A radiator is an important component of the heating system of any room, which also performs an aesthetic function. A properly selected radiator model will perfectly fit into the interior of the room and can become a design element. However, for reasons of technical characteristics, you should not rely only on how aluminum heating radiators look. Which is better to choose, of course, you decide. An excellent acquisition will be a radiator with high performance and beautiful in appearance. The main task of any radiator is to fit your heating system, provide maximum heat transfer and regulate the temperature inside the room.
Choosing a heating radiator for an apartment
Which model of heating radiator to prefer for installation in an apartment? This question is asked by many residents of multi-storey buildings. Getting a clear answer to this seemingly simple question is almost impossible. Neither on the World Wide Web, nor in a speci alty store objectiveinformation is difficult to obtain. Everyone praises this or that model of a radiator. Moreover, models, as well as manufacturers of radiators, both imported and domestic, are becoming more and more every year.
Our article will give you a series of recommendations to deal with the variety of heating systems on the market today, choose the right size of aluminum heating radiators and choose the model that will perfectly suit you in terms of its parameters and fit perfectly into the interior of your home.
Room radiators for a water heating system according to the material of manufacture are:
- cast iron;
- bimetallic;
- steel;
- aluminum heating radiators.
Which is better? Let's say cast-iron radiators are still being produced, but the demand for them is steadily falling until it disappears altogether. The reason for this is the huge weight and poor heat dissipation of such radiators, which make them uncompetitive among modern models. And even the excellent corrosion resistance of cast iron does not save their situation.
Therefore, let's take a closer look at the 3 main types of modern heating radiators.
Bimetallic heating sections
These new generation radiators, designed for a pressure of 30 atmospheres, combine the best qualities of aluminum heating sections and tubular-type steel radiators. The outer coating and fins of such a radiator are made of aluminum alloy, and their inner pipe part is made of steel.
Indisputable advantages of bimetallic heating sections:
- withstand pressure in the system up to 40 atmospheres without loss of their original qualities;
- long service life - up to 20 years, due to the resistance of steel to the chemical components of water in the coolant;
- high heat dissipation;
- modern stylish design.
Cons:
- high cost of bimetallic sectional radiators (almost a third higher than conventional aluminum ones);
- increased energy consumption due to high hydraulic resistance in sections of such a radiator.
In accordance with the above, the conclusion suggests itself: the main advantage of bimetallic sections is to actively resist the aggressive properties of the local coolant and withstand high pressure in the heating system. In fairness, it should be noted that today the average pressure in the heating pipes does not exceed 15 atmospheres, and modern purification and preparation of water poured into the system significantly reduces the possibility of corrosion and slagging of the elements of the heating system. Therefore, having decided to purchase a bimetal sectional radiator, you, in fact, overpay for a fashionable material and brand.
Steel panel radiators
Panel radiators with a working pressure of 10 atmospheres are two steel plates, interconnected by welding, with recesses for connecting channels and manifolds. Dimensions of steel panel radiatorsfixed. They do not have the ability to add or subtract sections, like sectional type radiators.
The large size of the panel radiator guarantees heat transfer at a high level, the presence of fins between the panels will increase the total heat efficiency of the radiator, due to the increased heating area.
Undeniable advantages of steel panel radiators:
- lack of inertia;
- profitability;
- high percentage of heat transfer;
- large heated area.
Flaws:
- failure to withstand high pressure in the centralized heating system;
- susceptibility to the aggressive properties of the coolant, especially to the presence of oxygen.
Most often, steel panel-type radiators are used in closed autonomous heating systems. Installing a panel radiator in a centralized heating system is irrational.
Aluminum heating radiators
What are the best heating systems? The most popular are aluminum heating radiators, suitable for a pressure of 16 atmospheres, they are an elegant heating device with a low weight and a high level of heat transfer (maximum heat transfer in one section is 198 W). Such high heat transfer rates are due to the double action of the aluminum radiator. This device transfers half of the heat by radiation, and the other half by convection.
The presence of fins inside the sections increases the heated area to 0.5 sq.m.thereby increasing its heat transfer coefficient.
Aluminum heating sections are the most efficient for heating enclosed spaces of any area. The sizes of aluminum heating radiators are small, so these wonderful devices do not require a lot of water and perfectly regulate the heat flow.
Pros of aluminum heating sections:
- optimal price-quality ratio;
- high level of heat transfer;
- stylish design;
- light weight;
- ideal working pressure.
Cons:
- frequent corrosion of metal with aggressive, poorly cleaned coolant in central heating systems.
Today, the best aluminum heating radiators are in greatest demand among consumers. This is due to the fact that such radiators are affordable, reliable in quality, durable in operation and efficient in operation. You can use them in any residential and non-residential premises.
Combined copper-aluminum radiators
Combined copper alloy and aluminum radiators are used in rooms with excessive humidity, such as swimming pools. The only exceptions are those rooms in which there is a possibility of the appearance of a chemical substance that reacts with the materials from which such a radiator is made and changes their quality. Such a radiator is made of the most heat-conducting materials (for reference: the thermal conductivity coefficient of copper is 410 W/m2K, and aluminum is 220 W/m2K). The design of the copper-aluminum radiator is designed so that water fromthe heating system comes into contact exclusively with copper, while the body and thermal conductivity plates are made of aluminum.
