Methods for self-balancing water heating in a private house. How to regulate heating batteries Adjusting the heating system direct or return

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Any heating circuit operates at certain pressure and coolant temperature values, which are calculated at the design stage. However, during operation, situations are possible when the pressure drop in the heating system deviates from the standard level up or down and, as a rule, requires adjustment to ensure efficiency, and in some cases, safety.

Operating pressure in the heating system

Working pressure is considered to be the pressure whose value ensures optimal operation of all heating equipment (including heating source, pump, expansion tank). In this case, it is taken equal to the sum of pressures:

static - created by a column of water in the system (in calculations the ratio is taken: 1 atmosphere (0.1 MPa) per 10 meters);
dynamic - due to the operation of the circulation pump and the convective movement of the coolant when it is heated.

It is clear that in different schemes heating, the operating pressure will be different. So, if natural circulation of the coolant is provided for heating the house (applicable for individual low-rise construction), its value will exceed the static value by only a small amount. In forced schemes, it is taken as maximum permissible to ensure higher efficiency.

It should be borne in mind that the operating pressure limits are determined by the characteristics of the heating system elements. For example, when using cast iron radiators, it should not exceed 0.6 MPa.

Numerically, the working pressure is:

for one-story buildings with an open layout and natural circulation of water – 0.1 MPa (1 atmosphere) for every 10 m of liquid column;
For low-rise buildings with a closed circuit – 0.2-0.4 MPa;
for multi-storey buildings - up to 1 MPa.

Control of operating pressure in heating circuits

For normal, trouble-free operation of the heating system, it is necessary to regularly monitor the temperature and pressure of the coolant.

To check the latter, deformation pressure gauges with a Bourdon tube are usually used. To measure small pressures, their varieties can be used - diaphragm devices.

It must be remembered that after water hammer such models need to be verified, because they will show inflated values in subsequent control measurements.

Figure 1 – Strain gauge with Bourdon tube

In systems where automatic control and pressure regulation are provided, additionally used Various types sensors (for example, electrical contact).

The placement of pressure gauges (insertion points) are determined by regulations: devices must be installed in the most important areas of the system:

at the inlet and outlet of the heating source;
before and after the pump, filters, mud traps, pressure regulators (if any);
at the exit of the main line from the thermal power plant or boiler house and at its entry into the building (with a centralized scheme).

You should not neglect these recommendations even when designing a small heating circuit using a low-power boiler, because This not only ensures the safety of the system, but also its efficiency due to optimal water and fuel consumption.

Figure 2 – Section of the heating circuit with installed pressure gauges

To make it possible to zero, purge and replace devices without stopping the system, it is recommended to connect them through three-way valves.

Pressure drop and its importance for the functioning of the heating system

For optimal functioning of any heating circuit, a stable and defined pressure drop is required, i.e. the difference between its values at the coolant supply and return. As a rule, it should be 0.1-0.2 MPa.

If this indicator is less, this indicates a disruption in the movement of the coolant through the pipelines, as a result of which water passes through the radiators without heating them to the required degree.

If the difference exceeds the above value, we can talk about “stagnation” of the system, one of the reasons for which is airing.

It should be noted that sudden changes in pressure negatively affect the performance of individual elements of the heating circuit, often disabling them.

Methods for regulating operating pressure and ensuring the stability of its differential on the supply and return

First of all, it must be remembered that optimal performance heat supply systems, incl. creating the required pressure in it depends on the correctness of the design, in particular, hydraulic calculations, and installation of highways and pipelines, namely:
— the supply line in most schemes should be located at the top, the return line, respectively, at the bottom;
— for the production of bottlings, pipes with a diameter of 50-80 mm should be used, for risers - 20-25 mm;
— connections to heating devices can be made from the same pipes from which the risers are made, or one step less.
It is allowed to underestimate the cross-section of radiator piping only if there is a jumper in front of them.

Figure 3 – Jumper in front of the heating radiator
As you know, as the temperature rises, the coolant increases in volume and increases the pressure in the heating system. For example, at 20 0C it can increase by 0.13 MPa, at 70 0C - by 0.19 MPa. Therefore, one of the options for regulating the pressure is to change the degree of water heating.
To increase the coolant pressure, which is usually required to provide heat to the upper floors of high-rise buildings, circulation pumps are used.
Automatic regulation of operating pressure and its differential in heating circuits of small houses is carried out using expansion tanks, usually of the membrane type. They begin to work when the pressure in the system reaches 0.2 MPa. At the same time, these devices remove excess hot coolant, as a result of which the pressure is maintained at the required level.
Figure 4 – Diaphragm expansion tank

The expansion tank, the volume of which is usually taken to be about 10% of the total volume of the system, can be installed in any part of the circuit. However, experts recommend installing it on a straight section of the return pipeline in front of the circulation pump (if available).

