Types of heating systems for a private house - varieties with examples. What types of heating systems are there: water, air, underfloor heating and infrared? What are the heating systems for a private home?

Your own home is not only a personal fortress, but also a place where it is cozy and warm. For this to always be the case, a prudent owner must provide an uninterrupted supply of heat. The easiest way to do this is if you can connect to a centralized system.

However, this is not always the case, and many do not want to connect to an expensive service. In this case, it remains to consider the types of heating systems suitable for autonomous installation, and then choose the best option. And we will try to help you in this matter - our article discusses the features of water, air and infrared heating systems, listing their main pros and cons.

There are many heating systems. They all have attractive sides and significant disadvantages. It is quite difficult for an unprepared person to navigate them and make the right choice. In order not to make mistakes, you need to know exactly what points you should pay attention to.

Firstly, it is the availability of fuel and its cost. This can be considered a key point. No matter how much you like the system, if the fuel for it is difficult to obtain, is supplied to the region intermittently, or is too expensive, you should consider another option. Otherwise, heating your home will cost a pretty penny and will be ineffective.

According to statistics, most owners of private houses choose heating systems with liquid coolant. This is a practical, reliable and quite economical option

The second point is the possibility of combining heating systems. In some cases, it may be very practical to use a primary and secondary system. This gives confidence that in the event of possible interruptions in energy supplies, the house will not be left without heat.

In addition, there is an opportunity to save money, since you can use the most economical heating method at the moment.

And finally, the financial side of the issue. It is necessary to determine how much the consumer can allocate for the purchase of equipment, its proper installation and subsequent regular maintenance.

Features of a liquid coolant system

Heat generators also differ. They can run on a wide variety of fuels, which determines their performance characteristics. Gas, electric and solid fuel appliances are most in demand. Their disadvantages and advantages are close to similar water heating boilers.

The circulation of air masses inside a building can be carried out in different ways. This can be a closed cycle without adding air from outside. In this case, the indoor air quality is poor.

The best option is circulation with the addition of air masses from outside. An undeniable advantage of air heating is the absence of coolant. Thanks to this, it is possible to save the energy needed to heat it.

In addition, the installation of a complex system of pipes and radiators is not required, which undoubtedly also increases the efficiency of the system. The system does not have the risk of leaks and freezing, like its water counterpart. It is ready to work at any temperature. The living space heats up extremely quickly: literally, about half an hour passes from starting the heat generator to raising the temperature in the rooms.

A gas heat generator is one of the possible solutions for implementing an air heating project for a private house. But in practice such systems are rarely used

Another significant plus is the ability to combine air heating with ventilation and air conditioning. This opens up the widest possibilities for creating the most comfortable microclimate in the building.

The air duct system can be successfully used for air conditioning rooms in the summer. Installing additional equipment will make it possible to humidify, purify and even disinfect the air.

Air heating equipment lends itself well to automation. “Smart” control allows you to remove burdensome control over the operation of appliances from the homeowner. In addition, the system will independently select the most economical operating mode. Air heating is very easy to install and durable. Its average service life is about 25 years.

Air ducts can be installed during the construction phase of the building and hidden under the ceiling covering. Installation of such systems requires high ceilings

The advantages include the absence of pipes and radiators, which gives room for the imagination of designers who design the interior. The cost of such a system is quite affordable for most homeowners. Moreover, it pays off quite quickly, so its demand is growing.

Air heating also has disadvantages. These include a significant difference between the temperatures in the lower and upper parts of the room. On average it is 10 °C, but in rooms with high ceilings it can reach up to 20 °C. Thus, in the cold season, increased power of the heat generator will be required.

Another disadvantage is the rather noisy operation of the equipment. True, this can be mitigated by selecting special “quiet” devices. If there is no filtration system at the outlets, large amounts of dust may appear in the air.

Infrared heating system

This is a relatively new method of heating residential buildings. It is based on the use of infrared radiation. Scientists have found that infrared rays can have different lengths. Long-wave radiation, similar to what we receive from the Sun, is safe and even beneficial for humans. It is used in heating devices operating in the infrared range.

Infrared film heaters can be mounted on the ceiling. Then the radiation will fall down and reach the floor, which will begin to warm up

For heating premises, a special infrared film is used. A thin layer of carbon paste is applied to a non-woven base, which is activated under the influence of current and emits infrared waves. The resulting emitter is laminated on both sides with a film, which gives it strength and extends its service life.

The operating principle of infrared heating is as follows. The film is placed on the floor or on the ceiling. When the system is turned on, current is applied to the emitter and it produces infrared waves. They move and reach the first massive obstacle. This can be large furniture, household appliances, and most often the floor. Such objects are impenetrable to infrared rays; they are retained and accumulated in them.

It must be admitted that this type of heating is the most comfortable. Due to the fact that the floor is heated, the temperature distribution is as pleasant and beneficial for humans as possible. The lower part of the room is about 2-3 °C warmer than the upper part.

In addition, natural humidity and the amount of oxygen are completely preserved, and there are no convection currents that carry dust. There are no drafts either. Film heaters operate absolutely silently and are safe for humans.

If infrared heaters are placed under the floor covering, the radiation rises up, reaches the floor and heats its surface, and then the air in the room

Another advantage is fully automated system control. This allows it to operate in the most economical mode and at the same time provide the owner with complete comfort. Thanks to this, the film system has no heat losses and its efficiency is almost 100%.

The minimum service life of the equipment is 25 years, and the service life is twice as long. In this case, the system does not require maintenance.

