Heating battery thermostats - how to choose and install. Thermostat for heating radiator

The issue of saving energy resources today is one of the most pressing. This is especially true for owners of private houses and cottages.

The constant increase in electricity prices makes us think about how to organize the heating system in the most rational way. An important role is played by maintaining a comfortable microclimate in all areas of the house.

Apartment owners multi-storey buildings also often encounter this problem. Often in winter time, people have to open windows to reach optimum temperature in room. To solve these problems, there are shut-off and control equipment for batteries.

You can solve the emergency shutdown problem using the usual ball valve. But they cannot control the temperature. Plus, it's short lived.

The most effective device for temperature control at the present time is a thermostat with a thermostat.

Temperature controllers- This special devices, which are designed to maintain the set temperature parameters.

Radiator regulators allow you to adjust the parameters of each room of the house throughout the day. In addition, devices help to cope with emergencies. They allow you to shut off the heat supply of each area. heating system.

Regulators can be mounted on almost any type of batteries - steel, bimetallic, aluminum. Cast iron batteries are not suitable for this.

Varieties

Temperature controllers are classified according to the working substance of the thermal head and according to the method of regulation.

There are 2 ways to adjust:

• manual (mechanical);
• automatic with mechanical control;
• automatic with electric control;

As a working substance use:

• gas (gas-filled);
• liquid (liquid);

With manual adjustment

These are the simplest and most inexpensive devices for temperature control. Adjustment is carried out by turning the valve, on which the measuring scale is applied.

The numbers show the valve closing degree. It is impossible to determine the temperature from them. Therefore, only an approximate adjustment is possible with its help. The number "0" means that the valve is fully closed. The temperature can only be changed by turning the valve to the right or left.

Automatic with mechanical control

The device consists of several components:

• thermostatic valve;
• thermostatic heads.
• rod with spool;
• thermostatic element (filled with gas or liquid);
• scale for setting parameters;
• compensation mechanism;
• fasteners;

The temperature can change throughout the day under the influence of solar heat, drafts, extraneous sources of cold or heat. The principle of operation of the regulator is to adjust the passage when changing the parameters of the external environment.

The thermostatic element (bellows) changes its volume as the temperature changes. An increase in temperature leads to an increase in the volume of liquid or gas inside the bellows.

The bellows itself expands and begins to press on the stem. At the same time, the rod begins to move, the spool regulates the supply of coolant to the battery. When the temperature drops, the volume of the bellows is reduced, the compensation mechanism is activated and the valve opens.

No additional power supply is required for such devices. They use the energy of the sensitive element.

Before operation, mechanical regulators must be adjusted. Must be set maximum temperature battery heating. The setting is carried out by adjusting the throttle mechanism of the regulator on the intake or check valves batteries.

Automatic with electric control

This is a more advanced device. It is designed to create and maintain a given microclimate using automatic control all elements of the heating system - valves, pumps, etc.

Unlike a mechanical regulator, this device regulates according to a signal from an external temperature sensor. Instead of a bellows, an electromagnetic relay is used.

The relay core presses on the stem, which acts on the valve. The signal from the temperature sensor through the control unit goes to the electromagnetic relay. The necessary parameters are set on the control unit, which are further supported automatically.

Regulators using closed and open logic

1. Closed is a hard-coded and permanent algorithm of work. You can only change some of the parameters.
2. open logic allows you to freely change the entire range of instrument settings for any customer requirements. To operate such devices, a certain qualification is required. Therefore, such regulators are used more in industrial production.

For domestic use, regulators that use closed logic are more often used. Its capacity is enough to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Also, electronic thermostats are widespread in design similar to mechanical control, but with an electronic display.

It sets the necessary parameters (temperature range). The task of the device is to maintain the temperature within the specified limits. Such devices require an additional power source. They work with batteries (accumulators).

Regulators controlled by external thermal sensors are capable of maintaining the most accurate modes. The bellows can be affected by heat from the radiator itself. But the cost of bellows is much lower. This is an important factor when choosing equipment.

Liquid Regulators

These are the most common devices. Their working substance is paraffin, acetone, toluene or other special liquid.

The benefits of fluid regulators include:

1. High precision.
2. Noiselessness.
3. Ease of operation.
4. Simplicity presetting.
5. Relatively low price.

Gas filled regulators

These devices use gas as a working medium. According to the principle of operation, they are similar to liquid ones, but they are able to respond faster and more accurately to fluctuations in the internal pressure of the bellows.

The advantages of such devices include:

1. Smooth adjustment.
2. Less dependency on the coolant temperature.
3. Susceptibility to slight fluctuations in ambient temperature.

