Water floor heating convectors: types, manufacturers, how to choose the best

When arranging heating in the house, everyone strives to create the most efficient system that would maintain the optimal microclimate in the room, and at the same time be economical.

Water-based floor convectors of heating, which differ in aesthetic design and do not cause installation difficulties, can cope with these tasks perfectly.

Next, we will talk about the features of work and types of floor convectors. In addition, in the article you will find recommendations on the choice of heating equipment.

Characteristics of floor water convectors

Heating appliances offered by domestic and foreign manufacturers differ significantly in appearance, material, variety of model range and, of course, cost.

To choose the suitable option for your home, you will have to get to know the convector type water heating equipment closer.

Design and principle of operation of the device

The floor convector has an elongated galvanized body with a length of 1-2.5 m. Inside, one or more pipes are placed in a protective casing, performing the function of a heat exchanger. They are made of brass or copper and connected to aluminum plates. These materials are chosen for a reason - they quickly heat up and give off heat.

Thermal energy is distributed due to the circulation of air masses. Corrugated tubes are connected to the side or end inputs in the system, through which water is supplied to heat the heat exchanger.

Air enters the openings made in the lower part of the device, contacts the heating element and, increasing in volume, enters the room through the upper grating panel.

The principle of operation of the convector is simple: air passes through the heater from the bottom up, heats up and enters the room, instantly spreading heat

The heating process is carried out continuously.One cycle takes approximately 15 minutes. The convector heating system is almost silent - the sounds emitted do not exceed 20-23 dB.

Types of floor convectors

There are several types of floor-mounted water heaters on the market. They differ in the way of heating and purpose.

Two types of equipment are conventionally distinguished:

• with natural convection;
• with forced convection.

The first option provides for natural convection in the devices according to the classical scheme: air enters from below, passes through the heat exchanger and is pushed into the room.

Efficiency in this case depends on the traction force and the size of the device. The greater the length, the higher the power. Devices with natural convection can serve as an additional source of heat and form a heat shield near the windows.

Floor convectors are indispensable in rooms with a large number of windows: they stop the flow of cold air seeping through them and prevent condensation from accumulating on surfaces

Models working on the principle of forced convection are additionally equipped with a fan that increases the efficiency of the device. It accelerates the heating process, forcing air and contributing to its more intense expulsion into the room.

The power of such equipment is determined by the fan speed.

Devices equipped with one or more fans are characterized by greater power. They easily heat spacious rooms.

Appliances with forced convection are used both in the combined and in the autonomous heating system of residential apartments, houses, offices, trading floors.

In the range of trading offers of most manufacturers there are models designed for particularly wet rooms.

Advantages and disadvantages of devices

With the help of floor-mounted water convectors, it is possible to organize a heating system that provides fast, uniform and high-quality heating of rooms of various sizes. And this is far from the only advantage.

This equipment is different:

• stylish design and compact dimensions;
• fire safety;
• ease of installation and maintenance;
• economical energy consumption;
• low temperature of heating the coolant;
• the possibility of forming a reliable thermal curtain;
• long service life.

The equipment allows you to create and maintain an optimal comfortable climate and control the temperature regime using thermostat.

Most manufacturers integrate special cleaning systems into floor convectors. They destroy viruses, bacteria and prevent the spread of infections in the air.

Floor water heaters do not dry out the air and are completely safe for health. They are safely installed even in children's rooms.

Devices have disadvantages. Firstly, they are not compatible with artificial ventilation. Secondly, convection flows provoke excessive dust.

In addition, convectors are undesirable to install in rooms in which the ceiling height is below 2.2 meters. This is due to the fact that the heated air will not have time to cool down to the parameters ensuring its downward movement. Because of this, circulation will slow down, and the air flow will stagnate under the ceiling.

How to choose the right equipment?

In order not to make a mistake in choosing and buying the best floor heating water convector, many criteria are considered. First you need to take a place for the heater and measure it. Having written down the linear dimensions, you can go to buy the device.

Key features of quality

The first thing that is recommended to evaluate is the appearance of the product. It is important to pay attention to whether the declared characteristics meet the required parameters.

You should also check whether the device meets the main quality features:

• the heat exchanger is made of durable metal that holds its shape well;
• the main material of the product is stainless steel, which is not subject to deformation and corrosion;
• the case of the device is as rigid as possible, covered with a dense layer of impact-resistant enamel, on which there are no bubbly and rough sections;
• all edges of the equipment are flat and undamaged.

And also it is worth considering that a guarantee from the manufacturer is provided for quality products. It is desirable that its term is at least 5 years.

Mandatory selection criteria

After an external assessment, an analysis of the required criteria should begin. To choose the most effective floor convector, take into account the individual characteristics of the room.

To begin with, the following nuances should be determined:

• autonomous or central heating system in the room;
• the desired temperature regime to be maintained;
• the presence of equipment in the room, and the amount of heat generated by it.

The working pressure of the convector depends on the type of existing heating system. Its range is 2-12 atmospheres. Connection to a centralized system requires at least 12 atmospheres of pressure.

The power of the device is calculated based on the general temperature regime in the house and the amount of heat that is released by any household appliances installed in the room.

And also in calculating the optimal power of the water floor convector, the glazing area, the level of heat loss and the wall thickness are taken into account. There should be about 100 watts of power per square meter. This indicator is averaged and may vary in a particular case.

For full heating in large rooms, several floor heaters are installed, placing them around the perimeter

The devices operate on an electric motor that needs direct or alternating current. If the room humidity level is above average, it is better to choose electric motors using alternating current.

