The best heating batteries for an apartment. Which heating radiators to choose - aluminum, steel or cast iron. By general appearance

The quality and efficiency of the heating system affects the creation of a comfortable environment in a residential area. One of the main elements of the heating system is a radiator, which transfers heat from a heated coolant using radiation, convection and thermal conductivity.

They are divided into separate groups depending on the material of manufacture, design, shape, application.

One of the important details that you need to pay attention to when choosing is the material of manufacture. The modern market offers several options: aluminum, cast iron, steel, bimetallic heaters.

Aluminum heat exchangers comprehensively heat the room by thermal radiation and convection, which occurs through the movement of heated air from the lower sections of the heater to the upper ones.

Main characteristics:

Working pressure from 5 to 16 atmospheres;
Thermal power of one section - 81–212 W;
The maximum water heating temperature is 110 degrees;
The pH of the water is 7–8;
The service life is 10-15 years.

There are two manufacturing methods:

Casting.

At increased pressure, separate sections are made of aluminum with the addition of silicon (no more than 12%), which are fastened into one heater. The number of sections varies, it is possible to attach additional sections to one section.

extrusion method.

This method is cheaper than injection molding and involves the manufacture of vertical parts of the battery on an extruder, and the collector is made of silumin (aluminum-silicon alloy). Parts are connected, adding or reducing sections is not possible.

Advantages:

High thermal conductivity
Light weight, easy installation
An increased level of heat transfer, which is facilitated by the design features of the heat exchanger.
Modern design that fits into any interior.
Due to the reduced volume of coolant in the sections, aluminum units heat up quickly.
The design of the battery allows you to embed thermostats, thermal valves, which contribute to economical consumption heat, adjusting the heating of the coolant to the required temperature.
Easy to install, installation is possible without the involvement of professionals.
The outer coating of the battery prevents the formation of peeling paint.
Low cost.

Flaws:

Sensitive to shock and other physical influences, as well as pressure surges. These batteries are not suitable for installation on industrial enterprises due to high pressure in the heating system.
The need to constantly maintain the pH level of the water within the acceptable range.
Contaminated coolant - water with solid particles, chemical impurities - damages the inner protective layer of the walls, causing their destruction, corrosion and blockages, which reduces the service life. Filters need to be installed and cleaned.
Aluminum reacts with oxygen in water to oxidize, releasing hydrogen. This leads to gas formation in the heating system. To avoid rupture, the installation of an air release device is required, which needs constant maintenance.
Joints between sections are susceptible to leakage.
Aluminum radiators are not compatible with copper pipes, which are often used in modern systems heating. When they interact, oxidation processes occur.
Weak convection.

Characteristics:

Heat dissipation - 1200–1800 W;
The indicator of working pressure is from 6 to 15 atmospheres;
Temperature hot water is 110–120 C.
Steel thickness - from 1.15 to 1.25 mm.

Advantages:

Little inertia. The steel heat exchanger heats up very quickly and begins to give off heat to the room
Increased heat transfer by thermal radiation and convection
Long service life due to uncomplicated design
Ease of installation
A light weight
Low cost
Attractive appearance, original design. Steel are made in various forms, allowing them to be placed vertically, horizontally and at an angle.
Compatibility with various materials used as fasteners
High level of energy saving
Installation of temperature controllers
Simple design ensures easy maintenance

Flaws:

Low resistance to corrosion. Units made of the thickest steel can withstand a service life of no more than ten years.
Do not leave for a long time without water inside, which is not suitable for central heating.
Inability to withstand strong water hammer and pressure surges, especially at welds.
If the outer coating was initially applied with flaws, over time it will begin to flake off.

Models of steel radiators differ in the type of connection - it can be side or bottom. The bottom connection is considered universal, it is discreet in the interior, but more expensive in cost.

Depending on the number of panels and convectors, or internal sections, there are several types.

Type 10 has one panel without a convector, 11 has one panel and one convector, 21 has two heating panels and one internal section, and so on, types 22, 33 and others are divided by analogy. Three-panel heat exchangers are quite heavy, heat up more slowly and require more complex maintenance.

They are made of several identical sections, cast from cast iron and hermetically connected to each other. When installing such a heater, it is necessary to determine the number of sections, which depends on the area of \u200b\u200bthe room, the number of windows, the height of the floor, the angular placement of the apartment.

Characteristics:

Withstanding pressure 18 atmospheres;
Hot water temperature - 150 C;
Power 100–150 W;

Advantages:

Corrosion resistant. Cast iron is a wear-resistant material, the quality of the coolant does not affect functionality.
Retains heat for a long time after stopping heating.
Service life of 30 years or more.
Compatibility with other materials.
Increased heat transfer thanks to vertical arrangement inner ribs.
Heat resistance, strength.
Due to the internal diameter and volume of the sections, minimal hydraulic resistance is created and blockages do not occur.

