11 best heat transfer fluids for heating systems
In autonomous heating systems, water circulates through the pipes, transferring heat from the boiler to the radiators. It is cheap and effective, but requires regular supervision. If the house is visited periodically in the winter or there are long trips on vacation, then the system may break. In the case of boilers requiring electrical connections, long-term power cuts can cause the pipes to freeze and rupture the batteries. To prevent this, use coolants with alcohol or oil, designed for heating of private houses and industrial facilities. They work the same way as antifreeze in cars, and do not freeze at negative temperatures. From the rating and reviews below you will find out the best products in this category, which will help you make the right choice.
How to choose a coolant
The rating of heat carriers for open and closed heating systems contains products that prevent the defrosting of pipes, as well as preventing the formation of scale, the multiplication of bacteria and corrosion of metal compounds. But when choosing antifreeze for a boiler and radiators it is important to pay attention to some parameters of the substance:
- The foundation. On the packaging is always indicated what means is the main part. The most unfreezing is ethylene glycol. It has increased fluidity, so the sealing of the joints should be especially careful. But with him there are never problems in terms of circulation. But this coolant and the most toxic. Medium in price and relatively new type - glycerin, more gentle and harmless, but requiring replacement of conventional pads with Teflon. The most expensive is propylene glycol, which is chemically neutral and resistant to overheating. A separate substance is an oil that has low rates of anti-freezing, but allows it to be heated to higher temperatures.
- Crystallization point. This number of degrees below zero, after which the fluidity of the agent is lost. The indicator varies from -15 to -65 degrees, which is important to consider when choosing a coolant for operation in heating systems in different regions with a cold and temperate climate.
- Boiling point. Indicates when antifreeze starts to foam. For some, it comes after 70 degrees. The maximum figure is 115º C. The later the liquid boils overheating, the longer it will retain its fluidity, the effectiveness of the additives and continue to perform its main functions - transfer heat.
- The possibility of dilution with water. Some substances for heating systems can be used only in pure form, while others are allowed to be diluted with ordinary water according to the table of the ratio of parts, depending on the winter temperature in the region. The second option is more economically advantageous because it allows you to fill the volume of the system with a smaller amount of antifreeze, and add the rest with free water.
- Life time. Each coolant indicates the safe life guaranteed by the manufacturer. During this period, the tool will gently affect the seals and metal, as well as comply with the specified characteristics for crystallization and boiling.Some liquids serve for 4-5 years, others up to 10, which affects the maintenance costs of heating.
Rating of the best heat carriers for heating systems
Nomination | a place | Name of product | rating |
Rating of the best heat carriers | 1 | DIXIS-65 | 4.9 |
2 | Eco Warm House | 4.8 | |
3 | THERMAGENT-65 | 4.8 | |
4 | Roda | 4.7 | |
5 | AMT-300 | 4.7 | |
6 | Hot stream | 4.7 | |
7 | Warmth | 4.6 | |
8 | WARME BASIC-65 | 4.5 | |
9 | Thermagent Eco 30 | 4.5 | |
10 | FTX-30 | 4.5 | |
11 | PRIMOCLIMA ANTIFROST | 4.4 |
Rating of the best heat carriers
Having seen the key parameters of the product selection, we turn to the coolant rating based on characteristics and user feedback. This will help to know in advance the pros and cons of antifreeze for heating in the house, at the cottage or at the enterprise, and choose the best one for the specific operating conditions.
DIXIS-65
Rating: 4.9
Universal remedy for work with gas and electric boilers of any type of installation. Optimally transfers heat at ambient temperature from -65 to + 95º C. Suitable for heating with pipes made of cast iron, copper, aluminum, brass. Does not spoil the place of solder, does not harm plastic pipes and containers. Along with the product, a sticker is provided on the boiler, which contains fields for recording the date of refueling, volume and other important details, which will be very useful after years of servicing the heating.
Our experts assigned this coolant the first place in the rating due to the high crystallization temperature of -66 degrees. This is the best tool for heating systems in the far North and in other cold regions, which will withstand severe frosts and keep pipes and batteries intact. In the case of use in areas where the temperature does not fall below -20 ° C in winter, antifreeze is allowed to be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1, which will significantly save money.
Virtues
- fireproof;
- the highest rate of anti-freezing;
- guaranteed service life of 5 years;
- protection of capacity against unauthorized opening.
disadvantages
- heat capacity is 10% less than that of water;
- strong viscosity;
- not suitable for galvanized pipes;
- Do not pour into boilers with an electrode principle of operation.
Eco Warm House
Rating: 4.8
This is a domestic propylene glycol based coolant, which is supplemented with a pigment additive for imparting green color to make it easier to detect leaks. Available in containers of 10 and 20 kg with convenient handles for transportation. The product is fireproof and has passed the examination, therefore it is accompanied by a certificate and is designed for widespread use in heating and air conditioning systems. The service life of a substance is 5 years, after which it retains all its anti-freezing properties, but loses the package of additives preventing corrosion. Users in the reviews are divided that if the heat exchanger in the boiler is copper, and the pipes are plastic, then it can be used up to 10 years.
