Calculation of radiators by room volume. Calculation of the number of sections of a heating radiator: recommendations for preparing data for calculation, formulas and calculator

Most likely, you have already decided for yourself which heating radiators are better, but you need to calculate the number of sections. How to perform it accurately and accurately, taking into account all the errors and heat losses?

There are several calculation options:

  • by volume
  • by room area
  • and a full calculation including all factors.

Let's look at each of them

Calculation of the number of heating radiator sections by volume

If you have an apartment in modern house, with double-glazed windows, insulated external walls and , then the calculation already uses a thermal power value of 34 W per 1 cubic meter of volume.

An example of calculating the number of sections:

Room 4*5m, ceiling height 2.65m

We get 4 * 5 * 2.65 = 53 cubic meters Room volume and multiply by 41 W. Total required thermal power for heating: 2173W.

Based on the data obtained, it is not difficult to calculate the number of radiator sections. To do this, you need to know the heat transfer of one section of the radiator you have chosen.

Let's say:
Cast iron MS-140, one section 140W
Global 500,170W
Sira RS, 190W

It should be noted here that the manufacturer or seller often indicates an overestimated heat transfer, calculated at an increased temperature of the coolant in the system. Therefore, focus on the lower value indicated in the product data sheet.

Let's continue the calculation: 2173 W divided by the heat transfer of one section 170 W, we get 2173 W/170 W = 12.78 sections. We round towards a whole number, and we get 12 or 14 sections.

Some sellers offer a service for assembling radiators with the required number of sections, that is, 13. But this will no longer be factory assembled.

This method, like the next one, is approximate.

Calculation of the number of heating radiator sections by room area

It is relevant for room ceiling heights of 2.45-2.6 meters. It is assumed that 100 W is enough to heat 1 square meter of area.

That is, for a room of 18 square meters, 18 square meters * 100 W = 1800 W of thermal power is required.

We divide by the heat transfer of one section: 1800W/170W=10.59, that is, 11 sections.

In which direction is it better to round the calculation results?

The room is corner or with a balcony, then we add 20% to the calculations
If the battery is installed behind the screen or in a niche, then heat loss can reach 15-20%

But at the same time, for the kitchen, you can safely round down to 10 sections.
In addition, in the kitchen, it is very often installed. And this is at least 120 W of thermal assistance per square meter.

Accurate calculation of the number of radiator sections

We determine the required thermal power of the radiator using the formula

Qt= 100 watt/m2 x S(rooms) m2 x q1 x q2 x q3 x q4 x q5 x q6 x q7

Where the following coefficients are taken into account:

Glazing type (q1)

  • Triple glazing q1=0.85
  • Double glazing q1=1.0
  • Conventional (double) glazing q1=1.27

Thermal insulation of walls (q2)

  • High-quality modern insulation q2=0.85
  • Brick (2 bricks) or insulation q3= 1.0
  • Poor insulation q3=1.27

Ratio of window area to floor area in the room (q3)

  • 10% q3=0.8
  • 20% q3=0.9
  • 30% q3=1.0
  • 40% q3=1.1
  • 50% q3=1.2

Minimum outdoor temperature (q4)

  • -10С q4=0.7
  • -15С q4=0.9
  • -20С q4=1.1
  • -25С q4=1.3
  • -35С q4=1.5

Number of external walls (q5)

  • One (usually) q5=1.1
  • Two (corner apartment) q5=1.2
  • Three q5=1.3
  • Four q5=1.4

Type of room above the calculated one (q6)

  • Heated room q6=0.8
  • Heated attic q6=0.9

Ceiling height (q7)

  • 2.5m q7=1.0
  • 3.0m q7=1.05
  • 3.5m q7=1.1
  • 4.0m q7=1.15
  • 4.5m q7=1.2

Calculation example:

100 W/m2*18m2*0.85 (triple glazing)*1 (brick)*0.8
(2.1 m2 window/18m2*100%=12%)*1.5(-35)*
1.1(one outdoor)*0.8(heated, apartment)*1(2.7m)=1616W

Poor wall insulation will increase this value to 2052 W!

number of heating radiator sections: 1616W/170W=9.51 (10 sections)

Despite the wide range of modern heat exchange heating devices, the familiar cast iron “accordion” radiators are not at all going to go into oblivion. Moreover, manufacturers of such batteries do not experience any problems with sales. This is explained by the excellent reliability of products that can last for half a century or more, and high heat transfer rates.