The next advantage is compactness. The film is very thin and does not “eat up” the free space. No additional room is required for the heating unit; there are no batteries or air ducts. The film is very easy to install and connect. If necessary, dismantling and reuse is possible.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting that as the voltage drops, the amount of heat generated by the film decreases. In this case, the operating time of the heater increases, which leads to greater energy consumption. The film can be covered with a variety of finishing coatings, except putty, wallpaper and paint. The cost of equipment for installing infrared heating is quite high.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

To heat a private home, different types of heating are used, and sometimes several are combined. You can learn how heating is done from the following videos.

Pros and cons of air heating:

What users say about infrared heating:

Features of arranging water heating with your own hands:

It is technically possible to install almost any heating system in a private home. Therefore, the owner must choose the most practical and most suitable option for the conditions existing in his home. When making a choice, you should listen to the opinions of experts and correctly calculate your heating system. Then your house will be very warm, even if it is severe winter outside.

What heating system do you use? What advantages and disadvantages have you noticed when using your heating system? Or are you still looking around, choosing the best option? Maybe you still have questions after reading this article? Please ask them below - our experts and other site visitors will try to help you.

Due to its efficiency and reasonable price, water heating in private homes has remained the most popular for many years. The steam heating design works simultaneously for all rooms present in the house, and it does not matter whether the building is one-story or has 3 floors. As a rule, heating in a private house is autonomous and not connected to a centralized system.

Operating principle of autonomous heating

1. The coolant is the liquid circulating in the heating system. Using the installed boiler, the coolant is heated. During the circulation process, the heated liquid enters the room through pipes, heating the air. As a rule, antifreeze is used as a liquid - this liquid does not freeze at negative air temperatures due to its composition, which includes ethylene glycol.
2. The circuit in the heating circuit is a pipe system closed in a circle. This also includes the boiler, pumps, valves, etc., depending on the selected heating scheme.
3. Direct current - elements of the movement of hot liquid in the direction from the boiler to the battery.
4. Reverse current - elements of the movement of the liquid that has given off heat towards the boiler.
5. Water heating device - radiator, radiator, heated floor, etc. depending on the choice. Necessary for heat transfer, directs it to heat rooms.

Types of pipes of different materials:

1. Metal pipes. Not common in use, they have disadvantages. With time become corroded, are short-lived in operation. Mounted exclusively on threaded connections.
2. Copper pipes . Durable and reliable at work. Withstands high temperatures and pressure in pipes. Installation is performed by soldering. Soldering is a high-temperature solder containing silver. After installation, the pipes can be hidden in the wall if desired. Copper is an expensive material, so not everyone can afford heating using such pipes.
3. Polymer pipes. They are divided into polypropylene and polyethylene. The main advantage is that even an untrained person can handle the installation. Despite the cheapness of the material, resistant to corrosion, will last for many years.
4. Metal-plastic pipes. Consist of plastic and aluminum. Such pipes are mounted with threaded connections, in some cases with press connections. Disadvantages - the coefficient of thermal expansion is too high. In the event of a sudden change from hot water to cold or vice versa, the pipes may crack.

Each house has its own water heating connection diagram:

Before buying equipment, according to the scheme, you should select the necessary heating system that is suitable for a particular home.

Types of houses.	Scheme of a steam heating system in private houses.
House - 1st floor, steep roof, basement.	The heating system is two-pipe. Vertical risers, preferably bottom wiring.
House - 1st floor, steep roof, no basement	The heating system is two-pipe. The boiler is installed on the ground floor in a room special for this purpose; in this case, the wiring must be at the top.
House - 1st floor, flat roof. There is a basement.	Horizontal wiring. In this case, the basement is the ideal place to install the equipment. Boiler - running on liquid fuel or gas.
House - 2 floors or more. Steep or flat roof - it doesn't matter.	The heating scheme is two-pipe or one-pipe. Vertical risers. Wiring - top or bottom. Systems with horizontal conductive pipes cannot be used. Any type of heating boiler can be used.

Types of water heating systems

Heating systems differ only in the appearance of the position of the pipes, the main task remains the same everywhere - heated water heats the room, The water in turn is heated by the heating boiler. In the modern world there are 3 types of systems:

• “natural circulation” system;
• “forced circulation” system;
• "combined" system.

Its basis lies in the functioning of different densities of cold and hot water. It is known from physics that hot water has a lower density, which means it becomes lighter. When heated, it moves to the upper positions of the system, and cold water, in turn, remains below. Thanks to this, natural circulation of water occurs. This type of heating does not depend on power supply, Even with the lights turned off for a long time, the water in the pipes will not cool down, but there are also disadvantages:

• it is impossible to regulate the temperature of the heating device;
• you need a lot of pipes, extra costs;
• the diameter of heat pipes has its limitations;
• heavy installation of pipes, an untrained person cannot cope.

Forced circulation

This system has a closed circle with an expansion tank, which is a disadvantage in its operation. In order for the coolant to move cyclically, a pump must be used. Work directly depends on power supply. Additional costs are required for additional components: pressure gauge, pump and others.

System advantages:

• unlike natural circulation, less pipe flow is required;
• any radiators are suitable;
• possibility of regulating heating devices;
• the possibility of using antifreeze to prevent water from freezing in the system.

Combined

The name of this system speaks for itself; it combines the 2 previous options. If you install a pump in it, the water will become forced to rotate, if this is not done, the water will flow through natural circulation. Has the ability to work when the electricity is turned off. Increases heat transfer efficiency significantly.

Heating system installation diagrams

Single-pipe

The diagram shows that water passes through the heating radiators in direct sequence. The downside here is that the last batteries will always be a little colder than the first ones. It is also considered a disadvantage inconvenience of use, for example, it is impossible to shut off one of the batteries; you will have to stop the supply of hot water along the entire line.

