Meters for heating in an apartment: classification of metering devices and rules for their installation

3 Types of devices

Mechanical work due to the fact that during the passage of the coolant through them, a special part rotates. Each revolution represents a certain volume of water. The device records the number of revolutions and makes further calculations.Models can be vaned and turbine, depending on the type of rotating part. There are other types of devices, but these are the most common. The device has several advantages:

• simplicity and reliability of the design allows you to install it without problems and successfully operate over a long period;
• the device does not require connection to a source of electricity, which reduces its costs and the amount of utility bills;
• adaptation indicators are stable under any circumstances;
• the cost of the device is affordable;
• it is easy to install the meter, it is allowed to mount it in any position, which also makes the task easier.

An important condition is the installation of a coarse filter, which will provide more accurate readings. In its absence, they are greatly distorted. The disadvantages of the device include a shorter service life and rapid wear of protruding parts. It should also be noted that with a significant decrease in the volume of coolant in the system, the device will not record its circulation and quantity.

How to set the counter?

Often people ask the question whether it is possible to mount a meter for heating on their own. Russian legislation prohibits the installation of control and measuring equipment by organizations and persons who do not have a certificate or permission to carry out this type of work. Accordingly, to install a heat energy meter, you need to contact a certified company, the list of services of which includes the relevant work.

Low cost mechanical heat meter

When choosing a meter, you should pay attention to such characteristics as the maximum allowable temperature and pressure level, they must correspond to the parameters of the central heating system of the house. The technology for the correct installation of the metering device is described in the project plan developed on the basis of technical documentation

Ultrasonic heat meter

The drafting of the project must be carried out by an organization that has permission for this type of activity. The project must be coordinated with the controlling authority, and only then and only then proceed to its implementation.

The counter can only be installed if all conditions are met:

• there is a permit from the organization supplying the house with thermal energy;
• the balance holder drew up the specifications for the work;
• a certified company has been selected that provides services for the installation of metering devices;
• the contractor's specialists prepared the project documentation and agreed it with the controlling authorities.

After installing the device, it is necessary to conclude an agreement with the organization supplying heat to the house on accounting for the amount of heat energy consumed by the meter. Representatives of this organization check and seal the device, put the meter into operation.

The consumer who installed the heat meter on his own will not be able to coordinate the installation in the controlling authorities and the readings of the device will not be taken into account.

Installation work must be carried out by professionals of the design and installation organization. This ensures that the precise measuring equipment is installed correctly.If you install the meter on your own or entrust it to a master who has not undergone special training, there is a high risk that a possible flaw in the installation process will affect the accuracy of the meter readings.

Mounting diagram of the heat meter installation

During installation work, many rules and requirements must be taken into account, in particular:

• it is not allowed to use a welding machine when installing a meter with an ultrasonic flow meter;
• temperature sensors must be installed strictly in the prescribed places;
• it is necessary to provide free access to the device for maintenance and reading;
• the device must be mounted on a flat section of the pipeline in order to exclude wave disturbances during the movement of the coolant, the minimum allowable length of a flat section before and after the meter depends on the model of the device;
• the temperature-sensitive element of the device must be located in the center of the cross section of the pipeline;
• so that airing does not affect the meter readings, an air vent valve is installed in front of the device;
• to simplify the installation and dismantling of the device, ball valves are mounted on the pipe before and after it;
• it is recommended to install a filter in front of the device so that the meter is not damaged by mechanical inclusions in the coolant.

So, when buying a house in a new building, pay attention to piping layout central heating. If one supply pipe is brought into the apartment, from which the coolant is distributed to all heating devices, then it makes sense to obtain permission to install an individual meter

In this case, thermal energy will not be wasted, and you will only pay for the heat that you use.

Related video:

General and individual heat meters

Depending on the purpose, the metering device is installed:

• on the inlet manifold for supplying coolant to a multi-storey residential building. This provides accounting for the heat that all apartments receive;
• on separate pipes that lead to a specific apartment.

Counters industry produces different types. Each consumer chooses the one that, in his opinion, is the best.

It can be:

• mechanical;
• ultrasonic;
• vortex;
• electromagnetic.

If ultrasonic devices are used by individual consumers, then all the others can be installed both in the whole house and in a separate apartment.

General house metering device is installed on the supply main line passing in the basement. After meter heat is supplied to the apartments.

Remember! The readings on the meter are displayed in gigacalories. On a certain date, usually the last days of the month, current readings are taken. Then the difference with the previous readings is calculated.

