Despite the variety of modern bimetallic and steel heating devices, aluminum radiators remain as demanded as before.
The reasons for its popularity are its excellent performance, sleek design and reasonable prices, which are crucial for some property owners.
In this article we will talk about the pros and cons of aluminum radiators, their varieties, and also we will figure out how to install the device yourself.
Pros and cons of aluminum radiators
Over the past half century, nothing has changed regarding aluminum radiators - they are also actively used to equip heating systems of public institutions and multi-apartment residential buildings. Accurate, light and easy to install, devices are also readily acquired for the improvement of private housing.
Undoubted advantages of aluminum heating batteries are several, and often they “outweigh” the shortcomings (which also exist) and are decisive arguments when choosing.
Image Gallery
Photo from
Aluminum has excellent heat transfer parameters
Lightweight overall design
Possibility to install a thermostat for adjustment
A variety of shapes and sizes of radiators
According to user reviews, aluminum devices harmoniously complement the interior of the rooms, and if they get out of the picture with their industrial design, they are easily masked by a decorative screen or a box with holes.
But batteries made of relatively soft metal have their own weaknesses, among which are:
- a characteristic feature of aluminum to enter into chemical reactions with a coolant, resulting in the formation of corrosion, as well as gases;
- from the occurrence of air jams, air vent valves save;
- low resistance to high pressure and water hammer characteristic of central highways;
- sensitivity to incorrect installation - installation errors can disrupt the uniform distribution of the coolant in all sections.
Due to the listed technical characteristics, experienced installers do not advise equipping circuits dependent on the central highway with aluminum radiators.
The system functions in such a way that water hammering and a sharp change in pressure are not excluded. Due to instability, the most insecure places - joints and junctions - can fail.
Aluminum is sensitive to stray currents, which are one of the causes of corrosion. Too acidic or alkaline coolant also causes emergency destruction of the material, resulting in the replacement of the device
In connection with these disadvantages, it is better to connect aluminum devices to a more stable cottage heating system. It is protected not only from water shocks, but also from poor-quality coolant. If you still choose an aluminum battery for high-rise buildings with main heating, it is better to prefer anodized models.
Battery classification by manufacturing technology
For the production of heating radiators, it is not pure aluminum that is used, but its alloys with silicon. Separate sections and whole products are obtained from the blanks. The main methods of metal processing are extrusion and casting.
Type # 1 - Extrusion
On production lines, the main tool for the manufacture of extrusion devices is a molding extruder, which literally extrudes the necessary profile on metal billets.
The disadvantage of the technology is the release of individual parts, subsequently connected by pressing. Of course, the seams on the structure make it vulnerable to pressure drops and to an untreated coolant.
By extrusion, sections and collectors are made. After the parts are pressed, it is not possible to change their size, therefore, during installation, the length of the finished products cannot be changed
Extrusion models are the cheapest among aluminum. They have a smaller working surface area, which reduces the heat transfer of the devices. The seams obtained as a result of pressing gradually break down from contact with poor-quality coolant.
The corrosion process is more active also because secondary aluminum is used as a raw material for extrusion, a characteristic feature of which is the presence of rapidly oxidizing impurities.
Type # 2 - Cast
Cast radiators have higher performance. They are safer, stronger and more resistant to aggressive environments than extrusion analogues, respectively, and more expensive. For the manufacture of using aluminum (from 88%) and alloys with the introduction of silicon (up to 12%).
Production is as follows. The molten metal enters the casting mold, where it acquires a predetermined profile. Received the design configuration of the parts cool, process and check for leaks. The walls of the blanks are treated from all sides with an anti-corrosion compound.
After the next cooling and drying, the practically finished sections are painted with protective polymer enamel with the addition of epoxy resins. Finishing stage - assembly and testing
Various manufacturers are experimenting with casting technology, resulting in new types of radiators. Suppose Faral Trio has released a line of two-channel radiators that have not lost their strength and can cope with a burst pressure of more than 55 atm.
And the Italian radiators Radena have a vertical fins of 6 rows, due to which there is an increase in heat transfer.