Installation of thermostats

The device is mounted directly in front of the radiator on the supply pipe. The head is installed horizontally. It is important to minimize exposure to all heat sources.

If the radiator is located in a closed area (behind curtains or furniture), the thermostat will not be able to do its job. This problem can be solved with remote control sensors. For installation in niches, mini-regulators can be used.

On the return pipe of the radiator, it is necessary to install a shut-off valve (valve). This makes it possible, if necessary, to dismantle the radiator without turning off the entire system.

When it ends, the regulators are set to the extreme open position - they turn counterclockwise to the end. If this is not done, the valve seat is covered with plaque, which can lead to failure of the entire device.

Installation difference for one-pipe and two-pipe systems

Apartment buildings usually have a one-pipe heating system. The regulator requires a bypass to operate. This is a jumper connecting 2 pipelines - direct and return, for the circulation of the coolant when the valve is closed. also necessary for dismantling the radiator without shutting down the entire system.

The two-pipe system does not need to be modified. The regulator is mounted on the supply pipeline. The valve is cut into the lower pipeline.

In the presence of a two-pipe system, devices are used that have a greater hydraulic resistance than those of single-pipe systems. That is, the flow area of ​​the devices should be smaller.

Mounting height in both cases - from 80 centimeters above the floor.

Installation instructions:

1. overlap and drain the water from the riser.
2. Cut off horizontal sections supply and return pipes next to the radiator.
3. In the presence of shut-off valves - Disconnect them from the battery.
4. For single pipe system install bypass.
5. Dismantle shanks with fasteners from the locking device and the regulator.
6. screw tails in the battery.
7. Collect all elements.
8. All strapping connect to horizontal pipes.

Setting

All mechanical regulators require adjustment before operation.

For this you need:

1. Prepare the room– all doors and windows must be closed (to minimize heat loss).
2. indoors install a thermometer.
3. Turn the valve knob all the way to the left (maximum open position of the valve).
4. When the temperature rises by 5 units shut off the coolant supply.
5. When the required temperature is reached, start to open the valve until the valve head warms up. At the same time, the water will begin to make noise.
6. Selected valve position needs to be fixed.

For electronic controllers, no adjustment is required. The parameters are set on the display.

Features of choice and cost

When choosing regulators for batteries, there are some key points to consider:

1. Valve must match the pipeline in size.
2. For heating systems without circulation pumps, RTD-G valves are used.
3. For systems with , use RTD–N valves.
4. It is preferable to purchase well-known and trusted brands.
5. The device must have guarantee and certificate of quality.
6. Instruments with manual adjustment much cheaper, but require regular adjustment. In addition, the additional features of automatic adjustment devices largely offset the initial costs.

The purchase of thermostats for the heating system of private houses pays off by saving on energy within one year.

The most famous manufacturers of this equipment are Danfoss, Far, Teplokontrol, Caleffi, Oventrop.

Approximate prices of thermostats today:

1. Temperature controllers are installed strictly in a horizontal position to avoid heating from a hot pipe.
2. For single pipe systems a bypass must be installed as an additional jumper.
3. To install a bypass choose a pipe of a smaller diameter than the supply pipelines by one unit.
4. In private buildings, the installation of thermostats starts from the top floor.
5. In apartments of multi-storey buildings, the installation of regulators starts from rooms with large temperature differences.

By means of temperature control equipment, you can create the most comfortable and optimal microclimate in the house during the cold season. It is often possible to observe such a picture as in some people in houses or apartments the heating radiators are set up incorrectly, their windows or even windows are open in winter. This is due to the fact that the inhabitants of these apartments or houses cannot create normal temperature conditions, not knowing how to adjust the heating radiator, and in order to restore the temperature balance, they start cold air from the street. It is for this purpose that the installation of a thermostat on a heating radiator is used.

Types of thermostats and their principle of operation

There are two types of temperature controllers for heating batteries:

• Automatic tap for heating battery;
• Manual regulator of temperature of a radiator of batteries of heating.

Using the manual regulator, the temperature of the radiators is adjusted as follows:

• By turning the valve handwheel, we will actuate the valve stem.
• The bore diameter of the seat in this case will change, and its value will correspond to the temperature.

A manual thermal valve for a heating radiator has several disadvantages:

• It is not as efficient as an automatic device;
• Its protective cap can quickly fail if it is often driven, that is, by opening or closing the temperature controller for a heating radiator.

In the case of the regulator automatic type the temperature valve on the heating radiator will work together with a component such as a thermal head on a heating radiator.

