Increase in supply prices hot water makes people look for more economical way heating in the apartment. One of these methods, water heated floors in an apartment, will be discussed in more detail, namely, how to properly make a heated floor.
Laying warm flooring and warm water floors in apartments in European countries have been made since the 80s of the last century. In Austria, Switzerland and Germany, water heated floors in apartments are installed in 60% of houses. Various energy sources are connected to heating for underfloor heating:
- infrared emitters;
- heating electrical cables;
- PLEN device, films with a built-in electric spiral and others.
The heated floor and the technology for its implementation in the case under consideration provide heating through a layer of hot liquid, most often it is water, sometimes antifreeze or antifreeze is used. Laying a water heated floor requires laying the pipes evenly over the floor surface.
When circulating, the liquid in the heating system passes through a centralized heating source, transfers heat to the concrete, and then heats up the air. The technology for laying water heated floors involves heating water with an autonomous boiler, or heated floors in the apartment are connected from central heating. In both cases, you can turn on and install the water heated floor yourself.
Modern technologies simplify the installation of water heated floors. Pipes are used whose configuration is based on the molecular memory of cross-linked polyethylene. This has reduced the cost of materials, the connection diagram for a water heated floor and the installation technology have become simpler, and reliability has increased.
Installing and pouring a heated floor is not a complicated process; making a water heated floor with your own hands is quite possible. For this purpose, several techniques and special materials have been developed. People show interest in how to connect the warm floor of a room to the heating system, and how to implement this project on their own.
Pipe length calculation
How to calculate the length and lay pipes on a heated water floor will be discussed below. There are several options for how heating pipes should be installed in a water-heated floor: in a snail shape or in straight parallel lines, or in other ways. But the main requirement is met everywhere.
The pipes are distributed evenly, the total length covering a certain area depends on the pitch between them. To meet the conditions for heating with underfloor heating, you need to correctly calculate the length of the pipe. To simplify the process, designed for different options pipe consumption is tabulated.
Consumption of underfloor heating pipe depending on the loop pitch
Using the table, it is easy to understand how to do the calculations yourself. With a room area of 20 m and a laying step of 20 cm, the length (L) will be equal to 20 m 2 multiplied by 5 linear meters/m, which will be 100 m. Contour length warm covering should not exceed 70 m, this is due to the effective circulation of the coolant through the pipeline and the power of the pumps. If the pipe in the circuit exceeds 70 m, warm floors are not effective, then how to make the right choice?
The pitch is set to 300 mm. Length (L) = 20 m 2 * 3.4 linear/m = 68 m. This fully meets all the requirements. IN large room several lines are installed, but individual contours of the warm coating should not exceed 70 m. Connection is allowed using powerful pumps warm circuit water floor up to 120 m.
The laying technology for heated floors clearly determines what to fill the warm water floor with. Exist ready-made mixtures, which remains to be diluted with water in the concentration specified in the instructions. In some cases, a water-heated floor is made without a screed when the floor is made of plywood. If chipboard is laid with laminate, parquet, linoleum, it is not necessary to fill the heated floor with screed mortar. Dry screed is successfully used for warm water floors.
Before pouring and installing the floor covering, the pipes are checked for leaks. A special compressor is used, water is pumped into the pipes under a pressure of 6 bar, a process called pressure testing. If the pressure has not dropped by more than 1.5 bar during the day, the heating circuit is sealed. An incorrectly made heated floor or poor-quality installation can lead to the need to dismantle the floor covering.
Main advantages
Towards old technology with radiator batteries, the new technique has a number of advantages:
- A heated layer at the level of the feet of human feet. Feet are warm, head is moderately cool - this stimulates the human body to active life.
- Eliminates the labor-intensive procedure of removing dust from hard to reach places radiators.
- Uneven heating stimulated colds. In the case of heated floors, all these disadvantages are absent, the surface is easy to sweep and wash;
- Space is freed up, there is no need to think through options on how to fit pipes into the interior of the room;
- Installation work has become much easier;
- Carrying out the work and the main elements of the system are cheaper. To heat the room, a temperature in the pipes of 55 ̊C and no more than 60-70 ̊C is sufficient. Installation and further operation of heated floors turns out to be 30% cheaper. Therefore, many people wanted to know how to make a water-heated floor.
Warm floor from central heating
Organizational matters
Many apartment residents want to dismantle the radiators or additionally connect them to underfloor heating from central heating. Before starting such a reconstruction, it is necessary to decide organizational matters, namely, to coordinate the project with the management company that services the house.
Unauthorized connection to central system heating is punishable by very high fines, in addition, they will subsequently be forced to dismantle all installed equipment.
The difficulty in the question of how to make a heated floor is the process of obtaining permission. The difficulty is that most boiler houses operate at the limit of their calculated power or have a small reserve. Several apartments can be connected; with a mass connection, the central system will not be able to function normally.
Connecting a water heated floor to a heating system has some technical difficulties. This depends on the design of the central system. So, in schemes with direct supply through one pipe, there are no options for connection. Where the coolant circulates along the circuit of forward and reverse pipes, connection is possible.
