How to connect a thermostat for heating batteries and set it up correctly

How to connect a heating radiator with a bottom connection?

There are several ways to connect sectional batteries to the heating system. Each of them has its pros and cons. The diagonal connection is ideal for the horizontal position of the pipeline, the lateral one allows connection on one side, and the bottom one is combined with the interior and looks aesthetically pleasing.

Peculiarities

Radiators with bottom connection popular due to the fact that they help hide the presence of pipes.

Most often, this method is found in private homes, since the pipeline is located directly under the building.

The pipes going down significantly free up usable area and are not conspicuous. However, the cost of sectional radiators using a bottom connection is much higher than others.

At the moment, only two types of batteries of this type are produced: steel and panel. Steel radiators are easy to install and are small in size. Panel batteries use thermostatic fittings with connection nodes. The speed of heating the room depends on the number of sections. For small rooms, 3-6 panels are enough. Spacious rooms require more sections.

Panel heating radiators

Steel batteries are in many ways superior to panel ones, since they can be installed in any position and water enters the last section directly. Which is very convenient in case of replacing old structures with new ones. They fit all types of connection, unlike modern radiators, which may not be suitable for many older heating systems.

Steel heating radiators

The problem of old two-tube batteries can be solved by re-laying. True, such an operation is more expensive and takes a lot of time.

Mounting

During work, do not remove the production packaging. During installation, radiators are often subjected to mechanical stress, which affects the appearance of the structure. The presence of a protective film helps to avoid scratches and other damage to surfaces.

Install radiators at a height of at least seven centimeters from the floor and ten centimeters from the window. This will ensure proper air circulation and ease of installation.

Determine exactly which tube is feeding and which is giving feedback.Batteries are easier to deal with, they are marked on the ends indicating the connection node.

Each radiator using a bottom connection has a thermostatic insert. It is used to properly regulate the temperature. True, due to this feature, the price of radiators of this type is higher by an average of 10%.

Types of eyeliner

There are two ways to connect the heating system to the battery. If both pipes are located on the same side, hot water enters the top plug of the battery. Cooled water is discharged through the bottom. Both tubes are located side by side. This method is called one-sided.

Heating radiator with one-way bottom connection

A versatile method involves supplying hot water from the opposite side of the cold outlet. This option is great for personal heating systems. The main advantage of this method is the ability to move water in any direction. In addition, the length of the liquid inlet and outlet lines is much less, as in a two-pipe battery.

Heating radiator with versatile bottom connection

Bimetal radiators

The alloys from which these batteries are made use steel and aluminum. Steel is used as a material in contact with the coolant. Aluminum also plays the role of a heat-conducting element.

All bimetallic radiators can be collapsible or solid. Monolithic batteries have the advantage of being able to operate at high pressure. This ensures the safe operation of the structure.

Connection selection

When determining the connection method, it is first necessary to take into account the heating scheme and the connection of the system nodes.Proper selection, allow you to use batteries with maximum efficiency. Violation will lead to loss of power.

Keep in mind that bottom connection will reduce the efficiency of the heating system. However, the convenience created in this way can be decisive in the choice. The main thing is to take into account all the features of the heating system and then the radiator will last for a long time without any extra investment.

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.

Adjustment of radiators with thermostats

To maintain a constant set temperature in a room (room), thermostats or thermostats for heating radiators are used. 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.

This is what the radiator thermostat looks like.

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, more often 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. To clarify: one thermal valve can be equipped with a thermoelement of both manual, mechanical, and automatic types. 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.

The difference between a manual radiator regulator and an automatic one is only in the installed thermal head

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 1oC.

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).

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.

By placing a three-way valve on the supply side, you can also regulate the temperature of the coolant

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 three-way valve head 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 single-pipe systems, and more often with vertical wiring.

Thermal valve device and existing types

The thermostatic valve in its structure is similar to a conventional valve. The design of the valve provides a seat and a shut-off cone, with which the amount of coolant is regulated. Due to the amount of coolant flowing through the battery for a certain period of time, the temperature of the radiator is regulated.

