Compare bimetal radiators. Differences between bimetallic radiators and aluminum. General design principles

After the end of the heating season, the issue of changing radiators comes to the fore. If your apartment has leaky cast-iron batteries, then it's time to send them to a well-deserved rest, installing modern models instead. Private developers, equipping the heating system, often cannot decide which radiators are better - aluminum, bimetallic, cast iron, because each of these models has its own advantages and disadvantages. The consumer may be at a loss when he listens to the recommendations of sellers in stores of related products. If you are also solving this issue, then it is worth comparing aluminum and bimetallic radiators.

Comparison of aluminum and bimetallic batteries

Aluminum radiators look good and look neat, they have several sections that are interconnected by nipples. Between the sections there are gaskets, they provide the necessary tightness. Ribs are located inside, they increase the heat transfer area up to 0.5 m 2. Such batteries are manufactured according to one of the technologies that exist today. For example, the extrusion method allows you to get cheaper and lighter products, but their quality cannot be called high. Today in Europe they have already abandoned this technique.

If you are thinking about the question of how they differ from aluminum, then you should pay attention to the fact that the latter can also be made by casting. Products are more expensive, but will last a longer time. are made using two different metals. The case has ribs, which are based on. Inside the case there is a core of pipes, hot water flows through them. Such pipes are made of copper or steel, but the first option is becoming less common today. Many consumers are also thinking about how to find out if the radiator is aluminum or bimetallic in front of them. The diameter of the latter is smaller compared to aluminum models. Therefore, there is a higher likelihood of clogging. When consumers consider the advantages of bimetallic radiators over aluminum ones, they first of all note a more attractive appearance. After all, all the components of such products are hidden inside, so the design is able to satisfy the most sophisticated requests.

Which batteries are better in terms of heat dissipation

If you are deciding how aluminum radiators differ from bimetallic radiators, then you should also compare them in terms of the intensity of heat transfer. Aluminum radiators are ahead in this matter. One section is capable of delivering approximately 200 watts of heat energy or more. Half of the heat is given off as radiation. The other half is convection. Battery fins allow you to increase the level of heat transfer. Aluminum has no equal in this matter. Among other things, it has a minimum thermal inertia. If you turn on such batteries, then after 10 minutes it will be warm in the premises of the house or apartment.

If we are talking about a private building, then with the help of aluminum radiators it is possible to save a lot. Today, aluminum is becoming popular and which are presented in the article. The latter differ in heat transfer, which depends on the manufacturer and model. This parameter will be lower compared to an aluminum radiator. This is because the steel core reduces heat transfer, which is 1/5 less than an aluminum battery of the same size.

Differences between aluminum and bimetallic batteries in terms of the ability to undergo water hammer

In this matter, aluminum comes in second together. Its working pressure is not so high, it varies from 6 to 16 atmospheres, and for some models this parameter reaches 20 atmospheres. If you install such radiators as a component of central heating, then the products may simply not withstand high pressure. Water hammer can lead to the fact that the battery will burst, and the apartment will get a hot flood. Therefore, you should not take risks by installing an aluminum radiator in an apartment of a multi-storey building.

If you wondered how bimetallic radiators differ from aluminum ones, then it is worth comparing these products in terms of their ability to endure high loads. Bimetallic batteries have a strong steel core, it is prepared for high pressure. Such products are able to withstand pressure from 20 to 40 atmospheres. Therefore, it can be argued that bimetallic radiators are more reliable under unstable pressure, when there is a possibility of water hammer.

For reference

The above parameter is important if you choose a battery for an apartment that is heated by a central system. If you plan to buy a radiator for a private house, then this parameter cannot be called a minus, because there is no excess pressure in the local network.

Which radiator to choose in terms of coolant

Quite often, owners of real estate and apartments are wondering how aluminum radiators differ from bimetallic ones. This issue should also be considered from the point of view of the coolant. Aluminum is able to enter into chemical reactions, so water is just a treasure for it. It contains so many chemical impurities that the walls of the batteries during operation can be subject to corrosion. Therefore, if the ph level of the water flowing in the system exceeds 8 units, then you should expect trouble. However, using central heating, it is simply impossible to monitor these parameters.

