One of latest trends in construction - panoramic glazing. A very attractive solution that many people like. But it is not possible to use standard heating devices to heat such rooms: they spoil the whole picture. Even the most attractive ones. Models were developed specifically for such cases. hidden installation: built-in convectors. Most often they are mounted on the floor, and are also called “in-floor”. They are rarely built into a window sill, more often into a low window sill.

Convectors were not chosen by chance. Radiators built into the floor are very inefficient. They warm the room to a greater extent due to thermal radiation directed towards different sides. The in-floor device is closed on three sides. It turns out that the floor heats up more, not the air. One fourth of the power directed upward (even if a little more due to reflection) is clearly not enough. Convectors, regardless of their location, emit most of the heat upward. Only a small fraction goes to the sides, which becomes even smaller due to the use of insulating materials: the housing is insulated during installation.

Structure, types and features

The design of built-in convectors is simple: it is a metal box housing in which the heating element is located. To increase heat transfer, attach to the heater a large number of convective ribs. The structure is closed from above with a grille, which is flush with the floor.

In some models, fans are installed to increase thermal power. Thus, the air heating rate (with the same dimensions and power) increases by 70-90%. But with the installation of fans, one problem arises: they make noise. Therefore, in order to reduce noise, the design must include inserts of porous rubber that will dampen vibrations. The units can also operate with the fan turned off: then the processes occur due to natural convection. This function is needed if there is no need for high power.

To regulate the temperature, electronic or electromechanical regulators are used. They are located inside the case, as well as temperature sensors. The same unit also controls the rotation speed of the fans. It is useful if there is a function for switching to “manual” control: suddenly you need to set other parameters, or the control panel is out of order.

Each of the parts performs its functions and is made of different materials. Moreover, the quality of the device must be assessed in its entirety.

Frame

His appearance not so important - it is in the floor. But the quality of workmanship must be at its best: the class of the device is determined by the case and one can judge its overall reliability. The metal from which it is made is also important.

For wet rooms, you need a material with increased resistance to moisture - stainless steel. For dry ones, black or galvanized steel is quite suitable. It is still covered with paint that is resistant to external influences and protects against corrosion. Most often these are powder formulations. They protect metal well. Moreover, it is desirable that the internal walls and the parts themselves be painted in dark color- so they are not visible during installation.

Lattices

It’s worth paying close attention to what the grille looks like. This the only part, which remains visible. She will be responsible for the overall impression. They are made from different materials:

• aluminum;
• ordinary steel, galvanized and stainless steel;
• tree;
• marble.

There are two types of gratings: linear and roll. Rolled ones are much more expensive, but more convenient to use. They are simply rolled up. Linear ones are cheaper, but they have to be raised completely. With a roll version, the slats are positioned only across, with a linear version they can be positioned both lengthwise and crosswise.

The design of the grating is important if it will be walked on. Then you need to pay attention not only to the appearance, but also to the design. In this case, it should not contain any plastic parts (they are sometimes placed at the junction of the slats and the frame). To smoothly distribute the load and make the structure low-noise, some manufacturers install springs at the junction of the lamella and the frame (German company VARMANN). This reduces the noise level and increases comfort.

With increased load, it would be good if the grille itself was the same on both sides. Then, after it is erased on one side, it can be turned over to the other and used further.

Heating elements

Built-in convectors have two types of heating elements:

1. water in-floor convectors;
2. built-in electric heaters.

Our most popular models are those connected to water heating. This is understandable, almost everyone has such heating. But electric in-floor convectors can also become the main and additional source heat in places where water heating is not possible.

Electric models

No news here: a heating element is used closed type- Heating element. There are plates attached to it to increase the area of ​​contact with air. Most often the plates are made of aluminum - this is relatively inexpensive metal, with good heat dissipation. Low-cost models may use steel, sometimes galvanized steel, and expensive ones may use copper.

The material from which the heating element is made is no less important. It is its durability that determines the life of the equipment. European manufacturers Stainless steel heaters are often installed. They have the longest service life.

Since these are household appliances, they have a high protection class for both current and voltage. There are various types of fuses and circuits that turn off the devices in case of failure. These devices are safe under any conditions.

