The heating system includes several key components: boilers, radiators, pipes, control and safety devices. Together they should be effective system heat transfer from the heated coolant to the air in the room. This function is performed by heating devices of heating systems: gas, electric. What is their peculiarity and how to choose the optimal model for a particular heat supply?
Purpose of heating devices
In the vast majority of cases, the heating of the air in the premises of the house occurs due to the transfer of heat from the surface of the heating elements - radiators, batteries. They may differ structurally, have a different design and method of raising the temperature on the surface. Yes, steel heating Kermi designed to complete the water system.
However, despite all the variety of types, there are several key features these heating elements. All types of heating devices of the heating system can be classified according to the following criteria:
- Used coolant– hot water, electric or gas heating element;
- Production material: steel, cast iron, aluminum or bimetal construction;
- Performance: rated power, dimensions, installation method and the ability to adjust the intensity of heating.
The choice of a particular type directly depends on the specific heat supply scheme. Bimetallic heating devices are installed for the water system. In rare cases - when using hot steam as a coolant. The wrong choice can significantly reduce the efficiency of heating. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the features of the design and technical qualities, which are possessed by devices for space heating.
Regardless of the type of radiator or any other heating device, it must be in harmony with the overall interior of the room. It is important to pay attention to the design of the structure.
Types of devices for water heating
The largest range of heating devices have water heating systems. This is due to the high efficiency of such heat supply schemes, as well as optimal maintenance costs.
All heating appliances for this type of house have a similar design. Inside there are channels through which the coolant flows. Heat from it is transferred to the surface of the radiator (batteries) and then by natural convection to the air in the room.
The main difference that characterizes convector heating devices is the material of manufacture. It is he who largely determines the design of the heating element. There are currently 4 types of radiators:
- cast iron;
- Aluminum and bimetallic;
- Steel.
Each of them has a number of functional and operational features. They are selected depending on the calculated indicators - each type of heater for water heating systems must correspond to the characteristics of the heat supply.
An important factor is the type of coolant used. For many bimetallic heating devices, the use of antifreeze is prohibited.
Cast iron batteries
These are one of the first heating components that were used in heating systems. The choice of manufacturing material is due to the relative cheapness, and most importantly, the high heat capacity of cast iron.
This type of heating device for the heating system is currently not very popular. The reason for this is the lowest coefficient of thermal conductivity. However, to create classic interior designer cast-iron radiators are often used in the room.
It should also be borne in mind that it would be impractical to consider them as convector heating devices. The design does not provide additional plates that contribute to better circulation of air masses. In addition, it is important to know such features of the operation of cast-iron radiators:
- Large volume of coolant. On average, this figure is 1.4 liters. This promotes rapid cooling. hot water, but effective for a small heating system;
- Cast iron appliances for room heating are difficult to repair and disassemble at home;
- Great inertia of heating. The rise in surface temperature is much slower than electrical appliances heating.
Despite this, in many old-style houses this type of radiator is still installed. Replacement is carried out only by the tenants themselves at their own expense.
Cast iron radiators must be cleaned of accumulated dirt and limescale at least once every 3 years.
Steel and bimetal heating appliances
For changing cast iron structures came modern steel and bimetallic heating appliances. Their main difference from the above models is a relatively small channel for the coolant.
However, this does not affect the decrease in heat transfer. Thanks to the modern materials used with a high heat transfer coefficient, when installing heating appliances Kermi significantly reduces the inertia of the entire system. In addition to this factor, other features of the operation of steel and bimetallic radiators for water heat supply should be taken into account:
- The presence of convection panels to improve air circulation over the surface of the radiator;
- Possibility of installation of heat regulation and metering devices;
- Affordable cost and easy installation, which you can do yourself.
However, with these positive qualities you need to know the specifics of the operation of a particular model of a steel or bimetallic radiator. First of all, these are the requirements for the composition of the coolant.