If you want the heating system to be equipped with truly reliable and protected devices, pay attention to the anodized batteries. These are radiators made of aluminum coated with a durable oxide film, which has two purposes - protection and decoration.
The oxidation process several times increases the resistance of the metal to corrosion and other negative changes or reactions to the poor quality of the fluid circulating through the channels of the devices.
Technical Overview
When buying heating radiators, it is important to consider not only the appearance or connection method, but also the functional characteristics on which the operation of the heating system will depend. It is important to remember the pressure in the network and the properties of the circulating fluid.
Image Gallery
Photo from
For private houses (cottages) with autonomous heating systems, radiators with a working pressure of 6-10 atm are used, for urban apartments connected to the central network - 10-16 atm. The maximum possible pressure is used in the process of testing, it reaches about 35 atm
The value of heat transfer (which is higher than that of steel and cast iron counterparts) consists of two approximately equal halves: thermal and convection heating. The total amount of heat transferred is summed up and indicated in watts. One section has a thermal power from 80 W to 212 W, the parameters depend on the size and design of the device
The center distance is a significant parameter for mounting marking. This is the distance between the upper and lower holes for connecting the heating pipes. To know the center distance, it is not necessary to look into the product passport, since the figure of interest is usually present in the model name (VOX 350). Standard values - 300-600 mm (up to 2000 mm)
There are models with different number of sections, and some of them can be increased. The total number is calculated by the formula: we multiply the volume of the room by the heating rate of 1 m³ (according to SNiP) and divide by the heat output of one section. Approximate calculations for a room of 18 m² (height 2.5 m) in a prefabricated house: 18 x 2.5 x 41 (normal for pane) / 180 W = 10-11 sections
Sections have a different volume, which directly depends on the height, width and depth of the models. The average capacity indicators for one section are 250-500 ml, but there may be deviations. To find out the total amount of fluid in the radiator, you need to multiply the volume of one section by the number of sections
Dimensions (indicated as H x W x D) are important for installation work. Typically, the dimensions of aluminum radiators are adjusted for installation in the most suitable place - the window sill. Before buying a heater, it is necessary to take the dimensions from the indicated section and specify the distance between the pipes (if they are already installed)
The weight of aluminum products should not bother - these are the lightest batteries of all varieties. The weight of one section is from 800 grams to 1.5 kg. Brackets for hanging to the wall are sold separately, since their number depends on the total number of sections (respectively, and on the weight of the unit as a whole). It is usually indicated on what weight the fasteners are designed
Aluminum batteries for the most part have a standard design - rectangular, vertically directed sections, combined in blocks. The color is most often white, but color options can also be found on order. The shape can be just rectangular, convex, flat, finned, etc., while manufacturers do not stand still and produce new models focused on customer demand
Working and maximum pressure
Parameters of heat output
The distance between the axes of the sections
How to calculate the number of sections
Heat carrier volume in one section
The choice of dimensions of the radiator, taking into account the area
Heatsink weight and mounting conditions
Features of form and design
In addition to other characteristics, the maximum coolant temperature is also indicated. On average, it is +110 ° C, but real indicators are usually less. For example, in urban conditions, they usually do not exceed the threshold of + 60-70 ° С (in a partially cooled state, and usually about +90 ° С at the outlet).
DIY installation instructions
If you have experience with such work, you can install the batteries yourself. For wall mounting, in addition to aluminum heating radiators, brackets and a set of tools will be required, but first you need to study some of the provisions regulated by SNiP 41-01-2003, and general installation rules.
Battery Installation Requirements
Radiators are heating devices with a coolant circulating inside, the temperature of which is higher than room temperature, therefore it is important to observe the minimum distances from the device body to the nearest significant objects:
- from the bottom to the floor - 4 cm;
- from the top to the windowsill - 5 cm;
- from the surface adjacent to the wall to the plastered wall - 2.5 cm.
But there are exceptions. If the window is too low, the upper edge of the device should be installed at the same level with the window sill, while the lower edge should rise above the floor by at least 3 cm. If the window sill impedes air movement, the distance between the window and the radiator is allowed to be increased to 8 cm.
