Radiator

One of the most important indoor equipment that creates warmth and comfort in any home.

The radiator selection process consists of two stages:

1. Selecting the type of device itself.
2. Calculation of thermal power and number of radiator links.

Modern water heating radiators come in different types depending on the material of manufacture and design.
When choosing a radiator, experts advise paying attention, first of all, to the material of the sections, since it is this that affects the heat transfer of the future battery, its weight and durability.

1 Types of radiators

Advantages:

• high heat transfer
• large flow area of ​​intercollector tubes
• high working pressure 10-16 atmospheres
• elegant design
• light section weight
• optimal price

Flaws:

• Possible corrosion in heating systems where ethylene glycol-based media is used as a coolant.
• There is a need to remove air from the upper manifold using a bleed valve.
• The least durable part of aluminum radiators is the threaded connections of the sections (compared to steel ones).

Among others, aluminum radiators have proven themselves to be the most efficient heating devices that are used in private homes, offices and apartments of buildings of various storeys.

Advantages:

• high heat transfer,
• resistance to low quality coolant,
• high working pressure (from 20 atmospheres),
• durability (service life - up to 20 years),
• small volume of coolant in the section,
• elegant design.
• Also, these radiators of the Monolith series can be used in steam heating systems.

Flaws:

• high price (15–20% more expensive than aluminum radiators),
• smaller flow area than aluminum radiators,
• the hydraulic resistance of bimetallic radiators is greater than that of steel ones, therefore, in heating systems where this type of radiator is installed, more energy is required to pump the coolant

Bimetallic radiators have proven themselves to be excellent and cope with long-term high-pressure loads and successfully withstand hydraulic and pneumatic shocks.
Experts advise their use where additional reliability is required - in apartment buildings and multi-story office buildings. In private houses and cottages, such radiators are used less frequently; due to the low pressure in closed heating systems (up to 2 atmospheres), their use may not be advisable.

Advantages:

• high heat transfer
• elegant design
• relatively budget heating option
• low operating pressure (from 6 to 8.7 atmospheres)

Flaws:

• rusts when draining coolant
• does not withstand pressure during hydraulic tests
• reacts poorly to oxygen entering through the pipe system

A steel radiator is the best option for heating a country or private home. The fact is that a steel radiator “cannot tolerate” a centralized heating system, which is most often found in apartment buildings. It is also not recommended to install steel heating radiators in damp rooms.

IMPORTANT! If the quality of the coolant is low, or its effect on aluminum is unknown, then it is better to use either bimetallic or steel radiators.
Advantages:

• high thermal inertia (retains heat for a long time)
• high wear resistance
• durability (service life - about 50 years)
• operating pressure (10 - 15 atmospheres)
• ease of use
• low cost

Flaws:

• long heating
• do not allow you to quickly change the temperature and heating intensity
• large radiator mass
• low heat transfer
• need for painting
• They do not have convection, they give off heat only around themselves, due to this the room warms up more slowly and unevenly.

Cast iron radiators continue to be purchased and successfully used in central heating systems and systems with natural coolant circulation. It is not recommended to use cast iron radiators for autonomous heating.

IMPORTANT! The final decision in favor of one type of radiator or another should be made based on the main characteristics of the heating system for which the heating device is intended.

• central or individual heating supply to the house;
• working and test pressure in the heating system;
• type of heat supply system - single-pipe or two-pipe;
• maximum temperature and PH of the coolant.

2 Calculation of thermal power and number of radiators

Having decided on the type of radiator, you need to pay attention to the thermal power, the value of which depends on the specific room.
The amount of power consumed depends on a number of indicators:

• room size;
• number of external walls of the room and windows;
• type of house (brick, panel);
• type of window (wooden, plastic).

Selection of heating radiators by thermal power

Calculation of heat transfer is given for a room with a standard ceiling height of up to 3 meters and window sizes of up to 1.5 by 1.8 m.
In general, for ease of calculation, if the room is well insulated, you can take one radiator section per 1.5-2 square meters. m. area of ​​the room.

Thermal power for all types of radiators is different:
cast iron radiator - 80–150 W (for one section);
steel radiator - 450-5700 W (for the entire radiator);
aluminum radiator - 190 W (for one section);
bimetallic radiator - 200 W (for one section).
The power of the radiator, sectional or solid, is indicated in the technical specifications provided by the manufacturer. The optimal temperature of the coolant, water, under such conditions should be 70°C.