Largely on the decision management company influences the location of the heat exchanger. When the heat exchanger is located in the lower part, residents of the upper floors are more likely to receive a permit, and vice versa. After obtaining permission, you can purchase equipment and begin installation work on the central heating floor.
Connection diagram
Before pouring, the entire installation scheme is checked for the tightness of the warm water floor. Depending on the length of the circuit and the diameter of the pipes, the pump power is selected. The installation scheme for heated floors includes the following main elements:
- Valves at the entrance to the heated floor circuit;
- Check valve;
- Three-way control valve (thermal head);
- Circulation pump;
- Coolant temperature control sensor;
- Manifold for underfloor heating;
- Plastic pipes.
The scheme for installing a water heated floor begins with connecting the central heating system to the return line. Two valves are installed to drain the forward and reverse flow of the underfloor heating system. They are designed to allow you to turn off the water at any time and carry out repairs or Maintenance elements in the heated floor line.
The check valve ensures that the coolant fluid moves in one direction. Great importance The system has a three-way valve; it distributes hot and cold flows, mixing them until the set temperature is reached. Sometimes this device is called a thermal head. The temperature of the water entering the heated floors from the central system can reach 70 °C, this is too much; for normal operation no more than 50 °C is required. The thermal head reduces the temperature to the value set on it, usually 40-45 ̊C.
The circulation pump circulates water within the circuit in a given direction. Temperature sensors indicate the temperature of the coolant. Eat automatic systems controls that combine the operation of sensors and three-way valves, but this topic requires a separate, more extensive description.
A manifold for underfloor heating distributes coolant flows through pipes of different circuits. Return line underfloor heating collectors collect cooled flows, directing them to a three-way valve, where the liquid is distributed by a thermal head for further circulation in a closed circuit, maintaining the temperature set in it. Manufacturers make manifolds for heated floors from various materials:
- Brass products are durable and strong, withstand high pressure, they are universal for any type of pipe;
- Manifolds for heated floors made of copper can withstand the most high pressure up to 30 bar and high temperatures in heating systems. Often used in circuits where the coolant can be oil, antifreeze or antifreeze.
- Details from of stainless steel are in greatest demand due to reasonable prices and good technical characteristics, satisfying installations in apartments.
Three way valve design
The heating system to which heated floors are connected necessarily includes a three-way valve; its design and principle of operation require detailed consideration. Essentially, the valve works like a hot and cold mixer cold water, you can make it warmer or colder.
When moving the shut-off element in the adjustment sector, the space for the flow of hot liquid increases and the space for the flow of the cold part of the coolant decreases and vice versa. In this way, the temperature in the system can be controlled. This diagram of a water circuit with a valve helps to better understand its purpose and operating principle.
Sometimes valves with electric drives, in conjunction with thermostats. Water flows are adjusted automatically depending on temperature changes. When it decreases, the valve shut-off device moves in the direction of increasing the hot flow, and, conversely, when the set temperature value increases, the electric drive moves the shut-off mechanism in the direction of increasing the cold flow.
Features of the circulation pump
Whether the entire system will work efficiently depends on the correct selection and installation of the pump. The circulation of the coolant depends on the length and diameter of the pipes; bends at pipe turns make it difficult to move the flow. To achieve the required rate of fluid circulation in the system, a pump is installed. Consumers have a greater preference for pumps with three pumping speeds; this makes it possible to control the temperature of the coolant, and therefore the air in the room, by changing the circulation speed.
When the room temperature drops, the coolant in the pipes will cool faster. By increasing the circulation rate, flows will pass through the heating element more often, increasing the temperature. The speed switch is located on the pump body and is controlled manually. There are options when the entire process is controlled by an automatic system.
Manufacturers produce two types of pumps: with a wet and dry rotor, in the first version the rotating part is in the circulating fluid, in the second version the rotor is isolated. A wet rotor is more suitable for apartments; their power is limited for rooms of 400 m2, this is quite enough. They consume less electricity and operate silently. The pump housing can be made of stainless steel, cast iron or polymer, last option optimal, light, strong and durable.
The numbers separated by a fraction sign on the marking indicate the dimensions of the inlet and outlet openings, the last number indicates the length of the product for calculations when installation work. In order not to go into details when calculating a pipe for a heated floor, use a table to calculate the calculations when choosing a pump.
Characteristics table for pump selection
| Heating area, m² | Pump capacity | |
|---|---|---|
| radiator heating | warm floor | |
| 80-120 | 0,4 | 1,5 |
| 120-160 | 0,5 | 2,0 |
| 160-200 | 0,6 | 2,5 |
| 200-240 | 0,7 | 3,0 |
| 240-280 | 0,8 | 4,0 |
| 300-350 | 1,2-1,5 | - |
When installing the pump in a line, you cannot confuse the direction of movement of the coolant; it is indicated by an arrow on the body. The rotor must be in a horizontal position when vertical installation pump power is reduced by 30%.
The pump can be placed on any section of the main line, but most often this is done at the entrance to the system after the switchgear or thermostat. It is very important that the pump is equipped with an air release valve. An air lock can block the circulation of the coolant and the operation of the pump; opening the valve will help get rid of accumulated air in the interval in the network where the pump is installed.
