How to correctly install the thermostat on the radiator

The effectiveness and comfort of the heating system in your house can be significantly increased by correctly installing a thermostat on your radiator. By adjusting the radiator’s on and off times, a thermostat aids in controlling the temperature in a space. This guarantees that you save energy while maintaining a steady and comfortable temperature.

Although installing a thermostat on a radiator is a simple procedure, it must be done correctly to ensure maximum efficiency. The correct procedures must be followed whether installing a new radiator or retrofitting an older one in order to guarantee energy savings and efficient operation of your heating system.

Selecting the ideal spot for the thermostat on the radiator is one of the most important steps in installing one. Thermostats are usually mounted on the radiator’s side, away from the hot water’s incoming flow. Because of its positioning, the thermostat can measure the room’s temperature precisely without being impacted by the radiator’s heat.

Make sure the area where the thermostat will be installed is completely clean before installing it. This guarantees a reliable and safe connection. Install the thermostat on the radiator using a mounting bracket or an appropriate adhesive. For a solid bond, make sure the surface is dry and clear of oil or dust.

Setting the thermostat to the appropriate temperature range is crucial after it has been firmly fixed. The majority of thermostats feature programmable settings that let you decide when the radiator turns on and off in response to the temperature in the space. You can maximize energy use and create a comfortable environment by determining the ideal setting.

You can install a thermostat on your radiator and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of your home heating system by following these instructions. Over time, putting in the necessary time to do this correctly can result in more comfort, less energy use, and cheaper heating expenses.

Step	Description
1	Identify the right location on the radiator for the thermostat. Choose a spot that is not obstructed by furniture and is easily accessible.
2	Turn off the heating system to ensure safety during installation.
3	Drain any excess water from the radiator to prevent leaks.
4	Attach the thermostat to the chosen spot on the radiator using the provided brackets or adhesive.
5	Connect the thermostat to the radiator"s inlet valve. Use appropriate fittings if necessary.
6	Turn on the heating system and test the thermostat to ensure it functions correctly.

How to choose a thermostat for heating radiators

Up to 40% of energy resources in post-Soviet nations are used for building heating and ventilation, which is significantly more than in developed European nations. The need to conserve energy is more important than ever, particularly in light of the ongoing rise in energy carrier costs. A thermoregulator for batteries is one of the gadgets that helps save heat energy in the house; when installed, it can cut heat usage by up to 20%. However, in order to do this, the heating system regulators must be properly chosen, and their installation must be carried out; this will be covered in this article.

In the article "How to Properly Install a Thermostat on Your Radiator" for our "Heating and Insulation of the House" site, we focus on the crucial steps to correctly set up a thermostat on your radiator for optimal heating efficiency and comfort. Start by choosing the right location on the radiator—preferably on the side or underneath, away from direct heat. Ensure the area is clean and dry before installation. Next, attach the thermostat securely using the provided brackets or adhesive. Double-check that it"s level to accurately measure room temperature. After installation, allow some time for the thermostat to adapt to your room"s temperature patterns. Finally, test the thermostat to confirm it"s functioning correctly. By following these simple steps, you can enhance your home"s heating control and energy efficiency.

Operating principle of the thermostatic valve

The company DANFOSS is the market leader in the production and sale of thermostats for radiators, having invented the first ones in 1943 with the purpose of keeping the room temperature constant. Because of this, the information in our piece will come from DANFOSS, whose many years of experience speaks for itself.

Radiator thermostats have developed into what we now know them to be over the years since their invention. From a structural standpoint, they are comprised of two primary components: a thermal head and a valve, joined by a fastening device. The thermal head’s function is to sense the surrounding air temperature and use that information to regulate the executive mechanism, or valve, that shuts off the coolant flow into the heater.

Because the device modifies the coolant flow rate entering the radiator, this regulation technique is known as quantitative. Another approach is qualitative, which is used to alter the system’s water’s temperature. Installed in the boiler room or heat supply unit, a temperature regulator (mixing unit) does this.

