Heating systems in motorhomes: heater options for comfortable camper temperatures

What heating systems are used according to the wiring method

Structurally, a water heating system can be implemented in the following ways:

• Single-circuit. It is closed and focused only on space heating;
• Dual circuit. Requires the installation of a boiler of a certain design.It is focused both on heating of rooms, and on supply of hot water in cranes.

According to the method of distributing heating from a boiler in private houses, the following varieties are distinguished:

Single pipe connection

The pipes are looped here, and the batteries are connected one after the other. The coolant moves from the boiler to each radiator in turn. Its significant drawback is the uneven heating of heating devices. The farther they are located from the boiler, the lower the temperature in them. At the same time, such an arrangement of heating is quite common due to its economy and simple design.

The difference between one-pipe and two-pipe connections

To reduce heat loss, you can apply the following tricks:

• Install last radiators with an increased number of sections;
• Increase the temperature of the coolant, but this will increase costs;
• Install a pump - switch from gravity to forced water circulation. In this case, the water will pass through the system faster and return to the boiler.

Two-pipe connection

Here, additional discharge pipes are used, which take the cooled coolant from the batteries back to the boiler. Hot water is transferred without heat loss.

Beam heating distribution

This type of heating distribution in private homes is essentially a set of small autonomous circuits. Water pressure and temperature in each of them can be adjusted separately. It is still rarely used due to the complexity of execution. In addition to a large number of pipes, it requires the installation of additional equipment, namely a collector, which plays the role of a storage tank with subsequent distribution of the coolant.

When can systems be combined?

It is permissible to install a combined heating system in rooms of any purpose. The main thing is to choose the finish product and the type of underfloor heating in accordance with the requirements. The combined design is the ideal heating for a two-story private house.

When laying a heating water floor on the first floor, warm air masses, rising, will warm up the floors of the second floor, where only radiators can be installed. For finishing material on the first floor, it is better to choose tiles, and for the second floor, any material is suitable.

It is not possible to build a combined system in apartment buildings, since it is forbidden to connect hydrofloors to the heat supply source of the entire house. The solution is the arrangement of the heat exchanger.

Characteristics of the most popular heating systems

The choice of a specific type of heating is not limited to connecting to a central line or autonomous operation, they are divided into several options that are suitable in a given situation.

Water heating

Many consumers choose water heating of a country house, the options and prices of which make it possible to provide the building with heat and hot water with minimal initial investment and an acceptable level of current costs.

It is a closed loop system that consists of three main components:

• heating boiler, which can operate on suitable gas, liquid or solid fuels and electricity.

• Tru systemsb, which ensures the delivery of the coolant (heated water) to each room.

• heating batteriesacting as heat sources in the room.

To ensure the quality of the functions, a constant circulation of water in the pipes is necessary, it can be forced or natural.

Schematic representation of a water heating system

The first option requires the connection of a pump of sufficient power, which will ensure the movement of the coolant in utilities. The second one is obtained due to a change in the density and degree of heating of water in different parts of the heating system, the heated coolant moves up, squeezing out colder water.

Despite the advantages, there are disadvantages:

• Uneven heating - rooms located closer to the boiler heat up more than remote ones.

• The rate of temperature increase is quite slow and it will take a while for the whole house to warm up.

• impact on the interior. If the pipes are laid in the walls at the construction stage, then for their repair it will be necessary to remove the coatings. In the case of installing water heating after repair, it is difficult to naturally fit them into the design of the room.

  

• The need to maintain a certain coolant temperature increases operating costs.

Despite this, water heating is the most popular.

Electric heating of a country house (electric convectors)

If only efficiency is taken into account, then electricity has the highest rate among all heating elements, so it is most often chosen if it is possible to connect to a common energy highway.

Electric heating radiator

The advantages of this type of heating include:

• Relative ease of installation, which, with basic knowledge and skills, can be done independently.

• High heating rate.

• Lack of noise accompanying the operation of devices.

• A wide range of devices based on a variety of operating principles, which allows you to use the most optimal option for yourself.

• A wide range of different design solutions provides an opportunity to choose an electric heating device for a specific interior.

But there are a number of conditions that limit or make it impossible to use such equipment in some cases:

• High cost per 1 kW of heat.

• There are certain wiring requirements. It must be rated for the appropriate power.

• An uninterrupted supply of electricity is required. If there are problems with this in the region, then another option should be sought.

Subject to these parameters, the installation of electric heating will bring only pluses.

