Water underfloor heating convectors: types, features of installation and arrangement

The dependence of the price on the characteristics of the heater

The cost of the convector will consist of its following characteristics:

• Used pressure and output heating temperature;
• Total thermal power;
• The noise of the fans;
• Their number in the design;
• Average energy consumption;
• The presence of a dimensional grid;
• Decoration features.

It is not so difficult today to choose a heater with specific characteristics and so that they correspond to price / quality indicators - fortunately, most convector models are sold according to the so-called “designer” scheme (all devices are completed with the corresponding elements separately).

Regarding prices, we can talk about the rather high cost of the equipment in question as a whole. For example, even for a brand released in the expanses of the countries of the former USSR, you will have to pay about 16,000 rubles for a sample with a power of 1000 watts. In the former republics, production is mainly focused on models for heating with a total area of ​​​​up to 25 meters, with their total price of 50,000 rubles.

Wall and floor water heating convectors

According to the installation method, all heating convectors are divided into wall, floor and floor. The first two types are very similar to each other, so we will consider them together.

The main difference between wall and floor convectors, which are very similar in appearance, is their dimensions. Wall-mounted, as a rule, are quite high, floor - low and compact. The latter, due to their modest size, are less conspicuous, they are easy to hide behind furniture.

Wall mounted water convector.

Floor water convector.

There are even plinth models with a height of less than 200 mm, which can serve as a replacement for the plinth and heat the room around the entire perimeter.

Plinth water convector.

All wall and floor convectors are divided into models with a casing and models without it. The casing does not play a decorative role, as one might expect: it contributes to the creation of additional traction to improve air circulation.Often the height of the casing is much greater than the dimensions of the heat exchanger. Such a discrepancy is not at all a manufacturer's defect, this is done intentionally: the higher the casing, the stronger the thrust. As for convectors without a casing, they also have a casing, but it only masks the heat exchanger and protects it from mechanical damage.

It should be noted that the surface of the functional casing or the decorative casing does not heat up too much. This favorably distinguishes convectors from radiators - in this case it is impossible to get burned by accidentally touching the surface of the case.

Most often, convector bodies are made of steel, regardless of the material of the heat exchanger. The fact is that steel is easily painted, and this gives the buyer the opportunity to choose a heater that fits perfectly into the interior of the room. However, steel is the most common, but not the only option. If you wish, you can find something more exotic, for example, a convector in a wooden case.

The best floor convectors with forced circulation

3. Techno Usual KVZ 250-140-1200

The built-in water convector Techno Usual KVZ is equipped with a fan. Due to this, the heating of the entire volume of the room occurs faster.

Estimated cost - 8000 rubles.

Techno Usual KVZ 250-140-1200

Characteristics:

• thermal power: 743 W, which corresponds to the ability to warm up to 7.4 sq.m. premises;
• connection diameter to the heating system: 1/2″;
• overall dimensions: 1200х250×140 mm;
• black color;
• working/pressure pressure: 16/30 atm;
• frame profile: U.

pros

• wide body;
• great thermal power.

Minuses

absence of a decorative grille in the delivery set.

Convector Techno Usual KVZ 250-140-1200

2. Hardware Uyut-B 380

The built-in convector with forced air circulation stands out against the background of analogues with a double heat exchanger. This design allows you to efficiently transfer thermal energy from the coolant, increasing the thermal power of the device up to 1566 watts. This allows you to reduce the number of convectors in the room and somewhat reduce the cost of arranging the heating system. The case of the built-in convector is made of stainless steel. This guarantees a long service life of the device.

The cost is about 20600 rubles.

Hardware Uyut-B 380

Characteristics:

• connection diameter: 1/2″;
• overall dimensions: 1000×380х80 mm;
• operating/pressure pressure: 30/60 atm;
• complete grille: roller;
• heat transfer at a coolant temperature of 70C: 1566 W.

pros

• built-in Mayevsky crane;
• the ability to work at high pressure coolant;
• included in the scope of supply wall-mounted triac controller "VRS".

