Creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in an apartment largely depends on the created microclimate. But in a central heating system with radiator appliances, achieving the necessary conditions is problematic. In private houses with autonomous heating, this situation is solved by installing heated floors, but is this possible in an apartment?
Warm floors are effective due to uniform heating of the entire room. The system easily allows you to achieve the required microclimate even at the lowest temperatures outside the window. The issue of installing heated floors in apartments on the first floors, as well as where small children live, is especially relevant.
Warm floor from central heating prohibited in apartment buildings. This ban is based on the undesirability of changing the heating system or making adjustments to it.
The creation of additional circuits can create serious heating problems not only in a single apartment, but throughout the entire residential building.
The main problems that you may encounter when installing underfloor heating:
- increased hydraulic resistance;
- return of the coolant to the riser at a lower temperature.
Such problems entail malfunctions in the operation of the heating system, as well as its failure.
Illegal cases will result in a fine for underfloor heating from central heating.
It is prohibited to install heated floors in apartment buildings where each room has its own riser. Installation of an additional circuit inevitably leads to disruption of the thermal balance in the house. Neighbors will quickly feel the changes in heating.
Installation of heated floors
Despite the limitations of utility services, even in the most difficult cases it is possible to create an additional circuit without creating problems in the heating system. To do this, it is necessary to create conditions for controlled heat consumption and maintain a balance of coolant in the system.
To create an additional contour in the floor, the following points should be taken into account:
Read more: Infrared floor under linoleum
- Use metal-plastic pipes. They are able to withstand hydraulic shocks. Plastic pipes are ineffective in this case.
- For a heated floor, the optimal temperature is 30-40 C, but the coolant in the radiators is 70-90 C.
- It is necessary to have a manifold cabinet containing the necessary valves, connections and outlets.
- Installing heat meters in an apartment will solve problems with coolant flow in the system.
Overview of basic circuits
The simplest scheme is with a pump
The simplest scheme for a warm water floor from central heating involves a direct connection to the radiator and inclusion of a pump in the system. The last one is chosen by the weakest one.
The coolant flow rate should reach 5-10 liters per minute. This scheme is the most unreliable, since there is no possible regulation of the circuit. The operation of heated floors in this case can lead to a decrease in heat transfer from radiators, and also affect the radiators in neighboring apartments.
A circuit with the addition of a balancing tap allows you to regulate the level of floor heating.
Adding a balancing valve to a diagram
Creating a circuit is quite simple, following the principle of the previous one, but adding a faucet to some extent solves the issue of heat imbalance in the system.
Reducing heat consumption can be achieved by including a three-way mixing valve with a thermostat in the circuit. Warm floors from central heating in an apartment according to this scheme are also equipped with a pump and a balancing valve.
This system allows you to regulate the temperature of the coolant automatically. The required maximum temperature for the battery is set, and a cooler coolant is supplied to the floors.
Warm floors from central heating without a pump can be installed in those apartments where there is one common riser, and not several.
To do this, a mixing unit is installed in the circuit, and a flow regulator is installed at the inlet. Coolant consumption should be minimal, otherwise neighboring apartments receive a reduced amount of water in the radiators. This situation entails fines from utilities.
Read more: Laminate for heated floors - its advantages and features
The most optimal solution for an apartment is to connect underfloor heating through a heat exchanger. This option actually allows you to create your own closed circuit, to which only temperature is transmitted.
The floor is not affected by pressure and flow. The coolant from the central system does not enter the mixing unit. This scheme greatly simplifies control over the system.
In this case, the warm floor from central heating does not affect the temperature in the radiators, both in your apartment and in neighboring ones.
Important nuances
It should be remembered that an incorrectly installed circuit can lead to serious consequences.
In most cases, utility services prohibit the installation of water floors in apartment buildings to avoid failure of the heating system.
The best option is to create heated floors powered by electricity. If the choice is made in favor of water heating, then you should take care of a closed system, or use complex circuits with control devices.
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Today, underfloor heating systems are used both as primary and additional heating for homes. Recently, their popularity has increased significantly, since these devices can significantly reduce the cost of heating a room.
The traditional and most familiar to consumers is water heated floors. It can be installed in an apartment with the help of specialists or on your own. But we will tell you in this article what difficulties may arise when installing it and how to do such work correctly.