IMPORTANT! Whatever the choice of radiator, according to experts, special attention should be paid to the two most important points: the features of the heating system and trusted manufacturers, the quality of whose equipment will not cast doubt.

3 Complex purchase

Consumables: ball valves, tees, jumpers (bypass), pipes for extension, brackets, plugs, fittings.
Sealants: silicone, linen or thread.
Paint and varnish materials: primer, paint for metal surfaces, patina.
Fastening tools: anchor bolts, dowels, union nuts.

Choosing batteries for heating in your own home is not at all the same as buying batteries for use in an apartment where the central heating system always operates. Heating a private home involves organizing your own heating system, which, as a rule, is based on a gas boiler. This and other nuances impose certain requirements on radiators.

To help you navigate the issue, Santekhbomb has prepared an article with recommendations. After reading it, you will learn which heating batteries are best for a private home, what you should pay attention to when choosing them, and also get an idea of ​​the main characteristics of the currently most popular batteries suitable for working in gas heating systems.

Features of a gas heating system

First of all, it is worth identifying several features inherent in gas heating systems.

• Low operating pressure.
• Absence of pressure surges and water hammer due to the closed circuit.
• The ability to use good quality coolant, change its type or properties.

Based on this, such common types of heating batteries as cast iron and bimetallic should be immediately “swept away” from the selection. Yes, they are wonderful in their own way, but there is no point in using them in a closed system. Bimetallic ones, despite all their advantages, cost a lot - more expensive than aluminum and often even cast iron analogues, which will make their purchase completely impractical. Cast iron ones are simply not suitable for autonomous gas heating. It's all about their high thermal inertia - because of it, you won't heat up the room quickly, and the efficiency of cast iron is such that using it in your home will be too expensive. This will also prevent the automatic temperature control system, if any, from working. In this case, the main advantages of cast iron disappear - there will be no water hammer in such a system, as already mentioned, and ensuring good quality of the coolant will not be difficult.

If you are looking for heating batteries, which ones are best for a private home, the only options left are aluminum batteries. But you should choose them based on your needs. To do this, let’s take a closer look at how exactly they interact with a gas heating system, what their main advantages are, and what characteristics you should pay attention to before purchasing.

A private house is good because it provides the owner with more opportunities for arrangement than an apartment in a high-rise building. However, you will have to spend a lot of effort to ensure a comfortable stay. This also applies to the issues of choosing the right heating system. Batteries must be functional, durable and not create a hole in the budget after maintenance. Let's figure out which heating radiators are best installed in a private house.

What you need to know about batteries

Today, construction stores offer a wide range of heating devices, so it is very easy to get confused in all the variety of types and models.

Before purchasing batteries, it is important to familiarize yourself with the basic parameters that will help you make the best choice:

• Temperature conditions;
• Heat loss of the building. Here it is worth taking into account the height of the ceilings, the thickness of the glass, how many doors and windows there are in the rooms, the degree of decomposition of the material (for wooden houses), etc.;
• The battery is usually installed under a window, so to determine the dimensions of the device, use the following parameters (in cm): to the window sill - 10-15, from the wall to the back wall of the device - 3-5, from the floor - 7-12;
• Thermal power of the radiator, which can be calculated by the formula: S * h*41:42 (S is the area of ​​the room, h is the height of the ceiling, 41 is the minimum power (indicated per 1 m3), 42 is the passport rating of the nominal thermal conductivity).

Additional indicators that must be taken into account to select a suitable heating device:

• Value for money (key factor when purchasing);
• Appearance (pay attention if you plan to decorate the room for a specific interior design);
• Weight (affects the complexity of installation).

Now let’s look at what types of heating radiators exist for a private home, and get acquainted with the technical characteristics of each of them.

Cast iron

Such radiators began to be installed in houses more than a century ago, during the times of Tsarist Russia. For 100 years, these batteries continue to be in demand, providing high-quality heating of rooms. Even today, in houses built during the Soviet period, cast iron batteries with a service life of more than 50 years are quite common.

