Mounting and installation of a floor convector is one of the very first questions before deciding whether to purchase a floor convector as a whole. So there are many questions about the features of the installation, overall dimensions, the depth of the convector in the floor, whether it will be possible to install the convector at all. Therefore, in this article we will try to answer the most common questions that our clients ask us. We have divided our article into several points.
Convector niche
Convector connection
Fan placement
Indents from windows and walls
Thermal insulation
Decorative frame
Convector grill
Photo gallery installation
Installation video gallery
- 1
Installation of a floor convector is considered to be a fairly simple process that can be carried out both with the help of a professional or independently. Before starting the installation of the floor-mounted convector, you must carefully study the instructions for installation and use of the heater and carefully follow all the prescribed recommendations. Not only your safety, the appearance of the room, but also the service life of the convector depends on the correct installation. Depending on the room and the size of the window space, the optimal location of the convector is chosen: on the floor, on the wall, inside the floor, inside the wall, in the steps, in the window space (under the window sill). The first task is to choose the right place: comfortable, safe and allowing you to use the convector's capabilities to the maximum. It must be remembered that convectors cannot be installed under ventilation openings, behind curtains, blinds, doors, screens.
Convector connection
Hydraulic connection
There are two options connections to the heating system: it is flexible and tough. Each type has its own advantages.
Flexible connection - the connection makes it possible to perform a side connection, simplifies the cleaning of the convector itself. The bottom line is that the connection is based on flexible hoses. In convectors where it is possible to lift the heat exchanger, it is very convenient for cleaning the convector from dust and dirt.
Hard connection - considered more reliable due to the materials used when connecting. But in this case, it is harder to make the floor convector uyuorka, since there is no way to raise the heat exchanger.
Electrical connection
You have chosen a convector with a fan, then you need to take into account such a moment as connecting to the electrical network. Since the fans used in convectors are usually 12 V, and in the network 220, it is necessary to purchase a convector module (transformer). The module controls the room thermostat and vice versa. The room thermostat measures the room temperature using a built-in sensor and maintains it at the set value. In parallel with this, it can control servo drives and smoothly adjust the fan speed. Some manufacturers provide the ability to lay the transformer in a box with a convector, which simplifies the work during its installation.
Difference between expensive and cheap brands
Let us recall that the main parameters of a heater built into the floor are power, dimensions, noiselessness, durability, and efficiency.
In most cases, all of these characteristics are due to the materials that the manufacturer uses to make the model. As you know, the heat exchanger is made of copper with additional aluminum plates. The thickness of the copper pipe and the quantity and structure of the aluminum plates directly affect the quality of the convector.
Manufacturers with cheap products use the material extremely sparingly. That is, it will be a thin copper tube with a small number of aluminum fins. Moreover, the plates will be located rarely, at a great distance from each other. This affects the final power of the appliance.
We also take into account the structure of the steel box. The thicker it is, the stronger, better quality, more durable. Thick durable box is relevant for expensive brands.
And also a fan. On cheap models, quite noisy fans are installed, which consume a large amount of electricity and, over time, lead to serious heat losses. If you do not need such "pleasures", you should pay attention to higher quality, more expensive manufacturers.
Of course, it is difficult for the buyer to figure out all these characteristics on his own. Therefore, in such matters it is necessary to obtain professional advice from specialists.
Fan, closer or further from the window?
The position of the fan of the floor radiator in relation to the window opening depends on the intended use of the device... If the convector is installed only like a heat curtain, the fan should be located closer to the room, and direct the flow of warm air to the glazing.
If the main function of the floor convector is room heating, then the fan must be installed closer to the window opening so that it directs cold air from the glazing through the heat exchanger into the room.
We recommend that you always install the fan closer to the glazing... Due to the increased power of these devices in this position, they will cope with both functions: both heating and cutting off cold air.
Review of leading manufacturers
Comparison of the efficiency of the heat output of convectors from different manufacturers allows you to make the right choice of model and not overpay for unnecessary advantages. The Mohlenhoff QSK trademark (Germany) is well known in our country. In 2020, brand convectors began to be produced in Russia. In terms of heat transfer, the products are in second place. Price € 0.42 per watt.
