Gone are the days when we all lived in buildings equipped with the same radiators. These cast iron monsters were large in size, but quite reliable and efficient in operation. Another problem they had was in appearance and design: in Soviet times, they didn’t think much about beauty, because the main thing was that the battery would heat constantly and stably. Today the situation has changed dramatically: on the market you can find more advanced technically radiator heating systems that not only work efficiently, but also look very good in appearance.

The rating we offer includes the best heating radiators intended for installation both in private houses and in apartments connected to a central heating system. The selection covers: bimetallic, aluminum, cast iron and steel radiators.

TOP 10: Rating of heating radiators for apartments and houses 2020

Name	Radiator material	Dimensions (Length/Height/Depth)	Expert assessment	Price in rubles
"Global STYLE PLUS 500"	Bimetallic	80/575/95 mm	⭐ 9.9 out of 10	8400 RUR
"Sira RS Bimetal 500"	Bimetallic	80/572/95 mm	⭐ 9.8 out of 10	7000 RUR
"Rifar Monolit 500"	Bimetallic	320/577/100 mm	⭐ 9.8 out of 10	7900 RUR
"MZOO MS-140M-500"	Cast iron	588/459/140 mm	⭐ 8.7 out of 10	from 500 RUR
"Viadrus Styl 500/130"	Cast iron	60/580/130 mm	⭐ 9.4 out of 10	2500 RUR
"Thermal Standard Plus 500"	Aluminum	237/531/73 mm	⭐ 8.5 out of 10	from 400 RUR
"Sira Alice Royal 500"	Aluminum	320/580/95 mm	⭐ 8.7 out of 10	from 600 RUR
"Kermi FKO 22 500 1000"	Steel	1000/500/100 mm	⭐ 8.4 out of 10	7150 RUR
"Rifar Base Ventil 350"	Bimetallic	79/410/90 mm	⭐ 9.7 out of 10	8300 RUR
"KZTO Elegant 1 250"	Bimetallic	500/250/110 mm	⭐ 9.8 out of 10	8500 RUR

Note:

Water hammer is the main root cause of failures of radiator heating systems in multi-storey buildings. Control over pressure drops inside the heating system is not available to us, but we have the opportunity in a number of situations to prevent the threat of a problem. If you hear clicks or humming, then these are the first signs of a sharp change in the pressure level in the heating batteries, and if they occur, you should immediately contact the utility services.

The best radiator heating systems for apartments

"Global STYLE PLUS 500"

The product from the Italian company is sold in stores with a ten-year warranty from the manufacturer, which already proves the high quality of workmanship. It features a high level of heat transfer, as each section is made of a steel core and an outer layer of aluminum. Withstands pressure up to 35 atmospheres, so the heating battery can be safely installed in an apartment in a multi-storey building. The design of the internal cavities of the radiator eliminates the formation of air locks, which also protects against water hammer.

Advantages of the model:

• Cute design;
• Efficient level of rapid heat transfer;
• Italian quality;
• Resistant to water hammer.

Identified deficiencies:

• Poor heating at low coolant temperatures;
• Quite a high price.

"Rifar Monolit 500"

The bimetallic model, made of aluminum and steel, made it into our rating due to its amazing durability and reliability. The unique design of the product practically does not allow the possibility of leaks, and the excessive resistance to a maximum pressure of 100 atmospheres allows you not to worry about water hammer. Another plus is the unpretentiousness to the quality of the coolant liquid used in the central heating system.

Advantages of the model:

• Reliability and wear resistance;
• Minimal risk of leaks;
• Not bad appearance;
• Resistance to water hammer;
• No sharp corners.

Identified deficiencies:

• Sold in pairs only;
• Price.

"Sira RS Bimetal 500"

The heating battery is also made of steel and aluminum, which helps to significantly increase the speed of heat transfer. Capable of operating at an internal pressure of 40 atmospheres, which is more than enough to connect to the central heating system. In addition to apartments, it can also be used in offices, as it provides for the simultaneous use of 20 sections.

Advantages of the model:

• Workmanship;
• High level of resistance to water hammer;
• Attractive design;
• High heat dissipation.

Identified deficiencies:

• High cost.

"MZOO MS-140M-500"

An indestructible Soviet classic: a model for those who are experiencing financial difficulties or want to save money on the purchase of radiator heating systems. It warms up slowly, but also cools down slowly. Manufactured in Belarus, the manufacturer provides a modest three-year warranty, but this battery will last significantly longer.