The following positive qualities brought them popularity:

• Long period of operation (radiators can function for decades);
• High level of heat transfer (heating level - up to 130° C, can remain hot for 5-6 hours);
• Good durability (batteries can withstand high internal pressure and are immune to mechanical stress);
• Works with any quality of coolant (no need to install a filter on the heating system);
• Anti-corrosion resistance (under the influence of condensation and temperature changes, which is confirmed by uninterrupted operation in old houses).

However, cast iron radiators have their disadvantages, due to which they are gradually being replaced by more modern types of appliances:

• Large dimensions. Their size makes them difficult to transport, install and maintain.
• Low thermal conductivity due to the massiveness of the metal and its porous surface. To achieve a high level of heat transfer, the coolant temperature must be 70-80° C.
• Systematic care is required. Batteries need to be cleaned and painted regularly.
• Requires a lot of space for placement.
• For reliable installation you need good fastenings.

Advice! To increase the heat transfer of cast iron batteries, they should be washed approximately once every two years to remove accumulated rust and particles of small debris.

Cast iron radiator Konner “Legend”

In addition, cast iron radiators do not have the most attractive appearance, which is why the interior looks inharmonious. If the design of the room is important to you, then you will have to purchase decorative elements in the form of partitions or fences, but not every owner will want to install additional decorations. Then how to choose the right cast iron heating radiators for a private home in order to create a harmonious environment? Look at the special lines of some German or French manufacturers who develop original design models for thematic interior styles. Such radiators will become a real decoration of the environment, but not everyone will be able to afford them due to their high cost.

Cast iron radiator MS - 140

Among the popular manufacturers of cast iron batteries, it is worth highlighting the Chinese companies Tokio or KONNER, as well as the Russian version - MS-140.

Steel

In terms of design and functional features, these devices come in three types. Then which steel heating radiators are best to choose for a private home? Let's look at the characteristics of each type.

Panel

Also called convectors because heat is supplied through convection (75%). They have a rectangular shape and consist of two welded panels. The coolant circulates through special dining channels. The battery is lightweight and compact in size, which allows it to quickly gain and maintain the required temperature.

Significant disadvantages include susceptibility to mechanical damage and low operating pressure. Also, steel panel radiators are destroyed by corrosion.

Manufacturers produce models with a bottom type of liner, which allows you to hide the pipes under the floor covering. This option is ideal for rooms with an original interior design, where inlet/outlet communications would look out of place. Among the well-known manufacturing companies, we highlight Corado, Lideya and Buderus.

Sectional

The characteristics of such devices are similar to cast iron radiators, but they have a number of significant differences:

• Internal pressure – 16 atm;
• Increased strength due to welded joints;
• Long service life (can work up to 50 years).

Unlike cast iron batteries, these devices are not as widespread due to their higher price.

Tubular

In terms of functionality, they generally correspond to panel and sectional radiators, but are much more expensive. The extra charge comes from a more attractive appearance, which allows them to be placed in rooms with a themed interior design. In addition, tubular radiators are very convenient for drying things, which is especially important for families with small children.

Produced by well-known foreign manufacturers: Zehnder, Arbonia and Delonghi.

Aluminum

Aluminum conducts heat very well, so such radiators provide complete heating of the room.

Advantages

Among the advantages we highlight:

• High heat transfer rates;
• Small dimensions;
• Good working pressure, which is 12-18 atmospheres;
• A light weight.

We also note good heat transfer due to the rapid circulation of the coolant, which is provided by free inter-collector tubes. Aluminum radiators are available on the market in a wide range of models with different sizes, making it easy to choose a heating device for any room.

The attractive appearance allows the use of aluminum radiators not only as a heating device, but also as an element of interior design. Due to its neat shape, the device can fit into almost any environment.

Flaws

However, aluminum radiators also have their disadvantages:

• Sensitivity to the quality of the heating agent (regular filtration is required, otherwise the system will become unusable in a matter of years);
• Susceptibility to sudden changes in pressure (pressure level control is required when filling);
• Weak resistance to corrosion (when purchasing, be sure to check that there is a protective polymer coating on the surface of the radiator);
• Fragility (service life is 10-15 years).

The increased heat transfer of aluminum radiators has not only a positive effect. The powerful operation of the device quickly raises warm air upward, which is trapped between the radiator and the ceiling. As a result, temperature differences may occur. Before purchasing a device, it is necessary to calculate the heat required for the room. Otherwise, the floor may not warm up.