In our opinion, the coolant should be in the rating due to an elevated boiling point of 106º С, which is 11 degrees higher than that of most products. This is useful for frequent overheating of the system, especially if you rarely look after it. The point of thermal destruction of the tool is 170º C, so the antifreeze does not threaten
Virtues
- does not destroy flax tow;
- can be used with sealants;
- does not expand when it freezes, but turns into jelly;
- couples are harmless to humans.
disadvantages
- when used with galvanized utilities, it precipitates;
- not for electrolysis boilers;
- high fluidity in heated form requires careful sealing and pre-crimping;
- need a powerful circulation pump.
THERMAGENT-65
Rating: 4.8
The product is made in Russia, but from raw materials imported from Germany. The production involved a special technology Organic Acid Technology. But organic additives do not contain amines and other harmful substances. The coolant is compatible with boilers operating on liquid fuel, gas and electricity. Judging by the reviews, the liquid does not harm the rubber gaskets, sealants and para-nit.The manufacturer added antifoam and antibacterial additives to the composition, so the system will remain clean and with high traffic.
Our experts put the coolant in the rating, because in addition to the very low freezing temperature of -65º C, it has a long service life. Anticorrosive properties of the fluid retains up to 10 years, and can be operated up to 20 seasons continuously, without losing the characteristics of the resistance to freezing. This is beneficial in terms of system maintenance costs and does not require frequent intervention.
Virtues
- made from German raw materials;
- low crystallization temperature;
- allowed to be diluted with water;
- none in the composition of nitrites, phosphates and silicates.
disadvantages
- among the components are more toxic ethylene glycol;
- not compatible with Galan type boilers;
- when mixed with water, anticorrosion properties are initially reduced;
- does not work well with solid fuel boilers due to frequent overheating.
Roda
Rating: 4.7
This is antifreeze from a well-known manufacturer of boilers from neighboring countries, who took care of the careful handling of the entire heating system. Among its products, a heat carrier with a glycerin base has a great popularity and many reviews. The tool is equipped with anti-foam additives and does not freeze even at -30 degrees. Boiling occurs after 105º C, so the liquid is suitable for most heating systems. Fluorescent dye for quick leak detection. The coolant is produced in canisters of 10 and 20 kg, and poured into the system at the rate of 113 kg per 100 liters.
Experts recommend this product from the rating for open heating circuits, where the expansion tank does not have a sealed cover. Harmless composition does not pose any danger from evaporation and can be used even in the food industry. Another advantage is the permitted operation in pipes with zinc coating.
Virtues
- the term of operation is 8-10 years;
- full explosion and fire safety;
- does not harm the circulation pumps;
- When switching to this type, you do not need to flush the system.
disadvantages
- high cost per 10 kg;
- do not overheat;
- incompatible with non-polar plastics.
AMT-300
Rating: 4.7
Goods from the Russian manufacturer, produced in barrels of 20, 30 or 180 kg, which allows you to immediately get the right amount for the heating system at a reasonable price. The basis of the coolant is oil, accompanied by flavored additives. Raw materials are pre-catalyzed and adsorbed for enhanced cleaning. Means only to the closed communications to exclude splashing or evaporation. The density of the oil is 940 kg / m3, so it is suitable for quite warm regions. According to reviews, it is used more in the south of Russia, where the temperature rarely drops below -15 degrees.
We placed the coolant in the rating due to the high thermal stability during heating and the absence of a tendency to self-ignition. The boiling point of oil is almost 300 degrees, so it can be used even in solid fuel boilers, but only with strong pumps for accelerated circulation, so that the substance does not overheat in the heat exchanger.
Virtues
- almost zero acidity gently affects the fitting and gaskets;
- good fluidity in heated form;
- 100% corrosion protection regardless of age;
- does not accumulate moisture and leaves no residue.
disadvantages
- only for closed heating systems;
- freezes at -15 degrees;
- A powerful circulation pump is required.
Hot stream
Rating: 4.7
Heat carrier of domestic production, but with the addition of additives from Belgium. Based on ethylene glycol, the action of which is softened by the addition of carboxylic acids to 4% against corrosion and foaming. It turns into a jelly only after the ambient temperature drops below -30 degrees and contains a zero expansion coefficient.Available in economic packages of 10 kg, and larger ones of 20 and 30 kg. Provides even distribution of heat throughout the heating circuit.
We have identified this coolant in the rating as the most demanded. According to the reviews it is clear that it is used in private homes from the Moscow region to Khabarovsk, as well as in large industrial facilities and shopping centers. Heat exchangers are efficient and affordable. In fact, it is a domestic product of European quality, able to serve up to 10 years.
Virtues
- for regions with high temperature amplitude;
- actively used in enterprises;
- high quality control at the factory;
- effectively runs along the heating circuit when heated to 106º C.
disadvantages
- not in every city you can buy;
- The composition already includes demineralized water in an amount of 50%, so it will not be possible to further dilute.