How to correctly determine the number of sections of such radiators to provide the room with comfortable conditions accommodation? It all depends on the characteristics of the room where they are planned to be installed, and on the parameters of the batteries themselves - they can vary significantly. Our calculator for calculating the number of sections of an MS cast iron radiator will help you come to the right decision.

Prices for cast iron radiators

cast iron radiator

The calculation requires some explanation - they will be given below the calculator.

The calculation is carried out for each room separately.
Enter the requested values ​​sequentially or mark the desired options in the proposed lists.
Click the button "Calculate the number of sections"

Room area, m²

100 W per sq. m

Number of external walls

No one two three

External walls face:

North, Northeast, East South, Southwest, West

The position of the outer wall relative to the winter “wind rose”

Windward side leeward side parallel to the wind direction

Level negative temperatures air in the region during the coldest week of the year

35 °C and below from - 30 °C to - 34 °C from - 25 °C to - 29 °C from - 20 °C to - 24 °C from - 15 °C to - 19 °C from - 10 °C up to - 14 °C not colder than - 10 °C

What is the degree of insulation of external walls?

External walls are not insulated. Average degree of insulation. External walls have high-quality insulation

Indoor ceiling height

Up to 2.7 m 2.8 ÷ 3.0 m 3.1 ÷ 3.5 m 3.6 ÷ 4.0 m more than 4.1 m

What's underneath?

Cold floor on the ground or above unheated room Insulated floor on the ground or above an unheated room A heated room is located below

What's on top?

Cold attic or unheated and uninsulated room Insulated attic or other room Heated room

Type installed windows

Regular wooden frames with double glazing Windows with single-chamber (2 panes) double-glazed windows Windows with double-glazed windows (3 panes) or with argon filling

Number of windows in the room

Window height, m

Window width, m

Doors facing the street or cold balcony:

Proposed diagram for inserting heating radiators

Estimated features of the location of radiators

The radiator is installed openly on the wall The radiator is covered from above by a window sill or shelf The radiator is covered from above by a wall niche The radiator is covered from the front by a decorative screen The radiator is completely covered by a decorative casing

Radiator model MC

Explanations for calculations

The calculation algorithm is based on the fact that heating 10 m² requires 1 kW of thermal energy. It is clear that this ratio is very conditional, so it will be adjusted by a number of coefficients that take into account the specifics of the room.

  • The area of ​​the room is easy to calculate, especially if the room has a traditional rectangular configuration.

Help in calculating the area of ​​premises of complex shapes

If the room has more complex shape, then several different approaches can be taken. More details about this, with consideration of possible examples and calculation calculators, can be found in the article about.

  • Number of external walls. The more there are, the more significant the heat loss, and this is taken into account by the calculation program.
  • The location of the external walls of the room relative to the cardinal points is of considerable importance. The reason probably does not need to be explained.
  • If the wall is located on the windward side relative to traditional winter winds, then it will cool down faster - therefore, a reserve of thermal power is needed to compensate for this phenomenon.
  • “Frost level” characterizes climatic features region. This column does not indicate anomalous temperatures, but rather normal temperatures for the coldest decade of winter.
  • If the wall is fully insulated, based on the thermal calculations carried out, then the level of thermal insulation can be considered high quality. In general, uninsulated walls, in principle, should not even be considered, since heating will be a transfer of money to energy resources, and still a comfortable microclimate will not be achieved in the house.
  • The higher the ceilings, the larger the volume of the room, and the more thermal energy is required to warm it up.
  • The next two graphs take into account the vertical proximity of the room - above and below, that is, in fact, heat loss through the ceiling and floor.
  • Next are several fields regarding the presence and features of windows. Naturally, the total need for thermal energy in the room to compensate for possible heat losses directly depends on these parameters.
  • If the room has a constantly used door that goes out onto the street, into a cold entrance or onto an unheated balcony, then any opening of it is accompanied by an influx of cold air. This must be compensated for by a certain amount of power added.
  • Features of a particular heating system may affect the pattern of inserting radiators into the circuit. And this, in turn, affects the heat transfer characteristics of the batteries. It is necessary to select the proposed insertion scheme from the examples presented.
  • A radiator placed openly on the wall, hidden in a niche or covered with a casing - all of them will seriously differ in their heat transfer. This is taken into account in a special input field - you must select installation features from the list.
  • Finally, the models of MS cast iron radiators themselves differ in their linear parameters and, accordingly, in their specific thermal power per section. The proposed list presents the most common types of MS cast iron batteries, and their characteristics are already included in the calculation program.
  • The result will show the recommended number of sections for installation in a particular room.