Thanks to the bellows, even the smallest changes in the temperature regime in the room will be recorded. If the temperature drops, the contents of the thermal cartridge will begin to narrow, and then the valve stem will begin to retract, which will increase the flow of the coolant, and this, in turn, will allow the temperature in the room to rise. If the room is excessively hot, the contents of the cylinder will begin to expand and, thus, the heat transfer of the heating batteries will decrease.

Types and designs of regulators

Temperature regulators for heating radiators can differ according to such a criterion as the way the signal arrives at the thermostatic component. Thus, the signal can come from:

• coolant;
• From the air outside;
• From indoor air.

One of the first temperature controllers received a signal from the coolant, and the accuracy of its regulation ranged from 1 to 7 degrees.

However, these indicators were not enough. Control valves for heating radiators, which record the change in the temperature regime in the room, analyze the data received and, due to the fact that they can regulate the flow of the coolant, will automatically maintain the required temperature in the room. Such a thermostat for a heating battery does not require human intervention, as it is automatic.

Another model of the device, which can most quickly respond to changes in temperature, consists of elements such as a sensor and a temperature controller for a heating battery.

Elements such as a thermostat for a heating battery can be divided based on their design features. Thus, the thermostat on the heating radiator can be:

• Electrically operated;
• With direct action.

A thermostat for a direct-acting heating radiator is installed in front of the battery, and it will receive a signal about a change in temperature from the coolant.

How to regulate the temperature of the heating battery? The temperature will be controlled by opening or closing the coolant supply. The valve on the mechanical type heating battery is equipped with a special scale, which is located on its head. The numbers that are on this scale help you set the desired temperature.

The heating battery regulator whose instruction is mandatory for study, with electrical control, is divided into two subcategories:

• Regulators that can control a pump or boiler heating;
• Regulators capable of sending a signal to valves installed in front of the radiator on a pipe. This control valve on the heating radiator, in turn, can regulate the heat supply. The size of the valve is selected based on the size of the diameter of the pipes.

Location of regulators

If the radiator is not covered by anything, then the installation of thermostats on radiators is best done on its own. heating device. However, if the design is equipped with a thermostat with a remote sensor, then it can be located at a distance of up to 8 mm from the valve.

The temperature controller can also be installed on a horizontal pipe area. In the place where the entrance to the heating radiator is located.

Mounting the device

Before you install and how to adjust the radiators, you will need to turn off the water supply to the heating system. After it is drained, you can proceed to such a stage as installing taps on radiators:

• It is necessary to cut the pipes at some distance from the battery, then disconnect them.
• Dismantle the crane if it was installed before the battery.
• From valves shut-off type and thermostatic type, it is necessary to disconnect the shanks, and then wrap them in the radiator plugs.
• Next, you need to assemble the harness and install it in the place that you have chosen.
• Installing the thermal head on the heating radiator will end with the connection of the wiring pipes horizontal type. These pipes come with strapping from the riser itself.

Setting

How to properly adjust the radiators? When setting up temperature control devices, you must first of all follow the instructions from the manufacturer of these devices. In such instructions, they will be indicated as their specifications and other parameters, as well as recommendations for their installation and configuration.

To make the adjustment of heating radiators more accurate, it is necessary to close all windows and doors in order to reduce heat leakage from the room.

It is best to install a thermometer indoors to measure room temperature. The valve must be opened all the way and the air in the room will begin to heat up. As soon as the thermometer shows that the temperature has risen by 5-7 degrees, the valve must be closed. After the sound of water is heard and the valve heats up, it will be necessary to remember the position of the head. Thus, it will be possible to adjust the control equipment independently, such operations as adding or how to reduce the heating battery.

If the system individual heating calculated correctly, no regulators are needed: a stable temperature will be maintained in each room. But here in multi-storey buildings after total alterations of heating, regulators can become very useful.

It is necessary to regulate the heat transfer of heating radiators for several reasons. First: it allows you to save on heating. In apartments of multi-storey buildings, bills for payment will be reduced only if a common house heat meter is installed. In private homes, with an automated boiler that maintains a stable temperature on its own, you are unlikely to need regulators for radiators. Unless you have old equipment. Then the savings will be quite significant.

