The choice of heating devices for a water system always remains the prerogative of the homeowner, even when the installation is carried out by hired craftsmen. But choosing batteries based on the advice of sellers or reviews of Internet users is not easy - the former often do not understand the topic and repeat advertising slogans, the latter “praise their swamp,” which is understandable. To find out which heating radiators are best to choose for an apartment or private house, we suggest using a simple and understandable algorithm.

Instructions for choosing batteries - a simplified approach

We hope the previous description helped you figure out which heating batteries are best for an apartment in terms of price and technical indicators. Finally, here are some practical tips:

1. Please use the instructions at the beginning of this publication. Choose radiators that best suit your design and budget.
2. The working pressure of the coolant is important only for apartments in high-rise buildings; only bimetallic and aluminum batteries can withstand pressure above 10 bar. Any water heating devices are suitable for dachas and private cottages.
3. If you are on a limited budget, feel free to buy steel panels - their heat output is not inferior to other heaters or convectors.
4. For a gravity-flow system, you need to take radiators with a large cross-section of internal channels. It is better not to install stamped steel heaters, only tubular ones.
5. In terms of price-quality ratio and set of operating parameters, the first place is occupied by sectional batteries made of light aluminum alloy.
6. It is worth paying for bimetal when there is no confidence in the parameters of the coolant - the pressure is unknown, hard water is used.
7. Try not to purchase frankly cheap radiators made from unknown material in China. They will warm, but probably not for long.

Characteristics of heaters of the same size, made of different materials - comparison table

Conclusion regarding cast iron. Heating radiators of the old type MS-90 and MS-140 are cheap, but they look unsightly. Beautifully designed models are incredibly expensive, and therefore beyond the reach of average homeowners. Cast iron is becoming rare, and the outdated “accordions” of the MC series are becoming a thing of the past.

If your budget allows you to install designer heaters, carefully select each battery according to its dimensions. It is better to place a vertical steel heating radiator in a narrow wall niche, and stylish cast iron products under the windows. It is advisable to additionally attach heavy floor-standing versions to the wall using a pair of brackets.

When organizing a major renovation of a house or apartment, the list of activities of which includes the replacement or modernization of the heating system, the owner will inevitably face the problem of which heating radiators are best to choose in order to increase the comfort of living and at the same time not lose with the interior design.

Previously, such a question was usually not raised in principle - in addition to cast iron batteries of a single model, inefficient, poorly made steel convectors were only sometimes installed in new houses. Today the situation is different - radiators can differ significantly in material of manufacture, characteristics, and external design. Naturally, you want to install in your apartment the best of those that the budget allocated for renovation allows.

However, when choosing these devices, you need to take into account that not all of them may be suitable for the existing heating system. Having different performance characteristics designed for a certain load and coolant, batteries can either disappoint the buyer with their low efficiency, or even simply not fit the technical parameters.

In addition, in order to achieve proper heating efficiency, it is necessary to correctly calculate and install the required number of sections in the radiators. Just do it V in all conditions and making sure to adhere to installation rules, you can get the desired result.

Currently, the most common types of heating batteries are: The following types of radiators are produced:

— steel, panel and tubular;

- cast iron, having both modern and retro design;

— aluminum and aluminum anodized;

- bimetallic.

To make the right choice, you need to understand in more detail the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each type. To begin with, here are a few “dry” numbers, which, nevertheless, can already give an initial idea. Some parameters of various types of batteries are in the table:

	TS	Chg	Al	BM	AA
Maximum pressure, (atmospheres)
- working	6-10	6-9	10-20	35	15-40
- crimping	9 -15	12-15	15-30	57	25-75
- destruction	18-25	20-25	30-50	75	100
Limitation on pH (hydrogen value)	6,5-9	6,5-9	7-8	6,5-9	6,5-9
Susceptibility to corrosion when exposed to:
- oxygen	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
- stray currents	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No
- electrolytic pairs	weak	No	Yes	weak	No
Section power at h=500 mm; Dt=70 ° , W	85	110	175-199	199	216,3
Warranty, years	1	10	3-10	3-10	30

Abbreviations in the table:

TS– tubular steel;

Chg– cast iron;

Al– regular aluminum;

AA– aluminum anodized;

BM– bimetallic.

Well, now - about each type in more detail.