Flaws:

Heavy weight, making it difficult to install and move.
Slow heating.
The impossibility of embedding a temperature controller.
Difficulty in care and coloring.
The outer coating is not stable, may flake off and peel off. For this reason, it becomes necessary to periodically stain the battery.
Unrepresentable appearance.
Increased fuel costs due to large internal volume.
Cast iron heat exchangers have porous inner surface, collecting pollution on itself, which over time will lead to a deterioration in the thermal conductivity of the battery.

This type includes devices with aluminum housing and steel pipes inside. They are most common when installed in residential areas.

Characteristics:

The indicator of working pressure is from 18 to 40 atmospheres;
Thermal power - 125–180 W;
The permissible temperature of the coolant is from 110 to 130 degrees;
The warranty period is 20 years on average.

Varieties:

100% bimetallic, i.e. the inner core is made of steel, the outer part is made of aluminum. They are stronger.
Bimetallic by 50% - only those pipes that reinforce vertical channels consist of steel. At a cost, they are cheaper than the first type, and heat up faster.

Advantages:

Long service life without the need for maintenance.
Increased level of heat transfer. This is achieved due to the rapid heating of the aluminum panels and the small internal volume of the steel core.
Strength, reliability, resistance to mechanical stress and pressure surges.
Corrosion resistance due to the use of high-strength steel with a special coating.
Light weight, easy installation.
Aesthetic appearance that will fit into the interior.

Flaws:

Expensive.
During the draining of water from the heating system, with simultaneous exposure to air and water, the steel core may corrode. In this case, it is better to use bimetallic models with a copper core and aluminum panels.
Aluminum and steel differ in terms of thermal expansion. Therefore, heat transfer instability, characteristic noises and crackling inside the device are possible during the first years of operation.

For proper operation of the bimetal heat exchanger, it is recommended to install an air vent valve and shut-off valves on the inlet and outlet pipes.

By design features are divided into the following types:

Sectional
Panel
Tubular

Devices consisting of sections of the same type, connected together, inside each of which there are from two to four channels through which the coolant moves.

The body with sections is assembled to the required thermal power, length, shape. Made from various materials- steel, aluminum, cast iron, bimetals.

Advantages:

The ability to install additional sections or remove unnecessary ones, depending on the required length of the heat exchanger and the area of \u200b\u200bthe heated room.
Increased heat transfer produced by the method of radiation and convection.
By increasing the number of sections, the power of the radiator increases.
Low cost.
Profitability.
Installation of temperature controllers.
Different center distance allows you to install the heater everywhere.

Flaws:

Joints between sections are subject to water leakage, and with a sharp increase in pressure, they can disperse.
Difficulties in maintenance associated with the removal of contaminants in the space between sections.
The inner surface of the sections has irregularities, which creates blockages.

They consist of two metal shields treated with anti-corrosion protection, fastened together by welding. Inside the panels, a coolant circulates through vertical channels, and ribs are attached to the back side to increase the area of the heated surface in the form of a P.

Panel heat exchangers are divided into one-, two-, and three-row, made of steel.

Advantages:

A variety of sizes of panel boards allows you to select for heating in accordance with the area of \u200b\u200bthe room. Depending on the dimensions, the power increases or decreases. The large surface area of the shields has increased heat dissipation.
Due to the low inertia, the battery responds quickly to temperature changes.
A light weight.
Due to the compact design, the battery can be placed in hard-to-reach places in the room.
Low cost.
To heat a panel radiator, several times less water is needed than for a sectional one.
Aesthetic appearance.
Ease of installation due to integral design.

Flaws:

Cannot be used in high pressure systems.
They need a clean coolant without chemical impurities and dirt.
The inability to increase or decrease the size for heating, as is the case with sectional.
With poor quality paint protective material possible corrosion.
Sensitivity to water hammer.

They consist of vertical tubes from 1 to 6, connected by a lower and upper manifold. Due to the simple design, unhindered and efficient circulation of the coolant is ensured.

The level of heat transfer depends on the thickness of the tubes and the dimensions of the unit itself, which vary from 30 cm to 3 m. The operating pressure maintained by tubular models is up to 20 atmospheres. Made from steel.

Main advantage- resistance to pressure drops. The rounded edges and the shape of the tubes do not allow dust and other contaminants to accumulate on their surface. The appearance is stylish and modern, the variety of shapes allows you to create a designer model for any interior. Strong welded joints exclude water flow.

Flaws: corrosion susceptibility and cost.

Thanks to convection, such radiators thoroughly warm up the air in the room.

When creating comfortable living conditions, attention is paid to details that should harmoniously fit into the design of a residential or public space. Often, when implementing a design project, it is required to organically fit each element into it.

The heater also has a variety of forms that can create the integrity of the interior. These include vertical, flat, mirror, floor, plinth devices made of various materials.

Vertical units have been designed for applications where indoor installation is not possible. It depends both on the interior design and on the dimensions or non-standard shape of the living space.