EVA
Russian-made convectors Eva meet European standards and are designed for heating buildings of any purpose. The experience accumulated by the developers allows us to create extremely durable and reliable equipment. Today, the production of wall and floor models, as well as floor modifications, has been launched. The devices work on the principle of natural convection.
The products of the Vilma company, founded in 2002, occupy a leading position in the heating equipment market. Eva convectors are adapted to the peculiarities of Russian heating systems, suitable for use in apartment buildings and high-rise buildings. A wide range of models is capable of providing any residential facility. Customers are offered parapet, floor, wall structures, with forced or natural convection.
Fans made in Germany are safe and quiet, they can even be installed in the bedroom. The grilles are decorative, have an attractive design, and are made of anodized aluminum and precious woods (usually oak). All products are guaranteed for 10 years.
HEATMANN GmbH
The company is young, but rapidly developing. Founded in 2013 in Bückeburg (Germany). Hitman manufactures high-quality floor and wall appliances CUBE and CUBE ELITE, as well as LINE floor convectors, which are installed in residential and industrial buildings, car dealerships. All products are tested in the company's own laboratory. You can buy Heitmann products in Russian stores.
Thanks to their unique functions, Heatmann convectors provide economical heating of the room and a comfortable stay in it.The glazing area is divided by a screen of warm airflow, which additionally heats the air in the room.
JAGA
JAGA models are created in order to embody the brightest fantasies of the owners of the house. These heaters will become part of the interior. Convectors of the PLAY series will make any room bright, warm and cozy, the corners of the models are made rounded, which ensures the safety of people, all controls are reliably protected.
KLIMA
Imp Klima models of the TKH series are designed for heating and cooling. They are equipped with a tangential fan. Imp Klima TKH with forced convection can be used for secondary cooling and for maintaining the temperature at a given level.
They are used in rooms with large glazed surfaces of external fences. During the heating season Imp Klima TKH can be used for effective protection against condensation on the glass surface.
VARMANN
is the largest manufacturer of equipment for ventilation, heating and cooling of buildings. She uses copper-aluminum heat exchangers in the convectors. The company is economically stable, with positive indicators, which allows it to conduct research and develop high-tech equipment. Traditional designs of heating devices have been rethought and improved.
At the moment the company produces two series of floor convectors:
- Varmann Qtherm - equipped with a forced convection system, have a built-in electric fan;
- Varmann Ntherm - with natural air circulation function.
Prices for floor convectors VARMANN
floor convectors VARMANN
BREEZE
Heating devices "BRIZ" are built into the floor structure. With their help, it is recommended to heat rooms with high windows or glass walls. The devices remain invisible after installation, only the convector grilles are visible.
BREEZE products form a heat curtain from cold air. In summer they can be used for air conditioning.
The manufacturer offers convectors of five series: "H", "R", "Plinth", "B", "M". Depending on the model, the devices can have one or two heat exchangers. The system ones can work with natural or forced conversion.
Prices for convectors Breeze
convectors Breeze
KZTO "Radiator"
The Kimry plant produces steel tubular radiators, heating devices with copper pipes and aluminum fins as heat exchangers. Thoughtful design, reliability and high quality will satisfy the taste of any discerning consumer. The products are intended for customers with a rich imagination and owners of unusual spaces.
The company offers consumers models of the RS series, recommended for use in premises with increased sanitary and hygienic requirements: schools, kindergartens, health centers. The modified designs of the RSK series are distinguished by a more attractive design. The collector cross-section has a rounded shape and looks elegant.
LLC "Rada-M" (trademark Itermic)
Heating a house with a convector is the best option of all. Currently, Itermic devices have appeared in many stores in our country. The company produces several types of heating devices: with natural and forced convection, from galvanized and stainless steel. Dimensional characteristics allow them to be built into almost any floor.
Aitermik equipment is distinguished by a favorable price, excellent characteristics and impeccable design. The lattices perform two functions at once: a supporting element of the structure and a decorative one. There are longitudinal and transverse options, made of aluminum and wood. You can choose a model that matches the interior in terms of material and color.
LLC "NBBK"
OOO "NBBK" was founded in 2006.This enterprise specializes in the production of thermal equipment for heating residential and industrial facilities in Russia. The production of household convectors using a fundamentally new tubeless technology has been mastered. In the course of production, thin sheet steel plates are used, which are recruited according to a special configuration, forming channels for the coolant.
