How to choose flat and thin heating radiators

To ensure warmth and comfort in your house during the winter, it’s important to select the right heating radiators. Selecting the type that best fits your needs can be overwhelming due to the abundance of options available in the market. Due to their space-saving features and elegant design, flat and thin radiators have become more and more popular in recent years.

Radiators that are thin and flat provide a contemporary, minimalistic way to heat your house. These modern radiators take up very little space and fit in with any decor, unlike traditional large radiators. Because of their thin profile, they are perfect for homeowners who want to keep their home looking tidy and uncluttered or for rooms with little wall space.

The effective heat distribution of thin and flat radiators is one of their main benefits. These radiators can produce a substantial amount of heat despite their thin design, so even on the coldest days, your house will stay warm and comfortable. Their flat surface area also facilitates improved airflow, which leads to more even heating throughout the space.

The size, heat output, and material of the flat and thin radiators you choose for your house are important considerations. The room’s measurements and the quantity of heat needed to keep a comfortable temperature will determine the radiator’s size. British Thermal Units (BTUs), which are used to measure heat output, should be selected taking into account the degree of insulation in the room and the local climate.

Additionally, the radiator’s longevity and performance may be impacted by its material. Aluminum radiators heat up quickly and are lightweight, but they might not hold heat as well as cast iron or steel radiators. It’s critical to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each material in light of your unique requirements and preferences.

In conclusion, modern homes can benefit from the sleek and effective heating provided by flat and thin radiators. You can select radiators that not only go well with the interior decor of your home, but also offer the best possible warmth and comfort for you and your family by taking into account factors like size, heat output, and material.

Consider the size of the room.	Choose a radiator with sufficient heat output.
Think about the material.	Opt for aluminum for quick heating or steel for durability.
Check the design.	Look for a radiator that complements your interior.
Review installation options.	Decide between wall-mounted or floor-standing radiators.

Design and device flat radiators

Steel plates with a flat or perforated profile are used to make panel radiators. These components are made from leaf metal by pressing it through a specific process, which forms the interior vertical and horizontal coolant channels after the mirror elements are welded. The process of packaging and coloring is automatic after that. Their high inertia and rapid heating are their greatest advantages.

"P" or trapezoid sheets up to 0.5 mm thick can be welded to enhance air circulation to steel panels. The cold stream will be replaced by the rising air between them. The air in the room will be more dry, though, as more dust masses are transferred.

There are four ways to connect flat steel heaters to the heating system:

1. Side – “feed” and “return” are located on one of the side sides of the device.
2. Diagonal – “feed” and “return” are located from different sides and at different levels of the heater.
3. Nizhny – "feed" and "return" are near the lower panel.
4. Sadel (cross) – “feed” and “return” are located on different side sides of the device at the bottom or on its side and lower panels.

Choosing the right flat and thin heating radiators is crucial for keeping your home warm efficiently. These radiators come in various types, sizes, and materials, so it"s important to consider factors like your home"s layout, heating needs, and budget. Look for radiators with high thermal conductivity and low water content for optimal heat distribution and energy efficiency. Consider whether you need electric or water-based radiators, as each has its own pros and cons. Additionally, pay attention to the design and finish of the radiators to ensure they complement your home decor. By doing your research and considering these factors, you can select flat and thin heating radiators that will effectively heat your home while also fitting seamlessly into your living space.

Types of flat panels

The type 10 and type 11 panels are the thinnest radiators available on the market. Fundamentally, the type is a numerical abbreviation that encodes the device’s design. The number of radiator panels is indicated by the first type of type, and the number of rows and presence (if "0" is used) of convection ribs are reported by the second digit.

One of the thinnest convection-free single-panel radiators is Type 10.

Type 11: a single flat panel radiator with one convection sheet close by.

The table compares the characteristics of types 10 and 11 thin heating radiators.

Type of device	Photo	Peculiarities	Width, mm
Type 10		Flat single-panel radiators without convection do not raise dust and easy to maintain, therefore are most often used in rooms with increased sanitary and hygienic requirements: in medical institutions, children"s preschool and educational institutions, food manufacturers and drugs and drugs.	46-50
Type 11		Flat single-panel radiators with one convection row, due to which heaters have heat transfer 5-10% higher than their single-panel analogue without convection. The presence of convection leads to the movement of air and, accordingly, dust, so this type of instrument requires more frequent and thorough care of the surface, otherwise their advantage over heaters of type 10 will be lost.	61-64

Certain bimetallic models can also be classified as thin ones; one such model is the Oasis BM 500/80, which has an 80 mm thickness. Although bimetallic heating devices are more costly than other options, they offer superior heat transfer and a higher maximum allowable working pressure. They can be used if preliminary heat transfer calculations show that even the largest steel radiators won’t be sufficient to heat the space.

