Which bimetallic batteries are better: we compare the characteristics of which batteries are better, aluminum or bimetallic. What is the difference between a bimetallic radiator and an aluminum one - differences, advantages and disadvantages Comparison of aluminum and bimetallic radiators

In Russia today there are many types of heating equipment. When choosing radiators (batteries) for heating your residential or non-residential space, the first argument should be the type of heating at home:

Autonomous heating of a private house up to 500 m2

Autonomous heating of premises over 500 m2 (roof boiler rooms)

Central heating in apartment buildings or non-residential premises of any size.

Why these three types?

Each option of this type of heating works according to different parameters and the composition of the coolant in the pipeline and radiators. Autonomous systems up to 500 m2 - the pressure in the system cannot be more than 3 Bar (kilogram) and the coolant, if desired, can be filled without unnecessary chemicals that accelerate the aging process of equipment.

Autonomous systems over 500 m2 - roof boiler room for residential apartments in a multi-storey building, the pressure depends on the height of the building, but not more than 6 bar (kilogram) with a conventional coolant (tap water).

Centralized heating of apartment buildings and non-residential premises is the most problematic heating system throughout our homeland, the pressure in such systems reaches 9 Bar (kilogram) with a coolant that contains chemical reagents and a lot of dirt.

All of the above affect the durability of your batteries and the connections (pipes and taps) to them. Knowing the system and the factors of their problems, consider the heating devices themselves, and in the next article we will decide which pipes and taps to install. These devices are available to choose from: Cast iron - irrelevant, ugly and ineffective in terms of heat transfer 160 W per 1 m2. Aluminum - modern, beautiful, efficient 199 W per 1 m2 for a burst of up to 25 Bar. Bimetallic - modern, beautiful, 187 W per 1 m2, but with a burst power reserve of up to 40 Bar. A steel panel radiator is modern, efficient, reliable, but not always affordable. Cast iron batteries do not need discussion!

Aluminum radiators: The most common type of heating equipment today, so much has already been said and written about them, but aluminum radiators are still worthy of attention. Their technical data for all manufacturers is almost the same if we consider the 500/100 model, since the properties of aluminum are unchanged. Good manufacturer improves the design and convection of the device for greater heat transfer to each section. The working pressure of the radiators is 16 Bar (kilogram), the burst pressure is 25 Bar.

The heat dissipation of the battery and the price depend on three factors:

1. Manufacturer.
2. Model.
3. Weight of one section.

The price is most influenced by the manufacturer, since goods from Europe are more expensive than ours or from China. The radiator model comes in 500/100, 500/85, 500/80, 500/70, also 350/100 and 350/80, and the smallest 200/80.

What does 500/100 mean - these are dimensions where 500 is the axial distance, and 100 is the depth of the product. Look Dimensions in millimeters from photo:

• Total height under the letter, A
• Distance between the axes of the connection holes, B
• Section depth, C
• Front section width, D

The standard in our country is 500/100, cast iron batteries 500 mm along the axes of the pipeline connections. Other models 500/85 and so on are made mainly to reduce the cost per section, due to the smaller amount of aluminum in it, but in appearance they look exactly the same, the manufacturer is disingenuous, visually passing it off as a standard radiator.

And so we know that we need 500/100 with a heat output of 199 W per meter of heating area, with ceilings in the house no more than three meters high and it is suitable for replacement in an apartment without additional details, and then also models 500/85, 500/80 and 500/70 are suitable for us, but their heat transfer is much less due to the reduced area of ​​the radiator section, we need to look at the product data sheet, the price of such sections is cheaper than that of a standard 500/100 radiator. An important factor when choosing a heating radiator - production, cast aluminum radiator or extrusion. Cast radiators are naturally poured into molds under high pressure and are a single piece, which means maximum reliability. Extrusion - the radiator is welded by welding in three parts, which reduces the cost of the production process, degrades the quality of reliability, and this type will definitely not withstand pressure testing of the system in apartment buildings. Today, extrusion is quite rarely found in stores. The third factor is the weight of one section; good and real Italian or, so to speak, real 500/100 aluminum radiators have a weight in one section from 1.2 to 1.4 kg. Less weight affects heat transfer, service life, and withstands lower operating pressure.