Previously, a single-pipe heating circuit was called “Leningradka” or single-circuit. She served for heating large private apartment buildings. The advantages include the fact that the pipes can go around the entire perimeter of the house from the first to the last room. If a single-pipe system gives little results and the room remains cold, you can use other methods of connecting batteries; as a rule, self-taught people like to do this.

Two-pipe

In this scheme, cold and hot water from different pipes are supplied to each heating device. In this case much easier to regulate temperature in room. Two-pipe wiring is divided into 3 types:

Types of boilers

• gas;
• electrical;
• liquid fuel;
• combined.

Combined. Positive qualities: they use several types of energy carriers. Flaw: high price and design complexity.

What types of water heating systems are there? This article is an introductory tour designed to introduce you to the main types and components of heating systems. In addition, we will get acquainted with the basic principles of creating home heating schemes with our own hands.

Classification

It is clear that, by definition, water or a coolant based on it with a lower freezing point is used as a coolant. Are there any alternatives?

• Steam heating. The coolant is superheated high-pressure steam. Temperature allows heating devices to be made more compact or more efficient for the same size.

Please note: the downsides of efficiency are a greater risk of accidents (steam heating is not used in residential premises) and faster corrosion of pipes and registers made of corrosion-resistant steels.

• . The heated air is distributed through thermally insulated air ducts, at the same time performing ventilation functions.
• Decentralized heating implies that instead of any coolant a different heat source is used for each room or even for each zone of the room. This is exactly how electric and gas convectors, infrared panels and oil radiators work.

Let us return, however, to the use of water as a coolant. By what criteria is it possible to classify water heating systems?

Dependent and independent

In a dependent system, coolant from the outside (usually from a heating main) enters directly into the heating system. It can be used exclusively for heating; much more often it is possible to select hot water for household needs. This is exactly how heating works in the vast majority of city houses.

The thermal unit of an independent system includes a heat exchanger, through which the water of the heating main transfers thermal energy to the coolant in a closed circuit. The scheme can be applied if antifreeze is used as a coolant in a private house. If you have heat meters, such a connection will allow you to turn off the heating during a long departure, without risking the system defrosting.

Open and closed

An open water heating system operates without excess pressure and opens to the atmosphere. An open expansion tank is installed at its highest point, into which all air pockets are forced out.

In a closed-type system, a constant excess pressure is maintained from 1 (in private houses) to 6 (in multi-apartment buildings) atmospheres.

Forced and natural circulation

Systems with natural circulation are used relatively rarely these days. However, this is an excellent solution for small houses, allowing heating to be independent of electricity.

The principle of operation of so-called gravitational systems is based on the fact that when heated, the density of water decreases. In a closed volume, colder water displaces heated water masses to the upper part of the circuit. With a certain configuration, continuous movement of the coolant can be ensured.

The instructions for creating a gravity system are, in general, relatively simple:

• The boiler is placed as low as possible. In houses without a basement, a recess is often made in the floor for it.
• From the boiler, the filling rises vertically to the highest point of the circuit, forming the so-called accelerating manifold.
• At the top point in the case of an open system, as already mentioned, an open-type expansion tank is mounted. In the case of a closed circuit, an air vent is installed there - automatic or manual; a membrane-type expansion tank can be located in any part of the circuit.
• From the top point, the bottling returns to the boiler with a constant slight slope, necessary for the cooling water to move by gravity. Along the way, the coolant gives off heat to radiators or other heating devices.

A special feature of gravity systems is the stringent requirements for the hydraulic resistance of the circuit. A pipe no thinner than DN 32 and a minimum of shut-off valves are used. Chokes of any type are strictly not used for bottling.

For reference: the hydraulic resistance of a modern ball valve is tens of times less than that of a cast iron or brass screw valve. Comparison of this and a number of other characteristics leads to a simple thought: it is better to completely forget about screw valves when purchasing materials.

In a system with forced circulation, an external (from the heating main) differential or its own circulation pump is used to create it. In this case, the pumps can operate in both closed and open systems.

An excellent solution is a circuit with a circulation pump, which in the absence of electricity can work as a gravitational one. To ensure this possibility, bottling is carried out with a large cross-section pipe and is broken at one point by a valve. Before and after the valve there is a pump with a sump pump.

What does such a scheme provide?

1. With the bypass closed and the pump turned on, the system operates with forced circulation. The bypass is closed so that the pump does not circulate water in a circle.
2. With the bypass open, the system, due to its minimal hydraulic resistance, can operate as a gravity system.

Why did forced circulation make space for gravitational systems? After all, by definition it makes heating more fault-tolerant, doesn’t it?

• allows you to lay the bottling strictly according to the level and make do with a pipe of a smaller diameter. In addition to saving money, this greatly affects the aesthetics of the room.

However: in houses with an attic and basement, the supply and return bottlings can be removed from the residential part of the house.

• Forced circulation ensures faster and more uniform heating of heating devices. In a gravity system, radiators farthest from the boiler are always noticeably colder than those closest to them.

Single-pipe and double-pipe

The difference is easier to explain with examples.

The simplest single-pipe circuit (barrack type, or Leningradka) is arranged like this:

• A filling ring runs along the contour of the room.
• Heating devices are installed parallel to it or by opening it.

Minimum material consumption and maximum fault tolerance are undoubted advantages. The disadvantage is the large temperature difference between the first and last radiators. However, it can be easily leveled out with a different number of sections or throttling fittings on each radiator (of course, in this case they should not break the main filling ring).

In the case of a two-pipe scheme, which is quite logical, we will need two bottlings - supply and return. Each heating device is a jumper between them. What is the result?

