AND centralized systems 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 the best characteristics, High Quality and optimal price. The operating conditions of heating equipment in apartments are very different - here reliability and load resistance 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 heating of housing: 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 of 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

They feature a 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. Price for aluminum radiators 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. Comparing the characteristics different radiators, let's determine which bimetallic heating radiators are better.

Bimetallic and semi-bimetallic radiators

Bimetallic radiators only have aluminum top part. 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. Best models 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 represented on the Russian market by Italian, South Korean, and 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 temperature water – 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

Aluminum alloys with magnesium, lithium and titanium are used for production.

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 very general - the buyer should base his choice on his 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 systems heating 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.

For self-installation heating radiators you need:

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 to ensure maximum heating efficiency. The greatest heat loss is through windows, so placing radiators under the windows creates a 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 buying radiators, find out how to calculate required quantity 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, maintaining desired temperature. You can install thermostats on each battery when two-pipe heating, typical for a private house. At 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

Done when large quantities sections (more than 12). The supply pipe is connected to the upper pipe on one side, and the return pipe is discharged from reverse side through the bottom 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. We recommend checking the calculation of the required number of radiator sections for a specific room 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.

It's winter, cold outside. You come home, and it’s warm and comfortable. The warmth in the apartment depends on a high-quality heating radiator. And if the batteries fail and no longer fully heat the apartment, the time has come for replacement heating system. Heating radiators, which are better for an apartment, which are the most reliable, and the cheapest?

To make it easier to choose, you need to consider what types of radiators there are, what material was used in their manufacture and technical parameters.

Panel heating radiators have a solid panel, the main difference is the absence of sections.

They are in demand among buyers due to their neat appearance. They look harmonious in the apartment and fit any interior. They have different widths, heights and thicknesses.

Sectional heating radiators - The name itself says that they have sections. Sections can be added or subtracted if desired. Choose your own the required power.
They have many butt joints, and this is a weak point that can leak. In these places the radiator has rubber seals and everything will depend on the quality of the rubber. When choosing models, you need to trust a reliable manufacturer.

Expert opinion

Sergey Yurievich

Ask a question to an expert

Sectional radiators have three types of height; to install them you need to buy separately fasteners and taps.

Pipe heating radiators - This is a structure that consists of horizontally located pipes. But on appearance, it is not readily chosen for installation in an apartment. Although there are jack-of-all-trades craftsmen who can easily make such radiators themselves. Pipe radiators are not poorly used in office spaces.

What are the materials for heating radiators?

Cast iron

Classics of the genre, time-tested, reliable. The service life of cast iron batteries lasts for 70 years, for this reason many people install them in apartments.

Expert opinion

Sergey Yurievich

Construction of houses, extensions, terraces and verandas.

Ask a question to an expert

Excellent heat retention.

But the civilization of the 21st century brings its own views to the issue of aesthetics in the interior. Cast iron batteries have simply become old-fashioned and do not fit into the design modern apartment. But many will not agree with this, as they say “there are no comrades according to taste.”

Expert opinion

Sergey Yurievich

Construction of houses, extensions, terraces and verandas.

Ask a question to an expert

The disadvantages include: they are heavy, not convenient to install, rust at the joints, and have to be repainted periodically.

Aluminum

Have modern design and fit perfectly with the interior of city apartments.

• Easy to install.
• Cheap
• They heat up quickly and release heat into the room.

Steel

Heats up quickly and releases heat

• Cheap

Bimetallic

This design consists of 2 types of metal. A steel tube containing an aluminum alloy inside.

• Resistant to internal pressures in the heating system.
• Significantly higher in price than other radiators.
• Long service life.

In conclusion to the above

• In old houses or outside the city, cast iron radiators are suitable.
• In modern high-rise buildings, you need to choose something that is stronger and more resistant to pressure changes in heating systems.

How to choose the right heating radiator (video)

Which heating radiator is best to choose for an apartment? This question is asked by all city residents who are dissatisfied with the standard heating system in their home. Moreover, the reasons for dissatisfaction can be both aesthetic - an old battery spoils the design, and practical - the radiator does not heat as well as we would like. In this article we will try to help you choose an attractive and truly warm radiator.

Modern heating batteries for an apartment

Don't know which radiator is better? Then let's go through everything possible options.Moreover, this will take very little time, because modern manufacturers are ready to offer us only four types of “apartment” batteries:

• Steel radiators are the simplest and cheapest option for a heating device. Such a heater is assembled on the basis of a circulation circuit sewn from two sheets of rolled stock that is not the thickest. The coolant flows along the panel circuit and heats the ribbed elements attached to its surface. Moreover, these fins are very thin, so they heat up in a very short time.
• Aluminum batteries are a more expensive heater. Instead of cheap ferrous metal, they use non-ferrous metal, which has greater thermal conductivity. That is, both the circulation circuit (pipe) and the plates (ribs strung on this pipe) are made of expensive aluminum. But the high price is compensated by very high heat transfer. Such batteries squeeze more energy out of the coolant than other radiators.
• Cast iron radiators - such a heater is made from cheap ferrous metal, but the technology for manufacturing such radiators cannot be called inexpensive. Cast iron is poured into a mold to create a section of the future battery. And small-scale foundry production is the most expensive and, in addition, environmentally friendly metalworking technology. However, there are no complaints about the cast iron sections themselves - they do not harm human health during operation and have an amazingly long service life and colossal thermal inertia. This battery cools down slower than its competitors.
• Bimetallic batteries - similar heaters appeared relatively recently, when the technology of constructing a radiator based on a steel or copper tubular circuit and aluminum heating elements (fins) was patented. Thanks to this, manufacturers managed to increase the heat transfer of the heating element, simultaneously improving all other characteristics.

