Temperature controllers for heating batteries: selection and installation of temperature controllers

Tips before you start installing your thermostat

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the following tips that should be remembered before starting the installation of the device.

Before installing the shut-off and control mechanism, you should read the manufacturer's recommendations.
The design of temperature controllers contains fragile parts that can fail even with a slight impact.
Therefore, care and attention should be exercised when working with the device.
It is important to foresee the following point - it is necessary to install the valve so that the thermostat takes a horizontal position, otherwise warm air coming from the battery may enter the element, which will negatively affect its operation.
Arrows are indicated on the body, which indicate in which direction the water should move. When installing, the direction of the water must also be taken into account.
If the thermostatic element is installed on a single-pipe system, then you need to install bypasses under the pipes in advance, otherwise when one battery is turned off, the entire heating system will fail. incorrectly

It is also desirable to place the thermostatic sensor at a distance of 2-8 cm from the valve

Semi-electronic thermostats are mounted on batteries that are not covered by curtains, decorative grilles, various interior items, otherwise the sensor may not work correctly. It is also desirable to place the thermostatic sensor at a distance of 2-8 cm from the valve.

The thermostat is usually installed on a horizontal section of the pipeline near the entry point of the coolant into the heater

Electronic thermostats should not be installed in the kitchen, in the hall, in or near the boiler room, since such devices are more sensitive than semi-electronic ones. It is advisable to install devices in corner rooms, rooms with a low temperature (usually these are rooms located on the north side).

When choosing an installation site, the following general rules should be followed:

• next to the thermostat there should be no devices that generate heat (for example, fan heaters), household appliances, etc.;
• it is unacceptable that the device is exposed to sunlight and that it is located in a place where there are drafts.

By remembering these simple rules, you can avoid a number of problems that arise when using the device.

Installing a thermostat on a radiator

Thermostats on the radiator are installed mainly on the supply before entering the heater. Each of the valves passes the coolant in one direction. Where the flow should go is shown by an arrow on the body. The coolant should flow exactly there. If connected incorrectly, the device will not work. Another question is that you can put a thermostat, both at the inlet and at the outlet, but observing the direction of flow. And in both cases they work the same way.

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)

It is worth paying attention to the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the installation height. Most models should be at a height of 40-60 cm from the floor. They are calibrated for temperatures at this level.

But not everywhere the feed is top. Often radiators have a bottom connection. Then, in addition to the type of system (one-pipe or two-pipe), select the height of the installation. If such a model is not found, you can set a lower temperature on the thermal head. If you set the recommended one, it will be too hot, because below, in the floor area, the air is cooler, and the model is set to maintain the temperature measured at the height of the upper edge of the radiator.The second option is to configure the device yourself. The procedure is usually described in the passport, and we will describe the most common sequence of actions below. And the third option is to put a thermostat with a remote sensor on the battery. Then it doesn't matter at what height the thermal head stands. The main thing is the location of the sensor. But these models are much more expensive. If this is critical, it is better to adjust the regulator

They are calibrated for temperatures at this level. But not everywhere the feed is top. Often radiators have a bottom connection. Then, in addition to the type of system (one-pipe or two-pipe), select the height of the installation. If such a model is not found, you can set a lower temperature on the thermal head. If you set the recommended one, it will be too hot, because below, in the floor area, the air is cooler, and the model is set to maintain the temperature measured at the height of the upper edge of the radiator. The second option is to configure the device yourself. The procedure is usually described in the passport, and we will describe the most common sequence of actions below. And the third option is to put a thermostat with a remote sensor on the battery. Then it doesn't matter at what height the thermal head stands. The main thing is the location of the sensor. But these models are much more expensive. If this is critical, it is better to adjust the regulator.

Please note that the thermostatic head must be turned horizontally (facing into the room). If it is welded up, then it is constantly in the stream of hot air that comes from the pipe. Therefore, the substance in the bellows is almost always heated, and the radiator is turned off.

Result - the room is cold

Therefore, the substance in the bellows is almost always heated, and the radiator is turned off. The result is that the room is cold.

For the device to work correctly, you need to install it "head" into the room

The situation is slightly better if the battery is installed in a niche, covered by a screen or curtain. The thermoelement is also "hot" but not so much. Here you can go in two ways: either set a high temperature on the regulator, or use a remote sensor. Models with remote thermal controllers are, of course, not cheap, but you can choose the point of control at your discretion.