Steel radiators

They may differ both in their design and in design. They can be made in the form of panels or a certain number of vertical pipes interconnected into one common battery.

Panel steel radiators

Each panel of such a radiator is made of two metal sheets, which are given the desired shape by stamping and joined by welding. Then, in most of the models, the panels are equipped with convector heat exchangers, which contribute to the rapid heating of the air and the creation of a thermal upward flow. After combining all the elements into a single structure, it is painted using a special technology.

In order for this type of radiator to serve for a long time, the coloring must be uniform - you need to pay special attention to this parameter when purchasing.

Prices for panel heating radiators Lideya

panel heating radiators Lideya

Panel radiators are designed for a coolant temperature of 85 ÷ 95 degrees, and for standard operating pressure in a central heating system (up to 10 atmospheres).

Structure of a panel radiator type “22”

Similar batteries have your own classification, which is predetermined by the number of panels and the presence of convector plate heat exchangers between them. Each type is expressed by a specific two-digit number:

• Type 10 consists of only one panel;
• Type 11 is one panel equipped with one convector;
• 21 type - has two panels and one convector located between them;
• Type 22 - consists of two panels and two convectors;
• Type 33 - has three convectors, which are located between three panels.

There may be significant differences between models And by overall dimensions. It is clear that the more panels, the thicker the assembled structure itself, usually from 50 to 155 mm. The length of such a battery can vary from 400 to 3000 mm, and height - usually, ranging from 200 to 900 mm.

Panel batteries are produced with side and bottom connections - the choice for this parameter is made depending on the passage of the heating system pipes and the preferences of the owners.

The advantages of panel batteries include the following:

• Easy to install. The battery has a one-piece design, so it does not need to be assembled from several elements. The panel is hung on brackets fixed to the wall, and the pipes are connected to the heating circuit pipes.
• Due to the small mass of the steel sheet, the panel warms up almost immediately after starting the heating. This promotes good heat transfer both from the surface directed into the room and in the plate heat exchanger, which makes it possible to obtain the desired air temperature in the room quickly enough.
• Compact size and neat appearance allow the panels to fit into any interior.
• The operation of panel batteries in an autonomous heating system allows you to save on fuel, since a relatively small amount of coolant is used to fill the circuit.

The negative features of the panels include the following factors:

• Metal panels do not have an anti-corrosion coating on their inner surface, which is in direct contact with the coolant, which can lead to fairly rapid rusting, leaks, and failure. This is especially typical for central systems, where the coolant is drained in the summer, opening up “wide opportunities” for corrosion processes. And the quality of the coolant also does not always contribute to the duration of trouble-free operation of the devices.
• If batteries are installed in a central heating system, then it will not be possible to avoid water hammer, which the panels may not withstand. Therefore, it will also be necessary to install a reducer that equalizes the pressure and takes the blow.

To get more detailed information about the manufacturing process, characteristics and operating nuances, you should follow the recommended link to a special page on the portal.

Tubular batteries

Tubular steel batteries consist of stacked sections that are welded together. The efficiency of this design will be at the proper level if the required number of sections are installed in the battery, with a total thermal power corresponding to the area of ​​the room.

Tubular radiators can have a very wide variety of different design solutions, and this is one of the criteria that directly influences the choice of this particular type of battery. In addition, tubular batteries can be equipped with a special bracket for drying towels, which is very convenient, for example, for the kitchen, or a top panel that can serve as a seat or shelf for drying shoes.

They are produced in different sizes, the height varies from 200 to 2000 mm, and the thickness, as a rule, from 100 to 250 mm. The ordered length can be any, depending on the heating needs.

These elements of the heating system can withstand pressure from 8 to 15 atmospheres. To avoid damage to batteries due to water hammer, if they are installed in a central heating system, they, like panel ones, will require the installation of a gearbox.

The wall thickness of steel tubular radiators is only 1 ÷ 1.5 mm, so they warm up very quickly and release heat into the room. But this same factor can also be attributed to design flaws, since thin steel is easily susceptible to mechanical damage.

Unlike the panel type, the tubes of these batteries are internally coated with polymer protective films, which protect them from exposure to the aggressive coolant environment, and as a result, from the occurrence of corrosion, which significantly extends their service life.

The advantages of tubular steel batteries include a variety of design solutions in shape and color, the provision of radiators with additional elements, and an original, neat appearance.

