Radiant heating system for a private home. How a radiant heating system works: diagrams and wiring options Advantages of a radiant heating system

Elements of a manifold heating circuit

Radiant heating of a private house is a structure consisting of several main elements:

1. Heating boiler. This device is the starting point, since from it the hot coolant is directed into pipelines and radiators. The power of the heating unit must correspond to the heat output of the heating equipment. There is the following nuance here: the radial layout of the heating system, unlike other pipeline layout options, has a greater degree of heat loss, which must certainly be taken into account when calculating equipment parameters.
2. Circulation pump. According to the peculiarities of its design, radiant heating distribution is of the closed type and its operation requires forced circulation of the coolant liquid. For this purpose, a special pump is installed that creates a certain pressure and pumps the liquid. As a result, the required temperature conditions are ensured, guaranteeing efficient operation of the heating system.

When choosing a circulation pump for radiant heating, you should pay attention to a number of parameters, including the length of the pipelines and the materials used to make the radiators. In addition, the power of the pump is not one of its most important characteristics; the speed at which the liquid will be pumped should be taken into account

This parameter shows the volume of coolant moved by the circulation device per unit of time

In addition, the power of the pump is not one of its most important characteristics; the speed at which the liquid will be pumped should be taken into account. This parameter shows the volume of coolant moved by the circulation device per unit of time.

Collector(it is also called a comb). It is also an important element of the radiant wiring of the heating system. The comb is assigned the function of a distribution device designed to centrally supply heating radiators with coolant (more details: “Distribution comb of the heating system - purpose and principle of operation”).

The radial circuit of a heating system always contains a variety of thermostatic or shut-off and control elements. They provide the necessary flow of thermal energy carrier in each branch of the structure. The installation of thermometers and air removers operating in automatic mode will help create additional conditions for more efficient operation of the heating structure without unnecessary costs.

Collectors on the domestic market are offered to consumers in a wide range. The choice of a specific device is based on the number of designed heating circuits or connected radiators. Combs are made from various materials - it can be brass or steel, as well as polymer products.

Cabinets. The radiant heating scheme requires that all the elements included in it be located in special structures equipped for them. Distribution manifold for heating. shut-off valves and pipelines must be placed in manifold cabinets of a simple design. They can be built into niche walls or external, but at the same time they are distinguished by functionality and practicality.

Manifold cabinets and blocks

In an apartment with horizontal radiant heating distribution (on the floors of private houses), distribution manifolds (supply and return) are installed, collecting all supply and return pipelines at their outlets. They are placed in specially designed metal cabinets, often built into the partitions of bathrooms and opening inside them. It is also possible to install distribution manifolds in specially designed wall niches. Often the collector unit is combined with a heat metering unit in one collector cabinet.

Manifold cabinet with thermal energy metering unit.

Collectors can be complete, consisting of sections of thick pipes with outlet pipes, or assembled on tees. The materials for these devices can be:

• plastic;
• nickel plated brass;
• copper;
• stainless steel.

Many well-known manufacturers of heating equipment (VALTEC, etc.) produce ready-made manifold blocks that combine supply and return manifolds, manual adjustment valves (on the supply manifold), thermostatic valves (on the return manifold), automatic air vents, drain valves and mounting brackets.

Complete collector block.

The task of individually adjusting the thermal regime of each single-radiator branch of a collector-radiant heating system is solved by tuning valves with built-in flow meters. The branches are of different lengths, and the coolant tends to flow the shortest way with minimal hydraulic resistance. It flows more intensely around short branches, warming up the radiators installed there more strongly.

Adjustment valves on the supply manifold change the flow of water (antifreeze), narrowing their nominal passages in short circuits, and widening them in long ones. Setting up is a painstaking process, and the setting valve is not intended to quickly shut off or open the coolant flow along the circuits. This function is performed by thermostatic valves.

Thermal valves on the manifold – “return” – are valves that smoothly shut off the flow manually or automatically. The radiant heating system is easily hydraulically balanced.

Features of a radiant home heating system

However, there is one more point that should not be overlooked. This is adjustment or regulation. It is carried out precisely in regulating the taps located on the manifold. But it is also worth saying that such a system is inconvenient because you have to constantly adjust the modes, which is not always possible physically. In addition, if you have a fairly large building, then it is better to abandon this idea.

The fire is the first direct descendant of radiant heating, and the Russian stove is a vivid example of this. Large, occupying a significant space, it was capable of heating the house with its infrared radiation, or, simply put, with living heat. If the room is warm, then heat radiation as such does not occur, and the person feels comfortable. And if it has cold walls, ceilings and other interior items, to a greater extent, it is on them that the infrared rays emitted by a person are transmitted. Surely, anyone can remember the chills running through the body, it would seem, in a warm room. This is radiant heat exchange, on the principle of which the radiant heating system of a house is built.

Review of diagrams and components of the heating system

At the first stage, you need to choose the operating principle of the heating system. Even 20-25 years ago there was practically no alternative - they made a gravitational open system. Therefore, the question of how to properly install heating came down to choosing the diameter of steel pipes and their correct slope. But the appearance on the market of the main elements of a closed system has significantly expanded the possibilities for choosing a scheme.

Gravity heating system

Gravity heating circuit

The main source of water heating for it is a solid fuel boiler (it can run on diesel or waste oil). Installation of gas models is impossible, since their normal functioning implies increased pressure in the pipes. Independent installation of a heating system with a gas boiler is possible. But in this case, a solid fuel housing is used, into which a special gas burner is mounted.

Before properly installing heating in a private home, you need to select its main components. In addition to the boiler, the following elements are required:

• Pipes. For this type of heating, you can use plastic models (polypropylene, metal-plastic) or steel. It is best to choose a large diameter - from 40 mm. In this way, the overall hydraulic resistance can be reduced;
• Expansion tank. Necessary to stabilize the system in case of overheating of the coolant;
• Shut-off valves. Its installation is mandatory, since during repair or maintenance work it will be necessary to shut off the coolant flow in a certain area of ​​the system;
• Feeding unit. Required to add coolant. For optimization purposes, it is often included in the design of the expansion tank.

Radiator kit for single-pipe heating system

The gravity system in most cases is made of one pipe (Leningrad). In order to properly install the heating radiator, it is necessary to install a bypass on each of them. This also needs to be taken into account when purchasing components and drawing up a general installation diagram.

In addition to these components, the installation of pressure gauges is required. If this device is not provided in the boiler design, it should be installed on the outlet pipe.

To mount a heating radiator, it is necessary to provide it with a Mayevsky tap. It is necessary to eliminate air locks in the system.

Diagram of a forced circulation heating system

Closed heating circuit with solid fuel boiler

It is much more difficult to install a heating system with forced circulation. The difference lies in the creation of increased pressure in the line. This helps to increase the length of pipelines and optimal temperature conditions for the operation of the entire system.

It is best to consider the configuration of this circuit using the example of piping a solid fuel boiler. Since most gas models have the vast majority of components included in the design (circulation pump, expansion tank, etc.). Therefore, in order to install a heating system yourself, in addition to the boiler, the system must contain:

• Circulation pump. It will create the required level of coolant pressure;
• Closed expansion tank. Serves as a compensator when the pressure in the system increases above critical;
• Security group. Partially duplicates the functions of the expansion tank. If the pressure is too high, the air vent and drain valve will reduce it, removing excess air and coolant from the system;
• Shut-off valves;
• Feeding unit.

How to install a closed-type heating system yourself, and most importantly, what pipe layout to choose? Experts recommend installing a two-pipe system, since in this case the radiators will be connected in parallel, which will ensure uniform temperature distribution throughout the system.

Installing a forced-type heating system is much easier than with natural circulation. In addition, the first is the only option for houses with medium and large areas.

Manifold selection

The radiant heating system includes a collector (comb). This element looks like a pipe. It has pipes for inlet and outlet of coolant. For a beam circuit, two types of collectors should be installed.

The first of these will be the input comb. A pump is connected to it, as well as a coolant distribution valve. It can be three- or two-way. The valve contains a thermometer. It is installed in the collector housing. The device transmits information to the valve. It opens or closes the valve, mixing hot liquid into the circuit.

The outlet manifold collects the cooled coolant, which returns to the boiler. The heating device heats it up again. Additionally, a balancing flow controller can be installed on this pipe. The collector group ensures the stability of the system. It is responsible for optimizing and balancing the heating of the coolant in the system.

Single-pipe horizontal

The simplest version of a single-pipe horizontal heating system with a bottom connection.

When creating a heating system for a private house with your own hands, a single-pipe wiring diagram may turn out to be the most profitable and cheapest. It is equally suitable for both one-story and two-story houses. In the case of a one-story house, it looks very simple - the radiators are connected in series to ensure consistent flow of coolant. After the last radiator, the coolant is sent through a solid return pipe to the boiler.

Advantages and disadvantages of the scheme

First, we will look at the main advantages of the scheme:

• ease of implementation;
• excellent option for small houses;
• saving of materials.

A single-pipe horizontal heating circuit is an excellent option for small spaces with a minimum number of rooms.

The scheme is really very simple and understandable, so even a beginner can handle its implementation. It provides for a serial connection of all installed radiators. This is an ideal heating layout for a small private house. For example, if this is a one-room or two-room house, then “fencing” a more complex two-pipe system does not make much sense.

Looking at the photo of such a circuit, we can note that the return pipe here is solid, it does not pass through the radiators. Therefore, this scheme is more economical in terms of material consumption. If you don’t have extra money, this type of wiring will be the most optimal for you - it will save money and allow you to provide heat to your home.

As for the shortcomings, there are few of them. The main disadvantage is that the last radiator in the house will be colder than the very first one. This is due to the sequential passage of the coolant through the batteries, where it releases the accumulated heat into the atmosphere. Another disadvantage of a single-pipe horizontal circuit is that if one battery fails, the entire system will have to be turned off at once.

Despite certain disadvantages, this heating scheme continues to be used in many small private houses.

Features of installation of a single-pipe horizontal system

When creating water heating for a private house with your own hands, the scheme with single-pipe horizontal wiring will be the easiest to implement. During the installation process, it is necessary to mount the heating radiators, and then connect them with pipe sections. After connecting the very last radiator, it is necessary to turn the system in the opposite direction - it is advisable that the outlet pipe runs along the opposite wall.

A single-pipe horizontal heating circuit can also be used in two-story houses; each floor here is connected in parallel.

The larger your home, the more windows it has and the more radiators it has. Accordingly, heat losses also increase, as a result of which the last rooms become noticeably cooler. You can compensate for the temperature drop by increasing the number of sections on the latest radiators. But it is best to install a system with bypasses or with forced circulation of the coolant - we will talk about this a little later.

A similar heating scheme can be used to heat two-story houses. To do this, two chains of radiators are created (on the first and second floors), which are connected in parallel to each other. There is only one return pipe in this battery connection diagram; it starts from the last radiator on the first floor. The return pipe coming down from the second floor is also connected there.

Radiant heating system for a two-story house is the best choice

At the moment, a more efficient and economical floor heating system for two-story private country houses than a two-pipe radial scheme simply cannot be found. By choosing the equipment correctly, as well as calculating all the nuances and performing installation as required by the instructions, you can ensure comfort and coziness in your home.