Minuses

high price.

Convector Hardware Uyut-B 380

1. KZTO Breeze B 240x85x1400

The Breeze V convector is capable of heating rooms of any size and purpose. Its high efficiency is due to the presence of a tangential fan in the design. The air flow created by this fan covers the entire area of ​​the working surface of the heat exchanger. This ensures the best heat transfer. It is noteworthy that a convector with forced ventilation can also be used in the summer heat. When the boiler is turned off, the cold coolant begins to work as a refrigerant, turning the convector into a kind of low-power air conditioner.

The approximate cost of KZTO Breeze B is 34,000 rubles.

KZTO Breeze V 240x85x1400

Characteristics:

• power: 2175 W;
• heated area: 21.7 sq.m;
• diameter of universal connection connection: 1/2″;
• overall dimensions: 1400x240x85 mm;
• case color: grey;
• working/pressure pressure: 15/25 atm;
• lattice type: roller;
• warranty period: 5 years.

pros

• high thermal power;
• quiet fan.

Minuses

the large length of the body complicates the installation.

Convector KZTO Breeze At 240x85x1400

How to choose?

Before you go to the store for a purchase, you need to accurately determine the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room that needs to be heated, as well as choose the most suitable type of radiator. After that, you can proceed to the selection of a suitable model, be sure to consider the following parameters.

Thermal power of the convector. It depends on this indicator how effective the use of a water convector will be. If there are no windows in the room, then a power of 100 watts is enough, but if they are, then for each window it is necessary to increase it by another 200 watts.

Dimensions and dimensions of the radiator itself

Here it is important to understand that it is necessary to take into account not only the dimensions of the convector itself, but also add to them the necessary distance from the walls, ceiling, floor and windows. Only a device selected taking into account all these parameters will work efficiently, safely and correctly.

Waterproof level

The presence of this functionality is necessary, especially when it comes to purchasing a water convector for a bathroom, pool or any other room with a high level of humidity.The lack of moisture protection in this case will lead to unsafe and short-lived operation of the device.

circulation type. Another important point. Of course, radiators with a fan are more powerful, but at the same time they are noisier, and they also raise dust in the room much more. In addition, when purchasing such a convector, it is necessary to additionally purchase an additional power supply.

Operating pressure. This parameter should be in the range from 8 to 9 bar, provided that the water convector is connected to a centralized heating system. If such a radiator will be used autonomously, this indicator should not be higher than 3 bar. It should also be remembered that these characteristics are strictly regulated by SanPIN.

The internal volume of the heat exchanger. This parameter should be taken into account if the water convector will be used as an autonomous heating system. In this case, this indicator should be in the range from 0.8 to 2 liters.

The limiting temperature should not be higher than 130 degrees, and in the passport of the convector itself it should be indicated that the heating of the body itself should not be higher than 60 degrees Celsius.
If you plan to mount the water convector on wall partitions or any other vertical surfaces, then you must choose those radiators whose weight, together with the mount, will not exceed 22-26 kg.

Installation scheme

Any floor convector is installed in a specially prepared niche or under an equipped raised floor. In this case, the decorative grille must be flush with the floor covering.

Taking into account all the technical nuances, when installing such heating systems, certain rules must be followed. And we are talking about the following important points:

• the niche should be wider than the installed device by 5-10 mm on each side and 10 cm from the side of the pipeline connection;
• the depth of the niche is 10-15 mm higher than the height of the convector, taking into account the thickness of the finishing surface;
• using an adjustable support or special brackets, it is necessary to achieve maximum stability of the device;
• after completion of installation and connection of the convector, the free space in the niche is filled with a special solution for reliable fixation;
• in the process of finishing the floor, the gap between the decorative grille of the convector and the flooring is sealed with silicone;
• often the connection of convectors is carried out using metal-plastic pipes, which are quite easily bent at the desired angle;
• pipes immured in a screed or covered with a raised floor should not have connections;
• despite the fact that with an increase in the thickness of the floor, any pipes can be used, experienced experts recommend giving preference to metal-plastic and polypropylene products;
• the installation of the pipeline is carried out using union nuts, referred to as "American".

