Floor heating radiators built into the floor are increasingly used in modern houses and apartments. It is advisable to install such batteries in rooms with panoramic windows, for example, in private buildings, conservatories, glazed terraces and offices of enterprises. In addition to the main heating function, they help create a thermal curtain that prevents cold air from entering the windows. Before installing a battery for heating in the floor, it is worth evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of such radiators, as well as studying their design features.
Design features of built-in radiators
In appearance, a standard radiator in the floor resembles a pencil case covered with a grill on top, inside which there is a heating device. The built-in battery consists of a heater, a housing and a protective panel that covers the structure. To distribute the heat evenly, such radiators are supplemented with fans, placed inside the screed and installed at floor level. The heating process takes place by convection, for this reason, structures of this type are called built-in convectors.
Any battery in the floor under the window works according to the same principle. Cold air flows down through the grate, heats up and rises back up. There is a separate category of radiators of this type, during which convection heating occurs naturally. Such devices are considered more efficient, since they are able to warm up the air inside the room faster. Heating grates are usually made of metal or wood and painted in different colors.
The built-in radiator works on the principle of air circulation, so it is best to install it close to doors and windows. Inside these batteries is a relief valve to help improve system efficiency and maintain proper temperature.
Advantages and disadvantages
All batteries built into the floor have their pros and cons, which can be studied to determine the type of radiator. The list of advantages includes a long service life, which allows you not to think about repairing or replacing the battery for a long time. Built-in radiators are distinguished by good performance and do not cause problems during operation.
Heating devices are quite reliable and belong to the category of environmentally friendly equipment. Thanks to the optimal design, such a battery will not spoil the interior and interfere with the placement of furniture, since it is almost completely hidden from prying eyes. Also, a floor-standing and built-in radiator makes it possible to install panoramic windows of any type in the room.
Built-in batteries also have their drawbacks:
- the need to increase the height of the ceilings so that the installation goes smoothly;
- high price compared to standard floor-standing or wall-mounted models;
- with a ceiling height of more than three meters, it is better to use wall structures;
- installation difficulties;
- increase in electricity bills if the battery has a forced convection option;
- the ability to spread excess dust.
It is best to install built-in heating radiators in the process of building a house or major repairs. The reason lies in the complex installation, since the batteries must be connected using a channel laid inside the floor.
For what premises is it suitable
Floor heating radiators are suitable for the implementation of non-standard design solutions in houses or apartments. This is a good choice for those who want to install panoramic windows in the room or make redevelopment, after which the installation of standard batteries will be impossible. Most often, such situations arise when the walls to which the radiators are attached are made of lightweight materials and are not able to withstand the large weight of the heating batteries.
Often, such batteries are installed in shops, offices, hotels and other common areas, since glazed showcases and panoramic windows must be installed there. Thanks to their stylish appearance, modern radiators often become a decorative element, their aesthetic design allows you to implement any projects, even in small apartments. The versatility of built-in batteries makes them a great option for anyone looking to save space in their room.
Types of radiators built into the floor
Floor standing built-in batteries can be divided into two main types: electric and water. Electrical structures are equipped with closed heating elements, in which steel or copper plates are installed. Such radiators are manufactured taking into account safety requirements for electrical appliances and are equipped with fuses to protect them from failures. It is an ideal choice for homes where there is no central heating connection. Water-type radiators are metal tubes with plates, they are connected to the heating system using pipes. Copper, steel or aluminum are used as the starting material for them.
In stores, there are radiators with forced and natural convection of the two-pipe or four-pipe type, which can be used for both heating and cooling rooms. In the first case, the heat exchanger is connected to the heating and cooling system, in the second there are two heat exchangers connected to one of the necessary systems. These are more efficient, but at the same time quite expensive radiators. A good choice - models with an option for supplying fresh air, which passes through the built-in filters and, after heating, is distributed in the room.
If the floor in the room is curved, the problem can be solved by ordering built-in radiators of the corner type or with the required radius of curvature. A good option would be devices with heat exchangers on hoses that allow you to pull out the device and hide it back if necessary.
What to look for when choosing
Before buying an underfloor heating convector that is built into the floor, you need to pay attention to the size and power of such equipment. You will need to immediately decide: you need to install a fan for forced convection or natural convection will be enough.
To select a built-in battery, consider the following factors:
- The pressure in the thermal system. If a built-in radiator is installed in an apartment building, the pressure level must be taken into account. This data can be obtained from the housing department or from the employees of the management company before choosing a suitable model. Such a battery must cope with pressures up to 15 atmospheres.
- The type and parameters of the heat carrier. When installing a floor radiator in a private house, any coolant is suitable, since the owner himself can control its condition and temperature. Before installing in a multi-storey building, the filling of the battery and its characteristics must be taken into account.
- Connection diameters and type of heating system. Most of the models of radiators can work in a two-pipe and one-pipe heating system, more detailed information should be specified at the time of purchase.
Built-in radiators can be the only source of heating in a room. They cannot be combined with other radiators and radiators in order to avoid problems.
Built-in Battery Installation Tips
After deciding to install a built-in battery in an apartment or house, you need to draw up a project and indicate all the necessary data, including the location, dimensions of the structure and its performance. A standard radiator installed in the floor under the window must be installed according to the instructions. First of all, pipes are laid for the heat carrier in the process of pouring the screed onto the floor covering. When the room is ready, grooves are installed in it, where the pipes are placed, and a niche for the body is prepared. It should be 5 mm larger than the radiator box, taking into account the width and length, if the connection is end, and by 10 mm, if it is lateral.
After that, the heating battery itself is installed. During the installation phase, it is important to position the structure at arm's length so that it cannot protrude beyond the surface of the floor covering. The branch pipes are connected to the pipes for supplying the heat carrier and the joints are fixed. To check the system, they test it and mount the outer grille at the final stage.
The power and size of the device are calculated taking into account the height of the ceilings, the dimensions of the windows, the average air temperature in winter and other parameters. For 1 sq. m of area must have at least 100 watts of radiator power.