Advantages of the model:

• Unpretentiousness;
• Resistance to water hammer;
• Good heat dissipation;
• Minimum cost.

Identified deficiencies:

• Dimensions and weight;
• Unpresentable appearance.

"Viadrus Styl 500/130"

A more expensive version of a cast iron radiator heating system with an attractive appearance and good performance characteristics. Made in the Czech Republic, workmanship is above average. Suitable for installation in low-rise buildings; it is not recommended for installation in high-rise buildings due to low resistance to internal pressure changes: the battery is designed for medium working pressure at 12 atmospheres, the stability threshold according to the data sheet is 18 bar.

Advantages of the model:

• Good heat dissipation;
• Reliability;
• Workmanship;
• Low price;
• Unpretentiousness to the quality of the heat transfer fluid used.

Identified deficiencies:

• Weak resistance to water hammer;

The best radiator heating systems for private homes

"Thermal Standard Plus 500"

A product of the Russian defense enterprise Zlatmash. Made using pressing, it compares favorably with competitors' products in price and high level of heat transfer. The battery will function normally even at a pressure of 24 atmospheres: according to this parameter, it is also suitable for installation in high-rise buildings. Unfortunately, like all aluminum batteries, the product is sensitive to the acidity level of the coolant, so it should only be installed in private homes.

Advantages of the model:

• High level of heat transfer;
• Light weight;
• Low price;
• With proper use it will last a long time.

Identified deficiencies:

• Sensitivity to coolant quality.

"Sira Alice Royal 500"

The strict contours of the radiator fins give the model versatility, so it can fit perfectly into any room interior. Parts are injection molded, which provides additional wear resistance and guarantees long service life when used correctly. It works stably at a pressure of 16 atmospheres, the warranty period from the manufacturer is 15 years.

Advantages of the model:

• Appearance;
• Reasonable price;
• Long service life.

Identified deficiencies:

• Will suffer from corrosion if the wrong coolant is used.

"Kermi FKO 22 500 1000"

Panel heating radiator made of steel with side connection. It is made in the form of a monoblock, so it is easy and quick to install. Corrugated fins increase the level of heat transfer, and a small volume of liquid used for heat exchange will speed up the process of heating the room. Made in Germany, assembled carefully and from quality materials. Unfortunately, the device is designed only for use in the private sector and can withstand a maximum pressure of only 13 atmospheres.

Advantages of the model:

• Aesthetic appearance;
• Fast and efficient heat transfer;
• Easy installation;
• Made in Germany.

Identified deficiencies:

• Overpriced;
• Weak resistance to water hammer.

"Rifar Base Ventil 350"

A universal model made of bimetallic alloy, which is suitable for installation in apartment buildings or private homes. Quick to install, you can choose ribs of different heights. It will work stably at a pressure of 20 atmospheres and a coolant temperature of 135 degrees Celsius. The only negative, besides the price, is the quality of the paint.

Advantages of the model:

• Good level of heat transfer;
• Appearance;
• Build quality;
• Versatility;
• Quick installation.

Identified deficiencies:

• At elevated battery temperatures, the paint will peel off quickly.

"KZTO Elegant 1 250"

Compact, bimetallic heating radiator, which can be installed on the floor or attached to the wall. An alloy of copper and aluminum is responsible for heat transfer: it ensures increased efficiency of the device. Only water is used as a coolant, which limits the radiator's application possibilities (not suitable for installation in some centralized heating systems). The maximum operating pressure level is 15 atmospheres.

Advantages of the model:

• Compact dimensions;
• Efficient and economical use of heat sources;
• Several painting options to choose from;
• Good package: it includes a Mayevsky crane.

Identified deficiencies:

• Price;
• Flimsy thread at the system connection interface.

What should you consider when choosing heating radiators? What is the best radiator to buy?

When purchasing new radiator heating systems, you must find out what materials the device is made of. For example, when installing a new battery in an apartment, two options, namely radiators made of steel and aluminum, should be discarded immediately: the former suffer greatly from pressure changes, and the latter from corrosion. Bimetallic models are good for everyone, but they are much more expensive than other types of products. If reliability is important to you and you don’t want to overpay extra money, then you should opt for the usual heating systems made of cast iron: on the market you can find many decorative products made from this material with an attractive appearance, extraordinary design and at an affordable price.