Even during a chemical reaction, aluminum is able to release hydrogen, which creates a fire hazard. Therefore, it is necessary to bleed air from such radiators from time to time. Less demanding on water quality are steel pipes located in the core of a bimetallic product. This is because steel is not as reactive as aluminum alloys. Corrosion will get to such material, but it will not happen so soon. Among other things, manufacturers cover the surface with a protective layer, sometimes stainless steel is used in the manufacturing process, but it makes radiators expensive.

The choice of radiators according to the temperature of the coolant

The installation of aluminum, bimetallic heating radiators is carried out quite often today. However, before purchasing such products, you should ask which of them are able to work when exposed to impressive water temperatures. Aluminum is able to withstand 110 ° C, which is an average. For bimetallic radiators, this characteristic reaches 130 ° C, so these products win.

Reliability and durability

If you have thought about the question of how aluminum radiators differ from bimetallic ones, then you should first of all understand that aluminum products will be destroyed by water hammer, corrosion and frequent, as well as impressive temperature changes. Therefore, in the issue of reliability, the leaders are again products made of two metals, they combine the best qualities of each material. Such products are ready to serve for more than 20 years, of course, in this case we are talking about a quality product of brands that have proven themselves in the market. Aluminum radiators have half the service life. After installation, they are ready to serve for 10 years.

Ease of installation comparison

Bimetal and aluminum are quite easy to install comfortably, they weigh less when compared with cast iron. For fastening, there is no need to use powerful brackets, even a plasterboard wall will be able to withstand a small weight. If the connected pipes are made of plastic, only shaped elements and a set of keys are needed for installation work. But as practice shows, bimetallic batteries are still easier to install, since steel cannot be deformed, unlike aluminum, which is a soft metal.

Price comparison

If you are faced with the question of how aluminum radiators differ from bimetallic ones, then you should also consider these products in terms of price. The second option is 1/5, and sometimes 1/3 more expensive than aluminum products. This difference is quite significant, so bimetal is not so common among private consumers today, because it is not available to everyone. Bimetallic devices have a higher hydraulic resistance, so more energy is required to pump water, which increases the cost of operation.

Choosing a radiator for a specific heating system

Having considered the main characteristics of radiators, we can conclude which model is suitable for a particular system. If you use central heating, then the pressure in it can change dramatically, sometimes the mark reaches exorbitant values, and water hammer occurs. The temperature will not be stable, it can change during the heating season and even days. The composition of the coolant is not clean, it contains chemical impurities, abrasive particles, and there is no need to talk about an acceptable ph level either. Based on all this, it can be argued that it is best to refuse aluminum batteries in such systems.

Heating systems

The importance of thermal comfort for human health, human performance and mood cannot be overestimated. In order to create sufficiently comfortable conditions in places of residence, mankind has invented a great variety of devices and systems. The most common method used to heat a house at this stage is a conventional heating system based on the supply of hot water from a central heating network to heating radiators.

There are eight main types of batteries used in heating systems. We will consider this entire list, as well as formulate some tips for choosing radiators that can be used as part of various heating systems.

Heating batteries will not leak if, when choosing them, you proceed from how adapted they are to existing operating conditions, and what kind of restrictions are imposed on their use in each case.

The main difficulties accompanying the operation of heating radiators include:
- corrosion formed on internal surfaces;
- chemical and electrochemical corrosion;
- hydraulic shocks;
- formation of gases in aluminum radiators.

Heating systems

Around the world, a two-pipe heating system has been adopted - through one pipe, the coolant is brought into the heating radiators, and through the second it is removed from them. This connection of devices is called parallel.

In our country, as a rule, the heating system is one-pipe, in which the devices are connected in series. Based on this, to ensure the required level of heat transfer in devices connected in this way, it is required to provide a significant mass consumption of the coolant during a unit of time, which causes an increase in performance, both in terms of pressure and temperature. Another drawback of the one-pipe system is the difficulty of its adjustment, since a change in the parameters of the functioning of one device entails corresponding changes in the functioning of others. In a two-pipe heating system, this drawback does not exist. The existence of a single-pipe system requires the use of heating devices with a significant margin of safety and a fairly low hydraulic resistance.