The vertical heat exchanger can be made part of the interior and not hidden behind decorative elements. The main difference is the dimensions, where the length exceeds the width, and vertical placement on the wall. A device of this type is indispensable in a room with panoramic windows.

Vertical radiators can be of various designs - panel, tubular, sectional, and made of various materials - cast iron, steel, aluminum. According to the method of connection to the heating system, there are lateral, lower and diagonal.

Advantages:

A wide range of shapes and sizes, colors.
Compactness, which is achieved by reducing the length of the battery along the wall.
Decorativeness is also expressed in the invisibility of all its fasteners and connecting elements.
Ease of installation, which is achieved due to the low weight and integrity of its design.
Large area for increased heat dissipation.
Heating speed.
No heating required a large number water, which helps to save.
Ease of maintenance.

Flaws:

Expensive
It is possible that the thermal performance of the heater will drop due to the fact that the air from above will always be warmer than the bottom. In accordance with this, the upper part will give off less heat than the lower one.
Uneven distribution of heat over the entire area of the room due to the fact that the radiant heat accumulates in the upper part of the room.
It is recommended to install a battery with a reducer to normalize the internal pressure.

In other cases, the disadvantages and advantages correspond to those that are characteristic of each type of conventional batteries - sectional, tubular, panel.

Factors affecting work efficiency:

One or two pipe connections in the system. The first is less economical in terms of water consumption, but easy to install and does not require unnecessary costs.
Type of water supply to the system - top, bottom, side.
Method of connection to the heating system. Diagonal connection is considered universal.

The efficiency of heat transfer depends on the correct connection to the heating system. Before installation, it is important to insulate part of the wall to reduce heat loss.

For compact placement and freeing up space, flat models are used.

Characteristics:

Smooth front panel that does not allow dust to accumulate on it.
Dimensions - from 30 cm to 3 m.
A small amount of water is consumed, which makes it easy to regulate using thermostats.
Bottom and side connection.
Used as decorative element, strict forms or bright colors.

Functioning is similar to panel and sectional ones: a coolant circulates between two metal sheets, if a heating element is laid, an electric flat version is obtained.

Operating pressure up to ten atmospheres, maximum water heating - 110 C. There are single-panel, two-panel and three-panel heaters.

The main advantage is compact size and fast heating. In addition, they are easy to care for, have an attractive and stylish appearance. The decoration of flat heat exchangers allows you to fit into any design of the room, and the mirror surface will replace the mirror. Small installation depth and good thermal radiation.

Among the disadvantages is the impossibility of installation in wet rooms to avoid corrosion, as well as high cost.

Flat and vertical must be equipped with venting devices, since this arrangement causes a difference in internal pressure.

Radiator identical to conventional wall heat exchangers, but mounted on a horizontal surface. It consists of a heat exchanger with a coolant circulating in it, surrounded by aluminum or steel plates and closed from the outside by a metal crate or protective casing.

Equipped with an air vent and connects to pipes of any diameter. The only difference from the wall-mounted options is that the floor radiator is attached to the floor or stands autonomously on it.

Characteristics:

Indicators of working pressure up to 15 atmospheres;
The heating temperature of the outer case is up to 60 degrees;
Heat carrier temperature - 110 C;
Dimensions in length are up to 2 m, in height on average - 1 m.

They are made of cast iron, aluminum, steel, bimetals. Many of the models are transformed from wall to floor and vice versa, using brackets.

Advantages:

Fire - and safety.
Uniform space heating.
A variety of shapes and sizes to suit the style of the interior and at the request of the buyer.
The use of copper in the heat exchanger improves the anti-corrosion properties and increases the service life.
Built-in electronic and automated control.
Profitability.
Installation is possible in any place of the room where a pipe with hot water supply is supplied.
Ensuring natural convection.
Built-in additional functions heat and purify the surrounding air.
A floor heat exchanger is a convenient option in rooms where there is no possibility of installing wall-mounted ones due to weight, or panoramic windows are installed.
Compact dimensions.
Increased heat dissipation.
Resistance to mechanical influences.

Flaws:

Installation problems are possible, since the installation of a floor radiator involves the supply of pipes hidden under the floor.
The cost with copper pipes and aluminum plates is quite high. Cast iron models are cheaper, but have lower thermal conductivity. Steel floor models have low heat dissipation.

Comfortable atmosphere in the bathroom, lack of dampness, bad smell, maintaining the optimum level of humidity will ensure a properly installed radiator.

They are divided according to the method of heating and form:

Water, heated by running water

They are connected to the heating system of the house according to the usual wall-mounted method. In addition, it can be equipped with temperature controllers, with the help of which the required surface temperature is set.

It is recommended to use as an external coating of the water unit stainless steel, copper or brass.

Electrical

It functions autonomously, a heating element operating from the mains is built in. Ease of installation. It is not able to heat the entire area of the bathroom, so it is advisable to use it in conjunction with other heaters, for example, with a floor heating system. In addition, this type is more expensive to maintain than water.