Connection to an individual heating boiler
The presence of an individual heating boiler in an apartment or private house eliminates all organizational problems in permitting the installation of water heated floors. In this case, connecting a warm water floor does not require any permits. Depending on the location and operation conditions of the facility, boilers can be of various types:
- on gas fuel;
- on liquid fuel (diesel, fuel oil);
- solid fuel: firewood, pellets, coal;
- electrical;
- combined.
In apartments of multi-storey buildings, gas or electric are most often used. heating boilers, connection to the central heating system of the heated floor circuit is not required. In this case, the scheme differs slightly, and functional purpose the basic elements remain the same.
Essential elements:
- boiler;
- expansion tank;
- pressure gauge;
- circulation pump;
- manifold for underfloor heating;
Unlike the case with central heating, connecting a heated floor to a boiler does not require installing a three-way valve to regulate the temperature of the coolant. Its installation is not necessary; the temperature can be changed from the boiler control panel. Temperature control sensors are also located on external panel management.
The expansion tank serves to maintain stable pressure in the system; when heated, the volume of liquid increases. To prevent the underfloor heating collector, pump and other expensive elements in the pipeline system from collapsing, the tank compensates for the expansion of the coolant volume. The pressure gauge shows the pressure in the pipes. The main thing is that before pouring the solution into a warm floor, you need to check the functionality of all components.
Regardless of the modification of the device and its manufacturer, all panels have basic options, and some additional programming functions:
- buttons or regulators for increasing and decreasing the supply coolant temperature;
- button automatic installation comfortable, economical temperature regime, room – 20-22 ̊С;
- It is possible to program control, set the modes “winter”, “summer”, “vacation”, “function of protecting the system from freezing of liquid”.
How to make specific settings for boilers with different control panels is described in the operating instructions. Filling a water heated floor with a solution for a separate boiler is done in the same way as for central heating.
Video: water heated floor in an apartment
All this shows that it is preferable to make heated floors with the installation of an autonomous heating boiler; the main part of the installation can be done with your own hands. A water floor made without a screed, or a dry floor with a screed, will simplify the work and make it cheaper.
If the connection diagram for a heated floor is not entirely clear, individual elements in the floor, you can and should consult with professionals. Having studied the purpose, the correct connection of the main elements in general scheme, technically literate people understand that laying a heated floor is not difficult, making a heated floor with your own hands is a very real task.
Creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in an apartment largely depends on the created microclimate. But in the conditions of a central heating system with radiator appliances, achieve necessary conditions problematic. In private houses with autonomous heating this situation can be solved by installing a heated floor, but is this possible in an apartment?
Warm floors are effective due to uniform heating of the entire room. The system easily allows you to achieve the required microclimate even in the most low temperatures outside the window. The issue of installing heated floors in apartments on the first floors, as well as where small children live, is especially relevant.
Warm floor from central heating prohibited in apartment buildings. This ban is based on the undesirability of changing the heating system or making adjustments to it.
The creation of additional circuits can create serious heating problems not only in a single apartment, but throughout the entire residential building.
The main problems that you may encounter when installing underfloor heating:
- increased hydraulic resistance;
- return of the coolant to the riser at a lower temperature.
Such problems lead to disruptions in work heating system, as well as its failure.
Illegal cases will result in a fine for underfloor heating from central heating.
It is prohibited to install heated floors in apartment buildings where each room has its own riser. Installation of an additional circuit inevitably leads to disruption of the thermal balance in the house. Neighbors will quickly feel the changes in heating.
Installation of heated floors
Despite the limitations of public services even in the most difficult cases you can create an additional circuit without creating problems in the heating system. To do this, it is necessary to create conditions for controlled heat consumption and maintain a balance of coolant in the system.
To create an additional contour in the floor, the following points should be taken into account:
Read more: Infrared floor under linoleum
- Use metal-plastic pipes. They are able to withstand hydraulic shocks. Plastic pipes are ineffective in this case.
- For a heated floor, the optimal temperature is 30-40 C, but the coolant in the radiators is 70-90 C.
- It is necessary to have a manifold cabinet containing the necessary valves, connections and outlets.
- Installing heat meters in an apartment will solve problems with coolant flow in the system.
Overview of basic circuits
The most simple circuit- with pump
The simplest scheme for a warm water floor from central heating involves a direct connection to the radiator and inclusion of a pump in the system. The last one is chosen by the weakest one.
The coolant flow rate should reach 5-10 liters per minute. This scheme is the most unreliable, since there is no possible regulation of the circuit. The operation of heated floors in this case can lead to a decrease in heat transfer from radiators, and also affect the radiators in neighboring apartments.
A circuit with the addition of a balancing tap allows you to regulate the level of floor heating.
Adding a balancing valve to a diagram
Creating a circuit is quite simple, following the principle of the previous one, but adding a faucet to some extent solves the issue of heat imbalance in the system.
Reductions heat consumption can be achieved by including a three-way mixing valve with a thermostat in the circuit. Warm floors from central heating in an apartment according to this scheme are also equipped with a pump and a balancing valve.
This system allows you to regulate the temperature of the coolant automatically. The required maximum temperature for the battery is set, and a cooler coolant is supplied to the floors.
Warm floors from central heating without a pump can be installed in those apartments where there is one common riser, and not several.
