The unavailability of centralized heating makes you think about installation. With its help, you can create comfortable conditions inside the building at any time of the year. Most people choose water heating for a private home. Almost anyone can assemble circuits of the most complex circuits with their own hands. We invite you to get acquainted with the distinctive features of water heating and the nuances of installation work.
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Advantages and disadvantages of water heating systems
Water heating has a number of advantages:
- Possibility of installation at any stage of construction of a private house. If necessary, you can develop and install water heating yourself after the building has been put into operation.
- Available coolant. Characterized by high thermal conductivity, water has a low cost.
- Versatility. Water heating can be used using various types of fuel.
- Possibility of choosing a suitable design. Pipe routing is selected individually depending on the square footage of a private house, the capabilities and preferences of the owners.
- Possibility of temperature control in each room due to the installation of special shut-off valves.
The disadvantages of water heating include:
- Low efficiency.
- Uneven heating of the coolant in the pipeline.
- The need to install an expansion tank.
Coolant and its properties
Water is widely used as a coolant. This is facilitated by its basic properties. It is not capable of having a negative impact on a person even if the heating circuit is damaged. Has a high level of heat transfer. The viscosity of water makes it a suitable option for any modern water tank.
The disadvantages of water include:
- freezing at zero temperature;
- an increase in volume when the state of aggregation changes, which can cause a pipeline rupture;
- salt content, which leads to the appearance of sediment on the inner surface.
Attention! To prevent the formation of sediment on the internal surface, only distilled water should be poured into the heating circuit.
They are often used instead of water. Such substances are not afraid of low temperatures, but they cannot always be used in a traditional water heating system. They are toxic and can have a negative impact on human health if the system is depressurized.
Standards and requirements for autonomous heating
The requirements for the heating system are set out in SNiP 2.04.05-91. The standards contained in this document are intended to create a comfortable microclimate. Some recommendations are given in SNiP 31-02, which regulates the rules for the construction of single-family houses.
The requirements for what is used are established separately. Its temperature should be in the range +60÷80ºС. Maximum heating is limited to +90ºС. In this case, the outer surface of the heating elements, access to which is not limited in any way, should not heat above +70ºС.
When deciding how to install heating in a private house, you should pay attention to possible methods of installing a heating system. Preference may be given to:
- Open. The pipeline is laid along building structures. For fastening, clamps and clips are used. Are used . The choice in favor of polymer products is made only if it is possible to protect them from mechanical and/or thermal influences;
- Hidden. The water circuit is laid in specially prepared channels and grooves hidden behind various. Relevant for buildings that are planned to be used for at least 20 years. In this case, the service life of the pipes should exceed 40 years.
Attention! The open laying method is a priority.
Features of a water heating system
This system became a direct continuation. It allows you to simultaneously heat several rooms, while a traditional stove cannot cope with this task. To do this, heating devices are installed in each room, the layout of which is worked out for each private house individually.
The coolant liquid, heated in the boiler to the required temperature, enters the pipeline. Moving through the pipes, it begins to give off its heat to heating devices, which can be either a circuit. Heating devices, in turn, transfer heat to the surrounding space. The cooled coolant is returned back to the boiler, heated to the set temperature, and the cycle is repeated. Thanks to the continuous movement of the coolant, it is possible to maintain the temperature in a private home at a comfortable level.
Basic elements of a water heating system
When learning how to properly install heating in a private home, it is worth getting acquainted with the basic elements. They can have different designs or be made of different materials. The service life of water heating and ease of use will depend on the choice made.
Boiler
This element supports the operation of water heating. It produces heat that heats the water to the required temperature. Manufacturers offer heating boilers that operate on:
- . Optimal from the point of view of safe operation. Such equipment does not impose increased requirements on the installation site. Does not emit combustion products. However, high operating costs and dependence on energy supply force us to consider other options;
- . A popular option if there is a gas pipeline near a private house. Low operating costs and fairly high efficiency make such equipment very popular. It is not possible to do the installation yourself;
- Liquid fuel. It is similar in design, but is equipped with a different type of burner. Installed in a separate room. Due to the large amount of combustion products, it requires regular cleaning;
- . The best option for the private sector. Installation can be done by yourself. During operation, it is necessary to constantly add fuel to the firebox and remove combustion products.
Attention! Manufacturers offer combination boilers that can operate on various types of fuel.
When choosing a suitable model, you should focus not only on the type of fuel used, but also on. On average, 1 kilowatt will be enough to heat 10 square meters in a private house located in the southern regions. In the middle zone this figure will increase to 1.5 kW, and in the northern zone – to 2.0. Experts recommend adding another 20÷30% to the obtained value. To facilitate calculations, our team has developed a convenient calculator.
Related article:
In this publication we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of this type of boiler, how they work, what types there are, how to make it yourself, and also introduce you to popular models and manufacturers.
Calculator for calculating the required boiler power
It is difficult to deny the fact that water heating is the most practical and popular way to maintain a comfortable microclimate. The coolant flowing through the pipes will easily deliver the required amount of kilocalories to the far corners of even a large building. And modern technological solutions make it possible to almost completely eliminate the participation of residents in the process of heating premises. It is the desire for such a level of comfort that pushes property owners to study water heating schemes for a private home. To develop and install them, you must correctly select the layout configuration, equipment, take into account the building parameters, regulatory requirements, as well as a number of other important points.
Purpose and features of water heating systems
Like any other, water heating compensates for the heat loss of the building. Mostly they arise due to thermal energy leaks through building envelopes and ventilation. This occurs under the influence of the temperature gradient between the environment and the air in the room.