Read more about cast iron radiators MS type

Most often, owners purchase bimetallic radiators to replace cast-iron batteries, which for one reason or another have broken down or become poor at heating the room. In order for this model of radiators to cope well with its task, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules for calculating the number of sections for the entire room.

Necessary data for calculation

Himself the right decision will turn to experienced specialists. Professionals can calculate the number of bimetallic heating radiators quite accurately and efficiently. This calculation will help determine how many sections will be needed not only for one room, but for the entire room, as well as for any type of object.

All professionals take into account the following data to calculate the number of batteries:

  • what material was the building made of;
  • what is the thickness of the walls in the rooms;
  • the type of windows that were installed in this room;
  • in what climatic conditions is the building located?

  • is there any heating in the room above the room where the radiators are installed;
  • how many “cold” walls are there in the room;
  • what is the area of ​​the calculated room;
  • what is the height of the walls?

All this data allows us to make the most accurate calculation for installing bimetallic batteries.

Heat loss coefficient

To make the calculation correctly, you must first calculate what will be heat losses, and then calculate their coefficient. For accurate data, one unknown must be taken into account, that is, the walls. This applies, first of all, corner rooms. For example, the room contains following parameters: height – two and a half meters, width – three meters, length – six meters.

  • F is the area of ​​the wall;
  • a – its length;
  • x – its height.

The calculation is carried out in meters. According to these calculations, the wall area will be equal to seven and a half square meters. After this, it is necessary to calculate heat loss using the formula P = F*K.

Also multiply by the difference in temperature indoors and outdoors, where:

  • P is the area of ​​heat loss;
  • F is the area of ​​the wall in square meters;
  • K is the thermal conductivity coefficient.

For correct calculation temperature must be taken into account. If the temperature outside is approximately twenty-one degrees, and the room is eighteen degrees, then to calculate this room you need to add two more degrees. To the resulting figure you need to add P windows and P doors. The result obtained must be divided by the number indicating the thermal power of one section. As a result of simple calculations, you can find out how many batteries are needed to heat one room.

However, all these calculations are correct only for rooms that have average insulation rates. As you know, there are no identical rooms, so for an accurate calculation it is necessary to take into account the correction factors. They need to be multiplied by the result obtained using the formula. The correction coefficient for corner rooms is 1.3, for rooms located in very cold places - 1.6, for attics - 1.5.

Battery power

To determine the power of one radiator, it is necessary to calculate how many kilowatts of heat will be needed from installed system heating. The power needed to heat each square meter is 100 watts. The resulting number is multiplied by the number of square meters of the room. Then the figure is divided by the power of each individual section modern radiator. Some battery models consist of two or more sections. When making calculations, you need to choose a radiator that has a number of sections close to ideal. But still, it should be a little more than calculated.

This is done in order to make the room warmer and not freeze on cold days.