The resulting number is multiplied by the tariff approved by the government agency. As a result, you will get the amount that should be paid to the whole house. Then, depending on the area of ​​apartments, the amount is distributed to each payer.

Thus, apartment owners pay for heating:

• your apartment;
• landings;
• basements and attics;
• common areas.

Can I install the counter myself?

The general accounting of heat energy consumption, despite its positive features, has its drawbacks:

• to install a general metering device, you will need to obtain the consent of all the residents of the house, which is not so simple;
• the general device does not take into account the uneven distribution of heat.So, insulated apartments and those located in the middle of the house will consume less heat, and extreme and non-insulated apartments will consume more. In this case, all owners will pay in proportion to the area of ​​their apartments, regardless of the above factors;
• apartment owners who are very warm will rather open the windows than screw on the batteries. After all, saving on heating with a general accounting will not work.

It is possible to solve the issue of cheaper payment services only by installing individual metering devices. They are mounted on each heating battery. The costs of their acquisition and maintenance are fully borne by the owner of the property.

However, he gets the opportunity to independently regulate the temperature of heating his apartment and calculate his financial capacity to pay for heat.

However, service providers do not agree with this approach to heat metering. In addition, the old heating distribution system forces you to mount a meter on each riser that goes to the battery. And this is a very expensive pleasure.

Even if you decide on this, then you will have to install them only in the warm season. Moreover, you will have to drain water from the heating system through your risers.

The way out of this situation is to install distributors on each radiator. However, they only take into account the heat of the heatsink surface. And the heat supplier will not agree with their testimony.

Please note! If the house is used horizontal wiring system heating pipes, then the heat meter can be installed in any apartment. And there won't be any problems.

Heating meter options: individual and common house appliances

Depending on the conditions and variant of the distribution of the heating network, there are two types of heat meters: common house and individual - in each apartment. Both methods have the right to life, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

general house heat meter in an apartment building is considered an excellent option, especially if the majority of residents are willing to contribute financially to its installation. Despite the fact that the installation cost and the price of the heat meter are quite high, if the final amount is distributed among the residents, the result will not be such a big figure. Accordingly, the more applicants, the cheaper the work will cost. On a monthly basis, data from the meter is taken by employees of the heat supply organization, who distribute the resulting figure between apartments, taking into account the area of ​​\u200b\u200beach.

Before purchasing a common heat meter for heating, the following tasks should be solved:

Heat meters can be individual and common house

1. Hold a meeting of the residents of the house, interview those who are willing to invest personal funds in the installation of the device. It is allowed to install the device only when the majority of those living in the house are ready to support the idea.
2. Discuss the features of subsequent installation, select a supplier company that will take readings from the meter and issue receipts for heat energy consumption for each consumer.
3. Be sure to record the results of the meeting in the minutes and send a written statement about the desire to install a heating device to the company that is responsible for the supply of heat.
4. Draw up an agreement with the heat supply organization and pay for the used heat energy upon the fact.

So that the process of installing the meter does not drag out, experts recommend immediately contacting companies that perform the full range of services for installation, project creation and coordination. And you also need to first find out if the current heat service provider is installing meters. Often, utilities have agreements with private companies that install heat meters in the houses entrusted to them on preferential terms.

As for the benefits, installing heating meters in the house is considered an economical solution. However, there are some nuances. For example, if the windows in the entrance are old, broken, then the heat loss along the entrance will be significant, which will subsequently affect the final amount for heating. Sometimes, due to such losses, heat costs can exceed standard norms. These nuances must be foreseen in advance and assess the feasibility of installation.

To install a common house meter, the consent of at least half of the residents is required

Individual meter for heating in the apartment

Despite the fact that in some cases the installation of heat meters in a house or in an entrance will cost less, but the economic effect may not be expected in the near future. For this reason, many consumers prefer individual meters, which are mounted directly in each apartment.

Before installing the meter, you first need to figure out how the meter works for heating in the apartment. So, the operation of an individual device involves the placement of a distributor on each battery, the task of which is to fix the temperature and its fluctuations over a certain period.Usually, differences are taken into account throughout the month. Based on the obtained indicators, the payment for the consumed thermal energy is calculated.

To understand whether it is possible to put a meter for heating in an apartment, you need to know some of the limitations that arise for technical reasons. Given that the installation of a heat meter is carried out on each riser, then if there are several risers in the apartment, several devices will need to be installed. Therefore, with vertical heating distribution, distributors are installed that calculate the heat consumption based on the temperature difference on the surface of the battery and in the air of the room.

Installing an individual meter will cost more than a common house meter, but the cost savings thanks to it are more significant.