Now that you are already familiar with the main types of batteries, you can choose the best option, suitable for you. How to do it? We will talk about this below in the text.

Steel battery - is it suitable for residents of 9-story buildings?

When choosing a battery, try to focus not on the advantages, but on the disadvantages of a particular type of radiator. Or rather, the balance of the pros and cons of each option. And if we look at the types of modern apartment heaters from this point of view, then the following picture will open before us. A steel battery is good for its low cost and huge active surface. Circulation circuit panels sewn from sheet steel provide large area radiation and without ribbed elements. They are also very light and do not cause difficulties during installation, since the inlet and outlet pipes can be located literally anywhere, and not just in the corners of the structure.

However, such batteries look like boxes in appearance, which does not decorate the interior. In addition, a steel heater can withstand only 6-10 atmospheres of internal pressure, and such batteries have virtually no corrosion resistance, so they will live in an apartment for no more than 15-20 years. In addition, the steel heater cools down very quickly. Conclusion: a steel radiator is suitable if there is a budget deficit, but even in this case only residents of 5-story buildings can buy it. In nine-story buildings, such a battery will burst at the first pressure surge.

Where is an aluminum radiator useful - an apartment or a private house?

Aluminum batteries are more expensive than steel panel radiators, but they have amazing heat dissipation. Therefore, the large steel panel can be replaced aluminum construction smaller sizes. As a result, due to the difference in size, the price of aluminum heaters may approach the cost of cheap steel batteries. In addition, aluminum does not rust on the outside, and the internal pressure is so heating element can be raised to 12 atmospheres.

The dark side of this option is the high sensitivity of aluminum to the chemical composition of the coolant. This metal oxidizes when the acidity jumps, releasing hydrogen. It also forms a galvanic couple with brass fittings, which also leads to corrosion, causing leaks and other troubles. In short, the high heat output had to be paid for by the capricious nature of such a battery. Conclusion: an aluminum battery is good where there is confidence in stability chemical composition coolant and pressure in the system. This radiator will be most useful in country house, townhouse or cottage. In urban conditions, its use is not justified due to its capricious nature.

When to use a cast iron product - a long-term option

A cast iron battery can look like a work of art. Molded patterns and the unusual shape of the sections turn such a radiator into an art object that can fit into any interior style. In addition, such a heater is not afraid of acidity and corrosion. After all, the cast iron section has very thick walls - a by-product of foundry production technology, which will withstand 50 years of operation.

Among the disadvantages of this option, the following can be noted: cast iron sections have high thermal inertia, so they cool and heat up slowly; such a battery needs a very hot coolant that can warm up massive elements. In addition, the significant weight of such structures forces a special system of fastening to the wall. Therefore, multi-section radiators are equipped with legs (for floor mounting). Conclusion: a cast iron radiator is suitable for wealthy people who plan to live in a particular apartment for decades. Moreover, the maximum pressure in cast iron battery(10 atmospheres) does not allow placing such an element above the 5-7th floor.

The best battery based on the sum of its advantages and disadvantages

Bimetallic radiators can withstand 35 atmospheres, so you don’t need to look at the number of floors in your home. In addition, unprincipled issues in this case include the quality of the coolant and its temperature. Aluminum fins can work with both warm and hot flow, and steel pipes will withstand both high acidity and an abundance of abrasive inclusions trying to scratch the circuit from the inside.

And such a heater is easy to install in the system, since it does not require either massive wall brackets or special fittings that prevent electrochemical corrosion.

The only drawback of the bimetallic option is the high price, but it also pays off due to a very long service life. Conclusion: such a battery can be installed anywhere – in a five-story building or in a skyscraper. Yes, it is not cheap, but its advantages outweigh this disadvantage. Therefore on the title" best battery for an apartment" only a bimetallic radiator can qualify.

How to choose a heating device based on the size of the room - simple formulas

WITH optimal variety radiator, we have already decided, so now we just need to understand how to choose heating batteries in city ​​apartment according to the footage of the home. After all, a heater that is too large or too small will make living conditions in the apartment simply unbearable. The first will make you feel stuffy, and the second will make you cold. Moreover golden mean- this is when the room is warm enough, but not hot - it is defined very simply.

To do this you need to follow these recommendations:

• First, we determine the footage of the room. To do this, multiply the length and width, measuring the parameters with a tape measure. If you are too lazy to bother with calculations, find the documents for the apartment and look at the footage of the room there.
• Next translate square meters(units of area) to watts (units of power). Use the proportion: 1 m 2 = 100 watts. That is for large room for 20 squares you need 2000 watts (20x100) or 2 kW.
• After this, you can go to the store and ask the consultant to show you a battery with a thermal power equal to the calculated number of watts.
• If the battery is assembled from sections, then you need to clarify the heat transfer of one section and divide this value by the desired power of the battery. As a result, you will get the correct number of sections. That is, if one section emits 200 watts, and we need a 2000 W battery, then to assemble such a radiator we will have to buy 10 sections (2000/200).

Guided by these simple rules, you can buy a battery without overpaying for extra dimensions and sections.