Every person wants to buy at a lower price and sell at a higher price; look at the product passport; it shows the manufacturer, model, power and all other technical data for the heating equipment you want to purchase. For example, you need a heating device for an apartment where there is high operating and pressure pressure and the coolant does not always correspond to the standard temperature, it is preferable to purchase a real heavy radiator with standard size. It's another matter if you need to heat a private house with existing minimum pressure and a constant heat flow from your own boiler, here you can save on the quality of appliances; in a private house there are practically no factors for the rapid destruction of sections of the appliance. I hope you can choose the most profitable heating device option for yourself.

Bimetallic radiators - This is an ordinary aluminum battery in appearance, the difference is in the inner steel tube through which the heating fluid flows, that is, water, the tube consists of three parts, welded together to form a passage channel and is filled with aluminum on top using a special technology.

The coolant flows through the steel tube without coming into contact with the aluminum and without producing a chemical reaction that destroys the aluminum. All chemical reactions in pipelines occur very slowly, the time of destruction by a harmful chemical reaction for aluminum has not been studied and the service life can be 20 or 30 years. Bimetallic batteries are very good, they have a huge safety margin in terms of burst pressure of 40 Bar and a constant operating pressure of 25 Bar. Reliability of such radiators in heating systems of apartment buildings indisputable, but all these data refer to radiators produced at a plant in Europe, and their cost is two or three times higher than that of an aluminum radiator of the same brand (brand), for example GLOBAL.

The heat output of a bimetallic radiator is up to 180 W and aluminum radiator is up to 199 W. With all the laudatory reviews about bimetallic radiators, the advisability of installing it is money down the drain or full awareness of an impenetrable heating device in the form of a battery. Most likely the pipes will burst. Let's compare the parameters of heating systems and radiators:

Autonomous heating system:

Technical data	Aluminum	Bimetallic
Operating pressure in heating systems 3 - 6 Bar (kilogram)
System pressure test max. 12 bar
Temperature maximum 85 degrees

Centralized heating in apartment buildings:

Technical data	Aluminum	Bimetallic
Operating pressure in heating systems 14 Bar (kilogram)
System pressure test maximum 9 bar
Temperature maximum 90 degrees

The coolant is water, the chemical reaction is unknown.

Very often, old batteries lose their properties and do not give off heat completely, so they need to be replaced with new ones. Manufacturers produce a wide variety of heating equipment. For example, radiators can be of different technical characteristics and metals.

Because of this diversity, the following question arises for the owners: which heating radiators are better, aluminum or bimetallic? In order to understand this issue, you should know the features and characteristics of these devices.

Technical characteristics of aluminum radiator

It is believed that radiators made from this metal are very efficient. They are often used for heating rooms, and over the course of their existence they have proven themselves well and shown their advantages and disadvantages. Many people are attracted by the design of batteries and their appearance. Another advantage is its low weight. There are also other advantages of aluminum batteries. In order to see them, you should pay attention to the manufacturing method and installation features. These radiators are manufactured using two technologies:

1. Extrusive method.
2. Foundry technology.

In production using the first method, an aluminum profile is used. Using a press from aluminum profile form individual elements, which are subsequently welded to each other and form entire sections. Next, the finished sections are combined with each other, and gaskets and very high-quality insulation are used for tightness.

In the second case, it creates monolithic design, which has no joints, thanks to this the product has high strength. If all are respected technological processes production, the result is a very reliable product.

Aluminum is a metal that heats up very quickly. The special design of this battery releases heat into the room in the following way: the heat that comes from the batteries moves to the ceiling due to convection air currents.

The thermal power of each section is 120 W. The depth of the section varies from 70 to 110 mm, and the weight is around 2 kg. To fill one section with coolant you will need 0.4 liters. Maximum temperature, at which the radiator operates normally is 90 degrees.