Thermostatic valve in section

There is a single-pipe and two-pipe wiring of the heating system, while certain models of regulators are installed on each system. It is impossible to confuse models, especially since the manufacturer must indicate in the passport for which heating system the thermostat is intended. If you install the wrong control element, the radiator will not work. Valves for one-pipe systems can be installed in systems with natural circulation of the coolant. Naturally, the installation of such devices leads to an increase in hydraulic resistance, but in general, the system will function.

There is an arrow on the body of the thermostat that indicates the direction of movement of the coolant, therefore, during installation, this property of thermostats must be taken into account.

How a thermostatic head works

Watch this video on YouTube

Manufacturing materials

The body of the device can be made of various structural materials that are resistant to corrosion. Therefore, thermostats are made:

• Made of bronze, followed by chrome or nickel plating.
• Made of brass, nickel plated.
• From stainless steel.

Naturally, the most reliable and durable stainless steel cases, but the prices for such devices are too high, so they are inaccessible to a wide range of consumers. Bronze and brass cases have almost the same service life, but it mainly depends on the quality of the alloy. As a rule, well-known manufacturers are responsible for the release of their products. It should be noted that there are a sufficient number of unknown manufacturers on the market for such products, so it is quite possible to purchase a low-quality product.Despite this, each manufacturer tries to be famous, so it monitors the quality of its products. In any case, you need to determine the presence of an arrow on the case, which may be evidence of the quality of the thermostat.

Versions

There are several options for connecting radiators to the heating system, so there are two types of thermostats: straight (through) and angular. The type of execution that is more suitable for a particular heating system is selected.

Straight (port) valve and angle

Name/company	For which system	DN, mm	Housing material	Operating pressure	Price
Danfos, angled RA-G adjustable	single pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	25-32 $
Danfos straight RA-G adjustable	single pipe	20 mm, 25 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	32 — 45 $
Danfos, angled RA-N adjustable	two-pipe	15 mm, 20 mm. 25 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	30 — 40 $
Danfos straight RA-N adjustable	two-pipe	15 mm, 20 mm. 25 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	20 — 50 $
BROEN , straight fixed	two-pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	8-15 $
BROEN , straight fixed	two-pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	8-15 $
BROEN , corner adjustable	two-pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	10-17 $
BROEN , corner adjustable	two-pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	10-17 $
BROEN , straight fixed	single pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	19-23 $
BROEN fixed angle	single pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	19-22 $
OVENTROP , axial		1/2″	Nickel-plated brass, enamelled	10 bar	140 $

What are thermostatic radiator heads

Thermostatic heads are of the following types:

• manual;
• mechanical;
• electronic.

They have the same purpose, but the custom properties are different:

• Manual devices work on the principle of conventional valves. When the regulator is turned in one direction or another, the coolant flow opens or closes. Such a system will not be expensive, it is reliable, but not very comfortable. To change the heat transfer, you must adjust the head yourself.
• Mechanical - more complex in the device, they can maintain the desired temperature in a given mode. The device is based on a bellows filled with gas or liquid. When heated, the temperature agent expands, the cylinder increases in volume and presses on the rod, blocking more and more the flow channel of the coolant. Thus, a smaller amount of coolant passes into the radiator. When the gas or liquid cools, the bellows decreases, the stem opens slightly, and a larger volume of coolant flow rushes into the radiator. A mechanical thermostat for a heating radiator is quite convenient to use and popular among consumers because of its ease of maintenance.
• Electronic thermostats are large. In addition to massive thermostatic elements, two batteries are included with them. The stem is controlled by a microprocessor. The models have quite a lot of functionality. You can set the temperature in the room for a certain time. For example, at night it will be cooler in the bedroom, warmer in the morning. During those hours when the family is at work, the temperature can be lowered and raised in the evening.Such models are large in size, they must be installed on high-quality heating devices in order to operate without problems for several years. Their cost is quite high.

Is there a difference between liquid and gas bellows? It is believed that gas responds better to temperature changes, but such devices are more complex and expensive. Liquid normally cope with their task, but a little "clumsy" in reaction. You can set the required temperature and maintain it with an accuracy of 1 degree. Therefore, a thermostat with a liquid bellows successfully solves the issues of adjusting the supply of coolant to the heater.