It is important to point out the fact that the main heating devices in a radial double-circuit system are traditional radiators. Regardless of the size and material (and this can be either cast iron or aluminum), such units must be installed correctly:

Regardless of the size and material (and this can be either cast iron or aluminum), such units must be installed correctly:

1. Heating radiators must be installed only under window openings;
2. All heating radiators must be mounted at the same height;
3. The fins of the battery are located only vertically - otherwise normal coolant circulation will be impossible;
4. It is imperative to provide a drain system through which the coolant will be replaced.

Two-pipe heating system for a house with two floors

The boiler also means a lot (see how to choose a gas heating boiler)

For normal operation of the double-circuit system, it is important to choose modern and efficient boilers. Such equipment (and even equipped with automation) will make it possible to ensure optimal heating of each room of a two-story house, significantly saving fuel and money and obtaining hot water

The heating system of a two-story building with a two-pipe radiant heating circuit is not only quite productive and efficient, but also demanding for the first start-up.

For example, before starting direct operation, it is important to correctly balance the system and adjust the fluid flow for each loop of supply and return pipelines. This is the only way to achieve fuel savings and ensure the highest possible level of heating

Modern heating systems

Quite a lot of time has passed since the time of the Russian stove, and although it is an ideal option for radiant heating at home. but at present, installing it in a city apartment is nonsense. But technology is also developing every day, so all heating systems, including radiant ones, installed both in private houses and apartments, are mostly the most modern and adapted to the needs of each person.

Heating systems are primarily divided according to how the pipes are routed from the collector to the radiators. These are several types of systems such as;

• Single-pipe;
• Two-pipe;
• Radial;

The principle of radiant heating is that wiring from the collector, the main coolant distributor, is intended for each radiator separately. This is the most significant advantage in this system - radiators can be turned on and off, either individually or as a group.

In addition, the heat supply valve can be adjusted. For example, if the kitchen does not require such an amount of thermal radiation due to the operation of household appliances that serve as an additional source of heat, then the valve can be screwed on. This can be done in such a way that heat enters the kitchen, but not in such quantities as into the rest of the rooms. The same can be done with those rooms that are not used for their intended purpose, but they should retain heat. By regulating the heat supply, fuel economy also increases. and due to this, the heat meter readings are also encouraging.

How is a multi-storey building heated?

• Operating principle of the elevator unit
• About the heating system of a multi-storey building

The heating system of a multi-story building is of particular interest; it can be considered using the example of a standard five-story building. It is necessary to find out how heating and hot water supply function in such a house.

Heating diagram for a two-story house.

A five-story building requires central heating. the house has a heating main inlet, there are water valves, and there may be several heating units.

In most houses, the heating unit is locked, which is done to achieve safety. Despite the fact that all this may seem very complicated, the heating system can be described in simple words. The easiest way is to take a five-story building as an example.

The heating scheme for the house is as follows. After the water valves there are mud traps (there can be only one mud trap). If the heating system is open, then after the mud traps through the inserts there are valves that are located from processing and supply. The heating system is designed in such a way that water, depending on the circumstances, cannot be taken from the back of the house or from the supply. The thing is that the central heating system of an apartment building operates on water that is superheated, the water is supplied from a boiler room or from a thermal power plant, its pressure ranges from 6 to 10 kgf, and the water temperature reaches 1500°C. Water is in a liquid state even in very cold weather due to increased pressure, so it does not boil in the pipeline to form steam.

When the temperature is so high, the hot water supply is turned on from the back of the building, where the water temperature does not exceed 700°C. If the temperature of the coolant is low (this happens in spring and autumn), then for the normal functioning of the hot water supply this temperature cannot be sufficient, then the water for the hot water supply comes from the supply to the building.

Now you can disassemble the open heating system of such a house (this is called an open water intake), this scheme is one of the most common.

Types of radiant heating system

A visual diagram of the heating system in a private house.

A radiant heating system in a private house can be installed with either forced or natural circulation of the coolant. Currently, a system with natural circulation is used very rarely, since it requires the use of pipes with a very large diameter, which is not very convenient for a private home. In addition, this system is equipped with an expansion tank, the installation of which is necessary at the highest point of a two-story house, which again is not entirely convenient. But at the same time, a radiant heating system with natural circulation will help save on installation, since it will not require additional expensive equipment (pumps, temperature sensors, air vents, etc.).

The collector heating system with forced circulation is the most widely used; its main advantage is the artificial circulation of heat through pipes. For these purposes, a special pump is installed in the supply or return line. Forced circulation makes it possible to reduce the temperature difference between the water inlet and outlet, and also simplifies the heating system itself, which makes it more compact and helps to avoid unnecessary consumption of materials. This heating system is absolutely independent of the design of the house and the location of the heated rooms in it. The hydraulic resistance of the pipeline and the length of the branches do not play a special role. And by installing modern automatic devices, you can change the temperature depending on weather conditions and the individual wishes of the residents. All these advantages make this system universal.

Selection of pipes for the heating system

The most common for installing heating systems in two-story houses are metal-plastic pipes. This is primarily due to the fact that no sediment is deposited on products made of polymer materials and they are resistant to corrosion. A rather low price is another advantage of metal-plastic pipes. All connections are made without welding using threaded or pressed connections, which simplifies installation as much as possible. However, such pipes have one drawback - a high coefficient of thermal expansion, which, if used incorrectly, can lead to leaks.

Pros and cons of radiant heating systems

The disadvantages of radiant heating in a house include:

• a large number of materials and, as a result, higher cost;
• the need for a special place for the collector block.

The advantages of the beam system are:

ease of installation due to the small number of connecting elements;
hidden pipes in the floor;
hydraulic stability, which is especially important when using imported plumbing fixtures;
the ability to turn off each radiator individually, while all others are operating as usual;
temperature control in each individual room;
the system is balanced, all rooms are heated evenly.

When developing a project for a radiant heating system, it is necessary to detail it as much as possible; this will significantly simplify installation and help avoid problems in the future. It should also be noted that actual costs will always exceed planned costs; this must be taken into account when drawing up estimates. But, despite everything, the radiant heating system is highly efficient and can create maximum comfort in a living space.

Types of beam wiring

Method 1. With forced water circulation

Previously, a radiant heating scheme equipped with pumps that pump water was not very popular due to the high cost of parts. But now the price of equipment has dropped significantly, and more and more people are choosing it.

The main difference from the gravitational scheme is that liquid (water or antifreeze) flows from the boiler to the batteries and back not due to the difference in temperature and pressure, but with the help of pumps.

This results in the following benefits:

• there are no restrictions on the geometry and number of rooms in housing construction;
• heating can be installed in rooms of any size;
• To connect radiators and collectors, you can use pipes of any length, laid without a slope.

One of the elements of a radiant heating system with forced circulation is a pump

Advice! Despite the fact that the circulation pump can be installed at any point in the system, it is advisable to do this on the return manifold before supplying coolant to the boiler. There the liquid temperature is the lowest, which has a positive effect on the service life of the equipment.

Method 2. With natural water circulation

In this case, the coolant moves due to gravity: the heated water becomes less dense and lighter, therefore it is displaced to the upper point of the system, after which, as it cools, it flows through the collectors and radiators, and then returns to the heater.

The gravity beam heating system has the following features:

1. During installation, an open expansion tank is required, installed at the highest point. It compensates for the thermal expansion of the coolant and prevents an increase in internal pressure in the pipelines.
2. A radiant heating network with natural circulation does not require the installation of expensive electrical equipment, which significantly reduces the estimated cost of work.
3. Heating with natural circulation is completely energy independent. Even if there is a power outage, which often happens in summer cottages or in rural areas, you will not be left without heat.

The gravity heating system does not use pumps

Beam wiring features and elements

The heating system using radiant radiation is most optimally suited specifically for apartment buildings, or private houses with more than one floor and many rooms. This significantly increases the operating efficiency of all equipment as a whole, guarantees high-quality heat supply and significantly reduces the amount of heat and energy indicators.

The principle of operation of a radiant heating system is quite simple, but it has some features. For example, if a building has several floors, then installation of a collector is implied on each floor. Moreover, in many cases, not one, but several collectors are installed, and pipes are laid from them, and the direct and reverse supply of coolant is organized. It is also worth noting the fact that radiant heating of a house only works effectively if the house is well insulated. due to which the least heat loss occurs. If the house is insulated from the inside. and outside - there will be no problems with heating based on the principle of infrared radiation. If it’s the other way around, all the heat will go to heating the walls, window panels, floors, and so on.

But in itself, a radiant heating system is a complex structure. combining basic and additional elements necessary for high-quality work. This can include;

• Boiler. which is almost the main element. It is from this that heat is supplied to the pipes, and through the pipes to the radiators.
• Circular pump. which creates a certain pressure in the pipes, with the help of which the coolant circulates and maintains an optimally comfortable temperature in the rooms. It also guarantees the efficient operation of the entire heating system;
• The collector (or in other words, the comb), is another most important element in a radiant heating system. It is, as it were, central, and it is from it that there is a uniform supply and distribution of heat to all rooms of the house;
• Closet. where all elements of the heating wiring must be hidden. The manifold cabinet hides the distribution manifold itself. pipes and shut-off valves. It is a fairly simple design, but very functional and practical. They can be located both outside and built into the wall;

What is the difference between tee wiring and radial wiring?

Such installation is quite complex, which increases the risk of breakdowns in the event of installation errors or sudden pressure changes in the heating system.

Beam wiring diagram

Radial heating distribution involves laying pipes from each radiator to a special distribution device - a collector or, as it is also called, a comb. Naturally, here the pipe flow increases significantly. In addition to pipes, each radiator will require its own shut-off valves - valves, thermostats, tees and other small parts, some of which must be installed on both pipes - supply and return.

But, despite the high consumption of components, such a system makes it possible, in the event of an emergency, to quickly turn off any radiator, group, separate room or entire floor. The heating system can continue to operate during this time and heat the rooms.

In addition, when radiating pipes, as a rule, they are hidden under the floor covering, regardless of its material

This gives an additional chance to make the floor warm, which is so important in houses where the basement is not insulated. A one-piece pipe, without joints, made of cross-linked polyethylene and laid under the floor, eliminates the risk of leaks, and all repairs, if required, are carried out directly at the radiator connections or in the collector

Natural and forced circulation of coolant during radial distribution - which is better?

Heating of any building can be carried out by natural circulation of coolant or forced. A radiant heating system for a two-story house may well function in both cases.

Natural and forced circulation of coolant during radial distribution

With natural circulation of the coolant, operating the heating system is, of course, easier and cheaper. There is no need to purchase a circulation pump, various sensors, thermostats, etc. This system is well suited if long-term construction is underway and the building is not connected to a centralized power grid or for a country house if the residence is not permanent.

But on the other hand, a heating system with natural circulation involves the installation of large-diameter pipes and the necessary slope when laying them. As well as the installation of an expansion tank, which should be located at the highest point of the building, this is usually done in the attic. And since the attic is not always insulated, there is a need to insulate the tank itself in the winter and constantly monitor the condition of the coolant in it.

Radiant heating of a house with forced circulation of coolant is increasingly gaining fans. If in the recent past such a system was a novelty for the average consumer, now circulation pumps are often installed in houses, citing the fact that such equipment allows increasing the temperature in the house while reducing financial costs for energy. And indeed it is.