Advantages of aluminum radiators

Radiators made from this metal have quite a lot of advantages, here are some of them:

• fuel is saved up to 35%, while heat transfer is high and the amount of coolant is minimal;
• The battery kit includes a thermal valve, which is used to regulate the supply of liquid and adjust the desired or set temperature. Thanks to this valve, fuel savings are achieved;
• These batteries also heat up very quickly, but also cool down instantly. However, thanks to fast heating, the room temperature reaches the desired level in just 15 minutes. A similar time will be needed to cool the room after turning off the heating;
• one cannot fail to mention the design and original form radiator made of aluminum. It is ideal for residential premises and offices. If radiators are made using the extrusion method, this will allow the consumer to independently add the required number of sections. In the case of manufacturing by casting, it is possible to make radiators to individual user requirements;
• batteries made from this metal have compact dimensions, so their installation requires relatively little space. Since the weight of this battery is small, it is easy to install and can be mounted on any wall.

Not long ago, aluminum sections began to be used only when installing autonomous heating due to the operating pressure, which is only 6 atmospheres.

Disadvantages of aluminum radiators

Despite a lot positive aspects aluminum batteries, there are several disadvantages that are important to consider when choosing such products.

When assembling the radiator, use rubber gaskets, which quickly wear out, and this leads to dangerous situations. Therefore, these radiator models are not used in places where the coolant is Chemical substance, for example, antifreeze.

Another disadvantage of aluminum is that it is susceptible to corrosion. If the water used for heating is of poor quality, it can damage the thin protective film located inside the radiator. Then the device will fail very quickly.

For instruments, a Mayevsky valve must be screwed in, because they very often become airy.

Another drawback is sensitivity to water hammer. For example, if the pressure in the system rises sharply, this will break the tightness of the device. This point is precisely the reason why this device is not installed in rooms with central heating. However, if radiators are made using the casting method, then their use is allowed.

Technical characteristics of bimetallic batteries

Despite the fact that aluminum batteries are quite good, they are not recommended for use in a central heating system. Because in such a heating system there may be strong pressure surges, and batteries made of of this material are able to work only when the system is stable. Also, this metal does not come into contact with various other metals. Therefore for normal operation you only need the device good water. These needs can only be satisfied if autonomous heating, and not in all cases.

In order to understand which radiator is better, aluminum or bimetallic, you should analyze what features the second type of battery has. Bimetallic radiators do not have such weaknesses, like aluminum. This is due to the fact that the design of bimetallic radiators contains steel pipes, on top of which aluminum batteries are placed. Thanks to steel pipes the radiator becomes durable, does not react at all to the quality of the coolant and copes well with pressure drops. And high thermal conductivity is achieved thanks to aluminum fins; this combination helps to use the advantages of both metals, while minimizing their disadvantages.

The process of making a bimetal battery is quite complex. For good interaction between the two different metals It is necessary to apply injection molding production technology. Due to the high chemical resistance of bimetallic batteries, pressure withstanding increases to 10 atmospheres - this is significantly more than that of aluminum radiators. This device is better than the long-known ones cast iron radiators, because their installation is much simpler, and they will suit any interior.

Compared to an aluminum radiator, the power of a bimetallic radiator is much higher. One section, made of bimetal, has a power of 170-190 W. The maximum heating temperature is 100 degrees. When the inner core is made of stainless metal, the resistance to corrosion increases significantly.

Cons of bimetallic batteries

Despite the many advantages of this type of radiator, there are also certain disadvantages:

• due to the small size of the section, as well as productive thermal inertia, radiators made of this metal quickly cool after turning off the heating;
• in the case of interaction of steel with some other metals, sluggish reactions often appear, and thanks to them, gas is formed inside the battery. If air valve missing, the radiator may rupture;
• A bimetallic battery is an expensive device.

Area of ​​use

Since aluminum batteries do not have high durability, they are mainly used in one-story houses or apartments with autonomous heating. However, if you need to create a closed heating system where the pressure is high, then bimetallic batteries are optimal, because they are resistant to water hammer and high pressure. Their main application is in commercial or residential premises and multi-storey buildings.

Advice! In a private house with low-pressure heating, it is best to use aluminum batteries, because they will withstand the load created, and the price is much lower than bimetallic ones.

Comparison of aluminum and bimetal

In order to understand that aluminum is better or bimetal, a comparison should be made between the two metals. An ordinary buyer will not be able to appearance correctly determine the metal from which this radiator is made. After all, both types of radiators look the same both in shape and in terms of painting. Often they are painted with either colored or white enamel. The surface itself can consist of separate sections or be monolithic.

