We decide which radiators to choose for heating a private country house, opinions and advice from experts. Heating radiators - which ones are better for a private home and why? Which aluminum radiators to choose for a private home

The most convenient (and sometimes the only possible) option for arranging heating in a private home is to use a system autonomous type, independent of 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 is: “what better battery heating for a private home? is urgent and relevant for a huge number of homeowners.

Not only the comfort of living in it depends on how efficiently and competently the calculations are made, the selection and installation of heating devices is carried out winter period, but also the amount of material costs associated with heating and maintaining the house. 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, heating of the premises 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 more 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 centralized system relate:

  • 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 advantages 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.


note that thermal power- it's not just them undeniable dignity, but also a “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 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.

Carrying out independent choice 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 its 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. Indoors corner type if there are 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 house, you can make a small comparative analysis, appreciating the benefits and problem areas each type:


Let's look separately at the technical parameters heating batteries 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, what better radiators heating 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 have a low price.
You will also need to understand which heating batteries are best to choose in a private house, the video will help.

And centralized heating systems have fundamental differences that are taken into account when choosing equipment. Operating mode autonomous heating private home allows you to select radiators based on the maximum heat transfer coefficient, materials with best characteristics, High Quality and optimal price. Working conditions heating equipment apartments differ sharply - here reliability and resistance to stress are in the foreground. Let's figure out which heating radiators are best installed in an apartment, where and how to buy them, and what users say in reviews about this equipment.

There are two fundamentally different types of home heating: centralized (open) and autonomous (closed). In the first case, steam or hot water from the boiler house or thermal power plant enters the apartments through pipes multi-storey buildings. The second option is a separate heating system for a private house or cottage, including its own boiler, heat supply pipelines, radiators and pumps.

When determining which heating radiators are best for an apartment, we proceed from the operating conditions of radiators in such systems:

  1. temperature from 100°C;
  2. pressure up to 10 atm;
  3. sudden pressure surges and hydraulic shocks when flushing systems and restarting.

When choosing a radiator, the consumer must know the load limits for the model in question.

Cast iron radiators

Resistant to high pressure and water hammer. There are models that can cope with heavy loads, but do not meet aesthetic needs. Such samples include cast iron batteries, known to us since Soviet times. A good example Modern cast iron radiators can be considered retro-style radiators that fit perfectly into the interior.

The advantages of cast iron radiators include:

  1. operating pressure 6 – 10 atm, peak loads 18 or more atm;
  2. installation with different types of pipes;
  3. long service life;
  4. high heat output (100 – 200 W);
  5. quick size change if necessary;
  6. minimal corrosion.

Disadvantages of cast iron radiators:

  1. heavy weight;
  2. fragility;
  3. slow heating and cooling, inability to control temperature.

Bimetallic radiators

Steel and aluminum are used to produce such batteries. The inner surface of such radiators, which plays the role of coolant, is steel.

Advantages of bimetallic radiators:

  1. working pressure more than 35 atm;
  2. anti-corrosion resistance;
  3. fast heating and cooling, lack of inertia;
  4. modern attractive design;
  5. light weight;
  6. easy set of the required number of sections.

The disadvantage is the high cost.

A comparison of the two options does not reveal the superiority of any of them. Cast iron batteries cost 250 - 400 rubles per section in a conventional version and 1,500 - 6,000 rubles in a “retro” version. Prices for bimetallic radiators are 400 - 1500 rubles per section, imported ones are more expensive. Externally, bimetallic batteries look more attractive: they are more compact, more modern, and easy to clean. Based on the cost, we consider bimetallic radiators to be more preferable for apartments.


The photo shows bimetallic radiators for an apartment

Which heating radiators are best to choose for a private home?

Autonomous heating systems for private housing are distinguished by different operating conditions: low pressure and the absence of water hammer in the networks. The choice of radiators in this case is based on maximum heat transfer, price and quality. Any of existing radiators Suitable for heating a private home. Let's briefly look at the types of such equipment in order to choose which radiators are best for heating a private home.