The second reason why they put regulators on heating radiators is the ability to maintain the temperature in the room that you want. You need +17 o C in one room, and +26 o C in another, set the appropriate values ​​​​on the thermal head or closed the valve, and you have so warm air as much as you want. And it doesn’t matter if you have batteries in the apartment, and the coolant is supplied centrally, or the heating is individual. And it absolutely does not matter what the boiler is in the system. Radiator regulators have nothing to do with boilers. They work on their own

How to regulate heating batteries

To understand how the temperature is adjusted, let's remember how a heating radiator works. It is a maze of pipes with different kind ribs to increase heat transfer. The radiator inlet hot water, passing through the labyrinth, it heats the metal. This, in turn, heats up the surrounding air. Due to the fact that on modern radiators the fins have a special shape that improves air movement (convection), hot air spreads very quickly. With active heating, a noticeable flow of heat comes from the radiators.

This battery is very hot. In this case, the regulator must be installed

From all this it follows that by changing the amount of coolant passing through the battery, you can change the temperature in the room (within certain limits). This is what the corresponding fittings do - control valves and thermostats.

We must say right away that no regulators can increase heat transfer. They just lower it. If the room is hot - put it on, if it's cold - this is not your option.

How effectively the temperature of the batteries changes depends, firstly, on how the system is designed, whether there is a power reserve for heating devices, and secondly, on how correctly the regulators themselves are selected and installed. A significant role is played by the inertia of the system as a whole, and the heating devices themselves. For example, aluminum heats up and cools down quickly, while cast iron, which has a large mass, changes temperature very slowly. So with cast iron there is no point in changing something: it is too long to wait for the result.

Options for connecting and installing control valves. But in order to be able to repair the radiator without stopping the system, you need to install a ball valve before the regulator (click on the picture to enlarge it)

How to increase the heat dissipation of batteries

Whether it is possible to increase the heat transfer of the radiator depends on how it was calculated, and whether there is a power reserve. If the radiator simply cannot produce more heat, then any means of adjustment will not help here. But you can try to change the situation in one of the following ways:

The main disadvantage of regulated systems is that they require a certain power reserve for all devices. And these are additional funds: each section costs money. But it's not a pity to pay for comfort. If your room is hot, life is not a joy, just like in a cold one. And control valves are a universal way out.

There are many devices that can change the amount of coolant flowing through the heater (radiator, register). There are very inexpensive options, there are those that have a decent cost. Available with manual adjustment, automatic or electronic. Let's start with the cheapest.

Valves or faucets

These are the least expensive, but, unfortunately, the most inefficient radiator adjustment devices.

Ball Valves

Often at the entrance to the battery they put Ball Valves and with their help regulate the flow of the coolant. But this equipment has a different purpose: it is shut-off valves. They are needed in the system, but to completely turn off the coolant flow. In the event, for example, if the heater is leaking. Then the ball valves standing at the inlet and outlet of the heating radiator will allow it to be repaired or replaced without stopping the system and draining the coolant.

Ball valves are not intended for adjustment. They have only two operating states: fully "closed" and cavity "open". All intermediate positions harm.

Ball valves are shut-off valves and are not suitable for adjusting the radiator

What harm? Inside this tap is a ball with a hole (hence the name - ball). In regular positions (open or closed), nothing threatens him. But in other cases, the solid particles contained in the coolant (there are especially many of them in centralized heating systems) gradually grind off and break off pieces. As a result, the valve becomes leaky. Then, even if it is in the “closed” position, the coolant continues to flow into the radiator. And it’s good if an accident doesn’t happen at this time, and you don’t need to turn off the water. But if, suddenly, this happens, repairs cannot be avoided. At the very least, you need to change flooring, and what will need to be repaired in the lower room depends on how quickly the utility workers (or you, if you have own house). Yes, the ball valve can work in emergency mode for some time, but it still breaks. And sooner rather than later.

For those who still decide to regulate the radiator in this way, it should be borne in mind that they must also be installed correctly, otherwise “pleasant” conversations with the management campaign cannot be avoided. Since this method is more often used in apartment buildings, then we will talk about how to connect them with vertical wiring. Most often, the wiring is single-pipe vertical. This is when a pipe enters the room through the ceiling. It has a radiator connected to it. A pipe exits from the second radiator inlet and goes through the floor to the lower room.

Here you need to correctly place the cranes: mandatory installation bypass - bypass pipe. It is needed so that when the flow to the radiators in the apartment is closed (the tap is completely or partially closed), water circulates in the common house system.

Sometimes ball valve is placed on the bypass. By changing the amount of coolant passing through it, it is also possible to change the heat transfer of the heating battery. In this case, for greater reliability of the system and the ability to turn off the taps, there should be three: two cut-off valves on the radiators, which will operate in normal modes, and the third, which will be regulating. But there is one pitfall here: sometimes you can forget what position the cranes are in, or the children will play. Result: the entire riser is blocked, cold in the apartments, unpleasant conversations with neighbors and the manager.