Installation of radiators with bottom connection

Attaching the nodes of the panel heater is carried out with the simplest tool in the form of a wrench, if adjustment is made, a hexagon or a flat screwdriver is used. Since all branch pipes are equipped with sealed fluoroplastic or rubber seals, the use of threads, tow and other waterproofing materials is not required. When connected from below to a common XLPE piping proceed as follows:

1. 1. They put a Eurocone coupling with a union nut on the end pipe outlets, its difference from standard compression fittings lies in the fact that the polyethylene sheath is pressed to the inner fitting through the outer ring with a slot, and the connection to the binoculars branch pipe is made by one union nut. The cone at the end of the connector with a rubber gasket fits snugly and tightly into the reciprocal mounting hole when the nut is tightened.
   2. The H-shaped assembly is screwed to the bottom of the radiator with an American nut using ordinary and conical gaskets included in the installation kit of the thermostatic fitting, the radiator is installed on the floor or hung on the wall at the desired height.
   3. Attach the union nuts of the Eurocone coupling from the pipe ends to the inlet pipes of the lower connection fittings with a wrench.

When carrying out work, the main thing is not to pinch the connections with a wrench, which can cause an irreversible rupture of the gaskets and loss of tightness, it is better to tighten all the nuts manually with maximum effort, and after supplying water at the leaks, slightly tighten with an adjustable wrench.

Rice. 10 Example of mounting a radiator on bottom fittings (Hummel)

Although the heat is distributed evenly, this detail reduces the aesthetics of the look and one of the main advantages of the bottom eyeliner is lost. The use of built-in bypasses, temperature controllers, control and shut-off valves in the inlet fittings makes it possible to effectively use the lower inlet device in one-pipe and two-pipe heating systems.

The main types of thermostats

The main types of thermostats

Thermostats are a large group of devices designed to maintain the temperature at a certain constant level. There are several types of thermostats, classified according to the principle of operation, namely:

• passive. Such devices operate in isolated conditions. For protection from the environment, special materials are used;
• active. Automatically maintain the temperature at a given level;
• phase transition.The principle of operation of such devices is based on the property of the working substance to change its physical state, for example, from liquid to gaseous.

In everyday life, active thermostats are the most popular. They are called thermostats. Most of the existing temperature control devices are equipped with a suitable thermostat at the stage of their factory assembly. It is only necessary to carefully read the instructions for the device before using it.

There are also remote thermostats. They are made in the form of a separate block. The connection to the radiator is carried out in accordance with a certain technology, without observing the requirements of which it is impossible to count on the efficient, economical, safe and durable operation of the installation.

Type of thermostatic elements

The thermal head for the radiator is the upper, replaceable part of the device. It can be of several types:

• manual;
• mechanical;
• electronic.

To be able to navigate the prices: European manufacturers sell mechanical thermal heads from 15 euros to 25 euros, there are anti-vandal models, they cost from 40 euros. There are devices with a remote sensor. They are set if the conditions do not allow to regulate the temperature on the radiator (for example, it is installed behind a cabinet, closed in a niche, etc.). Here, the length of the capillary tube, which connects the sensor to the thermostat, is of great importance. Prices in this segment are from 40-50 euros.

It looks like a manual device for adjusting the temperature of radiators in the context

A manual thermostat is the same control valve for a radiator. And the principle of operation is the same: turn the knob, change the amount of passing coolant.The only difference is that if you wish, you can simply remove this thermocouple and install a mechanical or electronic one. The case does not need to be unscrewed or changed. They are universal. Heads for manual adjustment have a low price - from 4 euros.

Electronic thermal heads are the most expensive options, they are also the most massive: there is room for two batteries in the case. They differ in that they have more options. In addition to maintaining a stable temperature throughout the entire time, you can program the temperature according to days of the week or times days. For example, after 9 am, all households disperse, and appear only after 6 pm. It turns out that there is no need to spend money on maintaining a high temperature during the daytime. Electronic thermoelements make it possible to set a lower temperature during this interval on all days except weekends. Set at least 6-8 ° C, and in the evening you can again heat the air to a comfortable 20 degrees. With these devices, it is possible to save on heating without compromising comfort levels.

