What are the best bimetal batteries? Which batteries to choose: bimetallic, aluminum or cast iron?

One of the most important elements of the heating system are radiators. To date, several types of similar equipment are available. How not to make a mistake and make the right choice? Let's figure it out. So, cast-iron, steel, aluminum batteries, bimetallic - which are better?

What you need to know about

Before deciding to replace old batteries with new radiators, be sure to go to the housing office and find out what the working pressure of the coolant in your home's heating system is. The fact is that each type of radiator is designed for a certain maximum permissible number of atmospheres.

In the event that the batteries simply change, it is not difficult to calculate the required number of new devices. Usually they buy as much as they did. However, in this case everything depends on the power of the new radiators. If the heating system is installed in a new house, the calculation will have to be made. Under standard conditions (the presence of one window, one door and one external wall in the room), the required number of batteries is determined based on the fact that 41 mW of thermal power is required per 1 m ³ . Heat output of each specific radiator is indicated by the manufacturer in the technical passport. The resulting number of required kilowatts should simply be divided into this figure. This way you can find out how many batteries you need.

Cast iron radiators

So, let's start to understand what batteries are better - cast iron or bimetallic. Or maybe choose steel or aluminum?

Cast-iron batteries are used to heat apartments in multi-storey buildings for a long time and have proved themselves as reliable and durable equipment. This type of battery can withstand pressures of up to 9-12 atmospheres and will surely last more than fifty years without problems. That is, in terms of service life, cast iron radiators are not inferior even to modern expensive bimetallic ones.

To advantages of batteries of this kind it is possible to attribute also undemanding quality of coolant and resistance to corrosion. Disadvantages of such radiators, of course, also exist. This, above all, a lot of weight and not very aesthetic appearance. In addition, this type of equipment is quite large inertia. That is, the battery heats up and cools very long, that in a private house, for example, may not be very convenient.

Next, let's look at the advantages of other types of radiators. We hope this helps you decide which batteries are better: cast iron or bimetallic, steel or aluminum.

Aluminum batteries

Aluminum radiators are also used in heating systems often. To their indisputable advantages can be attributed aesthetic appearance and light weight. The advantage of such devices is also the high level of heat transfer. Aluminum batteries are heated - in contrast to the same cast-iron batteries - very quickly. As for the pressure, they can withstand from 6 to 16 atmospheres.

The drawbacks of this variety can be attributed first of all to the exacting quality of the coolant. Since water usually contains a small percentage of various acids, aluminum radiators do not serve for too long. Especially fast the process of destruction of this metal goes in the event that in the design of the heating system there are copper parts.

Steel models

By the coefficient of thermal conductivity, steel is comparable with cast iron. Radiators from this metal are heated more quickly only at the expense of thin walls. This variety can withstand pressures up to 8-15 atmospheres. The disadvantages of such models can also be attributed to a significant weight. The fact is that in order to achieve the optimum power, steel radiators make dialing. Another disadvantage of these batteries is the susceptibility to corrosion. Even models with a special inner protective coating begin to rust after three to five years.

Bimetal radiators

So, what are the pros and cons of the steel, aluminum and cast iron models, we found out. Next, let's see what merits are the bimetallic batteries. What are the best buying varieties and what should be considered when choosing?

This type of battery at the moment can be considered the most popular. Bimetallic these radiators are named because their sections are made at once from two versions of a material - aluminum and steel (or copper). These are very reliable instruments capable of withstanding up to 30-50 atmospheres of pressure, which means that there is no risk of breakouts and flooding of neighbors. The advantages of such models include light weight and low thermal conductivity. In addition, bimetal batteries have a very long life. Guaranteed it is 25 years, but theoretically this device can serve up to 50.

Inside the radiators of this type pass steel, resistant to corrosive substances, dissolved in water pipes. Outside there are aluminum, easily conductive heat plates.