• There is no need for a continuous contour around the entire perimeter. You can, for example, not surround a door or a panoramic window with pipes.
• The temperature of heating devices may be the same. In practice, however, there is a spread.
• Balancing with chokes or thermal heads is MANDATORY. Otherwise, there is a very real situation when the entire mass of the coolant will move along a short circuit - through nearby heating devices, and the distant part of the bottling and radiators will simply be unfrozen in cold weather.

Horizontal and vertical wiring

How these schemes of water heating systems differ is easy to understand intuitively. For example, the notorious Leningradka is a typical horizontal layout, but the heating riser in a modern five-story building is vertical.

In practice, however, it is much more common to see combined schemes that include horizontal and vertical sections of wiring:

• In the riser system in Soviet-built houses, in addition to risers, there are also horizontally located bottling outlets.
• In new buildings, an even more complex combination is used: the bottling outlets are connected by vertical risers, from which horizontal wiring inside each individual apartment is powered on each floor.

Dead-end and passing schemes

Dead-end water heating systems are two-pipe schemes in which the directions of water in the supply and return bottlings are opposite. The coolant reaches distant radiators and returns back. But if it continues to move towards the boiler or heating unit, maintaining the same direction, our scheme becomes parallel.

Please note: the associated wiring scheme has very few advantages over the single-pipe one in the case of a one-story house. The only thing that speaks in its favor is the slightly more uniform heating of the radiators.

Connecting heating devices

Different connection types can be used primarily for sectional radiators of different types.

Convectors are equipped with connections, and the direction of circulation in them is determined by the manufacturer. What options are available when connecting batteries?

• Lateral connection is most popular in city apartments. The connections go into two plugs on one side of the radiator. The main advantage of this scheme is that the length of the connections leading from the riser is minimal. The disadvantages are uneven heating of the far and near sections and, what is much worse, the inevitable silting of the end of the battery.
• Diagonal connection(the upper plug on one side of the radiator and the lower one on the other) will force the radiator to heat as evenly as possible throughout the entire volume. Under the top liner, however, the bottom of the sections will also silt in this case. Periodic flushing will be required.
• Finally, connection from bottom to bottom means uniform heating along the entire length and absolutely clean sections. The price of this is an air pocket in the heating device: you will need to install a Mayevsky tap or, better yet, an automatic air vent.

Essential elements

What does a water heating system in a private house consist of? If in a city apartment we move, as a rule, into housing with already functioning heating, then here we will have to draw up a project from scratch.

Boiler

A heat source that converts fuel combustion energy or electricity into thermal energy transported by a coolant. The list of main types of boilers looks like this:

• Gas engines currently provide the lowest operating costs. Of course, when working on mains gas: bottled gas will increase the cost of a kilowatt-hour of heat several times.

• Solid fuel boilers are the second cheapest heating option. Firewood, coal, peat, sawdust, etc. are used as fuel. The main problem is the need for frequent fuel loading.
• Solar boilers can operate in fully automatic mode; However, solarium is very expensive and continues to rise in price.
• Finally, electricity is the most convenient, safe and... expensive way to heat your home.

In addition: the very idea of ​​​​using a coolant in this case seems strange. Separate electric radiators or convectors look like a much more sensible solution.

Pipes

Black steel pipes are also used in the installation of central heating; however, when independently moving radiators and designing heating systems for cottages, the focus is, as a rule, on other materials.

• Galvanized steel has the strength of black steel pipes without their main disadvantage - susceptibility to corrosion.
• Corrugated stainless steel, in addition to its strength, also bends easily. Connections are made with fittings with silicone seals, without threads, which makes assembly quick and easy.
• Polypropylene pipes are cheap and can be installed using a simple low-temperature soldering iron. Typically, pipes reinforced with aluminum or fiber are used for hot water and heating: they are stronger and have a much lower coefficient of thermal expansion.
• Cross-linked polyethylene is an excellent material for beam distribution and laying in a screed. Temperature resistance and tensile strength are combined with flexibility and the ability to be purchased in coils up to 500 meters long.

Armature

• If you need to shut off the water, the best tool for this is a modern ball valve. Reliability is combined with ease of use and low hydraulic resistance when open.
• Throttles are used for manual adjustment of the heat transfer of heating devices and their balancing.
• Thermostatic heads, after calibration, are able to regulate the throughput so that the set temperature is maintained in the room with acceptable accuracy.
• Automatic air vents are most convenient for removing air. However, instead of them, both Mayevsky taps and ordinary valves and even water taps can be used.

Safety

It is provided by devices called the security group:

• Expansion tank compensates for the increase in coolant volume during heating. Water is practically incompressible and can simply rupture pipes or radiators; but air, separated from water by a rubber membrane, is easily compressed. The volume of the membrane tank is taken approximately equal to 10% of the amount of coolant in the system.
• Safety valve needed in case the expansion tank capacity is not enough during strong heating. When critical pressure is reached, it releases excess water.
• Pressure gauge allows you to control the current pressure in the system.

Heating devices

• Cast iron radiators Quite heat resistant and non-corrosive. The sections have a large internal volume and, due to the slow movement of the coolant, easily silt into them when connected to the side.
• Steel heating devices are divided into several types: plate, tubular, convectors and registers. Made from corrosion-resistant steels, they are vulnerable to rust, and the thin walls of plate radiators are also extremely mechanically fragile.
• Aluminum radiators They are cheap and have excellent heat transfer, but they are afraid of excess pressure and galvanic processes, which are generated by the combination of different metals in one circuit (in particular, aluminum and copper).

• Bimetallic heating devices- These are aluminum radiators with steel cores that increase tensile strength, and copper-aluminum convectors. The latter are a copper tube with aluminum plates pressed to increase heat transfer.

This guide is intended for owners of small private houses who want to independently organize home heating in order to save money. The most rational solution for such buildings is a closed heating system (abbreviated as ZSO), operating with excess coolant pressure. Let's consider its operating principle, types of wiring diagrams and do-it-yourself device.