Many have encountered this effect, when the supply pipe has a fairly high temperature, but the return pipe is slightly warm, and as a result, the house is quite cool. When installing a circulation pump, the temperature of both pipes is made the same, which increases the overall temperature in the room at the same cost of gas, firewood or electricity, and possibly less. In this case, the pump can be installed on any pipe – supply or return. Its function is to quickly move the coolant under a certain pressure, as a result of which the formation of air pockets is eliminated, and all heating devices warm up evenly.

When deciding how to heat his own home, the owner can choose from a variety of heating technologies. What they have in common is a similar set of structural elements, which includes a boiler, a pipe system and heating devices that directly heat the room.

There are differences in pipeline connection schemes; one of its options is a radiant heating system, the characteristics and construction rules of which will be discussed in the article.

• Significant advantages of beam distribution
• The principle of organizing a beam circuit
  • Choosing a circulation pump
  • Rules for installing a circulation pump
  • Is it possible without a pump?
  • Selecting a distribution manifold
• Beam wiring diagram
  • What needs to be done before installation?
  • Rules for installing beam wiring
• Radiant wiring and heated floors
• For wooden houses
• Analysis of the arguments "for" and "against"
• Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Significant advantages of beam distribution

The main task of the heating system is to replace the heat that the building loses due to differences between the internal and external air temperatures, as well as due to the varying degrees of thermal conductivity of the external walls.

In practice, you can connect all heating devices together using the following methods:

• tee connection;
• radial(collector) connection, when a separate pair of pipes is supplied to each heating device using a collector for direct and reverse supply of coolant.

The tee or perimeter type of pipe connection is cheaper. But due to the fact that the devices are connected to each other and connected by a pipeline to a single riser, the system will need to be completely disconnected and freed from coolant to repair a separate radiator or section. Or equip it with bypasses and shut-off valves, which will significantly increase the cost of organizing heating.

Image gallery

An undeniable argument in favor of installing a radiant heating system is its efficiency, which is much higher than circuits with tee wiring.

The radiant type of heating is distributed across floors. Mainly installed with bottom connections to devices

The construction of heating systems using the radiant principle became possible thanks to the development and implementation of metal-plastic and polypropylene reinforced pipes

Pipes are supplied to each heating device in the form of rays emanating from the distribution comb - the collector

The parallel principle of connecting devices to the pipeline ensures almost equal temperatures in them. The difference between the supply and return temperatures is also minimal, which significantly reduces the load on the system

The collector system may have only one ring connected to the comb, or several secondary rings into which the coolant is supplied through the primary ring

For normal operation, the system is equipped with at least one circulation pump, although it is recommended to install them on each of the rings. An air vent, a pressure gauge and a pressure safety valve are installed

The collector is placed in a closet; in two-story houses, one collector is installed per floor, which are connected to each other by risers

With traditional perimeter wiring, the entire pipeline is most often installed in an open way, less often in a hidden way. Radiant heating systems are mainly installed in walls or floors, because... a large number of pipes laid on top of structures negatively affects the interior.

Concealed installation is carried out by a system of underfloor heating pipes, which, in accordance with the technological specifics, is arranged according to a radial scheme. The radial pipeline to the heating devices is also laid in a hidden way in the floor screed, because this is better for technological and architectural reasons.

Assembling a pipeline using a radial scheme will cost significantly more than installing a system using a perimeter method. However, due to the specifics of such wiring, the heated coolant is supplied to all points simultaneously

A large number of pipes when using the beam method of pipeline assembly can ruin the interior. Therefore, all heating communications are laid in the floor or walls. All connections remain on the surface, so there is virtually no risk of leakage under the screed. This cannot be done with a tee system, because If the connections wear out, you will have to break the walls and floor.

In order to reduce pipe consumption, pipelines assembled according to a radial scheme are laid not along the perimeter, but along the shortest paths - from the collector to the device

The main disadvantage of collector wiring is its high material consumption, which is due to its large length. And the main advantage is that you can set different temperatures in each room, creating a comfortable microclimate in any room.

Each radiator or convector is connected independently, which is also convenient for carrying out maintenance work and replacing worn-out system elements without having to turn off the heating in the entire house or apartment.

Hidden installation allows you to significantly improve the visual appearance of any room, leaving only the heating radiators visible

The principle of organizing a beam circuit

One of the central elements of the beam system is the collector. If you are going to do heating in a house with several floors, then the collector should be located on each level. During installation, collectors are placed in a collector cabinet, where a convenient system for positioning this element is provided for subsequent maintenance or adjustment.

The radial wiring diagram is used for one- and two-pipe systems. The first option assumes that the supply and collection of coolant is carried out by one collector. The second option involves the use of two collectors for supply and return

The indisputable advantage of the radial system is the minimum number of connections, which has a positive effect on the hydraulic stability of the entire heating system. The central working body is the boiler. To ensure high efficiency and safety, the owner needs to take into account the power of the unit, the consumption of thermal energy by heating devices and the heat loss of the system. This must be done regardless of what type of fuel the boiler operates on.

An increase in the length of the pipeline when creating radial distribution is fraught with a slight increase in heat loss, which also needs to be taken into account for power balance.

In single-pipe radial distribution of heating circuits, the supply of coolant prepared for heating devices is carried out by the same collector, which collects the return and sends it to the boiler (+)

Choosing a circulation pump

Radial piping is used mainly in horizontal circuits with bottom coolant supply. It requires a circulation pump that stimulates the movement of heated water through numerous branches.

Controlled coolant circulation makes it possible to reduce the temperature difference at the inlet and outlet of the heating circuit. As a result, it is possible to increase heating efficiency, making the system more compact and less material-intensive.

When selecting and installing a circulation pump, you need to take into account a number of features, using which you can achieve high efficiency of the entire system.

This unit is selected according to several important parameters, including:

• productivity, m 3 /hour;
• head height, m.

To select the right pump for these parameters, you need to take into account the diameter of the pipes, their length and height relative to the level of the pumping unit. When drawing up a heating system installation project, these parameters are calculated in advance.

Rules for installing a circulation pump

• circulation pumps with a wet rotor are installed so that the shaft is horizontal;
• the device with a thermostat should not be close to hot surfaces (radiator or boiler) so that the readings are not distorted;
• as a rule, it is installed on the return section of the pipeline due to lower temperatures. Modern models can also be installed in the supply line, withstanding high temperatures;
• The heating circuit must be equipped with an air bleed mechanism. If there is none, then the pump must have an air vent;
• should be located as close as possible to the expansion tank;
• Before installing the pump, it is recommended to flush the system to remove solids;
• Before starting the pump, fill the system with water;

To avoid becoming a victim of excessive noise, select a pump in accordance with the performance of the heating system.

Is it possible without a pump?

Of course, you can save money and not buy a pump, air vents, sensors, etc. But a beam system with natural circulation requires compliance with several not very convenient conditions. Experts recommend this option in extremely rare cases. Firstly, you will need to install wide diameter pipes. Secondly, the expansion tank must be installed at the highest point of the facility.

To save on components, you can do without a pump, but this is only possible if a number of conditions are met and only for small buildings

This option is suitable for a cottage or other modest-sized object, providing enough heat. The choice between natural circulation and forced circulation must be made at the design stage.

Selecting a distribution manifold

This device is also called a comb. Serves to supply coolant to each heating device (warm floor, radiator, convector, etc.). Through the collector, the return flow also occurs, which then enters the boiler or is again mixed into the circuit to regulate the temperature. The collector can support from 2 to 12 circuits. Some manufacturers offer even more branches for complex projects.

The distribution manifold is the main transport terminal, which serves to distribute the coolant in the right quantity for each room or heating device

Combs are often equipped with additional shut-off and temperature control elements. They allow you to configure the optimal coolant flow for each heating branch. The presence of air extractors guarantees more efficient and safe operation of the system.

Beam wiring diagram

When choosing a heating scheme, in most cases they choose a radial floor-to-floor pipeline layout. All pipes are hidden from view in the thickness of the floor. The collector - the main distribution body is installed in a niche of the wall enclosure, often in a special cabinet located in the center of the house/apartment.

In the vast majority of cases, the implementation of beam distribution requires a circulation pump, and sometimes several, installed on each ring or branch. Its necessity is described above. Radial wiring of the heating system assembly is most often performed on the basis of one- and two-pipe installation, almost completely replacing the tee type of connection.

On each floor, supply and return manifolds are installed near the riser of the two-pipe system. Under the floor, pipes from both collectors run in the wall or under the floor and connect to each radiator within the floor. Each of the contours should have approximately the same length. If this cannot be achieved, then each ring must be equipped with its own circulation pump and automatic temperature control.

In this case, the change in temperature conditions will be completely independent on each circuit and will not affect each other. Because the pipeline will be under the screed; each radiator must be equipped with an air valve. The air vent can also be placed on the manifold.

What needs to be done before installation?

Before starting work, the owner’s task is to correctly select all components and equipment locations, namely:

• determine locations radiators;
• select the type of radiators, based on pressure indicators and type of coolant, and also determine the number of sections or area of ​​panels (calculate heat losses and calculate the thermal power required for high-quality heating of each room);
• schematically depict the location of radiators and pipeline routes, not forgetting about the remaining elements of the heating system (boiler, collectors, pump, etc.);
• make a paper list all items and make purchases. In order not to make a mistake in the calculation, you can invite a specialist.

So, to proceed to the next stage, it is necessary to take into account the rules for installing the beam system

Rules for installing beam wiring

If you choose to lay pipes under the floor, follow several rules that will help avoid heat loss and freezing of the coolant. There should be enough space between the rough and finished floors (more on this later in the description).

When installing pipes into the floor, it is important to take into account several requirements, one of which is the presence of sufficient space between the finished and subfloors

The subfloor can be a concrete foundation slab. A layer of insulation is first laid over it, then a pipeline is installed. If you lay pipes without a heat-insulating backing, the water in these areas may freeze, losing a lot of heat.

As for pipes, it is better to opt for polyethylene or metal-plastic models, which are highly flexible. Polypropylene pipelines do not bend well, so they are not suitable for beam distribution.

In most cases, a pipe with a diameter of 16 - 20 mm is used (if the radiator power is over 1.5 kW, then 20 mm), on which a thermal insulating corrugation is placed to reduce heat loss and compensate for thermal expansion. The pipeline must be attached to the base so that it does not float while pouring the finishing layer of screed. You can secure it using mounting tape, plastic clamps or other available methods.

The pipe under the screed must be insulated in order to reduce heat loss to a minimum, and on the first floor it is imperative to lay a layer of thermal insulation

Then we lay insulation around the pipeline with a 50 mm layer of polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam. We also attach the insulation to the base of the floor using dowel nails. The final stage is pouring a 5-7 cm layer of mortar, which will serve as the base of the finished floor. Any flooring can be laid on this surface.

If pipes are laid on the second floor and above, then installation of a thermal insulation layer is optional. Remember one important rule: there should be no connections in the sections of the pipeline located under the floor.

If there is a pump of sufficient power and performance, the collector is sometimes placed on the floor below relative to the level of the radiators.