It is advised to study the device’s schematic, which is shown in the section: to comprehend the fundamentals of the thermal head’s operation.

There is a bellows with a heat-sensitive medium inside the element body. It comes in two varieties:

Although gas bellows are more common, liquid bellows are more easily produced. However, gas bellows are faster. As a result, as the temperature of the surrounding air rises, the material within the enclosed space expands, stretching and pressing on the valve stem. This then descends a unique cone, decreasing the valve’s cross-section. Consequently, there is a decrease in the coolant flow rate. The thermostat operates on the principle that everything happens in reverse order when the ambient air cools, increasing the amount of water flowing to a maximum.

Selection recommendations

The types of valve-thermal head combinations that can be used to control the coolant flow vary depending on the type of heating system and the installation conditions of the device. Installing valves with a higher flow capacity and less hydraulic resistance in single-pipe heating systems is advised (DANFOSS product marking – RA-G, RA-KE, RA-KEW).

For two-pipe gravity-flow systems, in which the coolant circulates naturally without the need for forced induction, the same advice is applicable. A valve with the option to change the flow capacity should be chosen if the heating scheme is two-pipe with a circulation pump (DANFOSS marking – RA-N, RA-K, RA-KW). There are no special tools required for this adjustment because it is very easy to make.

Once the valve selection problem has been resolved, the type of thermal head needs to be chosen. The following versions are available for them:

1. With internal thermocouple (as in the diagram above).
2. With remote temperature sensor.
3. With external regulator.
4. Electronic (programmable).
5. Vandal-proof.

Installation of the standard radiator thermoregulator with an internal sensor is permitted provided that its axis is positioned horizontally to allow the room’s air to freely wash the device’s body, as depicted in the figure:

Take note! The device will not function properly if the thermostat is installed on the battery in a vertical position because the heat flow from the supply pipe and the valve body will affect the bellows.

If the thermal head cannot be mounted horizontally, it is preferable to buy a remote temperature sensor that comes with a 2 m capillary tube. By fastening it to the wall, you can find this device at this distance from the radiator:

There are other objective reasons to buy a remote sensor besides vertical installation:

• heating radiators with temperature regulator are located behind dense curtains;
• there are hot water pipes or another heat source in the immediate vicinity of the thermal head;
• the radiator stands under a wide window sill;
• The internal thermocouple falls into the draught zone.

Radiators in rooms with high interior requirements are frequently covered by ornamental screens of different materials. In such situations, the heating medium can be totally turned off thanks to a thermoregulator hidden beneath the hood, which senses the temperature of the hot air building up in the upper zone. Furthermore, there is no way to access the head control at all. In this case, selecting a remote regulator in conjunction with a sensor makes sense. Different arrangements of it are depicted in the figure:

There are two varieties of electronic thermostats with displays: those with a detachable control unit and those with one built in. The latter is different in that it keeps working normally even after the electronic unit is disconnected from the thermal head. These devices have the function of controlling the room’s temperature based on the time of day and the program. This results in additional energy savings by enabling the reduction of heating power during working hours, when no one is home, and in other similar situations.

Installing an anti-vandal thermostat with a cover to shield the device’s settings from inexperienced hands is preferable when there are young children in the home who want to try everything on their own. This also holds true for thermostats located in kindergartens, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings.

How to install a thermostat on the radiator

The first piece of advice is to avoid installing thermal heads on every heater that is visible. In this case, the regulation applies to radiators whose combined capacity accounts for 50% or more of all the radiators in a given room. For instance, the thermostat for the first battery, whose capacity is higher, should be used when there are two heaters in a room.

Advice: Using thermostatic valves to maintain the microclimate will be ineffective if cast iron radiators are being used as heating sources. Due to their extremely inertial operation, cast-iron batteries continue to radiate heat for a considerable amount of time after the coolant flow is stopped, and vice versa. Installing valves is pointless and will only be an expensive and time-consuming waste.