In this article we will look at what types of heating radiators there are for an apartment. How to choose a device? What technical parameters should I rely on? Let's figure out which heating radiators are best for country house. Let's find out the differences between aluminum, bimetallic, cast iron and steel heating radiators, which ones best suit individual requirements?

YOU NEED TO KNOW! The choice depends on the coolant components. In DSPs, the coolant is often of low quality. When in contact with liquid, aluminum is corrosive, so it is not suitable for an apartment building.

About the features of centralized and autonomous heating systems. What should you pay attention to?

Residents of multi-storey apartments and private houses (dachas, cottages) use different heating systems (OS). Each has features, advantages, and disadvantages. Keep in mind: each OS needs to select heatsinks differently. An unsuccessful purchase of equipment will lead to low heat transfer, short service life, and rapid damage.

Water hammer(hydraulic hammer) - a sharp surge in pressure in a water-filled system. The reason for this is a rapid change in the speed of water flow. Consequences of water hammer: the appearance of longitudinal cracks in the pipeline.

Depending on apartment building you live or privately, heating can be:

• Central (DSP). Heat is supplied to several buildings and apartments from a single source (boiler room). The pipeline distributes the coolant, supplying it to consumers. After heat is removed, the carrier returns to the source (heat generator).
• Autonomous system useful when serving residents of a private home. It is also used in cottages and dachas: they are not connected to the DSP. To heat the coolant, a boiler or boiler is installed. Next is the control unit, piping system, batteries. The advantage of autonomous control is the setting function based on needs: adjusting the heating temperature, automatically maintaining the specified settings. Disadvantage: high battery price, installation work, difficult maintenance.

What types of batteries are there for an apartment or private house?

Material is the main criterion by which equipment is selected. Affects heat transfer, pressure, cost, service life, strength, reliability.

According to the material:

• Bimetal. Undemanding to coolant, designed for long-term use. Dear ones.
• Cast iron. The residual heat retention rate is 30% (for other varieties - 15%). Slowly heat up, slowly lose temperature. Reliable, resistant to corrosion.
• Aluminum. They heat up quickly and lose temperature quickly. Useful in autonomous systems. Characterized by high thermal power, reasonable price.
• Steel. They are compact, have good heat transfer, are durable, and are slightly oxidized by low-quality coolant.

By installation type:

• Wall-mounted. The most common radiators in apartments, cottages, dachas, and private houses. Wall mounted.
• Skirting. They are mounted in metal boxes, taking up space instead of a standard baseboard. They take up almost no room space. Inconspicuous, they will not stand out from the decor of the room.
• In-floor. Water convectors save space: they are built below floor level.

Heating radiators – which ones are best for an apartment?

When choosing a battery for installation in an apartment, pay attention to main technical parameters:

• Heat dissipation characterizes how efficiently the device copes with heating the room. When selecting, take into account heat loss (they are affected by the thickness of the walls, the size of window and door openings), and the volume of the room. In sectional models, the power is indicated per section. Calculating the number of fins will accurately determine the required level of heat transfer. The thermal power of one section is on average 0.15–0.2 kW.
• Working pressure It is important that the equipment can work in your system. The pressure depends on the material. Incorrectly selected pressure will cause damage due to water hammer.

• Material or coating that can protect against wear and leaks. Thick walls and primers extend service life. The ability to connect a battery to work with aggressive coolant will expand the scope of operation.
• Design heating equipment. Consider how heating equipment fits into the environment. Due to the choice of models, the device can be selected to suit different design styles and colors.
• Weight It’s worth considering immediately before purchasing: whether you can transport the unit to your home, fix it on the wall, and connect it without causing damage. The most massive cast iron batteries, lighter aluminum (weight of one segment - up to 2 kg), steel (about 2.5 kg).

Options for choosing radiators for a country house

Unlike the central heating system of apartment buildings, the autonomous heating system of private homes is much less demanding on pressure. Due to this, it becomes possible to purchase equipment designed for low pressure. Models with thin walls are suitable: for example, aluminum.

YOU NEED TO KNOW! Inexperienced cottage owners are faced with freezing of liquid in pipes. This leads to the appearance of chips on the body: it bursts. To avoid this, drain the water.