So it is better not to use ball valves for adjusting heating batteries. There are other devices designed specifically to change the amount of coolant flowing through the battery.

needle valve

This device in the heating system is usually installed in front of the pressure gauge. In other places, it does more harm than good. It's all about the structure. The device itself effectively and smoothly changes the flow of the coolant, gradually blocking it.

But the thing is that due to the design features, the width of the passage for the coolant in them is less than two times. For example, you have inch pipes installed, and they have a needle valve of the same size. But its capacity is half as much: the saddle is only ½ inch. That is, each needle valve installed in the system reduces the throughput of the system. Several devices installed in series, for example, in a one-pipe system, will lead to the fact that the last heaters will either not heat up at all, or will be barely warm. Therefore, the often recommended one-pipe scheme with needle valves in practice leads to the fact that most of the radiators either do not heat at all, or heat very weakly.

• removing the needle valve;
• doubling the number of sections,
• by installing a device that has twice the size couplings(on inch pipes you will need to put a two-inch valve, which is unlikely to suit anyone).

Radiator control valves

Especially for manual adjustment of radiators intended radiator valves (taps). They are available with angled or direct connection. The principle of operation of this manual temperature controller is as follows. By turning the valve, you lower or raise the shut-off cone. In the closed position, the cone completely shuts off the flow. Moving up / down, it blocks the flow of coolant to a greater or lesser extent. Because of this principle of operation, these devices are also called "mechanical temperature controller". It is mounted on threaded radiators, connected to pipes using fittings, more often crimp fittings, but there are different types that are compatible with different types of pipes.

What is a radiator valve good for? It is reliable, it is not afraid of blockages and small abrasive particles that are in the coolant. This applies to quality products, the valve cone of which is made of metal and carefully processed. Their prices are not very high, which is important with a large heating system. What is the downside? Each time you have to change the position manually, which is why maintaining a stable temperature is problematic. Some people are satisfied with it, some are not. For those who want a constant or strictly set temperature, more suitable

Automatic adjustment

Automatic maintenance of the temperature in the room is good because once you put the regulator knob in the right position, you will get rid of the need to twist and change something for a long time. The temperature of the heating radiators is constantly and continuously adjusted. The disadvantage of such systems is a significant cost, and the more functionality, the more expensive the device will cost. There are some more features and subtleties, but about them below.

Adjusting radiators with thermostats

For maintaining a constant set temperature in the room (room) use thermostats or thermostats for heating radiators. Sometimes this device may be called "thermostatic valve", "thermostatic valve", etc. There are many names, but one device is meant. To make it clearer, it is necessary to explain that the thermal valve and thermal valve are the lower part of the device, and the thermal head and thermoelement are the upper ones. And the whole device is a radiator thermostat or thermostat.

Most of these devices do not require any power source. The exception is models with a digital screen: batteries are inserted into the thermostatic head. But the period of their replacement is quite long, the consumed currents are small.

Structurally, the radiator thermostat consists of two parts:

• thermostatic valve (sometimes called "body", "thermal valve", "thermal valve");
• thermostatic head (also called "thermostatic element", "thermoelement", "thermal head").

The valve itself (body) is made of metal, usually brass or bronze. Its design is similar to that of a manual valve. Most companies make the lower part of the radiator thermostat unified. That is, heads of any type and any manufacturer can be installed on one housing. Let's clarify: a thermoelement of both manual, mechanical, and automatic types can be installed on one thermal valve. It is very comfortable. If you want to change the adjustment method, you do not need to buy the whole device. They put another thermostatic element and that's it.

In automatic regulators, the principle of influencing the shut-off valve is different. In a manual regulator, its position is changed by turning the handle; in automatic models, there is usually a bellows that presses on a spring-loaded mechanism. In electronics, everything is controlled by the processor.

The bellows is the main part of the thermal head (thermoelement). It is a small sealed cylinder that contains a liquid or gas. Both liquid and gas have one thing in common: their volume is highly dependent on temperature. When heated, they significantly increase their volume, stretching the cylinder-bellows. It presses on the spring, blocking the coolant flow more strongly. As it cools, the volume of the gas / liquid decreases, the spring rises, the coolant flow increases, and heating occurs again. Such a mechanism, depending on the calibration, allows you to maintain the set temperature with an accuracy of 1 o C.

How the thermostat works, see the video.

The radiator thermostat can be:

• with manual temperature control;
• with automatic;
  • with built-in temperature sensor;
  • with remote (wired).