Is it allowed to install water floor systems in an apartment?
Before deciding to install such heating, you should find out whether warm water floors are allowed in the apartment. Since the device is connected to a common heating system, such work must obtain permission from the housing and utility company and the heating network, and, as practice shows, this is almost impossible to do.
This is explained by the fact that a water floor leads to a significant increase in energy costs and creates an additional load on the heating system, which was not taken into account during the design. To eliminate this phenomenon, it is necessary to install devices that provide forced circulation of water (pump and mixing unit), and this is very difficult to do on the basis of central heating.
The only exceptions are rooms in which there is autonomous heating. In this case, having installed a water heated floor in an apartment, the owners simply need to register the changes made in the BTI.
What threatens homeowners for illegally installing a water circuit in the floors?
However, despite all the prohibitions, many owners decide to independently connect a heated floor from central heating (in an apartment), after which they are faced with various troubles and sanctions. Namely:
1. If the need arises to sell an apartment, it will be impossible to do so legally.
2. If there is a break in the circuit and the apartment below is flooded with water, all costs for its repair will be borne in full by the owner of the heated floors.
3. If illegal redevelopment of the system is detected by representatives of the heating network or housing office, the apartment owner cannot avoid legal proceedings, sanctions and fines.
That is why, when deciding to connect a heated floor from central heating in an apartment, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons. To do this, let’s look at what other advantages and disadvantages this heating system has.
Advantages of heated floors
Homeowners who have installed hot water heating note the following positive aspects of such heating redevelopment:
The room becomes much more comfortable than when heated by stationary radiators;
All rooms in the apartment are heated evenly;
The humidity level in the room remains virtually unchanged, the air does not dry out;
Heating costs are reduced by up to 40%;
The system does not affect the appearance of the room (unlike bulky radiators and pipes).
If we compare the water circuit and film heating, the first option has an undeniable advantage due to the absence of electromagnetic radiation. Energy consumption when operating water heating is also less than when using electric analogues.
Negative aspects of the system
If we talk about the disadvantages that a water heated floor (in an apartment) has, then these include the following facts:
Due to a sufficiently large layer of screed (about 10 cm), the height of the room is noticeably reduced;
If low-quality materials were used during installation or mistakes were made, there is a high probability of a breakthrough, which brings with it a lot of problems;
Since the water heated floor is laid in a screed, its installation can only be carried out at the construction stage of the building or during a major renovation;
The work on arranging the system is very labor-intensive, so not all owners are able to install it themselves.
Water floor installation
As has already become clear, the heated floor is installed in the screed. The device is presented in the form of tubes, which are located under the floor covering and filled with cement mortar. The structure is connected to a heating system, from which hot water or a special liquid enters the pipes.
Circulating through the pipes, the coolant heats the floor covering, due to which the room is heated.
If you look at the underfloor heating system layer by layer, you can see that the elements are arranged in the following order:
1. Concrete slab (floor base).
2. Waterproofing material.
3. Insulation.
4. Heat reflector (foil sheets).
5. Reinforcing mesh.
7. Screed.
8. Finishing material.
Laminate and linoleum are used as flooring in living rooms, since these materials are less susceptible to deformation and transmit heat well. In the bathroom and kitchen, heated floors are installed under tiles (water). It’s quite easy to do this type of finishing with your own hands; besides, ceramics have increased wear resistance and good heat dissipation.
What pipes and insulation can be used
We have already examined the advantages, disadvantages and elements with a liquid coolant; all that remains is to understand what materials are used during its installation and how to carry out the necessary work yourself.
First of all, you need to choose quality pipes. Many people prefer products made from polypropylene foam, as they are the cheapest. This saving is not justified, since plastic pipes are characterized by lower heat transfer.
In the case of water floors, it is preferable to use metal-plastic options with a diameter of 20 and 25 mm. They have perfect value for money. If your budget allows, you can install more expensive options, such as corrugated stainless steel and copper.
Next, you need to decide on the choice of insulation on top of which an autonomous heated floor (water) will be installed. Foamed polyethylene (with a reflective coating) and thin polystyrene foam are most often used in the apartment. If the apartment is located above an unheated room, expanded clay can be used as thermal insulation.
