Installing a thermostat on a heating radiator gives an excellent effect on fuel economy in private homes and apartments with individual heat supply systems. In addition, automatic devices allow you to get the maximum level of comfort in the room with daily changes in outdoor temperature in spring and autumn. The installation of the controller will not allow active heating of the battery in warm weather or, conversely, will raise the temperature during cooling. At the same time, you yourself set the mode of heating the room comfortable for you.
Temperature controller - a type of thermal equipment designed to control the amount of coolant passing through the heater. If necessary, it can be used as shutoff valves to turn off the battery. True, on centralized heat supply networks, the use of these devices is often ineffective. None of the temperature regulators on the heating radiator will heat the premises if the central boiler room (or heat point) does not comply with the schedule and does not raise the coolant temperature in time when it is cold.
Principle of operation
In the market of thermal equipment, a large number of different models of temperature regulators for heating batteries are sold. However, they can be defined in three large groups:
- mechanical;
- electronic;
- semi-electronic.
All of them work under the control of built-in or remote sensors of the bellows type, which monitor the temperature of the circulating coolant or air in the room. Therefore, constructively, any thermostat is an ordinary valve in which the expanding liquid or gas from the bellows controls the position of the cone.
According to the configuration of the control valve, thermostats can be direct, angular and three-way. They are selected depending on the type of heating system and how the heater is connected to the heating system.
Mechanical devices
The design of the mechanical regulators consists of a bellows, a thermal valve, a mechanical actuator and a control knob. When the lever is turned, the liquid or gas from the bellows is compressed or expanded, affecting the position of the rod and determining the degree of opening of the passage for the coolant duct.
A simple device determines low cost and reliability. Temperature adjustment is carried out by turning the graduated handle. In this case, the setting occurs when you select the mode of gradual experimental approximation. Setting the exact temperature in degrees at once is very difficult.
Electronic thermostats
The operation of these heat controllers is controlled by a microprocessor that sets the degree of heating of the battery depending on the temperature of the air in the room or the coolant in the system. Temperature data comes from a remote or built-in temperature sensor. The most complex appliances are able to comprehensively control the operation of the entire heating system, including boilers and pumps.
Electronic temperature controllers are adjustable to within 1 ° C. For control, a keypad with an information display is used. The mechanical part of such thermostats also has a working movable rod, restricting the flow of coolant, and a cylindrical corrugated bellows. The expansion of the cylinder during heating causes the rod to move and, accordingly, to reduce the amount of heated water entering the battery.
Semi-electronic temperature controllers
The device of these thermostats is the same as that of mechanical ones, but the principle of operation is that they are driven by an external gas or liquid bellows. It monitors the temperature in the room, not the heating medium, and is connected to the regulator by a long tube.
The main disadvantage of the device is the increased overall dimensions and the need to allocate a special place for the installation of the sensor. At the same time, such devices may be the only possible technical solution when installed on thin radiators located close to a wall or window sill.
The main criteria for choosing a thermostat
Most of the regulators sold on the market have the same valve design, which are installed on the heating pipe. The main differences that you need to know when choosing a device are the method of adjustment and the device of the bellows. Therefore, the main parameters of the thermostat upon purchase will be:
- type of regulator: mechanical, electronic electromechanical;
- diameter of conditional section;
- cost and compatibility with other equipment;
- accuracy and ease of adjustment;
- dimensions;
- the appearance of the device;
- the need for periodic battery replacement.
Mechanical devices are inexpensive, reliable, durable, but complicate the process of fine adjustment. Electronic controllers are accurate, easy to use, but are expensive and require replacement of current sources. Semi-electronic - an average price option with a high level of accuracy and reliability, but has an increased overall and a separately installed sensor.
Popular models and prices
Oventrop Vindo TH M 30x1.5. Inexpensive mechanical type regulator with liquid bellows. The control range is up to + 28 ° C. When installed, it has a fully closed valve position. The cost of 750 rubles. This is one of the most affordable and reliable devices for adjusting the temperature in the battery.
Oventrop Uni LH M 30x1.5. Thermostat with a remote temperature sensor, the length of the capillary tube of which is 2000 mm. It is possible to restrict settings by unauthorized persons, especially young children. Operating temperature limit + 120 ° C. The price of the kit is 1550 rubles.