When connecting the radiator to the heating system, it is advised to install the device’s first component, the valve, on the supply pipe. The supply line will need to be disassembled in the event that cutting into the assembled system becomes necessary. A pipe cutting and threading tool will be needed if the connection is made with steel pipes.

The thermostatic head can be mounted without the need for any tools once the radiator’s thermostat has been installed. Aligning the marks on the bodies and smoothly pressing the head into the socket is sufficient. The signal will be the locking mechanism clicking.

Installing the anti-vandal thermostat is a little trickier; a 2 mm hexagonal wrench is required. After lining up the necessary markings as indicated by the diagram, you must press the thermal head and hexagonally screw the fixing bolt that is situated on the boiler’s side.

As indicated in the diagram, the remote sensor and the regulator are positioned 1 1.2–1.6 m from the floor on a wall section devoid of interior details and furniture.

The housing is simply clicked onto the mounting plate after it has been affixed to the wall with dowels. Plastic clamps, which are typically included with the product, are used to secure the capillary tube to the wall.

Apart from the standard temperature adjustment in the heads, the thermoregulator can also be adjusted to the maximum and minimum limits, beyond which it becomes impossible to turn the wheel. This is the purpose of the limiting pins located at the back of the product. After debugging the system, one of them must be removed and inserted into the opening beneath the corresponding mark:

What kind of heat regulator can be put on a radiator

Because it enables you to lower the coolant supply, the radiator thermostat installed on it is a great tool for establishing a comfortable microclimate and for adding to your heating efficiency. Using a thermoregulator on a heating radiator is best reserved for extremely hot radiators. The thermoregulator itself will be useless if their maximum heating produces an ideal temperature.

It is recommended to install heat regulators on these batteries.

Regarding products made of cast iron. The regulator is completely useless in this situation. This is due to the high thermal inertia of a cast iron radiator or radiator.

Any thermostatic valve’s design is made up of two fundamental components:

1. of a thermostatic valve.
2. Thermocouple.

A thermostatic valve is similar to a conventional valve or valve in many aspects. In other words, it’s a shut-off valve with a seat and a cone inside that allows thermal fluid to flow through it. The working cross-section’sdegreeof overlap is influenced by the cone. This component has the ability to rise and fall, which alters the amount of coolant that enters.

The cone of a traditional valve is adjusted by hand. This is accomplished in a thermostatic valve by a unique mechanism. The thermal head is this. Another name for it is a thermostatic element.

• of the base;
• The main element is the cylinder. In some models, the lid can change its position. In this way, the operating temperature is adjusted;
• cylinder;
• of the heating agent;
• of the spindle. It is often supplemented by a strong spring.

The cylinder is the primary component. Another name for it is a bellows. The cylinder is a tiny, elastic, hermetically sealed container. It has a thermal agent inside of it. The most common representations of it are liquid and gas. Here, the gas and liquid are chosen to quickly alter their volume in response to even the smallest temperature changes. Solid thermal agents are used by certain manufacturers. Nevertheless, few businesses use them because they become reactive to temperature changes after 30 minutes or longer.

The top of the enclosure lid is covered by the heat agent cylinder. The thermovalve’s stem is attached to the spindle, which is located beneath the bellows.

Working principle

The thermoregulator functions as follows:

1. The room temperature changes. For example, it grows. This causes the volume of the cylinder to increase. As a result, the bellows stretches.
2. The enlarged bellows pressurizes the spindle placed underneath.
3. The spindle pressurizes the stem and cone (spool). The latter goes down and partially or completely blocks the flow of the heated fluid.
4. The radiator starts to cool down, the temperature in the room drops, which leads to a decrease in the volume of the bellows.
5. The spring presses on the spindle or cone and both elements rise up, which increases the flow of coolant.
6. The radiator heats up, raising the room temperature. At the same time, the cylinder is enlarged. The cycle repeats itself.

The most advanced radiator thermoregulators can adjust the temperature to within one degree Celsius of precision. This number could, of course, be lower. Everything is dependent upon the thermal agent present in the center of the bellows. When it reacts rapidly to temperature changes in the room, accuracy is high.