There are also special models for one-pipe and two-pipe systems, housings made of different metals.

Use of three-way valves

A three-way valve to regulate the temperature of the batteries is rarely used. He has a slightly different mission. But in principle, it is possible.

A three-way valve is installed at the junction of the bypass and the supply pipe leading to the radiator. To stabilize the temperature of the coolant, it must be equipped with a thermostatic head (of the type described above). If the temperature near the head of the three-way valve rises above the set value, the coolant flow to the radiator is blocked. It all rushes through the bypass. After cooling, the valve works in the opposite direction, and the radiator heats up again. This connection method is implemented for, and more often with vertical wiring.

Results

Adjustment of heating batteries is possible using different devices, but this must be done correctly with the help of special control valves. These are manual regulators (faucets) and automated - thermostats, in some cases it is possible to use a three-way valve with a thermal head.

In which case what to use? In multi-storey apartments with central heating, a three-way valve and control valves are preferable. And all because the gap in the thermostats for the coolant is not very wide, and if there are foreign particles in the coolant, it quickly becomes clogged. Therefore, they are recommended for use in individual heating systems.

If you really want an apartment automatic adjustment radiator, you can put a filter before the thermostat. Most it will retain impurities, but it will have to be washed regularly. When you feel that the radiator has become too cold, check the filter.

In private houses with battery regulation, everything is simple: what suits you best, then put it.

Controlling the temperature regime of heating operation is an important task both in terms of ensuring a comfortable temperature in the room and in terms of fuel economy. Excessive overheating of the air leads to increased fuel consumption, uncomfortable sensations for the inhabitants of the home. There are several ways and steps to adjust the operation of the heating complex. The most effective is thermostatic regulation of the temperature of heating devices. It is realized with the help of thermostatic devices. How to install a thermostat on a heating battery - this question will be answered by the material of this article.

The use of temperature control is caused by the need to ensure comfortable conditions rooms on request. Temperature control has a direct effect on fuel consumption when autonomous heating. In the absence of regulation and monitoring, the room will be hot, and there will be a need for constant ventilation. Heat contributes to an increase in humidity and the occurrence of fungal diseases.

There are several levels of temperature control:

1. Boiler control (in autonomous heating version);
2. Control on the distribution manifold or individual branches of the heating system;
3. Adjustment on heating devices.

The first type is of a qualitative nature - a general temperature level for all consumers is set on the heat source. This process is carried out manually on the panel of the boiler unit or by installing a weather-compensated automation system to control the operation of the boiler in automatic mode, depending on environmental conditions. The inconvenience of this method lies in the general temperature regime for all rooms. Even the normative documentation speaks of the difference in the values ​​of the temperature background for premises for various purposes.

Control on distribution manifolds, heating branches is a quantitative regulation - in this case, a change in the value of the mass flow rate of the coolant occurs. Branch adjustment is also of a general nature. The regulation on the collector is effective in the case of the layout of the heating system according to the collector-beam scheme.

The last step of control is adjustment on heating devices. It is the most efficient and accurate. On each device, you can set an individual mode for each room.

These methods are based on manual adjustment by the operation of the equipment and can be time consuming and general in nature. In these cases, the control mechanisms are boiler control units, manual shut-off and control valves (control valves, ball valves, special knots connection of radiators and convectors).

Installing a thermostat on the battery allows you to automate control temperature regime device operation. The use of thermostats is possible on factory-made heating devices and distribution manifolds.

Types of thermostats

Thermostatic regulators have general principle devices and various actuators. General design consists of body, stem, seals, valve and connecting threads. The body is made of brass or of stainless steel. The body is equipped with threads for the inlet and outlet of the working medium. The direction of movement is marked on the surface of the valve with an arrow. At the water outlet, usually, instead of a thread, for ease of installation and assembly, an “American” type drive is installed. On the upper part of the body there is a connecting outlet with a rod. The output has a thread or special clamps for installing a thermal head.

The rod is equipped with a spring and is in a raised position without applying the force of the control mechanism (thermal head or handle) to it. At the lower end of the stem there is an actuator - a valve with a rubber (or fluoroplastic) lining. Under the influence of the drive force, the stem falls and the valve closes (or opens) the channel for the movement of the coolant.

This device is called a thermostatic valve. According to the control mechanism acting on the stem, the following types of thermostats are distinguished:

1. Mechanical;
2. Electronic;
3. Liquid and gas-filled;
4. Thermostatic mixers.

Thermostatic mixers are a special type of thermostatic fittings. They are the basis of the principle of operation of water heated floors. They set the temperature of the water in the heating circuits (as a rule, it does not exceed 50 degrees Celsius). The mixer for lowering the temperature of the heat carrier supplied from the boiler mixes cooled water from the return pipe of the underfloor heating circuits into the flow.