The main components of the condensing boiler

The heat exchanger for condensing boilers can be made in the form of pipes with a complex cross section. This is necessary in order to increase the volume of the heat exchanger as much as possible, thereby increasing the efficiency of the condensing boiler. In boilers of this type, a fan is mounted in front of the burner, which extracts gas from the gas pipeline and mixes it with air. Further, such a working mixture is sent to the burner.

Flue gases leave the system through coaxial chimneys.

For the manufacture of such chimneys, manufacturers mainly use plastic, which has good heat resistance. The pump integrated in gas condensing heating boilers is electronically controlled and optimizes the output of the boiler, thereby saving electricity.

coaxial chimney

The efficiency of the boiler largely depends on the parameters of the heating system as a whole. If the water temperature is low, then the condensation of water vapor will occur more fully. Thus, a significant part of the latent heat will be returned to the heating system. This will also affect the fact that the efficiency of the condensing boiler will be slightly higher.

Not every heating system is suitable for a condensing boiler. The heating system must be designed for a not too high coolant temperature.

That is, it should be a relatively low-temperature heating system. In the return circuit, the coolant must have a temperature no higher than 60 degrees. Outside conditions don't matter. If there is a slight frost on the street, then the temperature of the coolant in the return circuit will not be lower than 45-50 degrees. Thus, the boiler will operate in condensing mode.

Floor standing condensing boiler

Low-temperature heating boilers can be either with one or with two circuits. They can be used to organize a heating system or for hot water supply. Such boilers may vary in power parameters. Their power range is quite large and ranges from 20 to 100 kW. Such power, which is provided by low-temperature heating at home, is enough for any living conditions.

For an industrial area, you will need to purchase a more powerful floor-standing boiler.

You can also purchase various kits for connecting condensing boilers.The list of such components includes: condensate neutralizers, expansion tanks, various safety devices, kits for the exhaust gas system, piping kits and much more.

In many European countries, the use of boilers other than condensing ones is prohibited. This is due to the fact that they have a higher efficiency and they emit much less harmful particles into the atmosphere. In such countries, the state takes care of its people, because it prohibits the use of equipment that does not have good economy and a low level of environmental safety.

Dimensions of heating radiators

The standard height of the most popular models of heaters with a center distance along the eyeliners is 500 millimeters. It was these batteries that in most cases could be seen about two decades ago in city apartments.

Cast iron radiators. A typical representative of these devices is the MS-140-500-0.9 model.

The specification for it includes the following overall dimensions of cast iron heating radiators:

• length of one section - 93 mm;
• depth - 140 millimeters;
• height - 588 millimeters.

It is not difficult to calculate the dimensions of a radiator from several sections. When the battery consists of 7-10 sections, add 1 centimeter, taking into account the thickness of the paronite gaskets. If the heating battery is to be installed in a niche, it is necessary to take into account the length of the flushing valve, since cast-iron radiators with side connections always require flushing. One section provides a heat flow of 160 watts at a temperature difference between the hot coolant and the air in the room equal to 70 degrees. The maximum working pressure is 9 atmospheres.

Aluminum radiators. For aluminum heaters on the market today, with the same interaxal spacing of the connections, there is a significant variation in the parameters (in more detail: “Dimensions of aluminum heating radiators, section volume, preliminary calculations“).

Typical are the following dimensions of aluminum heating radiators:

• the length of one section is 80 millimeters;
• depth 80-100 millimeters;
• height - 575-585 millimeters.

The heat transfer of one section directly depends on the area of ​​its fins and depth. Usually it is in the range from 180 to 200 watts. The working pressure for most models of aluminum batteries is 16 atmospheres. Heating devices are tested with a pressure one and a half times greater - this is 24 kgf / cm².

Aluminum radiators have the following feature: the volume of coolant in them is 3, and sometimes 5 times less than in cast iron products. As a result, the high speed of movement of hot water prevents silting and the formation of deposits. Bimetal radiators. The steel core in such devices in no way affects their appearance and dimensions of heating radiators, but the maximum working pressure increases significantly. Unfortunately, the increase in the strength of the bimetallic battery leads to a high cost. And the price of such a product is already inaccessible to a wide range of consumers.

Bimetallic heating radiators section dimensions are as follows:

• length 80-82 mm;
• depth - from 75 to 100 millimeters;
• height - a minimum of 550 and a maximum of 580 millimeters.