Copper-aluminum heating radiators are used exclusively in autonomous heating systems. Because for the durability of these devices, it is necessary that the entire heating system, including the heat exchanger in the heating boiler, pipes and the radiator itself, be made of the least corrosive material.
Aluminum or bimetal heating radiators, which one to prefer
This question will cause difficulty even for a highly qualified heating installation specialist. Definitely, the use of bimetallic sections is recommended in apartments of high-rise buildings and in heating networks with poor water purification. Owners of autonomous heating, as well as residents of apartments of ordinary five-story buildings, should not overpay for such heaters due to the usual pressure in the heating pipeline.
And an important warning for those who have already made a choice in favor of bimetallic heating sections - over 80% of such radiators on the domestic market are made in China. That is, the quality of the metal from which such a device is made, as well as the quality of work on its manufacture, correspond to the reputation of the manufacturing country.
Calculation of the power of the selected radiator model
The power rate of one heating unit of the device for the Russian Federation, according to the reference book:
• Northern part of Russia - from 150 to 200W/sq.m.
• Middle RF - 100 W/sq.m.
Aluminum radiators, depending on their model and manufacturer, have an average power of 82 - 212 W/kW.m. Therefore, to heat a room with an area of 10 meters in the central part of the Russian Federation, it would be most practical to install a radiator consisting of 9-10 sections with a power of one of 100 W / kV.m. or consisting of 5 sections with a power of 200 W / kV.m. each.
When calculating aluminum heating radiators, it is important to consider that excess heat is preferable to its lack. Indeed, in central Russia there are winters with severe frosts. When installing an internal heating system, put aluminum sections in radiators with a margin.
Installation of aluminum heating radiators
In order for the new batteries to serve for a long time and provide your home with high quality heat, the connection of aluminum heating radiators should be made, adhering to a number of special conditions.
- Aluminum resists corrosion well, however, in the composition with a copper alloy in the coolant, it will soon lose its original qualities.
- Incorrect installation of aluminum radiators, especially regarding screwing in the nipple, leads to annoying troubles during operation.
- Aluminum is a soft metal. Therefore, a section of such a radiator can easily be damaged by mechanical shock.
Aluminum radiators from various domestic and foreign manufacturers are represented on the modern market for heating products,which are developed especially for heating systems of the Russian Federation. The developers of these models took into account both the high pressure in the systems and the high acidity of the coolant, and tried to adapt their products to this. The price of an aluminum radiator depends on the workmanship and manufacturer.
Installation of aluminum heating radiators:
1. Mark the place where the radiator will be installed.
2. Attach the radiator mounting brackets to the wall.
3. Hang the radiator on the brackets.
4. Connect the heat sink to the heat pipe.
5. Install plug or special valve.
Chinese-made radiators
Today, China has licenses for the production of heating aluminum radiators from some well-known manufacturers. Those who do not want or cannot overpay for a well-known brand may well opt for Chinese-made models. Manufacturers of aluminum heating radiators from China often supply high-quality goods to the Russian market at a relatively low cost, thanks to their cheap labor force.
Chinese-made heating radiators should be bought in specialized stores that value reputation and clientele. When purchasing such heaters on the market or in an online store, there is a risk of receiving a low-quality model or one that does not meet the declared technical specifications. And besides this, Chinese radiator models have their own indicators that you need toconsider when choosing a model.
Italian-made radiators
The most popular models on the domestic market are Italian aluminum heating radiators.
These products have a stylish design, perfectly suited to any interior, and are used as heating devices in residential and non-residential premises. Italian models of radiators are covered with a special enamel that withstands high coolant temperatures and adds strength to the metal.
Heating sections are made of high-quality aluminum alloy with high strength, which is not harmed by constant contact with industrial water and its impurities.
Choosing a manufacturer of heating radiators
We have compiled a small list of well-known companies producing aluminum heating radiators. Companies are all worthy of your attention. However, it is up to you to decide which radiator will be optimal for installation in your room, focusing on your budget and type of heating system.
Global
Italian company producing high quality aluminum radiators. The heaters of this company are distinguished by their long service life and stylish appearance, and the materials used in their manufacture reliably protect them from rust and mechanical damage. The cost of one section of the aluminum radiator of this company is about 400 rubles. The price matches the quality.
SMART (Smart)
Chinese company produces inexpensivebimetallic heating sections and universal aluminum heating radiators. Which one is better to buy, decide for yourself, the cost of one aluminum section is about 300 rubles, bimetallic - about 350 rubles.
Rifar
Domestic company for the production of bimetallic and aluminum heating sections. Such radiators are 100% suitable for Russian operating conditions, at a price much lower than offered by imported manufacturers. Depending on the model chosen, one heating section from Rifar costs from 450 to 900 rubles. These are high quality heating radiators at a low price.
