Saving money and energy resources largely depends on the method of supplying energy to apartments. The issue of choosing a system is considered one of the most relevant for the owners of modern apartments. This is due to rapidly rising fuel prices, significant heat losses, inefficient use of heat energy and an unstable heat supply schedule. Most of these problems can be solved by autonomous heating in an apartment building.
The most optimal solution is considered to be heating with connection to the central gas pipeline or electrical network. For apartments, it is advisable to use wall-mounted boilers, which are also divided into gas and electric.
Benefits of an autonomous system
With decentralized heating, the quality of services does not depend on external conditions, but on the power of the equipment used, which allows you to get a comfortable temperature at any time of the year. Compared to a centralized system, individual heating has a number of advantages:
- Reducing the cost of paying for heat. Autonomous equipment can be used if necessary, independently adjusting the heating indicators. In the event of departure, the system can be completely turned off, which will significantly save money.
- Improving the quality of service. Everyone who decides to transfer housing to autonomous heating, note the improvement in the quality of heating. This is due to the absence of heat leakage, which often occurs in a centralized system. In addition, the installed heating element is located in close proximity to the apartment, which reduces the time for supplying resources, reduces the cost of maintaining, servicing and repairing networks.
- Independence from general city traffic and the beginning of the heating season, as well as accidents on the highway, problems with the work of utilities and other factors.
- Saving natural resources, which is achieved through the rational use of energy.
Disadvantages of autonomous heating systems
- The need for repair. Any heating system requires regular checks and maintenance. The efficiency of the equipment may be reduced due to the long absence of maintenance, which should be carried out annually. Some owners often forget about this or avoid expenses, which often leads to serious breakdowns.
- Reduced efficiency of equipment due to lack of heating in neighboring apartments. This problem is relevant for new apartment buildings, where a large number of apartments are empty for a long time. Common walls with neighboring empty rooms remain cold, which reduces the level of heating in the occupied apartments. The owners solve this problem by installing modern heating systems in each apartment, the equipment ensures automatic maintenance of the minimum heat level without constant monitoring.
- Transfer to autonomous heating requires obtaining permits for the installation of the selected equipment.
Significant difficulties can also be caused by the choice of a place for a separate boiler room, most often the system has to be installed in the courtyard of a multi-storey building. For a gas boiler house, you will need to make an auxiliary unit for removing exhaust gases.
Boiler houses
To organize decentralized heating for an entire apartment building, it is necessary to install a boiler room. The best option in this case is to use a separate room at a short distance from the house. There are also projects that involve placement in the basement or in the attic. In such systems, several massive boilers are combined, combined with collectors and heaters, and often several heating circuits are used.
A full-fledged free-standing boiler room is an expensive system that pays off after a long time. A popular alternative is a modular or block design. For such a boiler house, a separate small platform is allocated, on which blocks are installed and connected into a single system. All elements are completed at the factory, each device is selected in accordance with the technical parameters.
The most important thing is to correctly connect all the blocks, perform commissioning and commission the system.
Features of wall equipment
Wall-mounted gas and electric boilers are the most popular and efficient solution for autonomous heating. The expediency of using such installations is due to the following factors:
- Due to its compact dimensions, the equipment can be installed even in small-sized kitchens, while their appearance does not violate the integrity of the interior.
- By its design, the boiler is a mini-boiler room, it consists of a circulation pump, an expansion tank and sensors that ensure maximum safety in use.
- Modern equipment is designed for high power for 35 kW, which is enough to heat 100 sq.m.
- The choice is represented by single-circuit and double-circuit boilers. The latter option also serves to heat water.
Electrical heating systems
To date, electrical equipment for decentralized heating is considered the most economical. In the operation of such devices, as a rule, the principle of water polarization under the influence of alternating current is used.
Connecting one apartment involves a simple autonomous system with the installation of an electric boiler with an anode operating principle. The use of dual-circuit systems implies the possibility of arranging underfloor heating through a separate circuit. For small spaces the best option there will be special batteries with individual heating, which allow you to independently adjust the heat indicators.
A more complex process is the transfer of the entire residential building to an autonomous electrical system. To do this, you should first resolve issues with the substation, calculate the expected load on the power grid in accordance with the power of the transformer. If necessary, replace switchgears. This event must be coordinated with the energy company.