Trench water convectors

The heating element is a hollow tube with welded or pressed metal plates. In them, heat transfer is carried out by a coolant (water or antifreeze, depending on the model). The devices are connected to the existing water heating system through threaded pipes. Used in systems with forced circulation coolant, wiring - one-pipe or two-pipe.

For water convectors built into the floor, the materials from which the heat exchanger is made are important. Copper and copper-aluminum models can produce the highest power ( copper pipe, aluminum fins). There are also models made entirely of copper - both pipes and fins. But the price for them is considerable. In more budget options They use stainless steel, and even cheaper ones use galvanized steel.

Despite the high power, installation of devices with copper heat exchangers- far from it the best choice. Copper is very capricious during operation, it requires a certain composition of the coolant, a grounding device, and is not compatible with all metals. All this together makes their operation in centralized heating systems problematic (although the technical characteristics allow this). It will perform well only in systems individual heating, in which the heating distribution is made with copper, polymer or metal-polymer pipes. In this case, it is also advisable to have a copper heat exchanger for the heating boiler. Fittings and fittings should be installed in bronze or brass, as well as nickel-plated or chrome-plated.

Models and varieties

As in electric floor convectors, fans are installed in water convectors to increase power. This allows you to receive much more heat with the same dimensions of heating devices. Fans can be powered from the mains alternating current 220 V or from a 12 V or 24 V DC source. To reduce noise levels, they are installed on vibration-proof supports.

Although forced convection units are noisier, they produce more heat. Therefore, they can effectively cut off cold flows coming from the glass. If you plan to use an in-floor convector as the main source of heat, it is better to install just such models - they heat the room faster and prevent condensation from forming on the glass.

There are models that can be used not only for heating, but also for cooling. Moreover, they come in two-pipe and four-pipe types. In four-pipe systems there are two separate heat exchangers connected to different systems- one for heating, the other for cooling. In two-pipe models, the same heat exchanger works with two systems. Four-pipe ones are more efficient, but also much more expensive.

Sometimes there are models that allow you to serve indoors Fresh air- it is taken in through a special hole, cleaned in built-in filters, heated, and goes into the room. A very useful function where double-glazed windows are located - namely the lack of oxygen and humidity - common problem in such premises.

Upon request, built-in convectors can be made angular or with a radius of curvature - this is for rooms of non-standard geometry or for display cases. It is often possible to order a device of non-standard dimensions - specifically for your premises. Some manufacturers make special rotating heating elements - this makes it easier to clean inside the housing; some provide for installing a heat exchanger on flexible hoses - it can be removed and put away.

The inside of the housing and heat exchangers are painted dark so they are not visible through the grille

Separately, they produce devices for heating rooms with high humidity levels. They use materials that are resistant to such conditions and special electrical equipment. Also in such models there is a drainage drain to remove condensate.

Electromechanical or electronic thermostats control the temperature in the room and change the power of the convector. The devices themselves are located in the housing and are controlled from a remote or remote control. Electronic models have the ability to program the temperature by time of day or day of the week.

How to choose

When choosing an electric in-floor convector, the main factors are its dimensions and power. You will also need to decide whether you want a forced or natural convection device. Here, in fact, are all the subtleties.

The choice of water built-in heaters is much more difficult. There are more parameters to consider here. In addition to the dimensions, housing material, pipes and fins, and the presence of a fan, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

For any in-floor heater, important point— material of the body and heating element. If the room is dry, do not try to install a stainless steel body. Reputable manufacturers have high-quality steel - they need to maintain authority. But little-known campaigns can use so-called “technical stainless steel” to save money. Its characteristics are often not better, but worse than those coated with good black paint.

Installation Features

There are two ways to install in-floor convectors: with the convector facing the glass and towards the room.

If you turn the convector towards the window, cold air will be effectively cut off and no condensation will be guaranteed. But the room will warm up more slowly - a lot of heat is spent heating the glass. But there is a uniform temperature in the room: cold and warm masses mix evenly.

By turning the convector towards the room, we get rapid heating. But condensation may form on the glass. In addition, there are zones with different temperatures in the room, which is uncomfortable.

In-floor heaters are installed in prefabricated gutters in the floor. If the floor is concrete, the distance between the body and the walls of the gutter is filled with mortar; when installed in a wooden floor, a frame of beams is made around it.

