Cast iron or aluminum radiators? Where to put them

Selecting the ideal radiators for your house is a crucial choice that will have a big effect on both your comfort and energy costs. Aluminum and cast iron radiators are two common choices with unique qualities when it comes to materials. Because each type has unique benefits and things to keep in mind, it can be used for a variety of heating requirements and tastes.

Cast iron radiators are renowned for their ageless style and strength. They can keep you warm long after the heating system has been turned off because of their high heat retention capacity. This can be especially helpful in older homes or properties with inadequate insulation, where it’s crucial to keep the temperature constant for comfort.

Conversely, aluminum radiators are efficient, light, and heat up quickly. They are perfect for contemporary homes with efficient heating systems and well-insulated walls. Additionally, aluminum radiators react to temperature changes more quickly, giving you greater control over your heating preferences and possibly lowering your energy usage.

Choosing where to install your radiators in your house comes next after you’ve selected the kind that best meets your needs. To ensure even heat distribution and maximize your heating system’s efficiency, placement is essential. The best place for your radiators should be determined by considering various factors, including insulation, layout, and room size.

Aluminum radiators. What is?

Two methods are used to make aluminum radiators:

• casting method;
• Extrusion method.

Using the first method, the sections are cast individually, and silumin is produced by adding silicon (up to 13%) to the molten aluminum. With a good coefficient of strength, these alloy-made panels can withstand up to 17 atmospheres. To allow water to flow through them freely, the tubes are widened and the plate walls are strengthened. European and Russian manufacturers produce an alloy with a high degree of corrosion resistance. These radiators are the most in-demand and are typically found in stores.

Pressing a viscous mass into a preformed mold is called extrusion. By using this technique, you can separate the battery’s fragments and mount them next to one another. It is possible to create only vertical elements with this technology. Silumin is used to make collectors.

The advantages of extrusion

1. Simplicity of technology;
2. Low price
3. Products have an acceptable coefficient of strength.

Additionally, anodized compositions, or high purity aluminum treated with anodic oxidation technology, are used in heating devices. This process fundamentally alters the material’s structure and improves its resistance to corrosion.

Rubber elements are used to connect individual components. The heat output of anodized aluminum radiators is higher. They can withstand up to 72 atmospheres of working pressure. The exorbitant cost of these heating devices is their sole drawback.

Two decades is the typical service life of an aluminum radiator. Once a year, a preventive inspection of the heating device is advised. Features:

1. The center distance is not more than 520 mm;
2. Standard pressure up to 16.5 atm.;
3. Thermal power up to 214 W;
4. One section weighs no more than 1.5 kg.;
5. The limit temperature is not higher than 108 degrees.

The working pressure of aluminum batteries in Russia is not higher than 20 atmospheres, but test tests for these products are carried out at 30 atmospheres. There are many models made; the most well-liked ones are:

Choosing between cast iron and aluminum radiators depends on various factors, including your home"s heating needs, aesthetics, and budget. Cast iron radiators offer durability and a classic, traditional look, ideal for older homes or those aiming for a vintage vibe. They retain heat longer, providing consistent warmth even after the heating system turns off. On the other hand, aluminum radiators are lightweight, heat up quickly, and are more efficient in distributing heat, making them suitable for modern homes or spaces where quick heating is essential. When deciding where to place them, consider the room"s layout and size, as well as the location of windows and doors. Placing radiators under windows can help counteract cold drafts, while positioning them near the center of the room ensures even heat distribution. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific needs and preferences to achieve optimal comfort and efficiency in your home heating system.

Cast iron. What is?

Blocks made of cast-iron radiators are similar to Lego construction sets. The joints are sealed with specialized prehnite gaskets. Single-channel and two-channel sections are distinguished from one another, and the number of each is directly correlated with the room’s size. The exceptional quality of cast iron radiators is their ability to function for many years without rusting or thinning. Since cast iron is a neutral substance, corrosion cannot occur on it.

Working pressure A cast iron radiator can withstand up to nine atmospheres and can handle hydroimpulses and abrupt mechanical loads with ease. Cast iron radiators maintain their original appearance and can last for over a century. These products also have the benefit of being reasonably priced.

The best time to install cast-iron blocks is before the heating season arrives; the work is labor-intensive, and a single section may weigh up to 8 kg. Panel houses or technical rooms are the locations of single channel radiators. Private homes are where two-channel units are most frequently found.

Fire safety regulations mandate that a space be left between the wall and the floor when installing cast iron radiators.

While installing:

• liquid is drained,
• excess air is drained with the help of Maevsky valve;
• Shut-off valves are installed so that preventive maintenance can be done autonomously.

Modern manufacturers have established the production of decorative cast iron models because they recognize the value of cast iron as a material. There is a constant market for these products.