Warmth
Rating: 4.6
One of the recent developments of the domestic company. The basis of the coolant is food glycerin, which does not pose a threat to humans and animals, even when completely poured onto the floor from the heating system. The substance fully complies with GOST 6824-96 and is suitable for pipes with open and closed expansion tanks, as well as with the use of a circulation pump and without it. If necessary, the agent is allowed to be diluted with water, if the area is not very cold in winter. When freezing the mass thickens without expansion, and you can disassemble the pipe for repair without draining the liquid, which is very convenient and beneficial.
Experts made the coolant in the rating as the best in terms of price and quality. Antifreeze costs, like other liquids for heating, but, unlike most, it has a crystallization point of -50º С, which exceeds the performance of similar products. Another difference of the coolant is the possibility of using in pipes with galvanized coating, which does not collapse from contact and does not form thick sediment.
Virtues
- guaranteed service life of 5 years;
- absolutely safe (food glycerin and food coloring);
- suitable for steel and aluminum radiators;
- Permissible refueling in refrigeration units.
disadvantages
- increased viscosity, so the circulation in the heating system is slow;
- Many reviews about the delay in sending goods when ordering from the official site.
WARME BASIC-65
Rating: 4.5
A relatively new product for hot heating systems from the Russian manufacturer. Produced on the basis of ethylene glycol of the highest quality and phosphor dye, which is visible only with special lighting. Complemented with a full set of additives, gently acting on the rubber seals. The temperature range of use is -65 ... + 110º C. It does not foam, even with strongly accelerated circulation. Available in convenient packages of 1, 10, 20 and 48 liters.
Our experts added coolant to the rating because of its availability. While the product is relatively young (appeared in 2017) and has some positive reviews, so buyers have little confidence in it, which prompts sellers to often make discounts on it in online stores. According to the characteristics, it completely coincides with eminent brands. Users even made experiments on the dilution and freezing of the product in the freezer, where the jelly transition threshold differs from the stated indicator by only 2º C.
Virtues
- the instruction has a breeding table;
- prevents the formation of scale;
- can save a lot by adding water;
- suitable for harsh climate.
disadvantages
- the warranty period for the preservation of properties is only 2 years;
- to detect leaks, you need IR illumination;
- only for closed heating circuits.
Thermagent Eco 30
Rating: 4.5
Antifreeze for heating of any type, with propylene glycol and anti-corrosion additives. There is a greenish color to control leaks, but is completely harmless by inhalation of vapors. Suitable for houses and apartments, where there are many children and animals.The coolant is designed for a temperature of -30º C, but in the reviews, users share that it remains fluid even at -32 degrees. Especially the owners praise his work in the system of floor heating liquid type.
We recommend to pay attention to this coolant from the rating of those who are especially reverent about health. Eco series is specially made of high-grade propylene glycol and is completely safe for use even in open heating circuits. The substance is odorless and transmits heat efficiently, and you will have to think about replacing it even after 10 years.
Virtues
- Eco Pure Series;
- no peculiar smell;
- fast heat transfer through pipes - the radiator will heat up approximately in 7 minutes after starting the boiler;
- savings of 10 years.
disadvantages
- can not be diluted with water;
- cost is more expensive than analogues;
- not for galvanized pipes.
FTX-30
Rating: 4.5
Product from Fortela, which has production facilities in Nizhnevartovsk. It produces heat exchange agent with ethylene glycol and an additive that prevents foaming. The fluid is stable in operation and has a guaranteed service life of 5 years. The crystallization point is not higher than -30 degrees. The composition is supplemented with a blue or orange pigment, which makes it easy to check the system for tightness.
Experts recommend to look at antifreeze as the best in the rating for use in large heating systems, perhaps for large enterprises and structures. The manufacturer sells the heat carrier of this brand for 66 rubles per 1 liter, and if the buyer provides his container, then an additional 8% discount is promised on the official website. Therefore, for large volumes it is the best option for the price.
Virtues
- harmless for sealant and flax winding;
- does not spoil rubber gaskets;
- does not boil at 105 degrees;
- EAC certified.
disadvantages
- it is allowed to pour only into closed heating circuits;
- it is impossible that an electric current passes through the coolant;
- corrodes galvanized coating;
- flush the system before use.
PRIMOCLIMA ANTIFROST
Rating: 4.4
The manufacturer positions it as an elite antifreeze, which is confirmed not only by the price, but by the reviews, as well as a good package of anti-corrosion additives, a sparing effect on the rubber seal and complete safety for others. The composition includes high grade glycerin, which will not cause harm even when leaking to the floor next to the children's bed. The tool gently affects the circulation pumps and is operated at rates of -30 ... + 105º C.
According to our experts, this product was worth putting into the rating due to its unpretentiousness to adding other heat carriers on the same basis. If in a couple of years the substance evaporates a little from the heating system, then it is not necessary to look for this particular brand for refilling. It is worth paying attention to residents of villages and remote villages, where the range of such goods is limited.
Virtues
- convenient containers of 10, 20, 50 and 200 liters;
- can be mixed with other similar coolants;
- product is ready for use;
- absolutely does not increase in volume during freezing.
disadvantages
- service life of 4 years, after which the corrosion protection deteriorates;
- diagonal connection of radiators is required, otherwise only one part will be heated due to the strong viscosity.
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.