Why do you need a thermostat for a heating radiator, and which one to choose? Thermostat for radiators: principle of operation, which one to choose and how to install Heat regulator on the radiator, how to set it up

Effective heating control is a vital part of running your boiler and home heating system efficiently. Proper use of controls will reduce the energy consumption of the unit, while creating a comfortable temperature in every room of the house, avoiding overheating of the premises. A thermostat (or programmer) controls the operation of the boiler depending on the room temperature.

Up to 20% of the volume of energy consumed can be saved by using this type of automation. And energy prices are quite high and every normal person wants to reduce their expenses.

We consider a situation where the boiler is calculated correctly, the necessary insulation of the premises has been completed, and the heating system is functioning normally.

Main types of boilers and temperature control

There are several types of boilers: solid fuel, gas, electric and liquid fuel.

Boilers have become widespread throughout the world. There are domestic samples, and there are also imported boilers. Material of manufacture: steel or cast iron. Easy to use, economical, with the function of adjusting the coolant temperature. In cheaper models, this function is implemented using a special device - a thermoelement.

Structurally, a thermoelement is a metal product, the geometric dimensions of which decrease or increase under the influence of temperatures (depending on the degree of heating). And this, in turn, changes the position of a special lever that closes and opens the draft damper. The photo shows an example of such a regulator:

Photo: thermostat sample

The more the damper is open, the stronger the combustion process, and vice versa. Thus, the volume of air that enters the closed combustion chamber is completely controlled by the thermostat, and if necessary, its supply is stopped and the combustion process is extinguished. More modern models are equipped with controllers that, depending on the specified thermal conditions, control the air flow, turning on (or off) a special fan (see photo below):

Gas boilers are the most common and cheapest units to operate. Boilers are single-circuit and double-circuit. Single-circuit boilers have one heat exchanger and are intended for heating only. The connection diagram is shown in the figure below:

Switching diagram for a single-circuit boiler

Double-circuit boilers have two heat exchangers and are designed for heating and producing hot water. The boiler switching diagram is presented below:

Some boilers have separate controls for heating and hot water temperatures.

Electric boilers

A fairly common alternative to gas and solid fuel boilers. Lots of advantages, high efficiency, but long payback period. The connection is simple, like with gas boilers, but without a cold water supply. Temperature regulation and overheat protection are provided.

Mechanical boiler timer

Using a simple mechanical electric boiler timer There are three options for starting the central heating system:

1. The boiler is turned off;
2. The boiler supplies warm water;
3. The boiler turns on and off at the set time.

Mechanical timers usually have a large round dial with a 24-hour scale in the center. By turning the dial, you can set the desired time, and then leave it in that position. The boiler will turn on at the right time. The outer part consists of a set of tabs for a 15-minute period, which are inserted for easy adjustment of operation and mode settings. Emergency reconfiguration is possible, which is performed with the boiler connected to the network.

Mechanical timers are easy to set up, but the boiler always turns on and off at the same time every day, and this may not satisfy the owners if the family is large and bathing procedures are carried out several times a day at different times.

Types of thermostats

Based on the type of functions, they can be divided into several groups:

— with one function (temperature maintenance);

- with a large number of functions (programmable).

Based on their design, thermostats are divided into types: wireless and with wires for communication with the boiler. Install the thermostats in a convenient place, connect the temperature sensor, connect it to the boiler control system and use it.

Room thermostats need a constant flow of air to function properly and properly, so they should not be covered with curtains or blocked by furniture. Devices adjacent to the electric thermostat may interfere with the correct operation of the device: lamps, televisions, heating devices located nearby.

A programmable electronic room thermostat allows you to select the desired and comfortable temperature at any time; it is easy to reconfigure and change the operating mode. The timer allows you to set a different heating pattern on weekdays and weekends. Some timers allow you to set different settings for each day of the week, which can be useful for people who work part-time or shift work. Many Terneo and KChM models are equipped with such thermostats.

A programmable room thermostat allows you to set individual heating standards for each day in accordance with your lifestyle and maintain the temperature of the house all the time, regardless of the presence or departure of the owners.
Video: Connecting a room thermostat to a gas boiler

If the heating system is controlled by a boiler with a radiator, as a rule, only one programmable room thermostat is needed to control the entire house. Some patterns must be adjusted in the spring and fall as the clocks move forward and backward, or certain changes in climatic conditions occur. We also recommend changing the temperature settings when changing from day to night.

