Modern heat meters for heating can be found in almost every house or apartment. This is a convenient device for heat metering, which helps to save money and pay only for the consumed heat. The choice of such a device must be approached responsibly, it is selected depending on the characteristics of the heating network and the place of installation. There are a large number of meter models on the market, which are sometimes difficult to understand without outside help. First, it is worth learning about the principle of operation of the device and its features.
How does a heat meter work
The heating meter for an apartment works by calculating the amount of heat based on data taken from temperature sensors and the flow rate of the heat carrier. The amount of water passing through the heating system is measured, as well as the difference in outlet and inlet temperatures. The total amount of heat is calculated using a special formula. The information received from the devices is transferred to the calculator, which determines the heat consumption after data processing and adds them to the archive. The values can be seen on the display of the device and taken at any time.
The device has its own error, which is the sum of the errors of the calculator, temperature sensors and flow meter. To account for heat in apartments, devices are installed with a permissible error of no more than 6-10%. In reality, the indicator is capable of exceeding the base value, it depends on the characteristics of all component parts. For this reason, it is important to purchase a modern counter that will work as accurately as possible.
The following factors affect the increase in the indicator:
- the amplitude with the incoming or outgoing temperature of the coolant, which has a value of less than 30 degrees;
- installation problems related to the manufacturer's requirements;
- poor quality pipes, too hard water;
- the coolant flow is less than the minimum values indicated in the technical specifications.
You need to know how the heat meter works and in which units the tariff is calculated. In Russian devices, the calculation is carried out in giga calories, in European devices in gigajoules or kilowatts, which are the generally accepted unit.
Is it possible to install a metering device in an apartment
Installation of a heating meter in any apartment is possible, but it will be beneficial only if the device is mounted in accordance with the requirements of the legislation. The owners spend money only for the heat given off from the radiators. To save money, you need to use the resource with benefit. For this purpose, the apartment is insulated, sealed-type double-glazed windows are installed and other measures are applied.
The list of legal requirements includes:
- obtaining permission to install and compliance with the conditions of the RNO;
- sending a notice of the installation to the checking employee or the chairman of the house;
- installation of only one device in one apartment;
- coordination of project documents with the company supplying the apartment building with heat;
- sealing the meter after installation by an employee of the management company.
The best option is to install the device in new buildings, where wiring with separate pipes for heat supply is supplied.In the old-style houses, additional work needs to be done.
Who is involved in the installation
A specialist in a local heat supply organization, who has permission to carry out such work, must install a heat energy meter. It is not recommended to do the installation yourself. If it does not take place according to the instructions and in violation of the installation rules, the owner of the apartment will take responsibility for possible accidents. The powers of the employees include the development of an installation project if necessary, submission of documents to certain organizations, if additional permissions are required, installation, registration and testing of the device.
The installation project should contain information on the type and principle of operation of the device, calculations for the load and flow rate of the coolant, the diagram of the heating system, calculations of potential heat losses and payments for heat energy.
Varieties of heat meters
Appliances of various types can be found on sale. A quality heat meter must comply with standards and have all the necessary parts for installation. Taking into account the purpose and place of installation, they are divided into individual, general house and industrial. The list of the most popular devices includes Pulsar, Vista, Beryl and Mars. The devices of these brands have established themselves as the most reliable.
Electromagnetic
An electromagnetic-type heat meter for an apartment displays data as accurately and reliably as possible. The principle of operation of the device is based on the passage of magnetic fields through the streams of the coolant, during which the magnet reacts to water. A standard electromagnetic device consists of temperature sensors, an electronic unit and converters, as well as additional elements.
It can be installed in a private house or apartment and can be verified at any time. It must be remembered that a device of this type needs periodic cleaning and constant maintenance. Of the minuses, the owners of the devices note only their high cost, otherwise such devices do not cause any inconvenience.
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic meters are most often installed as general-purpose devices in apartment buildings. They are divided into several types and can be frequency, time, Doppler or correlation. The essence of the work of such devices is to generate ultrasound, which passes through the water. Further, the sensor generates a signal and transmits it to the receiver in the process of passing. The ultrasonic device also measures data with high accuracy, but to obtain correct information, you need to monitor the purity of the coolant.
Vortex
Such a device works by measuring the number and speed of vortices, while the device is not sensitive to blockages, but is able to respond to the presence of air inside the system. The device must not be placed in an upright position, only horizontally and between two pipes. This is a fairly convenient and economical option for those who are on budget and still want to install an accurate and modern device at home.
Mechanical
A mechanical or tachometer heat meter measures the heating medium using a circular rotating part. It can be screw, turbine or impeller-shaped. The mechanical apartment heat meter is the most affordable and easy to use.
The devices have the main disadvantage - the extreme sensitivity to the ingress of dirt that settles inside, rust and water hammer. For greater safety, the meter is equipped with a magnetic mesh filter, but it must be borne in mind that such devices do not store data collected per day.
Registration and verification
Only companies that have the appropriate permission can legally register the device for heat after installation. The heat meter is installed in the apartment after the development and approval of the project, if necessary, then it is registered, put into operation and the data are recorded, which are transmitted to the central heat supply organization. Verification is a necessary procedure, usually all meters go on sale, already having the data of the initial verification, which was carried out in the conditions of the manufacturer.
Confirmation is a stamp, record or sticker, it can be found on the device itself or viewed in the documents attached to the device. It is not necessary to undergo additional verification as long as the period of the calibration interval is valid, which is 3-5 years. The owner of the device can take readings of his counter at a convenient time. When the interval expires, verification is performed at Rostest, special organizations or a service center from the manufacturer.
Verification is a verification of the correctness of the readings of the device and their removal. All measuring devices, including heating meters, undergo this procedure. A specialist from the relevant organization has the right to conduct it.
Benefits of using a heating meter
The installation of any heat meter should be carried out in accordance with the instructions. This useful device helps to significantly reduce the cost of thermal energy, if it is installed correctly. With typical consumption, the savings will be at least 10%. If you are smart about your heat consumption, for example by closing the battery valve before you leave home, you can save more. The list of the main advantages of installing the device includes:
- savings on heating bills from 15 to 60%;
- reducing the cost of heat losses due to the absence of the need to pay for heating the street and heating mains;
- control of expenses and work of utilities.
Self-metering of energy gives much more advantages and is able to insure against possible mistakes of utilities. The owner of the device can effortlessly control the operation of central heating batteries and radiators without leaving the apartment.
The choice of metering device
You need to choose a device for accounting for heat taking into account the parameters of your heating system and coolant. First, you need to clarify whether heating is supplied to the basement, and whether there is ventilation and light there. In most houses, heating units are installed in the basements; it is also necessary to find out where the heating pipes go down into the basement. According to the rules, heating units should be located near the valves.
The owner of the apartment is obliged to check the amount of water, the pressure level of the heat carrier, temperature limits and methods of temperature regulation. Before installation, they additionally find out the exact number of pipes entering the house and their number involved in the heating system. Also, the material of thermal insulation of pipes, the number of apartments and residents in the house, the presence of hot water circulation is important.
It is necessary to choose the device itself taking into account the heat meter and all the parameters indicated above. The type of device depends on the budget and the needs of the homeowner.
Inexpensive devices work no worse than more modern and advanced ones, but it should be borne in mind that in budget options, data are not always provided without errors.
Housing and public utilities do not allow mouths. heat meters.