Main differences of batteries

In heating plants, pressure comes in two varieties:

1. Working.
2. Pressurization.

The latter consistently perform better. The working pressure of aluminum radiators is regarded as being up to 16 atmospheres, in accordance with the thermal networks’ working indicators. A crucial value for aluminum radiators is 28 atmospheres, which can occasionally be reached by the pressure. It is not advised by experts to use them in apartment buildings. because of the properties of the heat transfer medium in addition to the pressure. Aluminum radiators are preferred because the boiler pressure in private homes typically does not rise above 1.5 atmospheres.

The pressurization pressure is more important, and one must be conscious of it. It is advised to check the system’s overall tightness prior to the heating season. This procedure is known as pressing in business parlance. In other words, water will flow through the radiators at a higher pressure (1.5-2 times).

The heating system pressure is objectively lower in private homes. One atmosphere of pressure is needed in multi-story buildings in order for water to rise to a height of ten meters (three-story house).

The pressure may "jumps" in wide ranges and utilities do not always follow GOSTs, so it is best to purchase batteries with a reserve.

Manufacturers frequently designate various measurement units in ΢΢Х. One bar is equal to one atmosphere; if the computation is in megapascals, multiply the result by ten to convert it to a familiar atmosphere. For instance, 13 atmospheres are equal to 1.3 megapascals.

Thus-called heat rays account for half of the heat produced by aluminum radiators. Convection currents, which are produced when air masses travel from bottom to top, account for the remaining heat. The heat output is effectively increased by such a design.

Watts are used to measure heat output, and an aluminum battery with a half-meter axis can produce up to 155 watts of heat. Due to their higher heat output, aluminum batteries outperform cast iron ones in this regard.

Cast iron radiators are mostly dependent on the battery type. Up to 90% of the market was made up of cast iron radiators during the Soviet Union; the P140 design was particularly well-liked.

1. The capacity of such a product ranged from 0.122 to 0.165.
2. Average weight within 7.5 kg.
3. The surface area is 0.25 square meters. meter
4. Functional pressure is 9.2 atm.

One meter square requires 140 watts of power to maintain a temperature that is suitable in the winter (assuming that there is one window and one exterior wall). The battery’s temperature shouldn’t drop below 65 degrees. A room that is too big will need 1.5 kW of power for every ten square meters. The purpose of all the figures is orientation. Heat calculations can help you become more accurate.

Cast iron batteries are still functional even though they are outdated. Heating appliances frequently have unique screens or grids covering them. Modern modifications with a contemporary appearance are also available. The goods produced by the Cheboksary, Russia-based CHM factory are especially intriguing.

1. CHM-1: depth up to 72 cm, power 0.076 to 0.12 kW, weight of one section 4.2 kg. Withstands pressure up to 9 atm.
2. PM – 2 can withstand a pressure of nine atmospheres too. Depth up to 1.1 meters, power 0.1082-0.143 kW. One section weighs about 6 kg.

The factory Setekhlit produces interesting models (MC-110) with radiators that are small and simple to fit into a variety of openings.

China, the Czech Republic, and Turkey are the producers of cast iron radiators. There are some really lovely, cutting-edge models available. For instance, Conner manufactures the "Modern" model, which has a depth of just 82 cm and a pressure tolerance of up to 12.2 atm as well as a power range of 0,122 to 1,52 KWT. A single section’s weight is limited to 5.5 kg.

Making the switch from cast iron to aluminum radiators is important if you want to heat your house effectively. Every kind has pros and cons of its own that can affect your space’s warmth as well as your energy costs.

Cast iron radiators are renowned for their longevity and capacity to hold heat well. They produce a constant and steady heat output because they take longer to heat up but retain warmth longer. They are therefore perfect for larger areas or rooms that need continuous heating. Furthermore, their timeless and classic design can give the interior of your house a hint of elegance.

Conversely, aluminum radiators respond better to temperature changes and heat up more quickly. They are a practical choice for contemporary homes or small spaces since they are typically lighter and simpler to install. But aluminum radiators might not hold heat as well as cast iron radiators, which could result in temperature swings if not properly maintained.

Think about your home’s layout and style when placing your radiators, as well as the unique heating requirements of each room. For example, aluminum radiators could be a good option for kitchens or bathrooms where quick heating is more important, while cast iron radiators might be better suited for living rooms or bedrooms where a steady heat source is preferred.

In conclusion, different heating needs and tastes can be satisfied by the distinct advantages that both cast iron and aluminum radiators have to offer. You can choose a radiator type that will keep your house warm and cozy during the winter by carefully assessing the heating requirements of your house and taking into account each type’s unique features.

Video on the topic

Batteries are aluminum or cast iron question

Overview of heating batteries . Comparison – Steel, cast iron, bimetal, aluminum!

Whether to replace old radiators with new ones when installing a gas heating boiler