This climate controller has several options that expand its capabilities:

• “Party”, which stops heating for several hours, then resumes;
• “Override” allows you to temporarily change the programmed temperatures during one of the configured periods;
• “Holiday” increases the heating intensity or reduces it for a certain number of days.

Central thermostat

This thermostat is located far away from your boiler and usually allows you to turn the heating on or off throughout the house. Older versions are connected by wires to the boiler; newer systems tend to send signals to the device's command post. It is the new type of devices that are equipped with quite expensive but effective appliances: double-circuit boilers Ferroli, Beretta and domestic AOGV.

The most famous are room thermostats for double-circuit boilers of the Gsm and Protherm brands. They have a built-in dilatometric thermostat for the boiler, which, depending on the model, can operate remotely; this technology is often used for an electric boiler or solid fuel units.

The room thermostat turns off the heating of the system as needed. It works by measuring the air temperature, turning on the heating when the air temperature drops below the thermostat setting, and turning it off when the set temperature is reached.

Adviсe:

1. It is recommended to set the thermostat to 20°C;
2. At night, the set temperature should be between 19-21° C.
3. It is advisable that the temperature in the children's room is about 22 ° C.
4. The temperature should not fall below 22°C in rooms for elderly and disabled people.

As a rule, the temperature of the entire house or individual rooms is based on only one climate microcontroller in the heating system. The best option is to place it in the living room or bedroom, which should probably be the most visited place in the house.

Room thermostats need free air flow to measure temperature, so they should not be covered with curtains or blocked by furniture. Devices adjacent to the electric thermostat may interfere with the correct operation of the device. These include lamps, TVs, neighbors' boilers through the wall, touch switches.

Thermostatic control valves

The thermostatic valve is a simple solution to the problem of obtaining a coolant at a given temperature by mixing colder water with warmer water. The three-way valve is shown below:

The thermostatic radiator valve allows you to control the temperature in the room by varying the flow of hot water through the radiator. They regulate the flow of hot water through the radiator, but do not control the boiler. Such devices must be installed to adjust the temperature needed in each individual room.

This idea should be considered as an addition to the thermal control installation. Also, such devices require periodic readjustment and regular performance checks (every six months when changing operating modes).

Homemade external thermostat for the boiler: instructions

Below is a diagram of a homemade thermostat for a boiler, which is assembled using Atmega-8 and 566 series microcircuits, a liquid crystal display, a photocell and several temperature sensors. The Atmega-8 programmable microcircuit is responsible for compliance with the specified parameters of the thermostat settings.

Strictly speaking, this circuit turns the heating boiler on or off when the outside air temperature decreases (increases) (sensor U2), and also performs these actions when the temperature in the room changes (sensor U1). It is possible to adjust the operation of two timers, which allow you to adjust the time of these processes. A piece of circuitry with a photoresistor affects the process of turning on the boiler depending on the time of day.

Sensor U1 is located directly in the room, and sensor U2 is located on the street. It is connected to the boiler and installed next to it. If necessary, you can add an electrical part of the circuit that allows you to turn on and off high-power units:

Another thermostat circuit with one control parameter based on the K561LA7 chip:

The thermostat is assembled on the basis of the K651LA7 microcircuit and is simple and easy to adjust. Our thermostat is a special thermistor that significantly reduces resistance when heating. This resistor is connected to the electricity voltage divider network. This circuit also contains resistor R2, with which we can set the required temperature. Based on this scheme, you can make a thermostat for any boiler: Baxi, Ariston, Evp, Don.

Another circuit for a microcontroller-based thermostat:

The device is assembled on the basis of a PIC16F84A microcontroller. The role of the sensor is performed by a digital thermometer DS18B20. A small relay controls the load. Microswitches set the temperature, which is displayed on the indicators. Before assembly, you will need to program the microcontroller. First, erase everything from the chip and then reprogram it, and then reassemble it and use it to your health. The device is not capricious and works fine.

The cost of parts is 300-400 rubles. A similar regulator model costs five times more.