A portion of the radiator is perpetually cold due to the operation of every thermostat on the radiators. This makes sense because there are restrictions on the coolant’s flow. Nevertheless, air or clogging may also be the cause of cold batteries. Remove the thermo-valve and wait to find these issues. There is no issue if, after some time, the radiator’s surface is fully heated.

Radiator thermostats may not always function properly. The following are the reasons for this:

1. Closing with a curtain.
2. Drafts.
3. Direct sunlight.
4. Additional sources of heat.

There are various kinds of thermostat regulators for radiators. Additionally There are two categories for them:

1. Type of thermal head.
2. Type of heat agent.

The following meet the first criterion:

1. Manual thermostat for radiators.
2. Mechanical.
3. Electronic.

The first type is an ordinary valve with a simple lid, which you need to twist left and right with your own hands. Its rotation leads to raising/lowering of the spool in the faucet. It is clear that such a regulator needs constant care, because when it gets too warm, you need to close the valve. And when it gets cold, again it is necessary to go to the thermo regulator and change the position of its cover. The only good thing is that, when such manipulations get bored, you can easily remove the lid and put an automatic thermostat in its place. There is no need to replace the valve, because it is universal.

A mechanically operated thermostat also needs to be adjusted by hand. That is done, though, just once. In addition, the temperature is automatically controlled. The above description pertains to the mechanical head’s structure. Turning the thermal head cover will set the desired temperature. Usually, the cap has numbers ranging from 1 to 5 or over/under markings.

There are models with remote sensors. It has a capillary tube connecting it to the base.

The most sophisticated electronic thermoregulators are those found in batteries because they offer a plethora of practical features. They are distinguished by having the biggest dimensions as well. This is because electrical energy is needed for both the servo drive and the electronic control unit. Batteries or detachable batteries are used as the source in numerous models. And the body is where they are, naturally.

The primary characteristic of electronic thermoregulators for radiators is their multi-mode operation and independent mode switching. That is, you can lower the temperature when no one is occupying the apartment, such as at night or on the weekends. The thermal head can then be adjusted so that it changes modes a few hours prior to the arrival of residents in the apartment or house, heating the room to the desired temperature.

Types of heat agent

In its role, liquid and gas are most frequently used. This makes the following kinds of thermal headers unique:

The regulators of the first type are simpler and more affordable. They come in a huge variety of models as a result of this. They do, however, manage the battery more slowly.

Because the gas regulator for the heating battery has a lower moment of inertia, it can respond to temperature changes in the room fairly quickly.

The two kinds of responses hardly differ from one another in real life. Consequently, it is preferable to consider performance quality when making a decision. Additionally, it is dependent on the maker.

The temperature can be adjusted on almost all types of thermoregulators, with a range of +6 to +28 °C. Naturally, there are choices made to set up different temperatures. But the price goes up as the temperature range does.

Features of the thermostatic valve

Its universality—the ability to accommodate any kind of thermal head—was previously mentioned. It does, however, come in two varieties. They are dependent upon the type of heating system that will be using the tap. for systems with one or two pipes.

It is important to consider thermo valve varieties when installing a valve in a one-pipe system for a two-pipe system. The radiator won’t get hot enough. This is because a two-pipe system’s shut-off valves have a high hydraulic resistance. It is actually twice as big as valves for systems with just one pipe. To accomplish this resistance, producers create a narrow cross section. Additionally, it balances the pressure within the system and lessens the pressure on the valves. Because of this, the valve allows for minimal coolant flow when the system is at low pressure, which is typical of a 1-pipe setup.

Valves with a flow capacity of three or more are appropriate for 1-pipe systems.

