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Warm and dry: which batteries to choose so as not to freeze in winter
Until the heating is turned on in the apartments, it is worth checking the condition of the radiators. If they are faulty, you can have time to change them.
The heating season is about to start, but it is not too late to take care of heat issues. Changing radiators takes just a few hours. Selection and purchase will take more time. What batteries are better to choose so as not to regret in winter, we asked an expert.
Full cycle construction team leader
Prevent accident
In many houses, cast-iron batteries were originally installed, they perfectly warm the room. However, most of these devices have already reached their end of life. During the heating season, weeds gradually accumulate in them, this impedes the movement of the coolant in the system.
Call a plumber if, during the heating season, several sections of the radiator did not heat up or it remained entirely cold. Another sign of malfunction is the riser temperature is higher than the radiator temperature. Replacing the batteries must not be postponed if they are leaking, or rust or moisture appears on the surface of the device at the joints during pressure testing (hydraulic tests after preventive maintenance).
Exact calculation
An important parameter to look out for when buying batteries is the pressure they can withstand. Look for this characteristic on the label. It should be noted that in five-storey buildings, the pressure in the heating system does not exceed 5-8 atmospheres. But in high-rise buildings, the indicator is 12-15 atmospheres.
Models and the number of sections differ.
The device in 10 sections will heat a room of 18 sq. m.
For a room of 9 sq. m, 5 sections are enough.
To the kitchen of 6 sq. m 3 sections are enough.
But if there is more than one outer wall in the room, the size of the radiator should be increased. The height of the ceilings also matters: when it exceeds 2,7 meters, it is better to add extra sections. Before buying, consult with a specialist, he will select the ideal solution. Replacing radiators is not cheap (about 5 thousand per device), so there is no point in experimenting.
The lineup
Cast iron batteries have excellent heat dissipation. An indisputable plus is a long service life (up to 50 years). This is where the advantages end. Such devices quickly become clogged with scale, they are difficult to install. Another disadvantage is significant weight. Price – from 3900 rubles. (6 sections).
Often the price tag indicates the cost of the section, and not the entire device.
Aluminum radiators withstand little pressure, so they can only be installed in private homes. Another significant drawback is low heat transfer, buying such a device, you have to choose a model with a large number of sections. As a result, it is not possible to save money. The plus of the radiator is its low weight, which means ease of transportation and installation. Price – from 3600 rubles. (6 sections).
Bimetallic devices less susceptible to corrosion than others. They can withstand high pressure, therefore they are suitable for high-rise buildings and low-rise buildings. The only drawback is the high cost. Price: from 3900 rubles. (6 sections).
Tips of the master
Pay attention to the service life of the device, it is indicated in the product passport. See where the radiator is made. The “Italian Design” label, for example, does not mean that the model was produced in the homeland of pizza and pasta. Look for the words “Made in …” and the address of the factory.
Ask a technician to install thermostats, they allow you to change the temperature in the heating system at will.
Take care of the installation of shut-off valves, they make it possible to shut off the heat supply to the battery in the event of its failure. This sometimes happens due to hydraulic shocks in the system.