To prevent a situation where the device’s capacity is insufficient with a continued increase in pressure, the circuits provide for the use of a safety valve that removes excess coolant from the system.
In large and complex heating systems, e.g. multi-storey buildings, to maintain the standard pressure, regulators are used, which additionally prevent airing even with sudden changes in pressure in the lines, as well as noise generation on the control valves. They are mounted either on a jumper between the supply and return pipelines, or on the bypass line of the pump.
Figure 5 – Pressure regulator
Another way to regulate pressure in heat supply schemes of multi-level buildings is the use of shut-off valves. For example, if it is necessary to increase the pressure, the cross-section of the return pipeline is reduced using a valve.

Finding the reasons for the drop and increase in pressure drop

Deviation of pressure more or less from the norm requires establishing the cause of this phenomenon and its elimination.

Pressure drop in the heating circuit

If the pressure in the heating system drops, then with a greater degree of probability we can talk about a coolant leak. The most vulnerable are the existing seams, joints and connections.

To check this, turn off the pump and monitor changes in static pressure. If the pressure continues to decrease, it is necessary to find the damaged area. To do this, it is recommended to sequentially disconnect different sections of the circuit, and after determining the exact location, repair or replace worn elements.

If the static pressure remains stable, the reason for the decrease in pressure is due to a malfunction of either the pump or the heating equipment.

It should be borne in mind that a short-term drop in pressure may be due to the peculiarity of the operation of the regulator, which at certain intervals transfers part of the water from the supply to the return. In the case when the heating radiators warm up evenly and to the required temperature, we can say that the difference was associated with the above cycle.

Among the others possible reasons can be called:

removing air through vents, resulting in a decrease in the volume of coolant in the system;
decrease in water temperature.

Increasing system pressure

A similar situation occurs when the movement of coolant in the heating circuit slows down or stops. Most probable reasons these are:

the occurrence of an air lock;
contamination of filters and mud traps;
features of the functioning of the pressure regulator or incorrect settings of its operation;
constant replenishment of coolant due to automatic failure or incorrectly adjusted supply and return valves.

It should be noted that pressure instability is most often observed in newly launched systems and is associated with the gradual removal of air. This can be considered the norm if, after bringing the coolant volume and pressure to operating values, which lasts from several days to several weeks, no deviations are recorded.
Otherwise, we should talk about an incorrect hydraulic calculation, in particular, the accepted volume of the expansion tank.

System diagram with regulators

Each heating season brings its own surprises with difficulties in heating rooms, both for residents of multi-storey buildings and private cottages. The quality of uniform heating of all rooms of the house depends on how the temperature of the heating radiators is adjusted.

Why do you need to make adjustments?

Settings optimal temperature heating batteries allows you to create maximum indoor comfortable conditions stay. In addition, adjustment allows:

Remove the effect of air in the batteries, allow the coolant to move freely through the pipeline of the heating system, effectively giving off its heat internal space premises.
Reduce heat consumption costs by up to 25%.
Don't hold it all the time open windows, with excessive overheating of the air in the room.

It is advisable to deal with setting up the heating and adjusting the batteries before starting heating season. This is necessary so that later you do not experience discomfort in the apartment and do not adjust the heating temperature of the batteries in emergency mode. Before setting up and adjusting the radiators, initially in the summer you need to thermally insulate all windows. In addition, you need to take into account the specific location of the apartment:

In the middle or corner of the house.
Lower or upper floor.

After analyzing the situation, it is advisable to use energy-saving technologies to maximize heat conservation inside the apartment:

Insulate walls, corners, floors.
Carry out hydro and thermal insulation of the seams between the concrete joints of the panel house.

Without this work, it will be useless to regulate the temperature of the radiators, since the lion's share of the heat will heat the street.

Types of heating systems and the principle of adjusting radiators

Handle with valve

To correctly adjust the temperature of radiators, you need to know general device heating systems and coolant pipe distribution.

When individual heating, adjustment is easier when:

The system is powered by a powerful boiler.
Each battery is equipped with a three-way valve.
Forced pumping of coolant has been installed.