Also, one of the significant points during the operation of the radiator heating system is the requirement, according to which it must be permanently filled with water. Corrosion processes occurring in a system filled with air are much more intense. The heating system must be started smoothly, with a gradual increase in the pressure present in it (the circulation pumps are switched on using frequency converters). Failure to comply with this requirement when starting the system often leads to significant water hammer, easily destroying the radiator.

The main types of radiators used in heating systems

1. Panel radiators (convectors)- These are devices that have predominantly convection radiation. In our country, these include radiators Demrad, Kermi, Purmo, DeLonghi, as well as at least several dozen brands of products for heating needs. These radiators are characterized by a high degree of heat transfer per unit volume and quite affordable prices, outwardly they are quite aesthetic. Due to their clear advantages, radiators of this type are widely used throughout the world.
Under the conditions of our country, panel radiators are ideal for cottage buildings with autonomous heating, they can be successfully used in multi-storey buildings with autonomous heating units. However, panel heating radiators are very sensitive to hydraulic shocks and require a high-quality coolant, which practically prohibits their use in modern urban development. At the moment, some European manufacturers of panel-type radiators have begun production of convectors up to 300 mm high with a water jacket up to 2 mm thick, which will make it possible to use them in urban heating systems in our country.

2. Tubular steel radiators. Interest in such radiators is determined by a rather high level of design approach and hygiene inherent in these devices. In our country, you can find steel radiators of Zehnder, Arbonia, Kermi brands, as well as radiators from some manufacturers from Italy. There are no problems associated with pressure for tubular radiators, however, the thickness of the metal does not exceed 1.5 mm, which, unfortunately, does not give grounds for long-term optimism regarding their use in modern city houses. Domestic tubular steel radiators with an internal polymer anti-corrosion coating and a design that surpasses the design of the best European manufacturers have practically no restrictions on their use.

3. Cast iron radiators for heating systems. They are practically completely immune to the low quality of the coolant, which is the determining factor in the fairly warm attitude towards them from domestic consumers. If we take into account the presence on our market of cast-iron heating radiators of the brands DemirDokum (Ridem), Ferroli, which have high casting quality and perfect design at a very affordable price, then interest in cast-iron radiators will continue to remain high. The design of local radiators, as well as their design, has also changed radically in the last few years.
But, unfortunately, cast-iron radiators, including those of domestic production, hardly tolerate hydraulic shocks, and this must be taken into account when installing them. Unlike imported ones, domestic radiators must be broached before connecting the sections. In addition, they require additional painting.

4. Aluminum heating radiators. Beautiful aluminum casting, sectional design, low weight, high degree of heat transfer attract both specialists and individual users.
Heating radiators made of aluminum are produced in two versions:
- cast aluminum radiators, where each segment is cast as a single piece;
- extrusion-type radiators, where each section includes three elements mechanically connected to each other. To seal the joints, sealing elements or adhesive joints are used. Most often, the installation of sections is carried out in the form of blocks, including 2, 3 or more sections.
There are models that take into account the specifics of our heating systems and are designed for high pressure. In the market of our country, there are mainly products of Italian manufacturers, such as Fondital, Global, Sira (Alux), IPS.
The main difficulty when using aluminum radiators is the need to maintain a constant pH value (as the acidity of heat carriers is indicated) in a relatively narrow range, which is rather problematic in urban areas, and also difficult to achieve in autonomous heating conditions. The second difficulty is gas formation in aluminum radiators, which can cause permanent airing of the heating system if it has not been designed with this phenomenon in mind. The strength parameters of extruded and cast radiators are quite comparable. Quite carefully, it is also necessary to take into account the presence of antagonist metals inside the heating system.