A few final tips:

• although different thermostat options are suitable for most models, it is still desirable that the thermostat for the boiler and the boiler itself be made by the same manufacturer, this will greatly simplify the installation and operation process itself;
• before purchasing such equipment, you need to calculate the area of ​​the room and the required temperature in order to avoid “downtime” of equipment and changes in wiring due to connecting devices of higher power;
• before installing the equipment, you need to take care of the thermal insulation of the room, otherwise high heat losses will be inevitable, and this is an additional cost item;
• if you are not sure that you need to purchase expensive equipment, then you can conduct a consumer experiment. Buy a cheaper mechanical thermostat, adjust it and see the result.

To ensure optimal temperature conditions in the room and optimize utility costs, it is necessary to regulate the rate of flow of coolant into the radiator. Heating battery thermostats do an excellent job of this task.

Let's look at the features of the operation and installation of various types of thermostats, and determine the main criteria for choosing a high-quality, reliable battery thermostat.

The need to use a battery thermostat

When arranging a heating system, many people ask the question: “Do I need a thermostat for the battery?” Today, when bills for heat consumed by the population are steadily increasing, the answer is unequivocal: “Yes.”

Very often, residents of multi-storey buildings are forced to open the windows in the winter to reduce the heat from heated radiators. Coolant energy is wasted irrationally. This is especially noticeable for those who have heat meters installed.

The thermostat (thermostat) of heating batteries is a device that controls the microclimate in the room. Some models have the ability to program temperature conditions for different times of the day (day/night) and for each individual day.

Using a thermostat and a heat meter in combination is an effective way to reduce the cost of heating a room

Additional advantages of battery thermostats include:

The purchase and installation of a battery thermostat in private houses and cottages pays for itself in one heating season

Installing a thermostat for radiators in heating apartments is especially important for rooms with significant temperature fluctuations: kitchen, living room and “sunny” rooms.

Types of thermostats: design and principle of operation

Let's consider the classification of thermostats for batteries according to two main criteria:

1. According to the adjustment principle:
   • mechanical;
   • automatic.
2. According to the type of working substance of the thermal head:
   • gas-filled;
   • liquid.

Mechanical thermostats

A mechanical thermostat for a battery consists of two main parts:

• thermostatic valve;
• high sensitivity element (thermal head).

The mechanism works smoothly and reliably without attracting external energy. The thermal head includes: a regulator, a drive, and a gas or liquid working element.

The operating principle of a mechanical thermostat is as follows:

1. Under the influence of temperature, the volume of coolant in the heating system changes.
2. The bellows senses the changes that have occurred and moves the control valve. The movement of the spool is associated with any change in room temperature.

The sensitive element (liquid, gas) reacts by moving the rod - such a change in stroke allows you to regulate and control the flow of coolant into the radiator.

Various factors can affect the operation of the thermostat:

• draft or ventilation of the room;
• outside temperature;
• sunlight;
• the presence of other sources of heat or cold near the thermostat (refrigerator, heater, hot water pipeline).

Electronic thermostats

Electronic thermostats are programmable microprocessor devices for regulating and maintaining the temperature of a home. The thermostat automatically controls the elements of the heating system (pump, boiler, mixer). The consumer just needs to set the desired temperature, and the built-in sensor will regulate it throughout the heating season.

The main element of an electronic thermostat is a temperature sensor, which transmits information about the temperature indicators of the zone in which it is installed. The thermostat reacts to the information and optimizes the mode to the set temperature.

Digital thermostats with closed and open logic are widely used.

Electronic thermostats with closed logic have a constant, clearly defined operating algorithm that does not depend on the environment. You can only manage basic parameters. For domestic use, such a thermostat is quite sufficient.

Electronic thermostats with open logic have free programming and are able to adapt to any system in which it will be involved. More often, such devices are used in industrial areas, since programming and changing settings takes a lot of time and must be performed by highly qualified specialists.

They are often used in everyday life conventional electronic thermostats, similar to their mechanical counterparts, but with an electronic display. They operate in simple mode. For their operation, it is enough to set the temperature, which will be constantly maintained, or set the permissible range of temperature fluctuations.

Electronic thermostats operate on batteries and come complete with a charger.

Liquid and gas-filled thermostats

The working substance of the thermal head is usually gas or liquid (paraffin). It must be said that cheaper and more common are liquid thermostats. However, gas-filled thermostats respond more accurately and quickly to changes in pressure inside the bellows.