For horizontal wiring, install the meter to the heating battery much easier. In rare cases, thermal appliances are mounted on the return line, but in this case the calculation takes place according to a different principle.

Types of heat meters and the principle of their operation

Instruments for measuring the flow of water and gas have long been familiar to Russians. But many do not understand how the heat energy meter for an apartment works.

The number of heat meters installed in the room depends on the type of wiring. If it is horizontal, it is enough to install one device. More serious expenses await residents of houses with vertical piping. They will have to install the device separately on each battery.

Each device consists of:

• 2 temperature sensors;
• coolant meter;
• calculator.

The principle of operation of the heat meter is simple. The sensors detect the media temperature at the system inlet and outlet. The meter records the amount of water passing through the pipes and batteries of the apartment.

The calculator analyzes the data received from the listed devices and determines the amount of heat used. This item is powered by electricity. Connection to the network is not required, since its functioning is provided by lithium batteries.

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of how much the heat meter costs. The cost depends on the manufacturer and type of device. Below we will consider in detail the types of equipment and their features.

Mechanical heat meters

The simplest and most affordable metering device is mechanical. It can be screw, turbine or winged. The equipment can be used even if the coolant is heavily polluted or saturated with salts.

Such a heat meter has its pros and cons. The main advantages are:

• simplicity and reliability of the design;
• independence from electricity;
• ease of installation and maintenance;
• possibility of installation in any position;
• indicator stability.

Experts recommend installing a deep filter in front of the device. This will allow you to get accurate indicators over a long period.

Among the shortcomings of the device, it is noted that it has a short service life compared to other types.

Ultrasonic heat meters

The legislation of the Russian Federation allows for apartment heat metering using various types of equipment. Ultrasonic models are considered the most reliable and durable.

In the process of operation, they fix the time of passage of ultrasound along the coolant flow from the source to the receiver. This period depends on the speed of the water: the higher it is, the longer the ultrasound takes.

The device fixes the signal delay and determines the volume of the used coolant.Accurate measurements can be obtained in the absence of impurities and scale.

The user can choose between time, Doppler, frequency or correlation ultrasonic counter.

Electromagnetic devices

Electromagnetic heating meters for apartment radiators determine the volume of coolant by creating an electromagnetic field. AT water passing through an electric current appears. The unit determines the current voltage, which increases with the acceleration of the coolant flow. Evaluating these indicators, the device determines the volume of liquid.

If the installation of such a heat meter was performed by a qualified specialist, and the coolant passing through the device is cleaned of impurities, it can be guaranteed that the device will give the most accurate readings.

Vortex counters

If you do not know which heat meter is better to choose for an apartment in order not to spend extra money, pay attention to the vortex device. Due to the design features, a vortex is formed inside from the coolant, which has a certain frequency

This figure is proportional to the flow rate. After determining the frequency of vortex formation, the equipment calculates the volume of the used coolant

Due to the design features, a vortex is formed inside from the coolant, which has a certain frequency. This figure is proportional to the flow rate. After determining the frequency of vortex formation, the equipment calculates the volume of the used coolant.

The main advantages of this type of devices are:

• low cost;
• simplicity of design;
• possibility of installation in horizontal and vertical pipelines;
• little wear.

In the process of operation, vortex equipment does not use a large amount of electricity.

When giving preference to such devices, it should be borne in mind that a large straight pipe section is needed for their installation. In addition, the devices are sensitive to vibrations.

Features of choosing a meter for heating

So, you are familiar with the varieties of heat meters. Now you need to understand how not to make a mistake when choosing a device and buy something that will work as long as possible without any problems. There are a few simple recommendations regarding the purchase of heat meters.

1. Evaluate whether there is enough space on the supply heating line of your apartment where water meters are being installed. If there is not too much space, give preference to the electromagnetic version, as the most compact and not demanding on the installation site.
2. It is also advisable to choose an electromagnetic heating meter for those heating systems where there is an increased pressure in the pipes - more than 0.7 kg / cm2. Under such conditions, the service life of other devices will be significantly reduced.
3. If enough clean water is supplied to the heating system in your house, the temperature and pressure of which is within the normal range, choose a mechanical heat meter.
4. Give preference to those devices in which the computing unit has the possibility of autonomous battery power - in this case, the meter will work even during a power outage.

Types of heat meters

What to look for when choosing a heat meter for heating?

First of all, you should think about the need for an individual device. If a common house heat meter is installed, then the cost of acquiring an apartment is not justified.There is little use for a meter in housing on the first and last floors, as well as in corner rooms, if they are not previously insulated. With a vertical heating system with separate risers in each room, the cost of installing a meter will greatly exceed the possible benefits.

