The choice of radiators is a serious undertaking on which not only the efficiency of heating of residential premises depends, but also the operational period of the heating communication as a whole. In multi-unit buildings, the risk of a water hammer is higher than in private homes, due to its connection to the centralized heating network. Therefore, the article will consider in detail the question of which heating radiators are better for an apartment.
Features of centralized heating networks
The flow of the coolant to the apartments is carried out by connecting to a centralized heating network (DSP). The movement of the coolant in such systems is forced. Fluid supply to each apartment is made by special pumps, which are part of the DSP. The pressure injected by the pumps averages 16 atmospheres.
Useful information! When choosing a heating radiator, first of all it is recommended to pay attention to how often pressure jumps occur in communications. In order for the battery to withstand water hammer, its material must have an adequate margin of safety.
Quite a frequent phenomenon, which is subject to centralized communication – a violation of conservation. As a rule, this occurs in the summer time. However, not all batteries are able to withstand hydraulic shocks that occur during a similar depressurization in the system.
Certain elements of DSPs wear out over time, which leads to a deterioration in the quality of the coolant and the ingress of various foreign matter into it. These may include technical impurities, particles of rust, dirt, and various sedimentary elements. The presence of the former in the working environment adversely affects its heat output during circulation through DSP. The rest contribute to the narrowing of the lumen of pipes and radiators, which also reduces the efficiency of residential heating.
When replacing a heating device in an apartment, check the compatibility of the materials from which the batteries and connecting elements (fittings) are made. The incompatibility of metals leads to their oxidation, which often becomes the cause of emergency situations in DSP.
Today you can find a variety of batteries for installation in apartments. All of them are divided into species according to several criteria. First of all, all radiators of heating are classified according to the material from which they are made:
- cast iron;
- steel;
- aluminum;
- bimetallic;
- copper.
And also, depending on the design, they can be:
- sectional;
- panel.
Each of the above types of heaters, suitable for operation in certain conditions. It should also be said that there are highly specialized models that are used to perform a single function. This type includes floor-type convectors used in rooms that have a large glazing area. Their use eliminates the possibility of window fogging.
In the market you can find another type of convectors – baseboards. They are installed in special metal boxes that replace the classic plinths. The main advantage of such heating devices is that they do not violate the overall interior of the room.
Today you can find a variety of batteries in terms of design. The range of modern radiators is incredibly wide and diverse. The disadvantage of batteries, made in a unique design, is their price. Therefore, such heaters are not in high demand.
Not so long ago, cast iron heaters were the most popular and were used almost everywhere. But today, these bulky structures, covered with enamel paint, faded into the background. With the development of production technologies, more efficient and wear-resistant steel radiators, as well as appliances from other materials, have emerged.
Note! Cast iron material has a high thermal conductivity. It is also worth saying that it heats up for a long time, but it also cools for a long time.
Cast iron batteries are able to withstand quite a lot of pressure (up to 30 atmospheres), which is 2 times higher than the standard DSP values. Thus, devices made from this material are highly resistant to hydraulic shocks in the system.
Among the advantages of radiator batteries made of cast iron can also be distinguished by the fact that they have compatibility with pipes and fittings from other materials. This saves money, as when replacing the battery there is no need to replace related communications.
As well as cast iron products are distinguished by their resistance to pernicious corrosive effects. They are unpretentious in terms of the quality of the working environment that moves through them. Prolonged interaction of the internal surface of the battery, made of cast iron, with water leads to a dark precipitate, which has antioxidant properties. Therefore, with the normal use of such radiators, they are able to last more than a dozen years.
Modern radiators of this material are covered with special protective enamel at the production stage. Unlike old cast iron batteries, the new models do not require annual staining, and they are also easy to wash, as they have a smooth, glossy surface. In addition, cast iron heaters do not accumulate gases, and therefore do not need to drain the excess air.
During Soviet times, such radiators were made in large quantities and had standard sizes. Today, the range of these devices offers customers virtually unlimited options for cast iron products that differ in shape, design and color. A wide range allows you to increase the operational area of such radiators.
Western companies engaged in the production of cast iron radiators, produce a special designer line of heating devices. Such batteries are made in a trendy retro style and are equipped with various ornaments. Of course, the cost of such products is much higher than conventional cast iron, but their quality and presentable appearance are beyond doubt.
Cast iron structures are selected, depending on the size of the room. If necessary, the number of sections can be increased or decreased, which is very convenient. Consider what factors influence the choice of the number of sections:
- floor space;
- window size;
- Number of doors;
- features of the climatic region.
Cast iron structures differ in volume filling. For example, in domestic radiators it is 1.3, and in foreign – 0.8 l. The cost of the latter is approximately 2-3 times higher. Brackets are used to install radiators in an apartment made of cast iron. It is also worth noting that some models are attached directly to the floor.
As mentioned above, cast iron radiators are not as popular as before. This is due to their shortcomings. The main disadvantage of these products is their great weight, due to which their storage, transportation and installation are accompanied by certain difficulties.
Note! To fix the standard cast-iron construction, it is necessary to use bulky fixing elements – brackets.
It is also worth mentioning that, in terms of design, standard cast iron products are not very presentable. They are absolutely not suitable for rooms made in a modern style. Another drawback of cast iron heating batteries is low inertness. With such a battery, it will not be possible to perform operational regulation of the temperature mode in the room, and for autonomous heating systems this property is especially important.
Cast iron structures do not differ in strength characteristics and are especially susceptible to mechanical stress (shock). It is because of the above properties that these products are not in great demand in the modern market of heating equipment.
Steel radiators are among the most popular today. They are distinguished by a mass of positive qualities, and are also quite presentable and are suitable for almost any room design.
There are three main varieties of these products, which differ from each other in their design:
- panel;
- tubular;
- lamellar.
Each of these types is suitable for certain conditions and has its own advantages and disadvantages. In order to answer the question which heating radiator is better to choose for an apartment, it is necessary to consider the features of both panel and tubular, as well as convector structures.
Panel construction includes two steel sheets. By stamping, they are given the necessary form. After that, the received preparations are joined by welding, which allows to obtain a hollow panel. If necessary, it is complemented by convectors, due to which the air moves in a vertical direction. This allows you to perform a kind of “barrier” that protects the room from the cold coming from the window.
After assembling a similar radiator, it is painted. The protective coating is a very important element of the structure, as it protects it from corrosion, makes it more presentable, and also contributes to its maintenance. When choosing a new steel battery, special attention should be paid to how evenly a layer of paint is applied to the panel. It should not contain gaps, cracks or chips.
Steel structures are able to withstand the temperature of the working environment up to 95? C. They are designed for the standard pressure that is created inside the DSP, namely: 16 atmospheres.
Useful information! Steel batteries of this type may have a different number of convector elements and panels.
The length of such radiators ranges from 40 cm to 3 m. The minimum height of this design is 20 cm, and the maximum is 90. Some companies are engaged in the production of steel heating devices of this type on request, which also expands their model range, and, accordingly, operational the scope.
Aluminum radiators are less expensive. You can purchase a device of this type for only 2500-4500 rubles. In turn, steel and cast iron models are the most expensive. For example, the most popular battery from cast iron STI NOVA 500, costs about 7,500 rubles. The price of the most popular steel devices ranges from 6-7 thousand rubles.
To select a heating device in an apartment, it is necessary to take into account many nuances. But first of all, it is desirable to determine the financial capabilities and features of the DSP in your home. If necessary, you can seek advice from a specialist who will help you find an effective device.