Heat transmission through heating radiators Analyzing and contrasting different indicators and computation techniques

Technical and operational characteristics

Radiator characteristics	Range of values ​​of existing models
Height, mm	300-900
Length, mm	400-3000
Thermal power (heat transfer), WT	69 – 4942
Heated area, m 2	2-26.4
Maximum operation temperature, ° C	110-120
The required volume of the coolant, l	0.85 – 9.09
Maximum working pressure, bar	8-10
Water acidity, pH	7-10
Type of connection	lateral, lower
Classing for connection, inch holes	½ (rarely found ¾)
Weight, kg	3.4-28
Warranty service, years	5-10
Service life, years	15-20

More information about the average power of radiators of different lengths at heights between 300 and 900 mm within a specific temperature range is provided in the table below:

I range from 90/70/20 °C (temperature inside the room/water temperature supplied to the water heater/water temperature returning from the water heater),

Operation requirements

Steel objects should only be utilized in enclosed spaces where they won’t be exposed to dangerous corrosion or develop moisture on their surface. For instance, steel equipment should not be installed in car washes, restrooms, laundry rooms, baths, hallways, or refrigerators. For the same reason, if the space does not warm up, they cannot be installed in homes during the first year following construction completion or during modernization.

Flat radiators can be used in single-pipe or two-pipe heating systems. Water or a specific glycolic mixture can be used as a coolant in pipes made of steel, copper, or plastic. To prevent oxygen diffusion—air entering the heating system and causing corrosion processes—polypropylene pipes should be reinforced with an entire layer of aluminum. They should also be used with metal fittings and reinforcement.

For systems that have membrane expansion tanks, flat heating batteries can be installed. Here, tanks are required to prevent air from penetrating the heating system. The membrane of these tanks is composed of the substance "butyl."

Additionally, in small open systems with forced circulation and low thermal power, the assembly of thin radiators is permitted as long as approved corrosion inhibitors are employed. Please be aware that adequate heat transfer cannot be guaranteed in systems where the coolant circulates naturally, hence flat heaters are not recommended in these situations.

Radiators cannot be installed in systems with maximum working pressures greater than 9–10 bar or operating temperatures greater than 110–120 °C. When examining the system’s tightness, the pressure shouldn’t go above 12–13 bar. These values, which are typical of the most well-known manufacturers’ devices; The equipment documentation has more precise information.

Water of the right quality must be added to and filled in installations with steel radiators. Manufacturers have different requirements when it comes to the characterization of water, but generally speaking, these are as follows:

• The total content of chloride ions and sulfate ions is not higher than 150 mg/l (for copper pipes-not higher than 50 mg/l),
• oxygen content is not higher than 0.1 mg/l,
• pH of water within 7.0 ÷ 10.0,
• Water hardness is not higher than 4.0.

With the exception of malfunctions, draining the water from the heating system is unacceptable. Water should only be removed from the area that will be repaired if absolutely necessary, as might be the case during maintenance. As soon as the system is finished, water needs to be added.

The heating system’s yearly water losses shouldn’t be more than 5% for closed systems and 10% for open systems.

Cleaning solutions that don’t contain solvents, acids, or other materials that can harm paintwork and lead to corrosion should be used to take care of flat heating batteries.

Reviews of thin panel heating devices

Advantages	Flaws
Saving space in the room due to a small width	Are at risk of destruction in places of welds due
A small volume of the coolant and, as a result, the high inertia and functionality of the system	The deformation of the panels during operation or installation can lead to obstruction of the channels for the coolant, thereby disable the radiator
Due to radiation by means of radiation, type 10 panels do not dry air and dust masses do not tolerate	Reduced efficiency and relatively small thermal power
Installation of devices is extremely simple and understandable (nevertheless, it is better to contact specialists).	High probability of corrosion in case of improper operation
Wide selection of panels in geometric parameters and heat transfer	It is strictly not recommended to drain the coolant, as this can accelerate the process of corrosion formation
The ability to choose heaters for any construction project, based on the necessary method of connecting
Less traumatic due to their form

How to choose flat heating radiators

While selecting a radiator, appearance is undoubtedly significant but not decisive. It is important to consider the technical parameters first. Regardless of the kind, the device’s primary purpose is to heat the space. The last item on the list should also be the price as a defining characteristic. When it comes to radiators, the intricate design, the caliber of the paint job, and, of course, the features of the heating apparatus are what typically stand out rather than the manufacturer’s margin or aesthetic value.