For a bimetallic battery thermal power average, and for aluminum ones - high. In bimetallic devices, the maximum operating pressure is 20 atmospheres, while in aluminum devices it is only 16. The disadvantage of both devices is that they are quite unstable to corrosion.

Maximum guarantee period Battery life is 25 years. The price of bimetallic devices is much higher than aluminum ones.

Important! Repair and maintenance of aluminum and bimetallic radiators can be done independently.

Conclusion

Based on what has been discussed, it is difficult to say unequivocally which radiator is better. Both types of batteries heat rooms quite well, so when purchasing such a device, you should consider where the device will be used and what system it will be connected to.

Aluminum devices are lightweight, but the operating pressure must be stable, and these batteries are also easy to maintain. The operating pressure should be low, which is why they are ideally used in an autonomous heating system. Another big advantage- this means that purchasing aluminum appliances will definitely cost less. If we're talking about O central system heating, then here optimal solution There will be installation of bimetallic batteries, because they can easily withstand high temperatures, as well as pressure surges, they are very durable and reliable.

After it completes heating season, many are starting to think about replacing old radiators. A significant percentage of housing in Russia is represented by panel buildings from Soviet times. The cast iron batteries installed inside them, although they can last for decades, sooner or later become unusable. They develop microcracks, rust and become unsafe. As soon as you discover the first holes, rest assured that 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 understand what is the main difference between aluminum heating radiators and bimetallic ones.

To choose the right radiator model, it is best to contact professional repairmen. However, if this is not possible, you will have to figure it out yourself and consult with sellers in specialized stores.

Some sellers will try to confuse you, because their goal is to sell the product at a higher price. In addition, other careless 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 ones additional functions! To avoid falling for their tricks, read this article carefully.

Aluminum radiator - appearance

The radiators discussed in this article come in the following two varieties:

• aluminum;
• metal.

The first ones are made not from pure aluminum, but from its alloy with silicon, the so-called silumin. When purchasing these batteries, it is best to give preference to domestically produced brands. The technology for their production 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. Injection molded

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 internal stresses of the installation. It is also characterized by precise shapes.

1. Blanks are extruded through the matrix

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 indicators of the finished products are much lower. Abroad, they have long abandoned the production of batteries using extrusion due to its ineffectiveness.

Attention! Whichever of the above options you choose, be sure to pay attention to the following point: when adjacent to any other metal inside the water supply, aluminum begins to instantly deteriorate. Presence in pipes hot water makes this process lightning fast. Therefore, you need to connect the battery to the heating system using reinforced polypropylene pipes.

The radiator sections are connected to each other using nipples and seals. To determine the gasket material that suits you, it is important to know what kind of liquid acts as a coolant for the batteries being installed. She may be:

• Regular water. In this case, simple rubber products are perfect for you; they are reliable enough for the batteries to function properly;
• Antifreeze based on glycerin, ethylene glycol or propipylene glycol. In addition to it, it is best to purchase paronite seals, since rubber quickly breaks down 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 warm up the air in rooms very quickly;
• those models that were injection molded can be equipped with additional sections during use;
• increased operating pressure: for standard models it is approximately 10 - 15 atm., and for reinforced ones it reaches 25 atm.;
• the ability to set a warm-up temperature that is comfortable for you;
• the small dimensions of the device allow you to save more free space in the living room;
• Installing batteries does not require much effort due to the light weight of the case;
• an aluminum radiator can be a stylish addition to modern interior, the main thing is to beat him correctly;
• the cost of such installations is affordable to everyone.

However, as they say, “there are two sides to a coin.” This type of radiator also has disadvantages:

• The serviceability of the aluminum housing directly depends on the quality of the coolant. When the pH level of the water rises above 8, corrosive reactions will begin at the joints. Therefore, if you are not sure of the quality of the liquid that will circulate inside the heating system, it is better to abandon this option;
• private leaks at the junctions of body sections. Low-quality products never last long, therefore, to avoid such trouble, when purchasing, give preference to more expensive products;
• mandatory installation of an air vent. It is needed to filter hydrogen that accumulates inside aluminum radiators;
• small service life air vent. Unfortunately, the device will serve you for no more than 15 years, after which you will have to replace it with a new one.
• The participation of a specialist is required when installing radiators. Mistakes made during self-installation, will lead to quick exit devices are out of order. All the money you save on a professional repairman will be spent on buying new batteries, and you will still have to pay for the work.