Due to the smaller distance between the heat source and the battery, heat loss in autonomous heating systems is small. Equipment in a private home must be adapted to high-temperature coolants.

Cast iron heating radiators – which are better? Advantages, disadvantages

Cast iron is a strong, reliable material, heavy and durable. Cast iron heating equipment is used in apartments, private houses, cottages, and dachas. The material requires a long time to heat up, which will cause discomfort at the beginning of the heating season. But it works in reverse side– when disconnected, the batteries remain warm for some time.

Advantages of cast iron models:

• Long cooling time. The thick body retains heat - the heating season will end later than its neighbors.
• Reliability and durability. In old houses there are cast iron batteries that are 50 or more years old.
• Resistance to corrosion. The material is undemanding in terms of quality and type of coolant.

Flaws:

• Heavy weight. Difficult to deliver and install.
• The price is higher than steel and aluminum.
• Long heating time. It will take time to warm up.

Bimetallic heating radiators – which ones are better? Advantages, disadvantages

The peculiarity of bimetal devices is that they consist of two materials. Aluminum shell, steel core. Strong, durable. They are resistant to corrosion and water hammer, easy to install, and have high heat transfer. Due to the relatively high price and ability to withstand high pressure, they are installed in apartment buildings. Which bimetallic heating radiators are best for an apartment - brands Halsen, Radena, Bilit.

Advantages of bimetallic equipment:

• High resistance to corrosion: steel components protect against harmful influences.
• High heat transfer due to the aluminum surface. Aluminum is characterized by rapid heating.
• Long service life. On average, bimetallic devices last 25 years.

Flaw one is the high price compared to aluminum, steel, cast iron.

Aluminum heating radiators – which are better? Advantages, disadvantages

Suitable for private houses, cottages with autonomous operating system: not designed for high pressure due to the fragility of aluminum. They are inexpensive. They heat up quickly and cool down just as quickly. The service life is about 15 years.

Which radiators are better: aluminum or bimetallic?

Aluminum appliances characterized by a low price. Suitable for installation in private houses, cottages, dachas. With high thermal power, prices are relatively low (if you look at Russian manufacturers - Halsen, Royal Thermo, Radena), the design will fit into the environment.

The advantages of aluminum models include a relatively low price (there are expensive options and analogues on the market for those who want to save money), and a high heat transfer rate. Disadvantages: demanding on the acidity of the liquid (possible destruction of the walls due to the susceptibility of the material).

Bimetallic batteries made of two materials: steel on the inside, aluminum on the outside. Designed for a service life of approximately 40 years, reliable, expensive compared to other varieties. Unpretentious (no special requirements for water). The inside and outside are coated with a primer that prevents corrosion.

Bimetallic ones are suitable when a durable unit is required. The only drawback is that the price will not suit everyone.

Sectional or steel – which is better?

Sectional heating batteries are installed in several blocks: they are connected into a single structure. This is convenient and practical: it will allow you to control the efficiency of heating the room. Difficult to install: leaks are possible due to improper connection. Install such heating equipment in private homes with an autonomous operating system. This is safe because sectional models are less protected from water hammer.

Dimensions steel (panel) units are known in advance (check the technical specifications or contact the seller). When choosing, focus on the parameters of the apartment or private house (volume of free space, length and depth of niches). The price of panel units is higher. The pipes of most models have a primer that prevents corrosion from low-quality coolant. The coating increases the service life. Installed in apartment buildings (riser system).

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Rare cases of installing new batteries are invariably accompanied by the question, which heating radiator is better? There are several selection criteria: material of manufacture, design, what heating system the batteries are designed for. Studying the characteristics of various heating devices will help you navigate a wide range of products.

Types of radiators

The choice of radiators for heating an apartment is a multifaceted issue. Monotony cast iron batteries is a thing of the past, now the market is saturated with products from different materials, which differ in design, shape and color. Of course, exclusive designer models will cost much more. But first of all, the performance characteristics of the batteries deserve attention, and only then their appearance and organic perception in the interior of the apartment.

Depending on the material of manufacture, heating radiators are divided into the following types:

• cast iron;
• aluminum;
• bimetallic, where the aluminum outer part has a steel coating inside;
• steel;
• copper.

The manufacturing material determines the quality parameters of the batteries. The operating pressure of radiators is a key criterion that people pay attention to when choosing.