Energy losses largely depend on the thermal conductivity of the materials used, the intensity of air exchange, as well as the quality of construction installation:
- external walls;
- basement and ceiling floors;
- roofs;
- floors on the ground;
- window and door fillings.
An increase in heat loss is facilitated by low quality thermal insulation, defects in enclosing structures, as well as installation errors of door or window units. Eliminating the causes of additional heat losses reduces the consumption of energy resources and the amount of costs for their acquisition.
Why choose water heating schemes for private houses?
How to make a water heating circuit in a private house with your own hands
When choosing and installing equipment, laying heating communications, they mainly follow the instructions of SP 60.13330.2016, SP 55.13330.2016, GOST 11032-97. They also rely on the technological instructions of manufacturers of heat generators, heaters, pipes, control elements, etc.
The installation of instrumentation and safety groups must be provided. The parameters of the coolant are determined taking into account the characteristics of the heating equipment and its communication piping. Particular attention is paid to the hydraulic and thermal resistance of the utility network. Installation is carried out in such a way as to provide free access to network elements that require periodic maintenance.
Equipment, units and elements of water heating
The operational properties and technical capabilities of a water heating system depend on the configuration and characteristics of the equipment and materials used.
Heat generators
The source of thermal energy of the water system is a boiler (heat generator), which provides heating of the coolant. Types of heat generators:
Sometimes, to assemble a water heating circuit for a private house with your own hands, it is advisable to install combined heating devices. They are inferior in efficiency to specialized models, but allow the use of different types of fuel. Examples of combined models: electric/gas, solid fuel/gas, diesel/gas, solid fuel/electricity.
Boilers are capable of carrying two types of heat load: heating only or heating and hot water supply (DHW). In the first case, they are structurally single-circuit, in the second - double-circuit.
Read also: Heating systems with electric boilerExpansion tanks
To protect boilers and heating network equipment from hydrodynamic damage, expansion tanks of closed or open types are used. They compensate for changes in coolant volume, allowing the pressure in the system to be maintained at a given level.
- Open type models are metal tanks installed at the highest point of the heating circuit. Mainly designed for systems with natural circulation - circuits without a pump. They also make it possible to maintain the volume of coolant in the thermal circuits required for the operation of the thermal installation.
- Closed tanks are equipped with an elastic membrane that divides the internal space of the tank into two parts - liquid and air, equipped with a valve. As the temperature rises, the volume of the coolant increases, its excess enters the liquid chamber, which compensates for the increase in pressure. The water heating circuit of a private house with a closed expansion tank is always equipped with a circulation pump. It ensures forced movement of the coolant, reduces the load on equipment, and allows reducing the cost of thermal energy by approximately 20-30%. Depending on the model, the circulation pump is available with a “dry” or “wet” rotor, with or without speed control.
Pipe wiring
To lay out circuits and connect elements of a heating network circuit, pipes are often used:
- Metal. They have maximum mechanical strength. They are characterized by significant specific gravity and high labor intensity of installation.
- All-polymer polypropylene and cross-linked polyethylene. Not prone to corrosion and accumulation of internal deposits. They do not conduct electric current. Long-term use of polymer communications at temperatures above +70°C leads to a reduction in their design service life by several times.
- Composite. They are made from a polymer reinforced with fiberglass or aluminum foil. They can withstand temperatures of +100°C (+110°C) for a short time, however, like pipes made of solid polymer, they quickly “age” under the influence of overheated coolant.
Important! When choosing pipes from a particular material, you must take into account the scope of their application (for the main circuit or for a heated floor), the wiring diagram, operating conditions, as well as your financial capabilities.
Heating devices
The transfer of energy produced by the boiler in water heating schemes of a private house occurs through thermal devices:
- radiators - steel, cast iron, aluminum, bimetallic;
- convectors are devices that heat air during its convective circulation. Mostly convectors are made in steel;
- registers made of aluminum, steel or cast iron pipes of a larger diameter than the supply pipes.
No less popular today is “warm floor”, which provides uniform heating of the air throughout the entire square footage of the room or in its designated local area.
Elements of shut-off and control valves, safety and control
The complete set of the water heating circuit must include:
- taps and valves - to start/stop the flow of liquid;
- valves and taps - to regulate coolant flow;
- thermostats - for setting temperature conditions;
- filters - to clean the circulating coolant from impurities;
- air vents and Mayevsky taps - for relieving gas-air plugs.
According to the type of control, shut-off and control valves can be mechanical or with a servo drive, and according to the method of fixation - coupling, flange or welding. When installing heating circuits in a private house, fittings with a threaded connection are often installed.
A mandatory element of the system is the security group. It is located after the heat generator on the supply line. The group consists of a pressure gauge, a safety valve and an air vent. Its task is to automatically relieve excess pressure and gas-air mixture. If the boiler design is already equipped with a safety group, then its additional installation is not required.
Comfort of use and automation of the heating system are provided by controllers and programmers. To connect heated floors, pumping and mixing units and manifold distributors are used.
Make-up system
When using water heating, a gradual decrease in the volume of coolant is observed. It occurs due to leaks, evaporation or discharge through an emergency valve. Other reasons for fluid loss include removing air through a Mayevsky valve or automatic air vent, and carrying out repair and maintenance measures.
To replenish the coolant volume, a make-up system is used. Its functions in a closed circuit are performed by a special valve. And in an open-type heating network, liquid can also be added through an expansion tank.