Tubular and panel radiators made of steel

Such radiators are compact and visually attractive.

Advantages steel radiators:

  1. high efficiency;
  2. resistance to corrosion with properly prepared water;
  3. long service life;
  4. compactness and light weight;
  5. low price.

Flaws:

  1. not very good design;
  2. the need for periodic washing;
  3. the need for constant filling to prevent corrosion.

Aluminum radiators

Are different modern design and excellent heat dissipation. Imported models are much more expensive than Russian ones, but we recommend buying them.

Special operating requirements:

  • Careful control of the acidity of the coolant - aluminum quickly corrodes if this condition is not met.
  • Due to the high thermal power, uneven heat distribution in the room is possible. Before purchasing radiators, accurate calculations are required.

Overall, very good radiators for heating a home. If the operating instructions are followed, they will last quite a long time. The price of aluminum radiators is relatively low.

Bimetallic radiators

Combined radiators made of steel (internal part) and aluminum fins. Such radiators are treated with a primer against corrosion. They can withstand pressures of up to 20-35 atm and are unpretentious to the composition of circulating water.

The main disadvantage is the high cost. There are no water hammers or high pressure with autonomous heating, and the use of expensive radiators is impractical.

Cast iron radiators

The high thermal inertia of these radiators reduces the cost of heating a home. Cast iron batteries are resistant to corrosion. They are priced higher than aluminum and steel ones, but much lower than bimetallic ones.

The disadvantages of cast iron batteries are fragility and heavy weight.

When choosing which heating batteries are best for a private home, you need to consider two groups - steel or aluminum batteries. Aluminum ones are more interesting - they are lighter, more economical and give off more heat.



The photo shows ideal aluminum radiators for a country house

Which bimetallic heating radiators are better?

The choice of bimetallic batteries is large - the models are different in design, characteristics, design and cost. By comparing the characteristics of different radiators, we will determine which bimetallic heating radiators are better.

Bimetallic and semi-bimetallic radiators

Bimetallic radiators have aluminum only at the top. They are made from steel and then filled with aluminum under pressure. The coolant is in contact with the steel. There are models whose interior is made of copper. Such radiators are used with coolant to which antifreeze is added.

The interior of semi-bimetallic batteries consists of two metals: steel and aluminum. The best models of such radiators are produced by Sira, Rifar, Gordi. They are not cheap, but the quality is excellent.

Bimetallic radiators, sectional and monolithic

Monolithic radiators are distinguished by a solid steel or copper collector, onto which an aluminum “jacket” is placed. This design is called monolithic. Radiators of this type are more reliable than sectional ones, the weak point of which is the joints between sections. Characteristics of monolithic radiators:

  • service life up to 40 years (2 times longer than sectional ones);
  • operating pressure up to 100 bar (3 times more than sectional ones);
  • thermal power per section 100-200 W (equal to sectional).

The cost of monolithic radiators is approximately 20% higher than sectional ones, and it is impossible to change the size by adding or removing sections. Big choice models allows you to select the desired radiator.

Manufacturers of bimetallic radiators

Imported radiators are presented at Russian market Italian, South Korean, Polish companies.

Italian radiators

Represented by equipment from Sira, Global Style and Radena. Cost 700 – 1500 rubles per section, service life from 20 years. Main characteristics:

  • section thermal power 120 – 185 watts;
  • maximum water temperature – 110°C;
  • operating pressure up to 35 bar.

South Korean radiators

MARS batteries with a copper core costing from 400 rubles with the following characteristics:

  • section thermal power 167 watts;
  • maximum water temperature – 130°C;
  • operating pressure up to 20 bar.

Polish radiators

The REGULUS-system equipment with a copper core is well known in Russia.

Characteristics:

  • operating pressure – 15 bar;
  • maximum water temperature – 110°C.

