In winter, due to the changing weather conditions and inaccuracies of the boiler room workers, the temperature in the apartment may not be comfortable. Many people open the vents and balconies, not knowing about the possibility of regulating the heat transfer of the battery. The thermostat will help maintain a comfortable microclimate in every room. This article describes the options for the execution of these devices, methods of their installation, as well as several popular ones with prices and characteristics to facilitate your choice.
Read in the article:
What is a thermostat for a heating radiator for?
The installation of regulating elements on radiators is necessary not only to maintain comfortable temperaturebut also for safety and convenience. Indeed, in this way, it becomes possible to disconnect the battery from the common riser (for example, when a leak occurs or during repairs).
There are three types of regulating elements:
- Valve.
- Thermoregulator.
The ball valve is only able to completely block the access of hot water to the radiator (if partially closed, it quickly wears out and breaks down), therefore it is useful only for emergencies. The valve can be used to regulate the amount of coolant supplied, but it does not provide sensors, which is why it is not very convenient to use it. A thermostat with a thermostat precisely regulates the water supply, thanks to which it can solve two problems at once:
- Maintaining comfortable conditions in each room due to the separate regulation of each radiator (especially important when orienting rooms to different sides Sveta).
- Reduction of utility bills (payment of excess heat will be excluded).
Types of thermostats for heating batteries
By the type of working substance used, thermostats are:
- liquid;
- gas-filled.
Liquid thermostats for heating radiators are cheaper, but gas-filled ones react faster to changes in room temperature. In addition, their work is less influenced by the temperature of the coolant. This is due to the fact that gas, unlike liquid, accumulates in the upper part of the device, that is, farther from the heated water supply. According to the method of temperature control, these devices are mechanical and electronic.
Mechanical thermostat
This appliance operates without the use of electricity. Its work is based on the expansion and contraction of the working substance. A mechanical thermostat is inexpensive, therefore it is very popular. Its main advantages:
- Low price.
- Independence from electricity (does not create problems with power surges and does not increase utility costs).
- Ease of use.
The only drawback is manual regulation of the coolant supply.
With such a regulator, the control of the flow of water into the radiator occurs without human intervention. Instead of a pen, it is equipped with an LCD display or a push-button control panel. Features of the electronic thermostat:
- Setting the air temperature by timer (for example, in the daytime, when no one is at home, the heating works at minimum power, and an hour before the owners arrive from work, the air warms up to a comfortable temperature).
- Day-night mode ( different temperature air depending on the time of day).
The device and principle of operation of the temperature controller on the heating radiator
The thermostat consists of two elements: a thermostatic valve (actuator) and a thermostatic head that regulates the temperature. Moreover, the valve can be of any size depending on the pipe diameter. And the head is removable, so you can choose any type of thermostatic element for the valve.
1 - conventional valve, 2 - device with mechanical thermostat, 3 - electronically controlled 
Thermal valve
The structure of this element is almost similar to a conventional valve, it has a seat and a shut-off cone that controls the size of the inlet for the coolant. When installing the valve, pay attention to the arrow on the body, it indicates the direction of movement of the coolant.
The valves are produced differently depending on the type of heating system (two-pipe or one-pipe). For example, a thermal valve for heating with a one-pipe wiring has a lower hydraulic resistance than a two-pipe one. The valve is made of corrosion-resistant materials: stainless steel, bronze or brass.
Thermostatic head
The thermostatic head (or thermostat for a heating radiator) can be of two types: mechanical or electronic.
The basis of a mechanical thermostat is a bellows, it contains a working substance (water or gas) with a high coefficient of expansion. The bellows presses on the stem, which closes the inlet. That is, while the substance is not heated, the stem is in its normal position, as soon as its temperature has increased, the bellows stretches and presses on the stem, reducing the cross-section of the passage.
The peculiarity of the installation of this thermostat is the need for its horizontal installation in the direction of the room. This is necessary in order to exclude the influence of the heating medium on the expansion of the substance. Sometimes, due to the rather large size of the element, such an installation is impossible. In this case, you can install a remote temperature sensor connected to the thermostat with a capillary tube.
An electronic head is larger in size than a mechanical head, but it can also perform more tasks. All functions are controlled by the processor, and such a thermostat is powered by two batteries.