Advantages of the gas-filled thermostat design:

• gas condensation occurs in the cooled part of the device, remote from the valve body, so the operation of the thermostat does not depend on the temperature of the water (coolant);
• The thermostat is very sensitive to temperature fluctuations in the room, which allows you to effectively control heat supply.

Installing thermostats on radiators

Thermostat installation diagrams for one- and two-pipe heating systems

When installing a thermostat on a battery in a single-pipe system, you will have to change the radiator connection diagram and install an additional jumper - a bypass.

The bypass will connect the direct and return coolant supply. This will allow the coolant to circulate while the battery is shutting down. In addition, it will be possible to dismantle the radiator - just close the valves (3 and 4 in the figure).

In a two-pipe heating system, the thermostat is installed on the upper supply pipe, and a valve is mounted on the lower one.

Explanation of symbols:

• supply riser;
• battery;
• mechanical or electronic thermostat;
• bottom valve;
• air vent;
• bypass (jumper);
• return riser;
• stub.

Rules for proper installation

The thermostat will work smoothly and efficiently if it is installed correctly and in compliance with all the rules:

Sequence of installing the thermostat on the battery

Let's consider the step-by-step installation of a thermostat on a heating battery:

The bypass diameter should be one size smaller than the diameter of the supply pipes. For example, for a ¾" pipeline, the diameter of the closing section should be ½"

Setting up the thermostat

After installation, the mechanical thermostat must be configured to set the optimal temperature in the room. To do this, perform the following steps:

With electronic thermostats, you just need to set the desired temperature on the display. If the functionality allows, you can select the temperature mode for daytime and nighttime, for different days of the week, for example, intensive heating of the room on weekends, and economical heating on weekdays. This mode is optimal for country houses and dachas, where the owners appear only on the weekend.

In order to buy a thermostat for a heating battery and not regret your purchase over time, you need to take a responsible approach to choosing a thermostat and take into account some important points:

Particularly effective, from an economic point of view, is the use of battery thermostats in private houses and cottages with autonomous heating; in apartments with a centralized coolant supply, the use of thermostats makes it possible to improve the microclimate of the room by establishing a more comfortable temperature regime.

Installing a thermostat is our answer to rising tariffs!

To regulate the temperature in a room, it is most rational to use automatic thermostats, which have undeniable advantages over traditional shut-off and control valves, such as ball valves and cone valves.

Such a device turns out to be especially relevant in a situation of constantly rising tariffs for housing and communal services.

Advantages of thermostats

Modern thermostats have an ergonomic design that fits perfectly into the interior of the room;

Thermostats are quite simply installed in both new and existing heating systems. They can be operated without preventive maintenance and maintenance throughout their entire service life, which, thanks to a simple and reliable design, can reach several decades;

There is no need to constantly open/close windows to regulate the temperature in the room;

Thermostats are designed to operate in the temperature range from 5 °C to 27 °C. The required temperature is set at any value in this range and is maintained with an accuracy of 1°C;

If the room is exposed to direct sunlight or electrical appliances are turned on, the thermostat will prevent unnecessary heating of the air;

Using thermostats in autonomous heating systems, you ensure fuel savings of up to 25%!

The installation of thermostats is most justified in heating systems of private houses and cottages, where uniformity of comfortable temperature across floors is important. In addition, maximum energy savings are achieved.
In conditions of centralized heating (apartments), a thermostat is indispensable for smooth regulation of air temperature.

Installation of thermostats in Moscow, Odintsovo

This procedure is performed by OVK-Service specialists in just 4 steps:

We will send the material to you by e-mail

Any system requires control, including heating. A thermostat can handle this task. The main function of the device is to control the coolant supply level. It is mounted directly on the battery input line. A thermostat for a heating radiator is used to control the temperature level in the room. At the same time, you need to know how to choose the right device and how to install it correctly. This is what we will talk about in this review.

Thermostat

A thermostat is a device that is installed at the inlet of the battery to control the flow of coolant. This device provides a comfortable temperature and saves money if meters are installed or a heating boiler is installed. It allows you to disconnect a separate battery from the network, that is, it acts as a shut-off valve.