Russian radiators

The most famous batteries are from the manufacturer Rifar, costing 500 - 900 rubles per section.

Characteristics:

  • section thermal power 100 – 200 watts;
  • maximum water temperature – 135°C;
  • operating pressure up to 20 bar.

Chinese radiators

They are characterized by low cost, modest design and low quality. If the budget does not allow you to buy high-quality equipment, then you can get by with cheap “Chinese” ones. Rely on this high performance, of course, it’s impossible.

In my opinion, the RIFAR MONOLIT radiator is considered the best Russian product. Characteristics: section thermal power 134 – 196 watts; maximum water temperature – 135 °C; operating pressure up to 100 bar.



The photo shows a RIFAR brand radiator

Which aluminum radiators are better?

Aluminum radiators are produced by Russian and foreign companies in a wide range. Among the main manufacturers:

Rifar, Russia

The best Russian company. Prices are higher than the Russian average - an average of 580 rubles per section. Main characteristics:

  • working pressure up to 20 atm (maximum 30 atm);
  • maximum coolant temperature 135°C;
  • 10 year warranty, 25 year service life.

Royal Termo, Russia

Co-production with Italians. Available models:

  1. Thermo revolution;
  2. Thermo Dream Liner;
  3. Thermo Indigo.

Characteristics:

  • working pressure – up to 20 atm;
  • thermal power 170 – 185 watts.

Radiators are manufactured using patented technologies.

VitaTerm, Russia

Used for production aluminum alloys with magnesium, lithium and titanium.

Characteristics:

  • thermal power 140 – 184 W;
  • operating pressure 16 atm (test pressure 24 atm).

Global, Italy

The well-known Italian manufacturer offers radiators of excellent quality and elegant design. A section of such a radiator costs about 400 rubles. One of the best offers on the market, considering the price and quality.

SMART, China

Budget option for aluminum radiators. The design is simple, universal, good quality. The cost of the section is about 300 rubles.

Choosing an aluminum radiator is not difficult - there are many offers in different technical and price categories. If you choose from domestic equipment, then Rifar radiators will be a worthy purchase; among imported ones, we recommend the Italian Global. Of course, the proposals are the most general - when choosing, the buyer should proceed from own capabilities and needs.



The photo shows a Global brand radiator

Which heating radiators are better - aluminum or bimetallic?

Let's start with the comparison of bimetallic and aluminum radiators with the design and characteristics of the batteries.

1. Aluminum radiators consist of separate sections that are connected by nipples. Gaskets are installed between the sections. Ribs with inside increase the heat transfer area.

2. Bimetallic radiators consist of a steel core and an aluminum body with fins.

Comparative characteristics:

  • In terms of heat transfer, aluminum is much preferable - within 10 minutes after switching on the room is warm.
  • Aluminum radiators have a lower operating pressure (up to 20 atm) than bimetallic radiators (up to 40 atm), i.e. they can only be installed in autonomous heating systems of private houses.
  • Aluminum radiators are more sensitive to the quality of the coolant. When the pH rises above 8, aluminum batteries will quickly fail.
  • The maximum temperature for bimetallic batteries (130°C) is higher than for aluminum batteries (110°C).
  • The service life of bimetallic batteries is 15-20 years, aluminum - 10 years.
  • The cost of bimetallic radiators is 20–35% higher than aluminum ones.

When choosing radiators, you need to take into account the conditions in which they will have to work. For autonomous heating of a private house, aluminum batteries are more suitable, for an apartment in a high-rise building - bimetallic ones.

Installation and installation of heating radiators

The high cost of installing heating radiators in an apartment or private house often forces owners to carry out this work themselves. The cost of heating installation work depends on the total volume, number of installation elements, selected connection diagram, type and model of radiators, etc.

To install heating radiators yourself, you must:

  1. become familiar with connection methods;
  2. know the connection rules;
  3. correctly calculate and accurately measure the location of radiators;
  4. have the necessary tools for installation.