If the collector is located on the lower level (basement), then you need to take into account several rules for the correct installation of pipes from the comb to the radiators, which are located on the next level

From the collector, the pipes rise vertically to the ceiling. Then a bend is made and the pipeline along the ceiling is brought to each radiator with another 90 degree bend. The pipes must be secured to the ceiling. Thus, a vertical pipe through the ceiling is connected to each heating device.

Radiant wiring and heated floors

The radial scheme can also be used to install a “warm” floor system. With a well-designed project, taking into account all factors, you can abandon radiators, making the heated floor the main source of heating.

Heat flows will be evenly distributed throughout the room, without creating a convection effect, unlike radiators. As a result, there is no circulation of dust in the air

Before you take on the idea of ​​installing water-heated floors, it is important to consider the following features:

• a reflective screen with a layer of thermal insulation is laid on a concrete or wooden base;
• pipes are laid on top in a loop-like pattern;
• Before pouring concrete, a hydraulic pressure test of the system is carried out throughout the day;
• The finishing layer is screed or flooring.

The manifold of each circuit must be equipped with flow meters and thermostatic valves, which allow precise control of coolant flow and regulation of its temperature.

When routing pipes, you can use thermostatic heads and servos. These devices allow you to automate the operation of a heated floor. The system will respond to changes in room temperature, adjusting a comfortable mode for each room.

Radiant wiring for underfloor heating requires equipping the collector with several components that allow you to control, automate and manage underfloor heating to achieve maximum comfort and energy efficiency

During installation, it is extremely important to properly fix the pipes before filling everything with screed. To do this, you can use insulation with grooves, reinforcing mesh or staples. Before laying the pipeline, it is necessary to clearly define the route that the coolant will travel to heat the floor (do not allow pipes to cross). It is best to cut the pipe only after it has been completely laid and connected to the return and supply manifolds.

It is important that the pipeline is under pressure when filling. Until the concrete mixture hardens completely and three weeks have passed, coolant cannot be supplied at operating temperature. Only then we start with 25ºС and after 4 days we end with the design temperature.

For wooden houses

To lay the pipeline in a wooden foundation, it is necessary to drill holes in the wooden floor beams. In this case, the holes should be slightly larger than the diameter of the pipes so that the beam and the entire structure do not create pressure on the pipeline.

When installing radial distribution in wooden floors, it is important that the floor structure does not create pressure on the pipes, and that the latter are securely fixed

In our example, the subfloor is wooden, on which the pipe system is located. Again, there should be no connections in the thickness of the floor, because... they should be located exclusively above the level of the floor covering.

Analysis of the arguments "for" and "against"

Let's start with the cons. In addition to the material consumption, which affects the cost of the project, there is the need to install a manifold cabinet, which will require additional space.

This is where the disadvantages of the beam system end, and a series of advantages begin:

• simple design and installation, the system uses pipes of the same diameter;
• with hidden installation there are no connections in the walls and floor;
• high installation speed due to the minimum number of connections;
• expansion of functionality due to the installation of shut-off valves, sensors, air vents and thermal heads to automate the operation of the heating system;
• temperature control in each individual room using mechanical elements or automation;
• the ability to cut off any radiator without stopping the heating process;
• uniform heating of all rooms.

The external control panel allows you to program the heating operation, including automatic adjustment depending on the weather conditions outside. Thanks to the installed sensors, all residents can set any parameters that are comfortable for them while in a specific room.

The radiant system is financially expensive in terms of implementation, but is ahead of all other options in flexibility of settings and ensuring the efficiency of all heating

Thus, the radial wiring diagram makes it possible to achieve high controllability of the heating system and achieve optimal coolant flow.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video will help you visually understand the installation features and understand how a heating system with radiant wiring works:

An energy-efficient heating system is a balanced combination of all its components. The pipe layout serves as a kind of circulatory system for heating. The radial method of pipeline installation allows you to deliver exactly as much coolant as each working device needs for its optimal operation.

First of all, you will need to draw a ray diagram on paper. Here you cannot do without at least minimal designer skills and an understanding of the basic principles of the functioning of the heating system. If you have no experience in design, you can order a drawing from a design organization.

Radial heating wiring diagram

For those who decide to do all the work themselves, it is recommended to divide the work into several successive parts:

1. Analysis of room characteristics. The basic rule for laying a pipeline is the absence of a fine surface finish, since the pipes are laid in a screed.
2. Locating batteries. Radiators should be installed on the walls under the windows.
3. Drawing up a floor plan. It indicates the initial data, namely: the places where the batteries and the boiler are installed.
4. The plan should also include pipe installation locations and the location of the central distribution manifold.
5. Indication of safety and shut-off valves. The necessary equipment includes pressure gauges, thermometers, Mayevsky taps, shutoff taps, etc. The plan must list all devices and indicate the order in which they will be installed. You will also need air vents - one for each circuit. Air vents have an important function - preventing the formation of air pockets.

The collector is also popularly called a “comb”, because this element of the heating system looks like a hair comb. The base of the collector uses a pipe to which numerous pipes are connected. A radiant heating system uses two collectors. One manifold is installed on the supply, and the other on the return. The circulation pump is usually installed on the inlet manifold. A multi-way valve is also installed here, which is equipped with a thermometer. Depending on the set temperature, the thermometer interacts with a valve, which increases or decreases the flow of heated coolant into the general heating circuit.

After the coolant has transferred heat to the heating devices, it returns through the pipeline to the outlet manifold. Accordingly, after this the coolant rushes to the heating boiler, where it is again saturated with heat. Balancing elements are also installed on the input manifold. These elements regulate the amount of coolant that can pass through the collector. In general, these two collectors are responsible for proper heating of the room and optimal heating balance.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the beam system

What pipe diameter should I choose?

Most often, when installing a beam system, 16-diameter pipes are enough. In rare cases, a larger diameter is used. Now we are talking about the diameter of the pipes from the collector.

How to do it in a two-story house?

Many people wonder how to make a beam system in a two-story house. We can make a beam system even in a skyscraper. The main thing is to use your own heating collector on each floor.

Is it possible to make a radiation system in an apartment?

Yes, you can. It is unlikely that this can be done directly from the thermal power plant. But if you have your own heating system or connect to a thermal power plant through a heat exchanger, then everything will work.

Is it better to have a two-pipe system or a beam system?

Grade

Advantages

Why is a radiant heating system better than a sequential one? Here is a typical list of arguments of its supporters:

1. Minimum temperature spread between heating devices. They are powered from a common collector and are fed from one supply thread;
2. Ease of management. From the manifold cabinet you can change the temperature of any part of the heating system;

The manifold cabinet is the heating control unit for the entire house.

1. Independent temperature control of devices. If you cover or completely turn off any of them, this will not affect the operation of the remaining batteries;
2. Hidden liner routing. When laid in a screed or grooves, they will not spoil the design of the living space.

The heating connections will be hidden by the floor laid over the joists.

Flaws

First, a few critical comments on the properties of collector wiring that I mentioned among its advantages.

1. In a two-pipe series system, it is also possible to obtain the same temperature of the batteries. With dead-end wiring, it is achieved by balancing the system (that is, throttling the connections of the batteries closest to the boiler); with parallel wiring, the temperature on all heating devices will be the same without balancing;

Tichelman loop, or a two-pipe system with associated coolant movement. The temperature of all radiators is the same without balancing.

1. It is most convenient to control the air temperature in the room directly from it. If you need to go through the whole house to the collector cabinet in order to reduce the heating of the battery, this, you see, does not look like an advantage at all;
2. Independent temperature control of radiators is possible in any two-pipe system. With single-pipe wiring, this is also achievable: it is enough to connect the batteries not into the filling gap, but parallel to it.

Connecting a radiator parallel to the filling in a single-pipe Leningrad tank. Taps on the inlet allow you to reduce the heating of the battery without affecting the operation of other heating devices.

And the actual disadvantages:

• Expensive. The total length of the heating connections in the case of radial pipe distribution will be several times greater than when the batteries are connected in series;
• Difficult. Grooving walls or pouring screed with collector wiring is possible only at the stage of major renovation of a private house or apartment. Meanwhile, it is possible to sequentially separate the batteries even after finishing the final repairs: the only dirty work to be done is drilling the walls for bottling;

Heating with serial connection of radiators can be installed after finishing finishing.

• Unreliable. The heating system requires a circulation pump to operate, which makes it energy-dependent. When circulation stops (for example, in the event of a long power outage), the water in the pipes will freeze. It is much more difficult to warm up connections hidden in the floor or walls than openly laid outlets.

Please note that when laying pipes in a screed, they cannot be completely dried out and defrost cannot be prevented. Each liner forms an upward-curved bracket in which water will constantly stand.

The line below the connection to the radiator is filled with water. It is impossible to drain it completely.

conclusions

In my opinion, radiant wiring is justified only in one case: if you are installing water-heated floors.

Arguments? At your service:

1. The length of one heated floor circuit cannot exceed 120 meters due to the high hydraulic resistance of the pipes, so in any case there will be several parallel circuits in the house;
2. It is most convenient to connect parallel circuits to the terminals of the distribution manifold. Alternative installation methods involve open laying of bottlings and open installation of chokes or thermal heads, which, as you understand, goes against aesthetics.

Water heated floor: collector wiring is completely justified.

A high-temperature radiator heating system is cheaper, easier and smarter to install in series.

Comparison with other heating wiring diagrams

Heating systems have been improved over the decades and the wiring diagram is no longer at all similar to their predecessors. In modern homes, we have long moved away from classic wood-burning stoves - modern people need automation and do not need unnecessary worries with heating the house.

Single pipe system

In this type of wiring, one pipe is used, which goes sequentially to the heating radiators, from one to another and returns to the heating boiler. A circulation pump can be used to move the coolant through the heating pipes.

Two-pipe system

Unlike a single-pipe system, in a two-pipe system the heating radiators are connected in parallel. A pipe with hot coolant goes to each heating radiator and a pipe with cooled liquid goes out. A circulation pump can be used to move the coolant through the heating pipes.

Installation rules

How to properly perform beam wiring with your own hands?

Here are some basic rules.

• As connections, you can use pipes of the minimum commercially available diameter (15 mm for corrugated stainless steel pipes and 16 mm for metal-plastic, polypropylene, PEX and PERT);

Table of correspondence between pipe diameter and thermal load on a section of the circuit. As you can see, a diameter of 15 mm is enough for any heating device.

• All serviced connections must be accessible after installation, so they are brought outside the screed or groove;
• To connect hoses to radiators, use American ones. Quick release connections will save you a lot of time and effort if the battery has to be removed for some reason;
• Install throttles and/or ball valves on both manifolds (supply and return). Each circuit must turn off completely independently of the others. This instruction will help you not to be left without heating in the entire house in winter due to a leak in the only battery;
• When installing radiator heating, lay the connections in thermal insulation (for example, in foamed polyethylene tubes). This way you will reduce unnecessary heat loss.

Heating connections are installed in foamed polyethylene tubes.

Automatic collector-beam system

The supply of coolant to radiators connected via radial wiring can be made automatically adjustable. In this case, instead of a plastic manual control cover (position 4 in the figure “Complete manifold block”), a small-sized electromechanical servo drive is installed on the thermal valves of the return manifold (position 2 in the figure “Complete manifold block”), connected by a cable to an analog thermostat or controller. Radiators are connected to heating pipes without any fittings at all (ball valves can be installed).

