Water floor heating convectors: types, features of installation and arrangement

Panoramic glazing of housing is a popular fashion trend of modern repair and construction. To heat a room with such windows, standard heating devices are not suitable, therefore, experts have developed built-in appliances of a hidden installation.

They are universal water floor heating convectors, favorably characterized by compactness and attractive appearance. Before deciding to use innovative equipment, you need to understand its features, agree?

The article describes in detail the various types of floor convectors, identifies the strengths and weaknesses of such radiators, and also gives tips on their selection and installation.

Floor convectors in the interior

The modern market offers various heating equipment, which is designed to create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere in rooms for various purposes.

Floor models are universal devices that perform a heating and decorative function. They provide the desired temperature in the apartment or office for a short period of time.

Water floor convectors are efficient appliances that are installed in the floor. They are designed to quickly heat the room.

Connected to a water heating system or to a power supply, a convector is a multifunctional device that perfectly performs its direct functions and serves as an interior decoration.It not only plays the role of a compact, almost imperceptible heating equipment, but also is a stylish addition to the design of the room.

If the owner of the apartment has chosen to heat devices placed in the floor structure, during the repair process special niches should be prepared.

Water floor convectors are devices that are installed under the floor covering. They will effectively heat and decorate the living area.

Built-in models are more attractive and efficient than conventional radiators. The latter heat the room with thermal radiation, and electric convectors and water models, in addition to radiation, also heat the air flow circulating through them.

Features of work, as well as recommendations for choosing electric and water convectors of the floor type are given in the articles:

1. How to choose electric heating convectors: what to look at before buying + brand overview
2. Water floor heating convectors: types, manufacturers, how to choose the best

Underfloor heating devices are closed on 3 sides, therefore, regardless of location, they give up most of the heat. Due to the use of special insulating materials, an insignificant part of the thermal energy is consumed.

Where are built-in heating systems used?

Convectors built into the floor - innovative heating equipment, which is characterized by unique characteristics and stylish appearance.

They are recommended to be installed in the following cases:

1. In rooms with large window openingsto exclude the possibility of a draft in the room.
2. In small rooms with a lack of free space or in those in which the design should not have extra elements. Devices are built into the floor screed, leaving maximum space free.
3. In rooms with high humidity regardless of their purpose. Here, their role is to obtain a kind of curtain that does not allow fogging of windows.

In order not to be disappointed and avoid losing money, it is recommended to study the information about the models you like before buying.

A properly selected heating device will certainly live up to expectations and will significantly save on energy consumption.

Types and features of equipment

The design of the electrical integrated unit is quite simple. It consists of a metal case-box, in the middle of which a heating element is located. To maximize heat transfer, it is equipped with convective ribs. From above, the heater is closed by an aesthetic grill located at floor level.

Built-in convectors in some cases are installed in the windowsill. This technique is practiced if underfloor heating devices are not sufficient for optimal room heating.

To increase the thermal power in some models put fans. They increase the speed of movement and heating of air by 75-90%. To reduce the noise arising from the operation of the fans, special inserts made of porous rubber are used.

If a large heat output is not required, the floor-standing appliance can function with the fan turned off due to natural convection.

To achieve optimal room temperature, regulators and temperature sensorswhich are located in the middle of the metal case. Regulators are electromechanical or electronic.

This unit controls the temperature and fan speed. Convenient "manual" control allows you to set the required parameters if necessary.

Convectors built into the floor can be equipped with a thermostat, which displays the temperature, controls the flow rate of the heat carrier in the heat exchanger and the fan speed

A heating appliance connected to the heating circuit differs from an electric heating device only in that instead of a heating element, a pipe passes inside it. By analogy, it is equipped with fins, the purpose of which is to increase heat transfer.

The water type of convectors built into the floor can also be equipped with fans to speed up the heating process.

Each element of the floor convector is made of various materials, has certain characteristics and performs its functions. Therefore, the quality and functionality of the heater should be evaluated on the basis of accessories.

A thermostat is built in to regulate the temperature, and a fan is used to increase the efficiency of the device.

Basic requirements for the device body

The appearance of the metal case does not play an important role, since it is located in the floor of the room. Particular attention should be paid to the quality of this element, since the reliability and durability of the heating unit depends on the indicator and its class is determined.

The important role is played by the metal of which the body is made:

1. For installation in damp rooms, a convector with a housing made of stainless material with increased moisture resistance is suitable.
2. In dry rooms, a device is selected with a housing made of galvanized or black steel, which is coated, resistant to external influences, with anti-corrosion paint

Typically, special powder formulations are used to coat a metal case. They effectively protect the metal from rust and external influences.