Among the main indicators:

• heat capacity;
• heat transfer coefficient;
• period of operation;
• resistance to mechanical stress.

Among the entire assortment, as always, there are sales leaders and outsiders. The combination of quality characteristics and cost determines the popularity of a particular type of battery for heating an apartment.

The form of heating is another factor influencing the choice of material. A centralized heat supply system does not guarantee high quality coolant, so it is better to avoid aluminum models in an apartment. If the room is equipped with autonomous heating, there are no restrictions on the choice of material; aluminum appliances, on the contrary, come to the fore.

The design of heating devices also matters. All radiators are conventionally divided into two large groups - sectional and panel. The first option allows for the possibility of adjusting the number of sections. The second group is divided into tubular and panel heating devices.

When choosing a shape, preference is given to streamlined models. Sharp corners are especially avoided if children live in the apartment. The method of connection to the general heating system also matters. There are bottom, side and universal connections. Typically, modern radiators provide the opportunity to choose any connection method.

Traditionally, heating radiators are chosen white. But this element of the interior can be accentuated if you choose a non-standard bright model. From an operational point of view, black batteries are the most profitable, the heat transfer of which is a quarter higher than their light counterparts. But such an element in the design of an apartment is not always appropriate, so it is better to focus on your own taste.

When purchasing a heating radiator, it is advisable to pay attention to the environmental friendliness of the materials used in production. The absence of formaldehyde on the internal elements and the surface with high-quality polymer coating are the best option for installation in an apartment.

A detailed description of each type will help you make your own choice.

Characteristics of cast iron batteries

The heating system of the old housing stock was equipped exclusively with cast iron radiators. Therefore, a standard picture of several white sections is imprinted in the memory of every inhabitant of the apartment. Modern models batteries look much more aesthetically pleasing in the apartment. But at the same time, cast iron has not changed its characteristics, retaining all the advantages and disadvantages of the material.

Let's consider the advantages of cast iron batteries, why the builders of Soviet apartments loved them so much:

• Durability. Cast iron radiators can serve for 40 years without repairing breakdowns. Batteries made from other materials cannot boast of such indicators.
• Reliability. Cast iron batteries can withstand a working pressure of 25-30 atm, when the average varies within 16 atm.
• High heat capacity. Cast iron takes a long time to warm up and cools down slowly. The residual heat retention rate is 30%, which is 2 times more than in products made of aluminum or steel.
• The material is resistant to corrosion processes; at a water pH level of 7-9 units, the integrity of the radiators is maintained for the period declared by the manufacturer.
• Cast iron batteries are suitable for apartments with central heating, where there is low-quality coolant saturated with foreign impurities.
• Standard cast iron radiators are inexpensive and available to a wide range of consumers. The exorbitant cost is found on designer models, where the price of one battery reaches 1000 euros, and taking into account the shut-off valves, all of 1250 euros.

The good performance characteristics of cast iron radiators are accompanied by a number of disadvantages:

• heavy weight;
• prolonged heating of the metal;
• uninteresting appearance.

Comment! The large weight of cast iron radiators creates problems during transportation, during loading, unloading and installation of heating devices.

But, despite the negative aspects, the need for cast iron batteries remains. People are accustomed to trusting quality that has been tested for decades. And the standard configuration has been replaced by new stylish models that do not spoil the interior of the apartment. Coating the surface at the factory with a special protective paint eliminates the need for regular painting of radiators directly in the apartment.

The convenience of sectional models is the ability to expand radiators. Their number is determined taking into account the following factors:

• apartment area;
• number and size of window openings;
• number of doors;
• climate zone of the region.

Comparative characteristics of cast iron batteries are given in the table below:

There are models where wall mounting is not required; the battery is equipped with stylish legs. Cast iron products are rarely chosen for apartments with autonomous heating, since the ability to quickly adjust temperature regime is leveled out by the material’s ability to cool slowly.

Aluminum products

The topic of which heating radiators are best for apartments is continued by aluminum products. Perhaps this is the only material that is not suitable for rooms with central heating. If the apartment is equipped autonomous system, then installing an aluminum battery would be appropriate.

The reason lies in the characteristics of the material. Aluminum is thin in nature and is therefore susceptible to corrosion. Due to the low quality of water in the heating system, after 6-7 years there is a possibility of the radiator failing. Where there is no problem of impurities in the coolant, aluminum heating devices will become a worthy element of the apartment’s interior.