Manufacturers of bimetallic radiators indicate their power for certain heating system data. Therefore, when buying any model, it is necessary to take into account the thermal pressure, which characterizes how the coolant is heated, as well as how it heats the heating system. IN technical documentation The power of one section is often indicated for a heat pressure of sixty degrees. This corresponds to a water temperature in the radiator of ninety degrees. In those houses where the rooms are heated with cast iron radiators, this is justified, but for new buildings, where everything is more modern, the temperature of the water in the radiator may well be lower. The heat pressure in such heating systems can be up to fifty degrees.

The calculation here is also not difficult. You need to divide the power of the radiator by the number indicating the thermal pressure. The number is divided by the figure indicated in the documents. In this case, the effective power of the batteries will become slightly less.

It is precisely this that must be included in all formulas.

Popular methods

To subtract the required number of sections in the installed radiator, not one formula, but several can be used. Therefore, it is worth evaluating all the options and choosing the one that is suitable for obtaining more accurate data. To do this, you need to know that according to SNiP standards, per 1 m², one bimetallic section can heat one meter and eighty centimeters of area. To calculate how many sections are needed for 16 m², you need to divide this figure by 1.8 square meters. The result is nine sections. However, this method is quite primitive and for more precise definition All the above data must be taken into account.

There is another simple method for doing the calculation yourself. For example, if we take small room 12 m², then very strong batteries are of no use here. You can take, for example, the heat transfer of just one section is two hundred watts. Then using the formula you can easily calculate the number required for the selected room. To get the desired figure, you need 12 - this is the number of squares, multiply by 100, power per square meter and divide by 200 watts. This, as you can understand, is the heat transfer value per section. As a result of the calculations, the number six will be obtained, that is, exactly how many sections will be needed to heat a room of twelve squares.

You can consider another option for an apartment with an area of ​​20 m². Let’s assume that the power of the section of the purchased radiator is one hundred and eighty watts. Then, substituting all the available values ​​into the formula, you get the following result: 20 needs to be multiplied by 100 and divided by 180 will equal 11, which means that this number of sections will be needed to heat a given room. However, such results will really correspond to those rooms where the ceilings are no higher than three meters, and climatic conditions not very tough. And also the windows, that is, their number, were not taken into account, so it is necessary to add several more sections to the final result, their number will depend on the number of windows. That is, you can install two radiators in a room, each with six sections. In this calculation, another section was added taking into account windows and doors.

By volume

To make the calculation more accurate, you need to calculate by volume, that is, take into account three measurements in the selected heated room. All calculations are made almost identically, only the basis is the power data calculated per cubic meter, which is equal to forty-one watts. You can try to calculate the number of sections bimetallic battery for a room with the same area as in the option discussed above, and compare the results. In this case, the ceiling height will be two meters and seventy centimeters, and the square footage of the room will be twelve square meters. Then you need to multiply three by four, and then by two and seven.

The result will be this: thirty-two and four cubic meters. It must be multiplied by forty-one and you get one thousand three hundred twenty-eight and four watts. This radiator power will be ideal for heating this room. Then this result must be divided by two hundred, that is, the number of watts. The result will be equal to six point sixty-four hundredths, which means you will need a radiator with seven sections. As you can see, the result of the volume calculation is much more accurate. As a result, you won’t even need to take into account the number of windows and doors.

You can also compare the calculation results in a room with twenty square meters. To do this, you need to multiply twenty by two and seven, you get fifty-four cubic meters - this is the volume of the room. Next, you need to multiply by forty-one and the result is two thousand four hundred and fourteen watts. If the battery has a power of two hundred watts, then this figure must be divided by the result obtained. The result will be twelve and seven, which means that for this room the same number of sections is required as in the previous calculation, but this option is much more accurate.

Comfortable living conditions in winter time entirely depend on the adequacy of the heat supply to residential premises. If this is a new building, for example, in a country house or personal plot, then you need to know how to calculate heating radiators for a private home.

All operations boil down to calculating the number of radiator sections and are subject to a clear algorithm, so there is no need to be a qualified specialist - every person will be able to make a fairly accurate thermal calculation of their home.

Why is an accurate calculation necessary?