To do this, a mixing unit is installed in the circuit, and a flow regulator is installed at the inlet. Coolant consumption should be minimal, otherwise neighboring apartments receive a reduced amount of water in the radiators. This situation entails fines from utilities.
Read more: Laminate for heated floors - its advantages and features
The most optimal solution for an apartment is to connect heated floors through a heat exchanger. This option actually allows you to create your own closed circuit, to which only temperature is transmitted.
The floor is not affected by pressure and flow. The coolant from the central system does not enter the mixing unit. This scheme greatly simplifies control over the system.
In this case, the warm floor from central heating does not affect the temperature in the radiators, both in your apartment and in neighboring ones.
Important nuances
It should be remembered that an incorrectly installed circuit can lead to serious consequences.
In most cases, utility services prohibit the installation of water floors in apartment buildings to avoid failure of the heating system.
The best option is to create heated floors powered by electricity. If the choice is made in favor of water heating, then you should take care of a closed system, or use complex circuits with control devices.
We hope that the article was useful to you. We will be very grateful if you share it with your friends on social networks.
Have a nice day!
A water heated floor from central heating installed in an apartment will provide optimal microclimate in all rooms and will save on heating the coolant. The water heated floor is connected to the central heating line according to one of the schemes, and hot water using circulation pump goes directly into the heating circuit.
This possibility exists, however, it is limited to a certain extent by a number of legislative acts, and therefore, if you make an unauthorized connection of a warm water floor system to the battery circuit, you may end up with a number of problems with the control bodies. In addition, if the housing office authorities detect an unauthorized connection to the central heating system, residents will be subject to not only penalties, but a mandatory requirement to dismantle all equipment for warm water floors.
This is due to the ban on changes and subsequent modernization of existing schemes engineering communications in an apartment heated by central heating. First of all, when connecting a water floor heating system to the central line, the problem of temperature difference arises. That is, the temperature mark of the coolant in the pipes of the central heating main is in the range of 70-90 °C, while the finishing coating of the water heated floor system is deformed and becomes unusable already at 50 °C.
Along with this, there are a number of schemes by which you can make correct connection to the central heating system without harming the heated floor.
The scheme is based on the creation of a stationary heating point in which key function will be performed by the circulation pump. If the apartment has one exit to the heating system, then water system heating can be connected according to the principle of radiator batteries.
In order to equip a warm floor, you should select and purchase pipes. To place them on the base floor with a snake you will need corner connections, the use of which in some cases can adversely affect the level of system reliability.
Due to the fact that after installation the heated floor will be flooded cement screed, in case of deformation of the pipe section, the monolithic coating will have to be completely dismantled.
Another one alternative scheme connecting the water floor is carried out in the direction from the return pipe of the radiator to the heating circuit; for this you will need to install shut-off valves. Installation of heated floors can be carried out with orientation towards closed system. All methods will be discussed in more detail below.
The disadvantages of connecting a water floor to a central heating system include:
- Illegality of installation;
- High probability of heating system failure;
- The appearance in the house system of areas characterized by uneven distribution of coolant;
- Labor intensity of installation work.
The most suitable option would be one in which the direct and return pipelines of the central system enter the apartment. If the house has a vertical distribution of risers, the heating unit will distribute heat through the floor throughout all rooms. However, the amount of thermal energy received from each riser of the central system will be strictly limited.
You can connect a warm water floor to a central heating system using a dependent and independent circuit.
Connection to the central system via a separate input
H2_2Whatever scheme is chosen, first of all, you should pay attention to the quality of the coolant in the central pipeline. It contains a large number of needle valves, in which solid particles accumulate, which can subsequently seriously clog the water heated floor pipes. To connect, water floor pipe bends are connected (welded) to the central heating manifold (riser). The advantages of such a connection are as follows:
- Hot water at a constant temperature will be supplied to the home heating system manifold - this is achieved through the operation of a pre-installed thermostatic valve;
- The desired temperature can be set using a three-way valve equipped with a thermostat;
- The bypass will ensure minimal water flow after closing the valves;
With this connection, it is recommended to make protection for the circulation pump, which will protect it from running dry. As protection, you can install a flow or pressure control relay. An overhead thermostat can also be attached, which can turn off the pump when the lower temperature limit is reached (20°C). For more reliable control of the system, you should replace the thermostatic valve with a regulator that will adjust the heating temperature based on the outside temperature in the room.
Connection to the central system via vertical wiring
This connection method is based on the reconstruction of an existing radiator system. It is known that each individual riser in an apartment has a flow rate limit for a certain amount of coolant. The flow is regulated using a control valve.
When connecting underfloor water heating pipes to a riser, it is possible to receive twice as much heat as from conventional radiators. This is explained by the fact that at the same water temperature in the supply pipes and the return pipe, during the difference the temperature will be twice as high - 70/30°C in the radiator and 70/50°C in the water floor pipes. If the apartment has 4 risers, warm water from the central system can be taken from two, and the coolant from the other two will pass in transit. This scheme consists of:
- Risers for a two-pipe heating system;
- Balancing valve;
- Three way valve;
- Drive for three-way valve.