Combined: water and electric.

Able to function from the heating system and from the network. Of the minuses - the cost. There are simple forms and design.

Depending on the material, there are:

Cast iron.

Pros: increased heat dissipation, cheap price, good service life.

Cons: unattractive appearance. If there is no protective polymer layer, the outer paintwork will peel off and the battery will lose its appearance.

Steel.

Cons: susceptibility to corrosion, the occurrence of leaks over time, which, under strong water pressure, make a breach.

Aluminum.

Pros: light weight, compact size, attractive appearance.

Cons: not suitable for a system with central heating, because they do not tolerate water hammer and polluted with sand and chemical impurities, the coolant.

Bimetallic.

Pros: service life (up to 20 years), good heat transfer performance, resistance to water hammer and pressure drops.

Cons: cost.

infrared.

Pros: convenient mounting anywhere in the bathroom, while maintaining the usable area of the room, the ability to control the temperature, heating objects in the room.

Cons: high cost.

The radiator in the bathroom, regardless of type and shape, can be closed decorative panel. So the surface will not be exposed to external influences with a constant amount of radiated heat.

Radiator for an apartment

IN apartment buildings Not every unit can be used effectively for many years.

It is necessary to take into account the features of the central heating system:

The coolant has contamination in the form of various chemical impurities that can cause corrosion over time.
Hard grains of sand and other blockages, over time, act on the walls of the pipes, calling for their abrasion.
The temperature of the water changes, as does the level of acidity.
Pressure surges cause the divergence of the joints of the welds on the walls.

Selection options:

The operating pressure specified by the manufacturer in the unit exceeds the pressure in the heating system.
The heating device is resistant to water hammer.
The inner surface of the walls of the heat exchanger must be with a special protective coating, protecting from the chemical action of the elements on each other, and the wall thickness must withstand the physical effects of clogging particles from the inside.
It is worth choosing with the greatest heat transfer.
The duration of the service life.
External design.

Options suitable for installation in an apartment:

Bimetallic.

Suitable for all the necessary parameters for installation and long service life in the apartment high-rise building. Withstand hydraulic shocks, the maximum working pressure is up to 50 atmospheres, internal and external treatment with a protective coating keeps the surface from corrosion and wear.

Light weight makes it easy to install, and the appearance is attractive in any interior. The only downside is it's expensive.

Cast iron.

Long service life, thick walls, resistance to corrosion, chemically passive material of such heat exchangers creates conditions for use in an apartment. Cast iron retains heat for a long time compared to other materials. Heating by radiation is more efficient than convection.

Good heat dissipation, affordable price, when draining water from the system, the inner surface does not rust. Cons - cast iron may not withstand too large pressure surges, it is heavy and creates inconvenience during installation.

Not suitable for installation in an apartment:

Steel.

They do not withstand the pressure typical of a central heating system, despite good heat dissipation and economical use of resources.

Aluminum.

Aluminum quickly corrodes in combination with water with chemical impurities and its pH level, and does not withstand strong pressure in the heating system.

Bimetal and cast iron are suitable. If the height of the house is more than five floors, and non-cast iron batteries were originally installed in the apartment, it is recommended to install bimetallic ones.

To choose the right heater for a private house, you need to rely on the following features of an autonomous heating system:

Unlike a centralized heating system, an autonomous heating system operates at low pressure and without chemical impurities.
No large pressure drops.
The acidity level of the water is relatively constant.

Before choosing, it is necessary to make an accurate calculation of the released thermal energy in accordance with the area of \u200b\u200bthe premises.

The heat losses of the building must be taken into account in order to correctly select the power. Important factors are its size, as well as the ratio of price and quality.

Peculiarities:

Steel.

Sectional and panel types are an affordable option with good heat dissipation and attractive appearance. In a private house with large window openings allows you to block the access of cold air from the outside.

Tubular steel are similar in positive characteristics, but the price is higher.

The advantages of steel heat exchangers when used in a private house: light weight, convenient size, long service life, economy and lack of oxidization from low-quality coolant.

Cons: the need for constant filling with water to avoid corrosion, maintenance every three years to prevent blockages inside the battery, as well as sensitivity to mechanical stress.

Aluminum.

Due to its high heat output, the aluminum heat exchanger is suitable for independent heating systems. For long life, you need to monitor the pH level of the water.

When choosing this type of radiator, you need to make an accurate calculation of the area of \u200b\u200bthe room, otherwise there is a risk of a temperature difference between the floor and the ceiling. Must be equipped with temperature and pressure sensors and dirt filters.

Bimetallic.

Characteristics suitable for use in a private home, but the cost is high. Since an autonomous heating system does not require resistance to powerful pressure surges and an aggressive coolant medium, you can find a profitable option with the parameters necessary for high-quality service.

The cost of a bimetallic radiator will pay off due to the long service life.

Cast iron.