Coolants
When choosing a coolant, pay attention to its heat capacity, viscosity, chemical inertness and safety of use.
Water. The most accessible and inexpensive option. It has a high heat transfer coefficient, low chemical activity, and makes it easy to regulate the temperature. However, water has a relatively narrow operating temperature range, boiling at +100°C and crystallizing at +100°C. Both threshold states of the coolant water can lead to damage to the heating system.
Antifreeze. They have a low freezing temperature (from -10...15°C and below). Almost no salt deposits form. Antifreezes are produced on the basis of ethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol, so they are more expensive than water. Ethylene glycol-based mixtures are toxic and therefore are not used in open systems.
Types of heating schemes suitable for private houses
Single-pipe scheme
The simplest is gravity flow with a series connection of radiators. When using a circuit without a pump, the coolant circulates due to the difference in density of the heated and cooled liquid. Therefore, to ensure circulation, pipelines are laid maintaining slight slopes.
The gravity-flow single-pipe system is energy-independent. However, it does not provide the ability to adjust the temperature of the radiators, and also requires an accelerating manifold in the form of a vertical pipe section.
Based on the connection method, one-pipe heating systems are distinguished with the following wiring:
- Vertical. Not prone to air locks. Thanks to the presence of risers, it can be used to heat houses two or three floors high.
- Horizontal. It is used in one-story houses of large area or in floor-to-floor layouts. Requires a minimum number of pipes. It is characterized by uneven heating of the coolant along the length of the circuit.
- Lower. Schemes with such wiring involve laying pipes through the basement, which reduces heat loss and reduces the labor intensity of system maintenance.
- Upper. In this case, the supply pipeline is installed under the ceiling or through the attic. The system with top wiring has good hydrodynamic performance and low heat losses.
Increasing the efficiency of the water heating circuit of a private house is ensured by installing a circulation pump. The unit is cut into the return section of the pipe or line in front of the heating boiler and is placed so as to provide easy access to it for repair or maintenance.
A typical one-pipe horizontal system with a circulation pump is a scheme based on the “Leningrad” with a diagonal connection of radiators. It can be used to heat large houses. The presence of shut-off valves in it, as well as the installation of bypasses, allow each radiator to be repaired independently.
The issue of replacing stove heating with a more modern one, sooner or later, has to be decided by the owner of a private house. It is clear that the task is very difficult for a non-professional, but doable. There are many specific subtleties in this work that only professionals in their field - designers and installers of heating systems - know about. We can't do it without their help. But if the owner of a private house wants to do the heating with his own hands, he can easily do some of the work himself. And entrust the important stages of work to professionals.
This article will give the novice home craftsman an idea of what cycle of work needs to be done.
Heating options
First you need to choose a heating system. And there is plenty to choose from - there are several of them and They differ from each other by the type of coolant:
- Water heating system;
- Steam heating system;
- Air heating system;
- Electric heating system.
Let's look at each of them separately.
Water heating
It works on the principle of a closed loop of pipes containing hot water. The central element in this system is the boiler, where water is heated and distributed through pipes throughout the entire system (). Installed water heating radiators, through which the coolant passes, heat up and warm the rooms. The cooled water flows back into the boiler and the process repeats again.
All heating boilers fit into a similar scheme, but the most popular are economical gas boilers.
Important! Gas boilers require regular inspection and adjustment by gas company specialists.
Steam heating
Steam from heated water acts as a heat carrier. In the boiler, the water is heated to a boiling point and, in the form of steam, is distributed through the mains to the radiators. Cooling, the steam turns back into water and goes back through the pipes to the heating boiler.
There are two types of steam systems:
- Open;
- Closed.
In the first case, the system has a storage tank for condensate. And in the second, the condensate formed after cooling flows back into the boiler through pipes of increased diameter.
Steam heating is used mainly in industrial premises in large industries, where steam is needed for their own needs. For home use, steam heating has not become widespread due to the large areas for placing boiler equipment. And the steam boiler itself is quite difficult to operate, and due to the high steam temperature of 115°, it is also dangerous.
Air heating
In a finished residential building, it is almost impossible to deploy equipment with your own hands to organize air heating. Only at the stage of construction of a new house is it possible to install the entire system (). And this despite the fact that the principle of operation of such a system is quite simple.
A heat generator located at the lowest point of the steam heating system, for example in the basement, heats the air. And already heated, it disperses through the air ducts throughout the rooms of the house and exits through the grilles under the ceiling of the rooms. Warm air displaces cold air into return air ducts laid to the heat generator. That is, it turns out to be a closed cycle of work.
To improve performance, a fan is included in the heating system, which increases the air pressure in the air duct.
An example of the operation of air heating is shown in Fig:
The heat generator can operate autonomously on diesel fuel or kerosene. You can also use gas - both natural gas from the main gas pipeline and bottled gas.
To equip a private house with this type of heating, it is necessary to carry out design work. Specialists will calculate what material the air ducts will be made of (metal, plastic or textile), what size they will be, and build the correct topology of the heating network for the entire building.
Electric heating
Provided there is a constant power supply, electric converters, hanging infrared heaters, and an electrical “warm floor” system will help maintain heat in the house.
This system does an excellent job of heating the house, but high electricity bills make you think about the cost-effectiveness of this heating method.
But if you install it as a spare, in addition to the main one (for example, a gas boiler), then this heating method is quite in demand.
Mounted heating electric convectors have one feature - uneven heating of the room space. The lower zone at floor level is cold, and the upper zone under the ceiling is warm.