Side or lower connection

More expensive thin heating radiators with a lower connection have an internal water channel that goes to the radiator’s upper section and an integrated radiator valve. You can blend pipes and connecting reinforcement into the floor by using a lower direct connection for radiators with a lower supply. Make sure the pipes are installed appropriately when installing the heating system to avoid confusing the terms "feed" and "return." Heat losses from devices when connected lower range from 10–12%, and from an incorrect connection, up to 22%.

There are universal radiators with four fittings at the corners and a side and lower connection. The deflector screws into the upper free, and the plug (steel panel radiators are typically sold into the bottom, which includes installation brackets, the deflector, and the plug in addition to the device itself) are used to connect the two of them.

The most widely used method for joining the panels to the pipes concealed in the wall is side unilateral connection. There will be roughly 3% power losses during this connection, and up to 22% if the connection is made incorrectly.

Usually, very long radiators are connected using the lateral diagonal connection. With this installation, there is no heat loss and a consistent temperature distribution across the heater’s entire surface. Changes to the "feed" and "return" locations will result in a 20% reduction in heat loss.

Included in every radiator-to-system connection should be the following components:

• supply radiator valve;
• shut -off valve installed on the reverse line;
• manual or automatic air vent.

Dimensions and interdosseous distance

The type of pipes, the size of the thread at the ends of the radiator connection, the need to align the interdosseary distances, and the fact that the connection pipes are directly across from the radiator pipes must all be considered when selecting connecting elements. The radiator’s name usually includes the center distance; for instance, Axis Classic 11 500 specifies the center distance in millimeters, or 500. The thread’s diameter is typically ½, but occasionally ¾ can be found, so proceed with caution.

The flat heating battery, intended for wall mounting beneath the window, ought to measure between seventy and eighty percent of the window opening’s width. The device’s upper boundary should be between 100 and 120 mm from the windowsill, and its lower boundary should be at least 100 mm from the "finished" floor.

The minimum necessary thermal power

The requirement for heat determines the power of flat heating batteries. According to the average value, a typical single-apartment building with walls as high as 2.7 meters would require at least 100 W of warmth per square meter of space in the event of inadequate thermal insulation and at least 40 W/1 m 2 in the case of well-insulated buildings. Installing panels beneath windows and ventilation grilles, which have the greatest heat loss, will result in the highest thermal efficiency. Additionally, we advise laying 15-20% of the power reserve when selecting heaters.

For instance, the minimum amount of radiator capacity required to heat a 24 m 2 room in a typical suburban unwatted or demented home with a 2.7 m ceiling height is 24/10 * 1.15 (15% of the reserve) = 2.76 kWh. As a result, we perform the same computations for every heated room in the house.

Operating pressure

Working pressure in private homes or apartments (with individual heating systems) is typically between 2-4 bar, and it is rarely higher. The flat steel radiators’ technical features (maximum working pressure: 9–10 bar) enable their installation in these systems without any pressure limitations.

It is suggested that radiators in buildings with central heating systems have a maximum working pressure of roughly 13bar. Furthermore, the pressure varies with the number of storeys, according to SNiP and GOST.

Number of floors	Pressure, bar
5	2-4
10	5-7
Over 10	12

Installing pressure gearboxes or metropolitan membranes is necessary when using flat steel radiators in multi-story buildings in order to monitor excess pressure and provide insurance against hydraulic jackets.

Best famous manufacturers and models

The popularity of these devices has led to a large number of manufacturers entering the steel radiator market.

Kermi FKO 10 500

Leading the way in the Russian heating market is the German company Kermi. The "German" quality and large selection of radiators—actually, any size—helped her establish and maintain her position. One of the company’s best coloring techniques, called KEF, has been introduced. It renders the devices immune to corrosion and completely eliminates the release of hazardous materials at high temperatures.

The FKO 10 500 is a side-connected panel steel radiator that lacks convection. Heat transfer is 278–2088 W, depending on the length of the device, with a heated area of 2.6-20.7 m 2 and a coolant volume of 1.2–9.09 liters. The weight range is 4 to 30 kg, and the length range is 400-3000 mm with a 46 mm depth. The radiator’s most popular reviews are that it’s reliable, affordable, and provides good warmth.

446 mm is the center distance. The maximum operating pressure is 10 bar, and the assessment is 13 bar. The operating temperature should not be higher than 110 °C.

Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 11 500

In 2014, Buderus constructed a plant in Russia that produces steel radiators among other things. The brand’s products are appealing in the home market because of their excellent welding and coloring, thermostat, and reasonably priced localization. Due to the high likelihood of depressurization in a hydraulic jacket, their indicator of maximum pressure of 8.7 bar is not suitable for the central heating system, which is why buyers from the private sector are the ones most interested in their products.