The greatest benefit from a thermostat for a heating radiator is felt in those rooms where the temperature fluctuates throughout the day. For example, in a kitchen with windows facing south.

Temperature control is carried out using a valve installed in front of the device. Thanks to modern developments, you can choose a model that fits perfectly into the interior of the room.

Options for thermostats for radiators

All thermostats operate on the same principle: a movable valve inside the set opens and closes the input flow in the circuit, depending on the parameters or type of thermostat. The bellows, which reacts to fluctuations in air temperature and interacts with the rod that opens the valve, is the main part.

The unit is divided into two options:

• Liquid valve. The bellows fills with liquid and expands, thereby reacting to changes. It has the best response to pressure fluctuations, at a low cost (about 250 rubles).
• Gas-filled regulator. Has an almost instantaneous response to temperature fluctuations.

The device is affected by the following indicators:

• Sunlight or drafts.
• External temperature.
• Auxiliary heat sources.
• Installation in closed areas.

And also all units can be divided into subgroups according to the type of work.

Types of thermostats

Heating regulators for batteries can be classified according to the principle of operation:

• Mechanical;
• Electronic.

Each variety has its pros and cons.

Mechanical

The advantages include the absence of the need for external power. The work is based on the physical ability of substances to expand when heated. In appearance they resemble a valve with markings on the upper part, on which the temperature is marked from +14 to +28°C. It must be mounted in a horizontal position.

A mechanical thermostat for a heating radiator will give you the following advantages:

• Save on the device's power supply and the cost itself.
• Easy to use.
• Works completely autonomously.
• There is no need to change the temperature regime in your absence.

Due to its advantages, the device is in great demand.

Electronic

An automatic thermostat for a heating radiator controls the flow of coolant without external participation. The device has a screen or panel with buttons built into it.

The thermostat is equipped with a built-in or remote remote control sensor that can record data on changes in air temperature. It can be controlled from a distance of up to four meters.

Helpful information! The electronic thermostat has the ability to program the temperature for specific hours depending on the time of day.

The adjustment process itself occurs due to the bellows and. Additional functions significantly increase the cost of the device. At the same time, the thermostat itself is capable of not only reducing or increasing the temperature in the room, but also limiting the flow of liquid, that is, acting as an automatic shut-off valve.

Electric thermal valves for heating will give you the following advantages in the operation of the entire chain:

• Even in your absence, it will independently regulate the temperature.
• You can set the minimum temperature for non-residential premises, which will be sufficient for the life of flowers.
• Setting comfortable modes for different times of the day.

And also all automatic units are divided into:

• With closed logic
• With open.

In the first case, the indicators are set. It is good for regulating your home temperature.

In the second case, with open logic, the equipment is able to adapt to any system independently. Only setting up such a unit requires special skills and abilities, therefore it is used on an industrial scale.

Design of temperature controllers on heating radiators

The design features of the devices differ depending on the heating system. Thus, there are options for single-pipe and two-pipe systems.

Moreover, all mechanical thermostats are equipped with a sensitive head and a special valve, which function with each other without additional energy consumption, since the connection is automatic.

The thermal head includes a drive, a regulator and the liquid element itself (gas or elastic). The design also includes a thermoelement (bellows) - a device that is made in the shape of a cylinder, and the walls on the inside are corrugated. This cylinder is filled with a working medium and reacts to changes in temperature.

When the temperature rises, the bellows increases in size, and the rod closes the flow of the coolant. When the temperature decreases, the opposite processes occur.

Helpful information! Manufacturers guarantee a long service life of the bellows, which can withstand more than a thousand compression/expansion cycles.

The electric thermostat will have additional sensors and a programming system, which allows you to set certain temperature conditions.

Choosing a device

To choose a thermostat for a heating radiator, you should determine the technical parameters of the installed heating system. Namely, before purchasing you need to know:

• Valve dimensions. Measure the diameter of the plug in the battery or where installation is planned.
• One or two pipe system. With two pipes, the load on the thermostat is higher, so it is necessary to select equipment with a higher level of hydraulic resistance.
• If the system has a circulation pump, then the description of the thermostat will indicate whether it is suitable for it.

And also independently or in consultation with the seller, select the thermostat for yourself by type:

• Mechanical or automatic.
• Liquid or gas.
• Temperature (from 5 to 30 degrees Celsius).