Required Devices
The main components of a warm water floor system are:
Boiler for heating liquid (in the case of autonomous heating);
A pump that provides pressure in the system;
Pipes for installation of wiring;
Ball valves;
A pair of collectors with a regulation and adjustment system;
Fitting;
Water circuit (pipes).
Pipe laying methods
Before you begin arranging the system, you need to decide on the method of laying the pipes. in the house can be presented in two versions. In the first, the pipes are laid with a snake, and in the second - with a snail.
The “snake” installation method is considered the simplest, however, when using it, the surface temperature in different parts of the room may differ.
The snail-shaped arrangement eliminates overheating, but pipe installation and system design are much more complicated.
You can install the water circuit yourself; to do this, you just need to take into account a few recommendations and strictly follow the instructions.
1. First of all, it is necessary to remove the old finish (if any) and clean the floor down to the concrete screed. The new coating will be 6-7 cm higher, which should be taken into account by owners of rooms with low ceilings.
2. If you are installing heating in the bathroom, then in order to lay a heated floor under the tiles (water) with your own hands, you need to completely dismantle the screed.
3. If metal pipes are installed in the room, they must be replaced with plastic ones so that rust does not appear at the joints. If the circuit is mounted in a stationary system, it is not necessary.
4. To protect the floor from leakage, reliable waterproofing should be placed on it. For these purposes, a special mastic is used, which, after hardening, prevents moisture from seeping into the neighbors.
5. Next, the insulation is installed. The material is placed with the reflective coating facing outwards, and the seams between the sheets are taped. An additional layer of waterproofing can be laid on top of the insulation. This will reduce the risk of water leakage.
6. The entire perimeter of the room (along the edges of the insulating material) should be glued. After this, mats for installing heated floors are laid.
7. Pipes are mounted on top of the mats (in the chosen method). The distance between the turns of the pipe must be at least 30 cm. At the base, the pipe is fixed using special clamps or brackets (made of strong wire), which are stuck into the insulation. If you purchased special mats with recesses for pipes, this procedure is not necessary.
8. Both ends of the pipe are brought to the place where the floor collector will be located. With its help, the system is connected to the main heating or connected to the boiler.
9. After assembling the system, water is pumped into it and checked, creating maximum pressure. This is done to identify leaks and eliminate defects.
To reduce the cost of arranging a water circuit, pipes may not be laid in places where furniture will be located.
Important nuances
If the heating floor is laid under ceramic tiles, the thickness of the screed should not exceed 5 cm. Also, the pipes should be placed at a distance of 15 cm from each other so that they warm the space to the required extent and cold areas do not form between them.
Under linoleum and laminated panels, the screed is made even thinner, and for strength, a reinforcing mesh is laid on top of the heating system.
The first heating of the floor may take several days, but in the future the system will maintain the desired temperature. Some areas of the apartment can be heated all year round (where there are tiles on the floors). In this case, complete warming up in the cold season will take less time.
To conclude the topic, we will touch upon the cost of warm water floors. Experts will make floors for an apartment, taking into account materials and installation, for 1300-2600 rubles per m². The price depends on the quality of the purchased equipment and the complexity of the project. If you calculate, the total amount is quite high, but after 5 years of operation the system fully pays for itself. And if we take into account its long service life (about 50 years) and rising heating prices, then perhaps all the hassle of installing a water circuit is completely justified.
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Heating system with heated floors in a private house has the following features, advantages and disadvantages:
- provides increased thermal comfort due to the optimal temperature distribution along the height of the room and heating the floor surface with which a person is in direct contact;
- reduces fuel consumption without reducing thermal comfort;
- creates a hypo-allergenic atmosphere in the premises, thanks to the low temperature of heated floor surfaces;
- is the ideal heating device for modern heat sources– ensures operation with maximum efficiency of a condensing boiler or heat pump due to the low temperature of the coolant;
- does not distort the aesthetics of the premises, since it is hidden in the structures of the house and is invisible;
- slows down room temperature fluctuations, thanks to the large thermal inertia, which increases comfort, optimizes and stabilizes the operation of the boiler, especially solid fuel.
- does not allow you to quickly change the room temperature due to high thermal inertia. This circumstance may become an obstacle to the use of heated floors in a private home without permanent residence;
- requires high-quality installation and construction work, correcting defects will require serious expenses;
- may create difficulties in interior design of floors– not all materials are suitable as a heated floor covering; heat-emitting surfaces should not be covered with large-sized furniture or a thick carpet - heat transfer will decrease.