What is useful to know if the choice fell on installing aluminum heating radiators in an apartment:

• The service life, provided that it is filled with high-quality coolant, is 20-25 years. The pH level of the water should not exceed 5-6 units.
• The operating pressure declared by the manufacturer is 15-20 atm, although in practice the figure is usually limited to 12 atm.
• Conical shut-off valves - optimal choice when installing aluminum heating radiators in an apartment. Attention! Copper, steel and brass fittings are not suitable for installing aluminum products in an apartment heating system. Otherwise there is a risk of corrosion.
• Light weight is an undoubted advantage of aluminum batteries. Transportation, unloading and installation are not difficult. The process can be organized by one person.
• If the radiator is connected to the central heating system, be sure to install a Mayevsky valve for manual air release.
• Aluminum has the lowest inertia, so the batteries have high heat transfer, which varies between 200-210 W per 1 section.
• One section contains 0.4-0.45 liters of water. Habitual operating temperature for radiators it is located in the range of 70-80°C, the maximum limit is 90°C.
• A wide range of radiators is presented in models with a height of 25, 35 and 50 cm. If desired, you can order copies with a height of 70 and 80 cm.

The production of aluminum heating batteries is carried out in two ways: extrusion and casting. The choice of technology significantly affects the quality characteristics of radiators.

Budget items are produced using the extrusion method. It is based on recycled aluminum alloy and silicon additives. The presence of additional impurities worsens the performance of heating radiators. The material becomes more brittle and susceptible to corrosion damage.

Casting ensures each section of the aluminum battery is perfectly sealed. The working pressure of such products is higher. The smooth surface of the heating device makes cleaning easier.

When carrying out a comparative characterization of the quality of heating radiators, those with anode coating are in the lead. The oxidized anode increases the resistance of products to corrosion processes, so low-quality coolant does not pose a threat to them. In this case, the working pressure increases to 20-25 atm. Externally, anode heating radiators are no different from ordinary products made by casting, but their cost is incomparably higher. A quality certificate and passport are evidence of the special coating. It is better to purchase such batteries for heating in an apartment at trusted sales points.

Comparative characteristics of aluminum heating radiators from various manufacturers are shown in the table:

Types of steel radiators

The production of steel radiators is made from low-carbon steel. Special enamel creates a good protective layer on the surface, preventing damage from aggressive mechanical and chemical influences.

Advice! When purchasing, pay attention to the uniform application of the protective layer of paint. Poorly treated areas are susceptible to corrosion.

The consumer can choose from tubular and panel models of steel radiators.

Panel

The heating device consists of two ribbed plates made by casting. There is a sealed circuit inside. The coolant moves along the circuit, providing heating in the apartment. The ribbed surface of the radiator panels promotes efficient heat transfer. The thermal conductivity of steel is equivalent to cast iron, but due to the thin walls of the batteries, heating takes less time.

Main characteristics of panel-type steel batteries:

Type 10 is characterized by maximum simplicity. But its heat transfer efficiency is extremely low due to the lack of a convector. The cost of the product is also low.

Steel models vary in size. Depending on the size of the apartment for heating, you can choose batteries with a height of 20 to 90 cm, a length of 40 cm to 3 m. When considering the question of how to choose a radiator, the type of connection should not be ignored. Steel appliances have a side or bottom version.

Despite the numerous advantages of steel panel heating radiators, there are also certain negative aspects:

• It is better not to install small-sized structures in an apartment with autonomous heating. A small volume of coolant provokes frequent shutdowns of the boiler, which will increase energy consumption. With central heating, the dimensions of the batteries are not particularly important.
• If the inner surface of radiators does not have a protective layer, there is a risk of corrosion due to damage by abrasive particles that are found in low-quality coolant.

The installation of a panel radiator with a bottom connection for heating an apartment is shown in the photo:

Tubular

The design consists of several pipes, hermetically connected to each other by welding. Unlike cast iron radiators, tubular steel models cannot be expanded or individual sections removed. The operating pressure of the batteries is only 8-10 atm, so it is better to equip the heating device with a reducer that smoothes out pressure drops.

Important! A significant advantage of tubular radiators compared to panel models is their greater resistance to abrasive substances and corrosion processes.