When implementing this scheme, you need to replace old radiators with new heat exchangers. This will not affect the change in any way. hydraulic mode riser operation, due to the fact that all balancing valves will remain with the same settings.
The secondary circuit from the water floor must be connected in parallel. In order to avoid balancing the heat exchangers in the second circuit again, when installing a single system, you need to use PVC pipes of the same length.
Connection to central heating with vertical wiring (one-pipe system)
You can make a connection using this scheme within one day; this option also involves reconstructing the old heating pipeline. In the existing single-pipe system, it is forbidden to lower the temperature level of the coolant; it is also impossible to control its flow. Warm floor can be connected to centralized system through the riser.
This can be done by replacing the existing radiator in a separate room with an underfloor water heating circuit. The scheme is implemented with a mandatory condition - the coincidence of the thermal load of the water and central systems - the difference in temperature should not exceed 5-10°C.
This scheme is classified as dependent, since in each room the old radiator is replaced with one water floor heating circuit. You can control the room temperature by turning the circulation pump on and off, controlled by the room thermostat.
If the coolant in the riser of the central system is drained, the pump will automatically turn off. The three-way valve can be equipped with an actuator that controls the heating based on the outside temperature. The advantages of this scheme are:
- Installation options in different rooms different heating systems;
- Low cost of work and materials;
- Lack of needle valves and underfloor heating manifolds;
- The system will not be demanding on the quality of circulating water;
There are also disadvantages - if air gets into the heating circuit, the pump can make a lot of noise.
In addition, you can use peak instantaneous water heater when connected to a central heating system. Everything can be done based on the diagram described above, but at the same time include an additional peak electric boiler in it. This unit will heat the coolant in winter on those days when the central system cannot provide the required level of heat.
An electric boiler connected to the central system on one side, and to a warm water floor on the other, will be able to maintain constant temperature using the built-in thermostat. If there is enough heat from the central system, the three-way valve will be in the closed position, and electricity will be spent only to compensate for the heat loss of the electric boiler body. If the two-way valve is in the open position, then required amount The coolant will be additionally heated in the boiler.
What to pay attention to when connecting
- When choosing any scheme for connecting a warm water floor to a centralized heating system, fastening to the side entrance of the collector using fittings is used.
- The screed for the finishing coating (linoleum, tiles, parquet) must be made thin (about 3 cm) and be sure to supplement it reinforced mesh, which is laid on top of PVC pipes.
- It is not recommended to lay an additional insulating layer under the laminate - this will significantly reduce the level of heat transfer.
- After the first test run, the system will fully warm up within two days.
- If you plan to pass through a wall, then it is best to use corrugated tubes.
- The minimum height of the finishing screed should not exceed 3 cm from the top pipe.
- When connecting a warm water floor to a central heating system, you cannot use the coolant circulating in it directly - this can cause irreparable harm to the hydraulics of the entire building.
- When connecting a heated floor to an electric boiler, together with the radiator, you can connect the batteries directly to the floor, and connect the circuits to the collectors.
- When choosing components and design mechanisms, it should be borne in mind that most of them can withstand a pressure of 1-2.5 atmospheres, and in the central system it can reach 16 atmospheres.
The choice of a specific scheme for connecting a warm water floor to the central heating system in an apartment directly depends on the area of the room. If it exceeds 30-35 sq. m., it is advisable to make several connections to different collectors.
Heating private houses and apartments using water heated floors is a fairly popular option, since the system is efficient and economical. Warm air rises evenly from bottom to top, creating optimal comfort in the room. Warm floors can be implemented in different ways; it can be a warm floor from central heating in an apartment or an electric one, which requires laying a heating cable. Considering the cost of electricity, many residents find the idea of installing radiator-powered floor heating in their apartment more attractive. Costs will mainly be on equipment, and heating costs will not be so high.
There is a widespread belief that connecting underfloor heating to hot water in an apartment is strictly prohibited. This is not entirely true. Permission can be obtained from the management company if the apartment is located at the end of the heating circuit - on the first or last floor, depending on the heat supply scheme. Thus, received in the apartment thermal energy will not harm other residents in apartment building. As a rule, you need to install a thermal energy meter, and you can safely connect the heated floor from the battery.
Heat energy is supplied through a heat exchanger for the heated floor in the apartment, which makes it possible to make the heated floor circuit “autonomous”, not affecting other heat consumers.
How will the height of the room change due to the installation of heated floors?
When planning to install underfloor heating in an apartment, you need to think about not only the costs of materials and obtaining permission. Important nuance– take into account how the floor height will rise. It is necessary to install good thermal insulation on the subfloor so that the heat does not escape into the floor slabs. For apartments on the second and higher floors, it is enough to lay 3 cm of insulation (polystyrene, etc.).
If in the bathroom the heated towel rail is connected on the ground floor, below which there is a basement or ground, the insulation layer should be within 5-10cm. Next, the size of the pipes and the layer of finishing coating are taken into account. The result is the final figure by which the height of the room will be reduced. If living space allows, you can buy equipment.
Pipes for heated floors
Considering that water heating the floor is filled with screed, it is clear that you need to choose durable pipes. The choice of a specific material will directly affect what the price of 1 sq. m of warm water floors will be.
But the price is not the main thing, it is important to comply with the conditions:
What do you need to connect a heated floor?
