Is it worth changing cast iron batteries to bimetallic
The question is long. We argue with his wife to hoarse about the upcoming major overhaul of our long-suffering and monitoring house. There is a complete replacement of the heating system. Pipes, eyeliner and radiators. Native cast-iron radiators M-140 3-7 sectional, warm so that mom is not a mountain, in winter you can open the windows. In order not to burn the sofa and not burn yourself, I even had to put a wooden screen in the room. So, this cast iron is offered to replace the RBS-500 company with Bimetal Bimetal. The wife categorically does not want to part with the former batteries (which, by the way, means parting with a very expensive screen for these batteries), I, to be honest, also doubt the correct replacement, since there are no complaints about the cast iron. Embarrasses one very large “but”. Batteries are relatives. Them, like a house, 52 years old. During all this time, no one ever cleared them, did not take them off, did not check, did not even block them! What was formed there during all this time, one higher forces know But will new batteries warm it as well as their native cast iron? We heard so many people about bimetall in a month that the dispute was not only subsided, it became even more fierce.
I ask for the opinions of the majority or better than those who think in heating: leave old radiators and introduce new pipes (as the wife offers), and take all responsibility in case “maybe they will not break through”, or replace them with new bimetallic ones (as I think I)?Another factor: being carefully protected and regularly restored, the radiators were not externally injured from time to time. Two years ago, he was repaired for the last time, cleared completely from the paint. Outwardly the battery is perfect! There is not even corrosion anywhere, including between sections. But I understand that this is deceptive, the main surprises inside. Help with advice! Share your opinion. What to do with cast.Iron radiators? Which of us is still right?By the way, there is a replacement of a heated towel rail in the bathroom. With him is the same story as with batteries. Only one more “but” is added-a giant heated towel rail, from a half-wall of the bathroom. 1.201,00, four sets of shoes and towels can be dried on it at the same time and not interfere with each other. We will not even find such hefty now anywhere (asked), and the gland-zmei, and even small sizes, will definitely not warm our ever wet bathroom. What to do in this situation?
Differences of cast iron and bimetallic radiators
As a rule, consumers, deciding to replace the cast.Iron batteries of the old.Style, study the devices from other metals existing on the market. Currently, analogues of steel, aluminum and bimetall are currently on sale, while the new generation cast.Iron batteries are completely ignored, but in vain.
If we consider the alternative to the old “accordions” installed in multi.Apartment ladies with centralized heating, then the most reliable replacement will be the batteries from cast iron and bimetal. There is an explanation for this:
View | Design | Type of connection | Volume | Resistance to corrosion | Operating pressure | The height of the building | Warranty | Heat transfer |
cast iron | sections | lateral | Old: 1.5l new: 0.8 l | High | 9-12 atm. | 5-6 floors | 10-30 years | 110 watts |
Bimetall | sections | lateral and lower | 0.25l. 0.4l | High | 25-50atm. | 9 and above | 25 years | 170-200 watts |
As can be seen from the table, cast.Iron radiators of a new sample, like bimetallic models, may well be a replacement for old devices. The most significant difference between them is in price. Cast iron batteries, as before, are much cheaper than analogues from other metals, while bimetal is considered the most expensive in the modern heat equipment market.
If you need to replace cast.Iron batteries with minimal costs, then you need to purchase devices from the same metal and with the same technical parameters. As a rule, such a procedure will not take much time and will not cause much trouble.
Replacing cast iron heating batteries in an apartment located on a five.Story building on bimetallic analogues. This is an inappropriate waste of money. Modern models from cast iron look no less stylish than aluminum or bimetal, and the metal itself has passed the tests of strength in Soviet heating systems.
What is the price
Apiece, the price depends on the margin of resellers and the region.

Also, cast.Iron batteries of foreign manufacturers (Italy, Czech Republic, Spain, Turkey) come to the domestic market. Such devices differ from domestic in different indicators. For example, the capacity of the section of the Czech Termo battery is almost half as much. 800 milliliters, while in the domestic MS 140 1.4 liters of water fitting.
Nostalgia (Retro) radiator in the interior
The price of one section of foreign cast iron radiators in rubles is as follows:
- Mark Kiran 92/500. From 335;
- Manufacturer Viadrus Termo 500/95. At least 450;
- Nostalgia (Retro) 500/180. From 2120;
- Demrad 350 brand. At least 400 per section.