Another thing to remember: when installing in a one-pipe system, a bypass is required. And unregulated. Then, when the supply to the radiator is closed, the riser will not be blocked, and you will not receive “hello” from your neighbors.

Thermal valves also differ in the type of connection: they are with union nuts, there are with compression ones. Accordingly, they are joined with certain types of pipes. Usually, the specification or product description indicates the type of connection, as well as with which pipes it can be used.

Installation rules

Now it is worth considering a universal mounting method that is applicable to radiators made of various materials. First of all, it is necessary to stop the water supply from the common riser and drain the water from the battery. This can be done with a ball valve, valve or other blocking device.

After that, you need to remove the adapter. In the process of work, it is required to cover the floor with napkins or other material that absorbs moisture well. Only then can you begin to unscrew the nuts with the keys.

After dismantling the old adapter, you can proceed to install a new one, having previously cleaned the threads. Now the collar needs to be changed. If it is not possible to remove the old part as a whole, it can be disassembled in parts with a knife. For the subsequent installation of the thermostat, follow the arrows indicated on the device case.

When the device is installed, you can run water into the system. Before doing this, wipe off all the water under the batteries and lay down a dry cloth. So you can quickly see the presence of a leak and immediately get rid of it.

It is much safer to entrust the installation of the device to a professional who has already done this work many times and knows how to properly install the thermostat on different types of radiators.

Features of the tuning method for mechanical instruments

Electronic devices are ready for use immediately after installation, which cannot be said about mechanical ones. To set them up, you need to spend some more time to adjust the temperature to your needs. First you have to close all windows and doors in the room, open the regulator completely. It is necessary to give the batteries time to work at full capacity in order to measure the resulting temperature in the room with a thermometer after a while. When the maximum readings for this room are fixed, you need to gradually close the valve and monitor the changes on the thermometer. Reduce the coolant flow until a comfortable temperature is obtained.

Types of thermostats

Mechanical thermostat

Thermostatic regulators have a common device principle and various actuators. The overall design consists of body, stem, seals, valve and connecting threads. The body is made of brass or 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. A detailed description of the thermostatic valve is given in the previous section. The main feature of a mechanical thermostat is manual control of the valve.It is carried out with a plastic handle that comes 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.

How to install regulators

For proper installation, special knowledge of heat engineering is not required, it is enough to observe the following rules:

1. The device crashes on the supply to the battery, and not on the output ;
2. The conditional diameter of the passage of the device must correspond to the diameter of the supply pipes;
3. If several radiators in the room are connected in series, then it makes no sense to install the device on each one separately - you can adjust the flow at the inlet of the first one. If a single-pipe heating system is used or each battery is connected to a separate riser (with vertical wiring), then a separate regulator for each battery is required;
4. When mounting the device, its head, in which the bellows is located, must be in a horizontal position so that stagnant zones do not form around it. Also, it should be blown by air from the room, and not by upward air flows from pipes. In addition, it is more convenient to set the adjusting drum in the desired position.

For the same purpose, it is desirable that the head is not covered with curtains or decorative screens;

For correct operation of the regulator, its head must not be exposed to direct sunlight.

You might be interested to know

The efficiency of using thermostats for heating batteries in each case will be different.Nevertheless, we can say for sure that if you have ever experienced discomfort associated with high room temperature, then the economic effect will be guaranteed. The second most important plus of the installation is the ability to equalize the temperature in different rooms. For example, if in your house the room closest to the boiler warms up excessively, and in the back rooms you have to look for a blanket or sweatshirt, then such a misunderstanding can be solved by installing thermostats on nearby radiators. To answer your question literally, yes, it really works.

Putting the regulator on batteries to save on utility bills is unprofitable, in my opinion. Firstly, in order to really save money, you need to install meters in the apartment, they themselves will cost a pretty penny, plus work, plus running around with paperwork. In an apartment building, if the house is old and there are no heat meters in each apartment, there will be little sense from this. Yes, and the regulation of temperatures is also a questionable question, it depends on the house - someone fries so that they can’t breathe, but someone freezes. In a private house, I would gladly install regulators, but the question arises: is it necessary to change heating radiators to modern ones for this? I have old, Soviet ones everywhere.

There are several types of battery-mounted thermostats, including designs with a remote thermostatic sensor. All of them are designed for mounting on radiators of any type, including old cast iron and steel samples.Even if the heating system of your house is mounted from something very exotic, you can always use an adapter from one thread size to another (all threads are unified). There is no problem to install, the question is whether this will disrupt the normal operation of the heating

It is important that the temperature control valve is fully open to provide the required circulation volume on the coldest days. This requirement is especially important for single-pipe heating systems.