When installing convectors with forced air circulation equipped with fans, it is necessary to take into account the need to connect them to the mains.

Convection

This term refers to the process of transferring thermal energy with the help of moving air, which comes from a warm object. As the air heats up, it becomes lighter, which means it will rise up.There it meets cold air and, as a result of mixing, it descends again, where it is again heated. This is how the circulation process works.

Convector heating has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include features such as:

Water heating convectors have an attractive appearance

• Heating of the room occurs in the most uniform way. Due to the small amount of hot water, the room is heated in just a few minutes. This saves quite a lot of electricity.
• During the operation of a water convector, the difference in air temperature near the floor and in the area of ​​​​the ceiling is only 1-2 degrees, while when the radiator is operating, the difference can be 6-7 degrees.
• Many water heating convectors are equipped with a thermostat, through which you can choose the most convenient temperature for yourself. Thanks to the built-in temperature sensor, the desired temperature will be maintained all the time the convector is in operation.

Water convector thermostat

• The convector has a maximum heating temperature of 90 degrees. When compared with a heating radiator, the difference can be from 30 to 50 degrees. This feature is especially useful for families with small children.
• If the convectors are combined, it is possible to control the heating system of the whole house.
• This device is completely fireproof.
• Convector water heating is available at a very reasonable price, as the reviews say.

Heating system with water convectors controlled remotely

Basic requirements for the body of the device

The appearance of the metal case does not play an important role, since it is located in the floor of the room

Particular attention should be paid to the quality of this element, since the reliability and durability of the heating unit depends on the indicator and its class is determined

The metal from which the case is made plays an important role:

1. For installation in wet rooms, a convector with a housing made of stainless material with increased moisture resistance is suitable.
2. In dry rooms, a device is selected with a case made of galvanized or black steel, which is coated with an anti-corrosion paint resistant to external influences.

Usually, special powder formulations are used to coat the metal case. They effectively protect the metal from rust and external influences.

Designers recommend choosing convectors, in which the parts and internal walls of the body are painted in a dark color. They are almost invisible, so they look more aesthetically pleasing.

Types of execution of water convectors

By type of execution, water convectors are very diverse, which allows you to install them in any room, as well as hide them in the finishing elements, for example, convectors are:

• wall;
• floor;
• intrafloor;
• plinth;
• basement.

The principle of operation of different types of convectors is practically the same, the difference lies only in the location of the gratings for air intake and outlet.

Types of water convectors

Wall mounted water convectors

In appearance, wall-mounted models are not much different from conventional radiators.They are attached to the wall with brackets, usually installed under the windowsill or on the outer, coldest wall.

At the same time, it is important to observe the distances to the floor and window sill indicated in the passport in order to ensure the free movement of air flows.

Wall mounted water convector

Wall models of water convectors differ in thermal power and geometric dimensions, the number of heat exchangers and the material from which they are made. Additionally, wall convectors are equipped with a Mayevsky crane, control valves and a thermostat.

Floor water convectors

The convenience of floor convectors is that they can be installed anywhere without being tied to walls. Floor models are often used to heat studio apartments without internal walls. Heating pipes are located in the floor

Air intake in floor convectors is carried out from below, so it is important not to block them with furniture

Floor convector

The original solution is a convector-bench, it is equipped with a comfortable seat made of wood, which does not interfere with the movement of warm air. Such convectors are installed in shopping centers and other public places, as well as in greenhouses and winter gardens. You can also install floor convectors in ordinary apartments, placing them on the floor under windows or at the front door - where they create a thermal curtain.

Floor water convectors

Floor-mounted models are often used to heat rooms with panoramic windows or for rooms made in a minimalist design. Floor convectors do not take up extra space, they can be placed in any convenient place.The body of the convector is built into a special niche in the floor, the pipes are also laid hidden. Pipe laying and a niche are performed at the stage of pouring the floor screed.

