Heating batteries: which are better for an apartment, prices

When replacing heating devices connected to the DSP, the calculation of the area, power and pressure in the system determines how efficiently the heating batteries are selected - which ones are better for the apartment? Prices and characteristics of heating devices depend on the choice of design solutions:

steel panel batteries are well suited for five-storey buildings (with operating voltages up to 10 bar);
for high-rise buildings with high operating voltage and poor quality of the heat carrier - sectional bimetallic or cast iron devices.

Features of the DSP

Apartments are serviced by a DSP, which determines a number of requirements:

Liquid transportation is compulsory. Pumping systems provide pressure to help supply heating medium to each living space. The average voltage level should be 16 atm. When buying heating devices, you should pay attention to possible pressure surges in the system. Under the influence of water hammer, the material for manufacturing must meet a high level of strength and reliability.
All batteries must be capable of operating with frequent filling and draining of the system.

Often there are violations in the conservation of DSP, observed in the warm season. Batteries must retain their operational properties under the influence of water hammer.
Taking into account the deterioration of the DSP elements, one should remember about the poor quality of the fluid in the system. The hot coolant contains technical impurities, dirt and rust. The former reduce heat transfer when moving the liquid. Under the influence of contamination, the water quickly clogs the risers and internal structures of the batteries.
Features of the strapping. Emergency situations - the result of the incompatibility of the metal with the materials used, the selected batteries are connected.

Convection or Radiation?

If heat transfer is carried out by convection, the air heats up faster due to the branching of the heating surface. When heat is transferred by radiation, 60% of the heat is released through the surface of the battery, the rest of the energy is given off by convection. Combined products - panel devices - enter the market.

What heating batteries are best for an apartment? Consumer reviews are inclined to choose devices based on the installation location:

convectors are well used to create an air curtain in glazing areas where standard batteries do not fit in size;
products operating on the principle of radiation are inferior to convector devices in terms of heating speed, but they prevent the formation of dust in the air, which negatively affects human health.

Cast iron batteries

There are 1, 2 and 3-channel systems on the construction market. The inner ribs of the products are vertical, which increases heat transfer. The heating of the liquid for cast iron batteries is 150 ° C. The pressure on the pressure test areas is 18 atm. Operating voltage - 9 ... 12 bar. Battery power varies between 100-150 watts, depending on the model type. High indicators of inertia, that is, a slow mode of heating and cooling, does not require the installation of an adjustment system.

An interesting fact: the power indicated in the data sheet does not correspond to the actual indicators, which is explained by the tests carried out in laboratory conditions close to ideal. Under normal conditions, when the liquid in the heating unit is heated to 60 ° C, the power of the batteries will be 50 W. That is, to obtain a battery temperature of 60 ° C, the boiler temperature should be set to 75 ° C.

Old samples

The structures cannot boast of an attractive appearance, but they are distinguished by high performance characteristics. In a modern design with a reduced spacing between the axles, they take on high aesthetic properties. The presence of a screen, niche or box will hide the appearance of the battery.

The figure shows the models MS-140 and MS-90, which differ in the depth of the section. The price of one section on the Russian market is 270 - 350 rubles. They differ in size and heat dissipation. Belarusian batteries have a cost of sections from 300 rubles.

Series "MC" with numerical values indicating the depth of the sections (1st) and the gap between the axes (2nd). For example, MS-140 500, where the depth of the sections is 140 mm, and the gap between the axes (inter-nipple distance) is 500 mm.

The depth allows you to find out if the battery can be placed under the windowsill or if it will protrude. It is required to add 30-50 mm to the obtained value, taking into account the distance from the rear walls of the heaters to the wall surface. As a result, it turns out that MS-140 closes a window sill with a protrusion of 180-200 mm.

The gap between the axes allows you to find out at what distance the supply circuits and return will be located. In the case of bottom connection, this parameter only determines the approximate height of the section.

Above are the technical data of the MC-140 model.

New models

Based on the characteristics of the interior, many consumers make a choice in the direction of aluminum and bimetallic products. The range of cast iron batteries is represented by new products identical to aluminum products. They are distinguished by an improved design, a flat front panel, and a flat surface. Individual designs are manufactured with factory enamel coating.

