Choosing the best heating radiators for an apartment in an apartment building

A 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, material and appearance. In addition, you will have to calculate the required number of radiator sections so that the house is warm and cozy in cold winter. An overview of popular products on the market will help you decide on a 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 take into account the negative factors accompanying the supply of heat:

• Increased pressure - in multi-storey buildings it reaches 15 atmospheres, in five-story buildings - 5-8 atmospheres.
• Water hammers are sudden changes in pressure in a system that can cause pipes to burst and leak.
• Preventive seasonal drainage of liquid - many metal structures corrode under the influence of air, therefore manufacturers do not recommend leaving them without water.
• Low quality of the coolant - water circulates in the system with different amounts of impurities. Substances change the acid-base reaction of a liquid. It can be dangerous to metal, provoking corrosive processes. Suspensions of sand and other impurities clog pipes and impair heat transfer.
• Fluctuating water temperature - the liquid is very hot or its temperature is below normal.

The listed features lead to accelerated wear and tear of equipment and breakdowns. When choosing batteries, take into account their resistance to negative factors.

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 decorative screen, the stylish design fits perfectly into the interior.

Materials for the manufacture of heating devices

The main division of heating equipment for apartments is based on the material of manufacture. This parameter determines the performance characteristics of the batteries.

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 with 3-5 floors. Radiators are not installed when the acidity of the coolant is 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 coolant impurities.

Steel

Choosing the best batteries for heating an apartment, many consumers opt for 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 ​​the devices increases heat transfer;
• modern design;
• easy installation;
• affordable cost.

Minuses:

• with pressure surges, a gust is possible;
• not all models are designed for high pressure.

Cast iron

For the central heating water circuit, cast iron batteries remain the most acceptable option. They are resistant to sudden pressure drops, aggressive coolant composition. Thermal inertia allows you to maintain the temperature for a long time in the event of a 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 construction;
• resistance to water hammer and corrosion.

Minuses:

• significant weight;
• thermal inertia.

Bimetallic structures

The new type of heating devices consists of two metals - aluminum and steel. In different parts of the structure, a material is used that provides optimal parameters. The pipes in contact with the coolant are made of steel. Durable metal withstands increased working pressure and is not afraid of corrosion. The outer part is made of aluminum, which transfers heat quickly.

Pros:

• fast heating of the structure;
• maximum pressure 25-35 atmospheres;
• light weight;
• stylish design;
• long-term operation.

Cons: 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. The products do not have significant drawbacks and are 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 that you should know about in advance:

• Sectional - batteries consist of several parts, their number can be increased in accordance with the needs of the amount of heat. The downside of the design is the likelihood of leakage at the junction of individual parts. In apartments, this is the most common type of heating device.
• Panel - radiators made of steel sheets, inside of which there are channels for the circulation of the coolant. To enhance heat transfer, ribs are welded to the panels. This type is popular for its attractive design and high efficiency. It is not recommended for multi-storey buildings. Panel gauges are designed for low pressure.
• Tubular - the structure consists of two horizontal collectors, to which vertical pipes are welded. Such radiators have become a modern replacement for traditional batteries. The products are reliable and efficient. Battery designs are stylish and attractive.
• Convection - devices consist of a pipe with a coolant, to which metal plates are welded.

All types of radiators are suitable for district heating, except for panel models. But even among them you can find an option designed for a pressure of 10 atmospheres.

Calculation of the number of radiator sections

Having decided which batteries are better to give preference, it is necessary to calculate their number. A small number of radiator sections will not provide a comfortable temperature in the room, and unnecessary elements are a waste of money. The correct calculation can be done independently using special formulas.

By the area of ​​the apartment

For calculations, you will 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 manufacturer of the equipment. When calculating, the standard for heating residential premises is taken into account - 100 W per 1 m2.

K = S x 100 / Pwhere:

• P - capacity of one section;
• S - the area of ​​the room;
• K - the number of sections.

This method of calculation is relevant for cast iron, aluminum and bimetallic batteries. We must not forget about heat loss. If the room is corner or has a balcony, it is worth increasing the estimated amount by 20%.

By volume

An accurate calculation in a room with a high ceiling is performed by volume. Heating rates for 1 cu. m are 41 watts. Formula:

K = V x 41 / P, Where:

• V - the volume of the room (area multiplied by the height of the ceiling);
• P - thermal power of 1 section;
• K - the total number of sections.

When getting a number with a fraction, the value is rounded up.

Additional selection criteria

Before buying heating devices, in addition to thermal calculation and working pressure, several more factors are taken into account:

• resistance to hydraulic shocks;
• sensitivity to contamination of the coolant;
• design;
• duration of operation;
• product cost;
• method of connecting the radiator;
• battery size and shape;

The maximum temperature of the coolant is also important. Some models are designed for low rates of the order of 80-90 ° C, they are not suitable for regions with a harsh climate. There the water heats up 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.

Popular manufacturers rating

Having decided on the type of heating equipment, buyers need to choose a reliable manufacturer. In the ranking of the best models, the first positions are taken by products of Italian and German companies. The Russian brands Rifar and Royal Termo are worthy competition for them. Chinese-made equipment is chosen with great care. Many European brands have moved production to the Asian region and control the quality of the products. But the goods of unknown firms can fail at any moment.

Royal termo

The largest Russian manufacturer of equipment for heating systems, which plans to produce 50% of the total volume of aluminum and bimetallic radiators in the domestic market by 2021. The range of the brand also includes panel batteries. The appearance of the products was developed by Italian designers. Radiators have high heat dissipation, durability, and affordable price. The company gives a 10-year warranty.

Rifar

The Russian company Rifar produces bimetallic and aluminum batteries. The devices are suitable for individual and apartment buildings. Thanks to the original design, they withstand increased pressure - aluminum batteries up to 60 atmospheres, bimetallic ones - up to 150 atmospheres. Product performance is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Russian winter.

Global

The Italian brand is the global market leader in heating radiator manufacturers. Russian buyers met him in 1994. The company offers 4 series of bimetallic and aluminum radiators. Global products are renowned for quality materials and workmanship, high heat dissipation and modern design. The disadvantages include the high cost of products.

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. Heating devices withstand up to 35 atmospheres, have a high-quality coating. The company provides a 20-year radiator warranty.

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 model range includes single-row and multi-row convective batteries, as well as devices created using 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 devices on the market. It offers several model lines including classic and designer radiators. The products are manufactured using modern technology by laser welding. In the catalog, the buyer will find any standard size for connection to the heating network.

When choosing which heating radiators are best installed in apartments, be guided by their heat output, room parameters and pressure in the system. Products of well-known brands will last longer than cheap Chinese consumer goods.