This type of battery has only two serious disadvantages, but they can have a much more significant impact on the home heating system than the already mentioned advantages:

• Low heat transfer, which will lead to high energy costs. The batteries heat up quickly, but also cool down quickly, so the boiler will turn off for a very short period of time. The absence of an additional heat exchanger, other than the surface of the pipes themselves, makes the area of ​​active heat transfer very small. This ultimately suggests that tubular batteries are unprofitable to install in an autonomous heating system.
• At the same time, welded connecting seams can be considered a weak point of such batteries - there have been cases of leaks appearing on them after water hammer. The conclusion is quite the opposite - tubular batteries without a gearbox can only be installed in a system with autonomous heating.

In a word, there are a lot of contradictions, and you need to think very carefully before purchasing such heating batteries.

Cast iron radiators

Although today a large number of batteries are produced from modern materials, cast iron elements of the heating system have not been forgotten. They can be found in stores in a transformed form, decorated for modern interiors or for strict “classics”. In some cases, such radiators even play the role of a decorative element and are able to set the tone for the entire design of the room.

In addition, modern cast iron batteries do not require periodic painting, as was the case with old “Soviet” models. They go on sale with a treated and painted surface, which only needs to be wiped or dusted occasionally.

Modern radiators can have different sizes, so they can be selected to suit any size room area. In addition, if old batteries had to be hung on brackets driven into the walls, today you can purchase options that have massive legs on which they are installed and secured to the floor in a specific place for them.

Prices for cast iron heating radiators Konner

cast iron heating radiators Konner

Unlike all other types of batteries, cast iron ones have an important advantage - they will function equally effectively in both autonomous and central heating systems. The main thing is that all connections of sections and pipes are made correctly and reliably - then the cast iron elements will not be afraid of either water hammer or corrosion.

Despite the emergence of new battery options, cast iron continue to be popular due to their excellent heat capacity- ability to retain heat for a long time. They have thick and massive walls that take a long time to warm up, but, having gained temperature and warmed up, when the heat flow along the circuit is turned off, they remain hot for a much longer period than radiators made from other materials. This is due to the properties of cast iron - it is not without reason that it is widely used for the manufacture of heating stoves and or individual components for them.

In specialized stores you can find both domestic and imported versions of cast iron radiators. Countries such as Germany and Turkey, Spain and England, the Czech Republic and Italy are presenting their products - in many respects they compare favorably with those manufactured at domestic enterprises.

• Imported radiators have high-quality smooth or decorated with relief casting surfaces.
• An important functional feature is the high thermal output, even with small dimensions. For comparison, you can take the volume of a traditional domestic battery, which is 1.3 liters, while a Czech-made radiator has a volume of only 0.8 liters, with the same heat transfer. Thus, the foreign version will be more compact and will save a decent amount on coolant and on boiler operation.
• In addition, unlike domestic ones, imported batteries have a perfectly smooth internal surface, which prevents the formation of scale on the walls and significantly reduces the hydraulic resistance to coolant circulation.
• Since any cast iron radiators are resistant to corrosion, they can be used in open heating systems, where a large amount of dissolved air enters the coolant.
• All cast iron batteries have fairly thick walls, which increases their resistance to possible abrasive wear.
• Unlike domestic ones, imported radiators are supplied to stores already painted and do not require periodic renewal of the coating, which will save not only money, but also the time of homeowners.

However, all foreign-made products have a price much higher than the cost of domestic batteries.

The disadvantages of all cast iron batteries include their heavy weight, so they can be hung on all walls or partitions. And the process of mounting it on the wall itself is somewhat more complicated than with other radiators.

Aluminum batteries

Aluminum batteries are only suitable for installation in an autonomous heating system, since they are quite demanding on the quality of the coolant. This type of radiator is quite popular among owners of private houses due to its affordable price, good performance and modern appearance.

Manufacturers set in the passport the minimum service life for aluminum batteries at 10 ÷ 25 years, but they may well last for a longer time. The duration of their “life” will directly depend on the quality of the coolant, the correct installation and operation of the heating device.

Prices for aluminum radiators

Sectional aluminum radiator

This one is designed for a pressure in the system of up to 15 atmospheres, a coolant temperature of 90 ÷ 100 degrees, and the heat transfer of the section can reach up to 200 ÷ 210 W. At the same time, the capacity of each radiator section is only 450 ml, and the weight is 1.0 ÷ 1.5 kg. The individual sections are fastened together into a single battery using a threaded axial connection.

