Types of heating radiators: pros and cons, which one to choose for an apartment or private house

The kind of heating system we select is essential to maintaining a warm and comfortable home. Radiators are among the most important parts of any heating system because they are in charge of distributing heat throughout the room. There are many different types of radiators on the market, and each has advantages and disadvantages of its own. Comprehending these distinctions can aid homeowners in making well-informed choices regarding the ideal radiator type for their requirements, be it residential or commercial.

The classic cast iron radiator is among the most popular varieties of radiators. These radiators are well-known for their longevity and timeless aesthetic appeal, having been in use for many years. Cast iron radiators are good heat retainers, giving the entire space a steady, cozy warmth. However, in comparison to other radiator options, they can be bulky and may require more space. They also take longer to heat up than other materials, so you might have to wait longer for the room to reach the right temperature.

For individuals seeking a more contemporary substitute, steel panel radiators present a sleek and compact option. Compared to cast iron radiators, these radiators are usually lighter and thinner, which makes them easier to install and appropriate for smaller spaces. Moreover, steel panel radiators heat up rapidly, enabling more effective temperature control. On the other hand, their potential for reduced heat retention in comparison to cast iron radiators may lead to an increase in energy usage over time.

Aluminum radiators are a valuable alternative to take into account due to their superior heat conduction capabilities. Aluminum radiators use very little energy because they heat up quickly and disperse heat evenly throughout the space. Aluminum radiators are a strong and low-maintenance choice for both apartments and private homes since they are lightweight and resistant to corrosion. They might, however, initially cost more than other radiator types.

Type of Radiator	Pros and Cons
Cast Iron Radiators	Pros: Durable, retain heat well. Cons: Slow to heat up, can be bulky.
Panel Radiators	Pros: Quick to heat up, space-efficient. Cons: May not retain heat as well.
Baseboard Radiators	Pros: Discreet, distribute heat evenly. Cons: Take up floor space, can be difficult to clean.
Radiant Floor Heating	Pros: Provides consistent warmth, doesn"t circulate dust. Cons: Expensive to install, may require extensive renovation.

Choosing the right type of heating radiator is crucial for keeping your home warm and comfortable. There are several options available, each with its own pros and cons. Traditional cast iron radiators offer excellent heat retention but can be bulky and slow to heat up. Modern panel radiators are more efficient and come in sleek designs, but may not hold heat as well. Electric radiators offer flexibility in installation and control but can be expensive to run. Underfloor heating provides even heat distribution but can be costly to install. When deciding which radiator to choose for your apartment or house, consider factors like efficiency, cost, aesthetics, and space available. Consulting with a heating specialist can help you make the best decision for your specific needs and budget.

Steel radiators

Sections, or articulated running vessels, are a source of design inspiration for steel radiators. They may come from two or more pieces and be in the same radiator.

Manufacturing two varieties of steel heating devices: tubular batteries and this panel.

Tubular

They have an appearance similar to their brothers made of iron. Additionally, basic fittings unite the sections into a single heating device.

They can be blocks from 2-pipe to 6-pipe sections, which is a feature.

Panel

Radiators of the panel type can be designed in many different ways. These panels of stamped steel have vertical channels connecting to the horizontal vessels at the top and bottom. They have a one or two row convector between the panels and can be single, two, or three rows.

Manufacturers frequently incorporate a chopper of the outer sides of the panels into their devices in order to increase heat transfer. Convection, or the transfer of heat, is increased by rybra composed of thin sheet steel.

Technical characteristics of steel radiators

Advantages and disadvantages

High heat transfer, ease of design, light weight, and a pleasing appearance are among the benefits. Owners of opulent suburban mansions have a demand for steel tubular devices, just like any other individual manufacturing product.

Among the drawbacks are Exercise toorrosis, so the batteries’ water must be drained in the summer. Additionally, panel-type steel radiators are only suitable for use in independent heating systems due to their inability to withstand hydrouches.