A wide range of tubular steel batteries allows you to choose a product that best suits the area of ​​your apartment, taking into account the number and size of windows. Manufacturing options:

• the height of tubular radiators varies from 20 to 60 cm;
• depth from 10 to 25 cm;
• the length is selected based on the power requirement of the heating radiators.

The numerous advantages of steel batteries are accompanied by an acceptable cost of the products. Transportation and installation are not difficult. Low coolant requirements allow installation in an apartment with centralized heating.

A comparative table of models from well-known brands will help you understand which radiator is best to install in your own apartment:

Bimetallic specimens

Bimetallic radiators are considered a practical symbiosis of steel and aluminum heating devices. Combining the advantages of two materials, they are excellent for heating an apartment with centralized heating. The only obstacle may be the high cost of the products.

A striking representative of functional heating devices are models from the Stoup brand. Main performance characteristics of radiators:

• working pressure reaches 100 atmospheres;
• withstand coolant temperatures up to 135°C;
• the manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty;
• models include batteries with a number of sections from 4 to 14, which allows you to choose the best option for an apartment of any size.

Radiators are produced from steel and aluminum with the addition of silicon compounds, which improves the technical properties of heating devices. Internal structure The design is shown in the photo below:

Comment! In some models, the steel core is replaced with copper, which is especially valuable for autonomous heating where there is a need to add antifreeze to the system.

Advantages of bimetallic radiators for heating an apartment:

• Ribbed panels increase heat transfer efficiency.
• Low weight facilitates the installation procedure.
• The smooth surface is easy to clean; dust practically does not accumulate on it.
• The internal protective layer prevents damage to the coolant by abrasive particles and prevents the development of corrosion.

The strength and reliability of bimetallic radiators is especially valuable in apartments with central heating. According to manufacturers, the service life reaches half a century. The table presents comparative characteristics of individual models of bimetallic radiators:

Copper batteries

The high cost of copper radiators is the main reason for the low demand for such heating devices for apartments. The technical characteristics of the products are not inferior to bimetallic and aluminum batteries. Among the undeniable advantages of copper models:

• The efficiency is 5 times higher than that of cast iron batteries. Fast heating takes place with minimal energy consumption.
• High strength. The working pressure reaches 20-25 atmospheres. This indicator is always important for apartments with a centralized heating system.
• Ideal for regions with harsh climates, it can withstand coolant temperatures up to 140°C.
• A copper radiator is resistant to antifreeze, so it is often chosen for autonomous heating.
• Long period of operation. This indicator is not inferior to cast iron and bimetallic batteries.

In addition to the high price, among the negative aspects is the need to connect the heating system exclusively to copper pipes.

Conclusion

Each of the presented types of radiators has undeniable advantages and some disadvantages. Steel and aluminum heating appliances lead among competitors due to their high technical specifications combined with an affordable price. The choice of batteries takes into account the area of ​​the apartment. What matters is the operating pressure that the device can withstand and its resistance to negative factors impact.

2018-09-26

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Repairs in older apartments often require a complete replacement of all heating radiators. Cast iron monsters of the Soviet period cannot last forever, and their efficiency leaves much to be desired. A logical question arises: which heating radiators are best for an apartment? The price of the product is not the only selection criterion. Here it is important to think through everything to the smallest detail - from the aesthetic component to practicality and economy.

The choice of heater determines the comfortable temperature in the house

Which heating radiators are better to install in an apartment: types, disadvantages and disadvantages

Heating appliances are made from various materials, each of them reacts differently to pressure and temperature. So, types of heating batteries in an apartment:

Convector batteries made of steel

These are panels and between which metal plates are installed. The coolant circulates in the panels. It is believed that these devices have the highest heat transfer.

Such devices are very popular among owners country houses. Steel heaters are produced in the Czech Republic, Italy, and Finland. They differ in the number of sections and metal ribs

The positive aspects of steel radiators:

• good heat dissipation;
• low energy intensity;
• low inertia;
• environmental friendliness;
• reasonable price.

Disadvantages of steel batteries:

• tendency to rust;
• instability to water hammer.

It is the last minus that is a significant obstacle to installing a steel heater in a multi-story building. When deciding which heating radiators are best for an apartment, steel heaters should be considered last.

Cast iron batteries

These products are considered the cheapest and most durable.