Related article:
The article describes in detail a variety of heating country house, options and prices, pros and cons of the most common and optimal thermal structures for private facilities.
Installing a thermostat on a heating radiator
First of all, you need to decide on the installation site of the regulator. It is ideal to install it next to the radiator in a place where it cannot be covered by anything (curtains, furniture, etc.). In addition, the readings of the device are influenced by: drafts, direct sunlight and electrical appliances that emit heat (for example, a refrigerator, an electric stove). If the above conditions cannot be met, use an external temperature sensor.
If the heating system is one-pipe, before installing the heating controller on the battery, it is necessary to make a bypass so as not to block the path of the coolant along the riser. With a two-pipe system, we mount the device on the upper supply line.
- We proceed directly to the installation of the regulator:
- We turn off the coolant supply.
- We drain the water from the radiator.
- We unscrew the old adapter and install the new one. The connection at the thermostat is threaded, so you need to be extremely careful. When installing, be sure to use a seal to prevent leaks.
- We fill the system with water.
- We install protection on the head (only when you are convinced that there are no leaks).
Important! Be careful and careful when tightening the valve. If you strip the threads, the connection will be loose and replacement will be very problematic.
Video review: installing a thermostat on a heating radiator
Temperature controller setting
After installing the thermostat, you need to configure it:
- We exclude air exchange in the room by closing the doors and turning off the hood (if any).
- We open the valve completely.
- We wait for the temperature to increase by 6-7 ° C and close the valve.
- When the temperature reaches optimal value, turn the head again. This must be done gradually, listening. When the regulator gets hot, and the noise of water appears in it, we stop.
- The setup is complete. The temperature will be maintained with an accuracy of 1-3 ° C depending on the type of regulator (liquid or gas-filled).
Review of popular models of thermostats
A radiator regulator can be found at any store that specializes in heating equipment... It is seldom sold as a set (thermal valve and thermostat). And if there are no problems when choosing a thermostatic valve for a heating radiator (it is enough to choose an element that is suitable for your pipes and the type of heating system), then you need to be careful with the thermostatic head. Prices are different, so mechanical ones are cheaper, electronic ones are more expensive. It all depends on the set of functions you need. Let's consider some interesting options.
| Model | Technical specifications | Features: | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | A type | Electronic | The compact electronic regulator is powered by two AA batteries, changes the temperature once a minute, automatically turns on if the ambient temperature rises by 1 ℃ |
| Manufacturer | Danfoss | ||
| 4-28 | |||
| Average price, rub. | 3600 | ||
| Model | Technical specifications | Features: | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | A type | Liquid | The element has a modern appearance, it is possible to order a decorative ring of any color (in the original - white) |
| Manufacturer | Oventrop | ||
| Operating temperature range, ℃ | 7-28 | ||
| Average price, rub. | 2000 | ||
Instead of an afterword
The thermostat for heating is able to make the microclimate in the room more comfortable, as well as reduce heating costs. Liquid and gas filled regulators are cheaper, but in electronic more features and control capabilities (touch screen, WIFI). Therefore, it all depends on your desires and capabilities.
In modern heating systems involving wiring warm floors, install special heating temperature regulators for radiators. The main function of these devices is to change the degree of heating the room by changing the volume of the coolant that passes through the radiators. Properly used and installed regulators can increase the efficiency of the heating system.
Structural elements
Outwardly, the regulator resembles the most ordinary valve installed at the inlet or outlet of pipelines from radiators, however, instead of a classic valve, these devices are equipped with a quick-release nut, with which a thermocouple is attached to the body.
Heating temperature controllers for radiators and similar control devices for heating appliances usually consist of two main systems:
A thermostatic valve is required to effectively control the transfer of heat from the heating appliance. Moreover, its amount that passes through the radiator must constantly change depending on the room temperature.
Features of regulators
For radiators, they work in automatic mode. At first, it is only necessary to determine the required degree of heating of the heater by means of a graduated scale located on the thermal head.
Modern regulators function in such a way that they never cut off the supply of coolant to the radiators, but only decrease or increase it depending on the room temperature.
