Organization of a home heating system can be carried out in various ways. In modern apartments, compact and at the same time effective radiator installations are increasingly being used. They do not take up much space, provide a sufficient amount of heat output and even act as an attractive interior item. But such designs do not satisfy everyone. People who seek to reduce the technical facilities in the house, choose floor heating radiators, built into the floor of the room. Externally, such systems are almost invisible - only the working surface stands out against the general background of the coating. But this problem can be solved through design techniques. It is much more important to make the right choice of the convector itself, in terms of the effectiveness of its heating function in a particular house.
Features of built-in radiators
Convectors built into the floor are not the only designs that differ . Although in design and in general, according to the principle of operation, they are in many respects similar to traditional wall-mounted analogs, the placement itself determines their higher productivity. Externally, the system is a rectangular box that integrates into the floor of the room. In the process, the floor radiator operates on the principle of air convective heating. The main feature of this heating model is that air flows when interacting with equipment surfaces circulate naturally and more efficiently, rising up and leaving room for cooled masses.
Thus, a circular process of air heating is realized. Compared to wall-mounted batteries, this principle not only demonstrates high performance, but also saves energy. Another thing is that the floor radiator requires special installation conditions, so the system is not so common.
Material selection
Modern models of radiators are mostly made of aluminum, copper and steel. Each of these materials is good in one or another characteristic. Steel elements are characterized by low inertia - this means that the convector in a short period of time will find the optimum working condition. But in terms of thermal conductivity, it is still more profitable to use non-ferrous metals. The aluminum floor radiator demonstrates high heat transfer due to balanced radiation and copes well with the function of the convention. Copper structures have similar qualities, but they cost more. The best solution would be a bimetallic convector, which includes both steel and aluminum. But, if in wall constructions such a solution justifies itself due to the high strength of the steel case, then for floor systems this advantage is not fundamental.
Power selection
Perhaps this is one of the key parameters of choice, since the efficiency of the main function - heating depends on it. The indicator of optimal thermal power will depend on the area of the room, the material from which the walls and floors are made, the number of openings and other data that affect the microclimate in the house. Typically, for medium-sized rooms of about 40 m2, it is recommended to purchase models with a heat transfer of 1.5-2 kW. Also in modern designs provides the ability to control the speed of rotation of the fan. Thanks to this, the user can adjust the floor radiator to a specific mode of operation. If, for example, the rated power of the equipment is 3 kW, then the owner can optimize it for the working conditions in a small room. It is important to understand that this function is not necessary for controlling temperature indicators, but for the rational consumption of electricity by the radiator.
Performance requirements - what to consider?
Floor models have a drawback in the form of special requirements for installation conditions, but also operational external factors must be taken into account when purchasing the unit. In particular, the use of a convector in a water heating system is allowed provided that the temperature of the coolant does not exceed 130 ° C - the average value for most modern models. Specialists take into account the pressure indicators. It is possible to operate floor heating radiators in cases where the excess water pressure does not exceed 16 bar. With regard to external influences, it is desirable to provide a niche for the installation of hydroinsulators, regardless of the characteristics of the equipment body.
Electric models
Such devices operate on the principle of convention, and spirals are used as heating elements. An electric base made of metal is placed in an elongated case, which, under the influence of current, implements air heating. The classic electric convector heaters operate according to a similar scheme, however the floor radiator built-in in the latest versions got rid of many negative operating factors. So, for example, during its operation, harmful fumes do not occur, since low-temperature heating elements are used. Also, the equipment includes a heat exchanger that optimally regulates the interaction of air masses with different temperature indicators.
Water convectors
The use of heaters operating due to the circulation of water coolant is increasingly found in private homes. This is explained by high safety and relatively low financial costs for the maintenance and operation of equipment. But you can use a floor water radiator if it is possible to connect it to a centralized water supply system. Otherwise, the equipment is completely identical to other types of convectors. They also have modern control systems with temperature controllers and are compact in size - however, it depends on the way the communications are connected to the equipment. The integration of water heating systems in utility networks is generally a major drawback, which also confirms the example of "underfloor heating."
Radiator Installation Technique
The main works relate to the arrangement of an underground niche for the integration of the device. Usually, a channel is formed, to which either electrical infrastructure or water supply is supplied. Next, the unit is directly mounted - for this, mounting kits are provided that are included with the equipment. You should also consider the appearance of the device. The fact is that floor heating radiators are built-in initially designed for the possibility of operation in residential premises. After the housing is immersed in an underground channel, only a grate should remain on the surface, through which air circulation will take place. If the appearance of this element contrasts with the floor finish, then it is worthwhile to think through the use of decorative overlays from the beginning, not forgetting the strength requirements.
Manufacturers
Varmann company specializes in the production of such heating systems. In the manufacturer's lineup, modifications are presented with different dimensions and indicators of thermal power. The cost of such equipment on average varies from 15 to 25 thousand rubles. Similar offers can be found in the range of Exement. Although the choice of such convectors is less wide, they are cheaper. Represent built-in floor heating radiators and Russian manufacturers. In particular, under the brand name “Breeze” affordable models in various designs are produced.
Conclusion
Many experts are skeptical of the very idea of supplying a home with a separate heating device in the form of a radiator. He is unlikely to be able to fully provide the necessary heat reserves for the entire area, therefore, such an acquisition should be considered only as an option for an auxiliary heating device. And if the lack of free space holds back the acquisition of traditional designs of this type by many homeowners, then floor heating radiators are spared this drawback. Subject to proper installation, the structures fit organically into the communication network without causing ergonomic difficulties during operation. Actually, it is worth considering such convectors in private houses as an element of the engineering water supply system. For a city apartment, it is advisable to prefer an electric underfloor radiator, which does not require unnecessary installation operations in order to organize a connection with a coolant.