Comfortable microclimate in the apartment is provided by heating radiators. When replacing old rusty batteries, buyers are faced with a variety of offers. Heating devices differ in design features, material and appearance. In addition, you will have to calculate the required number of sections of radiators so that the house is warm and cozy in the cold winter. A review of the popular products on the market will help determine the purchase.
Features of heating in the apartment
Radiators are part of the heating system. They are responsible for the temperature in the room. The choice of appliances for houses with central heating has its own characteristics. Homeowners need to consider the negative factors that accompany the heat supply:
- High pressure - in multi-storey buildings it reaches 15 atmospheres, in five-story buildings - 5-8 atmospheres.
- Water hammer is a sharp pressure drop in the system that can cause pipe rupture and leakage.
- Preventive seasonal drainage of liquid - many metal structures undergo corrosion under the influence of air, so manufacturers do not recommend leaving them without water.
- Low quality of the coolant - water with various amounts of impurities circulates in the system. Substances alter the acid-base reaction of a liquid. It can be dangerous for the metal, provoking corrosive processes. Suspensions of sand and other impurities clog pipes, impair heat transfer.
- Fluctuation in water temperature - the liquid is very hot or its temperature is below normal.
These features lead to accelerated wear and tear of equipment. When choosing batteries, their resistance to negative factors is taken into account.
Choosing heating radiators for an apartment, take into account the characteristics and aesthetic component. Modern appliances do not need to be covered with a curtain or a decorative screen, the stylish design fits perfectly into the interior.
Materials for manufacturing heating appliances
The main division of heating equipment for apartments is based on the material of manufacture. This parameter determines battery performance.
Aluminum
Non-ferrous metal batteries have a sectional design, are lightweight and provide better heat dissipation. Aluminum radiators come in various heights, there are models up to 2 m. They are made by casting or extrusion. Given the characteristics of the devices, they are recommended for houses of 3-5 floors. Radiators are not installed with a coolant acidity index above 7.5.
Pros:
- excellent thermal conductivity;
- health safety;
- little weight;
- ease of installation;
- resistance to external influences.
Minuses:
- do not tolerate water hammer;
- poor resistance to aggressive admixtures of the coolant.
Steel
Choosing the best batteries for heating an apartment, many consumers stop at steel tubular or panel structures. Modern radiators have good heat dissipation and quickly warm up the room. They can be used in buildings up to 15 floors.
Pros:
- a significant area of devices increases heat transfer;
- modern design;
- simple installation;
- affordable cost.
Minuses:
- with pressure surges a gust is possible;
- not all models are designed for high pressure.
Cast iron
For a central heating water circuit, cast iron batteries remain the most acceptable option. They are resistant to sharp pressure drops, aggressive composition of the coolant. Thermal inertia allows you to maintain the temperature for a long time in case of heating shutdown. Cast iron radiators are also suitable for an autonomous system with a gas boiler.
Pros:
- suitable for any heating systems;
- work with low-quality coolant;
- sectional design;
- resistance to water hammer and corrosion.
Minuses:
- significant weight;
- thermal inertia.
Bimetal structures
A new type of heating device consists of two metals - aluminum and steel. In different parts of the structure, material is used that provides optimal parameters. The pipes in contact with the coolant are made of steel. Durable metal withstands high working pressure, is not afraid of corrosion. The outer part is made of aluminum, which quickly transfers heat.
Pros:
- quick heating of the structure;
- maximum pressure 25-35 atmospheres;
- light weight;
- stylish design;
- continuous operation.
Minus: high cost.
Analysis of the characteristics of radiators made of various materials shows that bimetallic structures are the best choice for installation in apartments without limiting the number of storeys of the house. Products do not have significant shortcomings, easy to install.
Design features of various types of batteries
Regardless of the material, all radiators are divided into 4 groups by design. Each type of battery has pros and cons, which are worth knowing in advance:
- Sectional - batteries consist of several parts, their number can be increased in accordance with the needs of the amount of heat. The disadvantage of the design is the likelihood of leakage at the joints of individual parts. In apartments, this is the most common option for heating appliances.
- Panel - radiators made of steel sheets, inside of which channels for circulation of the coolant are arranged. To enhance heat transfer, fins are welded to the panels. This type is popular due to its attractive design and high efficiency. For multi-storey buildings, it is not recommended. Panel devices are designed for low pressure.
- Tubular - the design consists of two horizontal collectors to which vertical tubes are welded. Such radiators have become a modern replacement for traditional batteries. Products are reliable and efficient. Battery design looks stylish and attractive.
