Installing a thermostat on a heating radiator yourself

The radiator thermal head controls the intensity of movement of various types of heat transfer fluids. The thermostat for a heating radiator is mounted on devices before the heating season. Using the device allows you to create a normal microclimate and save energy costs.

Why use thermostats for radiators

The thermostatic device is mounted on batteries, taking into account the thermal power of the equipment, the dimensions of the room and the climatic conditions of the region. Its design is represented by a thermal valve that switches temperature modes. The special thermal head is a cylinder with a special fluid. With an increase in the temperature regime, the composition expands, with a decrease, it contracts.

The operation of the thermostat on batteries is necessary for the following reasons:

• control of the amount of coolant in the pipeline;
• automation of heating processes;
• zonal regulation of microclimate and temperature - in some rooms you can turn off the radiator, in others - leave it;
  
• reducing the amount of coolant used;
• disconnection from heat supply in the event of a breakdown of a separate apartment, and not the whole house;
• saving the resource of the boiler and consumables for servicing the system.

The thermostat does not increase the efficiency of the batteries and their heat transfer.

How the device works

The principle of operation of the device is based on a change in the valve section. The thermal valve is connected to the head with a stem and a union nut. The stem moves under the influence of a load from gas or water, which expand during heating. The pressure increases inside the head, the stem gradually goes down, completely or partially closes the valve lumen.

Features of setting the thermostat for heating pipes depend on the control system:

• an automatic device with a bellows is distinguished by the ability of the stem to return to its original state when the characteristics of the medium change;
• the electronic type of the regulator is equipped with a thermostat. The temperature level sensor is built into it or mounted on a radiator;
• mechanical devices, the design of which includes a valve and a valve, are produced without a bellows, have a manual mode of operation - the user must turn the valve handle.

Automatic models have a display where information about the state of the coolant and operation is displayed.

Types of temperature controllers

According to the control method, you can choose a mechanical or automatic device. Depending on the filling of the siphon, thermococks are gas and liquid. The thermostatic device also differs in the design of the valve - there are angular, straight and three-way modifications. The latter are connected to the bypass, gas supply pipe and batteries.

Features of automatic devices

The electronic thermostat for radiators can be programmed by changing the environmental control parameters.The device displays information about the air temperature. This characteristic is set by the user so that it remains unchanged throughout the heating season.

The microprocessor provides temperature control as well as the functionality of the entire heating system. The benefits of using electronic modifications include:

• work from batteries that can be replaced;
• high energy efficiency;
• minimum power consumption;
• the presence of some models of batteries with the ability to charge;
• control of the rod by means of a microprocessor;
• extensive additional functionality.

Among the disadvantages is the need to connect devices to the network without batteries.

A thermostat is used to automatically change parameters and transmit the temperature value. By type of work, elements are:

• Passive. Operate only in isolation from the environment.
• Active. They independently select and maintain the temperature regime of the radiators.
• Phase type. Will work with changes in the physical state of the fluid.

If reprogramming is possible, the automatic thermostat is available with open or closed logic. The former can be reconfigured for any heating system. The latter cannot be reprogrammed, but the basic parameters can be changed.

For a house or apartment, active regulators of the Danfoss brand can be used. They maintain the temperature of the radiator and are easy to connect. Depending on the design, you can choose a standard or external device. Danfoss thermostats have several advantages:

• simplicity of design;
• quick installation;
• automatic regulation and maintenance of air temperature;
• savings on the operation of individual heating.

District heating thermostats are only operated with auxiliary meters.

Specificity of mechanical devices

When choosing a mechanical thermostat for apartment or home radiators, their design must be taken into account. Manufacturers release two options.

Devices with cranes designed to adjust the volume of the coolant in the battery. The crane operates in manual mode by turning it all the way. The disadvantage of the devices is the deformation of the internal valve with a constant half valve mode.

Radiator valve the thermostat is:

• Needle type. Differs in manual control - the amount of coolant changes by turning the valve. The device is placed in a half-way position without further disruption to the operation of the units. The disadvantage of needle models is a small cross-section of the lumen inside, due to which their effectiveness is lost.
• With mechanical thermostat. The device is designed exclusively for the radiator. Connection is made without using power supplies. Equipped with bellows for efficient operation.

Valve regulators must be installed instead of ball valves.

Thermoregulatorymanual the device is distinguished by autonomous operation in any conditions, ease of operation and ease of installation. The manual thermal head is mainly suitable for cast iron batteries. The disadvantage of the regulator is a quick failure during everyday switching of the stem and minimal data accuracy.

Nuances of operation of liquid and gas-filled devices

According to the state of the thermostatic element, the devices are liquid and gas. The active substance in both cases is paraffin. Under the influence of temperature, it expands and acts on the stem with a connected clan. The pipeline with the coolant is partially blocked by the stem.