Dimensions of the thermal valve servo drive.

Such a scheme has increased capital costs, while simultaneously providing an increased level of comfort. The user-desired air temperature can be set from the control panel of the room thermostat, the signals of which are processed by servo drives on the thermal valves of the return manifold. The system can be controlled by a so-called chronothermostat, which provides the user with the ability to set a temperature control program for a week, differentiated by day of the week and time of day.

Conclusion

A heating system with collector-beam piping provides the user with the possibility of hydraulic balancing and individual adjustment of operating modes of heating devices. A certain increase in the length of pipes during radial distribution is obviously compensated by a decrease in their diameter and ease of installation.

Related articles:

Design and operating principle

One of the main elements of a collector heating system is a collector (comb, collector block), which distributes the coolant coming from the boiler over several circuits. The number of circuits corresponds to the number of taps on the collector, the number of taps on the collector, the number of radiators in the house.

The collector allows you to evenly distribute the coolant over each heating device, so that all radiators heat up to the same temperature. Uniform heating is ensured by the fact that each radiator has its own supply and return lines.

The design of the collector consists of several outlets and one input/output through which coolant flows/returns from/to the heat source. Often a distribution manifold, automatic air vent, flow meters and thermostats.

Is it worth doing manifold heating wiring?

Let's start with the shortcomings. They should definitely be taken into account when deciding on the type of heating pipe layout. The collector system is considered expensive due to its material consumption. In addition, you need to find a place to arrange cabinets, which can sometimes be difficult. If the costs and the need to allocate space for collectors are not a concern, then the homeowner receives the following benefits:

• Stable operation of the heating system. The equipment is not exposed to water hammer, which increases the service life of radiators.
• Simplified design. The system uses pipes of the same diameter, which eliminates unnecessary calculations.
• Convenient repair. If damage appears in any area, this circuit is simply turned off and the problem is corrected. The remaining “rays” operate as before, and the house remains at an acceptable temperature.
• Hidden installation. The pipes are located in floors, walls or ceilings, and the comb and automation are located in the manifold cabinet. Heating elements do not spoil the interior.

This is what the manifold pipe layout looks like

Whether to opt for beam wiring or prefer the good old tee wiring is up to you. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages, calculate the costs of installing different types of systems and start designing. Warmth for your home!

Structure of a radiant heating system

Any heating system has in its structure a heat source (boiler, furnace, boiler), heating devices (radiators, convectors), pipes, shut-off and control valves and, in most cases, a circulation pump

The beam scheme also implies the use of the above elements, as well as important equipment that distinguishes it from others - the collector.

Many of the listed structural components are standard, so it is inappropriate to dwell on their description. Only those that have special requirements will be considered below.

Heat sources

As you know, this is the main unit of any home heating system, the choice of which should be approached reasonably. The beam circuit is structurally quite complex and, accordingly, requires powerful equipment.

When choosing a boiler power, you need to take into account that an extensive network of pipelines laid during radiant heating, as a rule, in the floor structure, causes slightly larger heat losses, which affect the efficiency of the system as a whole.

Heating manifold

The second most important element in such a heat supply system is collector. It is a device in the form of a short pipe with numerous pipes for connecting radiators. In the literature you can often find another name for it - comb.

Figure 2 – Heating manifold

The dimensions of the collector can be adjusted during operation, adding new sections as new heating devices are connected.

Its main function is the centralized distribution of coolant from the heat source to the heating devices. It also allows you to regulate the heating intensity of each of them, as well as turn off a separate circuit for repairs or planned replacement without affecting the operation of the system due to the installation of various types of shut-off and temperature control valves.

Radiant heating, as a two-pipe system, involves the use of two collectors: supply and outlet, usually installed in pairs. And to accommodate the entire unit, it is recommended to use a special cabinet, which will not only provide easy access to the equipment, but will also hide its unaesthetic appearance.

It should be noted that the use of collectors in the heating circuit makes it easy to modernize and allows it to be connected to the Smart Home system. Specially installed sensors provide the ability to automatically regulate the degree of heating of the coolant depending on temperature fluctuations in the premises, as well as remote control of home heating.

Circulation pump

A radiant heating system, as a rule, involves forced circulation of the coolant, and therefore necessarily requires the installation of a pump.

When choosing a circulation pump model, you should take into account not only its power, but also such a parameter as the speed of pumping water per unit time.

Depending on the complexity of the circuit configuration, as well as the length of the pipelines, two devices may be required, mounted both on the supply and return.

Pipes

To organize a radial heat supply scheme, metal, metal-plastic and polypropylene pipes can be used. When choosing a specific type, you should proceed not only from the cost of the products, but also from the complexity of installation and repair. In this regard, the plastic version has found the greatest use.

When purchasing pipes, it is necessary to take into account that their diameter must correspond to the dimensions of the inlets and outlets of the boiler and manifold. If necessary, adapters can be used.

Selecting a distribution manifold

It is also called a comb. It is necessary for supplying liquid to heated floors, radiators, convectors, etc. With its help, an outflow is carried out through the return circuit, from where the liquid is then sent to the boiler or mixed again in the circuit for temperature regulation. The collector can handle a maximum of twelve branches.

As a rule, combs have backup shut-off, regulating and temperature regulating elements. Using them, it is possible to adjust the rational flow of coolant throughout all heating circuits. The presence of deaerator can guarantee high-quality and stable operation of the system.

Quite a lot of time has passed since the time of the Russian stove, and although it is An ideal option for radiant heating at home, but at present, installing it in a city apartment is nonsense. But technology is also developing every day, so all heating systems, including radiant ones, installed both in private houses and apartments, are mostly the most modern and adapted to the needs of each person.

Heating systems are primarily divided according to how the pipes are routed from the collector to the radiators. These are several types of systems such as;

• Single-pipe;
• Two-pipe;
• Radial;

The principle of radiant heating is that wiring from the collector, the main coolant distributor, is intended for each radiator separately. This is the most significant advantage in this system - radiators can be turned on and off, either individually or as a group.

Besides, The heat supply valve can be adjusted. For example, if the kitchen does not require such an amount of thermal radiation due to the operation of household appliances that serve as an additional source of heat, then the valve can be screwed on. This can be done in such a way that heat enters the kitchen, but not in such quantities as into the rest of the rooms. The same can be done with those rooms that are not used for their intended purpose, but they should retain heat. By regulating the heat supply, the fuel economy, and due to this, the heat meter readings are also encouraging.

Features of beam wiring

All heating systems are produced with one purpose - to heat the room, that is, to restore the heat that is missing in the house due to the temperature difference inside and outside (outside).

There are only two options for combining all heating devices:

1. Tee connection.
2. Radial wiring of the heating system (collector connection). In this case, a separate pair of pipes is supplied to each device using a manifold for direct and reverse supply of coolant.

The first option of the pipeline system is budget-friendly. However, due to the special connection of pipes and connection to one riser, if it is necessary to install a battery or a separate section, the system will have to be turned off entirely and the liquid drained.

Of course, you can also buy shut-off valves, but installation will cost much more.

As a rule, the classic perimeter piping is open. Fan heating systems are mainly located in the walls or in the floor, because many pipes lying on the structure do not look very attractive in the interior.

A hidden type installation looks good in any room. After all, only the heating batteries remain visible.

A collector-radiant heating system is not cheap compared to a perimeter system design. However, the advantage of such installation is that the warm liquid will spread to all points at once and evenly warm the rooms.

Collector house heating system

Pros and cons of a collector heating system

You need to familiarize yourself with all the advantages and disadvantages of this heating system in advance.

Disadvantages of fan pipe routing:

1. There is only one compelling argument against it - the beam system has many elements in its design. Including pipes. In addition, it uses many connecting elements.
2. The large number of parts in this system can result in significant repair costs. A classic heating system costs less and is cheaper to repair.

It is required to take a very responsible approach to connecting all heating devices in a fan-shaped circuit, because errors can cause frequent breakdowns of the system as a whole.

Against the background of the advantages of the radial heating system, the disadvantages lose their weight. After all, in the shortest possible time, a high-quality installed system will definitely pay for its installation. In addition, it has many useful functions.

Advantages:

1. The fan system allows you to set up heating separately in each room. Thus, heat in the premises will be distributed more efficiently, and energy resources will be saved.
2. When installing a radiant heating system, you have access to pipe connections, and you can identify and fix problems in a timely manner.
3. Pipes of a classic heating system are quite difficult to hide. With fan distribution, the pipes are hidden in the walls or in the field. If the installation is high-quality and correct, then the elements will not be noticeable to the eye.

A correctly designed diagram of a radiant heating system makes it possible to rationally distribute heat throughout all areas of the house.

First of all, you need to correctly determine the diameters of pipelines, especially for highways; here you can’t do without hydraulic calculations. It’s a little easier with radial branches to the radiators; their size can be taken according to this principle:

• for a battery with a power of up to 1.5 kW, a pipe is 16 x 2 mm;
• for radiators with power over 1.5 kW, pipe 20 x 2 mm.

When wiring in the floor, all connections must be insulated, otherwise you will heat the screed areas and the radiators will be cold. Do not throw the pipes at random, arguing that they will still be filled with solution and the mess will not be visible. This is a mistake, the branches need to be laid carefully, distributing them in pairs, and at the end only noticeable marks should be made for you in the places where the pipes lie. Subsequently, this will help to quickly find them in the event of an accident.

It is relatively simple to do the installation yourself in a one-story house. Choose the optimal location for the cabinet with the collector (ideally in a wall niche), measure the distances and purchase pipes, install radiators. There is no need to install balancing valves anywhere, only ball valves on batteries. By the way, if possible, vertical sections of pipes coming out of the floor can be hidden in the walls. Then the connections to the heating devices will be completely invisible.

Advice. Do not use polypropylene pipes in such networks. They do not bend and have a large linear elongation. And it’s illogical to use cheap materials in an expensive system; it’s better to take metal-plastic or cross-linked polyethylene.

In a house with two or more floors, it is necessary to install shut-off and control valves on each branch from the riser. A ball valve is installed on the supply pipeline, and a balancing valve is installed on the return pipeline. This will allow the entire system to be balanced hydraulically, as well as cut off the floors from heating if necessary.

Modern heating systems

The main design feature of the scheme, in this case, is the presence of one or several vertical risers with branches for arranging heating for each individual room.

The pipeline connection to the radiators is carried out horizontally.

Currently, both open and hidden pipeline laying is practiced, but the second option is the most preferable:

• branched dead-end heating system it is assumed that the minimum length of pipes and hydraulic resistance will be leveled by mutually crossing the pipeline, which becomes the main reason for increasing the thickness of the screed;
• in perimeter wiring heating system, it is planned to lay the pipeline along the walls around the perimeter of the entire room, and it is also possible to carry out hidden installation in the floor structure;
• collector circuit provides for parallel connection of all heating devices to the supply and return pipelines.

It is the latter method that is optimal for arranging a combined type of heating, that is, a combination of traditional radiator heating with a “warm floor” system.

The most budget-friendly and easiest-to-implement option is the traditional single-pipe system, in which all heating devices are sequentially filled with coolant, which does not guarantee uniform heat distribution.