- has a rather low maximum specific thermal power delivered to the room. Because of this, in some cases, the installation of additional heating radiators is required.
- requires the mandatory use of circulation pumps and electronic regulators to control the operating mode. When there is a power outage, the operation of the system is disrupted.
- creates additional load on the floor.
- the cost of a heating system with heated floors is noticeably higher than with radiators.
Warm floor in a private house
Maximum floor temperature
The maximum floor surface temperature is limited to 29 °C. Higher temperatures are harmful to health. It is recommended that in areas where people are constantly occupied, the floor temperature should not exceed 26 °C. Along external walls and near windows, the floor can be heated to 33 °C to compensate for increased heat losses in these areas.
The same floor temperature can be maintained in the bathroom, where people stay for a short time, and often without shoes. Due to the limitation of floor surface temperature, the maximum specific power of the underfloor heating system is 80 W/m2.
Maximum power of underfloor heating in a private house
Power 80 W/m2 may not be sufficient for rooms with high heat loss, for example, with very large windows.
Problems can also arise in a small room, for example, in a cramped bathroom, in which, after installing a bathtub or shower stall, or other sanitary fixtures, only a small section of the floor remains where a heated floor system can be installed.
The same can be true in small bedrooms, where the large bed and wardrobes cover a significant portion of the floor, thereby reducing the efficiency of the underfloor heating system.
For example, a heated floor with an area of 10 m2 can produce a power of 800 W. The same power is provided by a panel radiator measuring only 50 x 50 x 15 cm due to the fact that its temperature is much higher than the floor temperature (in practice 70-80 °C).
For each room of a private house, you can choose a radiator of the required power, but It is not always possible to heat any room in the house using a heated floor.
Strength of floors of a private house
The use of a heated floor system may be limited due to the creation of additional load on the floor, since the system pipes must be laid in a rather thick layer of heavy.
When deciding to install heated floors in a private home, you need to make sure that the load on the floor from the weight of the screed will not be excessive.
Please note that the thickness of the heated floor can significantly reduce the height of the room.
Warm floors will provide comfort and health.
The temperature distribution over height, closest to ideal, is provided by a heated floor system, Fig. 1.
Thermal comfort conditions- that is, a state in which we are neither cold nor hot - are observed if the temperature of the heating surface does not exceed the temperature of our skin too much, and the air temperature does not differ much from the average temperature of the surfaces surrounding us - walls, floors and ceilings.
This is only possible when using low-temperature surface heating, in this case underfloor heating. Besides, The floor has a very large influence on the feeling of thermal comfort, since this is the only enclosing surface with which we come into direct contact - through the soles of our feet, which are very sensitive to temperature.
It is especially advisable to use a heated floor system if the floor covering will be a material with a high thermal conductivity coefficient, for example, stone or tile, which seems cold to the touch.
Hypno-allergenic heated floor
An important advantage of a heated floor system is no dust burning phenomenon, due to the lower temperature of the heating surface. At a temperature over 55 °C(the surface of the radiator usually has a higher temperature) the process of dry distillation of organic dust particles begins, which, rising up with warm air, irritate the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, causing a feeling of dryness in the throat.
Allergic reactions to dust depend not so much on the number of particles inhaled, but on their type - heating up to a temperature of more than 55 °C, they increase in volume and irritate the mucous membranes even more. Therefore, low-temperature heating, such as underfloor heating, in contrast to traditional radiator heating practically does not cause allergic reactions.
Do you need a heated floor in a private home - a source of comfort and health? The answer, I think, is obvious.
Warm floors in a private house save thermal energy
Comfortable room temperature with heated floors at 2 °C lower than with radiator heating. This reduction in temperature can save up to 5% of thermal energy for heating. This is due to the phenomenon of our body radiating heat towards cold surfaces - in this case, the floor.
If the floor is warmer, in its direction less heat is radiated from our body, therefore, the required comfortable thermal balance is achieved at a lower indoor air temperature. This is the most important advantage of surface heating.
The possibility of a slight decrease in room temperature without loss of comfort is also affected by temperature distribution over altitude. If your feet are warm, the room temperature can be slightly lower without any discomfort.
Warm floor is a heat accumulator.