At the stage installation work For individual heating, it is necessary to take into account the minimum number of bends in the system. This is necessary in order to reduce heat loss and not reduce the pressure of the coolant supplied to the radiators.

For even heating and rational use heat, a valve is mounted on each battery. With it you can reduce the water supply or turn it off common system heating in an unused room.

In system central heating In multi-storey buildings equipped with a vertical supply of coolant through a pipeline from top to bottom, it is impossible to adjust the radiators. In this situation, the upper floors open the windows due to the heat, and the rooms on the lower floors are cold, since the radiators there are barely warm.
A more advanced one-pipe network. Here the coolant is supplied to each battery and then returned to central riser. Therefore, there is no noticeable temperature difference in the apartments on the upper and lower floors of these buildings. In this case, the supply pipe of each radiator is equipped with a control valve.
A two-pipe system, where two risers are mounted, ensures the supply of coolant to the heating radiator and back. To increase or decrease the coolant flow, each battery is equipped with a separate valve with a manual or automatic thermostat.

Types of control valves

Types of cranes

Existing modern technologies heating systems make it possible to install a special tap on each radiator that controls the quality of heat. This control valve is a shut-off valve heat exchanger, which is connected via pipes to the heating radiator.

According to the principle of their operation, these cranes are:

Ball, which serve primarily as 100% protection against emergency situations. These shut-off devices are a structure that can be rotated 90 degrees and can allow water to pass through or prevent the passage of coolant.

The ball valve must not be left in a half-open state, as this may cause damage. sealing ring and a leak will form.

Standard, where there is no temperature scale. They are represented by traditional budget valves. They do not provide absolute accuracy of adjustment. By partially blocking the access of coolant to the radiator, they change the temperature in the apartment to an indefinite value.
With a thermal head that allows you to adjust and control the parameters of the heating system. Such thermostats are automatic and mechanical.

Conventional direct-acting thermostat

Device principle

Thermostat direct action is a simple device for monitoring the temperature in a heating radiator, which is installed near it. By its design, it is a sealed cylinder into which a siphon is inserted with a special liquid or gas that clearly reacts to changes in the temperature of the coolant.

As it increases, the liquid or gas expands. This leads to increased pressure on the rod in the thermostat valve. It, in turn, moving, blocks the flow of coolant. When the radiator cools, the reverse process occurs.

Thermostat with electronic sensor

This device is no different in operating principle from the previous version, the only difference is in the settings. If in a conventional thermostat they are performed manually, then electronic sensor doesn't need it.

Here the temperature is set in advance, and the sensor monitors its maintenance within the specified limits. The electronic thermostatic sensor regulates the control parameters of the air temperature within the range from 6 to 26 degrees.

Step-by-step instructions for adjusting temperature

To ensure comfortable living conditions in the room, you need to perform some basic steps.

Connection diagrams

Initially, it is necessary to bleed the air on each battery until water flows from the tap in a trickle.
Then you need to adjust the pressure in the batteries.
To do this, in the first battery from the boiler you need to open the valve by two turns, on the second - by three, and then according to the same scheme, increasing the number of turns of the valve being opened on each radiator. Thus, the coolant pressure will be evenly distributed over all radiators. This will ensure its normal passage through the pipes and better heating of the batteries.
IN forced system heating, pumping coolant, monitoring rational heat consumption will help to implement control valves.
In a flow-through system, the temperature is well regulated by thermostats built into each battery.
In a two-pipe heating system, you can control not only the temperature of the coolant, but also its quantity in the batteries using both manual and automatic systems management.

When designing a heating system, measures must be taken to control temperature and pressure. To do this, it is necessary to install special fittings and devices. How to properly adjust the heating system: radiators, pressure and other elements? First you need to understand the principles of organization of these sections of the system.

Heating control methods

When the coolant is heated, it expands and, as a result, increases in volume. Therefore, before adjusting the heating radiators in the apartment, you need to ensure general control of the operation of the system.

Several types of devices are designed for this. They are conventionally divided into regulating and controlling. The first ones are designed to change the current characteristics of the system (pressure and temperature) towards decreasing or increasing. They are installed on a specific section of the pipeline or for the entire system as a whole. Control devices include pressure gauges and thermometers, mounted together with control devices or separately.

How to adjust the pressure in the heating system when operating solid fuel and gas boiler? To do this you need to be guided the following principles design of control systems:

Installation of pressure gauges (thermometers) before and after the boiler, in distribution manifolds in the highest and lowest parts of the system;
If there is a circulation pump, the pressure gauge is installed before it;
Mandatory installation of an expansion tank. IN closed systems it can be of a membrane type, in open ones it can be leaky;
The safety valve and air vent will prevent critical excess pressure in the pipes.