The valve is a device that provides fine control over the heating of the heater. When determining the temperature regime in the room, the error will be minimal. How to regulate the temperature of the heating battery correctly will be discussed below.
Principle of operation
One of the key parts of the thermostatic valve is the stem, which is equipped with a rubber gasket. This rod is movable, it can rise and fall, while the diameter of the hole through which the coolant enters the radiator changes.
When the valves are opened, a large volume of liquid will start circulating in the heaters, and they will heat more. The radiator temperature regulator with a lowered stem will reduce the amount of heat carrier passing through. For a heater, this means less intense heating.
Main types
Heating batteries can be of the following types:
- Devices with mechanical adjustment of the flow rate of the liquid passing through the valve.
- Devices with a thermostatic head that is controlled by a bellows.
- Devices with a thermostatic head, which is controlled by an external thermostatic sensor.
All three types of this equipment can be combined on one basis - the presence of a thermostatic valve. It is located at the bottom of the structure. The main difference lies in the thermal head.
There is a special scale on the valve head. Thanks to these numbers, you can set the required temperature.
Basic types
Today, heating temperature regulators are used for the following types of radiators:
The regulator, which is installed in a two-pipe system, as a rule, is designed in such a way that it does not go out of operation during pressure drops. This is due to the fact that balancing is done through losses near the valve. To overcome this problem, the radiator temperature regulator of the heating batteries is equipped with a small flow area and a large hydraulic resistance.
Installation features
It is worth noting that heating devices, regulated by thermostats, are able to create completely new conditions for the heating system. For example, after long-term cold weather, the temperature finally became several degrees higher. Accordingly, there are less heat losses in the room.
Heating temperature regulators for radiators take this information unambiguously as a signal to shut off the coolant. In this case, its consumption falls, and then gradually tends to zero. Accordingly, the pressure in the heat pipe begins to gradually increase. In order to prevent feelings of discomfort, in such situations, designers install it in the system immediately after the circulation pump.
Temperature in radiators: norms
The heating system must work in such a way that the rooms are comfortable. Usually, temperature regime regulated For example, in kindergartens and hospitals it is 21 degrees Celsius, in residential buildings - 18 degrees Celsius. However, depending on the temperature outside, the room loses different amounts of heat with the air currents during ventilation and through the enclosing structures. Heating of the coolant in the heating system, depending on external factors, may vary quite wide range... Temperature in radiators (norms prohibit 90 degrees Celsius due to decomposition paintwork and dust) can be between 30 and 90 degrees Celsius.
It is necessary to use graphics designed specifically for each building. They express the dependence of the outside air temperature on the parameters of the coolant. Also, automatic regulation is applied according to the readings of the sensor.
In order for the temperature of the radiators to be optimal, and the regulation is correct, you should use high-quality equipment and have information on how to do it correctly.
Regulation instruction
The heating adjustment procedure is carried out during the installation of thermostats and radiators. However, not everyone knows how to regulate the temperature of the radiator.
So, self-regulation of heating devices is as follows:
- A crane is attached to each device, allowing precise and at the same time smooth adjustment. In this case, the use of ball valves is not allowed.
- First of all, it is necessary to open all available locking devices and select the coldest room. In the selected room, you will need to continue all further actions.
- After that, the tap opens completely.
- To simplify the temperature control procedure for each individual room, you should purchase a separate thermometer (heat sensor) and install it.
- With the help of a thermostat, the boiler is heated to the required temperature. You also need to pay attention to the aspect that cold rooms need to be warmed up somewhat more than others.
- As soon as the temperature in the coldest rooms is normalized, it will be possible to move to other rooms and perform similar actions using the regulator. To do this, screw the taps on the heating devices so that the air can be heated further. As soon as the required thermal mode is created, it is necessary to set the temperature on the boiler.
Conclusion
So, now you know how to regulate the temperature of the radiator correctly. However, in order for the regulation to really be of high quality, it is necessary to purchase good temperature controllers from well-known manufacturers. Then heating system will serve for many years.
To install a thermostat, it is preferable to seek help from qualified specialists who have been professionally engaged in this business for a long time in order to prevent serious troubles in the future. You can get advice on the equipment you have chosen in any specialized store.