Advantages and disadvantages

Compared to similar wall-mounted or floor mounting they are no better and no worse. Their main advantage is their hidden installation, which gives scope for design solutions. However, for panoramic glazing or for heating shop windows, this is the best choice.

The disadvantage is the higher price compared to similar devices of the same power. And several times higher. Moreover, prices are high not only for equipment, but also for installation: it is much more complicated than for conventional models.

When installing this type of equipment, the supply pipes must inevitably be in the floor. This is a popular solution, but from a technical point of view it is very controversial. In addition, for hidden installation it is necessary to raise the floor, which is not possible in all rooms. However, in-floor radiators are a popular trend today. And if you are not afraid of all the difficulties, do underfloor heating.

Results

For modern open interiors heating appliances often become a problem - there is nowhere to hide them. In addition, many houses and apartments have panoramic windows - here, too, you can’t hang or install a radiator. Then there is only one entrance - convectors built into the floor. They can be electric or water, with forced or natural convection. The choice is yours.

5 September 2015 Alexei

The desire to make the room as free as possible, while providing it with heat, led to the emergence of built-in equipment. The use of such units, which are located under the floor covering, allows you to preserve the aesthetics of the interior as much as possible without cluttering the walls. In addition, the in-floor water convector is designed for long-term use and may well become the basis of a heating system.

Modern devices and their scope of application

Heating device design

The need to maintain a comfortable microclimate in the room requires the installation of special equipment. But not every property can install a classic radiator heating system.

Moreover, in most cases this is due to the specifics of its work. For example, for buildings with a large glass area, built-in convectors are considered the most suitable. Since their operating principle is considered optimal for swimming pools, greenhouses and other similar objects.

Equipment of this class is quite different simple device. The built-in water convector is a heating element made of copper-aluminum alloy. This composition was not chosen by chance, since it has maximum corrosion resistance. Therefore, a convector made from it will last a long time.

Convector installation

The heat exchanger is housed in a housing made of steel sheets large thickness. They protect the floor covering from moisture penetration in the event of equipment leakage.

The in-floor convector is installed in a specially equipped niche or directly in cement screed. The equipment is covered from above with a decorative grille, which also protects the inside of the unit from mechanical impact. It is located on the same level as the floor covering and can be made in any shape and color in accordance with the overall style of the interior.

Types of embedded equipment

Trench water convectors are available in two modifications:

1. With natural convection;
2. With forced.

Devices of the first type are intended for use as auxiliary ones. They are usually installed in places where cold air passes near doorways, windows and act as a thermal barrier.

Units with forced convection are equipped with a built-in tangential fan. It is necessary for intensive heat exchange in the room. Such convectors are used as the main heating devices.

To expand the functions of in-floor equipment, it can be connected to a temperature control system.

Advantages and disadvantages of in-floor convectors

Devices of this class are widely used in a wide variety of premises. But most often they are still used for heating objects with a large glass area and floor-length windows. In such a room, an ordinary radiator will look defiant.

We watch the video, the structure and diagram of the heating system;

Not only will he not fit into general interior, but will also limit the view from panoramic window. Therefore, in-floor convectors are usually installed in them.

But besides this, the device has a lot of other positive traits, such as:

• Possibility of saving free space;
• Various standard sizes;
• Reliability;
• Protection against condensation on glass;
• Long service life.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting lower efficiency compared to wall-mounted or floor models. This is due to the fact that part of the heat is absorbed by the floor covering. One disadvantage of the Varmann in-floor water heating convector is the difficulty of heat exchange due to the specific location. But this drawback can be eliminated by using forced airflow of the heat exchanger. However, using a fan will lead to the loss of one of the advantages - silent operation of the device.

You should also take into account the fact that installation of an in-floor convector is much more complicated than a wall-mounted one. And if we talk about apartment buildings, then it is often simply impossible in them.

Review of popular models

The choice of heating equipment should be made in accordance with the characteristics of the room. After all, if the device’s power is insufficient, it will not be able to provide the required temperature, and if it is overpowered, its use will be unnecessarily costly. But besides technical characteristics The manufacturer's brand is also taken into account.

Internal floor convectors brand Breeze

The reliability, quality and cost of the convector depend on this parameter. Among a large number various models The devices from the following companies are in greatest demand:

• Briz (Russia);
• Acotherm (Belgium).

