Which heating radiators is better to choose for an apartment with a central heating system
When making repairs in an apartment, we often think about replacing old batteries that have expired. It is time to put in their place the more modern and efficient devices that have appeared on the market. But here the question arises - which heating radiators are better for an apartment? After all, someone praises aluminum batteries, someone - steel. Some neighbors are not happy with the new-fashioned bimetallic radiators, while others bought new cast-iron and are also happy. And let's compare these most popular heating appliances, taking into account some of the nuances of centralized heating.
The selection of goods was carried out on the basis of reviews, opinions and ratings of users posted on various resources on the Internet. All information is taken from public sources. We do not cooperate with manufacturers and trademarks and do not call for the purchase of certain products. The article is for informational purposes only.
What are the threats of central heating?
On the one hand, heat supply from the outside is more convenient than autonomous heating - no need to bother with installing the boiler and setting it up. Autumn will come, and hot water will cheerfully run through your batteries, warming the apartment.
But not everything is so smooth in a central heating system:
- The water, which has come a long way, contains many chemically active impurities that can cause corrosion of pipes and radiators.
- And also small particles of sludge, which inevitably fall into the coolant, scratch the batteries from the inside, after a few years rubbing them to holes.
- And the temperature of the water is not always stable - the batteries have room temperature, otherwise it is impossible to touch them.
- And the main danger is a sudden huge jump in pressure in the heating system, the so-called water hammer. It happens, for example, for the reason that a locksmith too abruptly closed the pump station crane.
Previously, valves with a smooth stroke were used there, and with the advent of ball valves, it became possible to shut off water instantly. There is also a water hammer when excess air enters the pipes. A second jump in pressure of ills can do a lot. Weak batteries do not withstand tremendous pressure and burst, splashing boiling water, ruining the furnishings and causing damage to the neighbors below.
What parameters to choose radiators for an apartment
Now, knowing the weaknesses of central heating, you can already imagine what requirements good batteries must meet. We list them.
1. For radiators, the pressure declared by the manufacturer must exceed the pressure (both working and one and a half times higher than test pressure) in the heating system. Let’s give an example. In five-story houses of the old layout, this parameter is no more than 5 - 8 atmospheres. High-rise buildings of a modern type are heated under pressure up to 12-15 atmospheres.
2. Separately, we note the ability to withstand water hammer. Because, living in an apartment, it is difficult to protect yourself from pressure surges in heating, it is better to prevent trouble in advance. By the way - if you often hear buzzing and clicking sounds in the batteries, contact the communal service.Pressure, you see, "fools around" in the system.
3. The quality of water in the domestic heating system is unimportant, therefore, batteries must withstand withstand its “chemical attack” without collapsing. It is necessary to use radiators with a special coating on the inside or chemically neutral material for the walls. And their thickness must be such that particles of sand and small pebbles do not rub it, acting like emery.
4. When deciding which radiators are best for an apartment, we will not forget about their main function - to warm. That is, it is preferable to choose devices in which the heat transfer is greater.
5. Let us not ignore the design of radiators - few will be satisfied with ugly cast-iron monsters of poor shape, which were everywhere in Soviet times. I want the batteries to harmoniously complement the decoration of the rooms - today it is quite real.
6. The last parameter is the duration of the service. There are already no comments. The less often you have to bother with installing these bulky and rather expensive appliances, the more profitable the owners.
We check which radiators are suitable for apartment heating
Steel radiators - fallen, attacked by high pressure
Steel radiators are distinguished by light weight and thickness. Good heat dissipation and a small volume of water make them economical and efficient. Yes, and they are inexpensive. But by pressure they “let us down” - they withstand only 6-8 atmospheres. They are not suitable for apartments, and that’s the point.
Panel steel radiator.
Tubular steel radiator. They have a wide variety and differ both in design and color.
Aluminum radiators - eaten up by corrosion, burst from water hammer
These radiators have a good appearance and have excellent heat transfer. However, wait, the inhabitants of the apartments - too early to rejoice. Hot water with chemical impurities and high acidity quickly “eats” aluminum radiators from the inside. After all, aluminum is too active metal. And he can’t cope with great pressure. The average operating pressure is up to 16 atmospheres. And a water hammer can destroy even a brand new aluminum radiator.
Aluminum radiators have a very attractive appearance and can give off heat simply by heating the air or convection, but are absolutely not suitable for an apartment.
Bimetal radiators - everyone is good, only roads
This is one of the newest developments of heating appliances. Such radiators are called bimetallic - because they have two metals. It can be, in particular, aluminum and steel, or aluminum and copper. A ribbed figured body is made of aluminum alloy, and inside is a core made of steel or copper.
The device of a bimetal heating radiator.
Manufacturers guarantee that they will last for at least forty years. For an apartment, they are suitable for all indicators, as you can see.