Cast iron casting in modern or retro style is produced in England, France and Turkey.These radiators can withstand up to twelve bar pressure and coolant temperatures up to one hundred and ten degrees. Thus, they are not afraid of water hammer and boiling water in the heating system.

Advantages of cast iron heating systems:

• half a century of service life;
• resistance to temperature and pressure of central heating systems
• long-term heat conservation, slow cooling.

Flaws:

• heavy weight, which requires particularly strong fasteners;
• long warm-up period;
• a large amount of coolant used;
• fragility.

Aluminum heaters

When solving the problem “How to choose heating radiators for an apartment with central heating,” unfortunately, products made of light and durable aluminum should be excluded from the list. These batteries have the best thermal conductivity and attractive exterior. But they are completely unsuitable for use in a centralized heating system due to their instability to water hammer.

Aluminum heaters are available in lithium and extrusion types and can withstand pressures of only 16 bar.

Therefore, if the apartment is equipped with its own boiler, it is difficult to find better radiators than these.

Advantages:

Disadvantages of aluminum heaters:

• short service life - up to fifteen years;
• weak convection;
• chemical instability of the material;
• inability to withstand water hammer.

Bimetallic products

At first glance, these batteries are very similar to aluminum ones. Their body is made of this light metal, and the interior consists of steel elements.

Bimetallic heaters are produced in Russia and Italy.On sale you can find pseudo-bimetallic products, additionally reinforced with steel verticals. They are less resistant to corrosion, but have increased heat transfer.

Advantages of bimetallic products:

• high heat transfer;
• resistance to water hammer;
• ease of installation;
• aesthetics.

Cons:

• high cost.

Which radiators are better: aluminum or bimetallic?

There can only be one answer to this question: of course, bimetallic heaters are the best choice. They not only combine all the advantages of aluminum and steel products. These batteries are characterized by increased strength and resistance to water hammer, which often threatens central heating systems and is the main cause of numerous accidents in heating networks.

Useful information! Bimetallic devices can withstand pressure up to twenty atmospheres!

Selection and calculation

So, how to choose heating batteries (radiators) for an apartment in an apartment building:

• Devices must maintain a pressure of at least 15 atmospheres.
• Heaters must withstand water hammer.
• The design of the device must be resistant to corrosion and chemical attack.
• The heat transfer performance of the device should be studied.

The aesthetics of the device is not the last selection criterion

• Batteries may not last forever, but the longer they last, the better.

How to calculate the number of radiators

To calculate, you need to measure the area of ​​the room. This is a problem for a third grader: you need to multiply the width by the length. For example, a standard room 3x5 m = 15 sq. meters of area.

To heat an apartment located in central Russia, an average of 41 W of thermal energy per day is required. square meter. Multiply 15 by 41 and we get 615 W. For our own peace of mind, let's round the figure to 650.

Each modern battery has technical documentation indicating its thermal power. All that remains is to select the required number of sections. The proposed calculation option is very conditional and does not take into account the characteristics of a particular apartment. Therefore, we suggest using the calculator below.

What are the best heating radiators for an apartment: price of products and manufacturers

Despite the fact that the choice of heating devices on the domestic market is very wide, there are undoubted leaders among manufacturers who have earned an impeccable reputation:

• Smart (China);
• Kermi (Germany);
• Purmo (Finland);
• Rifar (Russia);
• Royal (Italy);
• Global (Italy).

To solve the problem of which heating radiators are best for an apartment, the price of the product is not decisive, but remains an important factor. Below are the most popular battery models.

Table 1. Overview of popular radiator models

Image	Model	Material	Mounting type	Heat dissipation, W	Average price, rub.
	Monolit 500 Rifar	bimetallic	wall	1960	6890
	STYLE 500 PLUS Global	bimetallic	wall	1140	6991
	RS 500 Bimetal Sira	bimetallic	wall	2010	8450
	Thermo 500 Revolution Royal	aluminum	wall	1448	3704
	Alum 500 Rifar	aluminum	wall	1464	3840
	RAP Thermal 500	aluminum	wall	1288	3120
	22,500 FTV(FKV) Kermi	steel	wall	1930	5332
	22 500 Compact Purmo	steel	wall	1470	4119
	2180 Arbonia	steel	wall	780	8132
	500 STI Nova	cast iron	wall	1200	6470