In terms of heat transfer, one bimetallic section is inferior to aluminum about 10-20 watts. The average value of the heat flux is 160-200 watts.Due to the presence of steel, the working pressure reaches 25-35 atmospheres, and during testing - 30-50 atmospheres.

When arranging the heating structure, pipes should be used that are not inferior in strength to radiators. Otherwise, the use of durable devices loses all meaning. For bimetallic radiators, only steel eyeliner is used.

How to choose the best system

There are many heating systems. All of them have attractive sides and significant disadvantages. It is quite difficult for an unprepared person to navigate them and make the right choice.

In order not to be mistaken, you need to know exactly what points you should pay attention to.

First, it is the availability of fuel and its cost. You can consider this as a key point. As much as you like the system, but if the fuel for it is difficult to obtain, is supplied intermittently to the region, or is too expensive, you should consider another option. Otherwise, heating the house will cost a pretty penny and turn out to be inefficient.

The second point is the possibility of combining heating systems. In some cases it can be very practical to use a primary and secondary system. This gives confidence that in case of possible interruptions in the supply of energy, the house will not be left without heat. In addition, there is an opportunity to save money, since you can use the most economical heating method at the moment.

And finally, the financial side of the issue. It is necessary to determine how much the consumer will be able to allocate for the purchase of equipment, its competent installation and subsequent regular maintenance.

The main options for heating the cottage 4. Solid fuel

In this capacity, firewood, pellets (briquettes) or coal can be used.However, you need to understand that a solid fuel boiler is not fully automatic. So, someone must constantly work as a stoker. In the case of pellet boilers, the level of automation is higher, but the level of fire hazard of the fuel is also higher.

This must be taken into account when using coal-fired boilers. Therefore, in both cases, additional security measures will be required. Equipment costs vary greatly. For example, a 15-kilowatt boiler with manual loading will cost about 25,000 rubles, but the prospect of constantly running to the boiler room and throwing firewood or coal by hand is unlikely to smile at you. A boiler with automatic fuel supply can cost from 100,000 (pellet) to 200,000 rubles. (carbonic). True, they all serve for 20-25 years.

As a result, the operation of a wood-burning boiler will cost 6250 rubles. per year, automatic pellet - 10,000, and automatic coal - 15,000 (all - taking into account the cost of annual maintenance).

The cost of fuel significantly depends on the region. For example, in the Moscow Region, 1 cubic meter (650 kg on average) of birch firewood at a wholesale price today will cost 1,400 rubles. (we believe that when ordering a large volume at once, delivery will be free), coal of acceptable quality - 6000 rubles. per ton, fuel briquettes - at about the same price.

If we assume that the specific heat of combustion of firewood is approximately equal to 3.4 kWh / kg, coal - 7.5 kWh / kg and briquettes - 5.6 kWh / kg; that the efficiency of a wood-burning boiler is approximately 75%, and that of an automatic one is 80%; then we get the cost of 1 kWh of heat, respectively, equal to 0.84, 0.64 and 0.85 rubles. (firewood, coal and briquettes).That is, a year heating with wood will cost 71,400 rubles, coal - 54,060 rubles. and briquettes - 72,420 rubles.

And taking into account operating costs: firewood - 77,650 rubles. in year; coal - 69,060 rubles. in year; briquettes - 82 420 rubles. in year.

Coal heating, as we see, is cheaper than heating with other types of solid fuels, but firewood in 2020 has become more profitable than briquettes. But any solid fuel is more expensive than main gas.

Forced circulation system

Equipment of this type for two-story cottages is considered more preferable. In this case, the circulation pump is responsible for the uninterrupted movement of coolants along the mains. In such systems, it is allowed to use pipes of smaller diameter and a boiler of not too high power. That is, in this case, a much more efficient one-pipe heating system for a two-story house can be arranged. The pump circuit has only one serious drawback - dependence on electrical networks. Therefore, where the current is turned off very often, it is worth installing the equipment according to the calculations made for a system with a natural coolant current. By supplementing this design with a circulation pump, you can achieve the most efficient heating of the house.

A gas boiler without electricity is a traditional model of a floor appliance that does not require additional energy sources to operate. It is advisable to install devices of this type if there are regular power outages. For example, this is true in rural areas or summer cottages. Manufacturing companies produce modern models of double-circuit boilers.

Many popular manufacturers produce different models of non-volatile gas boilers, and they are quite efficient and of high quality. Recently, wall-mounted models of such devices have appeared. The design of the heating system must be such that the coolant circulates according to the principle of convection.

