Today, there are many varieties of heating radiators, among which metal structures occupy a leading position. From a technical point of view, radiators are hollow inside heating devices, consisting of several sections. The design is filled with hot water and due to the thermal conductivity of the material, the cold air in the room is heated. In order for metal heating radiators to fully perform their functions, you should choose the right design.
Basic selection principles
The main parameter for choosing a metal heating radiator is compatibility with the heating system at home. There are two types of systems:
- Open - for apartment buildings.
- Closed - for private buildings.
Compatibility with the type of heating system is determined by compliance with parameters such as:
- maximum operating coolant temperature;
- material from which the radiator is made;
- system pressure;
- heat dissipation;
- inertia.
These indicators are indicated in the technical specifications for any metal heating radiators. The central heating system requires a more careful selection of a radiator, as it must calmly endure pressure and temperature drops, and poor water quality. Non-compliance of technical specifications with the requirements can cause an accident in the heating system or failure of the radiator itself.
Types of radiators
According to the type of material, radiators are divided into the following varieties:
- aluminum;
- cast iron;
- steel;
- bimetallic.
By cost, heating equipment is divided into the following classes:
- Economy - standard inexpensive heating structures that are freely available at any hardware store.
- Medium - metal heating radiators with improved properties.
- Top class - custom made or unique designs.
The following types are distinguished by the type of construction:
- panel;
- tubular;
- sectional.
The characteristics of metal heating radiators serve as the main criteria for choosing a design for use.
Aluminum Radiators
Aluminum radiators can be divided into two varieties:
- Sectional models are the most in demand. The sections are connected to each otherthreads and seals. This design is attractive due to its low cost and good heat dissipation. Disadvantages include the susceptibility to corrosion of the internal surface and the need for air bleed valves.
- Casted radiators are a one-piece design, which is cast from metal into a mold. Differ in the increased durability and resistance to possible water hammer. Have a maximum service life of 20 years.
Aluminum radiators are popular for use in apartment buildings with an open heating system.
Steel products
Steel heaters can also be divided into several varieties that have their own characteristics:
- Panel metal heating radiators are a two-piece stamped construction with channels for water circulation. They differ in affordable cost and good heat dissipation. Users report easy installation due to the light weight design.
- Heating radiators made of metal pipes are considered more durable and reliable than panel ones. Due to the connection of pipes by welding, this design withstands pressure and temperature drops, however, it has a higher cost and increased complexity of installation.
Steel metal heating radiators are often used in private homes with individual heating systems.
Cast iron structures
The appearance of classic cast-iron heating radiators is familiar to everyone, because they were installed in all houses built in the USSR. They are durable and can last for decades.
Cast iron for heating appliances is resistant to corrosion and poor water quality. Calmly tolerates changes in temperature and pressure. The level of heat transfer reaches 70%, the remaining 30% go to convection and contribute to the heating of the lower zones of the heated room.
The disadvantages include a lot of weight, which greatly complicates installation, as well as a rough inner surface, which contributes to the gradual clogging of the structure and poor water conductivity. However, this disadvantage is eliminated by periodic flushing of the system with water under high pressure. The cost of such radiators is relatively low, and the service life reaches 50 years.
Bimetal radiators
This type of heating structures is considered the most optimal, although the most expensive. It combines the best properties of aluminum and tubular products. Differ in high heat conductivity and optimum service life - 25 years. Light weight contributes to ease of installation work.
The design combines an aluminum frame and internal steel elements that are resistant to corrosion. Also, due to some features, bimetallic radiators are resistant to pressure drops, temperature and the presence of impurities andadditives.
Heat transfer as the main criterion for choosing a radiator
The characteristics of heat transfer affect the level and speed of heating the air in the room, so it is considered the main criterion for choosing a radiator for the home. This parameter depends on the material from which the radiator is made. The best performance is observed in copper and cast iron structures.
The choice of a heating product depends not only on heat transfer, but also on a combination of other parameters, such as:
- appearance;
- price;
- compatibility of the pressure value of the heating system and the radiator;
- type of heating system (one- or two-pipe);
- crimping pressure value;
- compatibility of the maximum allowable water temperature in the system and radiator;
- pipe and internal section diameters.
For high-quality heating of the room, not only the heat transfer of the heating structure plays a role, but also the correspondence of its size to the area of the room. Large rooms require a large heating element surface.
The optimal width of the radiator should be at least 60% of the window size. At the same time, it should be located under the windowsill at a distance of 6 cm from the floor and 10 from the window.
Screen for decorating a radiator
The screen for metal heating radiators is used to decorate the latter for the general interior of the room. With hisWith help, you can not only add comfort to the house, but also hide the external defects of old cast-iron structures. In addition, it is often used to protect children from accidentally touching a heated structure.
Screens are available in materials such as:
- Metal, which has a high thermal conductivity and does not interfere with the circulation of heated air around the room. In addition, it is durable, eco-friendly and easy to install.
- Wooden have decorative qualities and are installed mainly to enhance the features of the decoration of the room. Often used for furnishing country houses.
- Thermoplastic is relatively inexpensive and easy to care for. However, when exposed to high temperatures, it is subject to aging and has a limited service life.
- Silicate glass is often used for decorative purposes as there is a choice of color, texture and other decorative elements.
Screens often have no functional characteristics and are installed only as a decorative element.
Reviews of metal heating radiators note the good quality characteristics of the products, due to which the room is quickly heated and the desired temperature is maintained. Their choice depends on financial capabilities, personal wishes and design requirements.
