Aluminum radiators are the most popular option for owners of private houses. They are manufactured on modern equipment using high quality materials. The high rating of aluminum radiators is due to the combination of good performance, low weight and a neat appearance that will fit well into any interior.
Types of aluminum radiators
Aluminum batteries are successfully used for installation in central and autonomous heating systems. Depending on the manufacturing method, there are three main groups of aluminum structures:
- anodized;
- cast;
- extrusion sectional.
To choose the best option for your home, you need to understand the features of each type separately.
Cast sectional
This is the most popular type of aluminum radiator. Injection molded battery cells are manufactured using injection molding technology. The metal is based on an alloy of aluminum and silicon. If the radiator is made on the basis of European technology, the primary alloy for which the certificate has been 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 the use of high pressure, under the action of which the sections of the radiators are squeezed out. An extruder is used for this. Then they are welded to the lower and upper manifolds.
Compared to cast structures, extrusion structures are less durable and often flow. 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 purified aluminum is used for the production of anodized batteries. The surface of the radiator is coated with an anodic oxidation layer. Such processing changes the structure of the material. The metal becomes resistant to mechanical damage and corrosion.
Anodized radiators have a high degree of heat transfer, but they have a big drawback - a very high cost. Because of this, this type of battery is rarely installed in apartments.
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 made of this metal are:
- compactness and light weight;
- affordable price;
- simple installation of structures, everyone can handle the installation, for this you do not need to have specific knowledge;
- attractive appearance, thanks to which the structures will fit into any interior;
- easy care of the coating;
- special heat-resistant coating, the paint does not lose its appearance for many years;
- high heat transfer rate; in a short period of time, aluminum batteries are able to heat a room.
If desired, special heat-resistant heads can be installed on the radiators.With their help, you can regulate the supply of heat.
Aluminum radiators have several disadvantages:
- the material is fragile, radiators are afraid of mechanical stress;
- airing of the system often occurs, because of this, the radiator does not completely warm up.
All shortcomings are easily eliminated with the correct operation of the devices.
Specifications
A number of important parameters are highlighted that 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. The pressure can be working and pressure testing. The second indicator will always be higher. Working pressure is necessary for the radiator to function properly. It ranges from 10 to 15 ATM and is suitable for central heating in 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, crimping 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 one will differ. The indicator indicates how high the water can rise in the heating system. One ATM unit raises the coolant by 10 meters.
- Choice of batteries of different sizes. Standard equipment is available in sizes 200, 350 and 500 mm. Before purchasing a battery, you need to correctly measure the free distance under the windowsill. The radiator must not be installed back to back. Because of this, air circulation will be disrupted, and the quality of room heating will deteriorate.
- Thermal characteristics. Aluminum radiators are considered the most economical. To increase heat transfer, the inner surface of the section is ribbed. According to these indicators, aluminum batteries are superior to bimetallic and cast iron ones.
- Long service life. With proper care, aluminum batteries will last up to 25 years.
Appearance plays an important role for the consumer. Modern aluminum radiators look presentable and do not require the installation of additional decorative screens.
Design solutions
On request, the surface of the radiator can be decorated in various shades. Specialized salons offer a drawing service.
Most often, heating devices do not differ from each other in shape, but you can think of additions to them in the form of brackets, for example, for drying towels.
Vertical
Decorative appliances can heat the house and decorate the room in an original way. Vertical structures are considered one of the aesthetically pleasing models. They are available in various sizes, shapes and colors.
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 provided. These qualities make it possible to manufacture radiators with small dimensions. This option is very relevant for small rooms or in the interior, where the walls are very cluttered. Also, small-sized structures are installed in houses with panoramic windows.
Decorative stylized
Heating structures made in the form of curly elements are very popular. Anodized aluminum is used for their production. Unique and unusual designs can be assembled from various curly elements. They are powder coated.
Decorative aluminum radiators can be made according to your own sketches.The disadvantage of such structures is their high cost.
Top manufacturers
There are many world-class companies producing heating radiators in Russia and abroad. The best aluminum radiators are manufactured by the following companies:
- Sira Industrie is a joint Italian-Chinese company that was the first to produce aluminum elements for the heating system. The 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 whose production is based on compliance with European standards. The main feature of the products is full compatibility with the Russian heating system. In the manufacture, special technologies are used, due to which the sections are obtained in a wavy shape. This increases the heat dissipation of the device. The brand has another important advantage. All intersection gaskets are made of natural cotton, which is injected with graphite additives. Thanks to this, leaks are completely excluded. The radiator material is resistant to corrosion, as it contains titanium and silicon additives.
- Rifar is a Russian brand based on Italian technology. The main feature of the manufactured products is the oval shape of the water channels. Thanks to this, the devices are able to withstand high pressure. Silicone seals are used in the design, 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.