A warm floor takes several times longer to heat up than radiators - before the heat begins to be transferred into the room, the concrete slab in which the coolant pipes are located must heat up. A heated concrete slab will release heat after a long time after shutting off the flow of coolant into the system.
The ability of a heated floor to act as a heat accumulator, slow down the process of temperature changes in the room, optimizes and stabilizes the operating mode of a heating boiler, especially a solid fuel one. More about this
At the same time, a heated floor is more difficult to adapt to rapidly changing heat needs when the outside temperature changes sharply. This can lead to overheating of the premises, that is, unnecessary heat loss. Or vice versa, to underheating and reduced thermal comfort. High thermal inertia also makes it difficult to periodically lower the temperature while the occupants are away.
Modern heat sources for heated floors in a private house
The use of a heated floor system is recommended if if the heat source is a condensing boiler and, especially, a heat pump. The efficiency of these devices is highest if they heat the water to a not very high temperature. Therefore, working in conjunction with a heated floor system, they will be more economical than when working with radiators.
Automatic control of heated floors in a private house
Automatic control of the heating system is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature in the premises, as well as to optimize energy consumption. The lack of control can lead to overheating of rooms and increased heat consumption.
The picture below shows control circuit diagram mixed heating system for a private house - using heated floors and radiators.
To control the radiator system, the automation that the boiler is equipped with, supplemented by thermostatic valves installed on the radiators, is sufficient. Connecting a heated floor circuit to the heating system requires the use of additional devices that reduce the temperature of the coolant entering the system - mixing pump and three-way mixing valve.
Warm floors with weather controller
Considering that the underfloor heating system has a high inertia (it heats up slowly and cools down slowly) To control its operation, it is recommended to use weather automation. Then the temperature of the coolant supplied to the system will be adapted to the outside temperature. Due to this, along with changes in outside temperature, the temperature of the coolant circulating in the floor changes.
When adjusted using a room thermostat, the temperature of the coolant in the system will not change until it begins to rise in the room (due to warming outside). Only after this the temperature of the coolant will begin to decrease, but due to the inertia of the system, the room will already become hot (i.e., waste of energy).
Therefore, in order for home heating to be economical, a weather controller must be used in the underfloor heating system to control it. When heating with radiators, satisfactory results can be achieved using cheaper thermostats.
Aesthetics of heated floors in a private house
The heating system, first of all, must provide thermal comfort, as well as function smoothly, and it is very desirable that it does not disturb the residents.
One of the advantages of underfloor heating systems is that they are invisible. In a heated floor system, the heating elements are pipes that are laid in the floor and do not interfere with the finishing of the premises.
Certain restrictions apply only to the choice of flooring, since not all of them are suitable for use in conjunction with underfloor heating systems. Some are not intended for use at elevated temperatures - they emit harmful substances, become deformed, crack, and lose their appearance; others are good thermal insulation, making it difficult to heat rooms.
It is best to use materials with a high thermal conductivity coefficient for finishing the floor - stone or ceramics. These are the most suitable materials for heated floors; the others make it more difficult to transfer heat into the room.
But this does not mean that carpet, laminate or wood panels cannot be used as flooring. You just need to follow the recommendations regarding their installation on a floor with a heated floor system.
For example, laminate and linoleum must have special markings indicating that it can be laid on heated floors. It is recommended to use wood coatings with a thickness of no more than 2 cm.
The only visible element of the underfloor heating system is the distribution cabinet, which contains the control valves for the individual heating loops. Typically, one closet is installed per floor of the house, which is placed in an inconspicuous place - in the hallway, wardrobe or utility room.
Do you need heated floors in a private home?
Warm floors are a fairly expensive system and you can do without it, but the created comfort is worth spending money on its installation.
What to choose? Is it worth paying more to get something better? It depends on how strong the desire is and how much you need to pay extra.
The cost is determined by the need to lay a thicker layer of thermal insulation, a thicker layer of screed, and use a more complex control system. During its execution, there is a greater likelihood of making errors, and correcting them and eliminating the consequences of a possible accident is usually a more expensive process.
Experience in operating heated floors shows that the system is very reliable and problems rarely arise with it. It has been sufficiently mastered, and its installation should not cause difficulties for specialists. Higher cost and a higher risk of something going wrong is the price you have to pay to enjoy the comfort provided by underfloor heating.
