Old cast iron batteries are rarely found in modern apartments. Even residents of "Khrushchev" are trying to replace them with aluminum or bimetallic radiators.
In appearance, it is difficult to distinguish what kind of material the heater is made of.
And although you cannot distinguish them purely visually, each material has its own disadvantages and advantages. I had a chance to talk with one experienced plumber, who told me which batteries should be preferred.
Aluminum radiators include several sections, between which there are gaskets that provide good tightness. There are 2 ways to make aluminum batteries:
- casting (reliable and durable products);
- extrusion (cheap and unreliable products).
There are two main components in bimetallic radiators. The body of such products is made of aluminum alloy, and the pipes inside are either steel or copper (the second option is less common).
In terms of heat transfer, the palm belongs to aluminum radiators, since this characteristic is worse for bimetallic ones. By installing aluminum batteries, you can save up to 30%.
Disadvantages of aluminum batteries
Between the sections of such radiators there are rubber seals, which quickly lose their properties. Rubber deteriorates when exposed to chemicals.
In addition, aluminum corrodes. This is observed when the pH of the water in the batteries exceeds 9 units. Gas may also form inside the radiator. The inside of the battery is covered with a protective film, which deteriorates over the years, leading to leakage.
On aluminum radiators, it is imperative to install a Mayevsky crane, it allows you to avoid airing by bleeding the accumulated air.
Although these batteries heat up quickly, they cool quickly when disconnected. Coolant must be constantly supplied to the radiators.
Aluminum does not tolerate water hammer. If the pressure inside the radiator exceeds the permissible values, it will lose its tightness. It is not advisable to install aluminum radiators in the central heating system. The exception is cast products.
The advantages of bimetal
As already mentioned, aluminum radiators should not be installed in a central heating system, they are suitable for autonomous systems.
But bimetallic products with steel pipes do not have such a disadvantage. Steel is able to withstand high pressure. Bimetal is distinguished by its reliability, it is not afraid of water hammer and pressure drops. Such products are capable of transferring up to 10 atmospheres. They are also not afraid of corrosion (if the inner pipes are made of stainless steel).
The bimetal also has some disadvantages: it, like aluminum, cools down quickly when the coolant supply is interrupted. Over time, gas appears inside the radiators. This can be avoided by installing air valves.
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