Features of bimetallic radiators

The second option that the store can offer you is a bimetallic radiator. The prefix “bi” in the word “bimetallic” means “two”. This name is given to this type of battery because they are made from two metals: steel and aluminum.

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

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

1. First of all, the product is placed in a dye solution and completely covered with paint;
2. Then another polymer layer made on the basis of epoxy resin. Radiators processed using this technology not only look very aesthetically pleasing, but also take on clearer geometric shapes;

• easy installation and transportation, especially if you seek the help of professionals. The design of bimetallic batteries is no more complicated than that of simple aluminum ones, however, their installation is also best left to professionals. How long the batteries are installed correctly, the longer they will serve you;
• the ability to add additional sections directly to your home. However, if you assume that you still want to increase their number, when purchasing, 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 combination with steel loses its high heat-transfer properties. Due to the steel core inside the battery, you will have to wait a little longer than you are used to for the air to reach the desired temperature;
• increased price. Since the price of steel is higher than silicon, the cost of bimetallic batteries also increases by about 30% compared to aluminum ones;
• 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 autumn heating season comes to an end, it will be necessary to carry out the procedure of draining the water from the system. It is because of this that corrosion processes will begin: simultaneous contact of steel with air and water instantly starts them.
• The small tube passage inside the device is subject to rapid clogging. This shortens the service life of the device.

Important! The coefficients of thermal expansion of steel and aluminum differ, which is why the battery begins to emit loud crackling sounds 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 function properly even in rooms where the air humidity level is high. Their surface is resistant to corrosion. Such resistance to aggressive influences external environment The radiator is attached to sheet steel, which covers the body of the device with a protective layer.

Inside bimetallic radiators there are water channels of small cross-section. Due to their modest size, they fill up as quickly as possible hot water, coming from centralized system water supply or autonomous boiler.

Construction professionals consider purchasing bimetallic batteries and installing them during renovations as one of the best functional improvements to an apartment. Over time, the use of these devices will fully pay for the money spent on them.

How to distinguish a bimetallic heating radiator from an aluminum one by 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 leave your fate to chance.

If you put two in front of you different radiators- you should be able to tell which is which without any problems. The main difference between an aluminum radiator and a bimetallic one is that it is made exclusively of aluminum, i.e. inlet and outlet pipe (bends) that must be connected to common system heating system should be made of aluminum and by knocking on it you will immediately understand what kind of metal it is!

How to distinguish the type of metal by knocking

If you knock on steel, the sound will be more sonorous and “metallic,” but if you knock on aluminum, the sound will be duller. You need to hear this once and remember it for the rest of your life; you can describe it in words, but only through personal example will you 100% understand the difference. Find a piece of steel and aluminum at home and knock on it using 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; you already know how this or that metal “sounds”.

Second way

Look carefully at the structure of the radiator itself; on 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 externally it is clear that on top of the steel inner pipe aluminum is poured.

Video - how to choose a bimetallic radiator

Comparison of the 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 metal rectangles, their ribs have a flat shape. The number of sections for both types of structures ranges from 6 to 12 pieces. Their heat transfer is also almost on par with each other, amounting to approximately 170-200 W.

Today it is very popular to beat every household item 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 neutral white or gray colors. However, you can improve standard store-bought options yourself by covering them with specialized bright paint. Apply a pattern that you like to the radiator and breathe a special atmosphere into the room.

Important! Before purchasing paint, consult with specialists. It is important to choose one that is non-toxic and heat resistant to ensure your health remains safe.

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

• Aluminum batteries are well suited for installation in country cottages and ordinary private houses. This is where it is necessary to obtain maximum heat transfer from radiators, especially in winter time. Provided there is little pressure and High Quality coolant is perfect option for heating country houses equipped with autonomous heating system. There is no point in installing bimetallic sections, as they can quickly fail;
• Bimetallic batteries were developed specifically for operation in the conditions of a city centralized heating network. Admixtures of aggressive chemicals have long been added to the water circulating through them to reduce heat loss. Steel core 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 type for installation in an apartment, office, etc.