Aluminum batteries (cast, extrusion and anodized)

Because of the physical characteristics of aluminum, radiators made of this material have a high heat conductivity. Aluminum heating appliances are meant to be used in private homes with independent heating systems, where the coolant quality ratio is very high and there aren’t any noticeable hydrochias.

The top producers of these goods are identified by analyzing the ratings of efficient aluminum radiators.

These are the following: the Russian company from Orenburg Rifar, the Finnish company Aquilo FMK, the Italian company Global, and the Zlatoust-based Termal Enterprise.

Advantages and disadvantages

Aluminum devices have several advantages that contribute to their success in the heating radiator market. These advantages include lightweight design, highly effective heat transfer, and an appealing appearance. The premises are heated by convection, which keeps dust out of the converter grilles.

Meanwhile, it’s important to acknowledge flaws like "intolerance" and "picky" gadgets to coolant quality. Models that are not anodized can rust easily in the summer when submerged in water.

Cast iron batteries

Despite the deplorable attitude toward outdated cast-iron batteries, there is still a strong commitment to products made of this metal. Of course, the batteries of the Soviet era, which the MS-140 model represents, are very different from those found in modern devices.

Cast iron batteries nowadays have long been considered high-end, luxury goods. Designers incorporated radiators in the Empire, baroque, and classicism styles. Batteries in gold or silver with patterned embossments on the face surfaces of sections and ornate figure legs transform products into works of industrial art.

Technical characteristics of cast -iron batteries

The Lugansk Heating Plant was and is the primary producer and supplier of cast-iron radiators belonging to the MS 140 series. KNR Konner, Roca, Demir Docum, Retro Style, Guratec, OJSC Santektelit (Bryansk), and OJSC Descartes (Novosibirsk) are producers of other kinds of cast iron batteries.

Advantages and disadvantages

Any configuration can be used to connect cast iron batteries, regardless of their make or model. According to the selected principle of coolant circulation within the radiator body, the pipes are connected to the side from below and to the top, diagonally.

Among the drawbacks are the pricey, upscale models and the brittleness of cast iron.

When water freezes within batteries and there is an excessive mechanical load, the batteries may burst. Radiator cast-iron elements heat and cool slowly due to their high inertia. Soon, the pluses will be responsible for the latter.

Copper batteries

Copper heating batteries come in a variety of styles that complement any interior decor. Copper heating apparatuses were unjustly overlooked once. Copper is a material that is fairly costly.

Copper radiators are something that wealthy people can buy and install in their homes. The best material to use when making plumbing is copper. These non-ferrous metal radiators have the best technical qualities.

Technical characteristics of copper radiators

The majority of devices have a plate or tubular structure with various connector types. The master installer must meet specific requirements in order to install batteries.

Advantages and disadvantages

The information listed above is included in the pluses. Is it feasible to take into account the disadvantage of copper products’ high cost? If that’s the case, it’s the sole option for these kinds of heating batteries.

Bimetallic radiators are compatible with all kinds of heating system connections. One-sided or double-sided side, lower, upper, or diagonal connection circuits to water heat supply pipes are used, and plugs and cubes can be positioned differently.

Bimetallic heating device ratings that are consistently high have come to represent the top producers of these goods. In this context, businesses like Rifar, Halsen, Global, Royal Thermo, and Rommer can be contacted in order to analyze the data for 2021. Depending on the manufacturer’s reputation, bimetallic radiators can range in price from 600 to 1250 rubles for a single section.

Advantages and disadvantages

Bimetallic radiators have several benefits, such as excellent assembly, effective heat transfer, and trouble-free operation for the duration of the device’s life. Significant differences between the parameters of the technical characteristics declared by the manufacturer and practical indicators are nonexistent.

It is important to recognize that centralized heat supply systems are resistant to aggressive substances. enables instruments to have a long service life of up to 25 years because batteries contain steel wear-resistant elements. Bimetallic radiators’ resistance to powerful hydraulic boards (up to 40 atm.) also helps with this.

One could refer to the aluminum case’s extreme fragility as a drawback. The inconvenience results in the need to frequently purchase additional plugs, suspensions, and valves. There are complaints regarding the batteries’ coloring quality in the reviews.