Differences between cast iron and aluminum batteries
It is unlikely that the central heating network can be called a favorable environment that suits any type of metal. On the contrary, the coolant in it is often not only aggressive, as it has an increased acidity causing corrosion, but also very litter. For this reason, some types of radiators are not recommended to be installed in high.Rise buildings with the central method of heating.
Replacing cast iron batteries with aluminum analogues in apartment buildings. This is not the best option for updating the heating system. There is a simple explanation that is best transmitted in comparison with the technical indicators of these two metals.
Thermostatic Radiator Traps. Steam heating HVAC
Therefore, the question of how to replace a cast.Iron battery with an aluminum model in an apartment building should not even be asked. They are not an alternative to each other. Here to change cast iron for aluminum in a private house is a great opportunity to significantly increase the heat transfer of the heater for little money, thereby reducing heating costs.
Is it worth changing cast iron batteries to bimetallic
The issue of replacing cast iron batteries with bimetallic analogues should be approached with particular seriousness. The fact is that the first heating devices have many useful characteristics:
- A long period of operation. At least 50 years;
- Stability to corrosion;
- The ability to heat the air in the rooms at a minimum temperature of the coolant within 55 degrees;
- High thermal inertia.
Bimetallic radiator
As we see, cast.Iron heating radiators, despite their significant mass and an unpresentable appearance, perfectly perform their functions. People who change the batteries from cast iron to bimetallic heating devices pursue the goals to disguise the batteries in a general environment.
How to replace old cast iron sewer lines
The second reason for the change of radiators is the automation of the heating process, cleaning the system from pollution. It should be noted that during operation, cast.Iron batteries are clogged with dirt, which leads to uneven heating.
What should be considered when replacing heating batteries
Even cast iron radiators have their own service life. Therefore, if the batteries are too old, and have not changed for more than 40 years, it is better to think about their replacement in the near future. Otherwise, cast iron can burst, which will deliver a lot of trouble.
However, before you run to the store for new heating radiators, you should find out the necessary power in order not to unbalance the heating system. To do this is simple if you put instead of an old cast.Iron battery, another radiator, much more powerful and more in size.
The second one needs to be considered is the working pressure in the heating system. Many do not take into account their living conditions and replace old batteries with new ones, which are not intended in some cases. In other words, if the new radiator cannot cope with the working pressure in the heating system, this will bring serious problems.
The same applies to manufacturing materials, not all radiators can be installed in a centralized heating system or in a room with high humidity. So, for example, it is not recommended to put steel radiators in the bathroom, since they are very prone to corrosion.
Is it possible to replace the radiators yourself
If the owners of the apartment do not have engineering education with specialization in heating systems, it is better to entrust the replacement of radiators to professionals. The slightest mistake can lead to the fact that the batteries will warmly warm or begin to flow.
For example, I am familiar with stories when, due to a lack of knowledge, the batteries were connected to the hot water supply system. It seems to be logical: in order for the devices to warm, hot water should enter them. But no, radiators can only be connected to the pipes of the heating system, otherwise they will quickly become worthless.
The fact is that in the heating system all the time the same water that is used in a closed cycle. And if there are some harmful impurities in it, their effects on the metal of the batteries is limited. In the hot water supply system, water goes through the open cycle and is constantly updated, so new impurities will constantly appear, which will harm radiators over and over again.
Some owners of apartments instruct the installation of batteries for brigades who do other repairs: put the floors, plastering the walls, glue wallpaper. But they often do not have engineering education, and they know no more than the owner of the apartment about heating systems.
The best option is to contact specialists, at least to the standard plumbing of the management company. At least if problems arise, anyone will make a claim. The main thing is to get documents on the replacement from the plumbing or the Criminal Code, because replacing without documents is no better than the work of an incomprehensible master from the Internet.
You can also use the services of relevant organizations. When choosing a contractor, it is important to pay attention to several points.
- The company should have a license to install heating systems.
- It is useful to read reviews about a potential contractor and understand how long it has been working on the market.
- It is necessary to conclude an agreement in which the terms of work, their list, cost and guarantee will be indicated.
- Finally, it is important that according to the results of the replacement, the master conducts a testing of the system (this is done in the summer). So it will be possible to find possible leaks that specialists should eliminate. And only after that it is worth signing an act of work performed, which will come in handy if problems arise with the radiators in the future.
