Heating batteries (radiators): selection criteria and manufacturers

The issue of providing heat to your home is a concern for most people. If the problem of heating is not solved, then no refined modern situation will help to create a cosiness in the winter. Today it is difficult to find at least one dwelling in which it is impossible to install heating batteries (radiators). And it does not matter whether it's a house, an apartment or a mansion. In this case, a rather complicated question arises, connected with the choice of these devices. On the market there is a huge variety of models and materials from which they are made. For an ordinary person, the problem becomes an independent decision as to which particular option will be appropriate in its particular case. That is why it is important not only to choose radiators of heating, the characteristics of which will be optimal, but also to know the advantages and disadvantages of different types, heat transfer, and the degree of reliability. About this and will be told.

Criterias of choice

Most often, when choosing heating batteries (radiators), people primarily pay attention to design, although this is completely contrary to logic. The second important factor is usually the price. However, the most important characteristic for specialists is heat transfer. Since this parameter directly affects the efficiency of heating the room. It is necessary to be guided by an indicator of 100-150 W per square meter of the room, or by figures close to this value.

Durability and reliability are especially important parameters for our heating systems, as they are characterized by unpleasant features: severe water pollution and unstable pressure. This causes corrosion and hydraulic shocks. Therefore, the presence of an anti-corrosion coating is a good option for the model chosen. It is worth considering that the pressure in the heating system of high-rise buildings is 9-10 atmospheres, and individual boiler-houses - no more than 6. It is this indicator primarily determines the durability and reliability of heating appliances.

Size - an important parameter that affects the overall appearance of the room. Here, factors such as the area of the heated space, as well as its purpose, are significant. Heating batteries (radiators) are important not only to acquire, but also to deliver them to the installation site, and then install. That is why such a parameter, as mass, is of no small importance. Now you can consider each type of radiator individually, in order to better navigate their characteristics.

Aluminum batteries

This type is made of an aluminum alloy of a special property, which is characterized by a high degree of heat transfer. Heating radiators aluminum are currently the most popular among all other types. With the fact that they appeared not so long ago, about 30 years ago, they are recognized as the most effective for heating premises. It is worth considering these radiators in more detail. The characteristics of aluminum batteries are as follows:

- small size;

- light weight;

- ability to work under high pressure conditions;

- Affordable cost;

- more number of ribs provides high quality heat transfer.

These were positive moments of such a decision, but they also have a disadvantage - the susceptibility to corrosion. Usually this process is significantly accelerated when there are contact between two dissimilar metals, or when wandering currents occur in the heating system . The destruction also occurs due to the loss of the integrity of the oxide film covering the batteries.

Properties

So, these were the pros and cons of aluminum heating radiators. The characteristics of these batteries are not limited to this, as they are sectional and integral, which is also very important when choosing. The first type involves joining several sections together. Thanks to this, it is possible at any time to either increase the radiators or replace the section that failed. But the reliability and longevity of such a solution can be significantly affected by the presence of these compounds. One-piece radiators are made of profiles that are welded together. Since the inter-sectional pads are missing, they are characterized by their reliability and strength. However, the indiscriminate design makes it impossible to increase the number of devices during operation.

So, this information will be incomplete, if not to say about the manufacturers of aluminum radiators. The best manufacturers are European companies. Italian radiators Global have already managed to prove themselves well in the Russian territory. Under the license of the company, an exact copy is made under the name Rifar. Chinese products are characterized by the worst quality, but their cost is half the price. Among the leaders can be called the Italian manufacturers Sira, Ferroli, Chinese Scola, as well as the brand Konner.

Cast iron radiators

This option is the cheapest of all, known at the moment. At the same time, existing equipment is characterized by a huge variety, cast iron radiators for more than a century remain the most in demand. Previously, when determining the merits and demerits, first of all, an unremarkable form was taken into account, but now we are talking about a variety of decorated options characterized by a stylish appearance. Among the negative aspects, the old technology, insufficient warming up of the room and thermal inertia are usually singled out. The big weight is one more essential minus of similar decisions.

Features of cast iron radiators

However, all the mentioned shortcomings are also the advantages of such equipment. For example, inertia. It allows to noticeably smooth out the temperature changes in the room after the heating system is switched on. That is why modern cast-iron radiators (radiators), whose prices depend on the design and amount to 490 rubles per section, can keep heat for a very long time. The length of their service life is completely incommensurable with all other species.

As varieties in this case, it is customary to allocate tubular and sectional. The former are more in demand. The size and number of sections have a direct effect on heat transfer. Usually there are seven of them, they are connected to each other in a battery. To increase the heat transfer to the section, the ribs are placed. The second option is also very popular, especially considering the improved design and the ability to fit into any modern interior.

The subtleties of choice

If you choose cast iron radiators (batteries), then you should base on certain information about them. This is the best option for rooms in which water circulation is provided in a natural way. If you use a water heating system, then if you want to keep the heat for a long time when it is turned off, this option will be the best. If the boiler does not work on gas, but on a different kind of fuel, then it will be most correct to use this option, since it has adequately passed the test of time.

Now it is possible to name the manufacturers who managed to prove themselves from the positive side. One of the leading in Europe is the company Guratec (Germany). Consumers are attracted to Konner products (joint production of China with Russia). Domestic company Santechlit also offers quality radiators.

Heating radiators, bimetallic

This device is a special alloy of steel and aluminum. As a basis in this case, a skeleton of steel is used, which is made of welded pipes. After this, the workpiece is inserted into a special mold, which is filled with molten aluminum. Outwardly this section looks like an aluminum one. In this case, a very high heat transfer is obtained.

Properties and features

So, if you are interested in bimetallic heating batteries (radiators), it is important to know that they are full and incomplete bimetallic. The first option is acceptable, as it guarantees a long service life. When deciding to install such products in your own you need to know about their characteristics. Bimetallic heating batteries (radiators), prices starting from 600 rubles per section, are able to work with a pressure of 30 atmospheres. Among the advantages it is customary to allocate a high degree of resistance to chemical influences, which guarantees their durability. The optimal size is another undeniable advantage. The disadvantage is that the possibility of a structure is destroyed over time due to the lack of close connection of metals.

As leading manufacturers of such products are usually called Italian brands: Alurad, Global, Sira, as well as Russian Rifar. Products from China consumers are buying with caution.

Heating steel radiators

This is an excellent combination of a whole host of advantages: appearance, heat output and cost. This made them very popular. In addition, they are well combined with any materials that are used when creating a water heating system. To purchase the most reliable solution it is worthwhile to be guided by the requirements in each specific case.

Italy is the leader in the production and sale of steel radiators, mainly for the brand Delonghi. There are other popular brands.