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Attention! Large batteries are mounted only on special hooks or brackets, since their weight reaches 100-150 kilograms.
As experience with such radiators shows, they can be installed once for life, and then only periodically serviced. This is the most durable type of heating available on the market. The cost of one radiator section varies from 1200 to 2500 rubles. For a finished retro radiator made of cast iron you will have to pay a 6-8 thousand rubles.
Aluminum
Such batteries do not torment the eyes with an unpleasant appearance, they heat the room well, weigh relatively little And They are still in the budget price range.
Design
Such radiators are manufactured using three methods:
- Casting: Each section is created from a mixture of aluminum and silicon. After hardening, they are connected with nipples, and the water supply channels are sealed to allow water to flow through.
- Pressing: The required number of parts are squeezed out of the metal mass using a press, which are then joined together again thanks to it.
Important! Structures of this type are non-removable, It is not possible to add additional sections.
- Anodized: 98% Aluminum is subjected to a chemical process - anodization, after which the metal acquires corrosion resistance, an increased level of heat transfer and high strength.
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Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of aluminum radiators:
- Lightweight, yet durable.
- It takes no more to heat the entire battery 10-20 minutes.
- Average section volume - 300—400 mm.
- Additional heat removal is provided due to convectors.
- Reasonable price.
Disadvantages of radiators:
- Batteries cool down quickly.
- Connections - weakness aluminum systems; Frequent leaks are possible.
- Service guarantee - up to 15 years; only some manufacturers confirm that their device will last longer: 20-25 years.
- The metal is susceptible to corrosion processes. Anodized models are protected from this, but their cost is higher.
- Sensitivity to water hammer.
System characteristics and service life
Average weight of one part - 1.5-2 kg. Operating pressure 12–30 atmospheres. Heat dissipation - from 0.09 to 0.23 kW. Section price ~ 400-1000 rubles, anodized models - 1.5-2 times higher.
Steel: where is it better to place them?
A common heating solution for private homes and commercial premises.
Photo 2. Steel panel heating radiator. The device is mounted on the wall, with heating pipes connected from below.
home distinguishing feature —low coolant consumption And very fast heat transfer from the battery to the walls, and from them - into the air.
Reference. The system becomes as efficient as possible if you purchase radiators with convectors for each panel: 22- or 33-type.
Design
Steel (otherwise known as panel) batteries are assembled from several pre-fabricated panels. Each panel consists of two sheets of thin steel fastened together, onto which grooves were applied with a press for water circulation. The maximum number of panels in one battery is 3.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of radiators:
- Fastest heating among all systems with liquid coolant.
- So light that they can be mounted and lifted up and down floors one person can do it.
- Low consumption hot water.
- Efficient energy consumption of the heating boiler and pump: streams of hot water quickly release heat and are immediately replaced by new ones, without stagnating in the channels.
Disadvantages of radiators:
- If the coolant supply is stopped, the walls instantly cool down.
- Metal is susceptible to corrosion when using unfiltered water and frequent exposure to air.
- Sensitivity to water hammer.
System characteristics and service life
Power: from 1.5 to 1.8 kW. Weight: medium radiator 22-type weighs ~7 kilograms. Price: ~ 5 thousand rubles. for an 11-type device and 15-17 thousand rubles. - for 33-type. Lifetime: 15-25 years. Operating pressure - 6-10 atmospheres.
Important! Most steel batteries cannot be used in apartments, since they are not able to withstand the pressure of the municipal heating network.
Bimetallic batteries
Hybrid heating option. They are perfect for heating any room due to their power and pleasant appearance.
Photo 3. Bimetallic heating battery. The product consists of ten sections, the number of which can be increased or decreased.
Design
Cast steel pipes are placed in thin aluminum cases, so bimetallic radiators can be difficult to distinguish from solid aluminum ones. This design solution allows you to quickly transfer heat from hot water to the aluminum walls, and then into the room. As a rule, it is produced with nipples between sections - if necessary, some of the parts can be removed or added.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Life time.
- Steel core protects the entire radiator from corrosion(there is a special protective coating) and water hammer.
- Warmth from water almost instantly transferred to the steel rod and from it just as quickly - onto the sheets of an aluminum box.
- Modern look, environmental friendliness and ease of cleaning are ensured by the use of anti-corrosion coating on the outer walls of the battery.
Flaws:
- Relatively high cost.
System characteristics and service life
Power: from 0.09 to 0.20 kW. Average volume and weight of one section - 0.2 liters, 1.2 kilograms.
Maximum withstand pressure: 20-40 atm.
Radiator on 10 sections will cost the homeowner 8-12 thousand rubles, but will last ~ 30 years.
Copper is a good option for country houses
Often used in country houses, garages and cottages. Type of copper convector perfect for interiors in loft or grunge style.
Reference. Both hot water and steam can be used as a coolant in copper radiators.
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Design
One or more steel pipes are bent into a zigzag shape, after which these pipes are pierced into copper plates, which significantly improve heat transfer due to convection. The number of pipes and the number of plates in the convector determines the power of the device. Sometimes, for greater heat transfer and better safety, the radiator is placed in a steel casing that fits into any interior.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Light weight— a copper heater can be mounted even on plasterboard walls.