- Convector - devices consist of a pipe with a coolant, to which metal plates are welded.
For central heating, all types of radiators are suitable, except for panel models. But among them you can find an option designed for a pressure of 10 atmospheres.
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- Panel
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- Convector
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- Sectional
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- Tubular
Calculation of the number of sections of radiators
Having decided which batteries are better to give preference, it is necessary to calculate their number. A small number of sections of radiators will not provide a comfortable temperature in the room, and excess elements are a waste of money. The correct calculation can be performed independently using special formulas.
By apartment area
For calculations, you need the value of the area of the heated room and the thermal power of one section of the battery. The required data is indicated by the equipment manufacturer. When calculating, the norm for heating residential premises is taken into account - 100 W per 1 m2.
K = S x 100 / Pwhere:
- P - power of one section;
- S - area of the room;
- K - number of sections.
This calculation method is relevant for cast iron, aluminum and bimetallic batteries. Do not forget about heat loss.If the room is angular or has a balcony, it is worth increasing the estimated amount by 20%.
By volume
Accurate calculation in a room with a high ceiling is performed by volume. Heating rates for 1 cubic meter m are 41 watts. Formula:
K = V x 41 / P, Where:
- V - the volume of the room (the area multiplied by the height of the ceiling);
- P - thermal power of 1 section;
- K - total number of sections.
When receiving a number with a fraction, the value is rounded up.
Additional selection criteria
Before buying heating appliances, in addition to thermal calculation and working pressure, several more factors are taken into account:
- resistance to hydraulic shock;
- sensitivity to coolant contamination;
- design;
- duration of operation;
- product cost;
- radiator connection method;
- size and shape of the battery;
The maximum coolant temperature is also important. Some models are designed for low rates of about 80-90 ° C, they are not suitable for regions with harsh climates. There, the water is heated to 120-130 ° C.
The complexity of installation is not a decisive factor, it is enough to study the manufacturer's instructions and buy reliable fasteners.
Rating of popular manufacturers
Having decided on the type of heating equipment, customers need to choose a reliable manufacturer. In the ranking of the best models, the first positions are occupied by products of Italian and German companies. They compete with the Russian brands Rifar and Royal Termo. Chinese-made equipment is chosen with particular care. Many European brands have moved production to the Asian region and control product quality. But the goods of unknown companies can fail at any time.
Royal termo
The largest Russian manufacturer of equipment for heating systems, planning to produce 50% of the total volume of aluminum and bimetal radiators in the domestic market by 2021. The assortment of the brand also includes panel batteries. The appearance of the products was developed by Italian designers. Radiators have high heat dissipation, durability, affordable price. The company gives a 10 year warranty.
Rifar
The Russian company Rifar produces bimetallic and aluminum batteries. Devices are suitable for individual and apartment buildings. Thanks to the original design, they withstand high pressure - aluminum batteries up to 60 atmospheres, bimetal - up to 150 atmospheres. Product performance is designed to operate in the harsh conditions of the Russian winter.
Global
The Italian brand is a leader in the global market for manufacturers of heating radiators. Russian buyers met him in 1994. The company offers 4 series of bimetallic and aluminum radiators. Global products are known for quality materials and workmanship, high heat dissipation and modern design. The disadvantages include the high cost of products.
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- Sira
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- Rifar
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- Royal Thermo
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- Kermi
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- Global
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- Zender
Sira
The company has been manufacturing radiators since 1961. Her philosophy is the improvement of technological processes and the development of new ideas. The Italian brand produces premium products. Heaters withstand up to 35 atmospheres, have high-quality coating. The company gives a 20-year warranty on radiators.
Kermi
The German company has been producing panel radiators since 1967. Smooth and profile batteries are deservedly considered reliable, efficient and durable. The range of the brand includes floor and floor convectors, steel radiators, warm walls. The range includes single-row and multi-row convective batteries, as well as devices created by energy-saving technology. The working pressure of the product is 10-14 atmospheres.
Zehnder
The Swiss brand specializes in the production of steel tubular radiators.The company is one of the oldest manufacturers of heating appliances in the market. She offers several model lines, including classic and designer radiators. Products are manufactured according to modern technology by laser welding. In the catalog, the buyer will find any size for connecting to the heating network.
When choosing which heating radiators it is better to install in apartments, be guided by their thermal power, room parameters and system pressure. Products from well-known brands will last longer than cheap Chinese consumer goods.