Convectors domestic manufacturer have a heat exchanger made of copper-aluminum alloy. They are able to quickly raise the room temperature to a set value. In this case, the main design of the device when correct installation will be hidden, and only the decorative grille will remain visible.

Characteristics and properties of Breeze products

Breeze in-floor water heating convectors are available in two modifications:

• M – refer to devices with natural convection;
• B – with tangential fan;

The grilles for such devices consist of duralumin elements, which allows them to fit organically into any interior.

Convectors from this manufacturer are capable of heating the coolant up to 130°C and can be connected to a system with an operating pressure of up to 15 atm. Most models have a side connection and are equipped with a heat exchanger with an air vent.

Trench water heating convectors Kermi are products of the Belgian company Acotherm. They are intended for use not only as additional, but also as the main devices of the heating system. The main difference between this brand’s equipment is its low height, which allows it to be installed under almost any type of floor covering.

Kermi convectors are produced in a wide range of capacities, and there are devices with forced and natural convection. Most models are equipped with a thermostat and can work autonomously.

A wide range of products, which includes devices up to 3000 mm long and up to 140 mm high, allows you to select units in accordance with the characteristics of the room. In addition, the manufacturer is ready to produce a custom-made convector with non-standard dimensions.

But it’s not even the high aesthetics and large selection that make this equipment popular. The most attractive aspect is high quality products of the Kermi company, confirmed by the extensive experience of the manufacturer. Therefore, the convectors are guaranteed for 10 years.

The advantages of this equipment also include the following parameters:

1. Safety of use, since the fans are powered from a 12V source;
2. Easy installation;
3. Easy to clean the convector from dirt and dust.

In addition, the device includes a bath with fasteners, as well as flexible connectors, an air vent and a board for securing the channel during transportation and installation. If necessary, any of the elements can be ordered separately.

Consumer Opinion

They all claim that trench convectors are much more efficient than classic radiators and also have a higher thermal output. Their installation allows you to quickly heat the room, and when used in conjunction with a temperature control system, the devices provide full climate control.

A practical owner is always concerned about the quality of heating: the climate of our country determines the use of high-quality heating systems. What devices should you pay attention to? What indicators will be decisive in choosing a device? Let's figure it out.

The market can offer a variety heating equipment; it is difficult for a person who is not knowledgeable about these issues to choose the necessary unit to create cozy atmosphere in the apartment. Experts advise paying attention to in-floor water heating convectors - this equipment will create comfortable conditions in any room in the shortest possible time.

The water convector will decorate exquisite interior, a radiator can become a stylish addition to the existing design or an inconspicuous but necessary attribute in the room. Based on the name, we can assume that floor-mounted water heating convectors are devices for heating a room, placed on the floor. Builders must take into account the choice of the owner of the future home; in apartments it is also worth preparing niches for built-in batteries in advance.

Interestingly, water heating convectors built into the floor operate in accordance with simple physical laws. Cold air, lowered to the floor, penetrates the heating element thanks to the grille. Thus, the cold layers heat up and rise to the ceiling.

Often, floor-mounted water heating radiators are used in large rooms. IN spacious room installing a radiator under a window will not provide the desired degree of comfort: radiators placed in this way will not warm up a large space. A water floor convector can be installed anywhere, organizing the space of the room in an acceptable way.

Floor structures are in demand in supermarkets, they are installed in schools and warehouses. Floor convectors have a power regulator, so they can be equipped in institutions that require strict temperature regime(floor radiators can be seen in children's rooms, greenhouses and libraries).

Types of in-floor radiators

The modern market offers embedded devices different manufacturers and different price ranges. Each device is endowed with individual characteristics, but there are general criteria by which any floor water convector can be classified into a certain group. Floor batteries can be divided into circulation features air masses:

Experts know that an in-floor water convector has a simple structure. Main element– an aluminum heat exchanger placed along with copper pipes in a metal casing. The hot coolant exchanges heat with the plates, and the air circulating between them heats up.

Heating elements may have different shape. On the market you can find angular devices or radial-shaped heating elements. All working elements are hidden under a nice grille that performs a decorative function on the floor.

Advantages and disadvantages

A modern in-floor water convector, the price of which is not high, has the following advantages:

There are disadvantages:

1. You should take care of regular wet cleaning;
2. not everyone likes the feeling of a small draft along the floor;
3. It is not always effective to install floor radiators in a room with high ceilings;
4. natural ventilation is necessary.