Due to the fact that the cast-iron radiator cools slowly, you can save on fuel resources. Increased corrosion resistance and strength in relation to low cost can provide long term operation, which is suitable for heating a private house.

Disadvantage - requires periodic maintenance, cleaning, painting, the need for a strong attachment cast iron battery.

Updated: 11/18/2018 18:13:24

Judge: Boris Mendel

*Overview of the best in the opinion of the editors of the site. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

In almost every modern house or the apartment has a heating system. One of the key roles in it is played by the radiator. It is this heater that is responsible for the heat exchange in the premises. Today, the market offers a wide range of radiators, which differ in the material of manufacture, shape, efficiency and price. The most popular in the domestic market are steel, aluminum and bimetallic products. Each of them has its strengths and weak sides. To choose the most suitable steel option, you should listen to the recommendations of experts.

How to choose a steel heating radiator

Heating appliances made of steel are of two types: panel and tubular.
Panel-type radiators stand out for their simplicity, efficiency and affordable price. They are suitable for owners of private houses, in which the heating system does not create high pressure (up to 10 bar) and heats the coolant to a temperature above 70 ° C. Single-panel models win in price, but two-panel counterparts are considered more powerful. The advantages of this type include ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, elegant appearance, a wide choice. Panel radiators also have disadvantages, the main of which is the low resistance of welds to water hammer. Therefore, in central heating systems, such devices are used very rarely.
Tubular radiators have a traditional appearance. They are a set of vertical sections that communicate with each other through the upper and lower collectors. These devices are more expensive, but they can withstand pressure up to 15 atmospheres, they are able to work with a hot coolant (up to 130 ° C), and have a high heat transfer. It is important for the consumer to be aware of some of the shortcomings. This is a low resistance to corrosion (especially with poor water treatment) and mechanical damage.
Having decided on the type of steel radiator, you should correctly calculate optimal dimensions sections or panels. It is roughly accepted that for heating 1 sq. m requires about 100 W of thermal energy. As for the shape of the radiator, a simple ratio should be followed. The length of the device should be at the level of 60-70% of the window width.
When buying a steel radiator, it will not be superfluous to pay attention to the package. The most practical will be models equipped with a thermostat. To quickly shut off the battery in case of leakage, it is necessary to install a ball valve. And the Mayevsky crane allows you to remove air from the heating system in a timely manner.

Our review includes 9 of the best steel heating radiators. All of them have been approved by the expert community and Russian consumers.

What is better steel, aluminum or bimetal radiator

Radiator type	Advantages	Flaws
Steel	Affordable price Stylish design Reliability	Low water hammer resistance tendency to rust
Aluminum	Light weight High strength Modern look Economy	High price Required permanent care during operation
Bimetallic	High pressure resistance Quick warm up Versatility	High price Big weight

Rating of the best steel heating radiators

The best steel panel radiators

In the manufacture of panel radiators are quite simple, and therefore their price is affordable. The steel sheet is stamped and then welded. The result is a single or multi-panel structure. Experts liked several modern models.

A good budget solution when designing a heating system for a private house would be to use Kermi FKO 22 500 600 steel batteries. The German manufacturer managed to achieve from steel model good energy efficiency. The heat transfer index is declared at the level of 1158 watts. Therefore, one element is able to heat from 5 to 38 square meters. m area of the house. The device is designed for a maximum temperature of 110°C and an operating pressure of up to 13 bar. The battery has a capacity of 3.24 liters and is 100 mm thick. For the manufacture of the radiator, high-quality steel with a thickness of 1.25 mm is used. Experts gave the model the first place in our rating.

Users praise German batteries for their quality workmanship, elegant appearance and ease of installation. The disadvantages of the model include a high price.

Advantages

German quality;
good technical performance;
energy efficiency;
stylish design.

Flaws

high price.

The excellent design of the ELSEN ERK 11 600 radiator attracts the attention of buyers. English device is made in different countries so the price may fluctuate. The production has a multi-stage quality control system. All operations are performed automatically, minimizing the impact of the human factor. For the manufacture of the heating battery, high-quality steel 1.25 mm thick is used, the finished product can withstand pressure up to 16 atm. Experts note a serious anti-corrosion preparation. It includes operations such as phosphating, priming and painting. Given the affordability, the model deserves second place in the ranking.

The forums often compare ELSEN steel radiators with the reference Kermi. But only original products deserve praise.

Advantages

affordable price;
reliable protection against corrosion;
tight control;
great design.

Flaws

technology is not observed at the branches.

Finnish steel radiators Purmo Compact 21s 500 are designed for heating systems different type. Both metal and polymer pipelines can be connected to them. The model is designed for a maximum temperature of 110 ° C, it is tested with a pressure of 13 atmospheres. Experts note a high heat transfer rate, which reaches 3468 watts. The largest modification of the device holds 16.5 liters of coolant, which can be water or antifreeze. The radiator has a side connection, it is convenient to mount the device on the wall thanks to adjustable holders.