The thermostat for a heating radiator is suitable for rooms where there is a need to lower the temperature. Most often these are housing on the upper floors of multi-apartment buildings, where there is an upper wiring. When installing the regulator on the radiator, the required temperature will be provided with a slight error. Before purchasing such a device, you need to learn more about its types, installation and configuration methods. We will talk about this in this review.
Such a device increases the efficiency of the heating system.
The design of the heating controller for the battery includes the following elements:
- valve or valve;
- thermostatic mechanism.
The thermostat or thermal valve is a standard valve in a housing with a regulating mechanism. The cone is considered to be a locking element, which changes in quantity when moved. The movement of the cone is facilitated by a thermal head, which consists of a cylinder with a thermal component. The cylinder is called a bellows, and a special liquid or gas is used as thermal components. When heated, this component expands in volume and tightens the cylinder, which moves the tapered part. The cone blocks the flow of the coolant and the composition cools down. This makes the bellows smaller. Then the cone rises and the liquid moves into the battery and helps to heat the thermal head of the equipment. This technique allows you to maintain the desired temperature.
Helpful information! When installing the device on a radiator, it should be borne in mind that the battery will not completely warm up. Some areas will be cooled. If you remove the thermal head, the entire surface will gradually warm up.
Types of thermostatic elements
Thermal head for heating radiator important element constructions. She happens manual type, as well as electronic or mechanical. Many manufacturers produce products that are applicable only with their type of thermoelement.
Such devices differ in price. Model cost european manufacturers varies from 16 to 28 euros. Devices with a remote sensor have a price of 45-55 euros. They are mounted if it is not possible to monitor the temperature value on the battery.
The cost of individual models of thermostats for radiators, see the table.
| Picture | Model | Cost, rub. |
|---|---|---|
 | RA / RTR with built-in gas-filled sensor, Danfoss | 970 |
 | Valtec angle thermostat assy | 750 |
 | Herz 1726098 | 1250 |
 | Salus VS30W room programmable | 3960 |
 | Luxor thermolux TT 2101 | 570 |
 | Watts SE148 | 620 |
 | Rifar Hertz N-mini | 1320 |
The manual thermostat is a control valve. By rotating the knob, the amount of heat carrier passing through is changed.
Electronic thermal heads are expensive models. The product provides a place for storing batteries. Are characterized by large quantity opportunities. With their help, you can maintain a certain temperature value for a long period of time. Also, devices are programmed by day or by day of the week.
Thermal heads differ in the type of thermal component. According to this principle, mechanisms are divided into gas and liquid. The gas model responds quickly to temperature changes. Liquid models are easier to manufacture, therefore they are offered in a wide variety. When choosing a thermostat for a heating radiator, the temperature range should be taken into account. The more given value, the higher the cost.
Related article:
What is the boiler temperature controller for? How does it work? What types are there? How much does such a pleasure cost? We will talk about this in a separate review.
Thermoregulators for radiators: varieties
The valve represents the lower structural element. Regulating mechanisms are produced for different systems... Products for two-pipe structures are characterized by significant resistance than single-pipe ones. There are thermal valves for heating similar circuits. It is forbidden to use devices for one-pipe construction in two-pipe.
According to the installation method, the control devices are of the angle or straight type. If the line is connected at the side, then a straight valve is installed, and if from below, then an angle valve.
Also, designs differ in the type of materials. Metals are used that are resistant to corrosion. Some models have a special coating: chrome or nickel. The valves can be made of brass, bronze or stainless steel.
Installing a temperature controller on a heating radiator
The thermostat for the heating radiator is mounted at the entrance to the equipment. A special arrow indicates the direction of the coolant. If installed incorrectly, the structure will not function. If the direction of flow is observed, the thermostat can be installed at the inlet and outlet.
Before installation, you should pay attention to the recommendations in the instructions for height and other parameters. Many structures are placed at a height of 50-60 cm from the floor. If a bottom connection is used, the installation height must be adjusted. In this case, a lower temperature value is set on the thermal head. Alternatively, you can configure yourself. If a model with a remote sensor is installed, then the thermal head can be mounted at any height.