When choosing a battery, you should clarify whether it is collapsible or not. This will help you independently regulate the number of sections in specific device heating.
Electrical heating appliances
If the installation of a full-fledged water heat supply is impractical or impossible, electric heaters are installed for heating. They differ from traditional autonomy and compactness. In addition, there are several types of electrical appliances that have different principle heat generation. The main disadvantage electric heating are high energy costs. To minimize this, you need modern appliances accounting for heating - multi-tariff electricity meters. In the evening and at night there are preferential tariffs for electricity consumption.
The electrical wiring in the house must be adapted to the maximum loads from electric heaters for heating.
Heating convectors
If there is no autonomous (centralized) heating in a house or apartment, electric heaters are most often installed. Outwardly, they are similar to standard radiators, but have significant differences in design.
Almost all electrical heating appliances are used as a heating element heating elements. Inside is an element with a high index electrical resistance. When current passes through it, electrical energy is converted into heat. For greater efficiency, heating elements are connected to heat exchange plates made of steel or aluminum alloy.
There are several types of electrical heating appliances for the home:
- Convection. The design is designed for relatively fast heating of the air in the room due to the movement of flows through special slots located at the top and bottom of the structure;
- Oily. To increase the hot surface area inside the radiator is filled with a liquid with a high energy intensity. The temperature rise is much slower than those described above. However, even after the electric heater has been switched off, its surface remains hot for some time.
Almost all models are equipped with modern control systems. An obligatory element is an electronic thermostat, which has a temperature sensor for automatic control of the heating of the convector. Also, the safety of operation was not left without attention. When the appliance tips over, the circuit breaker is activated. There are special models of heating radiators designed to work in wet rooms - bathrooms, kitchens. They have a moisture resistant body.
However, for the heat supply of a large house, it is not advisable to install electric convector heating radiators due to the high consumption of electricity. In this case, it is best to mount more than economical heating PLEN or IR heaters.
If the total power electric convectors will exceed 9 kW - you will need to connect a three-phase power supply with a voltage of 380 V.
Infrared home heating
To improve the efficiency of maintaining comfortable temperature electric heaters are installed in the room that emit heat waves in the infrared range. Their principle of operation is not to heat the air, but the surface of objects that have fallen into the zone of action.
The undoubted advantage of this technique is the reduction of energy costs. This is explained by the fact that the consumption of IR heaters is 20-30% less than that of similar models with heating elements.
Currently, there are 2 types of heating devices of the heating system operating in the IR range:
- Film heaters. Resistor conductors are applied on the surface of the polymer film, which emit infrared waves when passing through them. electric current. They can be mounted both as a warm floor and on the ceiling of a room - PLEN;
- Carbon heaters. A carbon spiral is placed in a special sealed glass flask. When the device is turned on, it generates infrared waves that heat objects. For efficiency, such devices are equipped with a reflector made of stainless metal or aluminum.
It is noteworthy that the latter type of devices for heating rooms can be installed anywhere in the room. They are often used to maintain normal temperature outside the home in a specific area.
However, for these IR heating devices of a private house there are a number of restrictions on their use. First of all - you can not close the surface of the film. This can lead to overheating and failure.
Gas heating of the air in the room
Analyzing the efficiency of the above devices, the question of reducing the cost of heat supply remains relevant. Therefore, as an alternative, it is recommended to consider gas appliances heating. These include not only traditional boilers, but also other, no less productive designs.
by the most simple types this type of heater is considered gas convector. It can be connected both to the main gas and to a liquefied gas cylinder. The burner is located in a housing that does not come into contact with the air in the room. The supply of oxygen to maintain the combustion process occurs through a two-channel pipe. Through it, carbon monoxide is removed.
If a mobile radiator model is needed, Catholic gas heating appliances are of particular interest. They have a slightly different way of working. The gas flows from a matrix of small nozzles to the ceramic surface where it ignites. As a result, a catalytic reaction occurs, which is the main source of heat.