An electrical “warm floor” system will help correct the situation:
Heating system elements
The entire electrical heating system in a house can be compared to a person’s circulatory system. The heart is a boiler, from which heat is distributed through veins (pipes) to the heating elements throughout the house.
This is, of course, a figurative representation. In fact, there are many more elements that ensure the efficient operation of the entire electric heating system - from pipe connectors to expansion tanks.
Electric heating can be organized in different ways:
- Forced water circulation;
- Natural circulation of water.
A pump is included in the forced circulation system. But there is a small drawback - the pump requires electricity to operate. If it is turned off, the entire heating system will stop working.
Systems with natural circulation, in terms of independence from electricity, are more convenient. Water circulation occurs due to the fact that the water temperature at the outlet and inlet of the heating boiler is different. But in this case, pipes with different diameters are selected, and it is difficult to adjust. The advantage is that such a system does not depend on electricity.
Systems are also divided into open and closed.
In open electrical systems, an expansion tank is installed to relieve excess pressure. As a rule, this is the highest point of the system. To relieve pressure in closed systems, a closed-type membrane tank is installed. It is small-sized, sealed and can be mounted anywhere in the electrical system, which avoids the formation of air locks.
Calculation of the system and selection of boiler power
Of course, store managers can also select equipment. But there are two ways in which you can do this completely independently with your own hands.
A simple approximate method is used by equipment sellers: the area of one room is multiplied by 100 W. By summing the obtained values for all rooms, the required power of the heating devices is obtained.
- If only one wall faces the street, the area is multiplied by 100 W;
- For a corner room, the measured area is multiplied by 120 W;
- If there are 2 external walls and two windows, the area of the room is multiplied by 130 W.
For a more accurate calculation, use the formula:
W cat.=(S*W spec.):10
Where,
- S – room area;
- W beat – specific power of the heater used per 10 m² of room area.
W beat is selected depending on the region.
For example, if the area of all heated premises is 100 m², with a specific power for the Moscow region of 1.2 kW, then the output for the boiler is: W = (100x1.2)/10 = 12 kilowatts.
Heat consumption for ventilation
The flow of fresh air is very important for comfortable living in the house. And therefore, when choosing a heating boiler, it is important to take into account the heat consumption for ventilation. Fresh air indoors is undoubtedly necessary, but the speed at which cold air flows inside the house is equally important. And the lower the speed of fresh air flows, the more comfortable the living conditions become.
Building codes specifically stipulate the presence of exhaust ventilation in the following premises:
- Baths;
- toilet;
- Kitchens.
And the flow of fresh air should be ensured by vents in the windows and supply valves in living rooms (Fig.):
Thus, the supply air is divided into three zones:
- Air flow.
- Air flow.
- Air hoods.
When organizing any heating system, it is necessary to take into account the heat consumption not only for heating the house, but also for its ventilation. If the work is carried out according to the project, then it must include a calculation of heat loss due to the entry of cold air masses into the room.
Only after calculating the nominal air exchange in the house can conclusions be drawn about the final heat requirement for both heating the house and its ventilation.
Before choosing and buying a boiler for your heating system, You need to decide several parameters for yourself:
- The most important thing is to purchase exactly the type of boiler that will effectively heat the entire house;
- Choose a heating boiler that will constantly operate on the selected type of fuel;
- And lastly, the boiler will only work for space heating or also heat water for everyday needs.
For reference! If the boiler operates primarily for heating, it is single-circuit, and if it also produces hot water, it is double-circuit.
Solid fuel boilers
It makes sense to opt for solid fuel heating boilers either if there is no way to connect to gas in the region or if there is fairly inexpensive coal or firewood.
You can install a solid fuel boiler with your own hands using solid fuel as a backup heat source. The cost of such boilers is relatively low, but The heating system will not work without:
- Expansion tank;
- Security groups;
- More reliable pipes and radiators.
This is due to the fact that boilers of this type operate at higher temperatures.
Such boilers are very reliable if a number of conditions are met:
- The fuel for the boiler must be consistent in both quality and humidity.
- Mandatory daily cleaning of the solid fuel boiler.
Gas boilers
The most popular, if connected to gas mains, are gas boilers (). Its main advantage is that, despite its simplicity, it is also easy to use. Most modern models of gas boilers are also equipped with a thermostat. And this is very convenient - you select the desired temperature for your home, and the device will automatically maintain comfortable warmth throughout the entire house.
Gas heating boilers have a wide range of prices to choose from.
The price is affected by:
- Manufacturer;
- Power;
- Boiler type.
But the big advantage of boilers of this type is that they already come complete with a circulation pump and an expansion tank.
And the material from which gas heating pipes and radiators are made is completely different and much cheaper than, for example, for boilers running on solid fuel (coal, etc.).
Electric boilers
This is the most expensive way to heat a house ().
But! Electric heating boilers have some advantages:
- Wide choice of power – from 2 to 40 kW;
- Stability in work;
- Do not pollute the atmosphere in the house;
- Very easy to use;
- Built-in circulation pump;
- Supplied with expansion tank and temperature sensor;
- They are reliable in operation;
- Inexpensive repairs and maintenance.
Electric boilers are comparable in price to gas boilers.
Liquid fuel boilers
Most consumers have no idea that traditional liquid fuel heating boilers now have the opportunity to work not only on diesel fuel, but also:
- Kerosene;
- Light grades of oil;
- Used oils (including synthetic origin);
- Fuel oil.
It is enough to change the burners for the desired type of fuel.