Note! Decide on the installation location before purchasing so that you know whether you will need the device at a straight or 90-degree angle.

Prices will vary between manufacturers, and will be affected by the mechanical or automatic temperature sensor you choose for heating.

For example, here is a table with approximate costs.

	Danfoss	Image	Overn trop	Image	Luxor	Image
Termore- gulators	835		610		765
Straight innings	790		738		518
Reverse innings	790		738		518
Lower corner by two pipes	960		770		890
Corner innings	570		448		365

You can find cheaper models, since the price varies quite a lot from manufacturer to manufacturer. For automatic thermostats with a remote sensor, you can see prices from 750 rubles and above, programmable equipment costs from 680 rubles.

Prices are average, depending on the region and purchase option (through a regular store or online).

Installation of the device

The equipment installation process is simple, but if you don’t want to carry it out yourself, you can always turn to professionals.

Instructions:

• Disconnect the battery from the system. To do this, close the ball valve or shut-off valve. Then drain the water from the battery and vent the radiator.
• Remove the adapter. Before doing this, lay a lot of rags on the floor to absorb the liquid. Secure the valve body with an adjustable wrench, and use the second to remove the nut from the adapter pipe. Next, remove the adapter from the device body.

• Installing the adapter. Screw on the union nut and collar. In this case, first clean the thread and wrap it with locking tape. You should wrap it clockwise, doing it 3-5 times, then smooth the tape. Assemble the adapter, heatsink and corner nuts together.
• Mount the new collar. Install the collar and blind nut on the pipe. All actions are performed with a screwdriver.
• Installation of thermostat. Secure the device in the directions of the arrows. Tighten the nut between the regulator and the valve, fixing it with an adjustable wrench. At the same time, tighten the nut. Do all actions carefully. After installation, make sure the fastening is secure.
• Fill the battery with water.

The use of temperature control is caused by the need to provide comfortable conditions in rooms according to individual requests. Temperature adjustment directly affects fuel consumption during autonomous heating. In the absence of regulation and monitoring, the room will be hot and there will be a need for constant ventilation. High temperatures contribute to increased humidity and the occurrence of fungal diseases.

There are several stages of temperature control:

1. Control on the boiler (in autonomous heating version);
2. Control on the distribution manifold or individual branches of the heating system;
3. Adjustment on heating devices.

The first type is of a qualitative nature - a general temperature level is set at the heat source for all consumers. This process is carried out manually on the boiler panel or by installing a weather-dependent automation system to control the operation of the boiler in automatic mode depending on environmental conditions.

Control on distribution manifolds and heating branches is quantitative regulation - in this case, the magnitude of the mass flow rate of the coolant changes. Adjustment along the branch is also of a general nature. Regulation on the collector is effective if the heating system is configured according to a collector-beam scheme.

The last stage of control is adjustment on heating devices. It is the most effective and accurate. Each device can be set to an individual mode for each room.

These methods are based on manual adjustment of equipment operation and can be time consuming and general in nature. The control mechanisms in these cases are boiler control units, manual shut-off and control valves (control valves, ball valves, special connection units for radiators and convectors).

Installing a thermostat on the battery allows you to automate the temperature control of the device. Thermostats can be used on heating devices and factory-made distribution manifolds.

How to install a thermostat on a battery correctly? Installing a thermostat on a battery is not a particularly complicated process; you need to have basic skills in working with threaded connections.

Installation of the thermostat on the radiator is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. If there are several heating devices in the room, the thermal head is set to the most powerful one;
2. Water is drained from the heating device;
3. An “American” pre-wound with synthetic thread or flax is wrapped into the radiator pass-through plug;
4. The thermostatic valve is connected at the inlet to the thread of the pipeline (thermostats are installed only to supply coolant to the device);
5. The valve is connected to the “American” flow;
6. The mounted connections are pressure tested (the radiator is filled with coolant);
7. At the next stage, the thermal head is installed - screwed onto the thread or secured with clamps with latches (locks);

The thermal head is installed horizontally to reduce the influence of the hot surface of the heating device. An anti-vandal housing is sometimes installed on the thermal head.

The temperature is adjusted empirically (experimentally). Often the adjustment scale does not correspond to the overall temperature in the room. The graduated scale is adjusted in laboratory conditions, but in residential areas the thermal head can be affected by drafts and other factors.