Classification

Aluminum batteries are classified into three types based on their design. They differ in structure and service capabilities.

Let's look at these types and try to understand which heating batteries are best installed for a private home:

1. Solid - distinguished by plasticity and durable construction;
2. Assembled sectional - during maintenance, you can replace plates that are out of order;
3. Combined - combine the qualities of the two previous types, but have a higher cost. In terms of functional advantages, they are recognized as the best aluminum heating radiators for a private home. Produced by Global, Ferroli and RIFAR.

The demand for these devices was ensured by their affordable price, increased thermal output and attractive design. This is one of the best options for high-quality heating of your own home. If all operating rules are followed, such batteries will last for more than ten years, delighting residents with good heating on cold winter evenings.

Bimetallic

The name bimetal means the combination of two or more metals in one product. The interior of the batteries is made of steel or copper material, which increases their safety and ensures reliable operation. The outer side is equipped with aluminum ribs. These devices can be called the evolutionary pinnacle in the development of radiators. Manufacturers claim that such devices can last 40 years.

Despite their high cost, bimetallic radiators have been occupying a leading position in the heating appliance market in recent years. It is advisable to purchase such batteries if the issue of price is not a top priority for you. Then they will fully cover the financial costs and will serve for many years.

Manufacturers are constantly improving their devices. Which bimetallic heating batteries should I choose for my home? Among the well-known manufacturers, it is worth highlighting the following companies: Polywarm, Sira, Teplopribor. The German Kermi is deservedly recognized as one of the leaders in this industry.

Aluminum and bimetallic radiators: which is better?

As can be seen from the description, you can place both types of batteries in your own homes. Recently, they have gained wide popularity among consumers due to their high heating performance. Now let’s compare them according to technical indicators to find out which heating radiators are best suited for a private home.

Heat volume

The aluminum battery section produces 200 watts of energy. Part of the generated power is converted, and the rest of the heat is released through radiation. These batteries can warm up a room within 10 minutes, which has a positive effect on savings.

Heat transfer on bimetallic radiators is based on a different principle: the steel core somewhat slows down its production. Each model distributes heat differently, but they all take longer to warm up a room than aluminum units. There are no significant differences in other characteristics.

Coolant temperature

Aluminum batteries support temperatures up to 110°C, while bimetallic batteries operate at 130°C.

Installation

Both varieties have steel fasteners that are mounted on screws or plastic dowels. Due to their light weight, installation of these devices is easy. Installation and maintenance are carried out using shaped tools and a set of keys.

Life time

Bimetallic radiators are made from two metals and, accordingly, are more durable. They can work efficiently for 15-20 years, while aluminum ones, on average, function for about 10 years. If the operating time of the heating device is important to you, then it is better to give preference to the first option.

In the domestic heating system, the water contains a large number of chemical components. All these impurities have a destructive effect on aluminum, which reacts with them. As a result, rust forms on the walls, which over time can damage the device. For stable operation, the pH value should be no more than 8 units.

Bimetallic devices use a special coating that protects it from chemical impurities, making the material less susceptible to rust. However, in some cases, hydrogen may enter the liquid, which will lead to rapid rotting of the components.

Conclusion

A cozy atmosphere in a private home is impossible without high-quality heating devices. The first step is to decide on the number of batteries that you plan to install and the technical characteristics of the room. We got acquainted with the types of heating devices. So which heating radiators are best installed in a private home? First of all, the decision to purchase a particular device should be based on its goals. They can be either a simple heating device or an elegant element of furnishings. The desired service life and cost of the product also play an important role.

The most convenient (and sometimes the only possible) option for arranging heating in a private house is to use an autonomous type system that does not depend on centralized water supply sources. Accordingly, most of the work related to its organization, installation and maintenance has to be solved independently. That is, the question: “what are the best heating batteries for a private home?” is urgent and relevant for a huge number of homeowners.

Not only the comfort of living in it during the winter period, but also the amount of material costs associated with heating and maintaining the house depends on how efficiently and competently the calculations are made, the selection and installation of heating devices is made. Therefore, first you need to choose the type of heating system that will be installed in it. She may be:

• Air.
• Water.

In the first case, space heating is carried out using furnace heaters or special electrical devices, which include infrared heaters.