5. Bimetallic heating radiators. Despite, let's say, their "aluminum" appearance, it is still necessary to bring them into a separate group of radiators, which have miraculously taken root in our state. The Italian plant Sira has been producing radiators of this type for over 30 years, while in Russia they have been in operation for almost 15 years. Thanks to the design of these heating radiators, protected by the Sira patent, the margin of safety many times exceeds all possible pressures in the system, and the contact between the coolant and aluminum is reduced to almost zero.
We should also especially note the original joint of the heating sections, which allows minimizing labor costs and physical effort during their assembly and disassembly with high reliability of the connections. The RS-Bimetal radiator, which is a new development by Sira, embodies the latest technological and design approaches. New versions of bimetallic radiators (Global, Santekhprom, Bimex) are currently being tested in real operation in our country.

6. Convectors built into the floor. Current architectural approaches with glass walls preclude the use of traditional heating appliances. For this reason, in the last decade there has been a sharp increase in both demand and supply of built-in heating appliances. In Russia, these convectors are represented by the brands Mollenhof and Jaga. They have similar technical parameters. Their heat exchangers are made of copper tubes and have aluminum fins.

7. Plinth type convectors. These heaters are placed not only under window openings. Basically, they are located along the perimeter of the outer wall structures, while occupying an insignificant area (up to 10 cm in depth and up to 20-25 cm in height).
Their application is typical for North American heating systems. In our country, American devices with copper pipes and aluminum fins have been on sale for almost 10 years.

8. Convectors with steel pipes and steel fins (universal). It is currently the most widely used heating device in new buildings. It attracts, first of all, its rather low price (without a thermostat). Of course, these devices have a very high degree of survivability, but their rather outdated design and low heat transfer lead to their replacement in droves.

After the heating season ends, many begin to think about replacing old radiators. A significant percentage of housing in Russia is represented by Soviet-era panel buildings. The cast-iron batteries installed inside them, although they can serve for decades, sooner or later become unusable. They become overgrown with microcracks, rust and become unsafe. As soon as you find the first gaps, be sure - it's time to send the cast-iron monsters to a well-deserved rest. To replace them, the market offers two main types of batteries. In order not to get lost in the choice, it is important to learn what is the main difference between aluminum heating radiators and bimetallic ones.

To choose a suitable radiator model, it is best to contact professional repairmen. However, if this is not possible, you will have to figure it out on your own and consult with sellers of specialized stores.

Some sellers will try to confuse you, because their goal is to sell the product at a higher price. In addition, other negligent sellers may try to sell you aluminum radiators under the guise of bimetallic ones, and you should know how to distinguish them so as not to overpay for non-existent additional features! To avoid falling for their tricks, read this article carefully.

Aluminum radiator - appearance

The radiators that will be discussed in this article are represented by the following two varieties:

• aluminum;
• metal.

The first are not made from pure aluminum, but from its alloy with silicon, the so-called silumin. When buying these batteries, it is best to give preference to the names of domestic production. The technology of their manufacture takes into account the unsatisfactory quality of water in Russian heating systems. Various chemical additives are often added to it, which are designed to reduce heat loss during water circulation. Due to this circumstance, alloys with reduced reaction characteristics are used for production.

Aluminum radiators are produced in the following two ways:

1. Cast under pressure

One of the features of finished products produced using this technology is increased resistance to both water hammer and external damage. This happens due to the uniform distribution of the internal stresses of the installation. It also has precise shapes.

1. Blanks are extruded through the die

This method is called "extrusion". After the individual blocks are ready, they are connected to each other using a press. This manufacturing technique is much cheaper than casting, but the performance of finished products is much lower. Abroad, they have long abandoned the production of batteries using extrusion due to its inefficiency.

Attention! Whichever of the above options you choose, be sure to pay attention to the following point: adjoining any other metal inside the water pipe, aluminum begins to instantly collapse. The presence of hot water in the pipes makes this process lightning fast. Therefore, it is necessary to connect the battery to the heating system using reinforced polypropylene pipes.

The sections of radiators are interconnected by means of nipples and seals. To determine the gasket material that suits you, it is important to know which liquid acts as a coolant for the installed batteries. She may be:

• Ordinary water. In this case, simple rubber products that are reliable enough for proper operation of the batteries are fine for you;
• Antifreeze based on glycerin, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. In addition to it, it is best to purchase paronite seals, since rubber is quickly destroyed under the influence of the above chemical compounds.