Operating principle of closed CO

A closed (otherwise known as closed) heating system is a network of pipelines and heating devices in which the coolant is completely isolated from the atmosphere and moves forcibly - from a circulation pump. Any SSO necessarily includes the following elements:

• heating unit - gas, solid fuel or electric boiler;
• safety group consisting of a pressure gauge, safety and air valve;
• heating devices - radiators or underfloor heating circuits;
• connecting pipelines;
• a pump that pumps water or non-freezing liquid through pipes and batteries;
• coarse mesh filter (dirt collector);
• closed expansion tank equipped with a membrane (rubber “bulb”);
• shut-off valves, balancing valves.

Typical closed thermal circuit

Note. Depending on the design, the ZSO additionally includes modern devices for regulating temperature and coolant flow - radiator thermal heads, check and three-way valves, thermostats, and the like.

The operating algorithm of a closed-type system with forced circulation looks like this:

1. After assembly and pressure testing, the pipeline network is filled with water until the pressure gauge shows a minimum pressure of 1 bar.
2. The automatic air vent of the safety group releases air from the system during the filling process. He also removes gases that accumulate in pipes during operation.
3. The next step is to turn on the pump, start the boiler and warm up the coolant.
4. As a result of heating, the pressure inside the ZSO increases to 1.5-2 Bar.
5. The increase in the volume of hot water is compensated by a membrane expansion tank.
6. If the pressure rises above the critical point (usually 3 Bar), the safety valve will release excess liquid.
7. Once every 1-2 years, the system must undergo an emptying and flushing procedure.

The principle of operation of an apartment building's SSS is absolutely identical - the movement of coolant through pipes and radiators is ensured by network pumps located in an industrial boiler room. There are also expansion tanks there; the temperature is regulated by a mixing or elevator unit.

How a closed heating system functions is explained in the video:

Positive qualities and disadvantages

The main differences between closed heat supply networks and outdated open systems with natural circulation are the lack of contact with the atmosphere and the use of transfer pumps. This gives rise to a number of advantages:

• the required pipe diameters are reduced by 2-3 times;
• the slopes of the highways are kept to a minimum, since they serve to drain water for the purpose of flushing or repairs;
• the coolant is not lost by evaporation from an open tank, therefore, you can safely fill pipelines and batteries with antifreeze;
• ZSO is more economical in terms of heating efficiency and cost of materials;
• closed heating is better regulated and automated and can operate in conjunction with solar collectors;
• forced flow of coolant makes it possible to organize floor heating with pipes embedded inside the screed or in the grooves of the walls.

A gravitational (gravity-flowing) open system outperforms the ZSO in terms of energy independence - the latter is unable to operate normally without a circulation pump. Point two: a closed network contains much less water and in case of overheating, for example, a TT boiler, there is a high probability of boiling and the formation of a vapor lock.

Reference. A wood-burning boiler is saved from boiling by a buffer tank that absorbs excess heat.

Types of closed systems

Before you buy heating equipment, pipeline fittings and materials, you need to choose the preferred option for a closed water system. Master plumbers practice installation of four main circuits:

1. Single-pipe with vertical and horizontal wiring (Leningrad).
2. Collector, otherwise – radial.
3. Double-pipe dead-end with arms of the same or different lengths.
4. The Tichelman loop is a circular route with associated water movement.

Additional Information. Closed heating systems also include water heated floors. It is much more difficult to assemble radiator heating; it is not recommended for beginners to undertake such installation.

We propose to consider each scheme separately, analyzing the pros and cons. As an example, let’s take the project of a one-story private house with an area of ​​100 m² with an attached boiler room, the layout of which is shown in the drawing. The amount of heat load for heating has already been calculated, the required amount of heat is indicated for each room.

Installation of wiring elements and connection to a heat source is performed in approximately the same way. The installation of a circulation pump is usually provided in the return line; a sump tank, a make-up pipe with a tap and (if viewed downstream) are mounted in front of it. Typical wiring for a solid fuel and gas boiler is shown in the diagrams.

The expansion tank is not shown in the figure.

Read more about installation and methods of connecting heating units using various energy sources in separate manuals:

Single-pipe wiring

The popular horizontal “Leningradka” scheme is one ring main of increased diameter, into which all heating devices are connected. Passing through the pipe, the flow of heated coolant is divided at each tee and flows into the battery, as shown in the sketch below.

Having reached the branch, the flow is divided into 2 parts, about a third flows into the radiator, where it cools and returns to the main line again

Having transferred heat to the room, the cooled water returns back to the main line, mixes with the main flow and moves to the next radiator. Accordingly, the second heating device receives water cooled by 1-3 degrees and again takes the required amount of heat from it.

Leningrad horizontal wiring - one ring line bypasses all heating devices

Result: increasingly cold water flows into each subsequent radiator. This imposes certain restrictions on a closed one-pipe system:

1. The heat transfer of the third, fourth and subsequent batteries must be calculated with a margin of 10-30%, adding additional sections.
2. The minimum diameter of the line is DN20 (internal). The outer size of PPR pipes will be 32 mm, metal-plastic and cross-linked polyethylene – 26 mm.
3. The cross-section of the supply pipes to the heaters is DN10, the outer diameter is 20 and 16 mm for PPR and PEX, respectively.
4. The maximum number of heating devices in one Leningradka ring is 6 pieces. If you take more, problems will arise with increasing the number of sections of the last radiators and increasing the diameter of the distribution pipe.
5. The cross-section of the ring pipeline does not decrease throughout its entire length.