Electronic models have a much wider functionality

Thermal heads are also divided according to the type of temperature agent (substance that is in the bellows). They are:

• liquid;
• gas.

The gas thermostat is considered less inertial, they say it responds faster to temperature changes. But the difference is not so big as to give preference to a specific species. The main thing is the quality, not the type of temperature agent. Liquid thermostats are no less high quality. Moreover, they are easier to manufacture, therefore they are produced in a wider range.

When choosing a thermocouple, you need to pay attention to the temperature range that the device can support. Usually it is from +6oC to +26-28oC

But there may be differences. The wider the range, the higher the price. Dimensions and design, connection method also change.

Classification of heating systems

The main criterion for separating heating systems is the number of circuits. On this basis, all heating systems are divided into two groups:

The first option is the simplest and cheapest. This is, in fact, a ring from the boiler to the boiler, where heating radiators are installed in between. If it comes to a one-story building, then this is a justified option in which you can use the natural circulation of the coolant. But in order for the temperature to be uniform in all rooms of the house, some measures must be taken. For example, to build up sections on the extreme radiators in the circuit.

The best option for such a pipe scheme is to connect the battery using the Leningradka method. In fact, it turns out that an ordinary pipe runs through all the rooms near the floor, and radiator batteries crash into it. In this case, the so-called bottom tie-in is used. That is, the radiator is connected to the pipe through two lower pipes - it enters one coolant and exits the other.

Attention! Heat loss with this type of battery connection is 12–13%. This is the highest level of heat loss. So before making such a decision, weigh the pros and cons.

Initial savings can turn into big costs during operation

So before making such a decision, weigh the pros and cons. Initial savings can turn into big costs during operation.

In general, this is a good connection scheme that justifies itself in small buildings. And in order to evenly distribute the coolant over all radiators, you can install a circulation pump in it. The investment is inexpensive, and the device works perfectly and requires little power consumption. But the uniform distribution of heat in all rooms is ensured.

By the way, a single-pipe piping scheme is very often used in city apartments. True, the lower battery connection can no longer be used here. The same should be said about the two-pipe system.

Installation and setup

If the heating system single-pipe, when installing a thermostat, you will need to change the radiator connection diagram

Before carrying out installation work, it is necessary to remove the coolant from the heating system. Usually it is enough to turn off the taps of the heating riser, they are located at the entrance to the apartment, and drain the water. The regulator should be installed before the onset of cold weather and the heating season.

After removing the coolant from the pipes and the radiator, you can proceed directly to the installation itself:

1. At some distance from the radiator, the horizontal supply pipes and lines are cut off, then disconnected.
2. Install jumpers between pipelines.
3. Shanks with nuts are removed from the shut-off valve and thermostat and screwed into the heating radiator plugs.
4. Connect the shut-off and thermostatic device.
5. Collect back the piping of the batteries and seal it.
6. The heating system is filled with coolant and the pipes are checked for leaks.

If the thermostat has been installed correctly, it will be possible to regulate the temperature in the room within 5–30 ° С

After completing all the installation manipulations, you need to make some settings in order to select the required temperature. You should first exclude all possible factors that can somehow affect it (close windows, eliminate drafts, turn off the fan, air conditioner or heater).

Action algorithm:

1. The regulator of the device must be moved counterclockwise to the maximum. This position allows the coolant to freely enter the radiator and completely fill the pipes. When the room temperature reaches the desired level or exceeds it by several degrees, the radiator head is turned back clockwise.
2. The radiator will gradually cool down, and the optimum temperature will be established in the room. Then the valve is slowly opened. At the moment when its body begins to heat up, and the noise of the incoming coolant is heard from the battery, it is necessary to stop the rotation of the regulator.

Installing a thermostat is a useful upgrade for your home. The equipment allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room and is quite easy to install.

How to choose?

