Maintaining comfort in your home during the winter months requires effective heating. A radiator, or heating battery, is one of the most important parts of a heating system. Your heating battery must be connected correctly for maximum efficiency and performance.
For the purpose of heating batteries, there are various connection types; each has advantages and things to consider. You can set up your heating system more intelligently if you are aware of these connections.
The single-pipe and two-pipe connection types are the most used for heating batteries. The supply and return pipes in a single-pipe system are linked to the same radiator. Installing this configuration may be easier and less expensive, but the house may heat unevenly as a result.
The two-pipe system, on the other hand, has distinct supply and return pipes for every radiator. This arrangement can lead to a more uniform heating distribution and more precise control over the temperature in every room. On the other hand, more piping and installation work are usually needed.
For effective heat distribution when connecting a heating battery, the right size is crucial. An overly large radiator can cause overheating and energy waste, while a radiator that is too small for the space may find it difficult to generate enough heat.
It’s important to think about things like insulation and thermostat placement in addition to selecting the appropriate type of connection and sizing your radiators. Properly insulating your home will help it retain heat and use less energy; strategically placing thermostats will guarantee precise temperature control.
You can design an effective, dependable, and customized heating system for your house by knowing the various battery connection types and taking into account elements like insulation, thermostat location, and size.
Options for heating systems
One- and two-pipe heating systems are the most popular and in-demand types. Give each one more thought, as well as the proper way to connect the heating batteries in each situation.
Buildings with multiple stories are the primary use for single-pipe heating systems nowadays.
Warm coolant is uniformly distributed throughout the heating components as it travels down the pipes from top to bottom. A system like this is very simple to install and only needs a small amount of supplies. However, there are also a number of drawbacks:
- there is no possibility of adjusting the degree of heating of individual radiators;
- On the lower floors, the temperature of the batteries can be significantly lower than on the upper ones, since the coolant reaches them already cooled;
- In case of breakdown on any floor, the entire riser is turned off;
- It is difficult to disconnect from the system for installing autonomous heating.
The most common application for a two-pipe heating system is in private homes and cottages. It suggests connecting two pipes to the radiator simultaneously: one pipe brings hot coolant to the battery first, and the other pipe creates the outflow of water that has already cooled. Simultaneously, it is crucial to remember that every radiator in the two-pipe system is only connected in parallel.
A heating system consisting of two pipes offers numerous noteworthy benefits. First of all, regardless of how far they are installed from the boiler, every radiator will always have the same temperature.
Additionally, this kind of system allows you to customize each room’s temperature to your liking by allowing you to change the amount of heat that each radiator emits.
The components of this kind of heating system are as follows:
- radiator with a valve in the upper part and a plug in the lower;
- radiator traffic jams;
- a valve with a thermostat;
- bypass;
- shank;
- stopcock;
- couplings and countrogikes;
- Heating pipes (metal, polypropylene).
It should be mentioned that installing a single-pipe heating system can be done with the same set of parts—the only exception being a valve that has a thermostat and bypas.
Types of connecting pipes and radiators
Heating battery connections may occur:
- lateral – such a connection of the battery to the heating system is the most common. With this type of connection, the pipe with a hot coolant is brought to the upper pipe, and the return pipe is connected to the lower. That is, both pipes are located on one side of the radiator. Such a compound of heating batteries is the most productive – with it the smallest heat loss is observed. However, you should not use such an attachment of heating radiators, the number of sections of which is more than 15.
- Diagonal connection of heating batteries – used for fairly long batteries. With this type, the pipe with a hot coolant is connected to the upper pipe of the radiator on one side, and the outflow of the cooled coolant – to the lower pipe on the other side. This connection of the heating radiator allows the coolant to spread throughout the radiator as uniformly as possible. It is important to take into account – if you choose a diagonal connection of heating radiators to each other, but at the same time, hot water is supplied through the lower pipe, and the outflow through the upper, the efficiency of the system will decrease by about 10 %.
- Lower compound of heating radiators. Used only when heating pipes are hidden under the floor. The efficiency of radiators connected in this way is about 10% lower than those that are connected by the lateral method.
We’ll go over the crucial procedures for connecting your heating radiator correctly in the article "How to Properly Connect a Heating Battery and Type of Connection" on our Heating and Insulation of the House website. Knowing the various connection types is essential whether you’re replacing an old radiator or installing a new one. We’ll go over the fundamentals of both one- and two-pipe systems, emphasizing the benefits and drawbacks of each. We’ll also include detailed instructions on how to connect your radiator correctly so that your entire house is heated effectively. By adhering to these recommendations, you may potentially reduce your energy expenses while simultaneously enhancing the efficiency of your heating system.