Types of radiator connections

The main methods of connecting heating system devices are several types:

• Lateral (standard) connection;
• Diagonal connection;
• Bottom (saddle) connection.

Side connection

Lateral radiator connection.

Connection from the end of the device - supply and return are located on one side of the radiator. This is the most common and effective connection method; it allows you to remove the maximum amount of heat and use the entire heat transfer of the radiator. As a rule, the supply is at the top and the return is at the bottom. When using a special headset, it is possible to connect from bottom to bottom, this allows you to hide the pipelines as much as possible, but reduces the heat transfer of the radiator by 20 - 30%.

Diagonal connection

Diagonal radiator connection.

Connection diagonally to the radiator - the supply is on one side of the device from the top, the return is on the other side from the bottom. This type of connection is used in cases where the length of a sectional radiator exceeds 12 sections, and a panel radiator is 1200 mm. When installing long radiators with side connections, there is uneven heating of the radiator surface in the part furthest from the pipelines. To ensure that the radiator heats up evenly, a diagonal connection is used.

Bottom connection

Bottom connection from the ends of the radiator

Connection from the bottom of the device - supply and return are located at the bottom of the radiator. This connection is used for the most hidden installation of pipelines. When installing a sectional heating device and connecting it using the bottom method, the supply pipe approaches on one side of the radiator, and the return pipe on the other side of the bottom pipe. However, the heat transfer efficiency of radiators with this scheme is reduced by 15-20%.

Bottom radiator connection.

In the case when the bottom connection is used for a steel panel radiator, then all the pipes on the radiator are located at the bottom end. The design of the radiator itself is made in such a way that the supply flows through the manifold first to the upper part, and then the return flow is collected in the lower radiator manifold, thereby not reducing the heat transfer of the radiator.

Bottom connection in a single-pipe heating circuit.

Radiant system with heated floor

As many may have noticed, a radiant heating system is installed on the same principle as a water heated floor. In theory, you can connect a warm floor to radiators through one comb. This method will be especially in demand by those who want to install heated floors in some rooms and radiators in others.

If you make a radial system together with heated floors, it will work. But keep in mind that heated floors are a low-temperature system, and radiators are a high-temperature system.

If you don’t think about adjusting the temperature, then in one case with heated floors in the room you will be hot, in another case with radiators it will be cold. Keep this in mind.

There is another positive side property of the collector heating system. Namely, a comfortable heated floor. The fact is that when radiant heating systems are installed, the distributor is mounted closer to the risers or the center of the room. In this case, pipelines from the distributor to the radiator in 99 percent of cases pass through corridors and enter rooms through doorways.

Yes, the pipes in this case are insulated with pipe insulation in one layer. But many installers know that 6-9 mm thick insulation allows up to 30 percent of heat to pass through.

That is why, where the pipes of the radiant heating system of the house pass, the floors are not cold, but comfortably warm. With one heating system we catch two birds with one stone. We get a reliable heating system without joints in building structures and comfortable heated floors.

Significant advantages of beam distribution

The main task of the heating system is to replace the heat that the building loses due to differences between the internal and external air temperatures, as well as due to the varying degrees of thermal conductivity of the external walls.

In practice, you can connect all heating devices together using the following methods:

• tee connection;
• radial(collector) connection, when a separate pair of pipes is supplied to each heating device using a collector for direct and reverse supply of coolant.

The tee or perimeter type of pipe connection is cheaper. But due to the fact that the devices are connected to each other and connected by a pipeline to a single riser, the system will need to be completely disconnected and freed from coolant to repair a separate radiator or section. Or equip it with bypasses and shut-off valves, which will significantly increase the cost of organizing heating.

Image gallery

An undeniable argument in favor of installing a radiant heating system is its efficiency, which is much higher than circuits with tee wiring.

The radiant type of heating is distributed across floors. Mainly installed with bottom connections to devices

The construction of heating systems using the radiant principle became possible thanks to the development and implementation of metal-plastic and polypropylene reinforced pipes

Pipes are supplied to each heating device in the form of rays emanating from the distribution comb - the collector

The parallel principle of connecting devices to the pipeline ensures almost equal temperatures in them. The difference between the supply and return temperatures is also minimal, which significantly reduces the load on the system

The collector system may have only one ring connected to the comb, or several secondary rings into which the coolant is supplied through the primary ring

For normal operation, the system is equipped with at least one circulation pump, although it is recommended to install them on each of the rings. An air vent, a pressure gauge and a pressure safety valve are installed

Significant advantage of the beam system

Floor diagram of the device

Use of flexible polymer pipes

Option for connecting pipes to the radiator

Technical advantages of the beam version

Principle of primary and secondary rings

Technical equipment of beam distribution

Manifold in a dedicated cabinet

With traditional perimeter wiring, the entire pipeline is most often installed in an open way, less often in a hidden way. Radiant heating systems are mainly installed in walls or floors, because... a large number of pipes laid on top of structures negatively affects the interior.

Concealed installation is carried out by a system of underfloor heating pipes, which, in accordance with the technological specifics, is arranged according to a radial scheme. The radial pipeline to the heating devices is also laid in a hidden way in the floor screed, because this is better for technological and architectural reasons.

Assembling a pipeline using a radial scheme will cost significantly more than installing a system using a perimeter method. However, due to the specifics of such wiring, the heated coolant is supplied to all points simultaneously

A large number of pipes when using the beam method of pipeline assembly can ruin the interior. Therefore, all heating communications are laid in the floor or walls. All connections remain on the surface, so there is virtually no risk of leakage under the screed. This cannot be done with a tee system, because If the connections wear out, you will have to break the walls and floor.

In order to reduce pipe consumption, pipelines assembled according to a radial scheme are laid not along the perimeter, but along the shortest paths - from the collector to the device

The main disadvantage of collector wiring is its high material consumption, which is due to its large length. And the main advantage is that you can set different temperatures in each room, creating a comfortable microclimate in any room.

Each radiator or convector is connected independently, which is also convenient for carrying out maintenance work and replacing worn-out system elements without having to turn off the heating in the entire house or apartment.

Hidden installation allows you to significantly improve the visual appearance of any room, leaving only the heating radiators visible

Selection of circulation pump

Radial piping is usually used in horizontal systems with bottom supply of coolant. It requires a pump that stimulates the circulation of warm liquid throughout all branches.

Circulation pump equalizes the temperature readings at the inlet and outlet of the heating circuit. Thus, the quality of heating increases. The system becomes more compact and less material-intensive.

The pump is selected based on performance as well as pressure height.

To correctly select a circulation device in connection with these characteristics, it is necessary to know the diameter of the pipes, their length and distance from the pump itself. These indicators need to be calculated already at the project preparation stage.

How to install a pump

To achieve maximum efficiency and high-quality heating, the following must be taken into account:

1. Glandless rotor pumps are mounted so that the shaft is horizontal.
2. The equipment is usually placed on the return line of the pipeline system, since the temperatures there are lower. Newer devices can also be installed on the supply circuit; they are not afraid of high temperatures.
3. It should be as close as possible to the expansion tank.
4. The pump with the thermostat must be kept away from hot objects.
5. The heating circuit must be equipped with a deaeration device. If it is not available, the circulation pump is purchased with air vent.
6. To remove solids before installation, experts advise flushing the system.
7. Before starting the pump, it is worth filling the system with coolant.

To avoid noise, it is worth selecting circulation equipment based on the performance of the heating system.

Many people are interested in the question of whether it is possible to do without a pump, sensors and air vents. The answer is yes. However, it will be necessary to organize certain conditions, because the circulation of the coolant will be natural.

A small cottage or other small object may be optimally suited for a system with natural circulation of liquid. However, no matter what heating system option is chosen, everything should be thought through at the design stage.

About the species circulation pumps can be read in.

Radial diagram of the heating system, features of application in a two-story house

The heating circuit with a distributor (this is radiant) is very convenient and effectively suitable for installation in a two-story house. The thing is that this heating system for a private two-story house involves an individual supply of coolant from the distributor to various heating devices.

One- and two-pipe heating systems

Thanks to the design features, as well as thoughtfulness, the rooms in the house (including those on the second floor) heat up much faster than when using a more affordable single-pipe heating system. And aesthetically, this heating scheme is very good, because the hot coolant supply and return lines can be hidden under the floor covering.

The main (but not the only) advantage of the radiant heating scheme is the absence of multiple connections on the pipes (this also helps to simplify installation work). Also, such a system assumes the most uniform distribution of heat throughout the entire line, without losses and other troubles.

Radiant heating systems with natural and forced circulation

As a rule, the Leningradka heating system in a two-story house is not preferable today, since it does not allow achieving maximum heating and saving rates.

It is being replaced by a double-circuit radiant system, which can be installed with both natural and forced circulation of the coolant along the main line.

It should be noted that both of these methods have their own characteristics, which are important to consider before starting installation yourself.

Radiant heating system

• Natural circulation (gravity heating system) is not used as widely today as it was 10-15 years ago. The decline in popularity is due to the fact that the instructions for such systems imply the use of large-diameter pipes, which is not always possible.

A two-pipe heating system with natural circulation must also be equipped with an expansion tank, which acts as a compensator for the expansion of the coolant. Installation of such equipment is carried out at the highest point of the house and, at times, this is quite inconvenient.

But, be that as it may, it is the natural circulation in the two-pipe heating system of a two-story house that allows you to save money. Such a dual-circuit system does not require the installation of additional equipment, in particular, expensive pumps.

Natural circulation heating system

Advice: If the property is used, for example, as a summer house or it is some kind of long-term construction where there is no electricity, then natural circulation in the heating system will be the most appropriate solution.
Even without automation and additional pumping of coolant, the house will always be quite warm and cozy.

• Forced circulation systems have become widespread today. Just 5-10 years ago, such a heating option was not approved by consumers due to its high cost.
  Today, when the price of automation and equipment has decreased, everyone can afford two-pipe heating systems with forced circulation.

The main advantage and feature of forced circulation is the artificial “pushing” of the coolant through the pipes. This process is carried out using special equipment - a pump - installed in the supply or return line.

It should be noted (and this can be seen in many photos and videos on the network) that two-pipe heating systems for two-story country houses with forced circulation are not at all demanding on the geometry of the house, the length of branches and the hydraulic resistance of pipelines. Automation also helps maintain optimal temperature in the premises of the house.

Forced circulation heating system

Pipe selection

1. Pipes should be made of a sufficiently flexible material - this will help avoid joints. The best option for a private home is cross-linked polyethylene.
2. Since the pipeline should not have joints (or their number should be kept to a minimum), therefore, again, the best choice is polyethylene pipes, which are offered in coils. It is undesirable to have joints for the following reason: any connection is the weakest point in the system, and since the pipes are in a screed, their rupture will cause many problems.
3. Pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene must have an air-tight layer. If this condition is violated and oxygen molecules penetrate through the polyethylene into the thermal fluid, corrosion will inevitably develop on the metal elements of the system - batteries and heat exchanger.
4. If we are talking about apartment buildings, the best choice would be stainless steel pipes, as they are able to withstand the extreme loads that often arise during the operation of networks. In addition, stainless steel is resistant to corrosion.
5. When implementing a beam scheme, pipes of relatively small diameter are used (compared to the supply pipe). The diameter of the pipes usually ranges between 24 and 32 millimeters.
6. To ensure the pipeline is protected from mechanical stress, it is laid in a cement screed. In this case, the screed must be done very carefully so as not to crush the line.
7. Decorative coating can be applied to the floor only after the cement screed has been checked for leaks.

