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Why is it cold in the apartment with hot batteries
It would seem that the utilities spare no effort or fuel – they do not touch the radiator. And in the house, even in a warm robe, it is uncomfortable.
“Maybe they are drowning badly?” – the hand itself reaches for the battery – check. We burn ourselves, pull it back: no, they heat well, you won’t find fault with it. But why is it so cold then?
It is possible to find “foci of frost” using a thermal imaging survey. But it can be simpler. How exactly, Wday.ru told an expert of the network of hypermarkets for repair and dacha OBI Vadim Vozny.
Reason 1. Not enough radiator sections
If the batteries are running at full capacity and the air has not yet warmed up, there are a few things to check that can affect the overall temperature in the house.
First of all, make sure that the number of radiator sections is sufficient for adequate heating. Much depends on the area of the room and the material from which the battery is made. For an approximate calculation, you can use the values that are determined based on the average norms of SNiP.
“One section of a bimetallic radiator will heat 1,8 square meters of area, an aluminum one – 1,9-2 square meters, and a cast-iron one – 1,4-1,5 square meters. It remains to divide the total area of the room by one of these factors. For example, to heat a 16-meter room, you need an aluminum radiator with 8 sections, ”says an OBI expert.
It is also worth remembering that according to the rules of operation, the distance from the window sill and the floor to the radiator must be at least 10 cm, and from the wall on which it is installed, at least 3 cm.The furniture must be located no closer than 6 cm from the heating device. If you do not follow these rules, the heat dissipation of the batteries is significantly reduced.
And by the way, the refrigerator should also be kept away from the radiator.
Corrosion, deposits on the inner walls – due to them, the radiator can become clogged. If water from a well is taken as a coolant without preliminary purification, then the radiator becomes unusable faster, regardless of the quality of workmanship.
“If the batteries become clogged, it is best to replace them with modern models that are more resistant to corrosion. For example, for a bimetallic radiator, such batteries provide one hundred percent throughput and uninterrupted operation even with the most polluted central heating systems, ”the OBI expert advises.
Reason 3. Heat goes outside
Another way to increase the heat dissipation of the radiator is to install a heat reflector or aluminum foil shield behind it, which will direct the heat energy into the room and not onto the wall of the house. You will be able to receive 15 percent more heat from the battery, which is spent on heating the wall that is not insulated from the outside, which gives off useful heat to the street. If your radiators have been repainted several times during the service, then remove all old paint from them and paint again in one layer. Remember: each new layer reduces heat transfer by 10 percent.
If new windows are installed in the apartment, and the draft does not stop, then the problem lies in the incorrectly sealed joints between the frame and the window sill. This defect is easy enough to eliminate – you need to carefully cover the problem area with a sealant. Use a putty to repair deep cracks and crevices. The mixture does not crack and does not shrink, which will allow you to forget about the problem of window drafts for a long time. It is better to choose formulations that contain additives that prevent the formation of mold and mildew.
“Another common cause of drafts is damaged window seals. A sure sign that it’s time to replace it is blowing and dust on the windowsill. In this case, the seal must be changed. This will help not only get rid of the draft, but also protect against noise, dust and dirt, which is extremely important in a metropolis, ”the OBI expert recommends.
Reason 5. Cracks in the walls and attic
Corner apartments and apartments on the top floors are the most problematic in terms of keeping warm. Cracks and chips often appear there, which let cold air into the room. To seal a crack in a wall, you will need a putty, deep penetration primer and a sealing mesh. Clean the crack from dust and dirt, prime it, apply the putty with a spatula and smooth it over the entire surface of the crack, then stick the mesh onto the damp putty and apply another layer on top.
Keep in mind that the net should cover the entire area of damage on the wall. If your apartment is on the top floor, check the attic as well. Make sure the roof has insulation and is in good condition.