The heat transfer of heat supply devices depends on the material of manufacture and the area of ​​individual sections. Not only the warmth in the house, but also the balance and efficiency of the system as a whole depends on correct calculations: an insufficient number of installed radiator sections will not provide adequate warmth in the room, and an excessive number of sections will hurt your pocket.

For calculations, it is necessary to determine the type of batteries and heating system. For example, calculation aluminum radiators heating supply for a private home differs from other elements of the system. Radiators are made of cast iron, steel, aluminum, anodized aluminum and bimetallic:

  • Most famous cast iron batteries, the so-called “accordions”. They are durable, resistant to corrosion, have a section power of 160 W at a height of 50 cm and a water temperature of 70 degrees. Significant disadvantage these devices are unsightly appearance, but modern manufacturers produce smooth and quite aesthetic cast iron batteries, retaining all the advantages of the material and making them competitive.

  • Aluminum radiators are superior in thermal power to cast iron products; they are durable and light in weight, which gives an advantage during installation. The only drawback is exposure to oxygen corrosion. To eliminate it, the production of anodized aluminum radiators has been adopted.

  • Steel appliances do not have sufficient thermal power, cannot be disassembled and sections can be enlarged if necessary, and are susceptible to corrosion, so they are not popular.

  • Bimetallic heating radiators are a combination of steel and aluminum parts. The coolants and fasteners in them are steel pipes And threaded connections, covered with an aluminum casing. The disadvantage is the rather high cost.

Based on the type of heating system, a distinction is made between single-pipe and two-pipe connection of heating elements. In multi-storey residential buildings Basically, a single-pipe heat supply system is used. The disadvantage here is the rather significant difference in the temperature of the incoming and outgoing water at different ends of the system, which indicates the uneven distribution of thermal energy among the battery devices.

For uniform distribution of thermal energy in private homes, you can use two-pipe system heating, when hot water is supplied through one pipe, and cooled water is discharged through another.

In addition, the exact calculation of the number of heating batteries in a private house depends on the connection diagram of the devices, ceiling height, area window openings, number of external walls, type of room, closedness of devices decorative panels and from other factors.

Remember! It is necessary to correctly calculate the required number of heating radiators in a private house to guarantee sufficient exact quantity heat in the room and provide financial savings.

Types of heating calculations for a private house

The type of calculation of heating radiators for a private house depends on the goal, that is, how accurately you want to calculate heating radiators for a private house. There are simplified and precise methods, as well as by area and volume of the calculated space.

According to the simplified or preliminary method, calculations are reduced to multiplying the area of ​​the room by 100 W: the standard value of sufficient thermal energy per square meter, and the calculation formula will take the following form:

Q = S*100, where

Q – required heat power;

S – estimated area of ​​the room;

The required number of sections of collapsible radiators is calculated using the formula:

N = Q/Qx, where

N – required number of sections;

Qx – specific power of the section according to the product data sheet.

Since these formulas for the height of the room are 2.7 m, correction factors must be entered for other values. Calculations boil down to determining the amount of heat per 1 m3 of room volume. The simplified formula looks like this:

Q = S*h*Qy, where

H – height of the room from floor to ceiling;

Qy – average thermal power depending on the type of fencing, for brick walls equal to 34 W/m3, for panel walls– 41 W/m3.

These formulas cannot guarantee comfortable conditions. Therefore, accurate calculations are required that take into account all the associated features of the building.

Accurate calculation of heating devices

The most accurate formula for the required thermal power is as follows:

Q = S*100*(K1*K2*…*Kn-1*Kn), where

K1, K2 ... Kn – coefficients depending on various conditions.

What conditions affect the indoor microclimate? For accurate calculation, up to 10 indicators are taken into account.

K1 is an indicator depending on the number of external walls; the more surfaces are in contact with the external environment, the more loss thermal energy:

  • with one external wall the indicator is equal to one;
  • if there are two external walls - 1.2;
  • if three external walls — 1,3;
  • if all four walls are external (i.e. the building is one-room) - 1.4.