Advantages and disadvantages of aluminum batteries

Aluminum radiators are rightfully one of the most popular on the market. They became leaders due to the fact that their operation has a number of undeniable advantages:

• batteries very quickly warm up the air of the premises;
• those models that were injection molded can be completed with additional sections during use;
• increased working pressure: for standard models it is approximately 10 - 15 atm., And for reinforced ones it reaches 25 atm.;
• the ability to set a comfortable heating temperature for you;
• small dimensions of the device allow you to save more free space in the living room;
• installation of batteries does not require much effort due to the low weight of the case;
• an aluminum radiator can be a stylish addition to a modern interior, the main thing is to beat it correctly;
• the cost of such installations is available to everyone.

However, as they say, "the coin has two sides." The presented type of radiators also has disadvantages:

• the serviceability of the aluminum case directly depends on the quality of the coolant. In the event that the pH level of the water becomes higher than 8, corrosion reactions will begin at the joints. Therefore, if you are not sure about the quality of the liquid that will circulate inside the heating system, it is better to abandon this option;
• private leaks at the junction of the body sections. Low-quality products never last long, therefore, in order to avoid such a nuisance, give preference to more expensive products when buying;
• obligatory installation of an air vent. It is needed to filter the hydrogen that accumulates inside aluminum radiators;
• short operating life of the air vent. Unfortunately, the device will serve you no more than 15 years, after which you will have to replace it with a new one.
• requires the participation of a specialist when installing radiators. Mistakes made during self-assembly will lead to a quick failure of the device. All the money saved on a professional repairman will go to buying new batteries, and you still have to pay for the work.

Features of bimetallic radiators

The second option that you can be offered in the store is a bimetallic radiator. The prefix "bi" in the word "bimetallic" means "two". Such a name is given to this type of batteries because they are made from two metals: steel and aluminum.

Let's immediately turn to the positive characteristics of this species:

• steel in the composition of the material from which the case is made will perfectly withstand any surges in water pressure. It is also not subject to corrosion. These properties of the metal provide high strength and many years of faithful service of the device;
• steel sheet provides serious protection of the body from external mechanical damage;
• active circulation of the coolant;
• aluminum coating will ensure rapid heating of the air in the living room;
• battery operating pressure can reach 40 atm.;
• the maximum value of the possible coolant temperature is approximately 130 degrees, while for aluminum products it is only 110;
• durable paint finish. This stability is achieved through a two-stage staining mechanism:

1. First of all, the product is placed in a coloring solution and completely covered with paint;
2. Then, another polymer layer based on epoxy resin is sprayed on top of the dried first stain. Radiators processed using this technology not only look very aesthetically pleasing, but also acquire clearer geometric shapes;

• easy installation and transportation, especially if you resort to the help of professionals. The device of bimetallic batteries is no more complicated than that of simple aluminum ones, however, it is also better to entrust their installation to professionals. How correctly the batteries are installed, how long they will last you;
• the ability to build additional sections directly at your home. However, if you admit that you still want to increase their number, when buying, pay attention to the design of the radiator housing. Some of the models on the market have a solid steel core, so they are not divided into sections.

Let's pay attention to the disadvantages of bimetal devices:

• aluminum used in tandem with steel loses its high heat transfer properties. Due to the presence of a steel core inside the battery, you will have to wait a little longer for the air to reach the desired temperature than you are used to;
• increased price. Since the price of steel is higher than silicon, the cost of bimetallic batteries also increases by about 30% compared to aluminum;
• increased operating costs. Since bimetallic devices boast increased hydraulic resistance, the amount of energy spent on water circulation will also increase;
• improper use of radiators can lead to corrosion of its steel parts. This will definitely happen if bimetallic batteries are installed in your dacha, which is not used in winter. As soon as the heating autumn season comes to an end, it will be necessary to carry out the procedure for draining water from the system. It is because of this that corrosion processes will begin: the simultaneous contact of steel with air and water instantly starts them.
• The small bore of the tubing inside the device is prone to clogging quickly. This shortens the life of the device.

Important! The coefficients of thermal expansion for steel and aluminum differ, which is why loud crackles begin to emanate from the battery after a short period of time. This sound does not mean that there is a problem inside the device. Don't worry, your health is safe!