For reference! There are universal liquid fuel boilers without burners on sale. The consumer has the opportunity to choose a burner for diesel fuel or gas independently.
But when using liquid fuel heating boilers, it is necessary to take into account a number of features:
- Compared to gas boilers, fuel costs will increase significantly.
- Equipment purchase and installation costs are higher than other types of heating.
- On the site near the house it is necessary to leave space for the installation of a large tank for storing fuel reserves.
- To prevent the specific smell of diesel fuel and the noise from the operation of burners from spreading into the living areas of the house, it is better to install heating equipment in a separate building.
- Since the burner requires the operation of automation and pumps powered by electricity, to ensure uninterrupted operation, install a backup generator.
- For stable operation of liquid fuel boilers, only good quality fuel is required.
For convenience, the table combines the estimated characteristics of heating boilers using different types of fuel:
Heating system diagrams
A water heating system can be organized into two types:
- Single-circuit;
- Double circuit.
And according to the principle of movement of the system there are:
- Single-pipe;
- Double-pipe;
- Collector;
- Leningradskaya.
Single-pipe
A single-pipe heating system is installed sequentially - one radiator after another. From the diagram, a significant drawback of this system is immediately noticeable. The coolant, moving from one radiator to another, begins to cool. With a less intensive circulation of water in distant radiators, it not only gives up all the remaining temperature to the metal, but also slowly enters the return line.
Thus, if the number of radiators for heating is too large, then the last radiator may be completely cold.
In addition, such a heating system is not practical to repair. To repair one radiator, you have to stop all heating in a private house.
Conclusion! In single-pipe heating systems, it is impossible to extend the circuit indefinitely.
Two-pipe
In a two-pipe heating system, maintenance is much simpler. Hot water is supplied to the radiator through one pipeline, and through another pipe (waste water) it flows back into the boiler. The radiators in this circuit are connected in parallel.
For ease of operation and repair, each pipe is mounted with a shut-off valve. Here, too, the water at the last radiator in the system will be colder, but significantly hotter than in a single-pipe system.
Collector
The figure shows that the supply and return systems for each heating radiator are organized independently of each other. A significant advantage in such a system is the ability to coordinate the temperature in any room separately. It is also very convenient to repair any section of the pipeline and each radiator separately.
Today, all experts recognize the collector heating system as the most progressive.
But there are also disadvantages:
- Requires installation of a manifold cabinet;
- Pipe consumption during installation of a heating system is sensitive to estimates.
Leningradskaya
A more advanced, single-pipe system, which, combined with ease of installation and low cost, is still very popular.
Despite the fact that the Leningrad heating system began to be introduced many years ago, it is still successfully used in the construction of multi-story buildings. This system has a main feature – simplicity. To construct such a system, you can have a minimum of knowledge and get by with a minimum amount of materials than in two-pipe systems. In addition, such a system has the ability to control each radiator in the system.
System installation
Once the choice of heating system has been made, the most correct step would be to contact the design office. Having a work project and drawings in hand, you can purchase and store the necessary materials, monitoring and control devices, and components.
Installation begins with choosing the location for installing the heating boiler. If combustion products are released during boiler operation, the optimal solution would be to build a separate boiler room. You can place the boiler room in the basement, provided there is good ventilation and sound insulation.
The boiler itself is installed at such a distance from the walls that it is always easily accessible for maintenance.
The covering of the floor and walls near the heating boiler must be made of fire-resistant materials. A chimney system is installed from the boiler to the street.
The following steps for installing the heating system will be carried out according to the project:
- Installation of a circulation pump;
- Distribution manifold unit;
- Measuring instruments;
- Manual or automatic adjustment devices.
After completing the installation of the boiler, they proceed to work on the installation of main pipelines, according to the selected heating scheme, to the places where the radiators will be installed. In residential buildings, you will have to make passages for pipelines in the walls and partitions. Based on the selected material, the pipes are connected to each other by previously prepared elements.
Installation work is completed with the installation of radiators. Typically, the following conditions are adhered to during installation:
- Distance from the floor – 12 cm;
- Distance from walls – up to 5 cm.
Shut-off valves, temperature sensors and other adjusting elements are installed on the pipes at the inlet and outlet of radiators.
The installation work is completed by pressure testing of the entire system.
Boiler connection
Connecting the installed boiler to the heating system according to the following diagram:
- The pipe system laid throughout the house is connected to the terminals on the boiler.
- As a rule, shut-off valves that cut off from the general system are installed at the joints.
- To operate electrical appliances, wires and a ground loop are connected.
- Installation of safety valves, thermostats and other devices (installed before installing shut-off valves).
- For gas heating boilers - connection to the gas pipeline.
- Filling the heating system with water.
- Pressure testing of the system with high pressure. At the same time, leaks in the system are identified and eliminated.
- Relieving pressure in pipes to operating level.
Important! When starting a gas boiler for the first time, the presence of a representative of the gas company is required.
The modern building materials market offers a large selection of pipes from a variety of materials for the installation of a heating system.
Of course, with sufficient welding skills, you can opt for the usual steel pipes. But why doom yourself in advance to guaranteed system repairs due to the fact that the pipes will be susceptible to corrosion?
If there is a desire to use either copper or stainless steel pipes, then it can only be approved if the owner is not limited in financial resources and is not afraid of certain installation difficulties. Such pipes are the most expensive, but they are not afraid of high pressure and high temperature.