Experts recommend installing the thermostatic head in a horizontal position. If the device is directed upwards, then the substance in the cylinder will always be in a heated state and the room will be cold. When installing temperature sensors for heating in a one-pipe type system, do not forget about. It should also be borne in mind that thermal valves can be with crimp or union nuts.
Useful advice! To be able to repair the radiator without shutting down the system, it is recommended to install a bypass.
Setting up the structure
For the structure to function correctly, you need to adjust.
A thermometer is installed in the room where it is necessary to control the temperature. Then you can start configuring:
- the coolant flow opens. In this case, the thermal head moves to the left;
- the temperature indicator rises by 4-7 degrees;
- the thermostat head rotates to the right, thus covering the coolant flow. The room is getting colder;
- after reaching a suitable temperature, slowly open the valve. The rotation stops after the fluid makes noise. There are numbers on the cap that you need to focus on.
Adjusting the thermostat is a simple procedure that allows you to calibrate the structure to specific requirements. Before installing and configuring, you need to read the instructions. Most often, you need to follow the standard sequence of actions. But for some models there are special recommendations.
Regulating devices can have three types of heads, but any product works only to lower the temperature value, but it cannot increase it.
Room thermostat Comparison of temperature control methods (video)
Are the windows open in your apartment even in extreme cold? You cannot achieve optimal temperature indoor air? Then this article is addressed to you. In order to regulate the temperature in the radiator, and also to ensure the uninterrupted and safe operation of the heating system, several types of protective and regulating installation are used.
Before you purchase thermostat for radiatorhaving various reviews on the Internet, let's look at the main types of these devices, how they work, specifications and the correctness of their application.
Basic types:
- ball valve
- manual cone valve
- automatic regulator or thermostat
The ball valve has only two main functions: open-closed. In any position of the tap, your heating radiator can depressurize. Therefore, the operation of the ball valve will be ineffective.
The manual cone valve regulates the temperature much more reliably than. It may not be completely overlapped. But using such a valve will require your constant presence and attention.
How does the manual cone valve work?:
We twist the mechanism, actuating the valve stem. However, if the valve constantly opens and closes, its protective cap can be damaged, i.e. disable the entire device.
The most the best option thermostat in our time is considered to be automatic thermostat for radiator heating.
In automatic devices, the temperature valve functions in conjunction with the thermal head of the radiator and reacts quickly even to minor temperature fluctuations. When the temperature drops, the liquid in the thermal cartridge narrows, the valve stem extends, the water flow from the heating system increases, and the temperature rises.
If, on the contrary, it is very hot in your house, automatic device the device will automatically start the reverse process, and the air temperature will begin to decrease.
Temperature controllers receive a signal to a thermostat component from various sources:
- water from the heating system
- indoor air
- air outside
Installing a thermostat produced on the radiator itself, if the radiator is not covered with anything. If you have a thermostat with an air temperature sensor, place the device at a short distance from the valve (up to 1 cm). You can also mount it in the radiator plug itself. To install the thermostat, turn off the water, drain it, then get to work.
What needs to be done:
- cut the pipe at a certain distance from the radiator and remove it
- it is better to dismantle the ball valve in front of the radiator
- insert the shanks from the caps into the radiator plugs
- tie the radiator
- connect the distribution pipes 
To adjust the operation of our device, you need to close the vents, doors, windows. Do not let warm air escape from the house. Place an ordinary thermometer in the room where the thermostat is installed. Open the regulator valve as far as it will go.
When the air temperature rises by 6 degrees, close the valve. When you hear the sound entering the heat carrier radiator, the valve will heat up. Remember in which position the valve head is at this moment. Thus, you can customize the equipment yourself.
If the thermostat is installed in a place covered by furniture or curtains, then its operation will be ineffective. If it is not possible to place the device elsewhere, use remotely controlled sensors with an overlay sensing element.
It is quite justified to purchase a mini-regulator, which, as practice shows, in its properties is not inferior to the classical ones.
Some "professionals" install a special shut-off valve in the system, placing it on back side radiator. In this case, it is not difficult to dismantle or without shutting down the system. When heating season comes to an end, the thermostat must be opened by turning it counterclockwise.