Cast iron design structures were previously produced in the EU countries and China, but with the successful entry of domestic appliances into the market, it became more difficult for users to decide how to choose batteries for an apartment. The cost difference is easy to figure out with a quick overview of the key differences:

domestic products are supplied primed, not painted;
European designs are distinguished by a smoother inner and outer coating, which affects the reduction of hydraulic resistance.
foreign products have a higher heat transfer and a smaller volume of sections.
Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian models are characterized by high weight and parameters at the same pressure, relative to imported products.

"Retro" models

Used as a decorative element. Their cover is decorated with different patterns, bas-reliefs, protrusions in the upper and lower parts. They are mounted on legs with a similar style.

Russian manufacturers RetroStil and Eksemet are engaged in the production of semi-antique batteries. Manufacturing technology includes applying paint, toning and polishing structures for the interior. Batteries of foreign production are also produced in "retro" style:

Guratec (Germany),
Viadrus (Czech Republic);
Demir Dokum (Turkey);
Roca (Spain);
Rococo (England);
F (Poland).

Criterias of choice

Most consumers do not know how to choose a heating battery for an apartment. Which structure to buy - sectional or cast, depends on the requirements for strength and the need to increase power by building up sections (76 ... 93 mm long, 140 ... 203 mm deep, 388 ... 954 mm high). Monolithic devices are highly reliable in operation.

Cast iron batteries are hung on the wall or put on legs. Legs are completed with products (“retro” variations) or ordered separately. The main wall is used for wall mounting. Installation on partitions is also allowed, but then reinforcement is required that can withstand a large mass.

The canopy is made on special brackets, pins or hooks. Two are placed at the top. One is at the bottom. The main load is distributed on the upper carriers. The lower ones allow you to give direction.

The approximate cost of products:

Aluminum heating appliances

Aluminum is characterized by low inertness, which has a positive effect on the level of heat transfer. It is 200 watts per section. Installing batteries allows you to compose a given number of sections. From the outside, the product is coated with a special polymer that acts as a good barrier to mechanical action.

Manufacturers of aluminum batteries offer a wide range of models, differing in height and number of sections. The technical data sheet indicates the limiting parameter of the test working pressure up to 25 atm. However, in practice, these devices provide high-quality operation at a constant voltage of up to 12 atm.

Long-term use of devices is allowed in closed systems with an operating voltage of 6-12 atm. The heating medium is subject to strict pH control.
Do not use steel, copper or brass fittings. Interacting with aluminum, they form a chemical reaction that affects the occurrence of corrosion and the formation of surface currents. When installing aluminum devices, a polymer pipeline and proper grounding of heating devices are recommended.
In DSP, the liquid contains a large amount of oxygen hazardous to aluminum. When it interacts with soft metal, a gaseous hydrogen system is formed with its characteristic unpleasant sounds and air locks. They instantly block the operation of the heating system. This requires equipping the equipment with Mayevsky cranes.

The cost of aluminum batteries:

Steel batteries

When choosing steel heating appliances, you should remember about the formation of surges in the DSP - no manufacturer guarantees the safety and tightness of installations in multi-storey buildings. The best option would be to use devices in 5-storey premises. There, the operating voltage varies within 6-8 atm. In case of water hammer, steel products can easily cope with the tasks assigned to them.

Strong, ductile, flexible and malleable materials are weldable and have a high level of thermal conductivity. Products are produced in panel and tubular form.

Panel models

In the middle of the structure, 1, 2 or 3 panels are placed. It is represented by two flat profiles welded along the connecting contour. The plates are punched out to form oval channels - vertical paths for the heating fluid. Manufacturing of structures is based on the principle of roller welding, which joins stamped blanks. Finished products are connected in 2 pieces. using tubes.

To increase heat transfer, manufacturers place U-shaped fins on the back side. They are made from thinner steel sheets than panels. Ribs are required for convection to form. When several panels are connected in a row, they are covered with covers on both sides. Based on the number of heating and convector panels located in the inner part of the batteries, a number of models are distinguished:

Class 10 - single-row products without convectors and facing materials.

Class 11 - single-row designs with 1 convector, without top grating.

Class 20 - double-row appliances without convectors, with an air-permeable grill.

Class 21 - double-row units with one convector and covered fins.

Class 22 - double-row models with two convectors and fins hidden under the casing.

Class 30 - three-row appliances, without a convector, covered with a grill on top.

Class 33 - three-row products with 3 convectors and fins protected by a casing.

The choice of model determines its heat transfer. Class 10 and 11 appliances without convection elements transfer heat through the air. The finished devices are characterized by a narrow shape, which ensures ease of installation.

How to make a choice?