The most inexpensive option is polypropylene pipes. But we must take into account that the connection points with the fittings are made by soldering and if the heating of the connection is insufficient, this place will definitely leak. And if overheated, the internal section may overlap with molten material.
Recently, polyethylene or metal-plastic pipes have become very popular. Installation is quite simple, provided that the joints are made using pressed fittings. They can be laid under poured floors when installing a “warm floor” system.
With a large selection of modern radiators, it is at least not rational to opt for traditional cast iron ones (). Due to low thermal conductivity, they have lost their former popularity.
Aluminum radiators
In addition to high heat transfer, aluminum radiators are very lightweight.
Due to the fact that they have a variety of center distances (350-500mm), the installation of a heating system is greatly facilitated. Aluminum radiators have a number of advantages that distinguish them from other heating devices:
- High heat transfer;
- Low weight of the structure;
- High working pressure (18 atm.);
- Beautiful design.
Bimetallic radiators
Systems of this type combine the advantages of both sectional (made of aluminum alloys) and tubular (made of steel):
- Increased strength (up to 40 atmospheres);
- Long service life (up to 20 years);
- Beautiful design;
- High level of heat transfer.
Steel panel radiators
The main advantage of steel radiators is their quick response to changes in coolant temperature.
They heat up instantly and also cool down quickly. Such properties significantly affect energy saving.
The large area of stamped steel panels has a positive effect on high heat transfer, and the presence of a ribbed surface increases the area of the heating device. Such qualities increase comfort and heating efficiency.
Selection by power and methods of connecting radiators
The decision to completely replace the heating system has been finally made. The main elements of the system have been selected, the only question left to solve is: how much power can the radiators themselves produce?
It is this indicator that is actually the most important in determining the properties of the heating system.
Let's take, for example, a room with an area of 10 m² with a ceiling height of 3 m. The volume of the room is correspondingly 10x3 = 30 m³.
But this indicator does not fully describe the characteristics of the radiator. It is known from the standards that to heat 1 m³ of a room, a heating radiator with an output power of at least 40 watts is required.
The result is: 30x40 = 1200 W.
For insurance, you can add 15-20%. This is exactly the amount of heat needed to heat such a room. As you can see, the calculations are quite simple and you can do them yourself before going to the store.
When we figured out the power of the radiator, it remains to choose the method of connecting it to the main line, which is done in several ways, as in the figure:
Lateral connection of heating batteries is used when installing to risers. If the main pipes are laid under the floor covering or at floor level - diagonal.
The figure shows that these two connection methods allow the entire surface of the battery to be used as productively as possible.
The lower versatile connection method also finds its supporters. The figure shows that with this direction of hot water it is impossible to effectively heat the entire space of the radiator.
Errors during installation
Shortcomings and errors in installation work are not uncommon. Their description is a topic for a separate article, but the most common ones can be identified:
- Incorrect selection of heat source;
- Any defects in the boiler circuit;
- Incorrectly selected heating system;
- Negligent attitude of installers.
Choosing a boiler with insufficient power is the most common mistake.
The desire to save on the cost of the boiler, but at the same time power not only the heating system, but also organize the supply of hot water, will lead to the fact that the heat generator will not be able to provide the house with enough heat.
All elements and devices in the boiler piping must be installed according to their functional properties. For example, it is recommended to insert a pump specifically on return pipeline lines and do not forget to take into account the horizontal position of the pump shaft.
If the heating system is incorrectly selected, there is a risk of additional alterations. So, if you “hang” more than five radiators on a one-pipe system, most often the rest will not heat at all.
Examples of shortcomings in do-it-yourself installation include poorly placed slopes, unwelded connections, or installation of incorrectly selected shut-off valves.
For example, if you confuse the installation locations of the valves on the pipes in front of the entrance (ordinary tap) and at the outlet of the radiator (water supply control tap). It also happens that the installation of pipes in the floor occurs without mandatory insulation, so that the water does not cool down on the way to the radiator. I had to change the heating system at the dacha - old cast-iron radiators and a Soviet boiler, for which parts could not be found even during the day with fire. But when we found out the cost of services for replacing and modernizing thermal communications, we were in great shock. In the end, we decided to do everything ourselves - albeit not so quickly, but you can save a good penny. Fortunately, we found this article, where all stages of the work are described in great detail and with examples, with many photographs explaining it. I especially liked the section “Errors during editing” - we learned a lot of useful things from the “what not to do” category, otherwise we would have spent more time, nerves and money on redoing it.
Thanks to the author for the detailed article. It can be safely used as a scientific guide when independently installing a heating system in your home. Thanks also for the many recommendations. They will help, especially for beginners. And on my own behalf I will add that, in my opinion, the most optimal option among those proposed is to install a gas boiler. After all, judge for yourself: it is relatively cheap, familiar and practical. However, the author or anyone else may disagree with me. I'll be looking forward to other people's opinions on this.
Two years ago we just installed heating in the house. So as not to be dependent on the stove, otherwise this fumes and smoke get boring, to be honest. Our specialists and I installed water heating. Quite practical and power is not lost or dissipated. The water is simply heated by the boiler and it is distributed through pipes that are located around the house, such as a battery. And they are already heating the house. For us personally, this method seemed the simplest and most optimal.
A question arose about replacing the heating in a private house, so we decided to throw out the Soviet batteries and boiler and replace it with a new one. The prices are of course terrible, the prices are terrible. So I started searching on the Internet for how to do everything correctly, fortunately I came across you and received information on installing and assembling the system. Everything is explained in detail and it was easy to understand. After reading it, it became more profitable for me to do it myself than to overpay 10 times more to some smart guy who can do the same thing as me.