Another type of thermostats for radiators is electronic thermostatsbased on an automatic principle of operation. Electronic thermostats maintain the desired temperature in the heating system, automatically control the mixer, valves, pumps.
The electronic thermostat has a built-in or installed outside a special temperature sensor, which transmits to the device information about the state of the temperature of the room in which it is located.
Electronic thermostat for radiator
Electronic thermostats are of two types:- with open logic
- with closed logic
In domestic conditions, thermostats with closed logic are more often used. Open logic thermostats are used in industrial production.
Thermostats are not only liquid, but also gas-filled.
Gas-filled thermostats react faster to fluctuations in room temperature, because their functioning is not related to water temperature. Such thermostats also quickly respond to the dynamics of temperature changes, which contributes to a more efficient heat supply.
Please note that when using a thermostat, much better result can only be achieved when the appliance is first installed in rooms with large temperature fluctuations, such as a kitchen.
So, the open windows and vents were left behind, since you purchased a thermostat for a heating radiator, so necessary for you.
Advantages of modern thermostats:
- easy to install in the system, requiring no maintenance and preventive maintenance
- work range from 5 to 28 degrees
- they provide an even distribution of the coolant throughout the system
- there is no excessive rise in room temperature
- savings of about 25% are provided
- the microclimate of the room is significantly improved
If the system individual heating calculated correctly, no regulators are needed: a stable temperature will be maintained in each room. But in multi-storey buildings after total heating alterations, regulators can become very useful.
It is necessary to regulate the heat transfer of heating radiators for several reasons. First, it saves on heating costs. In apartments of multi-storey buildings, bills for payment will be reduced only if a common house heat meter is installed. In private houses, with an automated boiler that maintains a stable temperature itself, you are unlikely to need regulators for radiators. Unless you have old equipment. Then the savings will be quite substantial.
The second reason why regulators are installed on heating radiators is the ability to maintain the temperature regime in the room that you want. You need +17 o C in one room, and +26 o C in another, set the appropriate values \u200b\u200bon the thermal head or close the valve, and you have so much warm airas much as you want. And it doesn't matter if you have batteries in your apartment, and the coolant is supplied centrally, or the heating is individual. And it does not matter at all how much the boiler costs in the system. Radiator regulators have nothing to do with boilers. They work on their own
How to regulate radiators
To understand how the temperature is regulated, let's remember how a heating radiator works. It is a maze of pipes with different kind ribs to increase heat transfer. The radiator input receives hot waterpassing through the labyrinth, she heats the metal. It in turn heats up the air around it. Due to the fact that the fins on modern radiators have a special shape that improves air movement (convection), hot air spreads very quickly. With active heating, there is a noticeable flow of heat from the radiators.
This battery is very hot. In this case, the regulator must be installed
From all this it follows that by changing the amount of coolant passing through the battery, you can change the temperature in the room (within certain limits). This is what the corresponding fittings are doing - control valves and thermostats.
Let's say right away that no regulators can increase heat transfer. They only lower it. If the room is hot - put it, if it's cold - this is not your option.
How effectively the temperature of the batteries changes depends, firstly, on how the system is calculated, whether there is a power reserve of heating devices, and secondly, on how correctly the regulators themselves are selected and installed. A significant role is played by the inertia of the system as a whole, and the heating devices themselves. For example, aluminum quickly heats up and cools down, while cast iron, which has a large mass, changes temperature very slowly. So there is no point in changing something with cast iron: it takes too long to wait for the result.
Options for connecting and installing control valves. But to be able to repair the radiator without stopping the system, you need to put a ball valve up to the regulator (click on the picture to enlarge its size)
How to increase the heat dissipation of batteries
Whether it is possible to increase the heat transfer of the radiator depends on how it was calculated and whether there is a power reserve. If the radiator simply cannot produce more heat, then any means of adjustment will not help here. But you can try to change the situation in one of the following ways:
The main disadvantage regulated systems consists in the fact that they need a certain power reserve of all devices. And this additional funds: each section costs money. But it's not a pity to pay for comfort. If your room is hot, life is not a joy, and neither is it cold. And control valves are a universal way out.
There are many devices that can change the amount of coolant flowing through a heating device (radiator, register). There are very inexpensive options that have a decent cost. Available with manual adjustment, automatic or electronic. Let's start with the cheapest ones.
