Aluminum radiators - the most popular option for owners of private homes. They are manufactured on modern equipment using high quality materials. The high rating of aluminum radiators is due to a combination of good performance, low weight and a neat appearance that fits well into any interior.
Types of aluminum radiators
Aluminum batteries are successfully used for installation in a central and autonomous heating system. Depending on the manufacturing method, three main groups of aluminum structures are distinguished:
- anodized;
- cast;
- sectional extrusion.
To choose the best option for the home, you need to understand the features of each type separately.
Sectional cast
This is the most popular type of aluminum radiator. Cast sectional batteries are manufactured using injection molding technology. The basis of the metal is an alloy of aluminum and silicon. If the radiator is manufactured on the basis of European technology, the primary alloy for which a certificate is obtained is used. Quality material ensures battery durability and reduces the risk of corrosion.
Extrusion sectional
The technology for the production of extrusion batteries is to use high pressure, under the action of which sections of radiators are squeezed out. An extruder is used for this. Then they are welded to the lower and upper collectors.
Compared to cast structures, extrusion is less durable and often flows. Often manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost of the manufacturing process, use composite glue to connect the elements.
Anodized aluminum
This type of radiator is one of the most expensive. Only anodized aluminum is used to produce anodized batteries. The surface of the radiator is covered with a layer of anodic oxidation. This treatment changes the structure of the material. The metal becomes resistant to mechanical damage, corrosion.
Anodized radiators are characterized by a high degree of heat transfer, but they have a big minus - a very high cost. Because of this, this type of battery is rarely installed in apartments.
The advantages of aluminum radiators
Aluminum batteries have gained great popularity among consumers due to a wide range of advantages and good technical characteristics. The main advantages of batteries from this metal include:
- compactness and light weight;
- affordable price;
- simple installation of structures, anyone can handle the installation, for this you do not need to have specific knowledge;
- Attractive appearance, thanks to which the designs are suitable for any interior;
- easy coating care;
- special heat-resistant coating; paint does not lose its appearance for many years;
- high heat transfer rate; aluminum batteries can heat the room in a short period of time.
If desired, special heat-resistant heads can be installed on radiators. With their help, you can adjust the heat supply.
Aluminum radiators have several disadvantages:
- fragile material, radiators are afraid of mechanical stress;
- often airing the system occurs, because of this, the radiator does not warm up completely.
All the disadvantages are easily eliminated with the correct operation of the devices.
Specifications
A number of important parameters are highlighted, which are taken into account when choosing radiators for heating. The main technical characteristics of aluminum batteries are:
- Pressure. In the instructions for use, the indicator is indicated in two forms. Pressure can be working and pressure testing. The second indicator will always be higher. Working pressure is necessary for the radiator to work properly. It varies from 10 to 15 ATM, suitable for central heating of apartment buildings. The pressure test is used after the end of the summer period, when water must be removed from the heating system. In such a situation, pressure testing is done with a force twice the working pressure. It is important to note that the working pressure in an apartment building and in a private will be different. The indicator shows how high the water in the heating system can rise. One ATM unit raises the coolant by 10 meters.
- Ability to choose batteries of various sizes. Standard equipment is available in sizes of 200, 350 and 500 mm. Before you purchase a battery, you need to correctly measure the free distance under the windowsill. The radiator should not be installed back to back. Because of this, air circulation is disturbed, and the quality of heating the room deteriorates.
- Thermal performance. Aluminum radiators are considered the most economical. To increase heat transfer, the inner surface of the section is made ribbed. According to these indicators, aluminum batteries are superior to bimetallic and cast-iron.
- Long term of operation. With proper care, aluminum batteries will last up to 25 years.
An important role for the consumer is appearance. Modern aluminum radiators look presentable and do not require the installation of additional decorative screens.
Design solutions
At will the surface of a radiator can be issued in various shades. Specialized salons offer a drawing service.
Most often, heating devices do not differ from each other in forms, but you can think of additions to them in the form of brackets, for example, for drying towels.
Vertical
Decorative appliances can warm the house and decorate the room in an original way. One of the aesthetically attractive models are vertical designs. They are presented in various sizes, shapes and color shades.
An important property of vertical structures is their compactness. This is a great option for small rooms.
Small-sized
Due to the content of silicon in the metal alloy, high thermal conductivity and strength are ensured. These qualities make it possible to produce radiators with small dimensions. This option is very relevant for small rooms or in the interior, where the walls are very cluttered. Small-sized constructions are also installed in houses with panoramic windows.
Decorative stylized
Structures for heating made in the form of curly elements are very popular. Anodized aluminum is used for their production. From various curly elements you can assemble unique and unusual designs. They are coated with powder paints.
Decorative aluminum radiators can be made according to your own designs. The disadvantage of such designs is their high cost.
Top manufacturers
There are many world-class companies producing radiators in Russia and abroad.The best aluminum radiators are made by the following companies:
- Sira Industrie is a joint company of Italy and China, which was the first to produce aluminum elements for the heating system. Products are manufactured using injection molding technology. The inner surface of the equipment is protected by a special polymer coating.
- Royal is a Russian company, the production of which is based on compliance with European standards. The main feature of the products is full compatibility with the Russian heating system. In the manufacture of special technologies are used, thanks to which the sections are obtained in a wavy shape. This increases the heat transfer of the device. The brand has another important advantage. All intersectional gaskets are made of natural cotton, into which graphite additives are introduced. Due to this, leaks are completely eliminated. The material of the radiators is resistant to corrosion, as it contains titanium and silicon additives.
- Rifar is a Russian brand that works according to Italian technology. The main feature of the products is the oval shape of the water channels. Thanks to this, the devices are able to withstand high pressure. Silicone gaskets are used in the construction, due to which leaks are excluded. Radiators are resistant to mechanical damage, as the surface is treated with special enamel.
Choosing between steel, cast iron or aluminum radiators, many will prefer the latter option. This is one of the best ways to organize heating in a private house or apartment.