K2 - takes into account the orientation of the building: it is believed that rooms are well heated if they are located in the south and west direction, here K2 = 1.0, and vice versa is not enough - when the windows face north or east - K2 = 1.1. One can argue with this: in the eastern direction the room still warms up in the morning, so it is more advisable to use a coefficient of 1.05.

K3 – indicator of insulation of external walls, depends on the material and degree of thermal insulation:

  • for external walls of two bricks, as well as when using insulation for non-insulated walls, the indicator is equal to one;
  • for non-insulated walls – K3 = 1.27;
  • when insulating a home based on thermal engineering calculations according to SNiP - K3 = 0.85.

K4 – coefficient taking into account the most low temperatures cold period of the year for a specific region:

  • up to 35 °C K4 = 1.5;
  • from 25 °C to 35 °C K4 = 1.3;
  • up to 20 °C K4 = 1.1;
  • up to 15 °C K4 = 0.9;
  • up to 10 °C K4 = 0.7.

K5 - depends on the height of the room from floor to ceiling. As standard height accepted h = 2.7 m with the indicator equal to one. If the height of the room differs from the standard, a correction factor is introduced:

  • 2.8-3.0 m – K5 = 1.05;
  • 3.1-3.5 m – K5 = 1.1;
  • 3.6-4.0 m – K5 = 1.15;
  • more than 4 m – K5 = 1.2.

K6 is an indicator that takes into account the nature of the room located above. The floors of residential buildings are always insulated, the rooms above can be heated or cold, and this will inevitably affect the microclimate of the calculated space:

  • for a cold attic, and also if the room above is not heated, the indicator will be equal to one;
  • with an insulated attic or roof - K6 = 0.9;
  • if there is a heated room on top - K6 = 0.8.

K7 is an indicator that takes into account the type of window blocks. The design of the window significantly affects heat loss. In this case, the value of coefficient K7 is determined as follows:

  • since double-glazed wooden windows do not protect the room enough, the highest indicator is K7 = 1.27;
  • double-glazed windows have excellent properties of protection against heat loss; with a single-chamber double-glazed window made of two glasses, K7 is equal to one;
  • improved single-chamber double-glazed window with argon filling or double-glazed window consisting of three glasses K7 = 0.85.

K8 – coefficient depending on the glazing area of ​​window openings. Heat loss depends on the number and area of ​​installed windows. The ratio of window area to room area should be adjusted so that the coefficient has the lowest values. Depending on the ratio of the window area to the room area, the required indicator is determined:

  • less than 0.1 – K8 = 0.8;
  • from 0.11 to 0.2 – K8 = 0.9;
  • from 0.21 to 0.3 – K8 = 1.0;
  • from 0.31 to 0.4 – K8 = 1.1;
  • from 0.41 to 0.5 – K8 = 1.2.

K9 – takes into account the connection diagram of devices. Depending on the hot and output connection method cold water heat transfer depends. This factor must be taken into account when installing and determining the required area of ​​heat supply devices. Taking into account the connection diagram:

  • with diagonal pipe arrangement, supply hot water is carried out from above, return is carried out from below on the other side of the battery, and the indicator is equal to one;
  • when connecting the supply and return from one side and from above and below one section K9 = 1.03;
  • the connection of pipes on both sides implies both supply and return from below, with coefficient K9 = 1.13;
  • diagonal connection option, when the supply is from below, the return is from above K9 = 1.25;
  • option one-way connection with feed from below, return from above and one-sided bottom connection K9 = 1.28.

K10 is a coefficient depending on the degree of covering of devices with decorative panels. The openness of devices for free exchange of heat with the room space is of no small importance, since the creation of artificial barriers reduces the heat transfer of batteries.

Existing or artificially created barriers can significantly reduce the efficiency of the battery due to the deterioration of heat exchange with the room. Depending on these conditions, the coefficient is equal to:

  • at open location radiator on the wall on all sides 0.9;
  • if the device is covered from above by the unit;
  • when the radiators are covered from above the wall niche 1.07;
  • if the device is covered by a window sill and decorative element 1,12;
  • when the radiators are completely covered with a decorative casing 1,2.