The Logatrend K-Profil 11 500 is a steel panel radiator featuring side connection and convection. The device has a heat transfer of 474–2443 W, a heated area of 5.24–26.21 m 2 and a coolant volume of 1.12–5.6 liters, depending on its length. The device has a length range of 400-2000 mm, a depth of 72 mm, and a weight range of 6.35-27.41 kg. The most popular evaluation for this radiator states that the quality is in line with the stated cost.

There is a 450 mm center of mass. The maximum operating pressure is 8.7 bar, and the assessment is 13.5 bar. The operating temperature should not be higher than 120 °C.

Royal Thermo Hygiene 10

The British business Royal Thermo constructed a bimetallic and aluminum radiator plant in Russia in 2014. She started producing steel panel radiators in the same year that she implemented 8.9 million sections. In the context of the Russian market, Royal Thermo presents itself as a producer of radiators. They have created a dual instrument coloring system that, when combined with the stiffness and pH of water—which is most frequently used in Russia—offers further protection against corrosion. The price range is more expensive than usual.

The HYGIENE 10 panel steel radiator has a side connection and operates without convection. Heat transfer is 287–2717 W, depending on the length of the device, with a heated area of 2.9–27.2 m2 and a coolant volume of 0.7-9.2 liters. The device weighs between 2.6 and 36.8 kg and measures between 300 and 900 mm in height and 45 and 50 mm in depth. The most popular review for this radiator is that it warms well and is reasonably priced.

A distance of 250–850 mm is the center. The maximum operating pressure is 9 bar, and the assessment is 13 bar. The operating temperature should not be higher than 110 °C.

Axis Classic 11 500

LLC "LEMAX" was established in Russia in 1992. 2018 saw the start of steel radiator production. The company sells middle-of-the-road devices that can operate at up to 9 bar for closed water heating systems. Due to efficient heat transfer and a small coolant volume, their equipment can react quickly in automatic mode to temperature changes in the room.

Panel steel radiator with side connection and convection, Axis Classic 11 500. Heat transfer ranges from 481 to 2475 watts, with a heated area of 5 to 26.4 m 2 and a coolant volume of 1.12 to 5.6 liters, depending on the length of the device. The device width is 62 mm, the length range is 400-2000 mm, and the weight range is 6.36-28 kg. The most popular evaluation of this radiator is that it’s excellent value for the money.

449 mm is the center distance. The maximum operating pressure is 9 bar, and the assessment is 13.5 bar. The operating temperature should not be higher than 120 °C.

Prado Classic 10

In 1959, Niti Progress OJSC was established in Russia. The Prado panel radiators were opened in 2005. Radiators of the classic style are intended for closed systems. The flat device is 61 mm wide, so it is not noticeable beneath the windowsill. Customers find it appealing due to the low cost and small coolant volume.

The Prado Classic 10 is a side-connection panel steel radiator without convection. Heat transfer is between 210 and 2285 W, depending on the length of the device. It has a heated area of 2.10 to 22 m2 and a coolant volume of 0.75 liters. The device has dimensions of 300–500 mm in height, 400–2800 mm in length, 61–72 mm in depth, and 2.95–30.2 kg in weight. Most reviews for this radiator say that it is reasonably priced, has nice paint work, and heats well, but has a controversial design with sharp corners.

A distance of 250–450 mm is the center. The maximum operating pressure is 9 bar, and the assessment is 13 bar. The operating temperature should not be higher than 120 °C.

Selecting the ideal heating radiators for your house is essential to preserving efficiency and comfort. Radiators that are thin and flat have a sleek, contemporary design that goes well with any type of interior décor. Nonetheless, there are a number of things to think about before choosing.

First, determine how much heat each room in your house needs. Depending on elements like size, insulation, and usage, different rooms may require different amounts of heat. In smaller spaces or rooms with limited wall space, where bulky, traditional radiators might not fit comfortably, flat, thin radiators are perfect.

Think about the radiators’ efficiency and heat output. Despite having a smaller surface area than conventional radiators, flat and thin radiators now produce more heat thanks to technological advancements. To make sure the radiators can sufficiently heat the space, look for ones with high BTU (British Thermal Unit) ratings.

Additionally, consider the radiators’ construction and material. Select premium materials like steel or aluminum, as they are effective and long-lasting heat conductors. Aluminum fins or panels on thin radiators allow them to heat up fast and disperse heat evenly throughout the space.

Lastly, keep in mind the advantages of space-saving design and aesthetics. Radiators that are thin and flat can be found in a range of designs and coatings to fit any aesthetic. Their slender silhouette offers greater versatility in arranging furniture and can give your house a neater, more polished appearance.

In conclusion, give top priority to elements like heating needs, efficiency, material quality, and aesthetics when selecting flat and thin heating radiators for your house. You can choose radiators that improve the overall appearance and feel of your living area in addition to offering warmth and comfort by carefully taking these factors into account.

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