How to choose a heating device?

When choosing convectors, you should look at the certificates.

Water convectors must comply with GOST.

The housing must be in perfect condition: scratches on the floor-standing device are not allowed. The price for floor-mounted water heating convectors is usually affordable, and the assortment in stores is rich. You can always clarify some nuances with the sellers.

Convectors Varman

Popular in-floor water heating convectors Varmann are in demand in institutions; they are installed for home use. A variety of design solutions allow the battery to fit seamlessly into any flooring. The device guarantees uniform heating of the premises.

The manufacturing company can offer floor-standing devices of different series:

• “Varmann Qtherm” - these models have a built-in electric fan, they are equipped with a forced conversion system;
• “Varmann Ntherm” - Varmann convectors have natural ventilation.

Advantages of Varman convectors:

1. model diversity;
2. optimal performance characteristics;
3. adaptability to Russian heat supply systems;
4. modern design.

Convectors Izoderm

For centralized and independent heating systems the best solution Isotherm convectors will become high-quality radiators. The reliability of this company allows you to fearlessly install convectors in apartment buildings. Izoderm is also used in systems high pressure. It is possible to use shut-off and control valves. If you are interested in quality heating country house, you want to enjoy comfortable temperature in an apartment, it is better to think about installing Izoderm convectors.

Convectors do not have sharp corners and do not have convex elements. The company takes care of high-quality painting of products. Convectors have a wide variety of models, due to the richness of height and length indicators. You don't have to worry about injury safety. Design solutions will satisfy the most demanding aesthetes.

Convectors Minib

An advanced solution in the field of heating - Minib convectors - are used in residential buildings and successfully heat offices. They are trusted by pool managers and greenhouse owners to create a comfortable atmosphere. Minib convectors can often be seen in country cottages. The quality of radiators is indicated by mandatory testing of devices in the Czech Republic. The variety of models allows you to choose a convector taking into account the characteristics of the room. Reliable performance characteristics, good power performance, high aesthetic properties are the main characteristics of Minib convectors.

You don’t have to worry about corrosion even in rooms where there is high humidity. Convectors also impress with their efficiency indicators. Water resources are consumed economically.

KSK 20 convector

Safety devices (KSK 20 convector) are used in industrial buildings, residential premises and institutions. There are device variations:

Radiators have a heating element and include a casing. Shallow depth devices are equipped with 1 heating element, 2 elements contain medium depth devices. The heat flow is controlled by an air valve.

How to secure the device? Attach the radiator to subfloor, the surface is aligned horizontally. Mounting brackets help adjust the height. Then the supply pipeline is connected. The last stage is pouring the screed.

The heating device market pleases buyers with a variety of companies offering floor convectors. They have different designs, various indicators power and excellent manufacturing countries. A competent consultant will help you understand the world of radiators; with its help you will choose a radiator that will fit into the design of your room and will provide a comfortable temperature.

Fortunately, convectors can be installed in comfortable spot(which cannot be said about a warm field). You can plan to install a radiator where a particularly sensitive floor covering will not suffer from aggressive influences and temperature changes.

In the store, it is worth choosing a model with a reserve of power capabilities.

In order for the convector to serve for a long time, it is worth taking care of regular maintenance. The grille can be washed, dust can be removed with a vacuum cleaner. Like any equipment, if handled correctly, a convector will provide long-lasting and productive operation.

When you are just deciding what kind of heating system to install in your apartment or house, you can easily fall for advertising from marketers and store managers who will describe in colorful terms all the advantages of this type of heating as in-floor convectors.

This article will discuss in detail all their shortcomings, which are usually modestly kept silent in all stores and on manufacturers’ websites.

Connection to central heating

Firstly, trench convectors are not compatible with central heating. And it doesn’t matter what connection diagram you have:

• single-pipe

• or two-pipe

You will not achieve normal operation with any of them. This is due to the fact that inlet and outlet pipes are laid along intricate and complex routes.

And in all these joints, turns and elbows, increased hydraulic resistance occurs.

Hot water does not want to follow a complex path with many joints and narrowings. It is much easier for her to bypass the convector and directly slip into another room or through the wall to your neighbors. That is, where normal radiators are installed and normal resistance is created.