Valves or taps
These are the lowest-cost, but, unfortunately, the least effective radiator control devices.
Ball Valves
Ball valves are often installed at the entrance to the battery and with their help the flow of the coolant is regulated. But this equipment has a different purpose: it is a shut-off valve. They are needed in the system, but to completely shut off the coolant flow. In that case, for example, if the heater is leaking. Then the ball valves standing at the inlet and outlet of the heating radiator will allow repair or replacement of the system without stopping the system and draining the coolant.
Ball valves are not intended for adjustment. They have only two operating states: fully "closed" and completely "open". All intermediate positions harm.
Ball valves - shut-off valves are not suitable for radiator adjustment
What harm? Inside this tap is a ball with a hole (hence the name - ball). In regular positions (open or closed), nothing threatens him. But in other cases, the solid particles contained in the coolant (there are especially a lot of them in centralized heating systems) gradually grind and chunk off pieces. As a result, the valve becomes leaky. Then, even if it is in the "closed" position, the coolant continues to flow into the radiator. And it is good if an accident does not occur at this time, and it is not necessary to turn off the water. But if, suddenly, this happens, repairs cannot be avoided. At least you will have to change flooring, and what will need to be repaired in the lower room depends on how quickly the utility workers will close the riser (or you, if you have own house). Yes, the ball valve can work in an abnormal mode for a while, but it still breaks. And sooner rather than later.
For those who still decided to regulate the radiator in this way, it should be borne in mind that they also need to be installed competently, otherwise “pleasant” conversations with the management company cannot be avoided. Since this method is often used in apartment buildings, then we'll talk about how to connect them with vertical wiring. Most often, the wiring is single-pipe vertical. This is when a pipe enters the room through the ceiling. A radiator is connected to it. The pipe comes out from the second entrance of the radiator and goes through the floor to the lower room.
Here you need to put the taps correctly: the mandatory installation of a bypass - a bypass pipe. It is needed so that, when the flow to the radiators in the apartment is closed (the tap is fully or partially closed), water circulates in the common house system.
Sometimes the ball valve is placed on the bypass... By changing the amount of coolant passing through it, you can also change the heat transfer of the heating battery. In this case, for greater reliability of the system and the possibility of turning off the taps, there should be three: two shut-off on the radiators, which will work in normal modes, and the third, which will be regulating. But there is one pitfall here: sometimes you can forget what position the cranes are in, or the children will play. Result: the entire riser is blocked, apartments are cold, unpleasant conversations with neighbors and the manager.
So that it is better not to use ball valves for regulating radiators. There are other devices designed specifically to change the amount of coolant flowing through the battery.
Needle valve
This device in the heating system is usually installed in front of the pressure gauge. Elsewhere, it does more harm than good. It's all about the structure. The device itself effectively and smoothly changes the flow of the coolant, gradually blocking it.
But the thing is that due to the design features, the width of the passage for the coolant in them is two times less... For example, you have installed inch pipes, and they have the same size needle valve. But its carrying capacity is half the size: the saddle is only ½ inch. That is, each needle valve installed in the system reduces throughput systems. Several devices installed in series, for example, in one-pipe system will lead to the fact that the last heating devices either will not heat up at all, or will be barely warm. Therefore, the often recommended one-pipe scheme with needle valves in practice leads to the fact that most of the radiators either do not heat at all, or heat very weakly.
- removing the needle valve;
- doubling the number of sections,
- by installing a device that has two times large couplings (a two-inch valve will need to be installed on inch pipes, which is unlikely to suit anyone).
Radiator control valves
Especially for manual adjustment of radiators intended radiator valves (taps)... They are available with angled or direct connection. The principle of operation of this manual temperature controller is as follows. By turning the valve, you lower or raise the shut-off cone. In the closed position, the cone completely blocks the flow. Moving up / down, it more or less blocks the flow of the coolant. Because of this principle of operation, these devices are also called "mechanical temperature controller". It is installed on threaded radiators, connected to pipes using fittings, more often crimped, but there are different types that are compatible with different types pipes.