- They withstand temperatures even up to 130 degrees.
- They have a working pressure of 30 to 50 atmospheres, depending on the manufacturer and model. With them, you can stop being afraid of water hammer.
- Corrosion-resistant external and internal primers make batteries durable and resistant to destruction.
- Light weight makes installation, carrying and transportation of such batteries easy.
- The look pleasantly caresses their eyes - beautiful white or colored panels are much more aesthetically pleasing than the usual form of a cast-iron “accordion”.
Alas - the cost of these radiators is quite high. And if you are offered something like that at a reasonable price - do not believe it. Fake a slip. If you buy, then the products of trusted brands - the Russian company Rifar, Italian - Sira or Global. There are good Chinese manufacturers. They, like the Russians, have a slightly lower price than radiators originally from Europe.
Good old cast iron - gains a second life
About fifty years, no less, it is measured to live such a radiator. Some manufacturers of new products claim in vain that it is high time to forget about this “old stuff”. Thinking long about which heating radiators to choose for the apartment, many people stop on cast-iron batteries.They will not “throw out tricks” upon contact with dirty domestic water in the heating system. This metal is chemically passive, and it is not afraid of either high acidity or the presence of chemical additives in the coolant. And thick walls will not hurt any abrasive. So, cast iron for an apartment (especially in an old house) is very good.
Cast iron heating radiator MS-140.
- Cast iron radiators are distinguished by the fact that they hold heat for a very long time - the residual number of its storage is 30 percent. And for all other types of batteries, this figure is half
- Heat transfer due to the radiation method of heating is much more efficient than using convection (as in bimetallic and aluminum products. Cast-iron radiators heat not only air, but also objects that are nearby.
- When draining water from the system in the summer, cast-iron radiators do not undergo severe corrosion - this is a significant plus.
- A large heat transfer area is another plus.
- The pressure drops that central heating sins, cast iron usually tolerates well. Up to nine to twelve atmospheres can reach working pressure. It’s just that it does not always withstand hydroblows of high power - it brings the fragility of this metal.
- The cost of these devices is usually lower than bimetallic radiators. Sometimes this is a determining factor.
These radiators are heavy, of course, which causes some inconvenience during their installation. Well, yes, cast iron a priori can not be easy. But after all, this weight turns into a large wall thickness, giving radiators the desired strength. By putting cast-iron radiators once (and specially trained people - plumbers will do this), you can forget about replacing them for many years.
The appearance of cast-iron radiators is no longer as poor as it was during the Soviet era. Appeared very attractive externally shaped batteries, made in the style of "retro", which are in good harmony with the exquisite rooms. For example, mention may be made of products from Roca and Konner.
True, the cost of such miracle batteries is quite high. More budgetary are Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian models, many of which must be painted before use. But they look quite worthy, their design fits into the interiors of modern apartments.
How to determine the type of radiator
Now it’s probably easier for you to decide which radiator to choose for the apartment - because of the four options considered, only two remain. As it turned out, neither steel nor aluminum radiators tested either by aggressive domestic coolant, or by pressure drops, will not stand. So, there are bimetallic and cast-iron appliances. What exactly to buy, look at your budget, as well as the characteristics of specific models. However, here you can give a couple of tips.
- In old houses (for example, "Khrushchev") it is quite possible to put cast-iron products. If you live in a high-rise building, where the pressure of the heating system is higher, then it is better to take bimetallic radiators.
- If the predecessors of your future new batteries are made of cast iron, then you can opt for either of two options. Both bimetal and cast iron will do. If you intend to replace batteries made of another metal, then replace them only with bimetallic ones.
The best bimetallic radiators for an apartment
Royal Thermo BiLiner
Bimetal radiators of this series are available in three color options:
- white
- silvery;
- black and graphite.
Staining is carried out in 7 stages using TECNOFIRMA technology. Radiators have a perfect aerodynamic shape, remotely resembling part of an airplane wing. The model is available with an even number of sections with a maximum number of 12 pieces.
Characteristics of a separate section:
- weight 1.85 kg;
- height 574 mm;
- width 80 mm;
- depth 87 mm;
- operating pressure 30 atmospheres;
- heat transfer at a temperature difference of 70about With at least 171 watts.
Design Features:
- Advanced steel manifold.
- Developed heat transfer surface.
- Efficiency increased by 5% in comparison with models of a similar class.
- Unique outer coating with increased resistance to various types of mechanical and chemical effects.
When assembling, high-strength steel nipples and graphite gaskets are used. Special adapter nuts allow you to connect the radiator to pipelines with a diameter of ½ or ¾ inch. Products are certified for compliance with domestic and international quality standards. The manufacturer provides a 25 year warranty.
