Which radiator to choose for your home: tips

Bimetallic radiators have recently become more and more popular, because they look much more attractive than heavy cast iron and much more reliable than their aluminum counterparts.

This type of radiator is made of steel with aluminum, which has high thermal conductivity and warms up the room perfectly. Moreover, the distribution of air masses occurs convectionally. The radiator looks modern and laconic; it will neatly fit into the interior of any room. In addition, it will last at least 20 years. The steel collector prevents corrosion, is resistant to pressure drops, prevents contact of aluminum with the coolant, protecting the material from destruction.

First, decide which model you need. Many bimetallic radiators are made up of sections. Usually there is an even number of such elements, the joints between which have sealed gaskets secured by nipples. The advantage of this model is that you can always attach or remove the required number of sections. But there are also monolithic structures that can handle pressures up to 100 atmospheres. Such models are more expensive, but if there are powerful water hammers in your centralized network, then you should give preference to these particular radiators.

Another important indicator is the material from which the radiators are made. So, for example, there are models made entirely on the basis of a steel frame, or those that have steel-reinforced channels. Experts believe that the first type of radiators is more reliable, but in semi-metallic devices, for example, high heat transfer.

To choose a really high-quality model, pay attention to the price. Indeed, for the manufacture of cheap options, less steel and aluminum are taken, they are simpler in design, and the painting of such devices, as a rule, is made according to the budget option.

To find out exactly how many sections should be in the radiator, you need to make a simple calculation. The power of the models can vary from 160 watts to 2,4 kilowatts, and it all depends, of course, on the area that will need to be heated. If, for example, you have ceilings of 250-270 meters in your room, one wall faces the street and there is still one window, then 100 watts will be enough to heat one square meter. In a room with ceilings of 250-270 meters, where there is one window, but two walls already face the street, 120 watts must be chosen to heat one square meter. In a room with standard ceilings, where there are two windows and two walls facing the street, 130 watts are needed to heat one square meter. For a more accurate calculation, it is necessary to multiply the area of ​​the room by the power indicator and by the correction factor (1,1). For example: 19 sq. m (area) x 100 watts x 1,1 = 2090 watts. Now you need to look into the radiator’s passport and find out what heat output one section has. This will help you understand how many sections are enough to heat your room.

Alexander Krasavin, product offer specialist at Leroy Merlin, explains how to get the most out of your heating system:

1) Install temperature regulators on the batteries, with the help of which the room will maintain comfortable conditions. Please note that without thermostats, the radiator will heat up to the level of the coolant, which will lead to oxygen burning and, as a result, to stuffiness in the room and headaches. In a stuffy room, you have to open windows, which means you lose precious heat, for which you pay out of your pocket. Installing a thermostat will help you save money – you will pay exactly for the amount of heat you used.

2) Do not cover batteries with blackout curtains. They limit the flow of heat into the room.

3) Preventing heat leakage, do not keep the window open constantly, it is better to arrange through ventilation for a while. Thus, you will fill the room with fresh air, but there will be no sharp drop in temperature.