Reference. Single-pipe distribution can be vertical - with lower or upper distribution of coolant through risers. Such systems are used to organize gravity flow in two-story private cottages or operate under pressure in old apartment buildings.

A single-pipe closed-type heating system will be inexpensive if it is soldered from polypropylene. In other cases, it will significantly hit your pocket due to the price of the main pipe and large fittings (tees). What the “Leningradka” looks like in our one-story house is demonstrated in the drawing.

Since the total number of heating devices exceeds 6, the system is divided into 2 rings with a common return manifold. The inconvenience of installing single-pipe wiring is noticeable - you have to cross doorways. A decrease in flow in one radiator causes a change in water flow in the remaining batteries, so balancing the “Leningrad” consists of coordinating the operation of all heaters.

Advantages of the beam scheme

Why the collector system received such a name can be clearly seen in the diagram presented. From the comb installed in the center of the building, individual coolant supply lines diverge to each heating device. The lines are laid in the form of rays along the shortest path - under the floors.

The collector of the closed beam system is fed directly from the boiler; circulation in all circuits is provided by a single pump located in the combustion chamber. In order to protect the branches from airing during the filling process, automatic valves - air vents - are installed on the comb.

Strengths of the collector system:

• the circuit is energy efficient because it allows you to accurately dose the amount of coolant sent to each radiator;
• the heating network is easy to fit into any interior - supply pipes can be hidden in the floor, walls or behind a suspended (suspended) ceiling;
• hydraulic balancing of the branches is carried out using manual valves and flow meters (rotameters) installed on the manifold;
• water is supplied to all batteries at the same temperature;
• the operation of the circuit is easy to automate - the manifold control valves are equipped with servo drives that close the flow according to a signal from the thermostats;
• ZSO of this type is suitable for cottages of any size and number of floors - a separate collector is installed at each level of the building, distributing heat to groups of batteries.

From a financial investment point of view, a closed beam system is not very expensive. A lot of pipes are consumed, but their diameter is minimal - 16 x 2 mm (DN10). Instead of a factory comb, it is quite acceptable to use one soldered from polypropylene tees or twisted from steel fittings. True, without rotameters, adjustment of the heating network will have to be done using radiator balancing valves.

The distribution comb is placed in the center of the building, the radiator lines are laid directly

There are few disadvantages of beam wiring, but they are worth attention:

1. Hidden installation and testing of pipelines is carried out only at the stage of new construction or major repairs. It is unrealistic to install radiator lines in the floors of a lived-in house or apartment.
2. It is highly desirable to locate the collector in the center of the building, as shown in the drawing of a one-story house. The goal is to make the connections to the batteries approximately the same length.
3. In the event of a leak in a pipe embedded in a floor screed, it is quite difficult to find the location of the defect without a thermal imager. Do not make connections in the screed, otherwise you risk encountering the problem shown in the photo.

Leaking connection inside a concrete monolith

Two-pipe options

When installing autonomous heating of apartments and country houses, 2 types of such schemes are used:

1. Dead-end (another name is shoulder). The heated water is distributed to the heating devices through one line, and is collected and flows back to the boiler through the second line.
2. The Tichelman loop (passing distribution) is a circular two-pipe network where the heated and cooled coolant moves in one direction. The principle of operation is similar - the batteries receive hot water from one line, and the cooled water is discharged into the second pipeline - the return line.

Note. In a closed associated system, the return line starts from the first radiator, and the supply line ends at the last one. The diagram below will help you figure it out.

What is good about a dead-end closed heating system for a private house:

• the number of “arms” - dead-end branches - is limited only by the power of the boiler installation, so two-pipe wiring is suitable for any building;
• pipes are laid open or closed inside building structures - at the request of the homeowner;
• as in the radial circuit, equally hot water comes to all batteries;
• ZSO lends itself well to regulation, automation and balancing;
• correctly laid out “shoulders” do not cross doorways;
• In terms of the cost of materials and installation, a dead-end wiring will be cheaper than a single-pipe one if the assembly is carried out using metal-plastic or polyethylene pipes.

The optimal option for connecting batteries is two separate branches that go around the premises on both sides

Designing a closed shoulder system for a country house or residential building with an area of ​​up to 200 square meters is not particularly difficult. Even if you make branches of different lengths, the circuit can be balanced through deep balancing. An example of wiring in a one-story building of 100 m² with two “shoulders” is shown above in the drawing.

Advice. When choosing the length of the branches, the heating load should be taken into account. The optimal number of batteries on each “arm” is from 4 to 6 pcs.

Connecting heaters with associated coolant movement

The Tichelman loop is an alternative version of a closed two-pipe network, which involves combining a large number of heating devices (over 6 pieces) into a single ring. Take a look at the associated wiring diagram and note: no matter which radiator the coolant flows through, the total length of the route will not change.

This results in almost ideal hydraulic equilibrium of the system - the resistance of all sections of the network is the same. This significant advantage of the Tichelman loop over other closed wiring also entails the main disadvantage - 2 lines will inevitably cross the doorway. Bypass options are under the floors and above the door frame with the installation of automatic air vents.

Disadvantage - the ring loop passes through the entrance door opening

Choosing a heating scheme for a country house

1. Dead-end two-pipe.
2. Collector.
3. Two-pipe associated.
4. Single-pipe.

Hence the advice: you can’t go wrong if you choose the first option for a house with an area of ​​up to 200 m² - a dead-end scheme; it will work in any case. Beam wiring is inferior to it in two respects - price and the possibility of installation in rooms with finished finishing.