The average water temperature in the pipes should not exceed 90 degrees. The pressure should be in the range from 1.5 to 3 atm. It is possible to make a system with parameters exceeding the specified ones, but in this case you will need to select special components.

If you cannot adjust the heating radiators in your apartment using a thermostat, there is most likely an air lock. To eliminate it, a Mayevsky crane is needed.

Regulating the heating of a private house

For owners of private houses, a pressing question is: how to adjust a two-pipe heating system. Unlike district heating, to parameters autonomous heating only internal factors influence.

The main ones are the design of the boiler, the types of fuel used and its thermal power. Also, the ability to adjust coolant parameters directly depends on the following system indicators:

Pipe diameter and material. The larger the cross-section of the line, the faster the water will expand as a result of rising temperature;
Radiator characteristics. Before adjusting the heating radiator, you need to make it correct connection to the pipeline. In the future, using special devices, you can reduce or increase the speed and volume of coolant passing through the heating device;
Possibility of installing mixing units. They can be installed for a two-pipe heating system and with their help the water temperature is reduced by mixing hot and cold flows.

In order to find out how to adjust the heating system in a private home, it is recommended to consider all possible options.

The installation of pressure control mechanisms in the heating system must be provided for at the design stage. Otherwise, even a small error during installation can lead to loss of efficiency the entire system.

Stabilization of pressure in the heating system

Expansion of water as a result of heating is a natural process. In this indicator, the pressure may exceed a critical value, which is unacceptable from the point of view of heating operation. In order to stabilize and reduce pressure on the internal surfaces of pipes and radiators, it is necessary to install several heating elements. Adjusting the heating system in a private home will be much easier and more efficient with their help.

Adjusting the expansion tank

It is a steel container divided into two chambers. One of them is filled with water from the system, and air is pumped into the second. The air pressure value is equal to normal in heating pipes. If this parameter is exceeded, the elastic membrane increases the volume of the water chamber, thereby compensating thermal expansion water.

Before adjusting the pressure drop in the heating system, you need to check the condition and settings of the expansion tank. You can adjust the pressure in the heating system by purchasing a tank model with the ability to change it in the air chamber. As an additional measure, install a pressure gauge to visually monitor this value.

However, if there is a significant surge in pressure, this measure will not be enough. This way you can adjust the pressure drop in the heating system if it does not exceed a critical value. Therefore, it is recommended to install additional devices.

How to adjust a security group

This group of devices includes the following elements:

Pressure gauge. Designed for visual monitoring of the heating system operation;
Air vent. If the water temperature exceeds 100 degrees, excess steam acts on the valve seat of the device, releasing air from the pipes;
Safety valve. It works in the same way as a water drain, but is needed to drain excess coolant from the pipes.

How to adjust a heating radiator using this unit? Alas, it is designed to prevent emergency situations throughout the entire system. Batteries require another device to be installed.

Mayevsky crane

Structurally it is similar to safety valve. Features are small sizes and the ability to mount on a radiator pipe with a small diameter.

In order to correctly adjust heating radiators, you need to know in what cases the Mayevsky tap is used:

Eliminating air pockets in radiators. By opening the valve, air is released until the coolant flows;
Setting the critical pressure value parameters. If an emergency expansion of water occurs, the valve opens and the pressure in the radiator stabilizes.

The last function is optional and is most often not used. This task is best handled by the security team. Proper adjustment of heating in the house should include all of the above elements.

At self-regulation of a two-pipe heating system with the boiler running, you need to constantly monitor the readings of thermometers and pressure gauges.

Heating temperature control

An important parameter of any heating system is the optimal temperature regime her work. A ratio of hot and cooled coolant of 75/50 or 80/60 is considered suitable. However, this value is not always acceptable for certain parts of the network. How to properly adjust the heating in the house in this case? Installation required special equipment. Some of them are designed for adjusting heating radiators.

Mixing units

Their main element is a two or three-way valve. One of the pipes is connected to a heating pipe with hot water, the second to the reverse. The third is mounted on a section of the main line where it is necessary to ensure a lower level of coolant temperature.

As additional options, the mixing units are equipped with a temperature sensor and a thermostatic control unit. A signal is received from the sensor about the heating level of the coolant and it opens or closes the mixing valve, thereby regulating the two-pipe heating system. Most often, such mechanisms are installed in water-heated floor collectors.