What should be considered when choosing a gas heater?
- Be sure to follow the safety rules. Before connecting the device to the gas line, you must read the instruction manual;
- Organization of carbon monoxide removal. The most common consequence of a malfunctioning heater is an excess of CO2 in the room;
- Periodic cleaning of nozzles from accumulated soot.
It must be remembered that all heating appliances must be adapted to specific conditions operation. First of all, this applies to safety regulations and compliance with the operating mode.
In the video you can see an example of making an IR heater with your own hands:
It doesn’t matter how good the repair is done in the house and how well the layout of the rooms is planned, because in the case incorrect operation heating devices in the room is unlikely to achieve comfortable living conditions. Therefore, the priority task of the owners who make overhaul indoors or building a new house from scratch, is the correct selection and installation of optimal heating devices.
In most families, the leading cost item for utility bills is heating costs. This should also be taken into account when choosing heaters for the heating system in hardware store, because each device, depending on the design and specification, differs in terms of rated power, heat transfer and efficiency.
In the home heating system, the basic heating devices are represented by various types of radiators and convectors. When choosing a radiator, first of all, it is worth focusing on the material from which it is made, since this factor affects the practicality, wear resistance and durability of the devices. When buying a convector, it is worth considering its power and the possibility of automatic operation.
Characteristics of devices made of various metals
Today they are popular heating equipment from metals such as: bimetal, steel, cast iron. Let's consider them in more detail.
Bimetal
Innovative bimetallic heating devices are by far the most functional. They perfectly complement any type of heating system and are distinguished by the fact that they combine the best sides steel and aluminum batteries. This is a light weight, causing ease of installation, exceptional heat dissipation and aesthetic appearance that will decorate even an apartment with a designer renovation. To improve the efficiency of a bimetallic radiator, a reflector for radiators, which is installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations, will help.
Steel
also have positive heat dissipation rates, however, they are less durable due to the fact that steel corrodes - therefore, devices may not be suitable for central systems heat supply. As for aluminum counterparts, they have high efficiency and guarantee efficient performance, however, in the heating system, they are subject to rapid mechanical wear due to pressure and the action of heavy metal salts present in the coolant. Such radiators often break down, so a jumper to the heating battery is necessary - it will allow you to replace the device without stopping the operation of the entire system.
Cast iron
The most primitive option is cast-iron heaters for water heating systems at home.
Cast iron batteries are durable, wear-resistant and can be used even in systems with poor coolant quality.
However, some owners avoid installing cast iron appliances due to their high weight, which requires a reliable wall structure for drilling heavy brackets and unsightly appearance requiring the purchase of a box. To install such a device, the owner will need to buy a key for heating radiators and prepare a whole set of auxiliary tools.
Differences in design and principles of operation
Commercially available heating appliances such as convectors, radiators, finned tubes and smooth tube heaters may differ in design and operation. Depending on the design features, heating devices can be placed along the walls or built into specially prepared niches. At the same time, regardless of the type of construction, radiators and pipes work according to the same principle - they use their surface to transfer energy from a heating body - a heat carrier, through their body to the environment. as a heat carrier in residential buildings most often oil or water is used, and in industrial buildings they can be hot steam.
Design of radiators
From the design features of radiators, obvious conclusions can be drawn - the larger the surface area of the radiator housing in contact with the environment, the more heat it will transfer to the room. In order to achieve maximum impact with small dimensions, manufacturers have proposed to compress the working areas of heaters and give them a more compact look. Among such developments are panel and, in which the coolant circulates inside special articulated channels.
This solution made it possible to achieve the maximum thermal efficiency and efficient heat exchange of the radiator while reducing its external dimensions. During the operation of such a radiator, large volumes of air mass are involved in heat exchange, as a result of which it provides uniform heating of the room. The thermal efficiency of a radiator depends not only on the volume of air circulating around it, but also on the availability of conditions in the room for natural air convection.