Advantages

acceptable price;
two-panel design;
beautiful appearance;
good heat dissipation.

Flaws

poor protection against corrosion.

A worthy competitor to the leaders of the rating is a steel radiator with a lower connection Buderus Logatrend VK-Profil 22 500. The affordable price of the heater is successfully combined with high heat transfer (up to 5478 W). This allows you to heat rooms of 54.6 square meters. m. Specialists distinguish resistance to high temperature of the coolant (up to 120 ° C), in this component it has no equal. Structurally, the battery has two panels, the total thickness is 100 mm. At the same time, 18.9 liters of water or antifreeze will have to be poured into one radiator, this is not the most economical option.

Users are ambivalent about corrosion resistance. Some homeowners with good water treatment have no problems, others complain about forced wear.

Advantages

heat coolant;
two-panel design;
decent heat dissipation;
bottom connection.

Flaws

large volume;
short-lived anti-corrosion treatment.

Another steel radiator with a bottom connection made it to our rating. The Stelrad Novello 21 500 model from the Netherlands boasts a heat dissipation of 3459 watts. The product is designed for a coolant temperature of 110°C, the pressing pressure should not exceed 13 bar. The capacity of one radiator is 16.89 liters. The battery has a two-panel design, while its thickness is 77 mm. The device is equipped with a control valve, which simplifies the setting of the heat output. On back wall Batteries have mounting lugs for mounting.

In general, the model is made with high quality, it looks stylish, but there are a number of shortcomings. The disadvantages include the high price, large volume of the radiator, difficulties with installation.

Advantages

elegant appearance;
small thickness;
bottom connection;
power adjustment.

Flaws

high price;
large volume.

The best tubular steel radiators

Tubular steel radiators are a system of several vertical sections. They are connected to each other at the upper and lower points of contact. Tubular batteries are characterized by high heat transfer and high cost. Experts have identified several worthy devices.

For many manufacturers, Zehnder Charleston 2180 1792 tubular radiators are the benchmark. Therefore, in the domestic market you can find many copies that are cheaper, but in many respects worse than the sample. The German manufacturer boasts a glorious history; the first tubular steel radiator was patented in 1930 by the founder of the company, Jacob Zehnder. Constant development allows the brand to remain in the lead. The device has a domestic certificate of hygiene obtained at the Novosibirsk Research Institute. The anti-corrosion coating will not emit harmful compounds, so the radiator is recommended for use in child care facilities.

Installers and users in the reviews praise the German battery for excellent quality and unique style. Only the high price becomes a deterrent to buying.

Advantages

German quality;
deep historical roots;
classic style;
safe anti-corrosion coating.

Flaws

high price.

The Finnish manufacturer offers its customers a choice of colors. Tubular steel radiator Purmo Delta Laserline 218 is equipped with a mounting kit with 4 attachment points. Heating appliances are supplied for sale with both bottom and side connection options. Experts note the possibility of installing a radiator with both front and rear parts. Laser welding affects the perfect smoothness and evenness of the seams. When viewed from the side, the shape of the outer pipes resembles the letter D, which is reflected in the designation of the series. This configuration was not chosen for aesthetic reasons. Space heating is faster.

Both specialists and users note the high quality of Finnish devices. If they are inferior in something to the leader of the rating, then only at a higher price.

Advantages

high-quality welding seam;
front and back mounting possible;
individual approach to the client;
stylish design.

Flaws

high price.

In a wide power range, the user can choose a Dia Norm Delta Standart 3057 radiator. The devices are supplied to the distribution network in a variety of designs, with bottom or side connection. For example, an 8-section version with side trim has a power of 512 watts, while for a 30-section counterpart, this figure reaches 2820 watts. In modern manufacturing, the radiator is not inferior to the leaders of the rating. The battery is made of steel 1.25 mm thick. The elements are welded using laser equipment, and the coating is applied by electrostatic spraying.

The quality of German products is on high level, this is confirmed in user reviews. Difficulties arise only with self-connection. The model takes 3rd place in the ranking.

Advantages

modern manufacturing technology;
quality assembly;
a wide range of modifications;
nice appearance.

Flaws

the complexity of self-assembly.

Another representative of the glorious German family came to the attention of the expert community. The sections of the Zehnder Charleston 3057 566 model are tubular, connected in the manifold part by welding. With a radiator height of 570 mm, the width of the 10-section design is 460 mm. The manufacturer was especially careful in protecting the steel product from corrosion. The five-stage technology includes cleaning, priming, electrostatic powder coating, drying and antistatic treatment.

Advantages

quality manufacturing;
operational safety;
reliable anti-corrosion protection;
affordable price.

Flaws

more modest specifications.