In addition, there are special regulations for the location of heating devices that must be observed. That is, the battery should be placed on no less than:

  • 10 cm from the bottom of the window sill;
  • 12 cm from the floor;
  • 2 cm from the surface of the outer wall.

Substituting all the necessary indicators, you can get enough exact value required heating power of the room. By dividing the results obtained by the passport data of the heat transfer of one section of the selected device and rounding to an integer, we obtain the number of required sections. Now you can, without fear of consequences, select and install necessary equipment with the required thermal output.

Ways to simplify calculations

Despite the apparent simplicity of the formula, in reality the practical calculation is not so simple, especially if the number of rooms being calculated is large. The use of special calculators located on the websites of some manufacturers will help simplify the calculations. It is enough to enter all the necessary data in the appropriate fields, after which you can get the exact result. You can also use the tabular method, since the calculation algorithm is quite simple and uniform.


To heating system worked effectively, it was not enough just to place the batteries in the rooms. It is necessary to calculate the number of radiators, taking into account the area and volume of the premises and the power of the stove or boiler itself. It is also important to take into account the type of battery, the number of sections in each and the speed of delivery of the “working fluid”.

8 sectional radiator heating in the apartment

To date the industry produces several types of radiators that are made from different materials, have different shapes and, of course, characteristics. To ensure efficient home heating, when buying them, you need to take into account all the pros and cons of the models on the market.

The property owner does not have to turn to specialists for help in calculating the number of heating radiators; to do this, it is enough to know how to use a tape measure, calculator and a ballpoint pen or pencil! By following our instructions, you will definitely succeed!

The first thing you need to know is the type and material from which your radiators are made; this is what their number depends on. On sale are as already familiar to everyone cast iron types batteries, but significantly improved, as well as modern copies made of aluminum, steel and so-called bimetallic radiators made of steel and aluminum.

Modern battery options are made in a variety of designs and have numerous shades and colors, so you can easily choose those models that are most suitable for your needs. specific interior. However, we must not forget about technical specifications devices.


But they also have weak side- they are acceptable only for heating systems with sufficient high pressure, which means for buildings connected to central heating in apartment buildings. They are not suitable for buildings with an autonomous heating supply and should be abandoned.

  • It’s worth talking about cast iron radiators. Despite their long “historical experience”, they do not lose their relevance. Moreover, today you can purchase cast iron options made in different designs, and they can easily be selected for any design design. Moreover, such radiators are produced that may well become an addition or even decoration to the room.

Cast iron radiator in modern style

These batteries are suitable for both autonomous and central heating, and for any coolant. They take longer to warm up than bimetallic ones, but also more long time cool down, which contributes to greater heat transfer and heat retention in the room. The only condition for their long-term operation is high-quality installation during installation.

  • Steel radiators are divided into two types: tubular and panel.

Tubular options are more expensive, they heat up slower than panel ones, and, accordingly, maintain temperature longer.

Panel batteries heat up quickly. They are much cheaper in price than tubular ones, they also heat rooms well, but in the process of their rapid cooling, the room also cools down. Therefore these batteries are autonomous heating not economical, as they require practically constant influx thermal energy.

These characteristics of both types of steel batteries will directly affect the number of points for their placement.

Steel radiators have a respectable appearance, so they fit well into any style of room design. They do not collect dust on their surface and are easy to clean.

  • Aluminum radiators have good thermal conductivity, so they are considered quite economical. Thanks to this quality and modern design, aluminum batteries became sales leaders.

Lightweight and efficient aluminum radiators

But when purchasing them, you need to take into account one of their drawbacks - aluminum is demanding on the quality of the coolant, so they are more suitable only for autonomous heating.

In order to calculate how many radiators will be needed for each room, you will have to take into account many nuances, both related to the characteristics of the batteries and others that affect the preservation of heat in the rooms.

How to calculate the number of heating radiator sections

In order for heat transfer and heating efficiency to be at the proper level, when calculating the size of radiators, it is necessary to take into account the standards for their installation, but not do not rely on window sizes openings , under which they are installed.