The most versatile is a commonly used mixed system solution, in which some of the rooms (for example, bedrooms) are heated by radiators, and the rest - where the flooring is ceramic or stone tiles (living room, kitchen, bathrooms, toilets) - by a heated floor system.
Do you need heated floors in a private home? – I hope that this article will help you make the right decision.
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Many owners today are increasingly turning their attention to the underfloor heating system and resorting to installing it in their own home. The most popular is water heating in the floor of the apartment, connected to the central heating system, which will be discussed.
Water heated floor in the apartment
There are many instructions that tell you how to install a heated floor system, but for the most part they are written for owners of private houses. What about residents of apartment buildings who also want to create warmth and comfort in their home?
In their case, a warm floor from central heating in the apartment may exist, but the installation process will have a number of nuances. First of all, laying such a system will lead to an imbalance in temperature with the rooms located next door.
An improperly installed heated floor will be noticed by inspectors from the housing and communal services service, which is fraught with sanctions for the owner.
Problems arising during installation in an apartment
Before installing heated floor heating in an apartment, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the list of possible problems that arise for the owner:
- The coolant temperature in the central heating system is very high. Water with a temperature of 70-90 degrees Celsius cannot be used in pipelines laid in the ceiling. The permissible norm is within 50 degrees Celsius. If this parameter is violated, the system will be damaged and automatically becomes a threat to the floor covering, which cannot withstand high temperatures;
- there is a ban on installing such a heating system in apartment buildings. Guided by the law, any inspector from housing and communal services can fine the owner;
- heating can be connected via an elevator, and heated floors can be connected exclusively using copper pipes, which are expensive and require special skills from the person installing them. Read also: "".
Alternative solution
If it is impossible to install a warm water floor from central heating, then the electric version of this system comes to the aid of the owner. It is easier to install and you can do all the work yourself. The advantage is that in an apartment building, such a system does not upset the balance and is allowed to be used.
It is only necessary to take into account the power of such a system so that there is no overload of the electrical network. Spatially, an electric heated floor takes up significantly less space, which makes photos of the room more aesthetically pleasing and anyone entering the apartment will not have the suspicion that there is something wrong with the floor.
At the legislative level, electric heating is permitted and can be used at any time of the year, while a water floor is dependent on the seasonal supply of hot water. Accordingly, it can function exclusively from autumn to spring - the heating season.
Methods for connecting a water heated floor in an apartment
If the owner’s goal is to have a heated floor from a radiator in the apartment, then he will have to choose one of the system modifications that allows the connection to be made without violating the functional parameters.
The following installation schemes are known:
- Connecting the circuit directly to the heating radiator. This method is the simplest and requires a low-power pump for installation. Such a system will not harm the financial condition of the owner. The system has many disadvantages, since it will not be possible to regulate the temperature in it, but in the common riser of a multi-story building, the water temperature will decrease, which can cause dissatisfaction among neighbors.
- Connection directly via balancing valve on the bypass. Using this method, you can reduce the temperature of the water entering the heated floor pipes. It is recommended to use tubes with a diameter of 1.6 centimeters and the total length of the circuit should not exceed 70 meters. The pump used to pump water in the system must have a power that is sufficient to move 5-10 liters of water per second with a pressure of 1-2 meters per second.
- Also, the heated floor can be connected using a three-way valve. Its introduction into the heating system will reduce heat consumption on the heated floor circuit. The thermostat built into this valve will regulate the temperature and constantly maintain the required value. Additional modification of the system by installing a two-way valve allows you to block the flow of coolant into the system when its temperature in the heating circuit of the apartment sharply decreases.
- Using a shut-off valve and two three-way valves. This design makes it possible to regulate the water temperature in the heating circuit by means of a “return”. The two-way valve allows the pump pumping water not to work in vain. Otherwise, the equipment may be damaged due to overheating, and the system itself will consume a significantly larger amount of electrical energy during operation.
- The most functional option for making a heated floor from central heating is to install a system with a remote temperature sensor. If the coolant overheats, the supply of coolant to the heating circuit will be automatically blocked. As soon as the water returns to its original temperature and meets the required value, circulation will resume. Such an installation system will avoid overcooling of the heating circuit of the apartment. Sometimes several temperature sensors are installed on such a system for greater efficiency. Read also: "".