A single-pipe version of the heating network is perfect for a small house with a square footage of each floor of up to 70 m². The Tichelman loop is appropriate for long branches that do not cross the door, for example, heating the upper floors of a building. How to choose the right system for houses of various shapes and number of storeys, watch the video:

Regarding the selection of pipe diameters and installation, we will give several recommendations:

1. If the area of ​​the home does not exceed 200 m², it is not necessary to carry out calculations - use the advice of the expert in the video or take the cross-section of the pipelines according to the diagrams given above.
2. When you need to “hang” more than six radiators on a branch of a dead-end wiring, increase the diameter of the pipe by 1 standard size - instead of DN15 (20 x 2 mm), take DN20 (25 x 2.5 mm) and lay it to the fifth battery. Next, run lines with a smaller cross-section specified initially (DN15).
3. In a building under construction, it is better to do radial wiring and select radiators with bottom connections. Be sure to insulate underground lines and protect them with plastic corrugation at the intersections of walls.
4. If you don’t know how to properly solder polypropylene, then it’s better not to mess with PPR pipes. Install heating made of cross-linked polyethylene or metal-plastic on compression or press fittings.
5. Do not embed pipeline joints in walls or screed, so as not to have problems with leaks in the future.

Any owner of country property sooner or later is faced with the need to create comfortable living conditions. Water heating of a country house is a fairly simple system, but there are many different options for its implementation. The reason is that it must not only be reliable and easy to operate, but also economical and efficient. Therefore, when creating it, it is important to choose the right type and all its elements.

Types of heating systems for a private home

The water heating system of a private house can be of two types: open (gravity) and closed.

The open system consists of a heating boiler, radiators and an expansion tank. All elements are connected to each other by pipes. Hot water, heated by the boiler, rises up the riser to the supply pipe and, under the influence of gravity, spreads by gravity over the radiators.

The movement of water is ensured by the difference in density between hot (heated by the boiler) and cold (heat released in the radiators) water. An expansion tank is necessary to compensate for the increase in water volume when heated. In this case, the tank is used as an open type to reduce hydraulic resistance.

Fig.1.

Water heating in a private house without a pump is energy independent. It only needs a source of fuel to run the boiler.

This scheme has many disadvantages and they are all related to the gravitational principle of operation. Here are some of them:

• slow warm-up;
• the need to install an expansion tank at the highest point of the system while the boiler must be at the lowest point;
• constant evaporation of coolant from the expansion tank (since it communicates with the atmosphere);
• difficulty balancing;
• impossibility of installing heated floors, etc.

The disadvantage of high inertia can be eliminated and productivity can be increased by installing a circulation pump. It is connected according to a bypass circuit, which provides two operating modes. Such a home heating system can operate both with the gravitational principle of coolant circulation and with forced pumping. However, all its other shortcomings remain.

Fig.2.

Despite the energy independence of an open system, they most often choose a closed system. It differs from an open one by the presence of a circulation pump and the use of a sealed expansion tank.

Fig.3.

The coolant circulates using a special pump. Therefore, there are no restrictions on the installation of elements (a certain slope of pipes and arrangement of elements, etc.), it is possible to install water heated floors, the entire wiring becomes more compact and takes up less space.

Heating schemes for a country house

A closed heating system for a private house can be implemented in various ways, depending on the number of floors and area, as well as on the type of heating devices. The most widely used are single-pipe, double-pipe, beam circuits and their combinations.

Single-pipe heating systems are a scheme in which the supply and return of radiators are connected to one pipe.

Fig.4.

The advantage of this scheme is that it is compact, easy to install and does not require much material consumption. The main disadvantage is that the further the radiator is from the boiler, the less heat it transfers to the room, because colder water enters it than the previous ones.

To eliminate this drawback, an accurate calculation of the heating of the house is required, i.e. pipelines (pipe diameter) and heating devices (number of sections) during design. However, it is often very difficult to balance a single-pipe design.

The two-pipe heating system of a private house has no disadvantages. In this scheme, the coolant is supplied to the radiators from the supply pipe, and the cooled water is drained into the return pipe.

This way, all heaters are connected in parallel, and it is much easier to ensure the same heat transfer from heating devices. Thermostatic valves are used for this purpose.

Fig.5.

Both schemes can be used in houses of different heights. Depending on the number of radiators on the floor, horizontal or vertical wiring can be used.

A two-pipe heating system for a one-story house with a small area must have horizontal wiring. For a multi-story building, you should prefer a vertical layout of risers. This option will allow you to more evenly distribute heat throughout all rooms, thanks to simpler balancing.

Fig.6.

Efficient heating of a house is achieved through the use of a radial (collector) circuit. In it, each radiator is connected individually. Water heated floors work according to the same scheme.

Fig.7.

The collector heating system of a private house is more expensive to install than the previous ones, but they more than pay for themselves in savings in operation. The fact is that you can fine-tune not only the entire system, but also each radiator individually. Thus, it is easy to maintain a low temperature in non-residential premises, thereby significantly reducing fuel consumption for the boiler.

Boiler selection

Heating boilers for a private home can be divided into several groups according to the type of fuel used, power, installation method and functionality. Given their diversity, the choice of one type or another must be made based on the operating characteristics and type of heating system.

Based on the type of fuel consumed, they are divided into electric, diesel, solid fuel and gas. Heating boilers are listed in order of lower energy costs, i.e. gas ones are the most economical. Naturally, the choice in favor of one type or another primarily depends on this characteristic.

Although you can create heating in your home using any energy source, most often you have access to gas. For this reason, the gas heating boiler is most popular. Therefore, we will consider this group in more detail.

Gas boilers for heating can be of two types: floor-mounted and wall-mounted.

Floor-standing ones have great power and are capable of heating a house with an area of ​​more than 150 sq.m. They are simpler in design and can operate in both gravitational and closed systems. Most models are non-volatile, i.e. do not require connection to electricity.

Fig.8.

