There are various ways to maintain a comfortable temperature in the living quarters of a country house. Among heating devices, the most common are electric and portable wood-burning stoves, as well as infrared appliances and other types of heaters. For capital private buildings intended for permanent residence, all these temporary funds are not suitable. Traditionally, they are equipped with water heating. Energy for its functioning is obtained by burning wood, coal or gas. Only in exceptional cases are cheaper electrical resources used for these purposes.
The principle of operation of autonomous heating
The basis of a water heating system in a private house is a heating boiler, which determines the principle of its operation and heating efficiency. Despite the difference in the energy sources used in it, the essence of the work does not change from this. It consists of the following sequence of transformations:
- When the fuel loaded into the boiler is burned in a special unit called a heat exchanger, excess heat is generated.
- Due to direct contact, its walls with the tubes laid in them are heated to a high temperature.
- Since a coolant circulates in these channels (in this case, it is water), it warms up to the state of boiling water.
- Next, the hot medium enters the heating system, which is an extensive network of pipelines and batteries.
The heating elements use the same heat transfer effect to heat the surrounding area to comfortable temperatures. The reliability and efficiency of the functioning of the autonomous water heating system largely depends on the design features of the boiler. Therefore, you will need to familiarize yourself with the known varieties of these systems and learn how to choose a model that is best suited for the given goals. In this case, the need to heat the utility rooms (garage, for example) must be taken into account.
Varieties of hot water heating systems
- Natural movement of the carrier due to the pressure difference and its own weight.
- Forced method, organized by means of a pump of one class or another.
- A combined approach that combines the merits of both.
Before choosing a suitable option, the type of combustible material that is used as an energy carrier in the boiler is taken into account. What is more suitable for the specific conditions of the user's residence: gas, coal, firewood, pellets or electricity - only he decides for himself.
Choice of pipes
Separately, the issue of the types of pipes used in the arrangement of the heating system in private houses is considered. Since each of the materials used has its pros and cons, it is advisable to figure out which one is more preferable.
Metal (steel and copper) pipes
Arrangement of water heating with steel pipes will not cost the owner too much, which is considered an indisputable advantage of the proposed choice. However, the disadvantage of this material, which is easily corroded, is also known. Another thing is copper analogs, which have many advantages, including resistance to the destructive effects of the environment and durability.
However, this attractive material also has one significant drawback - the high cost of copper pipes, which not every user decides to purchase. Therefore, in a situation with metal highways, the final decision remains with the landlord.
Polymer (polypropylene) tubular products
The main advantage of polypropylene pipes is resistance to external influences, manifested in the form of corrosive and chemical destruction. In addition, they are appreciated for their lightness and ease of installation.
The use of pipe products of this class allows you to save on fuel consumption (it does not matter if it is gas or electricity). This is explained by the low coefficient of friction against the walls, which makes it possible to increase the speed of the circular movement of the coolant, as a result of which heat is dissipated exclusively in the batteries alone.
The advantages of polypropylene pipes also include the admissibility of use in heating systems of any type - closed or open.
Reinforced-plastic pipe billets
The advantages of metal-plastic pipes include all the advantages inherent in their polypropylene counterparts. At the same time, the ability to "hold" very high temperatures and good flexibility (plasticity) stand out. The latter circumstance makes it possible to use them in systems of the "warm floor" type.
A relative disadvantage of metal-plastic products is the high cost, which is significantly higher than the same indicator for polypropylene samples.
Radiator selection
When designing a wiring diagram for pipelines, special attention is paid to the selection of radiators capable of heating the premises with maximum efficiency. At the same time, the general selection procedure suggests taking into account the assortment of products that differ in their forms by the material used in the manufacture.
Most users prefer low-cost and reliable aluminum radiators that are resistant to corrosion and easy to connect. Much less often choose the option of combined heating structures consisting of two metals (aluminum and steel).
As for the size and shape of the selected heating elements - here each user acts at his own discretion and taking into account the specific installation conditions.
Heating systems diagrams
- one-pipe wiring of the water main (another name - "Leningradka");
- two-pipe shoulder system (otherwise it is called "dead-end");
- using a pump (collector circuit).
One-pipe lines, like all other types of wiring, according to the requirements of standards, are made tight. In this case, the optimal level of water pressure is 0.5-3.0 bar, depending on the temperature.
In two-story mansions, a combined approach is possible, combining two solutions at once. As an example, the following option is considered: on the 1st floor, the user will need to make a collector system, and on the second, mount a conventional wiring with a passing movement of the coolant.
Independent or natural wiring with pre-equipped vertical risers is capable of operating in the following modes:
- gravity circulation;
- using a pump installed on the bypass.
"Leningradka" and two-pipe dead-end lines do without a circulation pump, and the movement of the coolant in them occurs due to the convective flow of water.
DIY water heating installation
- Since the work on the arrangement of water heating directly relates to the whole house and its utilities, it is advisable to combine these measures with a major overhaul.
- If the boiler is to be installed on the floor, a separate room will be required for its installation.
- The place for the boiler room is selected taking into account the requirements of current standards - it is well heated and has effective ventilation.
The generally accepted procedure for installing a heating system, as well as connecting it to boiler equipment, takes into account many related factors that require separate consideration.