It is worth remembering the owners who use decorative boxes or install furniture in front of the radiator. These objects create obstacles for optimal heat distribution, become an obstacle to effective air circulation and reduce the efficiency of the heater. Therefore, having correctly arranged the pieces of furniture in the room, the owner can take the control panel for the heating boiler, choose the optimal mode of operation and enjoy the comfort in his home.
Convector design
Unlike radiators, the convector works according to a different scheme. He is given a signal by the heating controller and the heating element located under the casing is switched on. The heated air circulates around the room by means of convection and contributes to an increase in the temperature regime. However, if the room uses outdated convector models, you will need to install a humidifier on the heating radiator to maintain the optimum level of humidity. Old models of convectors strongly dry the air and contribute to the creation of an uncomfortable microclimate, new models do not have these shortcomings.
Using auxiliary elements to optimize the operation of heating devices
To improve the performance of heaters connected to the circuit, the owner may need to auxiliary equipment. This is an unloading relay for an electric boiler, which allows you to smoothly adjust the power and make the operation of heaters connected to the circuit more efficient, or thermal heads for heating radiators - high-tech devices designed for automatic regulation circuit temperature.
It is worth paying attention to the GSM heating control - a module that allows you to remotely control the operation of heating devices.
It helps the owner to receive reports on the temperature in the room, the health of the devices in the circuit, and also involves remotely setting the operating mode of the heating system. Modern models remote control of heating suggest that the optimal temperature regime can be selected for each room. To do this, all heating appliances in the house are equipped with automatic temperature controllers. You can read more about thermostats.
The optimal combination of basic and auxiliary devices in the heating system will achieve the most efficient operation of the circuit and will contribute to a more economical consumption of energy resources.
Radiators. Properties and types of heating devices.
Radiator- This device is designed to allocate thermal energy. In a heating system, a radiator is needed in order to release heat into the room for heating it. And in cars, in order to allocate excessive engine temperature, that is, to cool the engine.
In this article, I will help you choose a radiator, you will learn how to properly apply a radiator.
Ways to connect radiators. properties and parameters.
This is what aluminum and bimetallic radiators look like.
This radiator consists of a certain number of sections, which are interconnected by an intersection nipple and a special sealing gasket.
Height can be different depending on the design solution and design.
Center distance (from the center of the upper to the lower thread) Typically: 350mm, 500mm. But there are more, but they are difficult to find and they are not in great demand.
At 350 mm, power up to 140 W/section. At 500mm, up to 200W/section.
As for the heat generated by the radiator?
Let me just say that at low temperature heating, the amount of heat generated is greatly reduced. For example, if a power of 190 W / section is indicated in the passport, this means that this power will be valid at a coolant temperature of 90 degrees and an air temperature of 20 degrees. Read more about heat release here: Calculation of heat loss through a radiator
What is the difference between bimetal radiators and aluminum radiators?
Bimetal radiators are actually steel radiators coated with aluminum for better heat dissipation. That is, two metals are used in bimetallic radiators - steel (iron) and aluminum.
The bimetal radiator withstands high pressure and is specially designed for central heating. Therefore, in apartments where there is central heating, only bimetallic radiators are installed.
Why is it not necessary to put an aluminum radiator on the central heating?
The fact is that special additives are added to the central heating water to reduce scale. Make it more alkaline. And alkali eats aluminum. Therefore, no matter what they say about metals that are resistant to corrosion, there is still something that can destroy any metal. Even copper and copper pipes are not immune to corrosion. I heard that iron powder or steel chips, when in contact with copper, destroys copper.
Aluminum heatsink suitable for autonomous systems heating. In private houses, where they have their own heating and their own coolant without any tricky additives. Keep antifreeze in mind when you fill in more antifreeze, find out how it will affect your pipes made of various metals. The aluminum radiator unfortunately emits hydrogen, but in what proportions it is difficult to say. Because of this hydrogen, air is often formed, which must be constantly bled off.
