Adding sections to a bimetallic radiator – how to properly increase the battery?

One of the best decisions you can make to increase the effectiveness of your home heating system is to upgrade your radiators. Bimetallic radiators are a common option because of their capacity to distribute heat and their longevity. On the other hand, you may occasionally discover that your existing arrangement isn’t giving your room enough warmth. Fortunately, there is a fix: expanding your bimetallic radiator by adding sections.

A bimetallic radiator’s heating capacity can be greatly increased by simply adding sections to it. You won’t need to buy a whole new heating system to produce more warmth because you can increase the surface area available for heat exchange. This upgrade can significantly improve comfort throughout your entire home, whether your goal is to increase the heat output in a particular room.

It’s crucial to comprehend how these systems operate before beginning to add sections to your bimetallic radiator. Aluminum and steel are the two metal layers that make up bimetallic radiators. Aluminum effectively conducts heat, while steel offers strength and durability. The radiator emits heat and curves slightly as hot water passes through it because the aluminum expands more than the steel.

You’ll need to take a few things into account when adding more sections to your bimetallic radiator. The first thing you should do is make sure your current radiator can handle more sections. This entails evaluating the available area to ensure that the new components can fit with adequate clearance. You must also choose sections whose dimensions and material correspond to those of your existing radiator.

Installing the system can start as soon as the required components have been acquired and compatibility has been verified. Even though adding sections to a bimetallic radiator is not too difficult, it is crucial to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions in order to guarantee both safety and optimal performance. You can experience increased comfort and better heating efficiency in your house with the appropriate strategy.

Looking to boost the warmth in your home? Adding sections to a bimetallic radiator is a smart move. But how do you go about it? Firstly, ensure safety by turning off the heating system and letting the radiator cool. Then, detach the radiator from the wall brackets and drain any water. Now, it"s time to add the new sections. Start by removing the plastic plug from the end of the radiator and unscrewing the air vent. Next, attach the new section, making sure it aligns with the existing ones. Tighten the connections securely. Once done, reassemble the radiator, turn on the heating, and check for any leaks. Lastly, bleed the radiator to remove air pockets. With these steps, you can effectively increase your radiator"s capacity and enjoy a warmer, cozier home.

What is a bimetallic radiator

These days, this kind of battery is the most widely used. They blend in perfectly with modern interiors, are tidy, simple to install, and don’t need to be painted often. Such thermocouples are distinguished by their two-metal construction. Aluminum makes up the exterior, while steel makes up the interior. This results in an effective outer casing with a high heat output and a sturdy base that is resilient to hydrostatic shocks and high pressure in central heating. Bimetallic radiators are perfect for any height of apartment building. The price is the only drawback.

Preparation for work

Note that the sections are sold individually, so you can always purchase the required amount. Using parts from the same manufacturer is crucial. When the radiator is assembled, you can be certain that every component will have the same appearance and set of operating parameters.

For the task, you will require:

• Allen wrench with a working range from 0 to 35 mm.
• Radiator wrench. You can use a homemade one, but it will require a lot of effort to make it. It is better to buy a ready-made one.
• Gaskets – 2 pcs. for each added section. One for each nipple. They are installed in the center of the thread.
• Nipples – 2 per each added section. Often included in the sales kit.

An aluminum radiator wrench

Let"s get to work

1. Cut off water access to the radiator using the inlet and outlet stopcocks. Even if there is no water in the line. If you have a single-pipe heating system and there is no bypass in front of the radiator, you can only shut off the radiator in emergency situations. Otherwise you will leave all your neighbors without heat!
2. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts securing the radiator to the heating pipes. If water is present, place a small container to collect it. Start unscrewing the bottom mount. If the water is too hot, give the thermopile time to cool down so you don"t burn yourself. Drain the water, then unscrew the upper fastener.
3. Remove the radiator from the wall brackets. It will be more convenient to add sections when it lies horizontally. This will help to fit them together precisely.
4. Unscrew the blind plugs on one side of the thermopile with an adjustable wrench. The radiator wrench will be inserted through these through holes.
5. Take the nipples and put the gaskets on them, closer to the center. The nipple has a right-hand thread up to the middle and a left-hand thread further on. This allows both sections to be screwed in at the same time. The gaskets help to make the connection place airtight. Paronite gaskets are more resistant to high temperatures and have a long service life. Sometimes rubber ones are used.
6. Install the nipples between the sections to be connected. Try bumping them by hand, making one or one and a half turns. If the radiators are new – this will be very easy.
7. Take a radiator wrench, insert it to the required depth through the side hole of the section. Make two turns of one nipple, then make the same number of turns at the bottom of the radiator. Gradually turn the nipples the same number of turns until the sections are completely connected. It is important to make a small number of turns to avoid misalignment between sections and to achieve an even fit.
8. Put side plugs on the outermost section of the thermopile.
9. Install the radiator on the wall and connect it back to the main line.
10. When more than two sections are added, it may be necessary to add another hinge to secure the radiator to the wall.

It’s time to review how well you’ve been working. You can turn on any taps that are located in front of the radiator. After the radiator is filled with water, you can check the connection points. You’ve done an "excellent" job if there are no leaks found!

You can read more about installing bimetallic radiators by hand at this link.

Improving the heat output of the bimetallic radiators in your house is a doable way to improve comfort and energy economy. You can effectively increase your radiator’s heating capacity without having to replace the entire unit by adding sections to it. This method not only helps you save money but also enables you to get a heating solution that is customized to meet your unique requirements.

It’s important to determine the compatibility and condition of your radiator before beginning any work. Make sure your radiator is in good functioning order and appropriate for modification. Look for any indications of corrosion or damage that could affect how well it works. Speaking with a qualified heating technician can offer insightful advice specific to your configuration.

Precision and close attention to detail are essential when adding sections to a bimetallic radiator. Based on the room’s dimensions and intended heating capacity, start by carefully measuring and calculating the number of additional sections needed. Steer clear of overloading the radiator as this may result in ineffective heating and possible unit damage.

The secret to optimizing the performance of your upgraded radiator is proper installation. To avoid problems later on, make sure that every connection is safe and leak-free. After installation, the radiator must be bled in order to eliminate any air pockets that might impair performance. By taking the time to do the installation correctly, you can extend the life of your heating system and improve heating efficiency.

To sum up, adding sections to your bimetallic radiator can increase its heat output, which is a useful and affordable way to boost comfort and energy efficiency in your house. Your living space will be cozier and more comfortable if you successfully increase the heating capacity of your radiator by following the right procedures and getting professional assistance when necessary.

Video on the topic

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