The heat transfer is affected not by its size, but by the power of each individual section, which are assembled into one radiator. That's why the best option will place several small batteries, distributing them around the room, rather than one large one. This can be explained by the fact that heat will enter the room from different points and heat it evenly.

Each individual room has its own area and volume, and the calculation of the number of sections installed in it will depend on these parameters.

Calculation based on room area

You can find out the required power for heating a room by multiplying by 100 W the size of its area (in square meters), while:

  • The radiator power is increased by 20% if two walls of the room face the street and there is one window in it - this could be an end room.
  • The power will have to be increased by 30% if the room has the same characteristics as in the previous case, but has two windows.
  • If the window or windows of the room face the northeast or north, which means there is minimum quantity sunlight, the power needs to be increased by another 10%.
  • A radiator installed in a niche under a window has reduced heat transfer; in this case, the power will have to be increased by another 5%.
  • If the radiator is covered with a screen for aesthetic purposes, then heat transfer is reduced by 15%, and it also needs to be replenished by increasing the power by this amount.

Screens on radiators are beautiful, but they will take up to 15% of the power

The specific power of the radiator section must be indicated in the passport that the manufacturer encloses with the product.

Knowing these requirements, you can calculate required quantity sections, dividing the resulting total value of the required thermal power, taking into account all the specified compensating corrections, by the specific heat transfer of one section of the battery.

The resulting calculation result is rounded to the nearest whole number, but only upward. Let's say there are eight sections. And here, returning to the above, it should be noted that for better heating and heat distribution, the radiator can be divided into two parts, four sections each, which are installed in different places premises.

It should be noted that such calculations are suitable for determining the number of sections for premises equipped with central heating, the coolant in which has a temperature of no more than 70 degrees.

This calculation is considered quite accurate, but the calculation can be done in another way.

Calculation of the number of sections in radiators, based on the volume of the room

The standard is considered to be a thermal power ratio of 41 W per 1 cubic meter. meter of room volume, provided that it contains one door, window and external wall.

To make the result clearly visible, for example, you can calculate required quantity batteries for a room of 16 square meters. m. and a ceiling 2.5 meters high:

16 × 2.5= 40 cube.m.

41 × 40=1640 W.

Knowing the heat transfer of one section (it is indicated in the passport), you can easily determine the number of batteries. For example, heat transfer is 170 W, and the following calculation is made:

1640 / 170 = 9,6.

After rounding the number is 10 - this will be the required number of sections of heating elements per room.

There are also some features:

  • If a room is connected to an adjacent room by an opening that does not have a door, then it is necessary to calculate the total area of ​​the two rooms, only then will the exact number of radiators for heating efficiency be determined.
  • If the coolant has a temperature below 70 degrees, the number of sections in the battery will have to be increased proportionally.
  • When double-glazed windows are installed in the room, heat losses are significantly reduced, so the number of sections in each radiator can be reduced.
  • If the premises have old cast iron batteries installed, which were quite capable of creating the desired microclimate, but there are plans to replace them with some modern ones, then count how many of them will be needed very simple. One cast iron section has a constant heat output of 150 W. Therefore, the number of installed cast iron sections must be multiplied by 150, and the resulting number is divided by the heat transfer indicated for the sections of new batteries.

Video: Expert advice on calculating the number of heating radiators in an apartment

If you still do not fully understand how these calculations are made and you do not rely on your own strength, you can contact specialists who will make an accurate calculation and perform an analysis taking into account all the parameters:

  • features of the weather conditions of the region where the building is located;
  • temperature climatic indicators at the beginning and end of the heating season;
  • the material from which the structure is constructed and the presence of high-quality insulation;
  • the number of windows and the material from which the frames are made;
  • height of heated premises;
  • efficiency of the installed heating system.

Knowing all of the above parameters, heating engineers can easily calculate the required number of batteries using their existing calculation program. Such a miscalculation, taking into account all the nuances of your home, is guaranteed to make it cozy and warm, and you and your family happy!

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