It is desirable (I would even say mandatory) to install thermal heads with maximum throughput in them. The manufacturer positions such devices as valves for single-pipe systems, and a line of such devices allows connection to batteries with a threaded connection from 1/2″ to 1″. Proper installation involves the installation of a three-way valve with a bypass section, which is needed in order not to stop the flow of coolant in the system. I note that if the installation of a thermostat in two-pipe heating can be performed by a person with minimal locksmith skills, then intervention in a single-pipe structure requires certain qualifications and a competent approach.

Before we installed a battery-powered regulator in the house, we regulated the heating ourselves, but it was very troublesome and it happened so often that when it was very hot, we turned off the heating at night and freeze, and when it seemed cold and we turned on more, we had to open the windows and to ventilate, that is, to heat the street. And with the regulator, we set a certain comfortable temperature and do not worry anymore.

Gas-filled and liquid thermostats

When developing a regulator, a substance in a gaseous or liquid state (for example, paraffin) can be used as a thermostatic element. Based on this, the devices are divided into gas-filled and liquid.

Paraffin (liquid or gaseous) has the property of expanding with temperature. As a result, the mass presses on the stem to which the valve is connected. The rod partially covers the pipe through which the coolant passes. Everything happens automatically

Gas-filled regulators have a long service life (from 20 years). A gaseous substance allows you to more smoothly and clearly regulate the air temperature in your home. Devices come with a sensor that determines the temperature of the air in the home.

Gas bellows respond faster to fluctuations in room temperature. Liquid ones are distinguished by higher accuracy in transferring internal pressure to the moving mechanism. When choosing a regulator based on a liquid or gaseous substance, they are guided by the quality and service life of the unit.

Liquid and gas regulators can be of two types:

• with built-in sensor;
• with remote.

Instruments with a built-in sensor are installed horizontally because they require air to circulate around them, which prevents heat from the pipe.

Thermostats are suitable not only for heating systems based on gas, electric boiler or converter. They are used in systems "warm floor", "warm walls"

It is important to choose a modification that is suitable for a particular system (+)

Remote sensors should be used in cases where:

• the battery is covered with thick curtains;
• the thermostat is in a vertical position;
• the depth of the radiator exceeds 16 cm;
• the regulator is located at a distance of less than 10 cm from the window sill and more than 22 cm;
• the radiator is installed in a niche.

In these situations, the built-in sensor may not work correctly, so I use a remote one.

Typically, the sensors are located at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the body of the heating radiator. In the case of a parallel installation, its readings will go astray under the action of the heat coming from the radiators.

2 How to set up heating in a private house features and nuances

The heating networks of private houses and dwellings in apartment buildings differ greatly. In a separate residential building, only internal factors can affect the operation of heat supply - problems of autonomous heating, but not breakdowns in the general system. Most often, overlays occur due to the boiler, the operation of which is affected by its power and the type of fuel used.

Heating setting

The possibilities and methods of adjusting home heating depend on several factors, the most significant of which are the following:

1. 1. Material and pipe diameter. The larger the cross section of the pipeline, the faster the heating and expansion of the coolant.
2. 2. Features of radiators. It is possible to regulate radiators normally only if they are properly connected to the pipes. With proper installation during operation of the system, it will be possible to control the speed and volume of water passing through the device.
3. 3. The presence of mixing units. Mixing units in two-pipe systems allow you to reduce the temperature of the coolant by mixing cold and hot water flows.

The installation of mechanisms that allow you to comfortably and sensitively regulate the pressure and temperature in the system must be provided for at the design stages of a new autonomous communication. If such equipment is installed without preliminary calculations in an already functioning system, its efficiency can be significantly reduced.

Choice of places for installation of thermostats

The operation of these devices is badly affected by:

• Direct sunlight.
• Appliances that generate heat during operation.
• Difficult air circulation: the thermostat must not be covered with curtains, curtains and decorative grilles.

It is not always possible to install thermostats on all heating radiators in an apartment. Where to put them in the first place in this case:

• In private multi-storey buildings - on batteries on the upper tiers. The warm air in the room rises, so the temperature on the second and third floors will be higher than on the first.
• In apartments and one-story houses, first of all, thermostats are placed on batteries located closer to the heating boiler.

Types of thermostatic heads

There are three types of thermostatic elements: manual, mechanical and electronic. Even though they perform the same functions, they can provide different levels of comfort because they have different capabilities.

