How to choose a radiator?

Any radiator consists of sections. The number of sections is determined by the room you are going to heat. For the most accurate definition, you need to take into account many nuances, for example:

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  room volume (ie area and height of ceilings);
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  type of radiator;
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  brick house or panel;
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  whether there are double-glazed windows in the room;
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  the number of windows and outside walls in the room;
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  Are the external walls insulated?
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  where the windows go.

But usually, deciding which one to choose a radiator, repel the simplified formula, considering that for two square meters of space of the room you need one section of the battery plus one section for the entire room "in reserve". Additional section will help not to freeze in a room with an open door or not insulated walls.

When deciding to choose a radiator, pay attention to the radiator material. The material affects the heat transfer, and, consequently, the temperature in your room. The material of production distinguishes aluminum, cast iron, bimetallic and steel radiators. They differ thermal power and working pressure.

Cast iron radiators - this is a classic, familiar to us even from the Soviettimes. They are relatively inexpensive, compact (due to their high thermal capacity), they can be installed in almost any room. Cast-iron batteries are resistant to any kind of coolant, withstand coolant temperature up to + 150 ° C, corrosion resistant, strong and durable. Of the shortcomings can be called a large mass, as well as the fact that they need to be painted.

Aluminum radiators quickly heat up and have a high thermalreturn and working pressure. They are light and compact. They can be used in both central heating and autonomous heating systems. But still, if you have central heating in your house, choosing an aluminum radiator is not a good idea. Aluminum is very sensitive to sudden changes in pressure in the heating system (which is not uncommon) and the chemical composition of the water. Increased acidity of water leads to internal corrosion, and as a result - to blockage of the radiator and failure.

Bimetal radiators consist of two "layers". Inside there are steel pipes (core), contacting with the coolant, and outside - aluminum. Steel increases the strength and chemical resistance of the radiator, and aluminum - improves the rate of heating and heat transfer. Bimetallic radiators are practical, they have good heat transfer characteristics. But it makes sense to put them only in rooms with central heating. If you have autonomous heating, chemical resistance does not matter, and the heat transfer from such radiators is still lower than in pure aluminum (due to the core). Minus bimetal radiators - their high price.

Steel radiator, in contrast to the previous types, does not consist ofsections. This is a single rectangular panel of two welded steel sheets with plastered channels for water. Usually such radiators are put in small houses or apartments with autonomous heating. They quickly heat up and require a lower water temperature for heating. The disadvantages include sensitivity to shock and corrosion, low operating pressure. If you decide to choose a radiator made of steel, consider that it will be necessary to put shut-off fittings to ensure that the radiator is constantly filled with water, otherwise it will rust. Steel radiators are not recommended for installation in rooms with high humidity (for example, in bathrooms).

In order to make it easier for you to choose a radiator, we made a small a plate comparing the heat output and operating pressure of radiators of different types. The size of the working and test (test) pressure, as well as the number and diameter of the supply pipes, must be known in advance before buying the radiator.

Is there some more a few things, which you need to know in order to choose the right radiator:

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  the deeper and lower the radiator, the better and more uniformly the room warms up;
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  the distance between the top of the radiator and the window sill should be at least 10 cm, between the bottom and the floor - not less than 6 cm;
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  if the radiator is located under the window, its width should be at least 50-75% of the width of the window opening;
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  it is desirable that the radiator is equipped with a Mayevsky crane, so that you yourself can bleed air in the pipes, as well as cranes to shut off the water in case of emergencies;
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  for greater convenience, you can choose a radiator with a thermostat (manual or automatic).

We hope, Our tips will help you choose the right radiator and do not freeze even in the most severe frosts!