If the purchase of the device is advisable, then when choosing, you should pay attention to the following criteria:

​

• sensitivity to dirt in the coolant;
• energy independence;
• measurement error;
• pressure loss;
• lengths of straight sections of heating pipes;
• the presence of an archive and its depth;
• self-diagnostic capability.

In addition, it is important that the operation and verification of readings be available to a simple consumer. A good sign if the manufacturer gives a guarantee beyond the standard 2 years

Most modern heat meters meet the requirements. It remains only to choose the right price.

3 Types and principle of operation of devices

There are several options for common house meters of different prices on the market, differing in design and method of taking readings. In order to understand which device is more profitable to buy, you need to have an idea about the characteristics of each type:

1. 1. Tachometric model. The design consists of a rotary water meter and heat calculators; it is possible to complete the meter with vane parts. The simplicity of the device means its low cost (from 6 thousand rubles) both in the purchase and in the installation work. True, it will need additional components, for example, fittings, valves and a magnetic-mechanical filter. The model is the most popular among users. Its service life reaches 6 years.Restriction to the installation may be the presence of a rigid coolant in the heating system.
2. 2. Vortex model. As the name implies, the principle of operation of the device is to create turbulences with the coolant. This effect is obtained due to the installation of obstacles inside the device. Wider possibilities for installation make the cost of this meter higher than that of the previous equipment. Here, both vertical and horizontal installation of the model on sections of the heating system is possible. This type is the best option for high-rise buildings, whose residents do not want to overpay for additional features. Of the advantages, one can note the efficiency in the consumption of electricity, since the equipment is equipped with a battery. The price of the device is an average of 15 thousand rubles, excluding the cost of the filter.
3. 3. Electromagnetic model. The price of the device varies from 15 to 17 thousand rubles, depending on the manufacturer. Despite this, the meter requires regular maintenance, since the principle of its operation is the generation of small currents. Incorrect installation may cause the device to display incorrect readings. The heat meter is quite accurate, subject to proper maintenance and operation. It can save up to 40%.
4. 4. Ultrasonic model. The device takes readings at the moment when the ultrasound wave passes through the coolant flow. The greater the flow rate of the heat carrier, the longer the meter will register the parameters. The device is recommended to be installed in new buildings or houses where a new heating system is installed. The presence of impurities and deposits greatly reduces the accuracy of the data and reduces the life of the device.The cost of the model can reach 48 thousand rubles.

How is the payment amount calculated?

In order to determine which subscriber must pay how much for heating, the following calculation algorithm is used:

• The HOA or the management company knows the area of ​​the whole house and each apartment separately. Based on the readings of the meter and the size of the tariff, the cost of heating one square meter of area is calculated;
• the share of each apartment in the house in square meters is deducted;
• the estimated share is added to the area of ​​​​the apartment according to the registration certificate;
• the amount received is multiplied by the cost of heating one square meter of the house.

Objection to a court order for the recovery of debts for housing and communal services.

Thus, there are no difficulties in the calculation. Everything is simple and clear. If the residents of the house take care of the common property, the house will always be warm. And with a metering device, you will need to pay less for heat.

Why is it necessary to install a meter for heating in a residential area

The lack of high-quality heating due to improper operation of the heating network often forces apartment residents to look for alternative sources of heat. At the same time, it is not always the cause of poor heating that lies precisely in a breakdown in the heating network. Often workers housing and communal services in an effort to save money, they screw on the valve, which reduces the flow of hot water, which is especially felt by residents of the upper floors of high-rise buildings.

Quite often, due to the poor performance of the heating network, it is necessary to look for alternative sources of heat.

The result is insufficiently warm batteries and the need to use electric heaters, which, in turn, entails an increase in electricity costs.Heating in the apartment does not become cheaper. As a result, it turns out that users have to overpay on all fronts.

Another reason for high payments is often the difference in the temperature of the water that leaves the boiler room and the one that enters the apartment directly. Often the temperature of the water in the radiator is much lower than normal, which occurs due to heat loss on the line due to poor insulation or damage to the pipes. Even in this situation, all costs are borne by the end user.

Sometimes the situation can be quite different when the batteries are so hot that you have to open windows to ventilate the room. In this case, you have to pay, in fact, for heating the street, which also does not count correct. Regulators, which are often installed together with heat meters for heating, will help to avoid the problem.