Global style plus
Global STILE PLUS sectional bimetal radiators from Italy are represented by a line of 22 models. They have in their composition from 3 to 14 sections and are capable of producing from 420 to 2590 watts of thermal energy. Products are available in two versions with a distance between the axles of 350 and 500 mm. A lateral connection option is provided. 1 inch thread is used to connect the piping.
Characteristics of a separate section:
- height 425 or 575 mm;
- depth 95 mm;
- the length of one section is 80 mm;
- working pressure up to 35 bar.
Design Features:
- Developed outer surface that improves the heat transfer process.
- Parts are made by high pressure casting.
- Sections are connected by 1 ”steel nipples.
- The design excludes contact of the aluminum alloy with the coolant, which reduces the requirements for the acidity of the medium.
- All surfaces are treated with a protective fluorine-zirconium layer.
All products are painted with wear-resistant white epoxy enamel and look respectable. Radiators meet the requirements of domestic standards and are certified for use in Russia.
Sira rs
Sectional bimetallic radiators of the Italian company Sira RS are characterized by high mechanical strength and excellent thermal performance. They are resistant to aggressive compounds and work stably in conditions of large temperature differences. The manufacturer produces models with a center distance of 300, 500, 600, 700 and 800 mm. The assembled battery can have from 3 to 14 sections. A lateral connection option is provided.
Characteristics of a separate section:
- height from 372 to 872 mm;
- the width of one section is 80 mm;
- depth 95 mm;
- operating pressure 40 atmospheres;
- thermal power from 435 to 3945 watts.
Design features:
- Elegant shape without sharp corners, creating optimal conditions for convection heat transfer.
- Special grades of used aluminum alloys and steel allowing the operation of products in systems with low quality circulating water.
- Long-life gaskets made of heat-resistant rubber like “O-Ring”, guaranteeing the tightness of the structure even with hydraulic shocks and high pressure.
For assembly and connection of pipelines, there are 1 ”threaded holes. External staining is made using resistant white enamel. Radiators of this brand are certified according to Russian standards.
Rifar monolit
Domestic bimetal radiators Rifar Monolit are represented by a line of 22 models. They are specially designed for use in harsh environments. All their elements work stably at temperatures up to 135about C and withstand extreme pressure drops.
Products have a characteristic relief surface and attractive appearance. The manufacturer offers two versions with a distance between collectors of 350 and 500 mm. Type of connection lateral. Thread diameter ¾ inch. The battery can have from 4 to 14 sections.
Characteristics of a separate section:
- height 415 or 577 mm;
- the width of one section is 80 mm;
- depth 100 mm;
- operating pressure 40 atmospheres;
- thermal power from 536 to 2744 watts.
Design features:
- The use of corrosion-resistant steel made it possible to reduce the wall thickness, which increased the heat transfer efficiency.
- When assembling sections, the manufacturer refused to use gaskets. The unique technology of internal welding used guarantees high strength of joints and absence of leaks.
All models are painted with wear-resistant enamel in white. Products are certified. Manufacturer Warranty 25 years.
The best cast iron radiators for an apartment
Konner Modem
Cast iron radiators of the Modem series from the domestic company KONNER are manufactured in China, but are maximally adapted to Russian operating conditions. They are characterized by ease of installation, increased reliability, modern design, high heat dissipation and a long service life. The material is durable and resistant to corrosion. The batteries have two versions with a center distance of 300 and 500 mm.
Characteristics of a separate section:
- weight 3.11 or 4.14 kg;
- height 400 or 600 mm;
- width 62 or 60 mm;
- depth 92 or 96 mm;
- operating pressure 12 atmospheres;
- heat transfer 80 or 128 watts.
Design features:
- The main parts of the radiators are produced by casting from high quality cast iron.
- Modem 500 sections have a central jumper to increase overall structural strength.
Factory products consist of 4, 7, 10 or 12 sections. The lateral type of connection is applied. Radiators of this brand are produced in accordance with GOST 31311-2005 and the international quality standard ISO 9001. The manufacturer's warranty is 15 years.
MS-140
Cast iron radiators MS-140 are produced in Minsk. Their design is time-tested and is perfect for operation in systems with low quality water treatment and the likelihood of sudden changes in temperature and pressure. The material is corrosion resistant and has a long service life. The manufacturer supplies products with a distance between the axes of the coolant pipelines 500 mm.
Characteristics of a separate section:
- weight 7.12 kg;
- height 588 mm;
- width 108 mm;
- depth 140 mm;
- operating pressure 9 atmospheres;
- heat transfer 160 watts.
Design features:
- The classic form.
- A large flow area creates minimal hydraulic resistance. This makes it possible to use radiators in systems without forced circulation of the coolant.
- The batteries are equipped with two blank and two bushing plugs with an opening for a соединение inch pipe connection.
Standard batteries consist of 4 or 7 sections. They can be operated at temperatures up to 130 ° C. The lifetime of such radiators exceeds 50 years.