Manual adjustment

The principle of operation of such devices is quite simple and has an analogy with the operation of a conventional shut-off valve. By turning the thermostat head in one direction or another, a certain temperature of the heating radiator is achieved due to the volume of the coolant.They are considered the most reliable, simplest and cheapest devices for temperature control, but their convenience is at the lowest level. To adjust the optimum temperature, you have to turn the head manually.

Manual thermal head - the easiest and most reliable option

Their cost is not so high, and their functionality makes it possible not to install shut-off valves at the inlet and outlet of the battery.

Mechanical regulation

This method of regulation is associated with some difficulties, since such thermostats maintain the temperature of the heating batteries in automatic mode. The basis of such a thermostat is a bellows in the form of an elastic cylinder filled with a gas or liquid with a high coefficient of thermal expansion. When heated, the gas or liquid begins to increase in volume, due to which the adjustment takes place.

Thermostat device for a heating radiator with a mechanical thermostatic head

The bellows is connected to an element that blocks the path of the coolant. Before the gas or liquid in the bellows is heated, the rod is in the depressed position and the maximum amount of coolant passes through the battery. As it heats up, the gas or liquid increases in volume, which is transferred to the rod, which begins to block the through hole, reducing the volume of coolant supply. As the substance cools, its volumes decrease and the rod begins to move in the opposite direction, slightly opening the through hole and allowing the coolant to flow to the battery in large volumes. As a result, the battery begins to heat up again, raising the temperature in the room.

gas and liquid

Mechanical thermostats are able to maintain the temperature of the battery with an accuracy of 1 degree, while the accuracy depends on the substance used in the bellows. Gases react faster to temperature drift, but such devices are much more complex constructively.

Liquid or gas bellows - no big difference

Liquids are somewhat more inert, but their production is not associated with technological difficulties. Accuracy, although somewhat lower, but half a degree can hardly be felt. In this regard, products with liquid filling are mainly found.

Remote sensors

The thermostatic head is installed so that it can regulate the battery temperature depending on the room temperature. Due to the fact that such devices differ in decent size, such an installation is associated with certain difficulties. A thermostat with a remote sensor can solve this problem. The temperature sensor is connected to the head through a thin capillary tube. This allows you to install the sensor in a convenient location.

With remote sensor

Adjustment of heat transfer of heating radiators is carried out taking into account the air temperature in the rooms. The disadvantage of such solutions is their high cost, although the accuracy of temperature control is quite high.

Thermal head for radiators

Watch this video on YouTube

Electronic regulation

Electronic thermostats have both their advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages include a slightly larger size compared to mechanical ones, since the control mechanism takes up a larger volume, plus a couple more batteries, as well as electronic filling.The advantage is a large set of functions due to the operation of the microprocessor, which controls the operation of the entire device.

Electronic thermostats for batteries are large

Thanks to specially developed programs, it became possible to program the temperature in the room literally by the hour, depending on whether it is day or night.

Naturally, the cost of such thermostats is much higher than mechanical ones. In addition, it is necessary to control the charge of the batteries, although their operation lasts for several years.

living eco thermostat - Installation

Watch this video on YouTube

How can I regulate the temperature of the heating battery?

In private houses and apartments, quite often there is such a phenomenon as a difference in the level of heating of radiators connected to the heating system. Therefore, residents are forced to put up with uncomfortable living conditions, because the temperature in the bathroom can differ significantly from that in the bedroom or living room. This problem is especially typical for owners using autonomous heating in houses and apartments.

Proper installation of a device such as a regulator will help homeowners avoid common problems with the heating system. for heating battery, which is designed to control the heatsink temperature. Modern radiator temperature controllers are available in a wide range of models and can be used by homeowners to optimize their heating system, reduce energy costs and maintain optimal temperature conditions in every room of the house.

Thermostats for heating radiators

First of all, let's talk about when thermostats are needed for radiators. They are needed in those rooms where you need to reduce the temperature. Most often, these are the upper apartments of high-rise buildings with an upper coolant supply and vertical wiring. By installing the thermostat on the battery, setting the desired temperature, you will be guaranteed to have the set parameter with an error of one degree.

Thermostats and valves perform the same function, but provide different degrees of comfort

When thermostats won't help If you need to increase the heat transfer of the heater. They can only lower, but not raise. What radiators do thermostats work well with? With everything except cast iron: they have a very large thermal inertia and such a device is practically useless. Now more about the types and features of their installation and operation.