Stove heating is the cheapest and simplest heating method, however, it has many disadvantages, such as:

• Long warm-up period.
• Low heat transfer coefficient compared to other energy sources.
• High percentage of heat loss (most of the heat with such heating goes into the chimney).

Electric and infrared devices are a more progressive way of heating private homes, but their biggest disadvantage is their high cost and inaccessibility to a larger number of consumers, as well as the high costs associated with their operation.

A more popular and widespread option for heating a private home are water heating systems, in which space heating is carried out by heating water moving through radiators and pipes.

Their advantages in a private home compared to a centralized system include:

• Low pressure in the network;
• No likelihood of occurrence;
• Limited and adjustable coolant temperature;
• Ability to control the acid-base balance of the coolant.

In addition, they are easy to use, efficient and economical.

Types of materials and design features

When answering the question of which radiators to choose for heating a private home, you need to determine for yourself what materials they will be made of. They can be made from the following types of metals:

• Cast iron

Radiators made from it can withstand temperatures up to +150 degrees and pressure up to 6-9 atm. The thermal power of their section is 80-160 W. Period of use: up to 50 years.

Pros:

— durability, strength and reliability;

— immunity to the quality of the coolant;

— possibility of combining different numbers of sections;

- corrosion resistance.

Flaws:

- heavy weight and rough appearance. But, currently, models with original designs are also produced that can decorate any interior.

- high inertia, which will be a disadvantage for an autonomous one.

• Become.

Some consumers, choosing which radiators are best for heating a private home, give a clear answer to this question: “Only steel ones.” And there is a completely objective explanation for this answer. Take at least a list of their advantages and disadvantages compared to other types of heating devices.

These include:

— excellent heat dissipation;

— low inertia;

- low price;

- light weight and neat dimensions.

Flaws:

— the need for periodic washing (every three years);

— low operating pressure (which is not a minus for an autonomous system, since it will be quite sufficient);

- the need for constant filling (otherwise they may rust).

Temperature limit: +110…+120 degrees. Working pressure indicator: from 6 to 10 atm.

• Aluminum

Best suited for heating a private home for several reasons:

- they have a modern design;

— have high thermal power and inertia;

- easy to install.

Can be operated at operating pressure of 10-25 atm. and maximum temperature up to +110 degrees. The section power of such heating devices reaches 200 W.

Please note that thermal power is not only their undeniable advantage, but also their “weak point”. The fact is that with a high heating rate, warm air quickly rushes upward, which can lead to the fact that the temperature in the upper part of the room and near the floor will differ greatly. Therefore, before choosing heating radiators for a private house made of aluminum, it is necessary to calculate how much area will be heated, taking into account all the features of the room. Otherwise, the floor may remain cold when using them.

• Bimetal

In this case we are talking about batteries made of two metals. Most often they have a steel core coated with aluminum. Devices of this type have a large number of positive characteristics:

— have increased resistance to water hammer;

— have increased heat transfer and chemical resistance;

- have an attractive design and light weight, etc.

They operate at a pressure of 35 atm. Maximum temperature: +120 degrees. Sectional power: from 170 to 190 W.

However, due to their high cost, they are not very well suited for furnishing a private home, in which the average value in the heating system is 2-3 atm, and there are no water hammers and a high PH level of the coolant.

Making an independent selection of heating radiators for a private home, also it is necessary to take into account the types of these devices depending on their design features.

They can be:

• Tubular;

They are structures consisting of several tubes connected to each other by collectors. They have an original design, a wide range of sizes and shapes.

• Sectional;

Assembled from individual elements (sections). Made from a variety of materials, including cast iron, steel and aluminum.

• Panel;

The design of batteries of this type includes one or more metal plates, between which coolant circulates, moving through channels located in their internal part.

Important: Only steel radiators are tubular and panel.

• Convector.

They are made of plates attached to straight or curved pipes along which the coolant moves. There are water, gas and electric.

Convectors for water heating belong to a separate class of heating devices, which are based on a different operating principle (they are not radiators)

After choosing radiators, they need to be installed correctly. Various ones are described in a separate article on the site.

Calculation of the number and type of batteries for a private home

Many experts, before choosing heating radiators for a private home, recommend making a calculation with which you can choose the type of battery that is optimal for each specific case. In this case, the amount of energy required to heat 1 square meter of living space is taken as a basis. This figure, on average, ranges from 95 to 125 W.