The choice of steel models is determined by the place of installation and the type of products that classify panel types of heating batteries in an apartment:

Type 11 is used for heating non-residential premises: corridors, closets, small rooms, where it is not required to maintain a temperature of 20-22 degrees, but 16-18 grams is enough.
22 type is used for the main heating of the apartment.
Type 33 is relevant for mounting a low device with increased heat transfer.

For heating 1 sq. M. room requires 120 watts of battery power, and for a room of 15 square meters. a device with a power of 1800 watts is used. Such indicators are distinguished by a device of type 22 with parameters 50 * 100 cm. The performance of products is indicated on their surface.

Important information:

Plate devices do not corrode provided the batteries are always filled with water. Taking into account the fact that the draining of the heating liquid in the DSP is carried out regularly, the service life of steel devices is reduced. Steel batteries cannot be built up, this requires careful calculation of the power and the number of plates. The possibility of water hammering indicates the need to use steel batteries in five-story buildings. There, the operating voltage is 6–8 bar.

Tubular batteries

Steel contours, welded together, form a core that acts as a body. Structurally, it is similar to a cast iron appliance, but differs in an increased number of rows.

Technical Parameters of Steel Batteries

Heat output

The performance of the products determines the range of 1.2 - 1.8 kW and above. Due to the small inertia, the batteries quickly warm up and give off heat to the surrounding space. Heat transfer is provided in 2 ways - direct radiation and convection.

Working voltage

Pressure limits range from 6 to 10 bar for plate models. This parameter is limited due to the ductility of the steel. Tubular models withstand a voltage of 8 - 15 bar. This excludes the possibility of being used in DSP. They will not be able to cope with the pressure in the central heating system of multi-storey buildings, but they are perfect for apartments located in 5-storey buildings.

Coolant characteristics

Steel appliances rust quickly when exposed to air and water. But manufacturers easily overcome this problem with a special inner protective layer.

Temperature regime

The maximum heating of the coolant is 110 - 120 g.

Distance between axles

Steel fittings are designed for side and bottom connection. The spacing between the axles requires special attention when connecting laterally. It allows you to find out at what distance the upper collector is in relation to the lower one.

Panel devices are characterized by a distance between the axes equal to the height of the batteries minus 500 - 700 mm. Tubular devices have a distance between the axes of 12 - 293 cm.

Instrument dimensions

Panel batteries are up to 3 m long and 200 - 900 mm high. Tubular devices are manufactured in any length and have a maximum depth of 225 mm. The height varies from 190 to 3000 mm.

Metal section

Steel thickness ranges from 1.15 to 1.25 mm.

Duration of operation

The quality indicators of products that determine their duration of operation are influenced by the wall thickness - the best option is 1.2 - 1.5 mm.

Installation method

The main ease of installation lies in the possibility of choosing a panel device with side and bottom connections. In the latter version, it is possible to place pipes under the floor surface and install a temperature sensor directly to the battery. And the panels can be connected in series or in parallel.

Below is a brief overview of the products of type 22, 50 cm wide, 50 cm long famous brands:

Price difference:

Bimetallic heating devices

Bimetallic batteries are devoid of the disadvantages of aluminum and steel products, combining their best technical parameters. They are an excellent alternative to cast iron counterparts. Structurally, the batteries are represented by an internal steel circuit for the circulation of the coolant. The aluminum outer plates generate the main heat. Monolithic products, devoid of connecting seams and collapsible models, represented by a set of separate ribs, united by nipples and gaskets, go on sale.

Main settings:

Cast structures have an operating voltage of 35 bar.
The inner steel coating of the core is treated with an anti-corrosion compound, which provides high performance properties for any quality of the heat carrier.
The minimum inertness values contribute to the rapid heating of the batteries. And high efficiency is achieved through the use of 2 types of heating. The steel core radiates heat, while the aluminum fins start the converter heating.
All designs are equipped with thermal sensors. They contribute to a decrease or increase in the volume of the coolant in the inner part of the housing, providing independent temperature control.
Attractive design, low weight and ease of installation complete the list of positive characteristics.

Bimetallic devices are inferior to steel products in terms of technical characteristics - a reduced volume of coolant. To warm up the room to the optimal temperature and maintain it, constant pumping of water is required. And with a small cross-section of pipes (12-15 mm), the speed of the coolant must be high. At high pressure in the areas where threaded fittings are connected, the thermostat heads emit a characteristic whistle.