Is it worth the replacement of cast.Iron radiators
Bad and ineffective radiators are a big problem. They not only do not guarantee proper heating of the premises, but also have low energy efficiency. This, in turn, increases the cost of heating and, therefore, the load on the family budget.
The problem with cast.Iron batteries is often found in old buildings, where it is necessary to carry out full modernization of the heating system. However, in many cases, it is worth replacing only cast.Iron radiators to improve comfort and minimize costs. In order for the whole process to go quickly and without difficulties, pick up batteries that will be fully adapted to the existing heating system and at the same time modern and proven.
Advantages and disadvantages of cast.Iron batteries
Most people who choose heating elements for a new home do not even consider the use of cast.Iron radiators, believing that they are outdated. Reality is somewhat different. Currently available modern cast.Iron radiators of various forms. Their modular design allows you to accurately match the power emitted into the room.
Another important advantage of cast iron radiators are the parameters of the material from which they are made. Cast iron is characterized by high corrosion resistance, minimal sensitivity to the chemical composition of water. Can be combined with any materials used in the heating installation. Their viability (up to 50 years of operation) and affordable price still makes them popular.
Cast iron batteries, although they serve for a long time, sooner or later fail due to the appearance of shells or clogging of a watercage with salts and small particles located in the coolant. Therefore, it is advisable to change cast.Iron batteries before they completely fail.
Cast iron batteries are extremely ineffective, they work with a lot of water, so they slowly heat up and cool. Changing the temperature in the house takes quite a lot of time, which has a negative effect on thermal comfort. This is especially noticeable during the off.Season, when it is required to include heating for a short period of time.
Cast iron radiators have a large weight, so installing them on an interior partition made of light materials. Drywall, thin.Walled gas blocks, will be very problematic.
An additional disadvantage of cast iron radiators, which we usually encounter in old buildings, is the lack of automatic temperature control. Thermostats. Such an outdated system creates additional heat expenses.
Comparative table of parameters of heating radiators of different types:

Replacing cast iron batteries. Saving funds!
The most correct replacement scheme is the modernization of the entire heating system. Remember, replacing cast iron batteries with modern installations does not guarantee a reduction in heating costs, and in some cases it can even increase them. This happens, for example, when a new modern gas boiler is installed, working with completely different parameters that differ from the parameters of cast.Iron radiators. Therefore, in such a situation, it is better not to refuse to install new heating devices, since such an imaginary savings can cost much more in the future.
In order for the heating system to function efficiently and economically, all its components must be compatible and correctly selected. The advantages of replacing cast.Iron heating batteries will be obvious after the first heating season. The best evidence will be lower gas accounts.
How to reduce the cost of heating in a house or apartment
Do not close the battery. Even if the radiator in the room does not look quite aesthetically pleasing, or the rules of Feng Shui make you put a bed in this place-do not do it. Blocking the heat source even with curtains, we make it difficult to properly move the air in the room. The radiator is heated by the stronger without the proper return of heat. The minimum distance between the heater and furniture should be at least 10 cm.
If you are not in the apartment, do not turn on the heating. Before going to work, turn off the radiators. If no one is at home all day and radiators work at full capacity, you spend too much money. It is worth thinking about the habit of turning off the radiators before going out.
Close the door in a heated room. It is much easier to warm a small room than a spacious living room. Warm air leaves the room into the cold hall only through the open door. Thanks to this banal action, you can maintain a higher temperature in a separate room.

Seal windows and other places through which heat can go. At the same time, do not forget to provide minimal air circulation between rooms. Complete isolation can lead to problems with humidity and even be dangerous when there is a gas installation in your house.
I ventilation short and intensive. It is better to open the windows wide, for a short time than to leave half.Open for a long period. Check the radiators. Sometimes we do not even understand that radiators are ineffective. If the radiator is configured at the maximum temperature and at the same time heats up poorly, this may mean that air has got into the system. Do not forget to release air from radiators before each heating season!
Install the reflecting film on the wall behind the radiator. It can be purchased at any building materials store. The film is inexpensive, and will give you really big savings! If the radiator is under the window, set the film under the windowsill and on the wall area equal to the area of the battery. Heat is reflected from the film and returns to the apartment.