Water heating is the most common option for heating a private home. The location of the main structural elements determines the type of system and the features of its operation. A competent choice of piping layout is the key to heating efficiency and occupant comfort.
Classification of water heating systems
Water heating systems are complex engineering systems with many varieties. The coolant in them is water or aqueous solutions for special purposes. Depending on the configuration of the systems, they are classified according to the following parameters:
- by the method of coolant circulation;
- by the presence of contact with atmospheric air;
- according to the power supply diagram of the devices;
- according to the location of main pipelines.
Heating scheme with natural circulation of open type. 1 - boiler; 2 - expansion tank; 3 radiator; 4 - hot outlet of the boiler heat exchanger, goes strictly vertically to the expansion tank; 5 - main supply pipe; 6 - riser; 7 — main return pipe; 8 - ball valve; 9 - drain with ball valve for coolant discharge
The first way to organize the movement of coolant through the system is natural circulation. This option allows you to ensure the operation of the heating without being dependent on the availability of electricity. Circulation is carried out due to gravitational forces. The liquid heated in the boiler rises due to a decrease in density, enters the radiators, gives off heat and returns to the boiler.
Closed forced circulation heating circuit. 1 - boiler; 2 — air vent; 3 - pressure gauge; 4 — safety valve (numbers 2, 3, 4 constitute the safety group); 5 - expansion tank; 6 - radiator; 7 — coarse filter; 8 - drain; 9 - circulation pump; 10 - ball valve
The figure shows a single-pipe system with vertical distribution. Different risers show different types of device connections.
The diagram below shows the typical configuration of a two-pipe system with vertical wiring.
Single-pipe pressure heating system: 1 - boiler; 2 - security group; 3 - radiators; 4 - needle valve; 5 - expansion tank; 6 - drain; 7 - water supply; 8 - filter; 9 - pump; 10 - ball valves
The simplest one-pipe system with horizontal wiring involves the sequential passage of coolant through all devices within one floor.
Manifold circuit: 1 - boiler; 2 - expansion tank; 3 - supply manifold; 4 — heating radiators; 5 — return manifold; 6 - pump
A two-pipe horizontal system can have perimeter or radial (collector) wiring. In the first case, pipes are laid along the perimeter of the room, gradually powering all devices; in the second, each heating device has a separate supply line.
Radial distribution pipes are laid in the floor screed along the shortest routes to each radiator. Moreover, their configuration resembles rays emanating from one source - the distribution manifold. This was the reason for the appearance of the corresponding name.
Collectors in modern interiors of private houses are often neatly hidden in special cabinets, which allows you to preserve the aesthetics of the room and hide the elements of setting up and regulating the system.
Radiator connection types
The connection diagram for heating devices is selected based on the selected structure of the heating system, ease of installation and maintenance, as well as interior features.
1 - Two-pipe wiring. 2 — Single-pipe wiring
The figure shows the main options for connecting radiators, typical for vertical systems.
A - lateral connection; B - diagonal; B - bottom connection
An analysis of the circuits that are most often found in horizontal systems shows that the type of connection of radiators has a significant impact on the efficiency of heat transfer. Before giving preference to a more convenient installation option, you should think carefully about whether you are ready to sacrifice some of the precious heat.
As can be seen from everything stated above, the choice of a water heating scheme for a private house is associated with the need for a thorough analysis of many options. In addition to the main varieties described, there is an even more detailed classification. Consultation with a qualified specialist will help you quickly navigate all the diversity, take into account the existing nuances and achieve the best results.
It is difficult to imagine a modern home without a heating system. There are various ways to create such systems. The difference usually lies in the fuel used - gas, coal, pellets, firewood. Heating boilers are divided into gas, solid fuel, pellet and electric. For any craftsman, drawing a diagram and assembling a heating system for his home is a completely solvable task. It’s no secret that most heating schemes were invented by ordinary people, practitioners, not burdened with scientific titles and regalia.
The benefit of making your own heating circuit is a significant reduction in financial costs. Of course, when choosing gas heating, you will have to pay for the development of the project and the work of licensed specialists for the installation and initial startup of the boiler. If you plan to install a solid fuel boiler, then all stages from the sketch to the launch of the system can be carried out independently. Undoubtedly, creating a heating system for a private home is a complex engineering task.
Of course, specialists with experience in design and installation will solve this problem faster and better. If a decision is made to involve them, then it is necessary to clearly determine the degree of their participation in the creation and installation of the system circuit. Possible options:
Private houses are heated by heating systems. They use a convenient and universal method of delivering heat using a coolant. You can heat the coolant in various ways. Often, owners use several water heating devices.
Any heating scheme in a private house consists of the following components:
If you want to create heating for a private house with your own hands, the schemes are selected based on the possibilities. There are few options, there are only two:
Determining which heating scheme for a private home is optimal is difficult, especially for a non-specialist, so you should definitely consult a professional. Most heating circuit specialists are convinced that a two-pipe heating circuit for a private home is optimal. There is a misconception that a single-pipe system costs less.
The opinion of many experts is the opposite - it is more expensive and more difficult to set up and adjust. The principle of its operation is the sequential movement of liquid through the radiators, which means that the temperature drops from battery to battery, so it is necessary to increase the power of the system. The main pipe is selected with a larger diameter. In addition, the mutual influence of heating devices on each other is very strong. This influence makes automatic control difficult.
Where is a single-pipe heating scheme used?