The heating battery is installed so as to provide maximum efficiency heating The greatest heat loss is through windows, so placing radiators under the windows creates thermal curtain, preventing heat from escaping.

The installation of heating radiators must be carried out strictly at right angles in horizontal and vertical planes– incorrect placement leads to air accumulation and rapid corrosion of the radiator.

Distances that must be ensured during installation for normal heat exchange and circulation warm air:

  • from the top grille of the battery to the window sill - 5-10 cm;
  • from the bottom edge of the battery to the floor – 8-12 cm;
  • from the radiator to the wall – 2-5 cm;
  • When installing reflective thermal insulation on a wall, you should purchase longer retaining hooks.

Calculation of the number of radiator sections

When purchasing radiators, find out how to calculate the required number of sections. It is better to assemble the sections in the store when purchasing batteries. Remember a simple rule: one section is used to heat 2 square meters of area with a ceiling height of 2.7 m. Make roundings upward.

To install radiators you will need the following tools:

  1. pliers;
  2. screwdriver;
  3. hammer drill;
  4. pipe wrench;
  5. construction level;
  6. tape measure, pencil.

Replacing the battery is done in the following order:

  1. the old battery is dismantled;
  2. markings are made for attaching a new one;
  3. brackets and battery canopy are installed;
  4. assembly kit is assembled;
  5. a valve, a valve under the thermal head and a Mayevsky valve are installed;
  6. heating pipes are connected.

Particularly common is the installation of heating radiators with a bottom connection, in which hot water is introduced into the bottom of the radiator and discharged from the bottom of the other side. Such radiators are more attractive in appearance, fit perfectly into the interior and allow you to hide the pipework under the floor.

Thermostats for heating radiators

To regulate the heat supply during the period heating season We recommend installing a thermostat on each radiator. Installing a thermostat on a heating radiator is described in detail on websites on the Internet. More complex programmable thermostats will automatically turn radiators on and off to maintain the desired temperature. You can install thermostats on each battery with two-pipe heating, which is typical for a private house. With a single-pipe system (in apartment buildings), to install a thermostat, a bypass is installed in front of the radiator - a pipe perpendicular between the supply and the “return”. The diameter of the bypass pipe is always smaller than the diameter of the distribution pipes.

If the radiators are covered with thick curtains to the floor, the circulation of warm air is disrupted and only the window is heated. The window sill covering the top of the battery also interferes with normal air circulation. The efficiency of the heating radiator is reduced by 20%.



Heating radiator connection diagrams

Basic radiator connection diagrams:

1. Lateral one-way connection

The most commonly used and provides maximum heat transfer. The inlet pipe is connected to the upper branch pipe, the outlet pipe to the lower one.

2. Bottom connection

It is used if heating pipes are hidden under the floor or baseboard. Aesthetically the most successful way. The supply and return pipes from below go vertically to the floor.

3. Diagonal connection

This is done with a large number of sections (more than 12). The supply pipe is connected to the upper pipe on one side, and the return pipe is discharged from the opposite side through the lower pipe. The Mayevsky valve on radiators serves to remove excess air. The connection is inconvenient because when replacing or repairing a radiator, you need to turn off the entire heating system

4. Parallel connection

With this connection, the coolant is supplied through a heat pipe that is built into the heating system. The withdrawal also occurs. Inlet and outlet valves allow you to replace the radiator without shutting down the system as a whole. The disadvantage of this scheme is that at low pressure the radiator heats up poorly.


conclusions

  1. When choosing radiators for a private house or apartment in a high-rise building, you should take into account the operating conditions typical for autonomous or centralized heat supply. Cast iron or bimetallic radiators are suitable for an apartment; aluminum or cast iron are suitable for a private house. For the rest, you need to be guided by specific conditions: interior requirements, financial capabilities, equipment cost, manufacturer reliability, etc.
  2. Calculation of the required number of radiator sections for certain premises We recommend checking by receiving the seller's recommendations upon purchase.
  3. During installation, it is necessary to maintain all the necessary distances of the radiator from the floor, walls, etc., as well as the horizontal position of its position in different planes. A thermostat installed on radiators helps you save money - you can turn off unnecessary radiators or set an automatic temperature maintenance mode.