Installing thermostats will free the owner of the premises from constant manual regulation, provide a comfortable temperature in individual rooms, and reduce fuel costs.

Installing a thermostat on a radiator allows you to control the flow of coolant into the heating device. This ensures comfortable temperature conditions for residents, as well as protection from emergencies when it is necessary to disconnect pipe sections from the heating system.

For the functions described above, one of three types of control valves is used:

• cone valve;
• ball valve;
• automatic regulator.

Ball valves do not cope well with temperature regulation, since they operate in two positions: open or closed. If you install the faucet in an intermediate position, its tightness will be lost, since the coolant will destroy the ball element.

A cone valve is a more efficient way to control temperature. It can be in a half-open position. At the same time, we must not forget about the need to return it to the starting position. This method of temperature control is inconvenient and labor-intensive.

The best option for temperature control is the use of automatic thermostats mounted next to the batteries. Another name for these devices is thermostats.

The thermostat is a sealed chamber (the so-called bellows), which is filled with a working medium. When the temperature rises, the coolant expands and the bellows straightens. The shut-off valve then blocks the flow of coolant into the battery, thus reducing the temperature in the room.

Thermostats can be designed to operate in single-pipe or two-pipe systems.

Thermostat circuit

The thermostat includes a thermal head and a special valve. These mechanisms operate without consuming energy and maintaining communication with each other.

The thermal head has a drive, a regulator and a liquid component, which can be replaced with gas or elastic.

Thermostat design

Thermostat components:

• thermal valve;
• thermal element;
• sensing element;
• spool valve;
• connector;
• transmitting rod;
• union nut;
• compensatory mechanism;
• retainer ring;
• scale.

There are two types of thermostats on sale: liquid and gas. All of them must be certified. The average service life of such devices is approximately 20 years.

• thoughtful design that fits well into any interior;
• comfortable temperature control;
• ease of installation;
• possibility of operation throughout the entire service period without preventive maintenance and maintenance;
• after installing the thermostat on the radiator, there is no need to open the windows to lower the too high room temperature;
• thermostats operate at a user-selected temperature - from 5 to 27 degrees;
• devices allow you to evenly distribute the coolant throughout the heating system;
• thermostats allow you to avoid excessive heating of the air if the room is heated by sunlight or electrical appliances;
• The thermostat allows you to save up to a quarter of fuel consumption;
• installation of the device allows you to improve the microclimate in the house;
• The use of thermostats is optimal in private homes, where they usually pay for themselves within one year.

Gas-filled or liquid thermostats respond more actively to room temperature fluctuations. Liquid thermostats respond more accurately to changes in internal pressure in the corrugated cylinder and more effectively direct it to the actuator part of the mechanism.

Liquid thermostat

The designs of gas-filled thermostats are characterized by a number of significant advantages:

• Gas condensation occurs in the coldest section of the device, which is furthest from the valve body. As a result, the reaction occurs quickly, since the process does not depend on water temperature.
• This type of thermostat quickly responds to temperature dynamics in the building, which ensures efficient heat supply.

The functioning of the regulator is affected by the following circumstances:

• presence of direct sunlight;
• air circulation in the room;
• temperature conditions outside the building;
• extraneous sources of cold or heat in the room.

In private buildings, thermostats are primarily installed on the upper floors, since the heated air goes to the top and the temperature difference at the upper and lower levels of the house varies greatly. The regulators should be placed horizontally along the pipes, not far from the point of entry into the heating device.

In a private house, it is most rational to install low-capacity panel batteries and equip them with thermostats that quickly respond to manipulations of thermostatic valves. However, you should avoid radiators covered with curtains, decorative coverings or grilles, as well as other objects.

Otherwise, the ability to correctly assess the temperature in the room will be impaired. This recommendation can be circumvented by installing a remote sensor located at a distance of 2-7 meters from the valve, which will allow you to monitor the temperature near the location of the control device.

Panel radiator with thermostat

Note! In apartment buildings, installation of a thermostat should begin where temperature fluctuations are especially noticeable: the kitchen, the main room, rooms exposed to direct sunlight.

Before installing the thermostat, turn off the supply riser. Drain the water from the heating system.