Designers recommend choosing convectors in which the parts and internal walls of the body are painted in dark color. They are almost invisible, so they look more aesthetically pleasing.

What type of grill to prefer?

When choosing a floor heating appliance, pay particular attention to the grill. This element has a decorative role, as it remains above the floor.

The grill can be made of such materials:

• galvanized, stainless or ordinary steel;
• anodized aluminum;
• natural marble;
• tree - beech, ash, merbau, oak, etc.

When choosing a material, one must take into account that the system should harmoniously fit into the interior and correspond to the design of the room.

By design, there are 2 types of gratings for floor convectors:

• rolled - gratings are more expensive and easy to use, as they can be rolled up;
• linear - must be fully raised.

Planks in roll gratings are located exclusively across. In a linear version, they are located across and along the heater.

Decorative grilles - this is the stylish completion of the underfloor heating system. They will help to hide the ventilation and heater.

The design of the grill is especially important if it is stepped on top with legs. In this case, you need to pay attention to the appearance and materials used in the manufacture. It should be checked that the grill does not contain any plastic parts that manufacturers sometimes use at the junction of the frame and slats.

To evenly distribute the load on the device, reduce noise and increase comfort, individual manufacturers install springs at the junction of the frame and lamella.

Under conditions of increased load, it is better to choose a grill having the same design on both sides. If it is erased, it can be turned over for further use.

Features of underfloor water devices

The heating element of water heaters embedded in the floor is a hollow tube with pressed or welded plates. Heat transfer in progress coolant with antifreeze or water. Floor convectors are connected to a common water heating system using threaded pipes.

In embedded water products an important role is played by the heat exchanger. Maximum power is provided by more expensive copper and copper-aluminum heat exchangers. The latter are equipped with a copper pipe and aluminum fins.

Manufacturers also offer budget models made of stainless steel and the economy option - galvanized.

The heat exchangers and inner walls of the body of most models of floor convectors are painted in dark color. Due to this, they are practically not visible through the decorative grille

Expensive convectors equipped with copper heat exchangers, in addition to the function of increasing the power of the device, have several drawbacks.

Cons of using similar models:

1. Copper requires special operating conditions. It is not compatible with some metals from which the coolant and grounding devices are made.
2. Using models with heat exchangers made of this metal in a central heating system can cause problems.

But they are suitable for individual heating systems, where the wiring is polymer, metal-polymer or copper pipes. It is better if the heat exchanger of the boiler is also made of copper.

Fittings and fittings must be used with chrome and nickel plated, brass or bronze.

In addition to water, manufacturers offer electric built-in convectors. The main role in them is heating element - TEN. There are plates on it designed to increase the area of ​​contact of the device with air.

These devices serve as an additional source of thermal radiation in rooms where it is not possible to connect water heating.

Differences between radiator and electric types

In electric and in water floor heating devices, fans are installed to increase power. This allows you to get much more heat from convectors.

The fans operate from a DC network of 12, 24 V and alternating current of 220 V. To reduce the noise level, they are placed on vibration-proof supports.

Despite the noise that usually comes from forced convectors, they have important advantages. Devices generate more heat and precipitate cold streams that come from the glass surface.

If the owner of the room plans to use the water floor convector as the sole or main source of heat, it is recommended to choose models with forced convection. They quickly and efficiently heat indoor air, preventing condensation from settling on the glass.

Individual models, e.g. company products Kermi, can be used not only for space heating, but also for its cooling. This is due to the use of 2 separate heat exchange elements connected to various systems - heating and cooling.

There are 2 types of embedded systems - two-pipe and four-pipe. In two-pipe 1 heat exchanger works with 2 systems.

On the modern market, modifications of floor convectors are presented that supply clean and warm air to the room. First, it enters a special hole, then it is cleaned with built-in filters. Then the air is heated, and then enters the room.

Water floor convectors with built-in filters are optimally suited for installation in rooms with double-glazed windows. They usually have low humidity and lack of oxygen.

Manufacturers also produce floor-mounted appliances for efficient heating of residential, commercial and industrial premises with a high level of humidity. In their manufacture, moisture-resistant and modern electrical equipment is used.These models are equipped with a drain to drain accumulated condensate.

Before starting repairs, you can order a non-standard convector that matches the characteristics of the room.

Some manufacturers make rotary heating elements that make it easier to care for the inside of the case. The heat exchanger can be installed on flexible hoses, due to which it can be easily removed for cleaning.

By the customer’s order, convectors built into the floor are made with the required radius of curvature or angular. This is often used for window dressing or rooms with non-standard geometry.