Attention! This rating is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The heating season is already close, but you still haven't got your heating radiators? You need to hurry, because few people want to catch the cold in a cold apartment. Many users are interested in one important question: how to choose heating radiators by area? There are many nuances with which we will have to get acquainted. Each heating element must be selected, starting with determining the amount of heat generated that is required for an apartment or house. This important indicator can be calculated different ways starting with the simplest and ending with the most complex. The lightest ones involve the use of the area and height of the room. Let's find the most accurate and optimal of all.

Classic method of determining

How to choose a heating battery by area if the height of the room is less than three meters? Everything looks like this:

First you need to determine the dimensions of the room in which this radiator will be placed. For example, let's take 25 square meters.
We multiply the resulting figure by 100 watts. For our case, the result will be - 2500 watts.
We take the power that has turned out and divide it by the heat transfer of only one section of the device.

WITH panel radiators history will take a slightly different form. Panel batteries are a one-piece design that cannot be increased or decreased in size, so the full power will have to be taken into account. Installing such devices with a power of more than 2500 watts would be a huge mistake, since the calculation method will look very different.

Some features of the standard method

For the accuracy of the calculations, the following adjustments must be made:

The final value should be increased by 20% if the room is corner, that is, it has two external walls.
The total power increases by 10% if the connection type is lower.
The total amount of heat should be reduced by 15-25% if there are metal-plastic windows in the room.

Important! For each of the cases, the required percentage is added or subtracted to the final power. If each of these criteria is met, then the value of 2500 watts will turn into 2625 watts, then you will need to purchase a heating apparatus for 18 sections.

The easy way

If you follow the instructions, then one radiator fin is required to heat two square meters. You should also pay attention to the fact that one more edge will have to be added to the total number of edges. For those cases when the room has a size of 25 square meters, you will have to take a device with 12.5 ribs. You need to round the value and add another one to it - you get 14. As you can see, this result is less than the number that was received classical method for the same room.

Of course, the absence of three sections will affect the heating of the room, which is why this calculation method should be used only for an indicative result. Do not take the resulting value as a basis for choosing a radiator.

Important! Do you plan to install heating devices yourself? We have prepared a lot of useful and informative information on this topic:

Calculation for the second type of heating device

How to choose a heating radiator for a private house by area, if you need a panel type of device? For this method, only one area of \u200b\u200bthe room is not enough, here we will need its height, as well as a factor of 41. According to the standards, the battery should create 41 watts per unit cubic meter, as you can see, we need to perform mathematical operations with the volume.

The algorithm looks pretty simple:

Determine the area of the room.
Calculate the volume. To do this, simply multiply the area by the height.
Multiply the resulting value by a factor of 41.
The final result needs to be adjusted according to the criteria that were described just above.

Important! After all the steps, you should get the required power at the output. You can install one powerful heating device to achieve the goal. This option will be acceptable for those rooms in which there is one window, but if there are two or more, then it is better to use the action of two panel batteries at once with a heat output of 1250 watts.

Reading time ≈ 8 minutes

If you want to determine which heating battery is best for an apartment, then first of all you should not discount the difference in the source of the coolant, that is, it can be both centralized and autonomous. For the effect of heating the room, there is practically no difference here, but the pressure in the circuit is different, therefore, the source material from which the device is made must be of appropriate strength. But when choosing a radiator made of any metal or alloy, there are also some nuances that will have to be taken into account.

The difference in pressure between centralized and autonomous heating systems

Pressure difference in the system with central heating

In order to choose heating radiators for an apartment in a multi-storey building, you will have to take into account the possible working and pressure pressure in the system. First of all, you should consider the load on the circuits when connected to centralized boilers or CHPs. In this case, we are not interested in static (gauge) or dynamic pressure - we will leave this to the designers.

The pressure in the system is affected by the following factors:

capacity of equipment (pumps) supplying water to the consumer;
diameter of risers and deck chairs in the system;
the height of the apartment in the house (number of storeys);
wear of the pipeline (the occurrence of emergency situations).

Taking into account all the factors listed above, the working pressure can be:

1-5 floor - 2-4 atm;
6-9 floor - 5-7 atm;
10th floor and above - 12 atm.

To identify defects and prevent breakthroughs from water hammer at startup, pressure testing is used, which exceeds the operating pressure by 0.5-1.5 times, that is, such a check provides for a load of up to 15 atmospheres, which not every radiator can withstand.

In autonomous heating systems, this issue is most often not even considered, since the pressure there does not exceed 1-3 atmospheres, and when this threshold rises, the safety valve is activated on the boiler. There are, of course, some brands of boilers where the heat exchanger can withstand up to 7 atmospheres, but this is already a margin of safety for the unit, and not a circuit need, so the valve will work already at 4 atmospheres or not reaching this mark.