Radiant wiring and heated floors

The radial scheme can also be used to install a “warm” floor system. With a well-designed project, taking into account all factors, you can abandon radiators, making the heated floor the main source of heating.

Heat flows will be evenly distributed throughout the room, without creating a convection effect, unlike radiators. As a result, there is no circulation of dust in the air

Before you take on the idea of ​​installing water-heated floors, it is important to consider the following features:

• a reflective screen with a layer of thermal insulation is laid on a concrete or wooden base;
• pipes are laid on top in a loop-like pattern;
• Before pouring concrete, a hydraulic pressure test of the system is carried out throughout the day;
• The finishing layer is screed or flooring.

The manifold of each circuit must be equipped with flow meters and thermostatic valves, which allow precise control of coolant flow and regulation of its temperature.

When routing pipes, you can use thermostatic heads and servos. These devices allow you to automate the operation of a heated floor. The system will respond to changes in room temperature, adjusting a comfortable mode for each room.

Radiant wiring for underfloor heating requires equipping the collector with several components that allow you to control, automate and manage underfloor heating to achieve maximum comfort and energy efficiency

During installation, it is extremely important to properly fix the pipes before filling everything with screed. To do this, you can use insulation with grooves, reinforcing mesh or staples. Before laying the pipeline, it is necessary to clearly define the route that the coolant will travel to heat the floor (do not allow pipes to cross). It is best to cut the pipe only after it has been completely laid and connected to the return and supply manifolds.

It is important that the pipeline is under pressure when filling. Until the concrete mixture hardens completely and three weeks have passed, coolant cannot be supplied at operating temperature. Only then we start with 25ºС and after 4 days we end with the design temperature.

Installation features

Any radiant home heating system is developed and installed individually, depending on the area of ​​the house, the number of rooms, the selected coolant and radiators, as well as other conditions.

However, there are generally accepted instructions that every installer follows.

First of all, it should be noted that radial pipe distribution is never done in city apartments. This is due to the fact that the coolant supply in high-rise buildings is carried out through vertical risers connecting all apartments - from the first floor to the last.

It is impossible to install a collector in an apartment, since the upper floors will remain without heating

As a result of connecting powerful collectors, hot water will not reach the rooms located above, which will disrupt the operation of the heating network. Residents will complain to the service organization, which, sooner or later, will force you to dismantle the collectors and return to the tee heating system.

Note!
The above does not apply to cases where an autonomous boiler is used to heat the apartment.
It independently heats up the coolant, which will be enough to meet the needs of the home without affecting the interests of the neighbors. . When installing radiant heating in a private home, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

When installing radiant heating in a private home, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

1. Valves must be installed on the collectors supplying and discharging water to the batteries to prevent the formation of air pockets. During operation, all air remaining in the system will escape through them to the outside.

Valves must be installed on the return pipelines to bleed air.

1. The heating circuit must be equipped with an expansion tank, the volume of which is 10% of the amount of coolant circulating through the pipes. It is advisable to buy closed membrane containers.
2. It is advisable to mount the tank on a pipeline that connects the outlet manifold to the boiler. This is due to the fact that the sealed expansion tank does not like turbulent water flows, and they are least likely to appear on the return line.

In the photo - a membrane-type expansion tank for a heating system

1. In contrast, the installation location of circulation pumps is not so important. But it is advisable to connect them to a pipe that removes the cooled coolant. In this case, the equipment will work longer.
2. During installation, you need to ensure that the shafts of electric pumps are positioned strictly horizontally. Otherwise, due to distortions, the bearings will quickly fail, and you will have to replace or repair the equipment.

Single-pipe heating system diagram

Single-pipe heating system: vertical and horizontal distribution.

In a single-pipe heating system, the supply of hot coolant (supply) to the radiator and the removal of cooled coolant (return) are carried out through one pipe. All devices relative to the direction of movement of the coolant are connected to each other in series. Therefore, the temperature of the coolant at the inlet of each subsequent radiator along the riser is significantly reduced after heat is removed from the previous radiator. Accordingly, the heat transfer of radiators decreases with distance from the first device.

Such schemes are used mainly in old central heating systems of multi-storey buildings and in autonomous gravity-type systems (natural coolant circulation) in private residential buildings. The main defining disadvantage of a single-pipe system is the impossibility of independently adjusting the heat transfer of each radiator separately.

To eliminate this drawback, it is possible to use a single-pipe circuit with a bypass (a jumper between the supply and return), but in this circuit, the first radiator on the branch will always be the hottest, and the last the coldest.

Multi-storey buildings use a vertical single-pipe heating system.

In multi-storey buildings, the use of such a scheme allows saving on the length and cost of supply networks. As a rule, the heating system is made in the form of vertical risers passing through all floors of the building. The heat output of radiators is calculated during system design and cannot be adjusted using radiator valves or other control fittings. Given modern requirements for comfortable indoor conditions, this scheme for connecting water heating devices does not satisfy the requirements of residents of apartments located on different floors, but connected to the same heating system riser. Heat consumers are forced to “endure” overheating or underheating of air temperature during the transitional autumn and spring period.

Single-pipe heating in a private house.

In private houses, a single-pipe scheme is used in gravity heating networks, in which hot water circulates due to the differential densities of heated and cooled coolants. Therefore, such systems are called natural. The main advantage of this system is energy independence. When, for example, in the absence of a circulation pump in the system connected to the power supply networks and in the event of power outages, the heating system continues to function.

The main disadvantage of the gravity single-pipe connection scheme is the uneven distribution of coolant temperature across the radiators. The first radiators on the branch will be the hottest, and as you move away from the heat source, the temperature will drop. The metal consumption of gravity systems is always higher than that of forced ones due to the larger diameter of the pipelines.

Video about the installation of a single-pipe heating circuit in an apartment building:

Heating circulation methods

The heating system can have several types of coolant circulation. These include:

• Forced circulation method;

With the natural circulation type, the coolant is spontaneously distributed through convection throughout all elements of the heating system. To ensure the best circulation in a natural way, large diameter pipes are used in the heating system. The natural method of coolant circulation, due to its lower efficiency, has some limitations on the area of ​​the heated room. Typically this method is used in small private homes.

The forced circulation method has long proven itself very well. Today on the market you can find a huge number of circulation pumps that are very compact and very efficient. These pumps have a fairly long service life

When installing a radiant system, it is important to correctly adjust the coolant circulation speed. The pump can be installed on both the supply and return

Using a circulation pump, you can supply coolant to a fairly decent height. When selecting a pump, this parameter must also be taken into account.

Today, forced circulation, due to its undeniable advantages, is undoubtedly the most popular method of transferring coolant. The advantages also include the very affordable cost of circulation pumps.

How to make fan wiring

The collector is the most important element of the system under consideration. When it is planned to organize a fan heating system in a two-story house, the collector must be installed on all floors. The collectors are hidden in a special cabinet. In the future, they will be easy to maintain or adjust if necessary.

The number of connections is kept to a minimum, which has a good effect on the hydraulic stability of the entire heating system.

The boiler is the heart of the entire system. In order for the efficiency to always strive for the maximum indicator, it is necessary to take into account the power of the boiler equipment, the heat energy consumption of heating devices and the heat losses of the system

This applies to all boilers, no matter what type of fuel they use.

Some heat may be lost if the pipeline system is long, which must also be remembered.

Combined heating piping layout

Often there is not just one heating device installed in a room, but several. It is irrational to connect a separate two-pipe loop-branch to each radiator during collector-beam wiring. It is better to lay a separate branch to each room, which will bypass several heating devices inside the room, implementing a dead-end or parallel circuit.

Scheme of combined heating system wiring.

Such a system is calculated as a beam system. Branches that supply several radiators with coolant are subject to a separate calculation as dead-end or passing. In modern systems, radiators are equipped with thermal valves (temperature regulators), which can be adjusted by users to different temperatures, based on the current requirements for comfort in the room. It becomes difficult to maintain temperature stability in the room.

It turns out that you can get rid of instability while simultaneously reducing the cost of connecting radiators by connecting them according to the so-called. "pass-through scheme".

“Walk-through” radiator connection diagram.

The thermal valve is installed only on the first radiator in the circuit, regulating the coolant flow through all heating devices connected in series. They are perceived as one radiator. Balancing difficulties will arise with multi-section devices (10 or more sections).

Elements

Basic

What mandatory elements does a radiant heating circuit include?

Image	Heating system element
	Supply and return bottlings. They connect the heat source (boiler, heat pump, central heating riser, etc.) to the collectors.
	Supply and return manifolds. They connect to the heating outlets. Each collector outlet is equipped with shut-off and throttling valves - a ball valve, a throttle or a thermal head. The fittings make it possible to independently switch off and adjust each individual device.
	Eyeliners. Each radiator or convector is connected to the collector by its own pair of pipes. As a rule, the liners are laid in the screed, under the flooring or in grooves.
	Air balloon(Maevsky tap or regular water tap). It is placed in the top plug of each radiator. The heating device is mounted above the supply line and will be aired out when the circuit is reset.
	Circulation pump, creating hydraulic pressure in the heating circuit and encouraging coolant circulation. Thin and long lines have high hydraulic resistance and are unable to work with natural circulation. Typically the pump is installed on the heating return flow, between the collector and the heat source.

Additional

A home heating system with two heating circuits with different operating temperatures (warm floors and radiators) additionally includes:

• Hydroshooter. It is a bypass pipe between the supply and return, which allows you to synchronize the operation of several circuits and minimize their influence on each other;

The hydraulic arrow synchronizes several heating circuits with different operating modes.

• Three way thermostatic mixer, limiting the flow of hot water from the high-temperature circuit to the low-temperature circuit.

Heated floor mixing unit with a three-way thermostatic valve (top left).

The main advantages and disadvantages of a radiant heating system

The organization of the radiant heating scheme predetermined a number of its benefits, among which it should be noted:

• reliable operation - the system eliminates the possibility of water hammer; there are few weak points in it, since the number of pipeline connections from the collector to the radiator is reduced to a minimum, or they are completely absent;
• independence from the configuration and size of the building (flexibility) - it allows for efficient heating of a house of any layout and number of floors;
• balance - all heating devices heat up evenly;
• the ability to regulate, including automated, temperature in each room;
• simplicity of repair and maintenance work - replacing damaged areas does not require opening the floor covering; to carry out such activities, the required circuit (beam) is turned off without affecting the functionality of the system;
• the ability to modify the system at any stage of creation and operation;
• aesthetic appearance - pipelines are usually laid in the floor structure, and collectors are installed in special cabinets or niches.

Despite its high efficiency, the radiant heating circuit has several shortcomings:

• high material consumption and, accordingly, price - due to the significant total length of pipelines, as well as the need to purchase a large number of connecting elements, control valves, manifolds, pumps, sensors, etc.;
• the need for competent and high-quality installation to avoid problems in the future.