If you need to adjust the heating of a water heated floor in apartment building– it is necessary to take into account the temperature conditions of the pipes. Most often it does not exceed 45 degrees.

Servo drives

How to adjust the heating in an apartment building if it is not possible to independently change the temperature of the water in the pipes? This requires the installation of special shut-off valves. You can limit yourself to installing simple taps - with their help, the flow of coolant into the radiators is regulated. However, in this case, the adjustment will have to be done independently each time. The best option There will be installation of servos.

The design of this device includes a thermostat and a servo drive. To work, you must perform the following steps.

Set the desired temperature value on the thermostat.
The servo drive will automatically open or close the flow of coolant into the radiator.

In addition to similar models, you can purchase an economy version that includes only a thermostat. In this case, the level of adjustment will not be as accurate. But how to adjust the heating system in an apartment building if old radiators are installed? There are models of thermostats that are designed for installation in cast iron radiators. This measure will make the temperature settings for the apartment more accurate.

Thermostats cannot be used to regulate the pressure drop in the heating system. They will only limit the flow of coolant into the radiator without affecting the temperature regime of the entire system.

All of the above devices and instruments are necessary for normal operation heating. But in addition to them, you need to know the basic rules for installing individual elements, since they directly affect the operation of the entire system. Regulation of heating radiators in an apartment begins at the installation stage.

First of all, you need to choose a connection method. The efficiency of the device and the possibility of installing a thermostat depend on it.

You should also take into account the pipe layout. In a single-pipe system, a bypass (jumper) must be installed, which is necessary to redirect the flow of coolant in the event of repair or replacement of the radiator. In a two-pipe connection of each heating element happens in parallel. Therefore, it is easiest to properly adjust the heating batteries.

In this way you can regulate the heating in an apartment building. But for autonomous system It is important to know the correct settings of the boiler.

Installing thermostats on radiators

Adjusting heating radiators in an apartment allows you to simultaneously solve several problems, the main one of which is to reduce the cost of paying for certain utilities.

This possibility is being realized different ways: mechanically and automatically. However, when changing the heating system parameters, the average room temperature does not increase. You can only reduce it to the desired level by adjusting the position of the fittings. It is advisable to install such devices on batteries in houses where it is cool in winter.

Why do you need to make adjustments?

The main factors explaining the need to change the heating level of batteries using locking mechanisms and electronics:

Free movement hot water through pipes and inside radiators. The heating system may form air jams. For this reason, the coolant stops heating the batteries, as it gradually cools. As a result, the indoor microclimate becomes less comfortable, and over time the room cools down. To maintain heat in the pipes, shut-off mechanisms installed on radiators are used.
Adjusting the temperature of the batteries makes it possible to reduce the cost of heating your home. If the rooms are too hot, by changing the position of the valves on the radiators you can reduce costs by 25%. Moreover, reducing the heating temperature of the batteries by 1°C provides savings of 6%.
In cases where radiators heat up the air in the apartment very much, you have to open the windows often. It is not advisable to do this in winter, because you can catch a cold. To avoid having to constantly open windows in order to normalize the microclimate in the room, regulators should be installed on the batteries.
It becomes possible to change the heating temperature of radiators at your discretion, and individual parameters are set in each room.

How to regulate radiators

To influence the microclimate in the apartment, you need to reduce the volume of coolant passing through the heating device. In this case, it is only possible to reduce the temperature value. The heating system is adjusted by turning the valve/faucet or changing the parameters of the automation unit. The amount of hot water passing through the pipes and sections is reduced, and at the same time the battery heats up less intensely.

To understand how these phenomena are interconnected, you need to learn more about the operating principle of the heating system, in particular, radiators: hot water entering the heating device heats the metal, which, in turn, releases heat into the air. However, the intensity of heating the room depends not only on the volume of hot water in the battery. The type of metal from which the heating device is made also plays an important role.

Cast iron has a significant mass and releases heat slowly. For this reason, it is not advisable to install regulators on such radiators, since the device will take a long time to cool. Aluminum, steel, copper - all these metals instantly heat up and cool down relatively quickly. Work on installing regulators should be carried out before the start of the heating season, when there is no coolant in the system.

In an apartment building, there is no way to change the average water temperature in the heating system pipes. For this reason, it is better to install regulators that allow you to influence the microclimate in the room in a different way. However, this cannot be realized if the coolant is supplied from top to bottom. In a private house there is access and the ability to change individual equipment parameters and coolant temperature. So, in in this case It is often impractical to mount regulators on batteries.