Wall-mounted heating boilers have lower power and are more compact. They have an aesthetic appearance and can be installed anywhere. They are mainly intended for use in a closed circuit. For this reason, wall-mounted gas boilers are already equipped with a circulation pump, an expansion tank and all the necessary automation. They are energy dependent, but thanks to electronic control they are able to fully automate the heating of a country house.

Fig.9.

They can be of open or closed type. The difference between them is that with an open chamber, air is taken from the room for work. This imposes requirements on ventilation and chimney installation. Boilers with a closed combustion chamber are equipped with a special fan (turbine), thanks to which air is forced in from the street, and exhaust gases are removed through a coaxial chimney, which is very easy to install.

A wall-mounted gas boiler can be single-circuit or double-circuit. Single-circuit only works to heat the room. Double-circuit gas boilers also provide hot water supply. However, they will cope well with the task if there are no more than 2 hot water consumers.

If the number of water points that can be used simultaneously is greater, then it is advisable to choose a single-circuit boiler and install an indirect heating boiler. A boiler is a barrel in which a coil is installed, through which the coolant circulates and thereby heats the water.

Fig. 10.

The most important characteristic of a gas boiler is its power. Designing home heating begins with calculating the boiler power, taking into account many parameters. However, with ceiling heights of up to 3 m and good insulation of walls and roofs, you can follow a simple rule: 1 kW of power is needed to heat 10 sq.m. area of ​​the house.

Expansion tank and circulation pump

An expansion tank is necessary to compensate for the increase in coolant volume when heated. So for water, when heated to a temperature of 80 degrees, its volume increases by about 5%. Therefore, it is necessary to install an expansion tank, and different designs are used for open and closed systems.

A tank for an open system is a container, the volume of which is completely used to fill it with coolant when it expands. Therefore, its volume should be approximately 7% of the total coolant volume.

Fig. 11.

The heating system of a private house with a pump involves the use of a sealed tank. Such containers are structurally divided into 2 parts by an elastic membrane, on one side of which there is air under pressure of usually 1.5 atmospheres, and on the other there is a coolant. In this case, a tank with a volume of 10–12% of the total volume is required.

Fig. 12.

The circulation pump is selected based on the calculated flow and pressure values. Flow rate is the volume of liquid per unit of time that the pump must pump. Pressure is the hydraulic resistance that the pump must overcome.

Formula for calculating consumption:

Q=0.86 x P / dT,

where Q is the design pressure, P is the thermal power (boiler power), dT is the temperature difference between the supply and return (usually 20 degrees).

Formula for calculating pressure:

H=N x K,

where H is the pressure value, N is the number of floors including the basement, K is the coefficient of average hydraulic losses, accepted 0.7 - 1.1 for two-pipe systems, 1.16 - 1.85 for radial schemes.

The given formulas are an approximate calculation of a heating system for a private house; to accurately calculate the characteristics, it is necessary to use special techniques that allow you to take into account all possible factors and accurately determine operating modes.

Pipes and automation

Heating and water supply systems for cottages and summer cottages have a low coolant temperature, usually up to 90 degrees. Therefore, any type of pipe can be used to connect all heating devices: steel pipes, metal-plastic, polypropylene.

Steel ones are strong and durable. However, their use is associated with installation complexity, which is impossible to perform without welding skills. In addition, so that they do not spoil the appearance of the room, they must be painted periodically.

Metal-plastic pipes are very popular. Installing a country house heating system with their help is very simple, especially if you use threaded fittings. However, as practice shows, due to seasonal temperature changes, the fitting clamp can become loose and cause a coolant leak. Therefore, connections must be regularly checked for leaks.

Polypropylene pipes (reinforced) do not have the disadvantages of steel and metal-plastic ones. They are mounted by welding, which makes the connections very strong and durable, and you can do it yourself even without having experience in this type of work.

Fig. 13.

The most important element is the air vents. These are simple mechanical devices that allow you to remove air from the system that is blocking its operation. Their other name is Mayevsky crane. These devices must be installed not only at the highest point, but also on distribution manifolds and heating devices.

Fig. 14.

If heating radiators are used to heat the room, then it is advisable to install a thermostatic valve on each one. With its help you can accurately set the required temperature.

Fig. 15.

Heating a private house with heated floors

Radiators or heated floors, as well as a combination of both, can be used as heating elements. Quite often they do combined heating at home, i.e. The first floor is heated with heated floors, and the second floor with radiators.

Underfloor heating has a number of advantages:

• allows you to create more uniform heating of the room, thereby making the climatic conditions more comfortable, and the system becomes simpler;
• radiators must be installed along all external walls, which is not always provided for in the layout, while heated floors are free of this limitation;
• ease of adjustment.

However, despite all the advantages, installation of heated floors is more labor-intensive and expensive. The main contribution is made by the costs of materials and labor.

Fig. 16.

Fundamentally, this system is not very different from the traditional one. The main difference lies in the need to install special mixing and distribution manifolds.

The fact is that the air temperature of a heated floor usually does not exceed 35 degrees, while the boiler produces a coolant temperature of more than 50 degrees. The mixing manifold is designed to solve three problems:

• setting a low temperature of the coolant due to mixing hot with cooled;
• distribution of water along the contours;
• ensuring circulation.

Fig. 17.

The heated floor system is built according to a radial scheme. Thanks to this, it is very easy to set up and adjust, which in turn simplifies the creation of comfortable conditions and at the same time allows you to save on heating.

The considered options for creating a heating system can be used for a house of any size and number of floors. It is important to find a compromise between the required climatic factors, the cost of elements, the complexity of maintenance and energy costs. If you correctly correlate all of the above parameters, then the house will always be warm and cozy, and heating costs will not greatly burden the family budget.