Video - choosing between a bimetallic and aluminum radiator

Why are cast iron radiators hopelessly outdated?

It would be unfair to say that batteries made of cast iron are that bad. They have been serving people for almost a hundred years! They were installed en masse in Khrushchev and Stalin buildings 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 your cast iron oldies:

• The heat transfer of one section of a battery made from cast iron reaches approximately 100 W. These indicators for sections of aluminum and bimetallic devices similar in surface area are one and a half, or even two times higher;
• For each section cast iron installation approximately a liter of water is required, while updated devices require only about.4 liters;
• Unlike lightweight aluminum items, the weight of each section of a cast iron radiator is 6 kilograms. It turns out that the total weight of the battery is approximately 30-35 kilograms. And this without water!
• The temperature in such batteries cannot be changed in a short period of time due to inertia;
• The outdated appearance of the devices is reminiscent of the times of the USSR. By installing them in your apartment, you take away a few points from the thoughtful design of the room;
• Due to the long heating time, the batteries are inconvenient to use in private homes with autonomous system heating;
• Imported boilers in country houses They often become clogged with fine clay, which water washes out of cast iron radiators and fail.

Important! Don't waste your money when purchasing new batteries. The lower the quality of the device, the less it will serve you. If the production technology was not followed during manufacturing, you will soon have to purchase others again. heating installations. The formation of microcracks, metal corrosion, rapid loss of appearance - this is what awaits overly thrifty buyers. You should also order the installation of the selected batteries from professional builders in order to be 100% confident in the quality of the work performed.

Remember, you are the one who will live in the house you are furnishing.

When choosing heating devices, it is important not to make a mistake and purchase equipment that has optimal technical and operational characteristics. The main aspects that influence product selection are battery design features, build quality, heat dissipation and resistance to mechanical and chemical influences.

If we take these criteria into account, then it won’t be difficult to choose which heating radiators are better, aluminum or bimetallic?

What is the difference between bimetallic radiators and aluminum ones?

When determining which is better, an aluminum or bimetallic heating radiator, you should first pay attention to the design features. The way the battery is designed affects performance and heat dissipation.

Bimetallic batteries

Bimetal is a structure of two various metals. The core is made of copper or steel, and the shell is made of aluminum alloy. The design feature does not make it possible to use pipes as a core large diameter, so there is a high probability of battery clogging during operation. It is recommended to wash the sections regularly.

Aluminum batteries

Consist of stacked sections manufactured by casting or extrusion. The latter method is not used in EU countries. Extrusion-type batteries are produced by Chinese and several domestic manufacturers.

The design includes convection fins that increase heat transfer. The battery consists exclusively of aluminum, which affects the longevity of operation.

Which radiators are of better quality, bimetal or aluminum?

The fundamental difference between aluminum heating radiators from bimetallic ones is that the design of the latter includes a core made of a metal different from that used for the shell. This affects the parameters and performance of the battery:

• Heat dissipation of radiators - for aluminum batteries, one section has a capacity of 200 W. The power of bimetallic equipment with a steel core is no more than 180 W. The performance of the aluminum-copper radiator section is also 200 W.
• Maximum pressure - water hammer and pressure surges are the weak point of aluminum models. The maximum pressure is only 16 atm, which is often not enough to connect to a central heating system.
  Bimetallic heating devices with a steel core can easily withstand pressure surges of 20 atm, and some manufacturers produce a core capable of withstanding a water hammer with a power of 40 atm.
• The quality of the coolant - the difference between bimetal radiators and aluminum products is the use of steel as the core, a material that practically does not enter into a chemical reaction.
  Aluminum reacts to any impurities, so the walls of sections when connected to central heating quickly become thinner and leaks appear. In this case, the choice of a heating radiator between aluminum or bimetal is clearly in favor of the latter.
• Battery life – bimetal is guaranteed to last at least 15-20 years. Aluminum batteries are approximately 5 years shorter. The service life can be significantly affected by the quality of the coolant and the heating intensity. Maximum working temperature for aluminum equipment 110°C, bimetal 130°C.
• Cost - aluminum batteries cost about a third less than bimetal.

