When is it better to change cast iron radiators in an apartment: tips - Setafi

If you answer the question of when it is better to change the heating batteries in the apartment, in general, we can say that this is spring-summer, i.e. period after the heating season. But when the situation is emergency, repairs must be carried out immediately. About whether it is worth contacting the management company, at whose expense the work is being carried out and what is the procedure, is described in this material.

Reasons for replacing batteries

When considering when is the best time to change batteries, there are various reasons. Theoretically, this can be done at any time, but in such a way as not to cause damage to neighbors. That is, replacement can be carried out even during the heating season, however, their actions must be coordinated with the management company or the HOA. If the house is not serviced by anyone, you will need coordination with all owners who are serviced by the same riser.

As a rule, there is no data in the data sheet about when it is better to change batteries. But there is a common practice when old cast-iron radiators are changed after 30-40 years of operation (if the heating system is closed) or after 20-30 years (if it is open). Moreover, usually the owners do not think about whether to change cast-iron batteries to modern ones, since the latter have several advantages:

• lighter;
• look attractive;
• have greater heat dissipation;
• completely resistant to corrosion;
• durable (service life from 20 to 50 years);
• resistant to mechanical shock and other damage;
• tolerate high pressure up to 40 bar;
• conveniently adjustable (can be turned off, lower the temperature).

Already from this list of advantages, it is clear whether it is worth changing cast iron batteries. In addition, there are several obvious reasons when you need to start replacing, and in some cases urgently:

1. If the radiators leak, even small drops appear on the surface, this indicates a loss of tightness. It is impossible to start such situations - otherwise an accident may occur. Therefore, there is no need to think about whether it is worth changing cast-iron batteries to modern ones.
2. If the apartment is cold in autumn and winter, this is another serious reason for a major overhaul. If, for example, the battery provides only a minimum room temperature of 18-20 degrees, you should think about urgent repairs, preferably in the summer. If the residents are heat-loving, just in case, it is worth putting a battery with an increased number of sections.
3. Modernization of the heating system, installation of automatic regulators, equipping with a remote control system (via a smartphone application).
4. Interior renovation, replacement of radiators for aesthetic purposes. It is quite clear when it is better to change the heating batteries - during the overhaul of the entire apartment.

When is it better to change - in winter or summer

There are urgent cases in which there is no question of when it is better to change the radiators. If they leak, this is an occasion to immediately call a specialist from the management company and agree on the date and procedure for urgent repairs.

If the work is not urgent, you should set deadlines and plan them in advance. It remains to figure out whether it is possible to change the batteries during the heating season. In most houses, a common riser is installed, to which the radiators of all apartments located one below the other are connected. It is clear that it is impossible to simply turn off the heating circuit, except in extreme cases (leak, accident).

But in new buildings, an apartment heating system is sometimes used. In this case, the riser is placed at the entrance and branches are made on each floor. Then it is clear when you can change the batteries in the apartment. They can be turned off individually at home, which the neighbors will not even know about. Thus, it is better to do scheduled repairs in the summer, and urgent repairs at any time to prevent an accident.

Battery Replacement Procedure

Considering the question of when it is better to change the batteries in the apartment, you need to figure out what property they belong to:

• general house;
• personal property of the owner.

On this issue, disagreements may arise between the owners of the apartment and the management company. Although there is a common practice that the battery is considered personal property only if it is separated from the common property by shut-off valves (top and bottom). Otherwise, it is a common house property, for the repair of which the management company is responsible.

Personal property

It is clear that if the radiator belongs to the owner of the apartment, he independently determines whether old batteries need to be replaced with new ones. Moreover, you can also carry out repairs with your own hands, without coordination with the management company, or invite qualified specialists. But here it is important to understand 2 points:

1. It is better to work in the summer so as not to inconvenience the neighbors. If they receive some damage, they can apply to the court for compensation.
2. If the heating system of an apartment building is damaged due to poor-quality repairs, the responsibility lies directly with the owner. In turn, he may try to demand compensation for the damage by suing the company that carried out the repairs.

Common property

There is no doubt whether it is possible to change batteries in the summer. This is the best time when you can safely carry out repairs without disturbing your riser neighbors. But if the property is common house, then only the management company can make a decision on replacement. If the owner intends to do this himself, he must necessarily coordinate his actions with her by writing a statement and attaching the relevant documents, as well as photo and video materials.

Now it’s clear if the batteries are changed in winter. They do this only in extreme cases, when an emergency is ripe. If the radiators can be turned off individually, and this will not affect the neighbors, repairs can also be carried out at any time of the year. But if the work is performed poorly, the responsibility for the consequences lies with the owner of the apartment.