Caleffi. An important technical feature is the ability to install on various valve series of other companies using the supplied adapter. May be useful when replacing a broken thermostat. The cost of 1050 rubles.
Caleffi 472,000. A set of shut-off valve and control unit, which are connected by a 2-meter capillary tube. The delay in response (hesteresis) is not more than 0.6 °. The control range is from + 6 ° C to + 28 ° C. The kit includes an adapter for installing the regulator on valves of other series. Sold without complete valve type valve. The price of the device is 830 rubles.
Royal Thermo RTE 50.030. The bellows for the mechanical stem are filled with toluene. Delay on response (hesteresis) not more than 0.55 °. Operating temperature limit 100 ° C. Adjustment range up to + 28 ° C. The price of the device is 830 rubles.
Danfoss RTS Everis. A mechanical type thermal head with an integrated liquid bellows is installed only on the company's valves. The control range is from + 8 ° C to + 28 ° C. Hysteresis 0.5 °. Frost protection. A protection device against unauthorized reconfiguration is provided. Danfoss control valves have long been recognized in our country as proven and most reliable. The cost of the model is 1100 rubles.
Salus PH60. Modern thermostat with electronic control. It is possible to program for a week with an hourly setting of temperature conditions. Backlit LCD display. Indication of all working and set parameters.
The control range is from + 5 ° C to + 40 ° C. The cost of the electronic unit is 3,700 rubles. The recommended brand valve is Danfoss, the price is 1200-2700 rub. As you can see, to purchase one electronic controller, you need an amount of 5,000 rubles or more.
Thermostat Installation Instructions
The thermostat valve structurally has two threads. One is in the valve body itself, and the second is on a detachable connection with a union nut (in American). Therefore, before installing the thermostat on the heating battery, to complete the installation, it is necessary to prepare an adjustable and pipe (gas) key. American nut packing is performed using a hex or special key.
It will also require fleece (tow) and plumbing silicone. Do not use the FUM tape to seal threaded joints on heating systems. Such packaging will certainly leak after warming up the batteries during the heating season. FUM tape is used on cold water pipelines and gas pipelines.
The thermostat located close to the heater is unstable due to the higher heating temperature. Therefore, it is recommended to buy an additional coupling extension with a diameter of 1/2 ″ and a length of 30-40 mm. It is possible that to shorten the pipes and additional threading, you will need a grinder and a thread-cutting die.
Mounting a mechanical type regulator
You need to start work by draining the water from the heating radiator. In individual heating systems, this is not difficult, since several batteries are usually on the same level and have a disconnectable line. Water can be drained by unscrewing the plug in the lower plug of the heater, having previously relieved pressure through a Mayevsky tap or drain valve.
After draining the water:
- cover the floor with rags, as water may enter from the pipes;
- dismantle the upper ball valve or the failed old valve;
- attach the device to be installed together with the extension cord to the vacant place and check the size;
- if there is not enough free space for installation, cut off part of the pipe and cut the thread;
- disassemble the plug-in connection on the thermostat valve;
- wind the tow on the external thread of the American and coat it with silicone;
- connect the valve and the extension cord;
- screw the extension cord with the American into the battery plug;
- mount the valve on the pipe and twist it with a union nut.
Next, put the control head on the valve. Installation technology may vary between models. In some cases, this is done using a fastening clamping ring; there are screw threads and plastic latches. Therefore, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions.
Setting the electronic temperature controller
Since the case of the electronic thermostat is structurally no different from the mechanical one, it does not make sense to write about it again. After installing the lock-regulating case:
- remove the housing cover and install the batteries in the designated compartment;
- turn on the electronic unit for a test check;
- at the next stage, you need to set the time according to the same principle as in a conventional digital clock - use the arrows and the OK button;
- set the date that is required for the normal operation of the device;
- after confirming the initial settings, the letter M should appear on the screen;
- using an Allen key, install an adapter on the valve that has an external thread;
- screw the electronic head onto the adapter and tighten it well to get a good fit;
- press the middle button and hold for 3 seconds until the function menu appears;
- press this button again, after which you can set the desired temperature.
All pre-installed programs will then start automatically. Personal settings are made in accordance with the instruction manual. Installation of a temperature controller and its adjustment are not included in the category of complex technical work. Therefore, you can do the installation yourself, and the adjustment according to the instructions or accompanying documents of the manufacturer.