- Excellent thermal conductivity and correspondingly, good value power level.
- One of the most pleasant aesthetic sets in various technical and design solutions.
- Water hammer tolerance(but over time, copper stretches, which reduces its service life) and the ability to withstand high pressure.
Photo 4. Copper heating radiator. Consists of a tube through which many copper plates pass.
Flaws:
- Copper practically does not tolerate proximity to other metals, so copper-steel or copper-aluminum radiators quickly deteriorate.
- High cost of quality products.
System characteristics and service life
Operating pressure 12-18 atmospheres. Maximum coolant temperature - 150 °C. Power: average 0.30 kW. The cost of a copper radiator will be approximately 11-13 thousand rubles, and the service life is 30-40 years subject to operating instructions and careful handling.
Plastic
The most budget option. The characteristics of plastic cannot be compared with metal and alloys, so the use of plastic radiators is justified only by economic considerations.
Design
The plastic mass is pressed using a hammer and molds. Then steel pipes are placed inside to circulate water. Additional sections cannot be added, since everything is hermetically sealed.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Low cost.
- Light weight.
Flaws:
- very low power;
- poor thermal conductivity;
- fragility of the material;
- sensitivity to pressure surges and high levels.
With proper care, the service life will be 5-10 years. Price 3-4 thousand rubles.
Electrical
In essence this is an ordinary electric heater, but slightly larger. Use is possible both in the house and in the apartment, but most often they are used in dedicated dry rooms: attic, veranda, loggia.
Design and characteristics
The design of an electric heating system is a set of heating elements, plates and convectors that transfer heat to the surrounding space. Advantages:
- Instant heating and start to warm the air in the room.
- Fast thermoregulation using a switch.
- Small size and weight.
- Nice appearance.
- Lack of coolants inside the radiator.
Disadvantages include constant electricity consumption, which can hit the budget hard if electricity is expensive in the homeowner’s region. In addition, there is a risk of short circuiting and fire, but this is minimized due to quality control in production. Medium radiator power: about 1.5 kW. Price - 4-5 thousand rubles with a service life of 3-5 years.
What are the best for central heating in an apartment?
Important condition when choosing a radiator - t Technical and structural components: heating networks in the house and communal apartment provide different meaning pressure. Autonomous ( a private house) - do not give out pressure anymore 10 atm., and in the pipes of a communal apartment - 16 atm.
Important! In communal apartments, pressure drops often occur - water hammer that damage the heating system; This rarely happens in offline networks.
For an apartment (central heating) it is better to purchase: cast iron, aluminum and bimetallic radiators, since they tolerate high pressure and pressure changes well.
In addition, copper or steel (panel) radiators are suitable for apartments, but they are more sensitive to water hammer.
For a private home (autonomous network) you can choose any radiator, but since the pressure in the network is not so high, the best solution would be a steel, aluminum or copper radiator.
Electrical system heating is suitable for any room with a normal level of humidity.
Useful video
Watch the video that explains how to choose the right heating radiator.
How to keep warm for a long time
Right installed system heating - regardless of type - will work for decades if all measures and precautions are followed
Reading time ≈ 8 minutes
If you want to determine which heating battery is best for an apartment, then first of all you should not discount the difference in the source of coolant, that is, perhaps both centralized and autonomous. For the effect of heating the room, there is practically no difference here, but the pressure in the circuit differs, therefore, the source material from which the device is made must be of appropriate strength. But when choosing a radiator made of any metal or alloy, there are also some nuances that will have to be taken into account.
Difference in pressure between centralized and autonomous heating systems
Pressure difference in the system with centralized heating
In order to select heating radiators for an apartment in a multi-storey building, you will have to take into account the possible operating and pressure testing pressure in the system. First of all, you should consider the load on the circuits when connecting to centralized boiler houses or CHP plants. Us in in this case we are not interested in static (gauge) or dynamic pressure - we will leave that to the designers.
The pressure in the system is influenced by the following factors:
- power of equipment (pumps) supplying water to the consumer;
- diameter of risers and sunbeds in the system;
- height of the apartment in the house (number of storeys);
- wear of the pipeline (emergency situations).
Taking into account all the factors listed above, the working pressure can be:
- 1-5 floor – 2-4 atm;
- 6-9 floor – 5-7 atm;
- 10th floor and above – 12 atm.
To identify defects and prevent breakthroughs from water hammer during startup, a pressure test is used that exceeds the working pressure by 0.5-1.5 times, that is, such a test involves a load of up to 15 atmospheres, which not every radiator can withstand.
In autonomous heating systems, this issue is most often not even considered, since there the pressure does not exceed 1-3 atmospheres, and when this threshold rises, the boiler is triggered safety valve. There are, of course, some brands of boilers where the heat exchanger is capable of withstanding up to 7 atmospheres, but this is the safety margin of the unit, and not the need of the circuit, so the valve will operate at 4 atmospheres or before reaching this mark.