It is worth considering the fact that the installation of a water heated floor connected to a heating circuit can be carried out on any base. It is best to reinforce the ceiling and secure the used heated floor tubes to the mesh.
Bottom line
Laying a heated floor connected to a centralized heating system can be done independently. For high-quality installation, it is recommended to prepare a diagram in advance. It is also worth understanding that alternative heating systems will cost much less and require much less time to install.
If the choice fell on a water heated floor, then specialists will be able to help with installation and connection in compliance with all the rules. Professionals will take responsibility for purchasing all components and provide a guarantee for the services provided.
If during the autumn-winter cold weather the room still remains cool, you should think about how to keep warm using radical methods. Today, such an opportunity as installing a heated floor with a liquid coolant has proven itself. The water heated floor system in the apartment is gradually replacing classic heaters and fans.
Installation of a warm water floor in an apartment
A water-heated floor in an apartment is a self-sufficient design that effectively heats a room of any size, even in severe frosts. Warm liquid coming from a gas boiler or central heating system circulates through polymer pipes. The air in the room heats up, and as it rises, it evenly distributes heat throughout the entire area of the room.
This allows you to create the most optimal and comfortable conditions, thanks to which you don’t have to worry about hypothermia of your feet, while at the same time the temperature near the ceiling is slightly reduced. Doctors say that this thermal regime is most suitable for good health.
This type of design is:
- flooring (laminate, tiles, etc.);
- laying layer;
- a pump that circulates water;
- heater;
- polymer pipes;
- fasteners and distribution manifolds.
This heating option increases the service life of the finished floor covering and makes it possible to use original design solutions in the interior.
Is it possible to make a water heated floor?
The question often arises: is it possible to install water-heated floors in multi-storey buildings? Today, legislative acts prohibit changes that relate to various improvements to pipeline circuits in housing stock where there is central heating. It can give an increased load, which was not taken into account at the time of designing the house. Forced circulation and rather complex installation of a special pump will be required.
But, theoretically, such systems can be installed in any room, the main thing is not to upset the balance of water flow and comply with the conditions for dosing heat consumption. In addition, in new buildings the layout provides for the presence of risers for connecting TVP.
To make the installation of a structure in an apartment legal, special permits from a representative of housing and communal services and heating networks will help. The necessary documents will be issued only after checking the premises and agreeing on the equipment necessary for further use. Unauthorized connection of a heated floor may result in fines, litigation and other troubles:
- if necessary, it will not be possible to sell the apartment legally;
- if a circuit break occurs and the apartment of the neighbors below is damaged, all repair costs will have to be paid in full.
Before making a water heated floor in an apartment, you should calculate the possible consequences and negative risks, take into account the positive and negative qualities of this modernization.
Advantages and disadvantages of water heated floors
Compared to alternative heating systems, a warm water floor has a number of undeniable advantages.
- Economical. Low-temperature water reduces heat consumption in residential buildings by 20-30%. In spacious rooms with above-average ceiling heights, savings reach about 60%.
- Safety. The heating elements hide the screed and the flooring layer. The risk of burns and injuries is completely eliminated. This also applies to situations involving long contacts with a warm surface. The likelihood of fungus appearing is reduced to zero, since there are no areas of high dampness.
- Convenience. It is very pleasant to walk on such a floor without slippers, and you also don’t have to worry about the health of children who want to play on the floor.
The humidity level remains virtually unchanged and the air does not dry out. The room is heated evenly, which allows you to obtain temperature conditions that are optimally suitable for humans. - Visually aesthetic interior. The system does not affect the overall design of the room, which cannot be said about traditional radiators and pipes. All parts and devices of the heating structure are hidden from prying eyes; redevelopment can be done without difficulty. Radiators do not have to be hidden behind plasterboard panels or replaced with new ones.
During use, a water heated floor from central heating requires lower costs than an electric one. The system requires virtually no maintenance, and during installation all necessary sanitary, hygienic and environmental safety regulations are observed.
Among the disadvantages are:
- high cost and labor-intensive installation - the multilayer structure is based on several types of materials;
- the likelihood of possible pipe leaks - the problem can be found and eliminated only by completely lifting the floor covering;
- slow heating of the screed - this method is only suitable for rooms where people live permanently.
Installing a water heated floor in an apartment is not always possible. Some rooms will require the installation of additional heating sources (convectors or radiators).