Valves and taps

Such fittings are a heat exchanger of a shut-off device. This means that the radiator is adjusted by turning the tap/valve in the desired direction. If you turn the fittings 90° all the way, the flow of water into the battery will no longer flow. To change the heating level of the heating device, the locking mechanism is set to the half position. However, not every fitting has this opportunity. Some faucets may leak after a short period of use in this position.

Installing shut-off valves allows you to manually regulate the heating system. The valve is inexpensive. This is the main advantage of such fittings. In addition, it is easy to operate, and changing the microclimate does not require special knowledge. However, there are also disadvantages to locking mechanisms, for example, they are characterized by low level efficiency. The battery cooling rate is slow.

Stopcocks

Applicable ball design. First of all, it is customary to install them on a heating radiator in order to protect housing from coolant leakage. This type of valve has only two positions: open and closed. Its main task is to turn off the battery if such a need arises, for example, if there is a risk of flooding in the apartment. For this reason shut-off valves cut into the pipe in front of the radiator.

If the fittings are in open position, the coolant circulates freely throughout the heating system and inside the battery. Such taps are used if the room is hot. The batteries can be turned off periodically, which will reduce the air temperature in the room.

However, ball locking mechanisms must not be installed in the half position. With prolonged use, the risk of leakage in the area where the ball valve is located increases. This is due to gradual damage to the locking element in the form of a ball, which is located inside the mechanism.

Manual valves

This group includes two types of fittings:

Needle valve. Its advantage is the possibility of half installation. Such fittings can be located in any convenient position: completely opens/closes access to the coolant to the radiator, significantly or slightly reduces the volume of water in heating devices. However, there is a drawback to needle valves. Thus, they are characterized by reduced throughput. This means that after installing such fittings, even in a fully open position, the amount of coolant in the pipe at the battery inlet will be significantly reduced.
Control valves. They are designed specifically to change the heating temperature of batteries. The advantages include the ability to change position at the user’s discretion. In addition, such fittings are reliable. There is no need to frequently repair the valve if the structural elements are made of durable metal. There is a shut-off cone inside the valve. When you turn the handle in different directions, it rises or falls, which helps to increase/decrease the flow area.

Automatic adjustment

The advantage of this method is that there is no need to constantly change the position of the valve/faucet. Required temperature will be supported automatically. Adjusting the heating in this way makes it possible to set the desired parameters once. In the future, the heating level of the battery will be maintained by an automation unit or other device installed at the input of the heating device.

If necessary, individual parameters can be set multiple times, which is influenced by the personal preferences of the residents. The disadvantages of this method include the significant cost of components. The more functional the devices are for controlling the amount of coolant in heating radiators, the higher their price.

Electronic thermostats

These devices superficially resemble a control valve, but there is a significant difference - a display is built into the design. It displays the room temperature that needs to be obtained. Such devices work in conjunction with remote sensor temperature. It transmits information to the electronic thermostat. To normalize the microclimate in the room, you just need to set the desired temperature value on the device, and the adjustment will be performed automatically. Have electronic thermostats at the battery input.

Adjusting radiators with thermostats

Devices of this type consist of two units: lower (thermal valve) and upper (thermal head). The first of the elements resembles a manual valve. It is made of durable metal. The advantage of such an element is the ability to install not only an automatic, but also a mechanical valve, it all depends on the needs of the user. To change the heating temperature of the battery, the design of the thermostat includes a bellows, which exerts pressure on the spring-loaded mechanism, and the latter, in turn, changes the flow area.

Using Three-Way Valves

Such devices are made in the form of a tee and are intended for installation at the connection point of the bypass, the inlet pipe to the radiator, or the general riser of the heating system. To increase operating efficiency, the three-way valve is equipped with a thermostatic head, the same as that of the previously discussed thermostat. If the valve inlet temperature is higher desired value, the coolant does not enter the battery. Hot water is directed through the bypass and passes further along the heating riser.

When the valve cools down, the passage hole opens again and the coolant flows into the battery. It is advisable to install such a device if the heating system is single-pipe and the pipe distribution is vertical.

To be able to regulate the temperature of the battery in the apartment, consider any type of valve: they can be straight or angular. The installation principle of such a device is simple; the main thing is to correctly determine its position. Thus, the direction of coolant flow is indicated on the valve body. It must correspond to the direction of water movement inside the battery.