Heating of small houses is successfully provided by the Leningradka heating scheme, which has as many as four varieties. Among them are two types of one-pipe/two-pipe open systems and two one-pipe/two-pipe closed systems.
For a small house, a do-it-yourself heating system for a private house is chosen to be a single-pipe scheme, but if the number of batteries is no more than 5, if there are more of them, then the last radiators do not warm up well. When starting the heating of a two-story house, the Leningradka circuit also works successfully, but the number of batteries is no more than six.
Single-pipe vertical heating systems work better.
Heated coolant of the same temperature is supplied to all vertical risers, and the batteries of the upper and lower floors are connected in series.
Features of two-pipe circuit wiring
The two-pipe system comes in several varieties. They have a different connection diagram for heating radiators in a private house, and a different vector of coolant movement.
In small private houses, the following types of two-pipe heating systems are used: 
- dead end;
- passing;
- collector (radial).
Brief characteristics of two-pipe systems
Dead-end system - the entire pipeline network consists of two arms (branches), one for supply and the other arm for coolant return. The movement of water occurs in counter directions.
Associated two-pipe system - the return arm serves as a continuation of the supply arm (branch), i.e. the system is looped. This heating connection scheme in a private house is deservedly popular.
Collector is the most expensive heating distribution scheme for a private house due to the need to lay pipes to each battery, and their installation is hidden.
Open "gravity" two-pipe system
Let's consider the heating system installed in a private house with our own hands; a two-pipe open circuit was chosen and an open tank was installed at the top point of the circuit. The pressure that determines the speed of fluid movement in the “gravity” system depends on the height of the tank. The main advantage of a two-pipe system is that water flows to the radiators at the same temperature, and a clear separation of pipelines into supply and return makes it easier to automate control.
For successful operation of the “gravity” system, a slope of 3-5 mm/m is ensured during installation. Due to gravity, any type of heating system can operate if the necessary conditions are created - the slope of the coolant supply lines for natural circulation. It must be taken into account that the “gravity” system can only work with an open expansion tank.
Closed two-pipe system
When installed in a private house, the circuit chosen is closed, and its appearance depends on the number of floors of the building. If the house is one-story, then two pipeline branches are laid - supply and return, and heating devices are connected to them in parallel.
And in order to install the heating of a two-story private house with your own hands, the wiring diagrams must contain the required number of liquid supply branches. One branch of the collector should power the batteries on the upper floor, the second branch should power the batteries on the lower floor. The water that has given up its heat returns to the boiler through the “return”. A closed system must have a circulation pump to create pressure.
Warm floor - uniform and comfortable heating
Schemes of heating systems for a private home are becoming popular - comfortable heated floors. The practical implementation of such a project involves laying hundreds of meters of pipes, usually made of polypropylene, under the screed to assemble the heating circuit. The ends of the pipes go to the distribution manifold. The liquid in the heated floor line moves separately.
Heating system installation
It is possible to positively resolve the problem - how to install heating in a private house (the diagram is given above) if you follow certain rules and the sequence of work. Installation work begins with the installation and subsequent piping of the boiler. Gas boilers with a power of up to 60 kW are installed in the kitchen. All rules for installing boilers are described in detail in the instructions for them.
Piping a heating boiler is the process of connecting the necessary equipment.
There are two ways to install a heating circuit from gas and water (metal) pipes - welding and using threaded connections. Of course, you can quickly create a system using the welding method, but it will turn out to be non-separable. By connecting the system pipes with threaded connections, you can easily change the configuration or replace any section of the pipeline at any time. For any installation method, the connection diagram for heating radiators in a private house requires special attention, and it must be drawn and calculated in advance.
Double-circuit heating system
DHW (hot water supply) is created by a double-circuit heating system of a private house; its wiring diagram is drawn before installation begins, and then installed to the selected hot water supply point. Gas consumption when using a dual-circuit system increases slightly. With intensive hot water extraction, consumption is 25% higher.
Features of the use of polypropylene pipes
Implementing a heating scheme in a private house made of polypropylene has many advantages. Polypropylene pipes are cheaper and lighter than metal pipes, they do not rust. Plastic pipes do not need painting, they look good and do not deteriorate the interior of the room. The procedure for creating a heating system from polypropylene pipes is reminiscent of assembling it from a construction set. Pipes are quickly and efficiently connected using a welding unit.
The following equipment, tools and materials are used for installation of polypropylene pipes:
Note: the amount of necessary materials, tools and components is determined before installation, after drawing the heating circuit diagram. Couplings, ball valves and fittings are purchased depending on the type of boiler, the selected design and the size of the polypropylene pipe.
Water electric heating
If you use electric heating of a private house with your own hands, the circuit connection diagrams are described above. An electric boiler can be designated as the main source of heat or as a backup if the house already has a heating source, for example a gas boiler. An electric boiler consumes significant power, so the wiring cross-section must correspond to the current consumed.
It is not at all necessary to make reinforced wiring throughout the house; it is enough to lay a suitable cable from the meter to the boiler. Since an electric boiler is a device that heats water, a closed system or a gravity heating system for a private house will work with it, using a standard scheme. Pipeline diagrams are no different from the diagrams described above.
To create electric heating, three types of electric boilers are used:
- electrode;
- induction;
- boiler using heating elements.
It is believed that a heating element boiler that has stood the test of time is more reliable. It is advisable to fill the system with softened water so that there is less scale on the heating elements. Electric boilers have high efficiency, but the main obstacle to their widespread use is the rising price of electricity.