As a result, your convectors remain cold. Of course, you can use a trick when single pipe system turn off the bypass.

This will ensure a forced supply of hot water. However, everything you achieve will be similar to the effect of installing a water floor.

It will be hot in your apartment, and all your closest neighbors will be sweltering.

Accordingly, expect complaints to all authorities. Next, commission checks. Instructions that at your own expense, within 3 days, you need to restore the normal circuit and operation of the system central heating.

And if you make a preliminary calculation and select the right material (section and diameter of plastic pipes, slide-on fittings), will the convector work in this case? Yes, it will.

However, not all models will heat normally, but only the most powerful of them, and even those that have a separate fan in their design.

But even in this case, the installation and installation of in-floor convectors, from the point of view of legislation, still falls under the same rules as the installation of water heated floors.

That is, connecting them from the central heating system is strictly prohibited.

Therefore, prepare in advance for inspections, bribes, fines, orders and similar headaches.

In addition, if you connect from the risers and go with pipes under the screed, the risers will still remain.

And you will have to get out in two ways:

• erect a false wall

Therefore, the main thing you must remember is if you have a standard heating system, then you should immediately forget about trench convectors.

Installation depth in floor and fan

Now let's consider a situation where in your apartment the collector wiring and heating are done on the floor.

Firstly, do not take the word of sales managers. Absolutely all in-floor convectors heat very poorly. And the shallower the depth of their installation, the worse they do it.

In fact, in middle lane In Russia, only the most powerful models with an installation depth of 120 mm work normally. And only if they have an additional fan.

That is, specimens with a depth of 80 and 100 mm practically do not work in latitudes with cold temperatures.

From such work you will get foggy windows, and the temperature in the room will not exceed 17 degrees.

Sometimes mold even appears on the walls and ceiling.

But still, there are those that more or less work (with a fan and a depth of 12 cm). Let's look at them.

Let's start with the fact that the presence of a fan is:

• additional troubles with electrics on the floor

• additional problems with turning it on and off

• extra electricity costs

• and most importantly, the constant noise from its operation

If you want a silent and quiet fan, then don’t be surprised at the price. For such models it starts from 50 thousand. rubles and reaches 200 thousand.

If we take for comparison the same ordinary radiator battery, then with the same heat transfer parameters, all your costs will be limited to 5 thousand.

At the same time, the fan itself is a very short-lived thing. No convector manufacturer provides a warranty of more than 1 year.

It is also very difficult to find manufacturers who sell fans separately. This means that if it breaks, you will most likely have to buy the whole convector again.

Screed thickness and floor level

If your screed thickness throughout the apartment is approximately 5 cm, then to install an in-floor convector, you will have to add as much as 7 cm on top.

And this is approximately 3 bags of mixture per 1 m2. Or 320 bags for an apartment of 100 m2.

As a result, you will receive neither more nor less - 13 tons of screed. A regular Gazelle contains approximately 1.5 tons.

And bringing almost 10 Gazelle screeds into your apartment just to install an in-floor convector is not a very smart decision.

In addition, do not forget that the floor level at the entrance to the apartment and the floor level at the entrance should be approximately the same level. That is, upon entering your home, you should not fall into a hole and should not climb a step.

This means that in approximately 70% of apartments, you simply cannot pour the required amount of screed to install the 120th box.

Convector leakage

If your regular radiator is leaking, you will notice it immediately because you will see a puddle underneath it.

And if the underfloor convector leaks, you will discover it only after the entire laminate gets wet and the water rises above its level.

In this case, all neighbors below are guaranteed to be flooded.

When a regular radiator has leaking connections, what do you do? Take a regular adjustable wrench and calmly tighten them.

And when the convector leaks, all connections will be covered with very hot and very opaque water. And soaking this water with a rag is very inconvenient.

Radiators have very sharp edges and when you get water out of there, you are guaranteed to get cuts on your fingers.

Also, do not forget that only convectors with a fan heat properly. A fan is an electrical device that is powered by a voltage of 220V.

And in the case of a leaking convector, the effect will be quite obvious, as if the electrical wiring had been stuck in water.

Also, dirt and dust constantly accumulate in the niche of in-floor convectors, and cleaning there, as we found out, is not very convenient.

Convectors and laminate

Also, the installation of these heating devices is a gross violation of laminate laying technology.