You can’t just cut the contours of a heated floor into the heating risers. The water will not circulate on its own, so you will need a pump. A system is also needed to remove air that accumulates in the system. The coolant in central heating is not clean, so to protect your own floor heating system you need to install filters that trap dirt particles.
It is important to take into account that the coolant in centralized heating can be heated up to 80 degrees, and you cannot run such water into your system - this will ruin both the screed and the finishing coating, and the room will be excessively hot.
The optimal coolant temperature in a heated floor system is up to 45 degrees.
Therefore, it is necessary to install a unit that mixes water from the supply and return, as well as devices that control the parameters. Therefore, the price of a heated floor will include the price, a thermal head, a servo drive, etc.
Heated floor connection diagram
To properly connect the selected system, you need to prepare the equipment: circulation pump, servo drive for the heated water floor collector, temperature control sensor, distribution unit, collector. Connection and test run of the system are carried out before pouring the screed.
The main thing in the system is the distribution unit; it regulates the temperature of the coolant.
Thanks to a three-way valve and sensor (thermal head for underfloor heating), the apartment owner regulates the temperature, achieving optimal comfort and saving on bills. The essence of the operation of the valve with the sensor is to timely shut off the hot flow when the set temperature is exceeded.
needed for uniform distribution of coolant in the system. The pump is installed after the distribution unit, but after the manifold group. From the three-way valve, cooled water flows into the pump, then into the manifold and along the contours of the heated floor. An air vent and a drain valve are installed in the upper and lower parts of the collector, respectively.
The diagram demonstrates how to connect a warm floor to heating in apartments that close the heating circuit. If the insertion is carried out in apartments in the middle, then the three-way valve is replaced with a two-way valve.
Alternative underfloor heating Xl Pipe
Those who do not have the opportunity to legally connect floor heating from a battery should familiarize themselves with modern system Xl Pipe. Reading reviews of xl Pipe underfloor heating, they note that this is a kind of hybrid of electric and water heating that does not have their disadvantages. The heating element here is a polyethylene tube with a diameter of 2 cm, filled with antifreeze. Inside the tube is a chrome-nickel heating cable in a Teflon sheath.
The design is sealed and safe. The system does not use a pump, manifold, or boiler. The coolant does not move here. Installation of liquid electric heated floor Xl Pipe is carried out in a screed. Furniture and equipment can be moved without restrictions, the system will not be damaged. As reviews of underfloor heating as the main heating say, this option copes with the task quite well; the temperature can be adjusted at your discretion.
The essence of Xl Pipe's work is simple and clear. When turned on, the cable begins to heat the coolant, quickly reaching the set temperature. The fluid pressure in the system ensures uniform heat distribution. According to the manufacturer, such a warm floor consumes one third less electricity compared to other electric heating systems. When compared with water heated floors, the costs of purchasing a boiler, manifold and other equipment are eliminated.
Floor heating with infrared film Heat Life
For those who have no idea how to properly make a heated floor from heating, or do not have the opportunity to carry out major renovation indoors for this purpose, it is worth taking a closer look at the Heat Life IR heating film. It is used as a main or additional heating system in offices, residential buildings, at industrial and other facilities. Those who choose Hit Life heated floors note minimal installation and maintenance costs and low heating bills.
As a rule, installing the film does not require filling the screed. It can be used to heat tiles, linoleum, laminate, porcelain stoneware, and other flooring options. Energy is used to heat the floor, not the air. In addition, infrared film can heat any surface - vertical, inclined, embossed. Even if a section of the film is mechanically damaged, general system will continue to work. Corrosion is not a problem for Heat Life film.
Advantages and disadvantages of heated floors
Among the advantages of using water and electric underfloor heating systems, savings on heating bills are noted. If your feet are warm, even minimum temperature can be perceived as comfortable. Installation is not difficult, the appearance does not attract attention, like standard ones. There will be no drafts in a house with heated floors. Children will not get cold playing on the floor.
As for the shortcomings, there are them too. Firstly, these are the costs of equipment and installation. Secondly, water heated floors require a loss of several centimeters from the height of the room. Thirdly, the floors must be free of carpets - otherwise, why heat them. When a breakdown occurs, it is difficult to determine which area is damaged. Furniture should not cover the floor so as not to interfere with heat circulation.
Having familiarized yourself with all the listed nuances, you can make an informed conclusion about warm floors, the feasibility of their use in an apartment as the main or additional source of heat. In general, electric floor heating systems are installed in small spaces- in the bathroom, kitchen, toilet. If you plan to heat a spacious room, it is better to give preference to a water-based system. In any case, it is important to consult with professionals; they will subsequently be entrusted with the installation of the system, startup and maintenance. This way you can get guarantees for the safety and durability of the system.
Warm floors are no longer a new thing. This technology is used for heating floors in apartments, private houses, offices and various other premises. Their operating principle is simple - they heat the base under your feet, as well as the air in the room, which allows you to warm up any room quite well. They are usually installed in addition to the main heating system. Installing them is not as complicated as it seems, but it is quite a troublesome task. How to make a heated floor correctly? This process will largely depend on what type of system has been chosen for installation.