Preparing for work on installing water heated floors in an apartment
Before starting work on installing water heated floor heating in an apartment, you should calculate the amount of materials that will be needed to organize the system. To do this, you will need to evaluate the characteristics of the finishing coating, the area and features of the room (maintained temperature, window features, wall material, etc.). If there is a strong draft in the room, it is advisable to first insulate it.
The characteristics of the pipes used to circulate the liquid acting as the coolant should also be taken into account. Today the most popular types are:
- foamed propylene;
- metal-plastic;
- copper;
- corrugated stainless steel
The length of the prepared pipes is influenced by the installation method - snail or snake. The first option, despite the complexity of design and installation, is more effective. In such a system, pipes with relatively hot and cool water alternate sequentially, evenly distributing warm air throughout the room.
Installation of a heated floor system
The installation of a warm water floor in an apartment must begin with careful preparation of the surface. Construction debris should be removed and the base leveled. The horizontal plane should not have differences exceeding 5 mm. Otherwise, zones of coolant stagnation will form, as a result of which the structure may fail. There are three options for installing this heating system.
Concrete water heated floor system
The most popular installation method, in which cement-sand screed is the main material in the base and distribution layer. A film is laid on the concrete layer, providing heat and waterproofing. Then a special tape is glued around the perimeter of the room, which will prevent cracks from appearing and absorb the expansion of the screed when the circuit heats up.
Special grids with cells are mounted on top of the thermal insulation, and pipes are installed to them. It is important to correctly calculate the distance between them; this determines how evenly the incoming heat will be distributed. Recommended installation step:
- in cold areas (near windows, doors) - 10 cm;
- in rooms with normal heat loss - 20-30 cm;
- in cold rooms - 15 cm.
For spacious rooms, reinforcing mesh is used during installation. It is not recommended to lay pipes where furniture can be installed.
The structural elements are fixed, energized and kept for several days. If there is no damage, fill the supporting layer with a mixture containing cement, sand and plasticizers.
Then the finishing floor covering is laid. If the installation of a hot water system in an apartment should be done under ceramic tiles, then the screed should not be wider than five centimeters.
Wooden floor heating system
Polystyrene underfloor heating system
You can make a heated water floor in an apartment with your own hands using special thermal insulation boards. The products are distinguished by a special form of pressing and have the appearance of convex circles. They are ideally suited for quick and convenient installation of pipes. The slabs are securely interlocked with locks along the edges, making it possible to create a monolith along the entire perimeter of the floor.
Is it possible to make water-heated floors yourself without resorting to the help of specialists? This option is possible, but several recommendations should be taken into account.
- When installing a heating structure, you need to completely dismantle the old finish, right down to the concrete screed.
- Replace metal pipes (if any) with a plastic counterpart, this will avoid rust at the joints.
- Reliable waterproofing from a trusted manufacturer will save the floor from possible leaks.
- When installing insulation, be sure to seal the seams between the sheets with metallized tape. An additional layer of waterproofing will reduce to a minimum all possible risks of leakage.
- If laminate or natural wood was used as a finishing coating, the temperature of the coolant should be increased gradually. If there is a sudden jump, the material may be damaged, which will significantly reduce its service life.
- The heated water floor in the apartment must be installed so that when the circuit is turned off, the coolant circulates in the central system. Fill the screed or lay thermal distribution plates only on the filled system.
Features of operation and possible errors
When you connect a heated floor, the temperature in the apartment rises for quite a long time. It takes time for the floor, walls and air in the room to warm up, so installation should begin before the onset of the first cold weather.
During installation, certain errors are often made:
- independent connection to the riser - the pipe is constantly filled with coolant; to begin work you need to obtain a special permit and completely drain the water;
- it is impossible to regulate the temperature - you need to install a water manifold and a mixing unit;
- lack of a project - you should not start work without determining the layout of the pipes and dividing the apartment or house into heating zones;
- materials and components from different manufacturers - this common mistake can cause rapid depressurization of the structure.
Installation of a system such as a warm water floor is a rather complex and labor-intensive process. But, if you wish, you can handle the installation yourself without involving specialists. The main thing is to obtain the necessary permission and strictly follow the recommendations for working with the materials used. However, so that the question of how to make water heated floors in apartments does not become the cause of unnecessary financial costs, it is better to seek qualified help.