It’s very simple to install an electronic thermostat on a radiator. To accomplish this, take the following steps:

1. They close the riser and drain the water.
2. A piece of pipe is cut off at the radiator. Its length must match the length of the thermostatic valve. In fact, the pipe is cut in one place.
3. Dismantle the part of the pipe that remains in the radiator. These steps are not performed if the heating system is only being created or there is a faucet with the same dimensions as the required valve.
4. Unscrew from the thermo-ventilator of the socket with an American pipe.
5. The connector is fixed in the radiator and the base of the valve on the pipe.
6. Apply the tap up to the radiator connection and tighten the American pipe. The valve should be located so that the stem "looks" to the side.
7. Fix the electronic or mechanical thermal head.

The installation has the following features:

• The thermostat is usually placed on the inlet pipe. The arrow on it should coincide with the direction of movement of the coolant;
• the electronic device must always be in a horizontal position. It is forbidden to place the thermostat head above the pipe. This is because the heat from the pipe will heat the cylinder and cause unnecessary shut-off of the radiator. The consequence is a cold room;
• Most electronic and mechanical regulators are configured for installation at a height of 40-60 cm. If you place them at a height of 10-15 cm (lower connection of the battery), the room will be too warm. The problem with the bottom connection can be solved by readjusting the thermostat, using a remote sensor or buying a specially designed regulator;
• If the heating system is a one-pipe system, it is correct to connect the inlet and outlet pipes with an additional pipe. That is, it is necessary to create a bypass.

How to install the thermostat on the radiator

Controlling the coolant flow into the heating device is possible by installing a thermostat on the radiator. In addition to protecting against emergencies when it becomes necessary to disconnect sections of the pipe from the heating system, this guarantees comfortable temperature conditions for the occupants.

Selection of shut-off and control valves

One of the following three types of control valves is utilized for the aforementioned functions:

• cone valve;
• ball valve;
• automatic regulator.

Because ball valves only have two positions—open and closed—they struggle to regulate temperature. The ball element will be destroyed by the heat transfer medium, so if the tap is installed in an intermediate position, its tightness will be lost.

A more effective method of managing the temperature regime is with a cone valve. The semi-open position is one possibility. It must be put back in its initial position at the same moment. This is a labor-intensive and inconvenient method of controlling temperature.

Automated thermostats placed next to the radiators are the best choice for managing the temperature range. These gadgets are also known as thermoregulators.

Operating principle of the regulator

The thermostat consists of a bellows, or hermetically sealed chamber, that is filled with a working medium. The coolant expands as the temperature rises, straightening out the bellows. The room temperature drops as a result of the shut-off valve stopping the coolant flow into the radiator. The opposite happens when the temperature drops: the thermal head contracts, opening the valve and increasing the flow of coolant into the radiator.

Thermostat design

Thermostats can be made to function in systems with one or two pipes.

A unique valve and a thermal head are components of the thermostat. These mechanisms converse with one another and operate without using any energy.

The thermal head consists of a liquid component that can be converted to a gas or an elastic component, an actuator, and a regulator.

• thermal valve;
• thermal element;
• sensing element;
• spool valve;
• connector;
• transfer rod;
• coupling nut;
• compensating mechanism;
• locking ring;
• scale.

Advantages of thermostats

There are two varieties of thermostats available: gas and liquid thermostats. They must all hold certifications. These devices have an approximate 20-year service life.

• Thoughtful design that fits well into any interior;
• comfortable temperature control;
• easy to install;
• can be operated throughout the entire service life without preventive maintenance and servicing;
• After installing a thermostat on the radiator, there is no need to open the windows to lower the temperature in the room too high;
• thermostats work at the temperature selected by the user – from 5 to 27 degrees;
• devices allow even distribution of the heat carrier through the heating system;
• thermostats avoid excessive warming of the air if the room is heated by sunlight or electric appliances;
• The thermostat saves up to a quarter of fuel consumption;
• installation of the device allows to improve the microclimate in the house;
• The use of thermostats is optimal in private homes, where they usually pay off within one year.

Liquid or gas-filled thermostats

Thermostats that are liquid- or gas-filled react more quickly to changes in room temperature. When internal pressure in the corrugated cylinder changes, liquid thermostats react to the changes more precisely and efficiently, directing the pressure toward the actuator portion of the mechanism.