This means that the heated water rises and enters the system through the pipe. In order for the circulation not to stop, it is necessary to place the pipes at an angle, and they must also be large in diameter.

And, of course, it is very important that the gas boiler itself is located at the lowest point of the heating system.

It is possible to separately connect a pump to such heating equipment, which is powered by the mains. By connecting it to the heating system, it will pump the coolant, thereby improving the operation of the boiler. And if you turn off the pump, then the coolant will again begin to circulate by gravity.

Types of heating radiators for a private house

Only in the last few decades, heating batteries have evolved from simple bulky cast-iron sections to efficient convection devices, where control is carried out by complex electronic systems. Considering household appliances, it is convenient to divide them according to the materials from which the heat transfer surfaces are made into the following types:

• Cast iron multi-section batteries;
• Heaters made of welded steel sheets of various thicknesses;
• Bimetallic devices using two types of metals, one of which is aluminum;
• Devices made of aluminum alloys;
• Copper heaters;
• Plastic elements for systems where the temperature of the heat transfer fluid does not exceed 80 degrees.

Structurally, radiators are divided into:

• sectional;
• tubular;
• panel;
• lamellar.

For special conditions, corner appliances, skirting radiators or convection devices are developed for installation in interior details (window sills, doorways, stairs, floors). Each type of device has its pros and cons.

Cast iron radiators

Cast iron sections have long been included in the interiors of both most private houses and apartments in high-rise buildings. They are resistant to corrosion and withstand pressures up to 18 atmospheres, are compatible with other materials and have a service life of up to 30 years.

The disadvantages include bulkiness and a large internal volume of the coolant. Many homeowners, however, with the right paint job, give a second life to cast iron radiators, creating interesting retro options.

Steel heating appliances

Steel radiators, as a rule, are not expensive to manufacture, have low inertia and light weight. Most often, manufacturers produce steel radiators of certain sizes, allowing you to select the required parameters for performance and the number of elements.

All surfaces are painted using innovative technologies that reduce the thickness of the paint to increase heat transfer, while maintaining high protective properties. The main disadvantage of steel devices is low corrosion resistance, leading to a relatively short service life of about ten years.

Bimetal radiators

Bimetallic devices are a technological design that combines the excellent heat-conducting properties of aluminum and the strength of steel. They are able to withstand pressure from 18 to 40 atmospheres, which is more than enough in individual heating systems.

There are two types of bimetallic batteries: with an all-steel inner core, or with only steel vertical channels. In the first case, the radiators are more durable, in the second they heat up faster and are cheaper. The main disadvantage is only the high price of the device.

Aluminum radiators

Aluminum alloy batteries have excellent thermal conductivity and light weight. They serve up to 15 years, and perfectly heat the premises both by thermal radiation and convection. On sale you can devices produced by casting, or by combining vertical aluminum panels with a silumin (alloy of aluminum and silicon) collector. In the second case, the devices are cheaper, however, the sections are connected without the possibility of adding. For cast radiators, you can dial any number of sections.

Copper radiators

Copper thermoblocks are much less common due to their high price. However, those who find funds for copper products receive excellent heat transfer with high resistance to aggressive environments. Due to the formation of a stable oxide film, they practically do not corrode and serve up to 50 years.

plastic radiators

Plastic radiators are the most budgetary type of devices. They are fairly easy to install and light weight. Despite their low price, they are not widely used in individual heating systems due to the low heat transfer coefficient, and, as a result, low efficiency.

Which batteries to choose for a private house can be decided only after all the calculations have been made, and also based on financial capabilities.When choosing purely technical parameters, their appearance is of great importance. For modern interiors, various models of vertical devices have been developed, and the range of shapes, sizes and colors is truly great. Convectors with forced air circulation have become quite popular, providing rapid heating of buildings with a large glazing area, or installed on the verandas of private houses.

You can learn more about choosing radiators from the video:

TOP-4 steel heating radiators

Steel radiators are distinguished by reliability, high heat transfer. Of the minuses, it is worth highlighting the instability to water hammer, susceptibility to corrosion. Some manufacturers use special coatings to protect against it. Most steel radiators have a panel view, i.e. it is impossible to dial the required number of sections, as in aluminum and bimetallic ones. The exception is tubular steel radiators.