Read about the features of the selection of electric heating convectors Further.

Compared to other devices, they are more resistant to water. In other cases, it is more advisable to take a convector with a DC motor - it is twice as economical.

Overview of the best equipment manufacturers

It is definitely impossible to buy a floor convector of a dubious company. It is better to opt for products from reliable, trusted companies with the optimal ratio in terms of price / quality of goods. Numerous positive reviews characterize the brands Jaga, Minib, Polvax, Kermi.

Kermi is a German company manufacturing floor convectors with side and bottom connections. Devices operate on different types of convection.

They are equipped with sensitive dynamic control, due to which the average comfortable temperature is maintained in the room. Products with a fan are characterized by particularly high power.

Kermi convectors can be made in the form of benches or equipped with an additional shelf on top. This move adds functionality to the product and makes it interesting from a design point of view.

Some models have a built-in thermal radiation screen that minimizes heat loss in rooms with a large glazing area of ​​80%. Devices have a longitudinal or rolled decorative lattice, are performed in classic and unusual forms, emphasizing the individuality of the interior.

The standard color is satin, but on request the manufacturer makes the equipment in any color from the proposed palette.

Jaga - floor heating type Belgian brand. They are distinguished by decent thermal conductivity and power. The company produces models equipped with a fan unit and standard options that work on natural convection.

Each Jaga product is unique in design and performance. There are a lot of design options for a steel or wooden box: flat, panel, in the shape of a bench. The selection of colors and surface textures is also huge.

Many products are equipped with a thermostat and a valve for air exhaust. In production, special technology is used that reduces water consumption during operation.

Among the proposals of the Czech company Minib there is heating equipment of various sizes and shapes, heating the space due to natural or forced air convection /

The equipment is made in a strict classic design. There are plenty of coloring options: it is possible to choose silver, bronze, white and other shades from the palette.

The Minib assortment contains original products in a wooden case. The manufacturer offers a large selection of removable decorative grilles made of wood and aluminum

Minib convectors quickly respond to lower temperatures and immediately increase automatically. They easily heat large residential and non-residential premises.

The main advantage of the products is minimal energy consumption. In the assortment there is a separate model with a thermoelectric generator that does not need power. This is one of the most economical solutions.

Convectors of the famous Polish manufacturer Polvax operate in natural convection mode. In the assortment of the company there are models with one, two and four heat exchangers made of high quality copper and aluminum.

The standard version of the Polvax equipment is presented in a white steel case, but if you wish, you can choose any shade, choosing it for the design of the room

Devices fit perfectly into modern interior styles. Their feature is an increased heat exchanger, good thermal power, affordable cost.

Polvax floor convectors heat any room. They are low, so they are easily installed in rooms with low window sills and large panoramic windows.

Convectors of water heating of the Ukrainian manufacturer Carrera are presented in a variety of design variations and sizes.

Devices with forced and natural convection are characterized by high heat transfer, not inferior to European brands.

A distinctive feature of Carrera products is its sophisticated design and low energy consumption.

They drain condensate well and can be equipped with a drainage system, which is necessary in bathrooms, pools, greenhouses and other wet rooms.

Basic installation guidelines

The installation process of the floor convector is quite simple. It is described in detail in the manufacturer's instructions. The equipment is installed on the floor by the method of embedding or mounting on special legs-supports supplied in the kit. It is intended for use indoors.

During installation, it is recommended to observe the following rules:

• mount the device in a strictly horizontal position, controlling this with an ordinary building level;
• carefully fix the equipment;
• make sure that the heat exchanger is located on the side farthest from the window (except when the main mission of the convector is to create a protective heat shield along the windows);
• place the device at a distance of 20-25 cm from the floor covering;
• connect the heat exchanger to the distribution pipes supplying coolantwith flexible hoses with stainless steel coating or sleeves in metal braid.
• Prevent deformation of the edges of the gutter.

First of all, the marking of the floor surface is performed. Then, with special fasteners, the legs of the equipment or holders are fixed. After this, the housing is installed, and the convector is connected to the water supply system.

Special care should be taken when mounting threaded connections. It is very important not to damage the threads and not to break the clutch tightness. It is best to use a torque wrench in the work, which will allow you not to exceed the torque indicator.

When installing a convector, it is necessary to comply with the manufacturer's recommendations and correctly connect the pipeline. Errors in installation can lead to insufficient efficiency and frequent damage to the device

Unlike appliances with in-floor and wall mounting type, floor convectors are distinguished by the simplest installation technique. But still, with insufficient skills and little experience in handling heat engineering, it is advisable to entrust the installation to a professional master.

Subtleties of convector care

During operation, the internal surface of the housing and the heat exchanger are contaminated with small particles of dust, crumbs and other household waste. To ensure that the appliance does not deteriorate, it is recommended to perform regular cleaning.

The procedure does not require much time and effort. It is enough to remove the grill that releases the air, and then gently wipe it with a soft sponge or vacuum the inside using a special nozzle.

On top of the case, you can wipe at least every day, but you need to do this without aggressive chemical compounds.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Visual installation process of the floor convector:

Information about the difference in the effectiveness of forced and natural convection, which will help determine the choice of device:

Floor-mounted water convector is a safe, efficient and ergonomic method of heating. It is used without any problems in any premises. If you carefully study the instructions with the manufacturer's recommendations, you can save some money and cope with the installation on your own.

Do you have personal experience using water floor convectors? Share it with visitors to our site. Tell us what equipment did you prefer? Are you satisfied with his work? Leave comments in the block under the article.