The standard distances between the upper and lower axles are 200, 350 or 500 mm, but it happens that non-standard options are also manufactured with an interaxle distance of 800 or even more millimeters.

Aluminum radiators, just like all other heating devices, have their advantages and disadvantages.

TO benefits Their qualities include the following:

— high level of heat transfer;

- light weight;

— relative ease of installation;

— convenient and wide range of sizes;

— neat, aesthetic appearance;

— as a rule, it is equipped with a thermostat, which allows you to set the desired temperature.

From shortcomings The following are worth mentioning:

— possible risk of gas formation, which can provoke “ airing" and blockage of the heating circuit;

— the possibility of leakage at the connections of individual sections;

— the main concentration of heat is on the fins of the elements.

— susceptibility of some types of aluminum radiators to corrosion processes.

Some problems that can occur with aluminum batteries can be avoided. For example, in order for possible gas formation to paralyze the operation of the system, it is necessary to cut into a common autonomous circuit or install an air vent on each battery. And in the case of an autonomous system, it is generally better to use one that is well adapted to aluminum (this is described in detail in the corresponding publication of the portal).

Aluminum battery sections are made from aluminum alloy using silicon additives, but different models may also differ in the way they are made manufacturing - casting and extrusion.

• The first method involves manufacturing each section separately by pouring the alloy into special molds under high pressure. The silicon present in the alloy gives special strength to the walls of the radiators, and the manufacturing method fully guarantees the tightness of the container.

Batteries made by this method are able to withstand operating pressure in the system reaching up to 16 atmospheres. During testing, the coolant is supplied to this type of battery under a pressure of 25 atmospheres, that is, when characterizing its products, the manufacturer gives a safety margin of one and a half.

Using this technology, sections of various shapes are made, but traditional ones still remain those that have a flat, smooth outer surface - it is optimal for better heat transfer.

• Another method of making sections is the extrusion method. Using this technology, the melt is pressed through forming nozzles - the desired profile of the workpiece is obtained. This is followed by cutting the profile into individual parts.

Then the finished sections are assembled into a single structure. Batteries made in this way have a lower cost, but during operation they cannot be increased or made smaller - the design is non-removable. The quality of such radiators is also lower, since the joints of the sections (with seals or even with special glue) under unfavorable circumstances may leak and cannot be repaired.

Aluminum batteries with anodic oxidation

There is another type of aluminum batteries. They are made from metal that has a high degree of purification, and also undergo a stage of anodic oxidation - which is why the term “anodized aluminum” is often used. With this special treatment, aluminum slightly changes its structure, and if conventional aluminum radiators are susceptible to oxygen corrosion, then anodized sections withstand this influence with dignity. In such structures, batteries are assembled using couplings that are secured to the outside of the sections.

Anodized sections for radiators are made by casting, and in appearance they are almost no different from conventional aluminum batteries. Therefore, when purchasing them in a store, you must carefully study the passport, which should be attached to such products.

The internal surfaces of this type of radiator are absolutely smooth, so there are no obstacles to the circulation of coolant. Their upper limit of operating pressure is much higher than that of conventional aluminum ones, and ranges from 45 to 75 atmospheres.

Naturally, due to their outstanding technical characteristics, the cost is also significantly higher. But still, in order for aluminum batteries to last as long as possible, it is worth choosing radiators of this particular type.

Bimetallic batteries

In terms of reliability, bimetallic radiators are, perhaps, second only to cast iron ones. They are produced according to a combined principle, from two metal alloys - the inner part is made of a stainless steel alloy, and the outer part is made of aluminum coated with a layer of enamel.

Bimetallic batteries also consist of sections that are connected via a threaded connection. At the same time, their exceptional reliability is based on the fact that the outer aluminum casing does not come into any contact with the coolant, but serves only as an effective heat exchanger (thanks to the highest thermal conductivity of this metal) and somewhat of a decorative element. And water or antifreeze circulates through channels made of a steel alloy, which is more resistant to pressure loads and oxygen corrosion. Thanks to this, such batteries can easily withstand pressure surges of up to 35 ÷ 40 atmospheres.

