How to install a thermostat on a heating battery

The old-style heating system does not always ensure uniform heating of all rooms. In some, it can be too hot, in others, on the contrary, it’s cool so that you have to dress. To create a comfortable temperature in each room, you should perform a simple upgrade: install the thermostat on the heating battery.

Why do I need a thermostat?

The temperature regulator installed on radiators allows you to control the amount of heat entering a particular room by increasing or decreasing the flow of liquid coolant. With it, you can not only set a comfortable temperature in each room, but also save if the apartment is equipped with a heat meter.

In apartment buildings at too high a temperature in the room, the owners are forced to open the windows, while heating the street. If you need to pay for heat according to the standards, as is often the case in Khrushchev, this is not so scary. But in the presence of heat meters, residents' money literally fly out the window. And another situation: it makes no sense to fully heat the apartment when no one is home.

More advantageous is the position of owners of autonomous heating systems. They can regulate the heat supply to the apartment at the exit of the boiler. But without the use of thermostats, it will not be possible to ensure a comfortable temperature regime in all rooms.

Why exactly the thermostat?

In addition to the thermostat, you can limit the flow of coolant into the battery using a ball valve or a cone valve. But their use is associated with significant inconveniences:

• Ball valve It is designed for operation in only two modes: open or closed. When working in intermediate positions, it will quickly fail.
• It is necessary to regulate the flow of warm water with both devices manually and quite often. With a large number of rooms it is long and inconvenient.

Installing thermostats on heating radiators will solve this problem. After installation and adjustment, the thermostat will automatically maintain the set temperature, regulating the flow of hot water into the battery.

With cast iron radiators is more difficult. Due to the high thermal inertness of the material (cast iron slowly heats up and cools slowly as well), it will not be possible to quickly and accurately adjust the temperature.

The device and types of thermostats

According to the principle of work thermostats are divided into two large groups:

• Direct-acting devices that respond to the temperature of the coolant. Inside such devices is a bellows filled with liquid, solid or gaseous material, and a plate locking mechanism. The working fluid of the bellows changes its volume with a temperature difference and moves the rod, increasing or decreasing the flow of heat-transfer agent to the radiator.

Such devices win in terms of cost, but are already obsolete. In apartments, it is recommended to use thermostats of the second type.

• Devices with remote sensors and electric adjustment mechanism. They are more convenient to use, as they are directly adjusted to the desired air temperature in the room. Electronic control systems allow you to set your own heating modes for certain periods of the day, are programmed for other parameters.

The temperature regulator is selected based on the size of the pipe connected to the device and the type of heating:

1. Valves marked RTD-G are designed for installation in monotube piping systems with natural circulation.
2. Devices marked RTD-N are used in two-pipe systems. They are also necessary if a deposit is installed for forced circulation of the coolant.

Professionals recommend choosing valves made of brass, bronze or stainless steel. They are more reliable and durable than silumin.

More information on all types of devices designed to adjust the temperature of radiators is written in this article. There you can find ways to increase the heat transfer of batteries.

Choosing places to install thermostats

The operation of these devices is badly affected:

• Direct sunlight.
• Devices that produce heat during operation.
• Difficult air circulation: the thermostat should not be closed by curtains, drapes and decorative lattices.

It is not always possible to install thermostats on all heating radiators in the apartment. Where in this case to put them in the first place:

• In private high-rise buildings - on batteries in the upper tiers. The warm air in the room rises, so on the second and third floor the temperature will be higher than on the first.
• In apartments and one-story houses, thermostats are primarily placed on batteries located closer to the heating boiler.

If access to the device is difficult, it is closed by interior items, then choose a product with an external temperature sensor.

Setting the thermostat

It is important not only to choose the right model, but also to correctly put it. The heating system should continue to operate when the coolant is shut off to the radiator. For this:

• In a single-pipe system, a special jumper is also connected - a bypass. The valve is mounted on the upper pipe. To replace or repair the battery or thermostat, ball valves are installed on the upper and lower pipes.
• In a two-pipe system, only shutoff valves at the inlet and outlet of the radiator are sufficient.

It is better to carry out work in the warm season, as you have to drain the water from the heating system. In apartment buildings, mandatory coordination of this event with the management company is required.

The algorithm for further actions is as follows:

• Drain the coolant, cut off pipes that fit the radiator.
• With a single-pipe eyeliner, a bypass is installed.
• Install ball valves on the inlet pipe and return.
• Mount the thermostat.

Due to their low price and simplicity, bellows thermostats are used most often. They are installed as follows:

• The device is guided by the arrow on its body. It shows the direction of movement of the coolant. First, its fixed part is mounted, on which a rotating head is then put on.
• The valve is attached to the feed pipe using an “American” (coupling with union nut): it is easier to remove it if necessary.

The valve must be installed horizontally! Otherwise, warm air rising from the pipe will heat the bellows, which will lead to incorrect operation of the device.

• Connection to the battery is through a threaded connection. Tightness is achieved using sanitary flax or special sealing tape.
• After removing the protective cap, install the bellows head. It is fixed with a nut, which is tightened with a ring wrench. Another option is latch heads. They can be easily put on by turning to the maximum opening position and pressing until they click.

At the final stage, the piping is collected to the end and the entire system is checked for leaks, filling it with coolant.

Installation steps are shown in the video.

Customization

Presetting is necessary for thermostats with bellows: models with remote sensors and electronic control do not need to be configured.

The thermostat can be configured as follows:

• Minimize the influence of extraneous factors: in the room, turn off all appliances, close doors and windows.
• Place a control thermometer in a convenient place.
• Unscrew the temperature control valve completely by turning its head fully counterclockwise.
• Wait until the room temperature rises 1–2 ˚C above the desired value.
• Close the valve completely by turning the crown clockwise.
• When the desired temperature in the room is reached, gradually open the thermostat until it begins to heat up. At that moment, the sound of water should be heard from the radiator. This preset is considered over.

Leading manufacturers of temperature controllers

The following brands that have worked well in this market can be noted:

• Danish appliances Danfoss.
• Far thermostats manufactured by an Italian company.
• Austrian-made Herz bellows thermostats.
• Devices of the brands Honeywell, Kermi, Luxor, Prado, Purmo, Sira, which have many positive reviews.

Installing thermostats on heating radiators in a private house or apartment will create comfortable conditions in each room and reduce the cost of heating the home.