Now there are three main types of heated floors, which differ in the type of coolant, and also have different technology of arrangement. However, in general they have one main advantage in common - the heating element is installed directly into the floor pie, due to which it is heated. At the same time, the air masses in the room also warm up, but near the floor the air will be warmer, while above this limit, at the level of a person’s head, the air remains slightly cool, which allows you to create an optimal microclimate in the room.
On a note! In certain cases, underfloor heating can completely replace a central heating system. But this is not always possible, and you still shouldn’t give up on basic radiators.
Water based heating
In this case, the coolant is ordinary heated water, which flows inside pipes laid according to a certain pattern and filled with concrete screed. The service life of such a system is approximately 20 years. A fairly reliable and safe option, but it is used either in private homes or in new buildings where it is possible to connect such a floor. In old multi-storey buildings It will not be possible to connect a water floor without the permission of the management company, since installation will involve connecting it to a central heating system that is not designed for additional loads - it can become very cold in other apartments.
The disadvantages of this design may be the likelihood of leaks and the risk of flooding of rooms located below, as well as the tendency of some types of pipeline to corrosion. Installation, of course, is labor-intensive, but it is one of the most economical options floor. This type of heating can be installed under any finishing coating. However, if you want to use the capabilities of water heated floors as efficiently as possible, study the features different coatings. Find perfect option will help .
Heating with cable
Such floors can be installed in absolutely any room - be it in old or new apartments, houses, offices, etc. This option has become a real salvation for those who, for some reason, cannot install a water-heated floor. The system is quite simple to install and consists of a specially laid electrical cable, located inside the screed. It converts electricity into heat.
Can be used for heating self-regulating and resistive cables. In the latter case, a two-core one is usually used (single-core ones often become sources of radiation harmful to the body, which is why they are not preferred to be used). Self-regulating wires do not have the disadvantages that resistive wires have. Typically, cable flooring is used if the finishing coating is made of tiles or linoleum.
IR floor
This is perhaps the most popular floor heating system, as it does not require pouring a new screed, is easy to install, but is not inferior in quality to other heating options. It is represented by thin mats with carbon strips connected to each other by wires. Such floors heat up quickly, but also cool down quickly (sometimes this function is needed), are very thin, allow you to quickly adjust the heating temperature, are economical in terms of energy consumption, are easy to repair and are completely safe for humans. This system also works thanks to electricity. There is a drawback - a little static and because of this - the attraction of dust to the base. Read more about infrared heated floors depending on the finish coating in separate articles on the portal: under laminate, and under tiles.
Table. Comparison of characteristics of different systems.
| Characteristic | Water floor | Electric floor |
|---|---|---|
| Availability of EMR | No | Possibly depending on cable type |
| Possibility of arrangement in apartment buildings | Only in new buildings with a separate connection | Yes |
| Quickly manage settings | No | Yes |
| Dependence on heating season | Yes - in apartments and no - in private houses | No |
| Installation time | Long due to the need to fill the screed | Short |
| Possibility of laying any finishing coating | Yes | Certain types of coverings cannot be laid over an electric floor |
| Easy to repair | Complex repair | In the case of IR floors - quick repair |
Prices for electric heated floor "Teplolux"
electric heated floor teplolux
If you have not yet decided on the type of heated floor, read. There we examined in detail the advantages and disadvantages different materials and compiled a list of recommendations.
Making a warm water floor with your own hands
Let's take a closer look at the work process when installing water floor heating. It includes a number of stages - preparation of the rough base, installation of the system itself, as well as pouring the screed and laying the finishing coating. In this case it will be considered a budget option creating a heating system.
Warm floors are a serious cost item during renovation, so it is important to accurately calculate how much and what materials will be needed. To ease your labor costs, we have prepared a guide that tells you how to calculate a heated floor - water or electric. Online calculators included. And in the article “” you will find a complete list of everything that may be needed during installation.
Preparing the base
Let's look at how to make a subfloor for installing a water system based on expanded clay.
Step 1. First of all, the old wooden floor is completely dismantled. Boards and joists are removed. Remnants of bricks and oversized construction garbage can be left on the base.
Step 2. A laser level is used to determine the height of the final floor. The main guideline for the required level is Entrance door. The marking should be 1.5-2 cm below the threshold.
Step 3. Markings are applied to the walls. The first mark marks the boundary of the screed with the installed heating pipes (the thickness of the screed should not be less than 6 cm thick). The second indicates the thickness of the expanded clay insulation (in this case, the thickness of this layer will be 10 cm).
Step 4. Along the line laser level Marks are applied to the walls along the entire perimeter according to the level of the finished floor.
Step 5. Markings of two other levels are applied to the walls - expanded clay bedding and screed. The reference point in this case is the finished floor mark.
Step 6. The rough concrete floor is covered with sand, which is evenly distributed over it. You can focus on the lower mark.
Step 8
Step 9 Holes in the walls left from the logs are sealed with pieces of brick and cement mortar.
Step 10 Waterproofing is laid on a layer of sand. In this case, it is a thick polyethylene film that is factory-installed on the walls. For convenience, the film is fixed with tape.
Step 11 The installation of beacons begins. For this purpose, high-density foam block cubes are used, on which metal beacons will then be installed. The cubes are placed on polyethylene at a distance of about 1 m from each other. The height of one cube is 9 cm.