Radiators and radiators - which are best for a private home? This is the question every owner of a country house asks himself when he decides to provide his home with an autonomous heating system. Today we will look at which radiators to choose for your dacha.

Not all radiators can be used for installation in an apartment where a centralized heating system is installed. But all types of appliances are suitable for a country house. Indeed, in the water that passes through pipes in private houses, most often there are no impurities with chlorine and alkali. A variety of materials are used for the manufacture of radiators:

  • cast iron;
  • metal (steel);
  • aluminum;
  • bimetal

Types of heating devices for a country house

And according to their design, aluminum and other devices are divided into sectional, tubular, panel and convector. Let's study each type of heating radiator for installation in a private home - knowledge about the advantages, disadvantages and operating features will help you make the right choice.

The simplest type of radiators is cast iron. These products are still popular on the market, despite their more modern counterparts. It is quite simple to explain this popularity - cast iron products have many advantages, including:

  • strength and durability, time-tested - can last two decades or more;
  • the ability to assemble a radiator from a different number of sections;
  • rust resistance;
  • low level of heat transfer;
  • the material is not afraid of chemical attack.

Cast iron radiators

Strength is due to the fact that cast iron batteries are equipped with very thick walls. But this is precisely the main disadvantage of the products - too much weight due to the heaviness of the materials used for production. Low thermal conductivity is considered both a plus and a minus at the same time. The main advantage is that the batteries, although they warm up slowly, also cool down slowly - if the heating turns off, the radiators will remain warm for some time. But you won’t be able to quickly regulate the temperature using regulators with such radiators.

Another disadvantage of cast iron batteries is their unpresentability. True, on the modern market you can find models with an exclusive design, but their cost will be significantly higher than the price of ordinary radiators.

Steel batteries are produced in two types: they can be tubular and panel. Panel panels are two connected plates with a thickness of up to 2 mm. Their advantages include low inertia, radiation of large amounts of heat, modern stylish look, the possibility of manufacturing products different forms, low cost and resistance to ghosting inside the heating system. However, steel types of radiators have such disadvantages as:

  • high risk of rust;
  • restrictions on use in heating systems in which the coolant contains various reagents from alkali;
  • it is impossible to choose the number of sections - steel radiators are produced as pre-assembled panels.

Steel battery

One of the varieties of steel radiators is tubular models. Their main advantage is interesting design and the ability to choose the appropriate form. You can buy a product with an internal coating of steel with special polymer compounds, which will reduce the risk of rust.

Autonomous types of heating in private homes are most often made in the form of a system of pipes and radiators, where the coolant is hot water. Such systems are called . If you have just such a system installed at home, it is better to opt for aluminum heating radiators for a private home. They have advantages such as:

  • light weight, which allows you to install radiators even on fragile plasterboard walls;
  • aesthetic appearance;
  • high level of heat transfer;
  • the ability to regulate the temperature with special taps.

Aluminum radiator temperature control valve

However, aluminum products have some disadvantages, which it is advisable to know about in advance. For example, the coolant in such radiators must be free of chemical additives and solid particles that can destroy the material. In addition, aluminum radiators are known to have threaded connections that are not of the highest quality, which increases the risk of leaks.

You can find it on sale today new type radiators are bimetallic. Such batteries are made of an alloy of aluminum and steel, which makes them quite practical and reliable. The design of the device is presented in the form of a steel core, which is coated with aluminum. As a result, the coolant passing through the steel elements does not harm the aluminum. Thanks to this design, such radiators can also be used in apartments with a centralized heating system. The main advantages include:

  • the ability to withstand pressure surges in pipes (up to 35 atmospheres);
  • light weight due to the use of aluminum;
  • high level of heat transfer.