A bimetallic radiator also does not represent anything good. It is highly corroded, and all because there is always a certain amount of oxygen in the water, which destroys iron (steel). Bimetal radiator, like iron pipes will be subject to corrosion.
Aluminum is less susceptible to corrosion, but there are still all kinds of chemicals that will eat aluminum.
Still very often, even water from a well happens to have some kind of chemical properties. For example, it can be highly acidic, which can also only increase pipe corrosion. Metal-plastic pipes and pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene are not subject to corrosion, but are afraid of high temperatures above 85 degrees. (If the temperature is higher, then the life of plastic pipes drops sharply.). Polypropylene pipes pass oxygen. We will talk about pipes in other articles, I will only say that it was found empirically that oxygen penetrates through plastic. In metal-plastic pipes there is an aluminum layer that prevents the passage of oxygen into the heating system.
In order for your iron pipes and steel radiators to last longer, you need to make the water or coolant more alkaline. There are special supplements.
Radiator pressure.
As for the working pressure, for aluminum radiators it is from 6 to 16 atmospheres.
For bimetallic radiators, this is from 20 to 40 atmospheres.
As for the pressure in central heating systems, it can reach 7 bar. In private houses, approximately from a three-storey building, the pressure is approximately 1 - 2 bar.
Corrosion and hydrogen formation can be reduced due to any chemical treatment of radiators at the production stage. What can be written in the passport. And that still needs to be proven. Who will benefit from it, even the cheapest radiator will last at least 10 years. And with all sorts of protective layers of 20-50 years. The results will be in 15 years. And when 15 years have passed, then they will simply forget about some kind of protective layer. And in 5 years, you can no longer present the consequences of the destruction of radiators to the manufacturer.
Convectors for heating.
Convector- This heater is made using this technology. Just an ordinary pipe passes through many plates that transfer heat to the air. 
For beauty, this device is closed with a decorative panel.
As for power, they are indicated in the passport for each individual model.
Cast iron radiator.
This is a cheap heating device, but terribly heavy. 
You can’t hang it on a weak wall, you need to hang such radiators on reinforced brackets.
In terms of power, they are up to 120 W / section
Corrosion is also subjected to and withstand high pressure up to 40 atmospheres. Due to the fact that their wall thickness is large, such cast-iron radiators serve for a very long time. To destroy such a radiator by corrosion, it will take more than a dozen years.
I don't remember any old cast iron radiator leaking due to corrosion.
Steel panel radiators.
It is better not to install steel panel radiators in an apartment for central heating, firstly, their wall thickness reaches 2.5 mm. There are also wall thicknesses of 1.25 mm. And then corrosion will quickly eat them. They withstand pressure less than bimetallic sectional ones.
Working pressure up to 10 bar.
Each individual panel has its own thermal power, indicated in the passport.
Such radiators are cheap and are usually suitable for a private house as the most cheap option. Compared to heat dissipation and the space they take up, they bypass sectional radiators. That is, such a radiator will take up less space and at the same time generate more heat.
Why is steel bad for a heating system?
In a heating system where steel or iron is present, the entire heating system is very heavily cluttered with sludge and the consequences of steel corrosion. Rusty steel crumbs begin to accumulate in mesh filters and impair the circulation of the heating system. Therefore, if you have steel pipes or steel radiators, then filters should be used with a good margin. Or you have to clean the filters every month. If the filters are not cleaned, then the heating system rises and heat does not circulate through the pipes.
Why is aluminum bad for a heating system?