These qualities of bimetallic batteries make it possible to install them, without any restrictions, both in the central heating system of high-rise buildings and in the autonomous heating system of a private house. The only thing is that in the second case it would be desirable for them to create the necessary pressure, otherwise they will not function at full strength, losing a number of their advantages. This means that natural circulation will not work here, and it is necessary to install a circulation pump in the autonomous system.

Bimetallic batteries are quite expensive - their price is, in any case, much higher than that of steel or conventional aluminum ones, but this is fully justified by their high reliability and long service life. In fact, high cost can be called the only drawback, while they have much more advantages:

• The high thermal conductivity of the outer aluminum “shell” makes it possible to quickly heat the room.
• The corrosion resistance already mentioned above.
• Compactness and aesthetic appearance, thanks to which the radiators will fit perfectly into any interior style.
• Bimetallic batteries do not require special care or periodic painting, as they are covered with a two-layer hardened polymer coating.
• Ability to withstand high temperatures and increased operating pressure, thanks to the internal steel casing.
• Relatively small weight, ease of installation, which can be carried out without the help of specialists.

The appearance of bimetallic radiator options is somewhat similar to aluminum batteries, but the difference in price is quite significant. When purchasing, sometimes it is even impossible to distinguish between two adjacent types of radiators, so it is better to purchase them in specialized stores or from trusted suppliers. Be sure to require technical documentation.

Prices for popular heating radiators

When choosing, you should not save, because by buying cheap, low-quality products, you can doom yourself to another, completely unplanned and unwanted repair in two or three years. Installation by the owner of radiators that are unsuitable for the existing heating system can ruin not only the flooring in his own apartment, but also lead to serious problems with flooded neighbors below. So, saving on little things can lead to significant costs later.

Therefore, when purchasing any product, it is necessary to study not only the passport with the specified technical characteristics, but also the certification of the product with the manufacturer’s warranty obligations. This is important to do in order to avoid buying fakes, which are very similar to the “brand” sample in appearance, but still remain of low quality.

To “consolidate the material”, it is suggested to watch a video lesson that will help answer the question: “Which heating radiators are better?”

And one moment. It is important not only to decide on the type of radiators - the total thermal power must correspond to the parameters of the room where they are installed. To carry out such calculations, we suggest using a special calculator located below.

Content

When developing a project for an autonomous heating system for a private home, it is necessary to decide on the choice of batteries. The efficiency and economy of the heating system and the level of comfort in the living quarters of a country house or country cottage directly depend on their parameters. To determine which heating radiators are best suited for a private home, it is necessary to compare their performance, reliability and cost.

Radiator heating in a private house

When choosing a heating system for a summer house or home, you need to take into account installation costs, ease of use and efficiency. Water heating is equally suitable for brick, block, frame and wooden houses. This option is cheaper to use compared to installing electrical heating equipment and is more efficient than a conventional stove, the fuel for which is coal or wood.

Radiator heating in the house

A radiator heating system for a country house or cottage has an advantage over water underfloor heating, since installing pipelines and radiators is easier and faster than laying a circuit and installing a screed.

Autonomous heating differs from central heating:

• low working pressure;
• no risk of water hammer;
• the ability to regulate the temperature of the coolant, set the permissible maximum;
• the ability to adjust the acid balance of the coolant;
• efficiency.

At the design stage of an autonomous system, it is necessary to decide which heating radiators and pipes to use for installation. Its functionality, efficiency and durability depend on this.

Types of heating batteries

To choose radiators with the best performance for heating a private home, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of heating batteries that the market offers. Each type of heating device should be considered based on the properties of the material and design features.

Types of heating radiators

Radiators vary:

• by material of manufacture (steel, aluminum, cast iron, bimetallic);
• by design (sectional and solid):
• according to the principle of heat transfer (radiating thermal energy, convection and combined).

Steel

Among heating radiators for private homes, steel models are in steady demand. Their list of advantages includes:

• relatively light weight, which simplifies installation;
• fast heating and cooling – allows you to flexibly regulate the room temperature when using a thermostat, saving fuel;
• quite long service life;
• a wide selection of models with different functionality and appearance.

Kermi steel radiator in the interior

The disadvantages of steel heating devices include:

• tendency to corrosion - such batteries are designed for installation in a closed-type heating system, since the free penetration of air into the coolant accelerates the process of destruction of the metal;
• tendency to become overgrown due to the rough inner surface - regular flushing of the system is required;
• restrictions on the characteristics of the coolant - the addition of alkaline reagents should be avoided.