Bimetallic radiator

If we talk about the disadvantages, there is only one – a fairly high price. Such radiators cost more than aluminum, steel and cast iron, which slightly slows down their widespread use.

How to choose the right heating radiators for a private home? Here, not only the appearance of the products is important, but also the power - when purchasing a device, you need to find out how much power is needed to heat the system. This is not as difficult to do as it might seem at first. So, to heat one square meter in a room with a ceiling height of three meters and one window you need about 100 W. Then simply multiply the area of ​​the room by 100 watts. And to make the calculations even more accurate, do not forget:

  • if the room has one window and two external walls, add about another 20% to the calculated power;
  • if there are two windows and two external walls, add about 25-30%;
  • when the window faces the northern part, it is worth adding at least 10% to the calculations.

Having carried out such calculations, you will be able to more accurately select a suitable radiator for your home. And the power of devices can always be seen in the documents - the “passport” of the device. By the way, it doesn’t matter at all which heating radiators you decide to choose for installation in a private home, if you install them incorrectly, they will decorate your home, but will not provide the necessary heat to heat the room.

Choosing radiators for a country house

Let's look at where to mount radiators - this information will definitely be useful to you when you create. So, batteries should be placed under light openings - windows. This place always has the most heat loss, even if you have modern double-glazed windows installed. A radiator placed under the window will warm the air around it. After which the heated air rises and creates a curtain in front of the window, preventing the cold from entering the room.

When choosing which heating radiators are best to purchase for a private home, do not forget about the importance of the length of the devices - it must correspond to the width of the window opening. As a last resort, the length should be at least 50% of the window width. IN corner room It is worth placing 1-2 additional devices along external walls exposed to cold air. When planning to install heating risers, mount them in the corners, which will ensure their heating and will avoid the possibility of blackening the walls and the appearance of mold in them.

And do not forget that access to batteries must be open. Many owners of private houses cover heating radiators with sheets of plasterboard, which is undesirable - this will complicate the process of cleaning and repairing the devices if necessary. In addition, the use of such a fence will lead to a revision of previously carried out power calculations.

We told you how and which heating batteries are best to choose for installation in a private home. Now you know that when purchasing devices, you need to take into account the quality of the water in the pipes, the power of the devices, their appearance, and even the possibility of installation on fragile partitions, if necessary.

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 various 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, a few “dry” numbers, which, nevertheless, can already give an initial idea. Some parameters various types batteries - in the table:

TSChgAlBMAA
Maximum pressure, (atmospheres)
- working6-10 6-9 10-20 35 15-40
- crimping9 -15 12-15 15-30 57 25-75
- destruction18-25 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:
- oxygenYesNoNoYesNo
- stray currentsYesNoYesYesNo
- electrolytic pairsweakNoYesweakNo
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 of the types in more detail.

Steel radiators

They may differ both in their design and in their design solutions. 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 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 low mass steel sheet The panel warms up almost immediately after heating starts. 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.

TO negative traits 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 the system central heating, 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 different sizes, height varies from 200 to 2000 mm, and 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 central system heating, they, just 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 keep them from exposure aggressive environment coolant, and as a result - from the occurrence of corrosion centers, which significantly extends their service life.


The advantages of tubular steel batteries include a variety of design solutions in shape and color, supply of radiators additional elements, 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 are not forgotten. They can be found in stores in a transformed form, decorated under modern interiors or under the 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 from can have various 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 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.
  • Important functional feature is a high thermal power, 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 inner 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 heating systems open type, 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 cash, 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 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, thanks to 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 others heating devices, have their own 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 factor 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 ready-made sections 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 designs, batteries are assembled using couplings that are secured with outside 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 through 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. Means, 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 light weight, easy 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 floor covering but also its 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.