Radiators, heating, metal: technical characteristics and reviews

To date, there are many types of heating radiators, among which metal structures occupy a leading position. From a technical point of view radiators are called hollow inside heating appliances, consisting of several sections. The design is filled with hot water and due to the thermal conductivity of the material, cold air in the room heats up. In order for the metal radiators to fully perform their functions, you should choose the correct design.

Basic principles of choice

The main parameter for choosing a metal radiator is the compatibility with the heating system of the house. There are two types of systems:

1. Open - for apartment buildings.
2. Closed - for private buildings.

Compatibility with the type of heating system is determined by compliance with parameters such as:

• Maximum operating temperature of the coolant;
• Material from which the radiator is made;
• Pressure in the system;
• Heat transfer;
• Internality.

These indicators are indicated in the technical specifications for any metal radiators. The central heating system requires a more careful selection of the radiator, since it must calmly tolerate pressure and temperature changes, low water quality. The mismatch of the technical characteristics of the requirements may cause an accident in the heating system or the failure of the radiator itself.

Types of radiators

By type of material radiators are divided into the following varieties:

• Aluminum;
• Cast iron;
• Steel;
• Bimetallic.

The cost of heating equipment is divided into the following classes:

1. Economy - standard inexpensive heating constructions, which are available for free sale in any construction shop.
2. Medium - metal radiators with improved properties.
3. The highest class - appliances that are manufactured to meet the individual requirements of the customer or have a unique design.

By type of construction, the following types are distinguished:

• Panel;
• Tubular;
• Sectional.

The characteristics of metal radiators are the main criteria for choosing a design for use.

Radiators from aluminum

Aluminum radiators can be divided into two types:

1. Sectional models are the most in demand. The sections are interconnected by thread and sealed gaskets. This design is attractive for low cost and good heat dissipation. The disadvantages include the susceptibility to corrosion of the internal surface and the need to install air-drain valves.
2. Cast radiators are a one-piece construction that is molded from metal into a mold. They are characterized by increased durability and resistance to a possible hydraulic shock. Have a maximum service life of 20 years.

Heating radiators made of aluminum are popular for use in multi-family houses with an open type of heating system.

Steel products

Steel radiators can also be divided into several varieties, which have their own characteristics:

1. Panel metal heating radiators are a structure of two stamped parts with channels for water circulation. Are distinguished by affordable cost and good heat dissipation. Users note an easy installation due to their light weight design.
2. Heating radiators made of metal pipes are considered to be more durable and reliable than panel radiators. By connecting pipes with welding, such a design withstands pressure and temperature changes, but it has a higher cost and increased complexity of installation.

Steel metal heating radiators are often used in private homes with an individual heating system.

Cast-iron constructions

The appearance of classic cast-iron radiators is familiar to all, because they were installed in all houses built in the USSR. They are distinguished by their durability and capable of serving for several decades.

Cast iron for the production of heating devices is resistant to corrosion and to a poor quality of water. Calmly tolerates temperature and pressure changes. The heat transfer rate reaches 70%, the remaining 30% goes to convection and promotes the heating of the lower zones of the heated room.

The disadvantages include large weight, which greatly complicates the installation, as well as a rough inner surface, which contributes to a gradual clogging of the structure and poor conductivity of the water. However, this defect is eliminated by periodic flushing of the system with high pressure water. The cost of such radiators is relatively small, and the service life reaches 50 years.

Bimetal radiators

This type of heating structure is considered the most optimal, although the most expensive. It combines the best properties of aluminum and tubular products. They are characterized by high thermal conductivity and an optimum service life of 25 years. A light weight contributes to ease of installation work.

The design combines an aluminum frame and internal steel elements that are resistant to corrosion. Also, due to some features, bimetallic radiators are resistant to pressure, temperature and presence of impurities and additives.

Heat dissipation as the main criterion for choosing a radiator

The characteristics of heat transfer influence the level and speed of heating the air in the room, that's why it is considered the main criterion for choosing a radiator for a house. This parameter depends on the material from which the radiator is made. The best characteristics are observed in copper and cast iron structures.

The choice of a heating product depends not only on the heat transfer, but also on the set of other parameters, such as:

• appearance;
• Cost;
• Compatibility of the pressure value of the heating system and radiator;
• Type of heating system (single- or double-tube);
• The amount of pressure test pressure;
• Compatibility of the maximum permissible water temperature in the system and radiator;
• Diameters of pipes and internal section.

For a quality heating of the room, not only the heat transfer of the heating structure plays a role, but also the correspondence of its size to the area of the room. For large rooms, a large surface of the heating element is required.

The optimum width of the radiator should be at least 60% of the window size. In this case, it should be located under the windowsill at a distance of 6 cm from the floor and 10 from the window.

Screen for decorating the radiator

The screen for metal radiators is used to decorate the latter for the general interior of the room. With its help you can not only add coziness to the house, but also hide the external defects of old cast-iron structures. In addition, it is often used to protect children from accidental contact with a heated structure.

Screens are produced from such materials as:

1. A metal that has a high thermal conductivity and does not interfere with the circulation of heated air through the room. In addition, it is durable, environmentally friendly and easy to install.
2. Wooden have decorative qualities and are installed mainly to enhance the features of interior decoration. Often used for the arrangement of country houses.
3. Thermoplastic is a relatively inexpensive and easy-care material. However, under the influence of high temperatures, it is subject to aging and has a limited lifespan.
4. Silicate glass is often used for decorative purposes, as there is a choice of colors, textures and other decorative elements.

Often screens do not have functional characteristics and are installed only as a decorative element.

Reviews of metal radiators indicate good quality characteristics of products, thanks to which there is a rapid heating of the room and maintaining the desired temperature. Their choice depends on financial possibilities, personal wishes and requirements for design.