Why is a radiator control valve good? It is reliable, it is not afraid of blockages and small abrasive particles that are in the coolant. This applies to quality products, the valve cone of which is made of metal and carefully processed. Their prices are not very high, which is important with a large heating system. What is the disadvantage? Each time you have to change the position manually, which makes maintaining a stable temperature problematic. Someone is happy with it, someone is not. For those who want a constant or strictly set temperature, more suitable
Automatic adjustment
Automatic maintenance of the temperature in the room is good because once you set the regulator knob to the desired position, you will get rid of the need to twist and change something for a long time. The temperature of the heating radiators is controlled continuously and continuously. The disadvantage of such systems is a significant cost, and the more functionality, the more expensive the device will cost. There are some more features and subtleties, but more about them below.
Radiator control with thermostats
For maintaining a constant set temperature in the room (room) use thermostats or thermostats for heating radiators... Sometimes this device can be called "thermostatic valve", "thermostatic valve", etc. There are many names, but one device is meant. To make it clearer, it is necessary to explain that the thermo-valve and thermo-valve are the lower part of the device, and the thermo-head and thermo-element are the upper part. And the whole device is a radiator thermostat or thermostat.
Most of these devices do not require any power source. The exception is models with a digital display: batteries are inserted into the thermostatic head. But the period of their replacement is quite long, the consumed currents are small.
The radiator thermostat consists of two parts:
- thermostatic valve (sometimes called "body", "thermo valve", "thermal valve");
- thermostatic head (also called "thermostatic element", "thermoelement", "thermal head").
The valve itself (body) is made of metal, usually brass or bronze. Its design is similar to that of a manual valve. Most firms make the lower part of the radiator thermostat unified. That is, heads of any type and any manufacturer can be installed on one body. Let's clarify: one thermal valve can be equipped with a thermoelement of both manual and mechanical, and automatic type... It is very comfortable. If you want to change the adjustment method, you do not need to buy the entire device. We put in another thermostatic element and that's it.
In automatic regulators, the principle of influencing the shut-off is different. In the manual regulator, its position is changed by turning the knob, in automatic models usually there is a bellows that presses on a spring-loaded mechanism. In electronics, everything is controlled by a processor.
The bellows is the main part of the thermal head (thermoelement). It is a small sealed cylinder containing a liquid or gas. Both liquid and gas have one common property: their volume is highly dependent on temperature. When heated, they significantly increase their volume, stretching the cylinder-bellows. It presses on the spring, more strongly blocking the flow of the coolant. As it cools, the gas / liquid volume decreases, the spring rises, the coolant flow increases, and heating occurs again. Such a mechanism, depending on the calibration, allows you to maintain the set temperature with an accuracy of 1 o C.
How the thermostat works, see the video.
The radiator thermostat can be:
- with manual temperature control;
- with automatic;
- with built-in temperature sensor;
- with remote (wired).
There are also special models for one-pipe and two-pipe systems, cases made of different metals.
Using three-way valves
A three-way valve is rarely used to regulate the temperature of batteries. He has a slightly different task. But in principle, it is possible.
The three-way valve is installed at the junction of the bypass and the supply pipe to the radiator. To stabilize the temperature of the heat carrier, it must be equipped with a thermostatic head (of the type described above). If the temperature near the head of the three-way valve rises above the set one, the flow of the coolant to the radiator is shut off. He rushes all through the bypass. After cooling down, the valve works in the opposite direction, and the radiator heats up again. This method of connection is implemented for, and more often with vertical wiring.
Outcome
Regulation of heating batteries is possible using different devices, but this must be done correctly with the help of special control valves. These are manual regulators (taps) and automated ones - thermostats, in some versions it is possible to use a three-way valve with a thermal head.
When to use what? In multi-storey apartments with centralized heating three-way valve and control valves are preferred. And all because the gap in the thermostats for the coolant is not very wide, and if there are foreign particles in the coolant, it quickly clogs up. Therefore, they are recommended for use in individual heating systems.
If the apartment really wants to automatically adjust the radiator, you can put a filter before the thermostat. It will retain most of the impurities, but it will have to be washed regularly. As soon as you feel that the radiator has become too cold, check the filter.
In private houses with battery regulation, everything is simple: what suits you best, then put it.