The scheme of the heating meter in the apartment

The main advantages of installing a heat meter in an apartment

The heat energy meter is mounted directly on the pipe through which heating enters the apartment, and calculates only the amount of heat actually used. If you additionally install a thermostat that controls the flow of water to the device, you will also be able to control the flow of hot water, which, if necessary, can be reduced. As a result of the work done, the final consumption figure will be significantly lower than that determined by the standards.

After installing and registering the heat meter in the apartment, you can be sure that only the cost of heating the home will be taken into account in the payment.There is no need to pay for heat losses during transportation or for associated costs incurred as a result of poor-quality provision of services by the heat generating company after installation. Heat metering is carried out on the basis of the following indicators:

• consumption of hot water delivered to the apartment;
• water temperature at the inlet to the heating system and at the outlet of the apartment.

As a result of expenses, the amount of heat consumption per day, month or year, calculated in hectacalories, is determined. Modern apartment heat meters have the ability to store data on monthly heat consumption over a long period, usually up to 10 years. Some devices have an additional option that allows you to connect it to a computer and transfer readings via the Internet.

The main advantage of the counter is the ability to significantly save finances.

If there is any doubt whether the heating meter in the apartment is profitable, you can pay attention to a simple calculation: the price of the device, together with the installation, is from 7 thousand rubles, and the minimum service life is 12 years

During one season, you can save from 4 thousand rubles on heating by the meter, which depends on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe apartment. Accordingly, over 12 years of use, at least 48 thousand rubles are saved, and this figure is far from final.

The operating costs of the meter are insignificant, because basically only the call of a specialist to verify the device is paid, which is carried out no more than once every 5 years. It is also required to occasionally replace the batteries, but this also has to be done by those who do not use the meter.

Why is a heat meter needed and how does it work in an apartment building?

Heat meters are used to control the quality of heating services. If the batteries were not hot enough, then you would not have to pay the full cost for heating your home.

Given the constant increase in utility rates, an individual meter will help save a lot. At thermal power plants, such devices have long been installed to control the quality of services.

Multi-apartment buildings were also required to have heat meters to encourage energy-saving measures. Installing a heat meter allows you to check how correctly the coolant is supplied to the house, to detect and eliminate possible losses from incorrect laying and wear of the heating main.

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How to submit evidence?

In order to monthly pay the bill for the actual water consumption and sewerage fee, it is necessary to transfer data from the meter to the appropriate service every month. In each region, this procedure is implemented in one of the following ways:

• the completed leaves of the subscriber book are torn off and lowered into special boxes;
• water meter readings are entered on the website of the water supplier in the consumer's personal account;
• sent an e-mail with data to a special organization.

Vodokanal or DEZ may also develop other methods for transmitting meter data. But the consumer chooses the option that is most convenient for him.

Now you know the right way set counter to cold and hot do-it-yourself water, taking into account the features of the device and installation requirements.

Installation of an individual heat meter

Before you install a heating meter in a separate apartment of a multi-storey building, you will need to perform a number of activities and actions, otherwise connecting the device will not be appropriate and legal.

Step one . It is necessary to eliminate the existing sources of heat loss, including cracks in the windows, insufficiently insulated entrance doors, and freezing corners. Only after this, the installation of a heat meter will result in significant savings in money.

step two . The management company (ZHEK, HOA) must provide the owner of the apartment with technical conditions (TU) - they attribute the requirements that must be met in order to connect the apartment heat meter. Usually the text of the conditions takes up an A4 sheet. It certainly indicates information about the temperature and pressure of the coolant entering the pipeline of a particular house.

Step Three . Knowing these parameters, you can start buying a heat meter without fail in a company that works legally. When purchasing a device, you must require a sales receipt and a cash receipt, a certificate confirming the quality, rules and instructions for use.

Step Four . In the design organization, on the basis of the technical specifications provided by the management company, you should order a design solution for installing a heat meter in an apartment. The design company must have a license for this type of work.

Step Five . A measuring thermal device is being installed by employees of a licensed organization specializing in this type of service.

When choosing a company, it is advisable to pay attention to a number of nuances:

• for the availability of information about the organization in the Unified State Register of Legal Entities;
• for the presence of a package of necessary documentation, including certificates, certificates, permits of SROs;
• availability of qualified specialists;
• availability of special equipment;
• to perform a full list of installation works;
• availability of a free visit of a specialist to the client’s apartment in order to inspect communications;
• availability of warranties for the work performed.

Step Six . When the installation of the heat meter is completed, a representative of the management company (ZHEK, HOA) must seal it and sign the acceptance certificate for the device.