Axis Classic 22 500×1000

The steel radiator consists of two water-conducting panels and two convection rows. The outer grille is removable: you can clean the internal parts. It differs from the standard dimensions characteristic of all models of the rating (50 × 100 × 10 cm) by a slightly larger thickness - 11 cm. Almost all radiators weigh about 28 kg. The capacity of water is 5.63 liters. Steel radiators differ from bimetallic radiators with a lower working pressure - 9 bar (13.5 - during pressure testing). Side connection ½ inch. The center distance is non-standard - 449 mm. Designed for coolant temperatures up to 120 °C. The model has increased power - 2188 watts.

Advantages:

1. Nice view. Simple design.
2. Quality build. Russian production on Italian equipment.
3. The kit includes everything you need for installation.
4. Heats well.
5. Inexpensive.

Flaw

1. Non-standard center connection. There are no problems if the eyeliner is made of polypropylene pipes.

Axis Classic 22 500 1000 costs 3700 rubles. The model surpasses all types of steel radiators included in the rating in terms of power. Provides rapid heating of the room. The quality of the metal, reliability satisfied demanding users, so the vast majority of them recommend the product for purchase.

Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 22 500×1000

It features a large volume of water - 6.3 liters. The working pressure in the system is higher - up to 10 bar, but less power - 1826 watts. According to the manufacturer's calculations, one radiator is enough to heat a room of about 18 square meters. m. The model undergoes anti-corrosion treatment by phosphating and hot powder spraying. Center distance - 450 mm.

Advantages:

1. Laconic design.
2. Good painted. Does not turn yellow over time.
3. They heat well.
4. Build quality is ok.

Flaw:

1. One radiator is not enough for the declared area (but it depends on the coolant temperature).

Price Buderus Logatrend K-Profil 22 500 1000 - 4270 rubles. The model is somewhat inferior to Axis Classic 22 in terms of power, but it has a better anti-corrosion coating. Customers are satisfied with the quality of workmanship and the operation of the radiator.

Kermi FKO 22 500×1000

Differs in the smallest volume - 5.4 liters. But it loses in power to the first two models - 1808 watts. Designed for system pressure up to 10 bar (13 bar - pressure test). Provides operation at a coolant temperature up to 110 °C. Center distance - 446 mm. The manufacturer has applied Therm X2 technology, which increases the energy efficiency of the equipment.The outer coating is made of two layers of powder paint, which increases the resistance to mechanical damage.

Advantages:

1. Beautiful view.
2. Quality made.
3. Ease of care.
4. Good heat dissipation.

Flaw:

There are cases of leakage after several years of use (in an apartment building where the system is drained for the summer).

Kermi FKO 22 500 1000 for 6200 rubles provide a normal level of heat. Due to the small volume of coolant, the heating of the radiator and the room is faster. Recommended for installation in a closed system without draining the coolant for a long period.

Arbonia 2180 1800 270

The only representative of tubular steel radiators in the review. It differs from panel models in non-standard dimensions. This is a narrow model (65 mm) with a very high height (1800 mm). The width of one section (tube) is 45 mm. Center distance - 1730 mm. One section weighs 2.61 kg, but it includes a much larger volume than aluminum and bimetallic radiators - 1.56 liters. In terms of heat transfer, the six-section Arbonia is expectedly inferior to other models in the rating - 1730 W. Power - 990 watts.

Advantages:

1. Interesting view.
2. Normal heat dissipation. Heats up well.
3. Quality build.

Flaw:

1. It is necessary to take into account the place for installation, the possibility of piping. If there are windows in the room, they will blow (you cannot place such a radiator under them).

The price of Arbonia 2180 1800 270 is 9950 rubles. You can choose the number of sections, unlike other steel samples. Non-standard sizes significantly increase heat transfer due to the larger radiator area. Can become part of the interior. Customers have no complaints about the quality.

Selection criteria depending on the characteristics of the heating radiator

Having become acquainted with the main characteristics of equipment from different materials, you can begin to choose. At the same time, at least three important points must be taken into account.

1. Heat dissipation

The expediency of its installation depends on how efficiently the heater gives off heat. Let's compare the characteristics. One section gives off this amount of heat depending on the material:

• cast iron - 100-160 W;
• aluminum - 82-212 W;
• bimetal - 150-180 watts.

Steel structures, both tubular and panel, give 1200-1600 watts each. It turns out that the most effective are aluminum devices, bimetallic ones are a little behind them, then steel and cast iron ones. We must remember about inertia. For leaders, it is minimal. This means that they will quickly heat up, however, they will cool down quickly after stopping heating. Whereas inertial cast iron will heat up for a long time and cool down slowly, heating the room even after the heat is turned off.