To understand which steel heating device to choose, we will consider each type in detail. Manufacturers offer sectional, tubular, panel and convector steel heating devices.

Sectional

The battery consists of individual units, the number of which can be changed. This is a serious advantage of heating devices of this type. If the thermal calculation is performed incorrectly and the radiator power is not enough, additional sections are added. If the house has been insulated and the need for powerful radiators has disappeared, it is enough to remove the extra sections to reduce energy consumption. The advantages of sectional models also include a stylish design that will fit into any interior. The disadvantage is the large number of joints, which increases the risk of battery depressurization.

Sectional heating radiator in the interior

Tubular

They have an original appearance and are convenient for drying things. Reliable and durable due to the absence of joints - the radiator is a one-piece structure. At the same time, it is important to choose the right heating device in terms of power, since it will not be possible to adjust this parameter.
Steel tubular radiator

Panel

Panel-type heating radiators are characterized by a stylish, laconic design. Unlike tubular and sectional batteries, panel models equipped with convective fins warm up the air in the room faster - the formation of a flow of heated air is added to thermal radiation. The ability to create a thermal curtain makes panel radiators popular for installation in rooms with a large glazing area. Panel radiators, like tubular ones, are solid. Models of this type can not only be mounted on the wall, but also installed on the floor.
Panel radiator Rozma

Convector

Water convectors consist of steel pipes on which numerous metal plates are mounted, mounted on an edge. The top of the heating device is covered with a stylish metal casing. There are models built into the floor. The gaps between the plates contribute to the formation of a flow of heated air. It is recommended to install convector radiators along panoramic glazing, in a winter garden, in a room with high ceilings. Due to natural convection, the room warms up faster than thermal radiation. When deciding which radiators are better, you should pay attention that a system with water convectors requires a smaller volume of coolant compared to the use of other types of radiators. The disadvantages of convector radiators include their high cost. In addition, during operation of such a battery, air currents constantly raise dust, which enters the human respiratory system.
Floor convector

Cast iron

When considering different types of radiators, one cannot ignore the classic option - cast iron batteries. To this day, working copies installed before the revolution have been preserved in old houses. In Soviet-built houses, mass-produced cast iron radiators are used.

The advantages include durability and corrosion resistance, high heat transfer, and the ability to install additional sections. The list of disadvantages includes a tendency to overgrow - over time, the heat transfer of such batteries decreases, as the free space inside the case narrows. Unlike modern heating appliances, cast iron radiators require regular painting. Disadvantages also include heavy weight, which makes transportation and installation difficult.

Before choosing a cast iron battery for a private home, you need to pay attention to its high thermal inertia. It heats up and cools down slowly, which makes it impossible to quickly regulate the microclimate in the room.

Today, in private homes, cast iron radiators are installed if they want to emphasize their individual image. Manufacturers offer original floor models, decorated with artistic castings, which will perfectly complement the interior in a classic style.

Variety of cast iron decorative radiators

Aluminum

When deciding which heating devices are best for a private home, pay attention to aluminum models. Such radiators are in growing demand among private developers due to their light weight and ease of installation, attractive appearance, and the ability to add and remove sections. The cost of the product depends on the manufacturer. Domestic products are as affordable as possible; this is a budget country option. In a country house, it is better to install imported products; they are more reliable, but also more expensive.

Aluminum radiators:

• may leak due to the presence of threaded connections;
• aluminum is demanding on the acidity of the coolant - the use of a liquid with unsuitable parameters disables heating devices;
• due to increased heat transfer, they can poorly warm the lower part of the room - the heated air quickly goes up and the floor remains cold.

But despite this, it is wise to choose an aluminum radiator for a private home - the metal quickly heats up and cools down, making it possible to quickly change the heating level of the room in accordance with weather conditions and microclimate requirements. In this regard, aluminum batteries are the most practical.

Aluminum radiator in the interior

Bimetallic

Such heating devices combine the advantages of steel and aluminum models. The inner surface of a durable iron alloy is undemanding to the characteristics of the coolant and ensures the structural strength of the battery. The external aluminum casing is characterized by good heat transfer, due to which the radiator effectively warms the room.

The bimetallic radiator is designed for high operating and pressure testing, which makes it the optimal choice for installation in an apartment connected to a central heating network.