Aluminum releases hydrogen. With aluminum radiators, it is very often necessary to bleed air from the heating system. By the way, aluminum radiators last much longer than steel ones. But sectional radiators first of all, the joints are leaking due to poor-quality gaskets or connections. Or if you are using an anti-freeze liquid, which also increases smudges at the joints. By the way, copper pipes, where the coolant circulates through aluminum radiators, do not live long. Therefore, there is a rumor that copper and aluminum are incompatible. I also heard that copper and steel are incompatible. And modern gas boilers inside copper tubes. But this is not scary, the difference may not be large and can reduce the life of copper pipes by one and a half to two times. According to my forecasts, the pipe can serve quietly for 10 years. Though it might just be a scare. Since, working for a company, how many cottages did we set up with copper pipes and aluminum radiators. And we still continue in the same spirit. For me, Duc - more destructibility is due to the non-freezing liquid and the water shifted towards the acidic environment. And aluminum radiators are also afraid of water hammer and electrochemical corrosion.
The difference between steel and aluminum is not big, air can be formed 30% more with aluminum. And destructive corrosion can differ by 10-30%. And it all depends on the coolant. A bad coolant can ruin your heating system faster than any combination of metals. On water, your heating system will last much longer than on non-freezing liquid - a fact. But it can be vice versa if the water is strongly biased towards acidity. I advise you to learn about additional additives in the heating system. Scientists in the laboratory of housing and communal services know better about this, since special treated water circulates in the central heating. Store assistants may not be aware of this.
Heard that zinc is not compatible with antifreeze liquid
. Therefore, it is better not to fill antifreeze liquid in galvanized pipes.
As for sectional radiators.
Very often, people and installers are faced with the following question:
How many sections can be installed on one radiator?
Some experts point-blank argue that you need no more than 10 sections per radiator. The main reason why the number of sections is not exceeded is the coolant consumption!
I explain!
If the flow rate is not sufficient for a powerful radiator, then a cooler coolant will come out of it! Accordingly, the difference will be large. As a result, no matter how many sections you hang, if the expense is small, then the benefit becomes ineffective. Since the main heat transfer comes from the coolant, and the number of sections increases the receipt of this heat from the coolant. With large quantity sections increases the temperature difference of the radiator. That is, on delivery heat, and on the return line is low.
I answer that you can put a radiator with 20 sections! It is only necessary to have sufficient coolant flow! If you want to understand the hydraulics and heat engineering of the heating system, then I recommend that you get acquainted with my course:
Hydraulic calculation 2.0
Keep in mind about thermostatic valve, it reduces the flow through the radiator.
Right choice, competent design and high-quality installation of the heating system - a guarantee of warmth and comfort in the house throughout heating season. Heating must be of high quality, reliable, safe, economical. To choose the right heating system, you need to familiarize yourself with their types, features of installation and operation of heating devices. It is also important to consider the availability and cost of fuel.
Types of modern heating systems
A heating system is a complex of elements used to heat a room: a heat source, pipelines, heating devices. Heat is transferred with the help of a coolant - a liquid or gaseous medium: water, air, steam, fuel combustion products, antifreeze.
Heating systems of buildings must be selected in such a way as to achieve the highest quality heating while maintaining comfortable air humidity for a person. Depending on the type of coolant, the following systems are distinguished:
- air;
- water;
- steam;
- electrical;
- combined (mixed).
Heating devices of the heating system are:
- convective;
- radiant;
- combined (convective-radiant).
Scheme of a two-pipe heating system with forced circulation
As a heat source can be used:
- coal;
- firewood;
- electricity;
- briquettes - peat or wood;
- energy from the sun or other alternative sources.
The air is heated directly from the heat source without the use of an intermediate liquid or gaseous heat carrier. The systems are used to heat private houses of a small area (up to 100 sq.m.). Installation of heating of this type is possible both during the construction of a building and during the reconstruction of an existing one. A boiler, heating element or heating element serves as a heat source. gas-burner. The peculiarity of the system lies in the fact that it is not only heating, but also ventilation, since the internal air in the room is heated and the fresh air coming from outside. Air streams enter through a special intake grille, are filtered, heated in a heat exchanger, after which they pass through the air ducts and are distributed in the room.