Step 12 Metal beacon profiles 1 cm high are installed on the cubes.
Step 13 A cube must be installed at the joints of the beacons. For proper docking, the beacons are trimmed. When docked correctly, the beacons overlap each other in the direction of the future movement of the rule.
Step 14 Beacons are set according to level. Landmark - a line on the wall indicating the height of the screed. To level them, you can use plywood pads.
Step 15 When the beacons are level, they are fixed to the cubes using self-tapping screws.
Step 16 The subfloor should have a slight slope (the difference is up to 5 mm for each meter of base length). If necessary, the cubes can be pressed into the sand to achieve the desired result. The operation is carried out along the entire length of the beacons.
Step 17 Additional cubes are installed between the main cubes.
Step 18 Expanded clay is mixed with a small amount cement mixture. This will result in a stronger floor. For a bag of expanded clay, a bucket of sand, 2 kg of cement and about 3 liters of water are used.
Step 19 The prepared expanded clay is laid out on the base and leveled. Backfilling is done starting from the far corner of the room. There should be about 1.5 cm of free space left to the top level of the beacons.
Step 20. The expanded clay layer is covered with cement mortar. The solution is leveled with a trowel over the entire surface.
Step 21 The screed is aligned using the beacon rule. Ideal evenness may not be achieved. To make the beacons easy to remove from the screed, their surface is not covered.
Step 22 After two days, when the screed has dried, the beacons are removed. To do this, the screws securing them are unscrewed. Wooden linings are removed along with the beacons.
Step 23 After this, the resulting cracks are cleared of debris and sealed with cement mortar.
Laying the pipe system and connecting
After preparation, the installation of the heating system itself begins.
Step 1. In this case, the existing heating system will be retained based on a gas boiler. The battery is powered by a supply circuit located on the second floor. The water leaving the radiator is directed to the return circuit, which is located in the basement. The warm floor will be connected to the second output of the battery and to the return circuit. Taps will be installed to turn off the radiator and heated floor. A circulation pump will be installed at the entrance to the return circuit.
Step 2. The radiator is equipped with the necessary fittings. These are connectors and pipes. Plumbing flax and sealant are used to seal the connection.
Step 3. This is what they will look like ready outputs from the battery. One of them will be used to connect the heated floor.
Step 4. Before further installation of pipes, a damper tape is glued around the perimeter of the room (we have already discussed its choice). She sticks to the walls using glue.
Step 5. Multifoil, a special insulation material, is placed on the rough screed. Individual strips of material are fixed to each other using tape.
Step 6. A reinforcing mesh with 10x10 cm cells is placed on top of the foil. Individual pieces are overlapped by 1-2 cells. The mesh is connected to each other using wire.
Step 7 The pipe leading to the return line is installed and connected.
Step 8 A water floor pipe with a cross-section of 20 mm is mounted to the other exit from the battery. You can put a piece of protective corrugation on the initial section of the pipe.
Step 9 The pipe is laid on the floor and fixed to reinforcing mesh using plastic clamps. When laying, it is important to ensure that there are no kinks in the pipe. To form the elbows, you can use a hairdryer to heat the pipe. The distance in the circuit between adjacent pipes should be about 20 cm in this case.
Step 10 The heated floor pipe is laid in a snake pattern.
Step 11 The ends of the return pipe and the heated floor are directed into metal pipes leading to the basement. Voids can be sealed with foam.
Step 12 Areas raised above floor level metal mesh are fixed to the base of the floor using dowels and metal plates.
Step 13 Further work will be carried out in the basement. A circulation pump is being installed. It connects to the return pipe. Two taps are also installed in the system. One of them will block natural circulation. The lower valve completely closes the entrance to the return pipe.
Step 14 The control unit is assembled and all pipes are connected. In natural circulation mode, water flows through the heated floor pipe into the return line at both open taps. If you turn off the top tap, the water from the heated floor will move along additional pipe towards the pump – this is the mode for quickly heating the floor. If the bottom tap is closed when the pump is turned off, the heated floor will be completely turned off.
Filling the screed
The final stage of installing a water floor is pouring the screed and laying the floor covering.
Step 1. To make the screed even, metal beacons are installed. They are located on pieces of concrete.
Step 2. Pieces of concrete are fixed to the base using cement mortar.
Step 3. The beacons are fixed to the concrete using self-tapping screws in pre-made holes. All of them must be strictly level.
Advice! It is better to start installing the first beacons from the side of the door. This will allow you to more correctly select their height relative to the doorway.
Step 4. The concrete solution is prepared according to exact proportions.
Step 5. The concrete is evenly distributed over the prepared floor.
Important! At the time of laying the screed, the floor pipes must be filled with water.
Step 6. Concrete mortar aligned to beacons using a rule.
Step 7 The screed is dried for 28 days. The floor is covered with a finishing coating.
Video - Installation of a water floor
Video - Installation of infrared floor heating
The complexity and entire process of making a heated floor will depend on which heating option is chosen. A water floor is perhaps the most best option for arranging base heating in a private house or new building. For those who don’t want to bother with screeds, we can recommend using infrared floors.