Important! Most older systems and wiring will not be able to handle the heavy loads. Therefore, in a house converted to autonomous heating, it is recommended to replace incandescent lamps with LED sources, as well as to reduce other energy costs.
Gas equipment
mount gas equipment for decentralized heating systems is quite difficult, since the installation requires pre-prepared technical project, tolerances and high competence of specialists.
Connection of one apartment involves the installation of a gas boiler, in which the specialist seals the equipment and records it in the logbook. Installation of gas appliances requires a powerful ventilation system. It is this factor that in most cases is the reason for refusals to issue permits. This problem can be solved with the help of a separate chimney, which is brought out with the installation of a filter. A conventional ventilation system will not work in this case; an additional supply valve must be added to it.
For an apartment, wall-mounted installations with two circuits are used - they provide enough power to heat a small room and at the same time serve as a boiler for heating water. The gas boiler is equipped with an open or closed combustion chamber and does not require additional installation of a flue. The fan performs the function of supplying and extracting air from the street, and the combustion products are eliminated through special pipes. The device does not need a separate room and can be installed in the kitchen, as this is the most ventilated room.
The economical use of heat resources already over the next few years of operation makes it possible to recoup the cost of the boiler. A multi-stage safety system protects the equipment from overheating in the event of a water pump breakdown, and the burner automatically shuts off. External temperature sensors with the help of external control keep the optimum level of heat and stabilize the intensity of water heating.
Conditions for placing wall-mounted heating boilers
Certain requirements are imposed on the premises in which a wall-mounted gas or electric boiler will be placed.
- Compliance with the conditions ensures the maintenance of a comfortable temperature in the cold season, as well as a high level of safety during operation.
- The room should not be less than 4 square meters. m in area, the ceiling height is more than 2.5 m, and the width of the entrance opening is more than 80 cm.
- The room should have at least one window for natural light.
- Other gas or electrical appliances are not recommended to be placed closer than 40 cm near the boiler.
- In addition to arranging ventilation, it is necessary to install a layer of fireproof material between the boiler and the wall.
Important! Individual heating of an apartment building is an effective system, but its work will be fruitless if you do not reduce heat losses that have arisen from the structural problems of the building. To do this, it is necessary to replace obsolete window blocks, insulate the walls of the building from the outside, as well as the roof and attic floor.
Features of installation work
The installation of a gas boiler differs from an electric one, first of all, by the need to equip a chimney and a ventilation system. In case of electrical equipment only a separate water and drain connection is required.
The equipment must be installed on a solid load-bearing wall, a certain height is selected before installation, marks are placed and the strips are fixed in the places of future fastening. The recommended installation height from the floor is 1 to 1.5 m. The equipment is supplied with wiring diagrams and manufacturer's instructions, which must be followed during installation work. Depending on the installed pipes, a coupling, threaded or flanged connection method is used. Compression fittings and cold welding are also used.
An autonomous heating system is a high-performance module of an apartment building, which can significantly reduce the cost of paying for heat energy. Boilers for the whole house and boilers for individual apartments require special measures for the maintenance and repair of equipment, however, all costs are offset by savings in money and resources. One system is able to fully meet the needs of residents in high-quality heating and timely supply of hot water.
Since the commissioning of an apartment building, residents depend on the quality of the work of enterprises that provide this house with gas, water, electricity, heating and the Internet. And if you can stock up on water for future use, and you can live for some time without a TV or the Internet, then it’s hard to imagine a person’s actions in winter period during interruptions in heating. That is why the low quality of services provided by heating network enterprises and high average tariffs are pushing many of our compatriots to create autonomous gas heating for apartments in apartment buildings. All the intricacies of heating a home in this way will be discussed in this article.
What to prepare for? Educational program for beginners
If you are not satisfied with cold batteries, when it is already cold outside, and the heating season has not yet begun, if you do not understand why the batteries are “ice” in one room, and in the other they are red-hot so that you cannot put your hand on their surface if there are interruptions with heating and hot water have become more the rule than the exception, then experts recommend installing autonomous gas heating in the apartment, unless, of course, the apartment is gasified.