The choice of radiators

All heaters can be divided not only by the source material of manufacture, but also by their design. They are mainly divided into four types:

Sectional - they are also called columnar, as the vertically arranged sections resemble columns. Devices of this type are prefabricated structures, therefore, to change the power, you can add or remove the required number of sections.
Tubular - are two horizontal pipes Ø50-75 mm, connected by vertical pipes of a smaller diameter. They are used only for central heating.
Panel - are made mainly of metal, although there are also concrete options. Power depends on the volume of the tank.
Lamellar - designed as an economy option for materials. Represent horizontal pipe with plates welded on it, which contributes to convection heat transfer.

Heating radiators - which are better

Differences in materials

Consider a number of options, taking into account the source materials. That is, the choice of heating devices depends on these parameters, they may or may not be suitable simply for technical or aesthetic characteristics.

Aluminum heating appliances

Aluminum radiators of different sizes and power

There is a lot of talk about aluminum radiators, as about some kind of know-how or just some kind of superstructure that can provide the most maximum heat transfer and energy savings for the boiler. In fact, this is far from the case, and more precisely, it does not correspond to reality at all. The only truth here is that aluminum has a very good heat dissipation and ... Yes, and that's it! It is in heat transfer that the artificially created hype around aluminum lies, in addition, this metal has more critical drawbacks.

Firstly, this is a small resistance to pressure and, in order not to go into calculations, let's just say that they are suitable exclusively for autonomous heating, where the working pressure does not exceed 2-3 atmospheres. In addition, aluminum itself is a rather “delicate” metal and water with its salts and alkalis will destroy it. Therefore, the use of aluminum entirely depends on the quality of the coolant, which is possible only in the private sector or.

More precisely, it is necessary to add preparations such as antifreeze to the water (more on this separately). Not a single centralized boiler house in the world has yet provided the proper conditions for aluminum radiators!

Copper heating appliances

Copper heaters made according to the Buleryan principle

It would be wrong to keep silent about copper heaters made on the principle of a convector or "buleryan" - these are perhaps the best devices, based on the principle of heat transfer, although they are used extremely rarely. Of course, this is not so surprising, since copper is the most expensive of the non-ferrous metals (precious ones are not taken into account). Here, plate radiators and those made according to the Buleryan principle behave best here, although I did not mention them in the “Choice of Radiators” header, but this is not so important.

Note. Most often, such devices are made in the form of plate structures - they are much cheaper, but less effective. The Buleryan system has the highest heat transfer of all possible at the moment!

Of course, copper is stronger than aluminum and it can be used in high-rise buildings, it is very effective, beautiful and convenient, but ... too expensive. Firstly, if you need to find out which heating battery is best for an apartment, then first of all you are interested in heat transfer and pressure resistance, that is, an operational resource. Secondly, you ask how much it costs and the second question will most often be fatal ... You politely refuse and buy another heater, especially since they are more suitable for autonomous heating.

Cast iron radiators

Cast iron radiators are known to all people

Finally, we have reached such familiar and familiar cast iron radiators, which are familiar to any tenant of an apartment in a multi-storey building, I just want to warn you - do not consider them as "sucks" - this is not just a delusion, but elementary technical illiteracy. First of all, cast iron is one of the metals that are least susceptible to corrosion, and this is very convenient in high-rise buildings, since when draining the coolant, you can not be afraid of rust. In addition, cast iron itself is a weak heat-conducting material, that is, it heats up for a long time, but it cools down for a long time. It was this factor that became the decisive argument when choosing heaters for the apartments of Soviet citizens!

But that's not all - cast iron is able to withstand operating pressures up to 16 MPa (maximum pressing or water hammer), as well as maintain temperature (this has already been mentioned, but this is not superfluous). Perhaps someone will not be satisfied with the appearance of a cast-iron battery, but do not forget that this is one of the most efficient for central heating systems! For autonomous structures, cast iron is unacceptable due to the duration of heating sections.

Steel radiators

Steel panel radiators

First of all, it can be mentioned that the technical characteristics of steel heating appliances are no worse (and even better) than those of cast-iron radiators, but the problem is that ordinary black steel is susceptible to corrosion. It makes no sense to understand the characteristics of materials - this is not the topic, just a steel battery will not last long, although it does not care about any pressure drops. Such devices can be of any configuration listed in the "Selecting Radiators" section.

Note. From personal practice. A steel radiator of 6 sections dripped on the 5th year of operation. The bottom rib rusted - I first sealed it with dry welding, and at the end heating season just took it off and threw it away.

Bimetal radiators

Bimetal radiators of different sizes

Now let's talk about the best household heating appliances - oh, which withstand the highest pressure and temperatures in heating circuit and at the same time have the highest operational resource. So, the walls of such a device are made of two metals - steel and aluminum, therefore, one element is responsible for the maximum strength of the heater (steel), and the other for the maximum heat transfer efficiency (aluminum). Such a tandem can be called the most good option of all devices for centralized or autonomous heating systems radiator circuits.

Features of the choice of radiators

Conclusion

Perhaps you will not dispute the question of which radiators are best for an apartment, if the answer suggests itself - bimetallic. But do not rush to buy and first understand the classification of such devices - research is never superfluous!