Laminate, to the surprise of some, is not always of high quality. And even among premium brands there are defective batches.

For example, it peels off decorative coating and bends upward.

If he is married, you have the right to call an expert. And not from the supplier, but directly from the manufacturer.

He will check everything, and if the batch is truly defective, they must replace it with a new one free of charge.

And if you installed an in-floor convector, then you can immediately forget about warranty claims.

The expert will come, look at this matter, turn around, and, happy that they don’t have to change anything, go back.

Laminate is a “free-floating” flooring, and by installing such a heater in the floor, you do not give it the opportunity to expand in all directions.

Also, do not forget that laminate not only expands, but sometimes also contracts. Very often it shrinks so much that it no longer even covers the baseboard, which previously covered it by 1.5 cm.

And the decorative sides of the convector are only 5mm wide.

Therefore, in every second apartment, there are either wide gaps around the installation box, or the box is compressed and tightly clamps the decorative grille.

Injury hazard

And most importantly, absolutely all trench convectors are extremely dangerous.

Firstly, socks and tights constantly tear on the frame of these heaters. And if you walk barefoot, your feet will get injured.

Secondly, if you step on the convector grille, it very often breaks and your foot falls inside. All this can result in serious foot injuries.

Thirdly, pets, especially small dogs, constantly break their legs in these bars.

And lastly, and most unpleasantly, small children can be seriously injured in the narrow gaps of the radiator grille. They break fingers, tear off skin, and get stuck in various parts of the arms and legs.

Therefore, underfloor convectors are a very bad solution for heating your apartment. And if you can do without them, that’s exactly what you should do.

Modern construction and Decoration Materials allow you to create interiors that 30 years ago a Soviet person could not even dream of. But the peculiarities of the Russian climate force one to reckon with the need to equip premises with heating devices. Therefore, often an almost ideal interior has to be “decorated” with radiators and, accordingly, heating system pipes.

Often they do not fit into design plans. But you can’t leave the house without heating... You can use heated floors, but they are often not able to provide the necessary comfort in living spaces.

A way out of this situation can be heating convectors built into the floor.

Trench convectors - their types and design

The floor-mounted convector is a new type of heating device that fits perfectly into any interior, since it takes up no space at all and is invisible.

Its peculiarity is that the device is placed in a niche located in the floor, which is covered on top with a decorative protective grille mounted flush with the floor surface.

If we talk about the heat source used, these devices are divided into two types: electric and water. Electrical appliance equipped with a heating element and can be used wherever there is access to the power supply. From the point of view of financial costs, it is quite expensive, but any home craftsman can connect such a convector. This does not require laying any communications, which reduces installation costs.

Water heaters are more economical when it comes to operation, but at the same time they are more problematic at the stage of connecting communications, installation and connection to the heating network. The process of their installation requires special calculations, taking into account the cross-section and curvature of the supply pipelines, as well as specific installation skills. Therefore, the installation of such devices should be carried out by specialists.

The convector is not difficult to set up.

It consists of the following structural elements:

• a housing made of stainless or ordinary steel, in which there are mounting holes for pipe connections;
• radiator-heat exchanger (which is connected to the pipes of the heating system), equipped with plates between which air passes;
• legs or mounting brackets necessary for mounting the device and adjusting its installation height;
• outer decorative frame;
• protective decorative grille installed on top.

In addition to the listed parts, the convector can be equipped with a thermostat, shut-off and control valves and a fan. The latter is used to force the creation air flow, which can significantly increase the efficiency of the device.

The convector body is often made of of stainless steel, which significantly affects the cost of the device. In fact, experts advise using stainless steel only for rooms with high humidity.

If the room is dry, then you should not overpay, since conscientious manufacturers use high-quality steel to make cases, which is painted with a special paint that increases corrosion resistance.

The heat exchanger can be made of the following materials:

• black steel - a short-lived option (due to corrosion) with low performance;
• copper – is not subject to corrosion, has high thermal conductivity;
• combined - a copper pipe has aluminum fins (costs significantly lower than copper, although it is almost as efficient as it).

The protective grille is the only visually visible element of the heater. It heats up little during operation of the device, so you can touch it without problems, which allows you to use a coolant of a sufficiently high temperature.

For the manufacture of gratings the following are most often used:

• steel;
• aluminum;
• tree;
• marble.