Place valves/thermostats at the inlet of the heating device; if necessary, install a tap at the outlet as well. This is done so that in the future it will be possible to independently drain the coolant. Regulating devices are installed on heating radiators, provided that the user knows exactly which pipe is the supply pipe, since a tap is made into it. In this case, the direction of movement of hot water in the riser is taken into account: from top to bottom or from bottom to top.

Compression fittings are more reliable, which is why they are used more often. The connection to the pipes is threaded. Thermostats can be equipped with a union nut. To seal the threaded connection, use FUM tape or flax.

Law of Hydraulics: Any flowing fluid chooses the path of least resistance. In the heating network of a private house, the rule works like this: the coolant pushed by the pump tends to pass through the first radiator or the shortest circuit of heated floors. As a result, remote rooms of the building warm up much less well. For uniform distribution of flows, hydraulic balancing of the heating system is necessary. We'll tell you how to adjust radiators and underfloor heating hinges with your own hands.

When to balance the system

Theoretically, adjustment of heating radiators is necessary in any case. Design engineer designing and calculating water system, sets the coolant flow rate for each radiator and underfloor heating circuit. After installation, filling and crimping pipeline network the contractor is obliged to adjust the heat supply, focusing on the design parameters in the project.

Important point. Calculation of the heat demand and the corresponding consumption of heated water is done for the most unfavorable conditions - the minimum street temperature. Therefore, at the beginning of the settings, all radiator and other control valves are fully opened, and the boiler is brought to maximum operating mode.

Since the average homeowner only cares about warmth and comfort inside the home, it is recommended to take on the balancing yourself in the following cases:

The radiators closest to the boiler heat up noticeably more than the radiators further away, respectively, the rooms are hot or cool (the temperature difference is too large).
One of the radiators makes a distinct noise - the murmur of flowing water.
Pipes embedded in the screed heat the floors unevenly.
In the process of setting up a new heating circuit, assembled with your own hands.

If, with properly installed heating, the temperature in the distant rooms is significantly lower, the system needs to be balanced

Note. It is assumed that the fittings, equipment and heating devices are selected correctly, the system is filled with coolant, and there are no other defects. Otherwise, it is pointless to engage in hydraulic balancing - you will get zero results.

When you should not regulate the distribution of coolant to batteries:

If the radiator network and heated floors work flawlessly. It’s not worth turning the valves over and over again - due to inexperience, you can make things worse.
When various problems are detected - air in the batteries, leakage, clogged radiator or balancing valves, rupture of the expansion tank membrane, etc. First, fix the problem and check the heating is working properly. There may be no need for adjustment.
It is strictly not recommended to interfere with the operation of central heating apartment building, install additional taps and valves into common risers. The exception is multi-storey new buildings with individual thermal inputs to each apartment.

Water flow is regulated exclusively by balance valves, ball valves are 100% open

Tools and devices for balancing

To independently adjust the heating radiators and heated floors of a private house, you will need a minimum of equipment:

electronic contact thermometer;
screwdriver;
thumb or wrench to rotate the rod balancing valve(a hexagon is usually used);
sheet of paper, pencil.

Reference. Professional plumbers often use a thermal imager, which gives a clear picture of the heating of all heating devices. The device is expensive, so we’ll make do with simpler means.

To measure temperature, it is better to use an electronic contact-type device.

Instead of the specified thermometer, it is allowed to use a remote (non-contact) pyrometer. Please note: the device measures the temperature of shiny surfaces with a small error. This note applies to radiators with new paintwork.

If you do not have a wiring diagram for a residential building, you should sketch it on paper before starting work. The sketch will help you understand the order in which the batteries are connected to the mains and the distance from the furnace room. Also flush the mud trap at the entrance to the boiler and heat the system to a temperature of 70-80 °C, regardless of the street weather.

A great help in setting up is a modern circulation pump Grundfos Alpha 3, which is through mobile app accurately shows the depth of adjustments. The downside is the decent price of the unit (starts at 240 USD).

Radiator network adjustment

The balancing method practiced by our expert is equally suitable for closed one-pipe and two-pipe heating systems country cottages. Manifold wiring and heated floors are regulated in a different way, which we will discuss in the next section.

