Metal radiators are the main traditional source of heat for any type of premises. In this element of the heating system, the functional and decorative possibilities should be most effectively expressed. And in this regard, the potential of bimetallic radiators is not fully exhausted. These products can be considered the direct heirs of cast iron batteries, since they still contain ferrous metal in their basis, and the calculation of strength rests, first of all, on its rough rigidity.
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Alternative to obsolete cast iron batteries
It is the quality of radiator batteries that comes first. The main task of these products is to withstand any pressure in the heating system. And in this regard, if you ask the question of which bimetallic heating radiators are better to acquire and install, the answer will not be in doubt. These are the ones that guarantee high strength, durability of use, and, of course, have a beautiful finish. Original, high-quality bimetallic radiators are able to withstand pressures up to 35 atmospheres. Even for the most serious heating systems, more is a lot.
The fact that bimetallic batteries are of better quality than cast iron ones is explained by the fact that they combine all the best properties of the old type of radiators and are combined in composition with the most versatile material - aluminum. Let's look at what comes out of this: durability, strength, high thermal conductivity and heat transfer, elegance. Neither cast iron nor aluminum by themselves can unite this complex of quality indicators, which are represented by one product - a bimetallic radiator made of steel and aluminum.
But there is obviously no definite answer to the question of which heating radiators are better: aluminum or bimetallic. The choice depends on each specific situation and customer preferences.
What to look for when choosing a heating radiator
The modern market for such products is overflowing with various samples, so there is plenty to choose from. The main criterion is personal preference, as long as it does not run counter to real need. But aesthetics do not provide warmth. Therefore, pragmatic arguments should also be considered.The main thing that distinguishes radiator heating batteries is the material that is their basis and endows them with certain qualities. The primary ones are strength, efficiency, and wear resistance. It is best to pay attention to products that have universal qualities.
And such a device is bimetallic radiators. Of all the radiators designed for water heating systems, these products are the most durable. Modern design is deceiving, as its surface is adorned with aluminum, and it seems that it is. You can only understand the difference if you check the weight. The bimetal will be about half as heavy. But this does not affect the installation of heating radiators. The main thing is that the fasteners are reliable. There are no restrictions on the type of heating system for these batteries.
Design features of bimetallic batteries
To better understand which heating radiators are better: aluminum or bimetallic, it is necessary to fully study their technical and structural features. The production of aluminum batteries is carried out by casting. This makes the structure monolithic, which is the advantage of this type of device. It also guarantees that the radiator will be wear-resistant and will never leak, which is one of the main advantages when using steam heating.
Also, aluminum radiators have high heat transfer, which is beneficial for their use. At the same time, it is important to make the right choice of a radiator during the purchase. Errors are possible, but they are not related to technical indicators, but to the possibility of replacing a real aluminum radiator with a product with metal substitutes in its composition. There is always a risk of buying a fake, but it is not a problem if you buy goods from reputable manufacturers. The quality rule has not been canceled, and it is constantly in effect: original products made from high-quality materials cannot be sold at half price. And it is not worth saving on things on which the comfort in the house will depend for many decades.
What are the best bimetallic heating radiators to buy
Buying a bimetallic radiator is an investment in your own well-being. Such a product will generously give off heat, and we can say that it will help to profitably save on heating the home. This is also facilitated by the special ribbed design of the radiator. Its structure is made so that contact with air and circulation in the room are as efficient as possible. The special composition of the metal alloy can enhance the thermal conductivity index. This allows us to restrict ourselves to the small size of the radiators, which is very convenient and profitable.
Installation of bimetallic or aluminum heating radiators is much more profitable than cast iron batteries. The latter can no longer provide the level of heating economy, which is required at current prices for heat carriers. Also, modern bimetallic, like aluminum, radiators are valued for the fact that they are practically not susceptible to corrosion and can successfully withstand the aggressive acidic environment in heating systems. The versatility of modern bimetallic radiators also lies in the fact that they can be used in open or closed heating cycles.
Characteristics of bimetallic radiators
With high-quality manufacturing, the design of bimetallic radiators is integral and practically invulnerable to leaks. In fact, this is a kind of aluminum radiator, only with its own additional advantages. The combination of steel and aluminum makes the radiator a good and effective medium for transferring heat to the surrounding area. Compared to an aluminum radiator, a bimetallic one can withstand more than twice the internal atmospheric load, which indicates its strength.
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Despite the fact that the usual atmospheric pressure in urban heating systems is relatively low, and the strength of aluminum radiators is sufficient with a margin, nevertheless, the risk of a breakthrough due to a sharp pressure surge due to a water hammer always remains. Therefore, the use of bimetallic batteries in heating systems is always a guarantee of reliability and protection from emergencies.
Installation of bimetallic heating radiators
It is always recommended to start the installation of bimetallic radiators by studying the technical documentation and manufacturer's recommendations. This is a responsible business, so it would be right to entrust this work to a specialist who has the official right of access to perform such functions. The entire heating system is flushed first. But you cannot use alkaline solutions for flushing and clean the connecting elements with abrasive materials. All radiators should be equipped with manual or automatic air and vapor release valves. A high-quality and serviceable valve will close immediately after the air is vented. The radiator tank must be completely filled with the heat-carrying liquid.
Before the direct placement of the bimetallic radiator, the choice of places where the brackets will be attached is carried out. They are installed using dowel fixing accessories, or they are placed on cement mortar. The location of the radiator must be horizontal, and the gaps between the sections must be placed on the stops of the brackets. The supply lines are connected to the radiators through taps and thermostatic valves. The air relief valve is located at the top of the product. Leave the recommended distance between the walls and the radiator. These devices must be freely accessible, they must not be covered with curtains or other things. Correctly installed bimetallic radiators will allow you never to think about what a heating problem is. Having installed bimetallic radiators, you will not have to return to this question anymore.