If you decide to install "autonomy" in your own apartment, then you need to be prepared for the following:
- Sufficiently tough opposition to your heat supply organization.
- Non-acceptance of your decision by the co-owners of the apartment building, in other words, by your neighbors.
- Legislative denials and bureaucratic delays in the gas, fire service, as well as in the bodies for the protection of architectural monuments.
- Complete replacement of internal piping.
- Financial costs for the creation of the project, purchase and installation of equipment.
In fact, opponents of individual heating have enough for this. good reasons. After disconnecting any room of a residential building from centralized heating, thermal workers have to re-balance the entire heating system of the house. In addition, the refusal of central heating is the termination of financing of the heat supply organization. Within the framework of one apartment, this is imperceptible, but with a massive transition to "autonomy" - this is the bankruptcy of a huge organization.
Individual gas heating in an apartment building requires competent removal of the products of combustion of the gas mixture. In houses with chimneys, this is not a problem. In modern buildings, a chimney is not provided, therefore, exhaust gases are discharged into a separate ventilation branch or through a coaxial chimney, which is discharged through a load-bearing wall. With such a chimney, carbon monoxide cannot be excluded from entering neighboring apartments: in the first case through a vent, in the second - through open vents and windows.
The decision to install an individual heating system is very good to initially discuss with a lawyer. The thing is that in some regions of Russia the creation of an "autonomy" is prohibited by local legislative bodies.
There is another option for avoiding central heating, without delay and hassle - contacting an organization that sells equipment, installs and maintains individual heating systems. For some remuneration, these offices independently solve problems with permits, projects, within an acceptable time frame.
The device and principle of operation of the individual heating system
A standard autonomous heating system consists of a gas boiler, a chimney, the required amount of pipeline, radiators, valves, filters coarse cleaning. The main device in the autonomous heating system is the boiler. It can be single-circuit and double-circuit. The first type of boiler units is designed only for heating the coolant. The second allows you to create, along with autonomous heating, an apartment hot water system.
There are two main schemes heating system: one-pipe and two-pipe. The former is structurally simpler and requires fewer materials, which makes it financially attractive. But such a scheme assumes a sequential arrangement of radiators, which leads to the fact that already cooled coolant enters the last batteries in turn. The second option is more complicated and more expensive, but thanks to the two-pipe scheme, the coolant is evenly distributed between the radiators.
The principle of operation of this system is quite simple: a gas-air mixture is burned in the burner. The heat released during combustion heats the walls of the heat exchanger, which, in turn, heat the coolant. Through the pipeline, it enters the radiators, where it cools slightly. After that, the coolant returns to the boiler heat exchanger, where it is heated and the process is repeated.
The figure shows a standard two-pipe scheme for individual heating and hot water supply of an apartment with a coolant outlet for "warm floors".
Advantages and disadvantages
Before you decide to install gas heating in an apartment: the pros and cons must be determined immediately. So, the advantages:
- The happy owner of individual heat supply pays only for the amount of cubic meters of blue fuel that he actually spent on heating. In this case, the more economical the boiler, the lower the gas bill.
- The owner of the "autonomy" does not pay for heat losses during the transportation of the coolant. As practice shows, this is up to 30% savings.
- The individual heating system allows you to independently set the most comfortable thermal regime in the premises.
- This apartment heating system allows the owner to start and end the heating season at will.
- Modern equipment for "autonomy" is quite compact and has several levels of protection.
In addition, according to statistics, the owner of an "autonomous apartment" saves on utility bills by more than 2 times. Despite the abundance of advantages, a person who decides to refuse central heating must really represent all the shortcomings of individual heating that he will have to face.
- The availability of heat and hot water supply depends on the gas pressure and the availability of electricity. If in your home a regular blackout is the norm, then in order not to freeze in winter, you should better refuse such a heating system.
- This system requires regular maintenance and cheap service.
Before you start creating an individual heat supply for your own home, you must understand that as the owner you take full responsibility for the serviceability and proper use of the system. Remember that improper operation of gas appliances can lead to an explosion, from which the entire apartment building will suffer.
Autonomous gas heating in an apartment building: what you need to know?