The essence of the technique is to measure the surface temperature of all radiators and eliminate the difference by limiting the coolant flow. How to adjust radiators using a thermometer:

Warm up the coolant to 70-80 °C, open everything completely. If the boiler does not show the actual supply water temperature, determine it yourself by placing a meter on the metal outlet pipe.
Initially, the valve preset ring is adjusted to maximum flow
Measure the surface temperature of the first radiator supply in two places - near the supply and return connections. If the difference is within 10 degrees, the battery warms up normally.
Repeat the operation on all heating devices, recording the readings. Move along each heating branch, one by one recording the temperature of the batteries up to the last one.
If the temperature difference between the supply of the first and last radiator does not exceed 2 °C, close the valves of the first two batteries by 0.5-1 turns and repeat the measurements.
The measurement is taken at the supply and return pipes, the maximum permissible difference is 10 degrees
When the difference reaches 3-7 degrees, control valves The first heaters close by 50-70% (calculated by valve speeds), the middle ones - by 30-40%, the last devices remain completely open.
Wait 20-30 minutes to allow the batteries to warm up after the new settings, then repeat the measurements. The goal is to achieve a normal difference of 2 °C (3 degrees is allowed for long highways) between the last and first device.
Repeat the adjustment procedure, turning the balance valves a quarter or half a turn, until you achieve the same heating of all batteries. “Listen” to each radiator for noise indicating increased coolant consumption.

Important point. Don’t get carried away by excessively tightening the taps; you won’t get any savings this way. Compare the temperature at the inlet and outlet of the heater - if the difference exceeds 10 °C, the valve must be released. Due to too little coolant flow, the room will become cold.

Approximate adjustment of the batteries of a closed two-pipe system is shown using the example of a heating circuit for a two-story house. Why is it approximate: the number of batteries to be closed and the number of turns of the tap are purely individual for each wiring; it is necessary to understand it locally. If you doubt the correctness of your actions, press down the coolant gradually, making half a turn of the valve and repeating the measurements.

As a rule, a single-pipe “Leningrad” of 3-4 batteries does not need balancing; it is enough to lightly “press” the first radiator. In the associated wiring (), you need to limit the first and last device. An expert will show you the adjustment procedure more clearly in the video:

Warm floors and radiant wiring

Since the underfloor heating circuits and radiator radiators are connected to a common one, balancing is done directly on the collector. The setting method depends on the availability of rotameters - transparent flow meter flasks installed on the supply or return line.

To correctly configure the coolant supply using rotameters, you should calculate the water flow through each loop using the formula:

G – mass flow rate of heated water flowing through the circuit, kg/h;
Q – the amount of heat that the circuit or radiator should release into the room, W;
Δt – temperature difference at the inlet and outlet of the loop, the calculated value is taken to be 10 °C.

The power of one floor circuit Q is determined based on the heat demand of a separate room. The parameter is calculated according to the specific ratio of 100 W/m² of room area or according to the heating method. The flowmeter scales are marked in l/min, which means the result must be divided by 60.

Calculation example. Heating a room with an area of 10 square meters requires 1 kW of heat. Coolant consumption will be 0.86 x 1000 / 10 = 86 kg/h or 86 / 60 ≈ 1.43 l/min.

Clarification. If the room is large and has separate water loops, we also divide the calculated flow rate in half.

Here the rotameters are installed on the supply line of the comb, but can also be installed on the return line

Further balancing of the underfloor heating loops is carried out according to the instructions:

Reference. On the collectors different manufacturers flow meters are installed on the supply or return manifold (they are also structurally different). To adjust the maximum flow, the location of the rotameters does not matter.

Beam batteries are balanced in a similar way. To be sure, you can combine 2 options - according to the calculated flow rate and the temperature of the radiator surface (the method is described in the previous section).

Scheme of flow control with a rotameter. The flow rate through each circuit is shown by control washers in transparent flasks, the unit of measurement is liters per minute

If, in order to save money, you managed to buy a collector without rotameters, the setup will take several days. The goal is to achieve the same temperature in the return pipelines of all loops. That is, the initial installation is made approximately according to the power and length of the circuit, then the return temperature is measured and the flow rate is adjusted.

To check the balancing of the heated floor, you need to start the heating boiler. Negative point: after adjusting the flow rate, you will have to wait several hours until the thickness of the concrete warms up and the temperature of the return lines stabilizes.

Conclusion

A radiator heating network with short branches can be balanced without any problems. If the length of the arms of a two-pipe wiring varies greatly, the task becomes somewhat more complicated. But don’t worry - a difference of 3 degrees between the last and first radiator is considered normal in this case. Please note one nuance: heating balancing is carried out at maximum heating of the system; in operating mode, the water temperature will drop to 50...60 °C, the difference of 3 °C will also decrease.

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