When choosing heating equipment, you should pay attention to the heating source. The central system uses an aggressive coolant and pressure unfavorable for aluminum. In autonomous heating, there are much fewer negative factors affecting the operation of devices.

Which radiator to choose, aluminum or bimetal?

The decisive role in the determination is played by the structural difference between aluminum and bimetal radiators. It is better to install aluminum sections for private heating systems. The pressure in the pipeline, even when using circulation equipment, rarely exceeds several atmospheres, and the owner of the house will be able to monitor the quality of the coolant and thus extend its service life.

Bimetallic radiators, without contact of the coolant with aluminum, are recommended for use in multi-storey buildings. But this applies exclusively to models whose core is made of steel; the copper core can withstand a load of no more than 16 atm.

The difference between bimetallic and aluminum heating radiators lies not only in design features, but also operational characteristics which they influence. If we take into account all the indicators and parameters, then bimetallic heating devices remain of higher quality.

Master of Architecture, graduated from Samara State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. 11 years of experience in design and construction.

Aluminum radiators appeared 30 years ago and immediately won a significant market share from the usual steel and cast iron batteries. These products gained popularity due to their unique appearance, increased heat transfer and low weight. In terms of heat transfer, aluminum batteries are the undoubted leaders, but due to the behavior of the material from which the product is made, the use of these devices is not always possible.

Aluminum heaters are produced using two technologies:

1. Cast ready product in forms.
2. The radiator is assembled using the extrusion method.

In the first option, a monolithic product is obtained that perfectly withstands network pressure due to the absence of connecting seams and connections.

In the second option they use profile blanks made of aluminum, which are processed using a press. The individual sections obtained in this way are connected into a battery by welding. To ensure tightness, the sections are connected using seals and special gaskets.

A prefabricated radiator is cheaper than its monolithic counterpart, but, subject to the requirements of production technology, it has the same strength characteristics. The advantages of monolithic models include the ability to operate the product without additional maintenance, while prefabricated models are subject to periodic technical inspection and carrying out maintenance work.

Characteristics

Aluminum is a metal with a high degree of thermal conductivity. This feature allows you to create a powerful heat wave from the battery, which is evenly distributed throughout the space of the heated room in the apartment.

Thermal power is measured in W and is, for a single section of an aluminum battery, at least 180 W. This product weighs within 2 kg, thickness does not exceed 110 mm. To completely fill such a radiator you will need 0.4 liters of liquid. The maximum limit on the carrier temperature is +90 o C.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of aluminum batteries include the following:

• Due to the rapid heating of the material, the process of heating the room occurs quickly (for living rooms 15-20 minutes are enough to obtain a comfortable temperature), which allows you to significantly (up to 35%) save on coolant payments;
• To regulate the flow of coolant, each product has a special thermal valve, which allows you to reduce or increase the flow of liquid in the radiator, which also leads to
• saving heating resources;
• aluminum radiators look very attractive in appearance, even elegant - small, but powerful in terms of heat transfer, the products fit perfectly into the interior of a private house, cottage, or
• administrative premises;
• if necessary, the owner of a private house can independently add sections to already installed prefabricated heating radiators (it is better for professionals to work with cast models);
• thanks to small sizes and weight, these products are easy to install in any room and on any surface.

There are aluminum radiators and negative qualities. These include the following points:

• aluminum not only heats up quickly, but also cools down quickly, which is why in order to maintain a comfortable atmosphere in the room it is necessary to constantly maintain the required level of coolant supply;
• radiators made from this metal cannot withstand high pressure in the heating network, so they are not suitable for use in apartment buildings - more often they are installed in wooden country cottages or in small autonomous buildings;
• prefabricated structures are equipped with rubber gaskets; over time, these elements wear out and require replacement, which creates certain inconvenience for the owners; also, this feature does not allow the use of the types of batteries in question when using special liquids with an aggressive chemical composition, such as antifreeze, as a coolant;
• if the coolant has a high content of alkaline compounds, destruction of the material and failure of the radiator occurs, therefore it is advisable to use aluminum products in small private buildings where problems with excessive concentration of foreign substances in the water do not exist;
• When water and aluminum combine, a weak process of gas formation occurs, therefore, to bleed air and remove plugs, it is necessary to install Mayevsky taps on the products.