The calculation also takes into account the parameters of the room. It is believed that in a room with a ceiling height of up to 3 m, one window and a door, the temperature of the coolant in the system for normal heating should be about 70 degrees. When these parameters “shift” in any direction, appropriate adjustments must be made to the calculation.

For example: If the ceiling height is higher than 3 m, then you need to select heating batteries with a power increased as many times as this parameter differs from the specified one. And in a room with a lower ceiling, the power of the radiators should also be reduced.

When the coolant temperature decreases for every 10 degrees, the power of the batteries used should increase by 15-20%.

Another important factor: the location of the heated room. In corner-type rooms with several window openings, the total thermal power of the radiators installed there increases by 1.5 times.

Speaking about heating batteries - which ones are best to choose for a private home and how, it is necessary to take into account the design features of the heating system of the house. In particular, in cases where the coolant supply is from below and the return is from above, the heat transfer efficiency of radiators is reduced by 10%.

Important: Regardless of the design and operating principle of the system, there is no point in installing heating radiators in the house, the number of sections in which exceeds 10 pieces, since the energy output from the “extra” fins will be very low.

Comparison of batteries for a private home

In order to figure out which radiators are best to choose for heating a private home, you can do a small comparative analysis, assessing the advantages and problem areas of each type:

Let us separately consider the technical parameters of heating batteries of various types and the possibility of installing them in a private home:

Variety	Working pressure indicator, atm.	Compatibility with the heating system of a private home	Price
Steel, panel type	6-10	Yes	Low
Steel, tubular type	8-15	Yes	High (on model with original design)
Aluminum	6-25	Yes	Low
Bimetallic	20-35	Yes	High (on European model)
Cast iron	6-9	Yes	Low (except for original decorative models)

Thus, to the question of what are the best heating radiators for a country house, we can answer that based on material, practical considerations and ease of installation, the choice should be made in favor of batteries made of aluminum or steel, which have many advantages and are inexpensive.
The video will also help you figure out which heating batteries are best to choose for a private home.

To keep your house and apartment warm and cozy during the cold season, it is important to properly design and install the heating system. And the radiator is one of the important components. It is thanks to properly selected equipment that the efficiency of the heating system can be ensured.

But among the rich assortment of batteries presented by such manufacturers as Prado, Conrad, Global Style, Tenrad, Viadrus, Konner and others, it’s difficult to navigate, isn’t it?

You don't know how to avoid mistakes when choosing and what points you should pay attention to first? We will help you understand this issue - in the article we will talk in detail about the criteria for choosing radiators for a private house and apartment, which are of paramount importance.

We will also consider the types of equipment and their features. We will provide recommendations for customers, supplementing them with visual photos and useful videos.

The variety of heating radiators on the market is truly amazing. And it is especially difficult for an untrained user to make the right choice.

Therefore, within the framework of our article, we will try to consider in detail the types of heating devices, paying attention to their key characteristics, and give recommendations on choosing the appropriate option based on living conditions, type of heating system and the specific requirements of the owner.

Classifications of heating radiators

Heating devices used in the water circuit differ in design, material of manufacture, technical characteristics, and design. Next, we’ll talk in more detail about the types of radiators and their features.

What materials are batteries made from?

The most commonly used materials for heating appliances are:

• steel;
• aluminum;
• cast iron;
• combination of two metals.

Criterion #5 - manufacturer's reputation

When choosing a radiator, it is better to give preference to proven brands with a good reputation, including:

• Steel– Lidea, Konrad, Prado, Charleston, Kermi, Arbonia, Israp Tesi, Buderus PURMO, Delonghi, Korado.
• Aluminum– Global, Rifar, Ferroli, Purmo, Radena, Faral Trio.
• Cast iron– Adarad, Viadrus, Demrad, KIRAN, Konner, Cheboksary plant and Minsk plant.
• Bimetallic– Global Style, Sira, Rifar, Tenrad, Halsen, Radena, Rommer.

As you can see, many manufacturers produce more than one type of radiator, which differ in material and other characteristics.

But sometimes it is difficult to distinguish an aluminum radiator from a bimetallic one, the cost of which is much higher. This is what an unscrupulous seller can take advantage of. Therefore, before purchasing, you can conduct a test, for example, with a magnet - a magnet will always be attracted to the bimetal.