These modern radiators can work properly even in rooms where the level of humidity is high. Their surface is not subject to corrosion. Such resistance to aggressive environmental influences is given to the radiator by sheet steel, which covers the body of the device with a protective layer.

Inside the bimetallic radiators there are water channels of small cross section. Due to their modest size, they are filled as quickly as possible with hot water coming from a centralized water supply system or an autonomous boiler.

Building professionals consider the purchase of bimetallic batteries and their installation during renovations to be one of the best functional improvements to an apartment. The use of these devices over time fully pays for the money spent on them.

How to distinguish a bimetallic heating radiator from aluminum in appearance?

We have already talked about the advantages and disadvantages of each individual model and you have already decided which radiator you should buy. The main thing at the time of purchase is not to confuse the products, because in this case all your time spent on learning the pros and cons will go down the drain and you will entrust your fate to chance.

If you put two different radiators in front of you, you should be able to easily distinguish which one is which. The main difference between an aluminum radiator and a bimetallic one is that it is made exclusively of aluminum, i.e. the incoming and outgoing pipe (branches), which should be connected to the general heating system, should be made of aluminum and by tapping on it you will immediately understand what kind of metal it is!

How to distinguish the type of metal by knocking

If you tap on steel, the sound will be more sonorous and "metallic", but if you tap on aluminum, the sound will be more muffled. You need to hear it once and remember it for the rest of your life, you can describe it in words, but only by personal example you will 100% learn the difference. Find a piece of steel and aluminum at home and knock on them with various means:

• fingers;
• nail;
• hammer;
• plastic stick;
• wooden stick.

Believe me, the difference will be significant!

In the store, you can do the same manipulation, as you already know how this or that metal “sounds”.

Second way

Look carefully at the very structure of the radiator, from the reverse side visually inspect the “integrity of the structure” for bimetallic radiators, you should notice that at the places where the coolant passes, a “non-solid” structure is noticeable. Even outwardly it can be seen that aluminum is poured over the steel inner tube.

Video - how to choose a bimetallic radiator

Comparison of fundamental differences between aluminum and bimetallic radiators

In appearance, both presented radiators are very similar to each other. They are made in the form of rectangles of metal, the shape of their ribs is flat. The number of sections for structures of both varieties ranges from 6 to 12 pieces. Their heat transfer is also almost on a par with each other, amounting to approximately 170-200 watts.

Today it is very popular to beat every household detail of the room, turning it into a fashion accessory. The same applies to bimetallic batteries installed in your home. The outer coating of the products is always painted in neutral white or gray colors. However, standard store options can be improved on their own by covering them with a specialized bright paint. Customize the radiator with the pattern you like and breathe a special atmosphere into the room.

Important! Before buying paint, consult with experts. It is important to choose non-toxic and heat-resistant to keep your health safe.

So, let's summarize and name the main difference in the operation of aluminum and bimetal batteries:

• Aluminum batteries are well suited for installation in country cottages and ordinary private houses. It is there that it is necessary to obtain maximum heat transfer from radiators, especially in winter. Under the condition of low pressure and high quality of the coolant, this is an ideal option for heating suburban housing equipped with an autonomous heating system. It makes no sense to install bimetallic sections, as they can quickly fail;
• Bimetallic batteries, on the other hand, were developed just for operation in the conditions of an urban centralized heating network. Aggressive chemicals have long been added to the water circulating through them to reduce heat loss. The steel core of bimetallic installations easily copes with these impurities, and also withstands hydrodynamic shocks and pressure drops in the system. That is why it is better to use this variety for installation in an apartment, office, etc.

Video - the choice between a bimetallic and aluminum radiator

Why are cast iron radiators hopelessly outdated?