Considering the high cost of high-quality bimetallic models, in private homes it is better to use a budget option for heating, designed to work in an autonomous system.

Bimetallic radiator in the interior

Principles for calculating battery power

To choose heating radiators for a country or private house, you need to perform calculations based on the fact that to heat one square meter. m of living space requires approximately 95–125 kW. To warm up a room with average parameters (one window, one door, ceiling height up to 3 meters), it is necessary to heat the coolant to 70 °C.

If actual parameters differ from those indicated, adjustments must be made. For example, with a ceiling height of more than 3 meters, it is necessary to increase the calculated power of the batteries as many times as the actual height exceeds the conditional one. For low ceilings, recalculation is carried out in the opposite direction.

A decrease in coolant temperature for every 10 °C relative to the specified average level forces a corresponding increase in the design power of heating devices by 15–20%. If the room is corner and has two windows, the average calculated power of the batteries is increased by 1.5 times.

The heat transfer of radiators largely depends on their connection diagram. The average calculation is based on the fact that the heated coolant is supplied to the upper side inlet, and the return is connected to the lower inlet diagonally. Other connection options are less efficient and reduce the heat dissipation of batteries by 5–10%.

Note! The number of sections for radiator models of this type should not exceed 10 pieces - further expansion will not help increase power, since the coolant will not be able to fully warm up such a battery.

Comparison of thermal power of different types of batteries

Calculating radiator parameters

Particular care should be taken when choosing panel and tubular batteries. Manufacturers include in their product line models of the same power, but with different geometric parameters. When choosing, the features of the installation location are taken into account - the height from the floor to the window sill, the length of the wall in an elongated room, etc.

Homeowners choosing heating devices and wanting to purchase the best options at a reasonable price opt for steel or aluminum models. The cost of the most reliable, imported bimetallic radiator is prohibitively high, and cast iron batteries have many serious disadvantages. According to statistics, those who are thinking about which radiators to choose for a private home or country house choose aluminum sectional or steel panel models based on the ratio of price and practicality.

Video with tips for choosing heating radiators:

Many people are forced to live in difficult climatic conditions. Not everyone can move to more suitable regions, so most of the time has to be spent in well-heated rooms. This suggests that heating systems should be as efficient as possible, and special devices for them should be aesthetically pleasing! So which heating batteries are better for an apartment, what are their prices? You will find answers to these questions in our article.

What to look for when choosing radiators?

Modern heating devices should be selected with extreme care, as they must serve their owners for a long time and reliably. The main selection criteria are:

System type. Today, 4 types of radiators are especially popular, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Cast iron models are characterized by low cost, excellent thermal conductivity, durability and the ability to retain heat even after the heating is turned off. Their disadvantages include slow heating, the need for frequent maintenance, fragility, consumption of large amounts of water and poor tolerance to water hammer. Aluminum systems have high heat transfer, compactness, reasonable cost and light weight, but they are subject to corrosion. Steel radiators heat up quickly and are liked by customers for their low inertia and maximum heat transfer, but the most significant disadvantage of this type is the formation of rust. Bimetallic models are very demanding on water quality, but at the same time they are light in weight and resistant to high pressure.

Price. Water heating devices are considered the cheapest, so when purchasing them you can save a good amount of money. Foreign goods, of course, will cost more than domestic ones, but some of them will last much longer. Cast iron and aluminum radiators cost on average 350 rubles per section, bimetallic ones - about 600 rubles per section, and steel ones in a complete set will cost 2-12 thousand rubles.

Heat dissipation. Non-sectional radiators (steel) have a total heat output of 1200 to 1600 W. As for this criterion for one section, in cast iron it is 100-160 W, in aluminum - 82-212 W, and in bimetallic - 150-180 W.

What are the best heating batteries for an apartment? Prices in 2019? Rating.

The best models of cast iron radiators. TOP 5

Despite the active promotion of modern heating devices, cast iron radiators are still popular and have their customers. People like them for their durability and resistance to fairly high temperatures. In addition, most of them are not too expensive, so choosing a cast iron battery will always be the right choice.

The best cast iron radiators include:

In first place it is worth placing a model that has a magnificent design copied from the French battery. It will definitely appeal to lovers of rarities. In addition to its stylish appearance, it has other advantages: thermal power of 725 W, the amount of water in the section is up to 2.1 liters, and the presence of 5 sections.