Grids are divided into two types:

• linear - having a stationary shape, which must be completely removed to access the device;
• rolled - which can be rolled up completely or partially.

If you have to walk on the grill during operation, then you should choose an option where plastic parts are not used to connect the grill bars.

Any action heating device based on two methods of releasing thermal energy: infrared radiation or convection. In the case of floor-mounted appliances, there is virtually no radiant heating, and the bulk of the heat generated is due to convection.

The operating principle of the built-in convector is simple:

• cold air, displaced by warm currents rising from the device, falls down and, through the convector grille, literally “flows” into the heater box, located at the lowest point of the room;
• in contact with a hot heat exchanger, it heats up and goes upward, displacing cool air from there.

Convectors with natural circulation (KVE) work only due to the different densities of cold and heated air. The circulation process here is quite slow, but the device does not require connection to the mains and does not make any noise during operation.

Forced circulation devices (FCD), equipped with a fan, heat the room much more efficiently.

The fans of such devices usually operate from a 12-volt network, which is safe for people.

There are also double-circuit convectors on sale. These are devices designed not only to heat air, but also to cool it. In winter, the heat exchanger circulates hot water, and in the summer - a refrigerant that creates coolness in the room. These are expensive devices.

If the interior of your home requires the installation of such devices, then their choice must be taken very responsibly.

There are a few things to consider:

• the power of the devices should be selected based on the calculation of heat loss from the premises of the house;
• you need to clearly understand the geometric dimensions of the convector - length, height and width (not every house has the opportunity to make a niche in the floor of the required depth);
• the purchased device must comply with GOST and be certified;
• An important criterion is the testing pressure of the device - it must correspond to the parameters of the heating network (with a small margin).

Most often, built-in devices are installed in those rooms where there is panoramic glazing or where it is necessary to create thermal curtain. They are used in children's institutions, as they completely eliminate the risk of burns in children. On sale you can even find radial-shaped convectors for installation along curved walls. Their cost, of course, is significantly higher than that of conventional devices.

The condition for long service life of a convector is its quality, so you should not buy cheap convectors of unknown origin.

It is better to give preference to companies well-known on the Russian market:

• VARMANN – Russian manufacturer, which produces several lines of devices with both water and electric heat exchangers;
• EVA is a Russian-Swedish company that produces convectors wide range capacity (warranty – 10 years);
• JAGA is a Belgian manufacturer that produces the most efficient convectors various sizes(guarantee – up to 30 years);
• KLIMA is an old and reliable company from Slovenia, producing more than 130 models of devices for rooms with different microclimates;
• BRIZ – Russian convectors with a wide model line;
• Mohlenhoff – German manufacturer, known for its excellent quality instruments suitable for dry areas.

Pros and cons of floor-mounted convectors

Like any device, trench convectors have both advantages and disadvantages.

Therefore, before deciding to use them, it is worth carefully weighing the benefits of their use with the complexity of installation, the rather high cost and problems when repairs are necessary.

So, the main advantages include:

• Placing the device in the floor improves the interior of the home and frees up additional space.
• The large heating surface area of ​​the fins allows you to heat the room more efficiently than with other devices.
• Due to the fact that the heat loss of a convector built into the floor is less than that of a conventional one, its operation does not require a large volume of coolant - usually it is 25% of the volume of a standard radiator of equal power.
• Built-in devices – perfect solution to create a thermal curtain around a panoramic window or door.
• For efficient work Such a device is enough for the coolant to have a temperature of at least 50 degrees.
• The equipment is lightweight and does not create additional load on the floor.

• The air flows generated during the operation of the convector carry a large amount of dust, so you will have to carry out wet cleaning in the room more often.
• If the rules for installing radiators are violated, noticeable drafts may form in the floor area.
• In rooms with high ceilings, it is better to use convectors with natural circulation, otherwise the heat, due to the operation of the fan, will be retained in the ceiling area.
• There is a danger that in multi-storey building It will not be possible to install such a device. This is due low ceilings in apartments and the impossibility of providing a sufficiently deep niche in the floor.

The best option for proper installation of in-floor convectors is heating design at the stage of developing a house project or apartment renovation. This makes it possible to determine in a timely manner whether such a heating option is possible at all. And if it is possible, then select devices with the necessary geometric and thermal characteristics.