Designs for gas-filled thermoregulators have several noteworthy benefits.

• Gas condensation takes place in the coldest section of the device, which is farthest from the valve body. This results in a quick response, as the process does not depend on the water temperature.
• This type of thermostat reacts quickly to the temperature dynamics in the building, which ensures efficient heat supply.

Place to install the thermostat

The following conditions impact the regulator’s ability to function:

• the presence of direct sunlight;
• air circulation in the room;
• temperature conditions outside the building;
• Extraneous sources of cold or heat in the room.

Since heated air rises and the temperature difference between the upper and lower levels of a house is significant, thermostats are typically installed on the upper floors of private buildings. Near the heater’s point of entry, the regulators should be positioned horizontally across the pipes.

It is best to install low-capacity panel radiators in private homes and outfit them with thermostats that react rapidly to adjustments made to the thermostatic valve. On the other hand, radiators hidden by drapes, artifices, grilles, or other objects ought to be avoided. Failing to do so will make it more difficult to gauge the room’s temperature accurately. Installing a remote sensor that is 2–7 meters away from the valve will allow you to control the temperature close to the controlling device, disobeying this recommendation.

Note: The kitchen, living room, and rooms that receive direct sunlight are the areas in apartment buildings where temperature variations are most noticeable, and these are the areas where thermostat installation should begin.

Installing the thermostat

Make sure the supply riser is disconnected before installing the thermostat. Empty the heating system’s water supply.

This is how the installation work is done:

• Cut off the horizontal supply lines at a certain distance from the battery;
• Remove the cut pipe and tap from the radiator;
• Remove the shanks and nuts from the thermostat valve and stopcock;
• wrap them in the radiator plugs;
• Assemble the piping and put everything in its planned place;
• Connect the piping to the horizontally located supply pipes that are connected to the riser.

If the system is one-pipe, the battery connection scheme will need to be changed when the thermostat is connected. Installing a jumper to connect the device’s direct supply and return is necessary to accomplish this. When it becomes necessary to turn off the heating via the thermostat valve, this type of jumper, known as a bypass, permits the heat carrier to move. The device must be removed in order to complete the plan, and don’t forget to shut the valves.

Radiator thermostats, which are installed on the upper supply line, are used to control the coolant flow into radiators in two-pipe schemes.

An effective way to manage the temperature in your house is to install a thermostat on your radiator. A few easy steps will help you make sure your thermostat saves energy and operates at its best.

First and foremost, it’s critical to place your thermostat in the ideal spot. Place it ideally across from the incoming hot water pipe on the radiator’s side. The thermostat can measure the temperature of the radiator and the surrounding space with accuracy thanks to this placement. Because drafts, windows, and doors can alter temperature readings, keep it away from these areas.

Next, make sure the thermostat is mounted appropriately above the floor when you install it. Approximately five feet, or 1.5 meters, above the ground, is the recommended height. This placement minimizes interference from nearby objects and improves the room’s ability to sense temperature.

As you connect the thermostat to your radiator, make sure you carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions. Installing a thermostat usually involves either mounting it directly onto the radiator body or to a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV). Verify that there are no leaks in the system and that all connections are safe.

It’s crucial to accurately calibrate your thermostat following installation. This entails adjusting the thermostat to the desired temperature and monitoring its response. To guarantee that the radiator turns on and off at the appropriate temperature and provides comfortable heating without consuming extra energy, adjust the settings as necessary.

Lastly, for optimum performance, routine maintenance of your radiator system and thermostat is essential. Regularly check the batteries in the thermostat (if applicable) and dust and debris off the radiator’s surface. This upkeep will guarantee your heating system operates efficiently all year long and help it last longer.

One way to better control the heating system in your home and save energy costs is to install and maintain a thermostat on your radiator. By doing these things, your living area will become more eco-friendly and comfortable. Always seek professional advice during installation if you are unsure or concerned.

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