Analysis of all the pros and cons of doing or not doing

When preparing an estimate and a heating installation project, you need to weigh all the pros and cons of the radiant system. Its disadvantages are well known to everyone who is even slightly interested in individual construction:

• material consumption and, accordingly, higher cost compared to tee wiring;
• the need to allocate space for a collector block or a special cabinet.

Some principles of operation of this type of wiring can be seen in the video:

And, as for the advantages, everyone knows that they exist, but it’s difficult to name them specifically. Most often you can hear that beam wiring is simply better and that’s it. But it gives a lot of opportunities and advantages:

• simplicity of design and installation: pipes of the same diameter are used from the distribution manifold to the radiators;
• when pipes are laid hidden in the floor, there are no connections;
• ease of installation due to a small number of connecting elements;
• hydraulic stability of the beam system. This is especially important for those who use plumbing fixtures, mostly imported, whose operating pressure is three atmospheres;
• the system is balanced, all rooms are heated evenly;
• a damaged pipe fragment can be replaced without opening the floor;
• turning off only one radiator with supply and return lines (the rest of the radiators are working);
• the ability to adjust the temperature in each individual room mechanically or electronically;
• possibility of installing control and shut-off valves (flow and temperature sensors, air vents, shut-off valves and thermal heads).

Read about ways to regulate temperature in heating systems in our following material: https://aqua-rmnt.com/otoplenie/radiatory/regulirovka-temperatury.html.

The beam system is effective not only due to its flexibility, but also due to the possibility of installing modern automation. Using the external control panel and communication contact, you can automatically change the temperature according to weather conditions. And sensors in rooms allow you to set individual parameters convenient for residents.

What's the outcome

An insignificant disadvantage of the beam system is that it requires space to install the collector. But in truth it is not always present. Plus, it is advisable to install the collector in the middle of the house.

If we consider these two systems in terms of efficiency and economy, then they have absolute parity. Both systems do their job remarkably well.

It’s just that if you have a limited budget, then you should look towards a two-pipe system. If desired, you can also use polypropylene. The beam system will add some convenience and peace of mind to you, that if something happens, nothing will leak under the screed.

It is important to understand the main thing. In both cases, your choice will be absolutely correct! .

Radiant heating system for a private house

The market offers an endless variety of heating technologies for those who decide to heat their homes. But the main elements of all systems are the boiler, pipes and heating devices that heat the premises.

There are many options for piping connections. Some people prefer a radiant (fan) heating system.

Features of beam wiring

All heating systems are produced with one purpose - to heat the room, that is, to restore the heat that is missing in the house due to the temperature difference inside and outside (outside).

There are only two options for combining all heating devices:

1. Tee connection.
2. Radial wiring of the heating system (collector connection). In this case, a separate pair of pipes is supplied to each device using a manifold for direct and reverse supply of coolant.

The first option of the pipeline system is budget-friendly. However, due to the special connection of pipes and connection to one riser, if it is necessary to install a battery or a separate section, the system will have to be turned off entirely and the liquid drained.

Of course, you can also buy shut-off valves, but installation will cost much more.

As a rule, the classic perimeter piping is open. Fan heating systems are mainly located in the walls or in the floor, because many pipes lying on the structure do not look very attractive in the interior.

A hidden type installation looks good in any room. After all, only the heating batteries remain visible.

A collector-radiant heating system is not cheap compared to a perimeter system design. However, the advantage of such installation is that the warm liquid will spread to all points at once and evenly warm the rooms.

Collector house heating system

Pros and cons of a collector heating system

You need to familiarize yourself with all the advantages and disadvantages of this heating system in advance.

Disadvantages of fan pipe routing:

1. There is only one compelling argument against it - the beam system has many elements in its design. Including pipes. In addition, it uses many connecting elements.
2. The large number of parts in this system can result in significant repair costs. A classic heating system costs less and is cheaper to repair.

It is required to take a very responsible approach to connecting all heating devices in a fan-shaped circuit, because errors can cause frequent breakdowns of the system as a whole.

Against the background of the advantages of the radial heating system, the disadvantages lose their weight. After all, in the shortest possible time, a high-quality installed system will definitely pay for its installation. In addition, it has many useful functions.

Advantages:

1. The fan system allows you to set up heating separately in each room. Thus, heat in the premises will be distributed more efficiently, and energy resources will be saved.
2. When installing a radiant heating system, you have access to pipe connections, and you can identify and fix problems in a timely manner.
3. Pipes of a classic heating system are quite difficult to hide. With fan distribution, the pipes are hidden in the walls or in the field. If the installation is high-quality and correct, then the elements will not be noticeable to the eye.

A correctly designed diagram of a radiant heating system makes it possible to rationally distribute heat throughout all areas of the house.

How to make fan wiring

The collector is the most important element of the system under consideration. When it is planned to organize a fan heating system in a two-story house, the collector must be installed on all floors. The collectors are hidden in a special cabinet. In the future, they will be easy to maintain or adjust if necessary.

The number of connections is kept to a minimum, which has a good effect on the hydraulic stability of the entire heating system.

The boiler is the heart of the entire system. To efficiency always strived for the maximum indicator, it is necessary to take into account the power of the boiler equipment, the heat energy consumption of heating devices and the heat losses of the system. This applies to all boilers, no matter what type of fuel they use.

Some heat may be lost if the pipeline system is long, which must also be remembered.

Selection of circulation pump

Radial piping is usually used in horizontal systems with bottom supply of coolant. It requires a pump that stimulates the circulation of warm liquid throughout all branches.

Circulation pump equalizes the temperature readings at the inlet and outlet of the heating circuit. Thus, the quality of heating increases. The system becomes more compact and less material-intensive.

The pump is selected based on performance as well as pressure height.

To correctly select a circulation device in connection with these characteristics, it is necessary to know the diameter of the pipes, their length and distance from the pump itself. These indicators need to be calculated already at the project preparation stage.

How to install a pump

To achieve maximum efficiency and high-quality heating, the following must be taken into account:

1. Glandless rotor pumps are mounted so that the shaft is horizontal.
2. The equipment is usually placed on the return line of the pipeline system, since the temperatures there are lower. Newer devices can also be installed on the supply circuit; they are not afraid of high temperatures.
3. It should be as close as possible to the expansion tank.
4. The pump with the thermostat must be kept away from hot objects.
5. The heating circuit must be equipped with a deaeration device. If it is not available, the circulation pump is purchased with air vent.
6. To remove solids before installation, experts advise flushing the system.
7. Before starting the pump, it is worth filling the system with coolant.

To avoid noise, it is worth selecting circulation equipment based on the performance of the heating system.

Many people are interested in the question of whether it is possible to do without a pump, sensors and air vents. The answer is yes. However, it will be necessary to organize certain conditions, because the circulation of the coolant will be natural.

A small cottage or other small object may be optimally suited for a system with natural circulation of liquid. However, no matter what heating system option is chosen, everything should be thought through at the design stage.

Selecting a distribution manifold

It is also called a comb. It is necessary for supplying liquid to heated floors, radiators, convectors, etc. With its help, an outflow is carried out through the return circuit, from where the liquid is then sent to the boiler or mixed again in the circuit for temperature regulation. The collector can handle a maximum of twelve branches.

As a rule, combs have backup shut-off, regulating and temperature regulating elements. Using them, it is possible to adjust the rational flow of coolant throughout all heating circuits. The presence of deaerator can guarantee high-quality and stable operation of the system.

Installation features

Laying hidden pipes requires the mandatory organization of thermal insulation. Heating elements can heat up to +90 °C, which can have a bad effect on both the screed and the wooden elements. You just need a thermal insulating material to slow down the speed. heat transfer so that the heat has time to be distributed by the system. The market offers special polyethylene casings for hidden pipeline installation.

To install, you will need certain skills. The quality of the prepared pipe (its end with a calibrator) is very important for a tight connection with a fitting. Typically, reliable crimp fittings are used; connections of branches with fittings on heating radiators and collectors are not made dismountable.

Preparing for installation

Before you begin all installation work, you should correctly select all the required elements and think about the location of the devices, including the following:

1. Decide on the location of the heating batteries.
2. Select the type of radiators in connection with pressure indicators and type of coolant. Calculate the required number of sections or area of ​​panel heaters so that there is enough heat to warm all the rooms.
3. Draw a diagram of heating radiators and pipe routing. Do not forget about other heating elements (boiler, pump and collectors).
4. Write down all the necessary elements on paper and shop. To be sure of your calculations, you can consult a specialist.

Installation of a radiant heating system

Initially, radiators are installed in each room. Their location on the same level is checked with a level. The power of devices is calculated based on heat loss. The heating batteries are equipped with plugs, thermostatic head connection points, and taps (transition fittings for metal-plastic are connected to them).

A box for collectors is installed. As a rule, simple and cheap distributors are selected, equipped with ball valves with 16 mm leads and a ¾ connection. American ones are mounted on the collector.

The collector device can be connected to the boiler (to the tees of the main line from the boiler) hidden under the floor or along the walls. Then the collector is connected by a 16 mm supply and return line to all heating devices.

Radiant system and warm floor

Fan wiring has the same principle as a water heated floor. Theoretically, a warm floor can be connected to radiators through one comb. This option is suitable in cases where you want to make warm floors in certain rooms, and install radiators in others.

When planning fan wiring together with underfloor heating, remember that the system will work, but underfloor heating is a low-temperature system, and radiators require high temperatures.

When nothing can be done to regulate the temperature, then there are two options: either with warm floors in the room it will be stuffy, or with radiators it will be cold. Remember this.

It must be said about another advantage of the collector heating system - a comfortable warm floor. This is because when fan distribution is installed, the distributors are placed near the risers or the center of the room. However, pipes from the distributor to the batteries most often run along corridors, entering rooms through door openings.

Pipelines are insulated with one layer of material. However, most craftsmen know that thermal insulation of 6-9 mm allows up to 30% of heat to pass through.

Therefore, in places where the radiant heating system passes, the floors are not cool, but warm. The benefit is double: a reliable heating system without joints and optimally warm heated floors.

In a wooden house

To lay the pipeline in a wooden base, you need to make holes in the wooden floor beams. In all cases, the holes need to be made slightly larger than the diameter of the pipes in order to eliminate the pressure of the beam on the structure.

It is necessary to securely fasten the pipes in the wooden floors, but not thereby create pressure.

The connections must be located above the floor covering; they should not be in the thickness of the floor.

FAQ

• Question: What pipe diameter is better?
  Answer: as practice shows, a 16-th pipe diameter is enough to install a fan system. It is very rare to use a size larger.
• Question: is it possible to have a radiant heating system for a private house with two floors?
  Answer: of course. Wiring can be organized in both a three- and four-story building. It is only important to install a separate collector on each floor.
• Question: is fan wiring possible in an apartment?
  Answer: it's real. This most likely will not be possible to do directly from the combined heat and power plant. But if you have your own heating system or if you connect to a combined heat and power plant through a heat exchanger, then everything will function.

If we consider the radiant heating system for a house in more detail, we can highlight even more of its advantages than those mentioned above. By analyzing them, you can close your eyes to the shortcomings. Of course, an efficient system with high performance simply cannot be cheap, but its long service life and easy maintenance deserve trust.