What is the difference between aluminum radiators and bimetal radiators? Which ones are better?

After the end of the heating season, the question of changing radiators comes to the fore. If in your apartment leaky cast-iron batteries, then it's time to send them to a well-deserved rest, installing modern models instead. Private developers, arranging the heating system, often can not decide which radiators are better - aluminum, bimetallic, cast iron, because each of these models has its advantages and disadvantages. The consumer may be at a loss when he hears the recommendations of the sellers in the stores of the corresponding goods. If you also solve this issue, then it is worthwhile to compare aluminum and bimetal radiators.

Comparison of aluminum and bi-metal batteries

Aluminum radiators look good and look neat, they have several sections that are connected together by nipples. Between the sections there are gaskets, they provide the necessary tightness. Inside are ribs, they increase the heat recovery area to 0.5 m ² . Such batteries are produced according to one of today's technologies. For example, the extrusion method allows you to get cheaper and lighter products, but their quality can not be called high. Today in Europe have already abandoned this technique.

If you are thinking about the question of what distinguishes heating radiators from bimetallic aluminum, then you should pay attention to the fact that the latter can be performed even by casting. Products are more expensive, but will last longer. Bimetal batteries are manufactured using two different metals. The body has ribs, which are based on an aluminum alloy. Inside the body there is a core of pipes, hot water flows through them. Such pipes are made of copper or steel, however, the first option is more and more rare today. Many consumers also think about how to find out whether the radiator is aluminum or bimetallic in front of them. The diameter of the latter is smaller in comparison with aluminum models. Therefore, there is a higher probability of clogging them. When consumers consider the advantages of bimetal radiators in front of aluminum radiators, they first of all note a more attractive appearance. After all, all components of such products are hidden inside, so the design is able to satisfy the most refined requests.

Which batteries are better in the issue of heat recovery

If you decide the question of what distinguishes aluminum radiators from bimetallic ones, then we should compare them also by the intensity of the heat release. Aluminum radiators in this matter are bursting forward. One section is capable of delivering about 200 watts of heat energy or more. Half of the heat is given away in the form of radiation. The other half is convection. The edges of the battery allow you to increase the heat output. Aluminum in this matter there are no equal. Among other things, he has a minimum thermal inertia. If you turn on these batteries, then in 10 minutes in the premises of the house or apartment will be warm.

If it comes to private construction, then using aluminum radiators can save a lot. Today, aluminum and bimetallic heating radiators are becoming popular, the characteristics of which are presented in the article. The latter are characterized by heat release, which depends on the manufacturer and model. This parameter will be lower in comparison with an aluminum radiator. This is due to the fact that the core of the steel reduces the heat transfer, which is 1/5 less than the aluminum battery of the same size.

Differences between aluminum and bi-metal batteries in terms of their ability to undergo water hammering

In this matter, aluminum is on the second together. Its operating pressure is not so high, it varies from 6 to 16 atmospheres, and in some models this parameter reaches a mark of 20 atmospheres. If you install such radiators as a component of central heating, the products may simply not withstand the effects of high pressure. Hydro-impact can lead to the fact that the battery bursts, and the apartment will get a hot deluge. Therefore, it is not worthwhile to risk installing an aluminum radiator in an apartment of a multi-storey building.

If you are wondering about the difference between aluminum and bimetal radiators, you should compare these products in terms of the ability to undergo high loads. Bimetal batteries have a durable steel core, it is prepared for the pressure head. Such products are capable of withstanding pressures from 20 to 40 atmospheres. Therefore, it can be argued that bimetallic radiators are more reliable at unstable pressure, when there is a possibility of hydraulic shock.

For reference

The above parameter is important if you select 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 can not be called a minus, because there is no excess pressure in the local network.

Which radiator to choose from the coolant's point of view?

Quite often owners of real estate and apartments wonder about what distinguishes aluminum radiators 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 for it - just a treasure. It contains so many chemical impurities that the battery walls during operation can be exposed to corrosion. Therefore, if the ph-level of the water flowing in the system exceeds 8 units, then it is worth waiting for trouble. However, using central heating, it is simply impossible to monitor these parameters.

Even during the course of a chemical reaction, aluminum is capable of releasing hydrogen, which creates a fire hazard situation. Therefore, it is necessary to bleed air from such radiators from time to time. Less demanding on the quality of water steel pipes located in the core of the bimetallic product. This is because steel is not as chemically active 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 the radiators expensive.

Selection of heat sinks by coolant temperature

Installation of aluminum, bimetallic radiators of heating is conducted today quite often. However, before purchasing such products, you should ask which of them are capable of operating under the influence of water of impressive temperature. Aluminum is able to withstand 110 ° C, which is an average. For bimetal radiators this characteristic reaches 130 ° C, therefore these products benefit.

Reliability and durability

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

Comparison for ease of installation

Bimetal and aluminum are easily suited for comfortable installation, they weigh less when compared with cast iron. For fastening there is no need to use powerful brackets, even a gypsum cardboard wall will be able to withstand a small weight. If the pipes supplied are made of plastic, only the shaped elements and a set of keys will be needed to perform the installation work. But as practice shows, bimetal batteries are still easier to install, since steel can not be deformed, unlike aluminum, which is a soft metal.

Compare Prices

If you are faced with the question of what distinguishes aluminum radiators from bimetallic, then it is worth considering these products also in terms of price. The second option is 1/5, and sometimes 1/3 is more expensive than aluminum products. This difference is quite significant, therefore, bimetal is not so widespread among the private consumer today, because it is not available to everyone. Bimetallic instruments have a higher hydraulic resistance, therefore more energy is required to pump water, this increases the cost of operation.

Selecting a radiator for a particular heating system

Having considered the basic characteristics of radiators, it can be concluded which model is suitable for a particular system. If you use central heating, then the pressure in it can change drastically, sometimes the mark reaches out-of-bounds, with water hammering taking place. The temperature will not be stable, it can change during the heating season and even for days. The composition of the coolant is not clean, it contains chemical impurities, abrasive particles, and an acceptable level of ph also can not be said. Based on all this, it can be argued that aluminum batteries in such systems are best abandoned.