Gas-filled models are characterized by smooth and precise regulation, equipped with a control sensor, and have a long service life. They respond quickly to fluctuating temperatures. The difference between liquid models is the accuracy of the transfer of pressure inside the pipes to the active mechanism.

A liquid heat level regulator or a gas appliance installed on a battery differs in the type of sensors. Manufacturers produce models:

• With built-in controller. Installation is carried out horizontally. Thus, a circular circulation is carried out, preventing fluctuations in indicators due to the heat of the pipes.
• With distance elements. Thermostatic unit is suitable for gas, electric boilers, floor heating systems. The device is also equipped with a water convector.

The remote sensor is suitable for vertical thermostats and radiators located at a depth of 16 mm or more.

Installation rules

The thermal valve is independently installed in compliance with the following rules:

1. Preliminary study of the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Careful and careful work due to the fragility of the parts.
3. Strict observance of the horizontal position of the thermostat so that it is not affected by air currents from the battery.
4. Checking the direction of movement of water according to the arrows on the body.
5. Pre-wiring of bypasses on a one-pipe system. The elements prevent failure of the entire line in the event of failure of one radiator.

Installation of semi-mechanical regulators is carried out on batteries that are not covered with curtains and decorative crate. This is necessary for the correct functioning of the device. The sensor should be 2-8 cm away from the valve.

Installation sequence

The sequence of work depends on the type of device - electronic or mechanical.

Installation of electronic devices

The electronic controller is mounted on the radiator as follows:

1. Radiator preparation. The battery must be turned off by removing the valve and draining the remaining water. Bypass jumpers are removed from single-pipe communications. At the same time, the coolant remains in the remaining radiators and continues to circulate.
2. Regulator preparation. The device must be unpacked, remove the cover from the compartment for the AA batteries and put them in. After closing the lid, a test switch is performed - the display should blink.
3. Attaching the adapter to the valve base.
4. Installation of the regulator using a threaded connection. The surface needs to be sealed with impregnated sanitary flax or special tape. The instrument is then screwed into the inlet.
5. Checking the markings on the valve. The designation of the direction of the coolant has the form of an arrow. It should correspond to the movement of water in the system at the time of work.
6. Installing the thermostat. With the help of the sensor, you can determine the temperature in the room and control the closing mechanism. The element is placed horizontally on the staples. In the case of using the remote version, it is mounted 2 or more meters from the radiators.
7. Calibrate and adjust the regulator according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The temperature sensor should be placed at a distance of 80 cm from the floor covering so that it does not interfere with the operation of the system when it comes into contact with cold air. The element should be protected from solar radiation, heating of household appliances.

Installing a mechanical regulator

To install a mechanical type regulator, you will need:

1. Cut off the old radiator with a horizontal battery, remove the remaining pipes and valves.
2. Open the taps and bleed the air from the radiator. When the coolant current is restored, the battery will heat up.
3. Screw the nuts and shanks of the new devices to the radiator plugs.
4. Connect heating structures to connect the radiator.
5. Install the radiator and piping to the riser.
6. Close doors and windows tightly so that there are no adjustment errors.
7. Unscrew the valve until it stops, check the air temperature using a thermometer.
8. After the temperature has been set, turn the thermostat in the opposite direction and set it to the minimum value.
9. Check the thermometer reading, wait for the desired value.
10. Gradually open the regulator until the water flows through the pipes.

When properly installed, the thermal regulator will last 20 to 30 years.

Features of instrument settings

A calibrated temperature regulator located on the radiator of the heating system will show the correct values. The setup is done like this:

1. Adjustment for the operation of the device at a specific time of the day. The time is set by means of arrows and the OK key.
2. Date setting. The day, year and month are selected.
3. Confirmation of changes. A check mark starts flashing on the display of electronic devices - press the OK button.
4. Menu setting. A large letter M will light up on the display. It must be held for 3 seconds until the menu opens. Then you need to press the central button, go into the settings and change them.

If you do not adjust the device, it will work according to preset programs.

The thermostat is calibrated upon completion of the heating of all heating systems in the room.

Temperature controller manufacturers

The following brands are popular among users:

• Danfoss, which produces bellows-type thermal heads for direct attachment to a proprietary valve or installation via an adapter.
• Oventrop, which produces models of regulators with the ability to set temperatures in the range from +7 to +28 degrees.
• Thermo, coupled to valves using union nuts.

Devices from all manufacturers are recommended to be installed according to the principle of a balancing valve on the return and a standard one on the supply.

Using a regulator for the heating system, you can adjust the temperature in the room, normalize the microclimate, and save on heating bills during the season. The devices are suitable for installation in cottages without permanent residence, apartments or private houses.