The design can contain from 50 to 150 plates. They are assembled into a single package by connecting one part to another. Convectors have high thermal and strength characteristics, they are extremely durable, lightweight and do not take up much space. They are able to work stably at elevated pressure, can be used in any heating systems: straight-through, one- and two-pipe. Working pressure parameters - 24 atm., Test pressure - 60 atm.
Convector grates
When choosing a grate for a convector, there is a question of wood or aluminum. In fact, it all depends on individual preference. I would like to emphasize that wooden grates are made only from natural wood. To protect the grill made of wood, it is recommended to use staining or varnishing. Aluminum grilles are considered more wear-resistant, as they additionally undergo anodizing process. All gratings can withstand a load of 40 kg per bar. The only point is that the wooden grill is more susceptible to external wear, that is, rubbing from walking on it will be more visible.
Installation of equipment
The installation of the floor heating convector must be carried out strictly according to the recommendations described in the attached operating instructions, especially when the option built into the floor is installed. We start the installation work with careful markup, the algorithm of all actions is well shown in this video
Pipe laying
When installing the system in a building under construction, all work is completed before finishing work and pouring the floors. The convector is connected to the water supply with metal braided hoses or non-ferrous metal pipes, while it is better to make a separate connection from the central heating.
Important! It is imperative to install a valve that regulates the flow of the coolant, and an automatic valve for bleeding air locks.
When replacing a central heating radiator with a floor convector, we make the connection according to the previously established and valid scheme.
Level check
It is very important to install the product strictly horizontally - for this there are adjusting bolts on it. This rule applies to all convectors - located on the floor or built into it. After installation and functional check, the final pouring and leveling of the floor begins: the edge of the product body should not protrude above the floor level. The last, after the final drying of the floor, is the decorative grille.
Decorative frame
Many manufacturers offer convector framing, this is necessary first of all in order to close the joints, often the tilers do not quite ideally bring the tile to the convector and there are gaps and cracks, and in such cases the frame is installed. It is of two types: U-shaped and F-shaped. The U-shape is less noticeable as it does not fit on the floor. The F-shaped one lies on top and is 1-2 mm wide, thereby completely hiding the joint between the convector and the floor, but in this case the grille is slightly higher than the floor, that is, a slight rise is formed. If without a frame, then the floor, convector and grate are on the same level.
Correct calculation when choosing
Money for heating will help save the correct calculation of the number of heating devices, depending on their performance.
For heating 1 sq. m. area needs about 100 watts of heat. Sometimes convectors are purchased as additional heating.In this case, when choosing its power, it is necessary to take into account the existing heat sources.
Before buying a convector, you need to carefully study the instructions and find information on what working pressure this device needs. The range ranges from 2 to 12 atmospheres. This is important because the pressure for individual or central heating systems is different.
An electric motor for a floor-standing device requires a voltage of 12 V. They are believed to be less afraid of moisture. At the same time, the DC motor saves 70%.
Types of convector products by material of manufacture
Various materials are used for the manufacture of heating convectors.
Cast iron
These devices warm up the room through the movement of hot air and at the same time - heat radiation. Strictly speaking, these are the same modernized Soviet cast-iron radiatorsas if detached from the central heating and placed on legs. Very often they are made in a special retro style, due to which they are installed in apartments and private houses.
Photo 2. Floor heating convector made of cast iron. The device is low enough, located under the windowsill.
Steel
Steel devices are more common than others. Fit for apartments, offices, trade pavilions. It is distinguished by its compact size, low weight, resistance to pressure surges and good heating quality. It is also an ideal solution for rooms with panoramic windows - the convector will not obstruct the view.
Bimetallic
Made of two metals. Usually the design includes steel or copper core with aluminum thread... Bimetal batteries warm up the room faster and better, they are not afraid of the aggressive effects of the environment.
Designer
In addition to standard models, they often order exclusive, with certain dimensions, in the desired color scheme, in a certain style (usually high-tech).
Photo 3. Designer floor heating convector. The device is covered with an original protective grill
They are popular with owners of offices, apartments, private houses, and administrative offices with designer finishes.