Mechanical thermostats

Mechanical thermostats are the basic model of thermostatic control valves. Detailed description thermostatic valve is given in the previous section. The main feature of a mechanical thermostat is manual control valve operation. It is carried out plastic handle included with the product. Manual adjustment does not allow to achieve the required accuracy in the control of the heater. In addition, the strength of the plastic cap leaves much to be desired. Connecting mechanical thermostats to a battery is the first step to good control.

Electronic thermostats

An electronic thermostat is a thermostatic valve with a stem servo drive. The servomotor, according to the sensor data, drives the valve stem, regulates the flow rate. There are various layouts of electronic thermostats:

• Thermostat with built-in sensor, display and keypad control;
• Device with remote sensor;
• thermostat with remote control.

The first model is installed directly on the thermostatic valve. The model with a remote sensor has an actuator mounted on the valve and a remote temperature sensor. The sensor is installed at a distance from the radiator in order to objectively assess the air temperature in the room. It can also be installed outside the building - the adjustment takes place depending on the ambient temperature.

The electronic thermostat with remote control has a common unit that integrates the control of a group of thermostats according to the remote principle.

Liquid and gas-filled thermostats

This type of thermostat is the most popular. They are cheaper than electronic ones and are not inferior to them in terms of reliability. The principle of their operation is based on the use of thermophysical properties of certain liquids and gases.

A flexible vessel filled with a liquid or gas with certain properties is placed in the body. When the air is heated, the working medium of the reservoir expands and the vessel exerts pressure on the valve stem - the valve begins to close. When cooling, everything happens in the reverse order - the vessel narrows, the spring lifts the stem with the valve.

Thermostat installation and adjustment

How to install the thermostat on the battery correctly? Installing a thermostat on a battery is not a particularly complicated process; you need to have basic skills in working with threaded connections.

Mounting the thermostat on the radiator is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. If there are several heating devices in the room, the thermal head is set to the most powerful one;
2. Water is drained from the heater;
3. An “American” pre-wound with synthetic thread or linen is wrapped in the radiator pass-through plug;
4. The thermostatic valve is connected at the inlet to the thread of the pipeline (thermostats are installed only for the supply of coolant to the device);
5. The valve is connected to the "American" drive;
6. Pressure testing of mounted connections is carried out (the radiator is filled with coolant);
7. At the next stage, the thermal head is installed - it is screwed onto the thread or fastened with clamps with latches (locks);

The thermal head is installed horizontally to reduce the influence of the hot surface of the heater. An anti-vandal housing is sometimes installed on the thermal head.

The temperature setting is done empirically (experimentally). Often the adjustment scale does not correspond to the overall temperature in the room. The scale with divisions is adjusted in the laboratory, and in living quarters the thermal head can be affected by drafts and other factors.

The installation of temperature controllers will free the owner of the premises from constant manual control, provide comfortable temperature in separate rooms, will reduce the cost of paying for fuel.

Not so long ago, old-style heating systems assumed only cast iron batteries for heating the room, there was no talk of any temperature controllers. Now, to ensure comfortable use and safety, thermostats are installed for heating radiators. With their help, you can control the flow, temperature of water or other coolant. The system provides ease of use and allows you to save on the cost of heating your home, and in case of an emergency, it will help you quickly disconnect the radiator from the riser.

Please note that in most cases, the thermostat on the battery is the only way to disconnect it from the system. The rule applies to all legacy installations, as well as some modern ones.

Types of thermostats for heating radiators

Depending on the principle of operation, thermostats are divided into mechanical and automatic. Another common classification is according to the sensitive medium that fills the bellows. So, devices are classified as liquid (conductor - water) and gas-filled (gas). Consider a detailed classification, where thermostats are divided into 4 main types, depending on the needs of the user and the features of the system.

The mechanical thermostat is the cheapest, and therefore the most common option.

Despite the fact that the complete set of thermostats remains the same for different types, the main differences are in the way of control. So, the mechanical model has a valve with division. To change the temperature, just turn the valve to the appropriate division.

Mechanics with electrical control

To set the temperature, such installations use a rotating wheel. When the required temperature is reached, the thermostat's internal key closes and a signal is given to the main mechanism to open or close the valve.