Where there is no centralized gas supply, boilers powered by electricity are used to heat buildings. Among their advantages are the absence of the need to create a chimney, environmental friendliness, ease of installation, good performance, the presence of a control panel for working in auto mode. If we talk about the shortcomings, then it is essentially the same - high consumption of electrical energy, which becomes the reason for the high cost of such systems.But if you install a room thermostat, this will make it possible to reduce energy costs by 25 - 30 percent and set up an individual heating mode.

Before purchasing, remember that it is best if the boiler and thermostat are produced by the same company. Solutions that are produced by companies such as Baxi, Ariston, Bosch and others are popular.

In addition, the following factors should be taken into account:

take into account the target audience (if you are buying a device for a house where an elderly person lives, then ask if he can figure out some kind of programmable wireless controller with an air sensor);
when choosing a model, pay attention to the ease of control (know its limiting and emergency modes);
it is better to purchase a thermostat equipped with a display (such models are more convenient because, in addition to some given parameter, they make it possible to see the air temperature at a point in time of interest);

• the thermostat needs electricity to operate, and in rural areas there are often problems with it (for this reason, it is better to buy models that are not too sensitive to the lack of electricity, for example, mechanical ones;
• if you prefer the electronic version, then you should take a model that will at least work on batteries or install an uninterruptible power supply in the house;
• all devices differ from each other in power, therefore, for the correct operation of the regulator, you should know exactly the technical characteristics of the heated room;
• the material from which the building is made should also be taken into account (in houses made of wood, it is better not to install wired temperature sensors due to the fact that it will be impossible to drill channels in the tree under them).

Thermal valve - structure, purpose, types

The valve in the thermostat is very similar in structure to a conventional valve. There is a seat and a shut-off cone that opens/closes the gap for the flow of coolant. The temperature of the heating radiator is regulated in this way: the amount of coolant passing through the radiator.

Thermostatic valve in section

Different valves are installed on single-pipe and two-pipe wiring. The hydraulic resistance of the valve to a single-pipe system is much lower (at least twice) - this is the only way to balance it. It is impossible to confuse the valves - it will not heat. For systems with natural circulation, valves for one-pipe systems are suitable. When they are installed, the hydraulic resistance, of course, increases, but the system will be able to work.

Each valve has an arrow indicating the movement of the coolant. During installation, it is installed so that the direction of flow coincides with the arrow.

What materials

The valve body is made of corrosion-resistant metals, often additionally coated with a protective layer (nickel or chrome plated). There are valves from:

• bronze (with nickel and chrome plating);
• brass (coated with a layer of nickel);

• of stainless steel.

  The bodies are usually brass or bronze with nickel or chrome plating.

It is clear that stainless steel is the best option. It is chemically neutral, does not corrode, does not react with other metals. But the cost of such valves is high, it is difficult to find them.Bronze and brass valves are about the same in terms of service life

What is important in this case is the quality of the alloy, and well-known manufacturers carefully monitor it. Whether or not to trust the unknown is a moot point, but there is one point that is better to track.

There must be an arrow on the body indicating the direction of flow. If it is not there, you have a very cheap product that is better not to buy.

By way of execution

Since radiators are installed in different ways, the valves are made straight (through) and angular. Choose the type that will be better for your system.

Straight (port) valve and angle

Name/company	For which system	DN, mm	Housing material	Operating pressure	Price
Danfos, angled RA-G adjustable	single pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	25-32 $
Danfos straight RA-G adjustable	single pipe	20 mm, 25 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	32 — 45 $
Danfos, angled RA-N adjustable	two-pipe	15 mm, 20 mm. 25 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	30 — 40 $
Danfos straight RA-N adjustable	two-pipe	15 mm, 20 mm. 25 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	20 — 50 $
BROEN , straight fixed	two-pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	8-15 $
BROEN , straight fixed	two-pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	8-15 $
BROEN , corner adjustable	two-pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	10-17 $
BROEN , corner adjustable	two-pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	10-17 $
BROEN , straight fixed	single pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	19-23 $
BROEN fixed angle	single pipe	15 mm, 20 mm	nickel plated brass	10 bar	19-22 $
OVENTROP , axial	1/2″	Nickel-plated brass, enamelled	10 bar	140 $