Adjustment of temperature and degree of ventilation is carried out by means of thermostats. Modern thermostats allow you to pre-set a program of temperature changes depending on the time of day. The systems also operate in air conditioning mode. In this case, the air flows are directed through the coolers. If there is no need for space heating or cooling, the system works as a ventilation system.
Diagram of an air heating device in a private house
Installation of air heating is relatively expensive, but its advantage is that there is no need to warm up the intermediate coolant and radiators, due to which fuel savings are at least 15%.
The system does not freeze, quickly responds to temperature changes and warms up the premises. Thanks to the filters, the air enters the premises already purified, which reduces the number of pathogenic bacteria and contributes to the creation of optimal conditions for maintaining the health of people living in the house.
The lack of air heating is overdrying of the air, burning out oxygen. The problem is easily solved by installing a special humidifier. The system can be upgraded to save money and create a more comfortable microclimate. So, the recuperator heats the incoming air, due to the output to the outside. This reduces the energy consumption for its heating.
Additional purification and disinfection of air is possible. To do this, in addition to the mechanical filter included in the package, electrostatic fine filters and ultraviolet lamps are installed.
Air heating with additional appliances
Water heating
This is a closed heating system, it uses water or antifreeze as a coolant. Water is supplied through pipes from the heat source to the heating radiators. In centralized systems, the temperature is controlled by heating point, and in individual - automatically (using thermostats) or manually (cranes).
Types of water systems
Depending on the type of connection of heating devices, the systems are divided into:
- single-pipe,
- two-pipe,
- bifilar (two-furnace).
According to the method of wiring, they distinguish:
- top;
- bottom;
- vertical;
- horizontal system heating.
AT single pipe systems connection of heating devices in series. To compensate for the loss of heat that occurs during the successive passage of water from one radiator to another, heating devices are used with different surface heat transfer. For example, can be used cast iron batteries with many sections. In two-pipe, a parallel connection scheme is used, which allows you to install the same radiators.
The hydraulic mode can be constant and variable. In bifilar systems, heating devices are connected in series, as in single-pipe systems, but the heat transfer conditions for radiators are the same as in two-pipe systems. Convectors, steel or cast iron radiators are used as heating devices.
Scheme of two-pipe water heating country house
Advantages and disadvantages
Water heating is widespread due to the availability of the coolant. Another advantage is the ability to equip the heating system with your own hands, which is important for our compatriots who are accustomed to relying only on own forces. However, if the budget allows not to save, it is better to entrust the design and installation of heating to specialists.
This will save you from many problems in the future - leaks, breakthroughs, etc. Disadvantages - freezing of the system when turned off, a long time for warming up the premises. Special requirements apply to the coolant. Water in the systems must be free of impurities, with a minimum salt content.
To heat the coolant, a boiler of any type can be used: on solid, liquid fuel, gas or electricity. Most often used gas boilers, which involves connecting to the highway. If this is not possible, then usually set solid fuel boilers. They are more economical than electric or liquid fuel designs.
Note! Experts recommend choosing a boiler based on a power of 1 kW per 10 sq.m. These figures are indicative. If the ceiling height is more than 3 m, in the house big windows, there are additional consumers or the premises are not well insulated, all these nuances must be taken into account in the calculations.
Closed house heating system
In accordance with SNiP 2.04.05-91 "Heating, ventilation and air conditioning", the use of steam systems is prohibited in residential and public buildings. The reason is the insecurity of this type of space heating. Heaters heat up to almost 100°C, which can cause burns.
Installation is complex, requires skills and special knowledge, during operation there are difficulties with the regulation of heat transfer, noise is possible when filling the system with steam. Today, steam heating is used to a limited extent: in industrial and non-residential premises, in pedestrian crossings, thermal points. Its advantages are relative cheapness, low inertia, compactness of heating elements, high heat transfer, no heat loss. All this led to the popularity of steam heating until the middle of the twentieth century, later it was replaced by water heating. However, in enterprises where steam is used for industrial needs, it is still widely used for space heating.