Electronic or electromechanical thermostats are responsible for controlling the temperature and power of the convector. They are located in the device body, controlled by remote or remote control. Electronic thermostats allow you to program the temperature according to the time of day, days of the week.

Instrument selection rules

When choosing an electric type floor convector, the main thing is to evaluate the power and dimensions of the device. It is also desirable to determine the type of convection, which can be natural and forced.

The choice of water heaters built into the floor requires taking into account many parameters of the functional features of the device.

The main characteristics of the convector

Initially, you need to choose the size of the product, the presence of a fan, the material of the body, ribs, pipes. In addition, special attention must be paid to other characteristics.

Considering the built-in convector of water type as a device for heating homes, you should decide on the manufacturer.

Domestic and foreign manufacturers offer heating appliances with a wide power range. By choosing this option correctly, you will ensure a comfortable room temperature

One of the most important characteristics of a convector is considered to be the type of heating system - one-pipe or two-pipe. Connection diameters do not apply to paramount selection criteria, as there are adapters.

Heating system pressure

This is one of the most important indicators of a water device. Any model is suitable for heating a private house, a two-story and a three-story cottage, since the pressure in the general heating system is usually not higher than 3 Bar.

Typically, for installation in multi-storey buildings, it is recommended to install convectors built in the floor, the working pressure of which is up to 15 Bar

For apartments of high-rise buildings, it is necessary to take into account the pressure and working pressure. In the operating organization, you should find out these indicators for your home by comparing them with the characteristics of the selected model.

The choice of coolant

When choosing the optimal model of the floor convector, it is necessary to take into account the type and parameters of the device. Any model is suitable for individual heating, as the owner of the room can independently set and control the temperature and characteristics of the coolant.

Residents of high-rise buildings will have to adapt to the conditions and indicators of water that flows in sewer pipes. The following factors should be taken into account: temperature, amount of suspensions, Ph, oxygen content, optimal type of device connection.

Features of installation of floor convector

You can install built-in models of convectors for heating water-type in several ways: with the appliance to the room or to the glass.

If the equipment is deployed to the window, the cold air coming from the window opening will be cut off, which will make condensation impossible. However, the temperature in the room will extremely slowly reach values ​​that are comfortable for staying, since most of the heat will be spent on heating the glass.

When installing an indoor device to the glass in the room will be a stable temperature. This is the result of uniform mixing of warm and cold air masses.

By turning the device towards the room, you can get fast heating. With this arrangement, condensation may form on the glass. One of the main disadvantages of this method is that zones with different temperatures are observed in the room, which create discomfort.

Built-in appliances are installed in gutters prepared in the course of repair work. If the floor in the room is concrete, then the distance between the walls of the gutter and the body of the device is filled with a solution.

When installing the convector in a wooden floor covering, a decorative frame is made of bars of the same color around it.

Advantages and disadvantages of equipment

On the modern market there are a huge number of floor and wall mounted heating devices. Universal floor-mounted devices are especially popular, as they have unique characteristics and advantages.

Cons of embedded appliances

The main disadvantage of floor structures is the high cost. Their price is several times higher than similar heating devices of an outdoor unit of the same power.

This is due to the fact that the installation of the device is much more complicated than conventional convectors.

The underfloor heating installation diagram describes the installation of a water structure. It is quite complex, as it includes several important processes (+)

When installing equipment of a built-in type, the supply pipes must be in the floor. This is a popular solution, complicated from a technical point of view. For hidden installation of the product, it is necessary to raise the floor, which can not be done in all rooms.

Pros of floor systems

The main advantage of floor convectors is flush mounting, which provides ample opportunity for bold design decisions. This is a suitable option for equipping display cases and panoramic glazing.

Despite the difficulties of installation and the high price, floor convectors are a popular and stylish model of a heating device

For open, stylish interiors, the installation of heating appliances can be a problem due to lack of free space. In most apartments and houses equipped with fashionable panoramic windows, a bulky radiator does not fit into the overall style of the room.

The optimal solution in such situations is a built-in convector. Moreover, you can choose a model with natural or forced convection.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video number 1. Overview of built-in equipment for water heating:

Video number 2. The device and installation of floor convectors:

Video number 3. Care for floor heating products:

The main function of the water convector integrated in the floor is efficient and quick heating of the room. The equipment protects the glass from the formation of condensation - with the help of a thermal curtain it stops and heats the flows of cold air that constantly come from window and door openings.

Depending on the characteristics of the room and the requirements for the product, you can choose the device of the optimal model.

Those who are interested in the issue of choosing and installing water floor convectors we suggest leaving comments and asking questions. The discussion form is located in the lower block.