This wonderful device, designed in a classic style, operates with a power of 420 W and has as many as 6 sections. This model can be connected both from the side and from the bottom, which makes it easy to use. The distance between the axles is 500 mm, which is one of the main points that buyers pay attention to.

The heat exchanger at a favorable price has a power that can reach 1.2 kW. The battery is connected to the side. Its operating pressure is 15 Bars, and the permissible temperature is 150 degrees.

4. MZOO MS-140M-05

An excellent battery with 7 sections is liked by customers for its high quality and, of course, durability. Many people call it indestructible, which is not at all surprising. This model can serve its owners for a long time, despite any obstacles.

One of the main advantages of the radiator is its design, which allows you to place the battery in any interior. In addition, it has convenient dimensions and a heat flow of 150 W. The volume of one section is 0.90 l.

Read also: Solid fuel boiler for heating a private house, which one is better to choose?

The best aluminum models

Heating systems that heat up fairly quickly and release heat are known to all customers. They are light in weight, so installation on drywall will not be a problem. In addition, they are distinguished by a modern and memorable design, thanks to which the radiators can be easily used in any interior.

The highest quality aluminum models are:

The Italian battery takes first place in many ratings. It can heat a room well, the area of ​​which is 40 m2. At the same time, this model produces a heat transfer equal to 180 W per section.

A good domestic radiator has excellent heat output of 250 W per section, which is why it is gaining popularity at a rapid pace.

The German-made panel radiator operates at a power of 5.8 kW. It can only be used with a central heating system.

The model with a maximum operating temperature of 135 degrees pleases its owners with a heat output of 183 W per section, as well as good heating of a room with an area of ​​25.6 sq.m.

The device, produced by injection molding, has an interesting design, a good volume of coolant and the possibility of lateral connection.

Read also: G gas boilers for heating a private house: how to choose. Rating of the best 2018

The best steel radiators

Steel models have virtually no disadvantages. They are great for placing in an apartment. Such radiators heat up quickly, have an acceptable cost and are neutral to the chemical composition of the coolant.

The best steel radiators are:

The German-made model very often comes first. It has excellent thermal output of 5790 W. It is also worth noting its convenient fastening and good resistance to fairly strong pressure drops, which often occur in centralized heating systems.

Another German product worthy of the attention of all buyers. It differs from its competitors by the presence of safety edges. Thanks to this design, the battery can easily be placed in an apartment where small children are constantly running around. The thermal power of this model is 2014 W, but the number of sections is only 3.

A decent tubular model is very reliable. It, of course, is quite expensive, but this is explained by a number of advantages: heat output of 3900 W, the possibility of high-quality heating of an area of ​​40 square meters, as well as ease of operation. Some customers also comment positively on the beautiful enamel finish.

4. PURMO COMPACT 22,500

The battery, which arrived in our stores from Finland, has a wall mount, a good side coolant wire and an acceptable price. Power (maximum) is 5572 W.

5. KZTO Harmony 2-500-12

The remarkable steel radiator is famous for its thermal power of 2160 W, 12 sections, and the possibility of side or diagonal connection.

The best bimetallic models

Bimetallic heating batteries can be called truly universal and high-quality. They are made of aluminum on the outside and steel on the inside, which is where the name comes from. These models are easy to install and are durable and lightweight. They are resistant to any pressure, heat up quickly and last more than 20 years.

1. SIRA RS 500

The high-quality Italian model is a profitable, reliable and efficient device for heating an apartment. The working pressure reaches 40 Bar, and the resistance to thermal fluid is expressed in a good indicator - from 7.5 to 8.5.

2. Royal Thermo PianoForte 500

The radiator can have from 4 to 14 sections. It is decorated in a stylish and modern design. The manufacturer has included here a unique Power Shift technology, thanks to which it is possible to increase heat transfer. This model is distinguished by the possibility of both floor and wall mounting, which pleases all buyers.

Experts call the main distinguishing feature of a radiator a fairly high operating pressure. It is 100 Bar and can significantly reduce the risk of premature battery failure. The model has a beautiful design and requires only 210 ml of water per section to operate normally. The disadvantages of the model include not very good sound insulation and a fairly high percentage of defects.

4. Global STYLE PLUS 500

The best economical electric heaters of the new generation. TOP 12 rating.