The only drawback of bimetallic models is their rather high cost, especially in comparison with cast iron and steel. Budgetary versions of such batteries are also available, but they are usually not particularly reliable. Therefore, in the event that you decide to purchase this particular type of radiator, first of all you need to pay attention to the manufacturer. The purchase of models produced by dubious companies is unlikely to be justified.

Varieties of bimetal batteries

What are the types of such equipment as bimetallic batteries. Which are better for an apartment or a country house?

As already mentioned, the pipes inside such radiators can be made of steel or copper. The first option is cheaper. Bimetallic batteries with copper are usually used in the event that in the design of the heating system there are copper elements.

In addition, similar radiators are classified into two more types:

• Monolithic. The length of the inner tube in these models is fixed. This variety can withstand pressures of up to one hundred atmospheres.
• Sectional. This is a more popular type of radiator. I like such models for owners of apartments and houses because part of the sections can always be removed. This allows you to adjust the power of the radiator.

What to choose?

So, let's see how to make the right choice. In the event that you live in a city apartment, the best option for sure will be the bimetallic model. You can, of course, buy and reliable enough, and much cheaper cast-iron. However, if you have counters installed, it is still worth choosing the first option. The fact is that for heating such batteries, water must pass through them much less times. And, consequently, in this case it is possible to save on heating. Another plus of bimetallic radiators is the absence of the need for periodic tinting.

Well, what about a dacha or a country house? Which batteries are better: bimetallic or aluminum in this case? In fact, the latter option is characterized by a lighter weight and aesthetic appearance. However, the quality of the coolant in our country leaves much to be desired. Even in suburban buildings, water is often pumped into a heating system from an open reservoir. Therefore, most owners of private homes prefer to still use bimetallic models. Often used and a traditional cast iron version. At the dacha, where heating is only needed in late autumn or early spring, it is better to install much cheaper steel radiators. Aluminum batteries can be used in an apartment or house only if you are sure of the quality of the water.

Radiators of foreign manufacturers

Next, let's see what the bimetal batteries of which firm is better to acquire and what should be paid attention. Today in the Russian market there is a huge number of radiators of different brands. However, even the products of well-known foreign companies that have a good reputation may not be suitable for your apartment or house. The thing is that such instruments often do not tolerate Russian conditions at all.

Due to the high content of corrosive substances in the water circulating through the pipes, such radiators very quickly fail. If you have wondered about the bimetallic batteries - which are better, before buying, be sure to find out if the model is adapted to Russian conditions. Very many foreign companies currently represent this kind of products on our market.

Sira Devices

Batteries bimetallic (which is better to install in the dwelling, you now know) this manufacturer at the moment are the most popular in the domestic market. Models of this brand are distinguished by their reliability, durability and aesthetic appearance. They also deserve good reviews for being able to withstand a very high pressure of the coolant - 40 atmospheres.

Bimetal heating batteries - which is better? If you are interested in this issue, be sure to take a closer look at the products of this company. Italian Sira radiators of the RS line are designed specifically for use in Russian conditions. That is, they are not afraid of our dirty coolant and can withstand the pressure that is necessary.

So, you are still asking the question: "Bimetallic batteries - which are better?". Sira - a brand, the attention to which should be drawn necessarily. A high degree of tightness of these batteries is provided by toroidal annular gaskets, which are considered much more reliable than the paranitic ones used in most other radiator brands. The durability of Sira devices is explained, among other things, by the lack of pockets in the heads of sections. Due to this, gases and sludge are not collected here, as a result of which the danger of corrosion is minimized.

Bimetallic batteries (which are better): reviews

Of course, the opinion about Sira devices at the Russian consumer is the highest. Not bad reviews deserved the products of such brands as Alurad, Global, Sahara and some others. Domestic manufacturers praise the devices of the firm "Rifar".

So, now you know which batteries are better - bimetallic or aluminum, what are the pros and cons of the cast iron and steel options. Of course, it's up to you to decide which heating radiator to choose for an apartment or a house. Orientation when buying should be on the permissible pressure, the quality of the coolant, power and the type of battery.