When individual gas heating of an apartment in an apartment building is a necessity. What you should be prepared for, abandoning the central heating supply. Scheme, principle of operation, advantages and disadvantages of "autonomy".
Now many apartments are tied to central heating, that is, there is a boiler room - which supplies them with heat and hot water. It's not always cheap, or rather it's not always cheap! Because the systems (pipes) are often worn out, there is a huge loss of heat, and the management companies have a free hand, they can wind up as much as necessary. In general, we overpay for such heating mercilessly! However, now more and more developers are presenting apartments with the so-called autonomous heating, and this living space is a little more expensive, but later it quickly pays off. If you do not know what it is, then read our article ...
Let's start with a definition.
Heating system- this is an autonomous heating system for an apartment or house, which does not come into contact with external central systems. Usually you have either a gas boiler or an electric boiler in your apartment - you yourself already regulate the heat supply and water heating.
That is, no losses to the central system, just turn it on at home and enjoy, very reasonable and logical. Now let's go over the main systems that can be installed in apartments.
Gas autonomous heating
At the moment, the most common, because gas itself is a very cheap fuel. The principle is simple, you do water system with aluminum or cast iron batteries, put the boiler, it is almost always double-circuit, supply gas to it, and connect the system.
The boiler supplies you not only with heating, but also with hot water, which is also not unimportant! As a result, you pay only for the consumption of gas and cold water (which is heated by gas).
System advantages :
- This is undoubtedly cost-effectiveness, when compared with the central option, the difference can reach 3-5 times!
- This is a convenience - you can turn on the boiler at any time, you are not tied to a centralized option.
- Can be combined with electric heaters, such as underfloor heating.
- You can remake pipes and batteries, for yourself.
Minuses :
- The gas boiler requires maintenance every year.
- If broken, repairs can be frustratingly expensive.
- You yourself need to monitor the heating system, this is a boiler, pipes, radiators.
As you can see, the pros and cons are significant. But from my own experience, I can tell you that an autonomous gas system is just a treasure for an apartment! Here is a simple example - the area of \u200b\u200bmy living space is about 82 square meters. meters, I pay from 2000 to 2500 rubles a month for heating, I have a central system + hot water for about 1000 - 1200 more, total - 3000 - 3700 rubles! My friend has the same area, maybe a little more (about 90 squares), he pays about 1000 - 1500 rubles a month for everything, he has a boiler, respectively, he heats the water through it! Feel the difference?
Electric option
Not so economical, however, has recently been developing very rapidly. You can install the heating elements directly into the radiators themselves and not “fence” a lot of water pipes. Also now there are warm floors (mats or film), convectors, improved radiators with high efficiency, etc.
That is, if your house does not have gas - it does not matter, you can make autonomous heating of rooms and water with electricity.
It is cheaper than central heating, although not as significant as gas, saving up to two times here.
pros :
- The devices are diverse, these are floors, convectors, radiators, heat guns, etc.
- You don't need a gas line to the house.
- Can be done almost anywhere there is electricity.
- You can power it from alternative sources (sun, wind), we will get big savings.
- Savings compared to central heating.
Minuses :
- Such heaters require powerful wires, that is, the wiring must withstand them.
- Wiring must be calculated and installed by professionals.
- If the electricity is cut off, there is no heating, respectively!
I will say this - electrical options are becoming more efficient every year, efficiency is growing, technologies are improving (read at least about vacuum batteries), if it goes like this, then in 5 - 10 years they will approach gas in efficiency.
Now if you install electric heating for yourself, then it is about 2-2.5 times more efficient than the central one.
Other options
Of course, now there is also heating with solid fuel (coal, firewood), but it is difficult to use it in apartments! You will not store bundles of firewood for the winter, will you? And yes, it is a fire hazard.
Alternative sources, this is another matter, now there is geothermal, solar, wind, etc. heating. Of course, the efficiency is not always 100%, but if you combine all three at once, it can turn out not even bad - I would say almost for nothing.
Probably, now many people thought - damn it, how cool, I also want to heat up autonomously in the apartment, I’ll cut off these “central” radiators - I don’t need them! Yes, guys, I thought so too, but our government does not think so, you can’t just cut off the batteries in the apartment! We are reading this article. Therefore, those who have central heating may not even dream of installing autonomous heating for themselves.