Floor convector

From above, the convector heater is closed with a grate made of wood, plastic or metal, the choice of material depends on the finish of the floor. The grate is installed flush with the finished floor, which facilitates movement on it. Air intake is carried out through the same grate as its outlet. Floor convectors can be used as an independent source of heating or additional - to create a thermal curtain in front of windows and doors.

Air circulation in floor convector

Skirting water convectors

Another way to successfully hide heaters is to install baseboard water convectors around the perimeter of all cold walls. Skirting convectors consist of heat exchangers connected in parallel or in series and connected to heating pipes. The heat exchangers are closed with aluminum or steel casings with an air outlet grille.

Water heating (cottage) allows you to maximally equalize the temperature in the room and normalize the humidity. The closed circuit significantly reduces heat loss. Skirting models are compact and fit well into the design of the room, in addition, they allow you to hide the heating pipes under the body.

Convector heater-baseboard

Basement water convectors

Socle models are also embedded, but the possibilities of their application are much wider.Basement convectors are mounted in wall niches, partitions, steps or interior items, which allows you to make the heating system almost invisible and bring heat to those parts of the room where it is most needed. How to install a stove with a water circuit for heating a house, you can read in our article.

The placement of basement convectors is planned at the stage of rough finishing: niches are prepared, hidden pipelines are laid, wiring and shutoff equipment are installed. At the same time, inspection hatches must be made at the location of the shut-off valves.

Basement convector built into the stairs

Pros and cons of water heating convectors built into the floor

Underfloor heating convectors are an ideal solution for almost any interior. In aesthetic terms, such convectors have the same advantages as built-in household appliances. Performing their functions, they do not occupy living space and are quite easy to hide with decorative elements.

Like any heating device, water underfloor heating convectors have their own merits and demerits. The advantages include the following aspects:

• Such devices have a fairly high efficiency compared to floor and wall counterparts, as they heat the air from the floor itself. As a result, much less heat energy is required and, as a result, lower heating costs.
• Floor convectors free up free space in the room and allow you to install them with panoramic windows or terrace exits.
• The large area of ​​the heat exchanger also contributes to more efficient heating of the room.
• The light weight and simplicity of the design make it possible for non-professionals to install such devices, subject to safety precautions and installation rules.
• Stylish and modern look. By choosing a suitable decorative grille, you can successfully fit floor convectors into the style of your interior.

In addition to the advantages, such devices have a number of serious disadvantages:

• The need for a thick layer of concrete screed to ensure the installation of the convector. Due to their design, such devices require a large amount of space from the level of the subfloor. This limitation makes it impossible to use floor convectors in many houses and apartments.
• The need to accurately adjust the level of the finished floor to the level of the decorative grilles of convectors throughout the house.
• The high price of such heaters compared to standard wall and floor types.
• The need for frequent cleaning of the premises due to the fact that the air currents passing through the floor itself often raise dust.
• The inconvenience of cleaning the floor convector itself and the clogging of dust and dirt into it.
• One of the most serious drawbacks of convectors located in the floor is the inconvenience of maintenance in the event of an accident. In the event of leaks or emergency failure, the convector niche will quickly fill with hot coolant, which will hinder access to shut-off valves and may lead to injury. In the presence of central heating, such an accident can lead to the impossibility of stopping the supply of coolant.

Advantages and disadvantages

Underfloor heating convectors cannot be called the most common heating equipment.But they have a lot of advantages that make them an ideal choice for heating rooms with panoramic windows. By installing an underfloor water heater under the window, we will provide excellent visibility and not so good heating of the room, office, cinema hall and any other room.

What are the advantages of floor convectors?

Convectors mounted in the floor perfectly warm the room and do not clutter up the space.