Types of radiators for strapping
You must choose the type of radiators you want to use before moving further with building the heating system and connecting the heating batteries. There are a plethora of battery types available today. They may differ in:
- material;
- the principle of how to connect a heating battery;
- The method of attachment to the wall.
These days, the most popular kinds of radiators are as follows:
- Steel panel batteries – are a relatively thin panel of flat steel plates. How to correctly connect a heating radiator of this type? This type of radiators are connected by a lateral or lower way.
- sectional radiators. Lighted sectional model made of aluminum (there are also bimetallic radiators of this type). How to properly connect the heating batteries in this case? You can connect such batteries with several sections or one by one. For such radiators, it is best to use polypropylene pipes, the type of connection is lateral.
Notably, bimetallic batteries have been installed more frequently in apartments with central heating recently, replacing cast iron ones. Numerous factors have contributed to this change. Cast-iron radiators are heavier and more substantial, to start. Additionally, sand and rust start to appear in these radiators as a result of the low-quality water used as the heating system’s coolant. These factors collectively contribute to a reduction in the heat transfer of radiators. Bimetallic radiators eliminate these kinds of issues.
Panel radiators are an option for a private residence. Depending on the client’s preference, they can be made of steel or aluminum.
The most important thing is to follow all installation regulations. It is crucial to keep in mind that radiators made of aluminum or steel can be connected to copper pipelines. Additionally, installing only aluminum batteries is permitted if the pipeline is made of regular pipes.
What is needed to connect radiators
The process of building a heating system is not easy. In the meantime, the novice will be able to handle it if they follow all the guidelines and follow a clear task sequence. How should a heating battery be connected correctly? Attention is the most important factor. Certain components are required for proper radiator installation and connection. Specifically:
- adapters with right and left threads (footbags);
- tools for high -quality screwing adapters;
- plugs, manual air vents, a key for air sustaining, adapters;
- locking reinforcement, ball valves, valves;
- Pipes.
Binding with polypropylene pipes – the principle of execution
Polypropylene pipes have grown in popularity recently. Naturally, any other pipes can connect heating radiators and strapping properly, but the majority of experts advise against choosing any other pipes.
Using polypropylene angular ball valves for strapping makes the most sense because they are reasonably priced and much easier to install.
The following is how polypropylene pipes are used for strapping:
- In a multiflex connecting with any output, a coupling with a rug nut is inserted;
- by pre -attached brackets, pipes are fixed on the wall. It is important that they do not touch the wall, but are 2-3 cm from its surface.
One benefit of using polypropylene pipes is that they can be installed directly into the wall, and the pipe’s edge—which is required to complete the binding—is visible right next to the radiator. Many people can use fasteners to repair batteries. Professionals most frequently use a pin connection that is fixed to the wall’s surface for this purpose. Use standard brackets to hang radiators if you so choose. Just to be clear, fasteners are typically sold with panel batteries. However, the mount for sectional radiators needs to be bought separately.
We nearly understand the proper way to connect the heating radiator. The cranes are connected in the manner described below:
- Initially, the crane must be disassembled;
- A fitting with a united nut is screwed into the radiator;
- Using a special key, tighten the nut.
You will need to use a special key sufficient to achieve a high-quality execution of this simple move; otherwise, you won’t be able to tighten the "American" normally.
Together with this key, you’ll also need the following when installing and strapping radiators and combining two heating batteries:
- seals;
- a set of keys;
- tow;
- threaded pasta;
- Threads for carving.
Method | Type of Connection |
Direct Connection | The heating pipe is directly connected to the inlet and outlet of the radiator. |
Connection with Thermostatic Valve | A thermostatic valve is installed on one side of the radiator, controlling the flow of hot water into it. |
Selecting the appropriate connection type for your heating radiator is essential to guarantee effective heating throughout your house. There are benefits and things to consider when choosing between a one-pipe and two-pipe system. Making an informed choice that meets your heating needs can be facilitated by being aware of the differences between these systems.
Simplicity is essential in one-pipe systems. These configurations are a popular option for many homeowners because they are less expensive and easier to install. One-pipe systems, however, occasionally lead to uneven heating across the radiator, particularly in larger rooms or those where more than one radiator is connected to the same pipe.
However, two-pipe systems provide more accurate control over the hot water flow into the radiator. Two-pipe systems yield more consistent heating throughout your house because they have separate pipes for the supply of hot water and the return of cooler water to the boiler. Although they might take a little longer to install at first, they may be worthwhile due to their increased comfort and performance.
For best results, it is imperative that the connection type you select be installed correctly. To optimize the radiator’s performance and lifespan, make sure it is the right size for the space, positioned for optimal heat distribution, and carefully connected to the heating system.
If you’re not sure which kind of connection or system is best for your house, don’t hesitate to speak with a licensed heating expert. They are able to determine your unique needs and suggest the best course of action to keep you warm and cozy during the winter.