Heating batteries: bimetallic or aluminum?

In the cold season, heating is very important for any living space. With the development of new technical solutions, we gradually leave old cast iron radiators, replacing them with modern ones - steel or aluminum. What are these novelties in the world of heating, what is the difference between aluminum and bimetal radiators and what is better? Read more about this.

Comparison of bimetallic and aluminum radiators

There is an obvious difference between classic batteries and new generation radiators. This is the material from which they are made. Let's evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, to determine what is still optimal - bimetallic or aluminum radiators.

Batteries made of aluminum are very light and yet durable. They work perfectly even under high pressure. Another plus of aluminum radiators compared to steel and cast iron - their neat appearance. However, with all its advantages, this design also has its drawbacks. First, aluminum is susceptible to oxidation and, in connection with this, is not suitable for radiators, where a low-quality (in particular, a highly alkaline) coolant will flow. Secondly, such batteries are often plugged and may not withstand hydraulic shocks. Therefore, aluminum radiators, unlike steel and bimetal radiators, are not recommended for installation in apartments with a central heating system. At the same time, there are high-quality models of aluminum aggregates (for example, Italian production), which have a protective layer inside them, protecting them from oxidation. They are able to withstand high pressures. However, the price for them, as a rule, is much higher than for conventional aluminum radiators.

Bimetal radiator is the newest invention. As the name suggests, this design has two metals at once: on the outside, aluminum, and from the inside, the battery surface is covered with high-strength steel, which prevents oxidation. Bimetal radiators are best adapted to the conditions of apartment buildings with central heating. They are not afraid of any hydraulic shocks, nor an alkaline coolant. Of the disadvantages, it should be noted, first, the possibility of overheating in places of bad contacts, and secondly, the potential conflict became with aluminum. I must say that such problems are very rare. They can arise only with an illiterate installation or when buying a fake of poor-quality materials. Also worth noting is the rather high price of bimetallic radiators.

So, it's up to you to decide on aluminum or bi-metal heating batteries. Keep in mind that the process of installing the structures of both types is quite simple. They consist of typing sections that are easy to assemble. Their number depends on the area of ​​the heated room (1 section is calculated on an average of 2 m²).