Substinate convectors

Two types of convectors are known as "warm skirting board" convectors. These models are water and electric. From the outside, they look like regular skirting boards because that’s where they belong or are close by. The heat exchanger is covered in a plastic or aluminum casing. Skirting convectors are typically tiny in size. Most of the time, the heater’s height and depth are limited to 140 mm and 30 to 50 mm, respectively. The convector may be situated on the legs or fastened to the wall.

Unlike batteries, thermal elbus appears as a heat curtain and heats the walls. Heat is thus dispersed equally over the whole volume of the space.

The same procedure that applies to regular cast-iron batteries can be used to connect to water heat supply pipes. Inside, the baseboard is made of copper pipes that have air valves attached to aluminum ribs or petals.

Technical characteristics of a water warm skirting water

pros

Among the benefits are the following:

• rapid heating of the room;
• uniform distribution of warm air throughout the volume of the room;
• The installation of thermal elbus can be made on any base of the floor;
• A small amount of water is required for the circulation of the coolant.

Minuses

Customers’ primary complaints about water warm skirting revolve around its exorbitant price. The utilization of pricey materials like copper explains the high cost.

Depending on the model, water warm skirting boards range in price from 15,000 to 30,000 rubles. The most well-known companies that produce water-warm skirting boards are MR. Tektum, Techno Board, Turbo-Technical, STN, and Orion.

The electric boiler is not the same as a water heater because thermal heaters, or heating elements, are utilized in place of water pipes. Installing equipment is a fairly easy process. Both the outlet and the skirting board are fastened to the wall.

Technical characteristics of electrical warm skirting boards

In terms of technical characteristics, electric devices integrated into the floor are comparable to heated skirting boards. Water convectors are powered by a single boiler or a boiler that is installed in a private residence.

Technical characteristics of water intake convectors

Heat transfer	200 – 300 watts/p.m.
Maximum heating	100 0 s
Working temperature regime	45 0 s
Coolant	Water, antifreeze or glycol
Life time	15 – 20 years

Known producers of this kind of thermal equipment in Russia include Mr. Tektum, Charley, Turbo-Strley, Techno Board, and Orion. The intra-floor convector of water supply typically costs between 6,000 and 7,000 rubles. Regarding the linear meter

Choosing the correct kind of radiator is essential for heating your home. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each option will enable you to choose the one that best meets your requirements.

A well-liked option is the traditional cast iron radiator. These radiators offer reliable heat distribution and are strong and long-lasting. They are energy-efficient because they hold heat well, even after the heating system has been turned off. They can, however, be bulkier and require more room than other radiator types.

Panel radiators are a viable alternative for individuals seeking a more contemporary design. These radiators are small, stylish, and available in multiple styles to match various interior decor themes. They are effective at transferring heat into the space and heat up fast. On the other hand, they might not hold heat as well as cast iron radiators and might eventually need more upkeep.

Baseboard radiators could be the answer if space is an issue. By placing these radiators along wall baseboards, useful floor space is created. They can be a cost-effective solution for smaller spaces and offer steady heating. They might not, however, produce as much heat as larger radiators.

Another option that is becoming more and more popular is radiant floor heating, particularly in new construction or renovations. With this system, heat is generated on the floor, which radiates warmth into the space above. It does away with the need for obvious radiators and offers uniform heating throughout the room. However, installation can be expensive and necessitate a large amount of remodeling.

The ideal kind of radiator for your house will ultimately depend on a number of variables, such as your heating requirements, financial constraints, and design tastes. Before making a choice, give your options careful thought and study. It’s also possible to make sure you select the ideal radiator for your needs by speaking with a heating specialist. You can find the ideal mix of comfort, style, and functionality for your apartment or private home by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Video on the topic

That the convector or heating radiator is better – the advantages and cons of different types of equipment

Panel steel batteries…!? Is it worth it to have a "business" with them…There is a bitter experience.

Cast iron or bimetallic? Which to choose?

Heating radiators of a private house.

50 tips on how to choose radiators and heating convectors for an apartment and home

How to choose a heating radiator? Convector?