It would be unfair to say that cast iron batteries are so bad. They have been serving people for almost a hundred years! They were massively installed in Khrushchev and stalinkas, located everywhere. These batteries are still used in new buildings, and many residents are in no hurry to part with them. But still, new is new. We have prepared for you a list of reasons that will convince you to part with the cast-iron old men:

• The heat output of one section of a battery made of cast iron reaches approximately 100 watts. These figures for sections of aluminum and bimetallic devices similar in surface area are one and a half, or even two times higher;
• Each section of a cast iron plant requires about a liter of water, while the updated devices require only about 4 liters;
• Unlike light aluminum items, the weight of each section of a cast-iron radiator pulls 6 kilograms. It turns out that the total weight of the battery is approximately 30-35 kilograms. And that's without water!
• Due to inertia, the temperature in such batteries cannot be changed in a short time period;
• The outdated appearance of the devices resembles the times of the USSR. Installing them in your apartment, you take away a few points from the thoughtful design of the room;
• Due to the long heating of the batteries, it is inconvenient to use in private houses with an autonomous heating system;
• Imported boilers in country houses are often clogged with fine clay, which water washes out of cast-iron radiators and fails.

Important! Do not spare money when buying new batteries. The lower the quality of the device, the less it will serve you. If during the manufacture the production technology was not followed, soon you will again have to purchase other heating installations. The formation of microcracks, metal corrosion, rapid loss of appearance - this is what awaits overly economical buyers. You should also order the installation of selected batteries from professional builders in order to be 100% sure of the quality of the work done.

Remember, it is you who will live in the house that you equip.

Cast iron batteries are a thing of the past. They were replaced by modern aluminum and bimetallic radiators. How they differ from each other, and which type of radiators to choose, read in our article.

Aluminum radiators: their advantages and disadvantages

Aluminum batteries have replaced the heavy cast iron ones. Aesthetically, they are much more attractive than cast iron ones, and they can boast of technical characteristics.

The advantages of aluminum radiators over cast iron and steel include the following:

• they have a higher level of thermal conductivity (3.5 times higher than that of steel radiators, and 4.5 times higher than that of cast iron ones);
• the pliability of the material allows casting radiators of various configurations from it;
• increased total surface area of ​​the radiator;
• the ability to control power;
• lightness;
• not the highest cost (compared to bimetallic).

However, despite the mass of their advantages, aluminum radiators also have a number of disadvantages.

For example, aluminum batteries are sensitive to the pH of the coolant (it should not be higher than 8), to its temperature (it should not exceed 110 degrees Celsius), to the internal pressure in the system (not higher than 16 atm). Even based on these data, we can conclude that aluminum radiators are quite capricious. And if you also take into account that experts do not recommend using them together with other types of metals (this accelerates the corrosion process), it becomes clear that you should not use aluminum radiators for central heating. Their use is justified in local heating.

Bimetallic radiators - characteristic

Bimetal radiators consist of two components: a core made of steel and an outer shell made of aluminum. The presence of an internal core made it possible to reduce the exactingness of such radiators to the quality of the coolant. These two components are very tightly adjacent to each other, due to which there is no loss in the level of heat transfer.

Bimetal radiators are resistant to pressure surges, strong and durable. Manufacturers claim up to 25 years of warranty for their models, while experts say that with proper installation and operation of bimetallic radiator systems, they will last at least 50 years.
In addition, the decorative appearance of these radiators allows them to be used in apartments and private houses without compromising the interior design.

However, one cannot but mention the high cost of bimetallic radiators. This is one of the main disadvantages of these radiators.
There are two types of bimetallic radiators: monolithic and sectional. Monolithic, unlike sectional ones, have a fixed length of the radiator, but at the same time they are resistant to high internal pressure (up to 100 atm).

And in sectional models, it is possible to adjust the radiator power by increasing / decreasing the total length of the battery by adding / removing individual sections.

In addition, bimetallic radiators may differ from each other in the material from which the radiator core is made. It can be made of steel or copper. Naturally, in the second case, the cost of the heating system increases.

What is the difference between an aluminum radiator and a bimetallic one?

Based on what was stated above, we can conclude that the main differences between an aluminum radiator and a bimetallic one are as follows:

Based on this comparative characteristic, everyone is free to choose for himself which radiator is better: bimetallic or aluminum.

Power of aluminum and bimetal radiators

And finally, I would like to note that the power of both types of radiators is identical and amounts to 0.2 kW for each section.

Therefore, when choosing the type of radiator, you need to be guided not by power, but by other battery parameters.