How to choose a radiator for home and apartment

Any heating system for efficient operation has radiators - devices that dissipate heat in the air. It depends on their device how much it will be warm in the house or apartment.Batteries in a closed heating system must transfer heat as efficiently as possible before water or any other coolant returns for heating. In our review, we will talk about the main types of radiators, their device and characteristics.

Classification of radiators by heat transfer method

On this basis, radiators are divided into:

radiation, which transfer heat through radiation. These include sectional cast-iron batteries in old houses;
radiation-convective, in which convection enhances radiation. This includes models having welded fins, for example, tubular heaters;
convective, giving off heat due to the circulation of the coolant in it. Usually they have a ribbed surface.

All three types are equally used for heating residential and industrial premises.

Classification of radiators by design features

According to differences in design, radiators are divided into four main types:

Sectional sections have the form of sections of the same type, which can be combined to obtain a battery of the required power. Sectional heaters can be bimetal. In them, the elements responsible for heat dissipation are made of metal with high thermal conductivity.
Lamellar have the form of metal plates worn on pipes with a coolant. Such models are commonly called convectors. The pipes in them can be either straight or curved.
Tubular are non-separable and represent a series of vertically located and interconnected tubes. The power of such models depends on the number of tubes, their thickness and total length. This version of radiators is notable for its high price and some fragility.
Panel batteries are a panel of any thermally conductive material. Usually they are recessed into the walls.

The most popular varieties described are sectional and tubular. They are most often used for heating apartments and country houses.

Types of radiators according to the material of manufacture

For the manufacture of radiators, metals are used that have high thermal conductivity and are relatively inexpensive. These are steel, aluminum and cast iron. We will tell you more about them:

Cast iron radiators are sectional. They are designed for central heating of residential, industrial and public high-rise buildings. Cast iron models are characterized by significant thermal power and compactness. The great advantage of cast iron is that the products made of it practically do not rust, are not very susceptible to low quality coolant, and are durable and strong.
Aluminum radiators are considered the most effective because of the high thermal conductivity of this metal. Aluminum models withstand large working and pressure testing in the heating system. Advantages include light weight, compact dimensions and maximum heat dissipation. The disadvantage of such models is the susceptibility of aluminum to corrosion in the aquatic environment. Aluminum radiators can be solid and sectional.
Steel radiators look like a rectangular panel of two sheets of steel welded together with stamped recesses. To increase heat transfer, steel ribs are welded to them. Several panels are combined together, gaining a certain power and closed in front with a decorative casing. For the manufacture of steel radiators using metal grades with high resistance to corrosion. Steel models are designed for low working pressure, they are sensitive to water hammer and eventually rust from the inside upon contact with water. Steel heaters are produced in the form of sectional and tubular options.

Most of the shortcomings lack bimetallic models. They withstand the transcendental value of the working pressure of about 100 atmospheres, and the aluminum in them does not come into contact with water. The only negative can be considered high cost.

Heat-sink radiators

The heat carrier in the heaters of this type is water vapor. Steam heating has a high efficiency and has been known for over a hundred years. With the help of modern technologies, it was possible to avoid its well-known drawback - noisy work - and preserve all the advantages. In heat-contour models, steam quickly spreads over the entire volume of the battery, heating it evenly and in a short time. Every year, more and more new radiator models appear on the market with excellent consumer qualities. The choice is becoming more diverse, allowing customers to choose the most suitable radiator for their heating system.