Selection of radiators
All heating devices can be divided not only by the original material of manufacture, but also by their design. They are mainly divided into four types:
- Sectional - they are also called columnar, since the vertically located sections resemble columns. Devices of this type are prefabricated structures, therefore, to change the power, you can add or remove the required number of sections.
- Tubular - are two horizontal pipes Ø50-75 mm, connected by vertical tubes of smaller diameter. They are used only for centralized heating.
- Panel - made mainly of metal, although there are also concrete options. Power depends on the volume of the tank.
- Plate – designed as an economical option for materials. They are a horizontal pipe with plates welded onto it, which promotes convection heat transfer.
Heating radiators - which ones are better?
Differences in materials
Let's consider a number of options, taking into account the source materials. That is, the choice of heating devices depends on these parameters; they may or may not be suitable simply due to technical or aesthetic characteristics.
Aluminum heating devices
Aluminum radiators different sizes and power
There's a lot of talk about aluminum radiators, as some kind of know-how or just some kind of super-structure that can provide the most maximum heat transfer and energy savings for the boiler. In fact, this is far from true, and more precisely, it is not true at all. The only truth here is that aluminum has very good heat dissipation and... Yes, that's all! It is heat transfer that lies in the artificially created excitement around aluminum; in addition, this metal has more critical disadvantages.
Firstly, this is a low resistance to pressure and, in order not to go into calculations, let’s say that they are suitable exclusively for autonomous heating, where the working pressure does not exceed 2-3 atmospheres. In addition, aluminum itself is a rather “delicate” metal and water with its salts and alkalis will destroy it. Consequently, the use of aluminum depends entirely on the quality of the coolant, which is only possible in the private sector or.
To be more precise, you have to add antifreeze-type drugs to the water (more on this separately). Not a single centralized boiler house in the world has yet provided the proper conditions for aluminum radiators!
Copper heating devices
Copper heaters made according to the “buleryan” principle
It would be wrong to remain silent about copper heaters made on the convector or “buleryan” principle - these are perhaps the best devices based on the principle of heat transfer, although they are used extremely rarely. Of course, this is not so surprising, since copper is the most expensive of the non-ferrous metals (precious ones are not taken into account). Here, plate radiators and those made according to the “buleryan” principle behave best, although I did not mention them in the “Selection of radiators” header, but this is not so important.
Note. Most often, such devices are made in the form of plate structures - they are much cheaper, but less effective. The Buleryan system has the highest heat transfer of all possible at the moment!
Of course, copper is stronger than aluminum and can be used in high-rise buildings, it is very effective, beautiful and convenient, but... too expensive. Firstly, if you need to find out which heating battery is best for an apartment, then first of all you are interested in heat transfer and pressure resistance, that is, service life. Secondly, you will ask how much it costs and the second question will most often be fatal... You will politely refuse and buy another heating device, especially since they are more suitable for autonomous heating.
Cast iron radiators
Cast iron radiators are known to all people
Finally, we came to such familiar and familiar cast-iron radiators that are familiar to any tenant of an apartment in a multi-storey building, but I want to warn you - do not consider them “suck” - this is not just a delusion, but basic technical illiteracy. First of all, cast iron is one of the metals that is least susceptible to corrosion, and this is very convenient in high-rise buildings, since there is no fear of rusting when draining the coolant. In addition, cast iron itself is a weak heat-conducting material, that is, it takes a long time to heat up, but it takes a long time to cool down. It was this factor that became the decisive argument when choosing heaters for the apartments of Soviet citizens!
But that’s not all - cast iron can withstand operating pressure up to 16 MPa (maximum pressure testing or water hammer), and also maintain temperature (this has already been mentioned, but it’s not superfluous). Some people may not be happy with the appearance of a cast iron battery, but do not forget that this is one of the most effective for central heating systems! For autonomous structures, cast iron is unacceptable due to the duration of heating of the sections.
Steel radiators
Panel type steel radiators
First of all, we can mention that the technical characteristics of steel heating devices are no worse (and even better) than those of cast iron radiators, but the problem is that ordinary black steel is susceptible to corrosion. There is no point in understanding the characteristics of materials - this is not the topic, just a steel battery will not last long, although it does not care about any pressure changes. Such devices can be of any configuration listed in the “Selection of radiators” section.
Note. From personal practice. A steel radiator of 6 sections leaked in the 5th year of operation. The rib on the bottom rusted; I first repaired it with dry welding, and at the end of the heating season I simply removed it and threw it away.
Bimetallic radiators
Bimetal radiators of different sizes
Now let's talk about the best household appliances heating - o, which can withstand the highest pressure and temperature in the heating circuit and at the same time have the highest service life. So, the walls of such a device are made of two metals - steel and aluminum, therefore, one element is responsible for the maximum strength of the heater (steel), and the other for the maximum heat transfer efficiency (aluminum). Such a tandem can be called the most successful option of all devices for centralized or autonomous heating systems of radiator circuits.
Features of choosing radiators
Conclusion
Perhaps you will not dispute the question of which heating radiators are better for an apartment if the answer suggests itself - bimetallic ones. But don’t rush into buying and first understand the classification of such devices - research is never superfluous!