Thermostat with electric actuator

The device has a servo drive - a small electric motor that replaces a mechanical valve on the body. Management is carried out using commands from an electronic thermostat. Electronics is installed anywhere in the room to measure the actual temperature. Depending on the temperature, the servomotor rotates the axis and acts on the thermostat.

Electronic models in the heating system

Electronic thermostats are a more convenient analogue of a mechanical one.

Such a thermostat for heating batteries repeats the principle of operation of a mechanical one. The only difference is that the device has a simple display and push-button controls. Due to this, the price increases and, in comparison with analogues, the error in operation decreases. Such systems are considered the most progressive and allow you to set the temperature from a day to a week or more. The temperature can be set by the hour: the minimum when no one is at home, and the usual during hours of home activity.

Principle of operation and device

The design of the thermostat installed in heating systems.

The design of the thermostat is quite simple: a valve and a thermal head. The last element contains a cylinder with a corrugated wall - a siphon filled with a heat conductor. Usually it is gas or water. The stem connects the siphon and the valve that sets the flow. These elements do not require electricity to function; they are automatically connected.

The principle of operation of a thermostat for heating radiators assumes that gas or water (any coolant) changes its volume with fluctuations in ambient temperature.

The mechanical regulator is considered the most reliable and simple. As the temperature rises, the siphon expands, which allows the valve to close the heat to the battery. When lowered, the working medium becomes smaller and the siphon shrinks. The stem rises, allowing the valve to let heat into the battery. Temperature fluctuations in this case are affected by drafts, sunlight, additional heat sources, outside temperature.

Advantages and disadvantages of thermostats

Definitely, the temperature sensor has more advantages:

1. Ease of installation and management. You can mount a mechanical device without outside help and special skills, with a minimum of tools. The controls for mechanical and auto models are simple: the temperature is set by turning the wheel or pressing the button.
2. Install a thermostat together with a gas meter and this will significantly reduce your utility costs. According to estimates for an average apartment, installing a thermostat and a meter can give up to 20% savings on energy consumption.
3. Advanced models allow you to program the boiler for an hour, a day, or even a month. The temperature is set depending on the activity of the owners of the house.
4. The system does not require operating costs.

But the device is not without its drawbacks:

1. Complex elements require the intervention of a specialist and verified installation. And the cost of a high-quality autoprogrammer will be at least $ 300.
2. Curtains can interfere with determining the correct temperature. When lowered, the sensor will have to take temperature data behind the curtain. In such a situation, it is necessary to put a mobile sensor in the room.
3. The low accuracy of the set temperature with manual valves and the inconvenience of manual adjustment to each battery.
4. After installation, mechanical models need to be tuned. If the element is installed incorrectly, temperature control is violated.

Installing a thermostat on a heating radiator

Mounting the temperature controller on the battery is not too difficult, but it is necessary to complete the preparatory measures and strictly follow some rules.

What you need to know before installation

So, before you start mounting the thermostat, first read some rules:

1. Do not mount the thermostat on cast iron models, as this alloy is inert. The best choice– aluminum or bimetal radiators.
2. Install the temperature controller at least 0.8 m from the floor.
3. Position the regulator so that it is convenient to adjust it.
4. Do not mount automatic models behind radiator screens or draperies, otherwise the sensor will not work properly.
5. In the case of installing the device in a private house, the thermostat must be mounted on a battery in the kitchen, living room or rooms on the upper floors.

It should be noted that after heating season the device must be opened. This is done so that no sediment from the coolant forms on the valve.

Mounting process

Immediately before installation, be sure to close the supply riser and drain the water from the batteries. Only after that you can proceed to the installation. The latter is produced according to the following plan:

1. First, cut off the pipe connections at a short distance from the battery.
2. Disconnect the cut line and the tap (if any) from the heater.
3. When using a single-pipe heating system, a jumper must be welded between the return and flow lines.
4. From the temperature controller tap and shut-off valve, you need to dismantle the shanks and nuts, then wrap them in battery plugs.
5. Assemble the piping and fasten to the desired (chosen) place.

Wiring diagrams

1. Supply line; 2. Battery; 3. Temperature adjustment sensor; 4. Bottom tap; 5. Air vent (automatic or manual); 6. Jumper; 7. Return line; 8. Plug.

In the case of a single pipe system, make the bypass diameter smaller than the diameter of the line piping.

In a two-pipe system, the thermostat can be installed on the top connection. This will make it easier to control the temperature.

Conclusion

Thermoregulators have shown themselves to be the most efficient devices in individual heating systems, they also provide comfortable use and savings. Their use is advisable in rooms with the greatest temperature fluctuations.. Such an arrangement and regulation will give the optimal effect.