Boiler for steam heating
Electric heating
This is the most reliable and easiest type of heating in operation. If the area of the house is not more than 100 m, electricity is a good option, but heating larger area not economically viable.
Electric heating can be used as an additional in case of a shutdown or repair of the main system. Also this good decision for country houses in which the owners live only occasionally. Electric fan heaters, infrared and oil heaters are used as additional heat sources.
Convectors, electric fireplaces, electric boilers, floor heating power cables are used as heating devices. Each type has its own limitations. So, convectors heat the rooms unevenly. Electric fireplaces are more suitable as a decorative element, and the operation of electric boilers requires significant energy costs. The underfloor heating is mounted with advance consideration of the furniture arrangement plan, because when it is moved, the power cable may be damaged.
Scheme of traditional and electric heating of buildings
Innovative heating systems
Special mention should be made of innovative systems heating, which are gaining more and more popularity. The most common:
- infrared floors;
- heat pumps;
- solar collectors.
infrared floors
These heating systems have only recently appeared on the market, but have already become quite popular due to their efficiency and greater economy than conventional electric heating. Warm floors are powered by the mains, they are installed in a screed or tile adhesive. Heating elements (carbon, graphite) emit infrared waves that pass through the floor covering, heat up the bodies of people and objects, which in turn heats up the air.
Self-adjusting carbon mats and foils can be mounted under furniture legs without fear of damage. "Smart" floors regulate the temperature due to the special property of the heating elements: when overheated, the distance between the particles increases, the resistance increases - and the temperature decreases. Energy costs are relatively low. When the infrared floors are turned on, the power consumption is about 116 watts per linear meter, after warming up it decreases to 87 watts. Temperature control is provided by thermostats, which reduces energy costs by 15-30%.
Infrared carbon mats are convenient, reliable, economical, easy to install
Heat pumps
These are devices for transferring thermal energy from a source to a coolant. In itself, the idea of a heat pump system is not new; it was proposed by Lord Kelvin back in 1852.
How it works: A geothermal heat pump takes heat from the environment and transfers it to the heating system. The systems can also work to cool buildings.
How a heat pump works
There are pumps with open and closed cycle. In the first case, the installations take water from the underground stream, transfer it to the heating system, take heat energy and return it to the place of intake. In the second, a coolant is pumped through special pipes in the reservoir, which transfers / takes heat from the water. The pump can use the thermal energy of water, earth, air.
The advantage of the systems is that they can be installed in houses that are not connected to the gas supply. Heat pumps complex and expensive to install, but allow you to save on energy costs during operation.
The heat pump is designed to use the heat of the environment in heating systems
Solar collectors
Solar installations are systems for collecting solar thermal energy and transferring it to a coolant
Water, oil or antifreeze can be used as a heat carrier. The design includes additional electric heaters, which are included if the efficiency solar installation decreases. There are two main types of collectors - flat and vacuum. An absorber with transparent coating and thermal insulation. In vacuum, this coating is multilayer, in hermetically sealed collectors a vacuum is created. This allows you to heat the coolant up to 250-300 degrees, while flat installations can only heat it up to 200 degrees. The advantages of the installations include ease of installation, low weight, potentially high efficiency.
However, there is one “but”: the efficiency of the solar collector depends too much on the temperature difference.
Solar collector in the domestic hot water and heating system Comparison of heating systems shows that there is no perfect way heating
Our compatriots still most often prefer water heating. Usually, doubts arise only about which specific heat source to choose, how best to connect the boiler to the heating system, etc. But still ready recipes, suitable for absolutely everyone, does not exist. It is necessary to carefully weigh the pros and cons, take into account the features of the building for which the system is selected. If in doubt, a specialist should be consulted.
Video: types of heating systems