When replacing the radiator, the location of the pipes does not change, it is only important to choose a heater according to the connection method and size. But when arranging a new heating system, it is necessary to make the correct installation of pipes.
With a one-pipe connection scheme, the riser should extend 15-20 cm from the window slope, while the connections to the radiator should not exceed 40 cm
For mounting, use brackets (shelves, studs) or supports. The number of brackets depends on the heating area of the radiator: for each 1 m² - 1 pc. (minimum 3 pcs for one radiator). The open installation of batteries is welcome, without camouflage screens and structures, since the amount of heat transfer is greater.
If the installation takes place in an apartment building, before installing or replacing the radiator, it is necessary to agree on a temporary disconnection of the circuit from the network. Usually, representatives of house management (plumbers) are involved in this.
What tools and fittings will be required?
The necessary tools for assembling and connecting radiators are wire cutters, keys, pliers, an emery cloth, a brush and grease for cleaning, a pipe cutter, a chamfer. To fix the brackets on the wall, a drill with a drill bit and a set of dowels are useful.
Installation is carried out using a set of fittings, part of which must be processed in the process of connecting to the pipes (like the pipes themselves)
Auxiliary parts that may be required:
- shut-off and control valve (normal or for installing a thermal head);
- collector adapters with gaskets;
- Mayevsky crane (for maintenance - air bleeding);
- connecting tubes made of stainless steel;
- fixture for cranes (nuts, washers).
High-quality stop valves and professionalism in sealing joints are the key to the long and trouble-free functioning of aluminum heating devices.
Work order
First, prepare the holes on the radiators at the joints with the pipes: clean with a brush or brush, wipe with a technical cleaner (you can use a brake). If necessary, mount adapters from one diameter to another and American. Next, pipes are also prepared, then a radiator is connected and installed.
As an example, the replacement of an old cast-iron radiator with a new aluminum analogue.
Image Gallery
Photo from
To connect the radiator to the pipes of the heating system, a metal adapter is inserted into the hole, wrapping the thread with linen thread for tightness
If the pipes for the supply / removal of coolant are suitable on one side (for example, on the left), the openings on the second side are closed with plugs
To dismantle the cast iron battery, it is necessary to cut the pipes, since there are no detachable connections. For cutting use an electric reciprocating saw for metal
Having cut both pipes (upper and lower), the cast-iron battery is carefully removed from the mounts and set aside. Then dismantle the old mounts
To ensure a threaded connection at the ends of the pipes of the heating system, a thread is made. To do this, use a screw die with nozzles of the desired diameter
The chopped ends are cleaned and equipped with shut-off valves. Then screw on a new aluminum radiator to mark the brackets
Remove the radiator, drill holes for mounting brackets. Hook-mounted fastening pins are screwed into the wall, pre-aligned
Put on the holders an aluminum radiator, once again check the horizontal level. Connect the device to the pipes with stop valves, tighten the fastening nuts
Step 1 - installing adapters on the radiator
Step 2 - mounting the plugs on the blind side
Step 3 - cutting pipes with a reciprocating saw
Step 4 - dismantling the cast iron battery
Step 5 - cutting pipes with a screwdriver
Step 6 - installation of stop valves
Step 7 - Install Brackets
Step 8 - mounting the radiator to the brackets
Wall decoration and pipe painting are the last thing to do. At the end of all work, the riser is connected again and the radiator is checked. If it heats up quickly and evenly, the installation is done correctly.
You can read the detailed instructions for installing heating radiators in this material.
The installation of various models of aluminum batteries is made taking into account some features, however, the basic rules for connecting and installing are approximately the same.
The entire installation process, from processing inlets to wall mounting:
Sealant assembly example:
Installing an aluminum radiator does not take much time if you have the necessary tools at hand and have the skills to work with metal. But no matter what experience you had at the time of installation, you must act strictly according to the instructions that complete the new model.
Do you have personal experience installing or using aluminum radiators? Please share your advice with visitors to our site. Tell the intricacies of installation on which it is worth paying attention to beginner home craftsmen. Leave comments in the block under the article.