• Minimum dimensions - floor convectors have a small height, therefore, excessively deep niches are not needed for their installation (with the exception of high-power models).
• Ease of installation - just put the equipment in niches and connect it to the heating system using suitable fittings.
• The possibility of creating a hidden heating system - floor heaters are completely recessed into the floors, and only their decorative grilles are visible from above.
• Underfloor heating water convectors do not clutter up the space in the premises - they are mounted in the floors, and decorative grilles are installed flush with the floor covering;
• Efficient heating of rooms with panoramic windows - floor convectors warm rooms, offices and other premises well, blocking the way for drafts coming from windows.
• The ability to install in doorways is another way to increase the efficiency of the heating system and get rid of drafts.
• Safety for children - if the convector is sunk into the floor, you cannot burn yourself on it. Such devices are optimal for children's camps, sanatoriums and kindergartens.
• A large selection of colors for decorative grilles - choosing a grille to match the color of the floors, we get an excellent disguise of the heating system.

There are also some disadvantages:

In rooms with high ceilings, it is better to combine underfloor heaters with other heating devices.

• low efficiency in rooms with high ceilings - this is true for all convectors, and not just for floor convectors. For this reason, they are recommended to be combined with other heating devices;
• floor convectors carry dust - it must be constantly removed with a powerful vacuum cleaner;
• high cost of equipment - some models are expensive.

These disadvantages can be neglected, since there are undoubtedly more advantages.

To remove dust and dirt from underfloor heating devices, it is enough to remove the decorative grille to the side and use a powerful vacuum cleaner.

The device of water convectors

Water convectors consist of a body (with mounting brackets), two pipes (supply and return) and a set of convective plates on the pipes. There are two types of these heaters: through and end.

Cold air is heated from plates tightly fitted on pipes with small gaps between them. This creates an upward (convective flow), the strength of which is sufficient to “suck in” heavier cold air onto the plates.

The convectors are installed using fittings (using threads on the end sections of the pipes of the heater). Sometimes steel appliances are mounted for welding.

The shape of the case for different types of devices is different from each other. Floor and wall devices have a relatively small thickness and are developed in height. Their case is an interior element for the house, therefore, increased requirements are placed on its design.Other types of devices have a small cross-section of the body and an increased length.

End heaters are equipped with air valves. Sometimes thermostatic valves are also installed. There is also a budget option - installing a special damper with a control knob, which regulates the amount of air flow passing through the device.

The most common and inexpensive material for the manufacture of pipes, plates and convector body is steel, followed by anti-corrosion treatment and painting. Such devices are traditional for apartments. More expensive, efficient in terms of heat transfer and durable heaters are produced from copper pipes and plates. There are devices made of aluminum alloys.

Classification of convectors

Like any other heating device, the types of heating convectors are classified according to their various characteristics. In particular, there are several main classifications of this device:

• according to the type of installation, there are converters - floor heating converters, wall-mounted (horizontal and vertical heating convectors, ceiling heating convectors), built-in;
• according to the principle of heating - water, gas, electric (and separately infrared heating convectors);
• according to the principle of rising circulation - with natural and forced circulation.

Let's take a closer look at each type.

Instead of an epilogue

The very process of acquiring a floor convector is quite complicated, because many nuances must be taken into account. The main mistake of the buyer can be his pursuit of cheapness. In budget samples, material is often extremely sparingly consumed.For example, for water heaters, the thickness of the walls of the conductive pipe is specially reduced, and a relatively small number of fins are installed. All this will affect the quality of heat transfer, since the fins installed with a large step will release air into the room a few tenths of a degree cooler. The same will apply to the strength of the case itself - the thinner it is, the less the whole system works as a whole. Cheap models are also famous for extremely noisy fans, which are sometimes not able to drown out even the highest quality rubber plugs.

Summing up, we can conclude that when choosing a floor convector, you should not choose a cheap price at the expense of quality. At the same time, it should be noted that if you order a convector on the Internet site directly from the manufacturer, you can significantly save on retail overpayment. As an analysis of foreign websites of manufacturers of these devices shows, the cost of delivery is usually already included in the total price, and the delivery destination can be almost anywhere in the world.