Mayevsky crane.

Bimetallic radiators

Bimetal radiators are visually no different from aluminum products. They are also compact and aesthetic, but due to the use of steel in the structure, the weight of bimetal heaters is slightly greater.

Which radiators are better - aluminum or bimetallic - can be understood if you understand the structure of each system and compare them.

Thus, thanks to the reinforcement of the product structure with a steel base, bimetallic radiators can withstand higher coolant pressure without damage, which significantly expands the scope of their application.

Device

To obtain a high-quality radiator using two metals, steel and aluminum, a complex casting process using high pressure is required. By distributing the metal under pressure in the mold, a tight bond between the two is achieved. different materials, which is necessary for high-quality heat transfer.

The steel core absorbs the pressure of the coolant and, through contact with the aluminum shell, transfers energy into the room.

Characteristics

The average consumer does not understand how bimetallic radiators differ from aluminum ones, since they look completely identical. But there is a difference, and a significant one.

The bimetallic product has a significant ability to resist aggressive environments and cope with network pressure of 20 atmospheres.

The heat output of one section fluctuates within 190 W. The weight of a metal alloy radiator will be 1.5 times greater than an aluminum one of the same size. The maximum limit on the carrier temperature is +100 o C.

Using of stainless steel in the design of the radiator, its service life increases by 20-30%.

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive qualities of bimetallic radiators include:

• ability to withstand high blood pressure in the heating network;
• high degree of heat transfer;
• ability to withstand high coolant temperatures;
• corrosion resistance.

Negative properties of bimetallic batteries:

• rapid heat loss when disconnected from the carrier;
• high cost of the product;
• the likelihood of a reaction between metals and the formation of gases inside the radiator, which leads to damage to the material.

Comparison of aluminum and bimetallic radiators

Externally, both types of heaters are absolutely identical, and an untrained consumer will not be able to distinguish an aluminum product from a similar one made of two metals. These types of batteries differ only in parameters:

• The heat transfer of aluminum radiators is higher than that of bimetallic ones;
• the ability to resist network pressure is almost twice as high for bimetallic products;
• the ability to resist corrosion is higher for bimetallic radiators in which the core is cast from stainless steel;
• the service life of aluminum products is about 10 years, and bimetallic radiators are designed for 25 years;
• the cost of bimetallic devices is 30% higher.

How to distinguish an aluminum radiator from a bimetallic one

Knowing the differences between the batteries in question, you can easily determine which product is offered in the store. It is necessary to pay attention to the following points:

• the connecting thread in the bimetallic radiator is made of steel;
• the weight of a bimetallic battery, with the same dimensions, will be significantly higher than an aluminum radiator;
• the easiest way is to check the material with a magnet: a magnet will not be attracted to a product cast entirely from non-ferrous metal - this method checks are convenient for determining
• material of the already installed battery.

What to look for when choosing

To determine the optimal radiator model, you need to know the characteristics of the coolant and take into account the negative and positive traits each type of battery. To determine which batteries are better, aluminum or bimetallic in each specific case, you will need the following information:

• coolant pressure level and pressure limits for water hammer in a given network;
• chemical composition coolant;
• degree of contamination of the coolant with foreign substances.

Taking these indicators into account and comparing them with technical characteristics radiators under consideration, it is possible to identify the most suitable models for a specific room.

Which radiators are best suited for which systems?

Which heating radiators are better, aluminum or bimetallic, depends on the characteristics of the room, the coolant and climatic conditions terrain. If you have doubts and uncertainty, it is best to turn to professionals who will help you decide on the type of product.

How to choose the right option, if on this moment Can't contact a specialist? In this case it is necessary to build on the pressure in the coolant network. As mentioned above, the difference between these types of heating batteries lies in the ability to maintain their qualities at different levels of network pressure.

For private boiler houses, where the pressure does not exceed 2-6 atmospheres, inexpensive aluminum batteries are perfect, and it is better to use prefabricated products that can be independently serviced, and for furnishing apartments in multi-storey buildings, you definitely need to use bimetallic batteries.

It is also important to consider the chemical composition of the coolant. Exceeding standard water alkalization rates will negatively affect aluminum and lead to its rapid destruction. There is no such danger for bimetallic products.

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