That's all, I think, now you understand - what it is and why it is needed at all. If you are buying a new apartment, pay attention to this!
Autonomous heating, what is it? Apartments or houses, which is better
Often, developers indicate that their apartments have autonomous heating, but what does this mean?
In our country, the issue of high-quality heating in apartments is quite important - after all, the majority of residents live in high-rise buildings. And, alas, the state of the heating network, even in newly built houses, can rarely provide high-quality heating for each apartment during the cold season. Therefore, it is not surprising that recently many apartment owners have begun to look for an alternative heating option. And most often they opt for such an option as an autonomous heating system at home.
Boiler room of an apartment building
Benefits of Autonomous Systems
The system of independent heating of the house appeared for the first time in Europe. However, having a significant number of advantages, it quickly spread throughout the world. Today, in most countries, residents prefer to use individual systems for heating their apartments. And not in vain, since this method has a number of advantages over a centralized system:
- affordable cost. It is this advantage of the system that often becomes decisive when a centralized system is abandoned. The fact is that even taking into account the fact that you have to pay for the amount of gas used for heating, you will pay much lower amounts for utilities. In addition, unlike a centralized system, you can use autonomous heating when it is needed. That is, if necessary, you can adjust the intensity of heating, and in case of departure - just temporarily turn it off altogether. This saves a lot of money. In addition, you will not experience the inconvenience that occurs when one of the heating elements of the centralized system riser breaks down - after all, in this case, several apartments are left without heating at once.
In addition, the cost of a new building with autonomous heating is much lower. After all, the planning and installation of a centralized system requires a significant investment from the developer, which significantly raises the price of the housing itself.
- increase in housing stock. There are often situations when the construction of an apartment building is impossible for a simple reason - in the construction area there is no possibility of connecting to the central heating main of the city. And this means that the only option to maintain heat in each apartment is to use autonomous heating systems. It should be noted that recently there are more and more houses with such a heating system. In many cities of Russia (St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Yekaterinburg, Bryansk, etc.), apartment buildings with autonomous heating systems were commissioned as early as 1999. And since that time, the number of high-rise buildings with individual heating of each apartment has been growing rapidly.
Heat supply scheme of a multi-storey building
- saving natural resources. By phasing out centralized heating, users are thereby greatly helping to save a huge amount of resources that previously had to be spent on heating a house. In addition, with individual heating, it becomes possible to independently adjust the heating level. But even in this case, the heating boiler is often turned off by the user - that is, there is an additional saving of natural gas.
- improving the quality of heating. In fact, those who switched from centralized heating to autonomous heating in an apartment building notice a significant improvement in the level of heating. Quite often this is due to the fact that heat is constantly leaking in a centralized system. In addition, autonomous heating of a residential building, located in one apartment, requires much less money and time for prevention.
Schematic diagram of heating a high-rise building
Another advantage of autonomous heating can be called the fact that the system also allows you to constantly heat water. That is, there is simply no need to use such resource-intensive boilers.
Disadvantages of autonomous heating
Like any other heating system, an individual one also has its drawbacks. The most serious are:
- user negligence. Any system in the house, whether it be heating or sewer, requires periodic preventive inspection and maintenance. And often the reason for a significant decrease in the efficiency of the system is just the long absence of service repairs. As a rule, the system should be inspected by a specialist at least once a year. But many users simply forget about it, or simply do not want to spend money again. In fact, a preventive inspection of the system by a specialist is inexpensive, but it can save you from a major breakdown in the future.
- the need to create a high-quality ventilation system and the negative impact on the environment. It should be noted that today the problem is less relevant than 10 years ago. The projects and rules for creating ventilation systems are approved by law, and quite a lot of attention is paid to this issue when planning a house.
Ventilation system of an apartment building
- decrease in the efficiency of the system due to unheated adjacent rooms. Unfortunately, this problem is very relevant. It especially affects those who, having purchased an apartment with individual heating in a new house, do not have neighbors. In empty apartments due to the lack of residents, autonomous heating of houses does not work. That is - common walls always remain cold. As a result, this significantly reduces the level of heating in the occupied apartments. However, many owners of apartment buildings were able to solve this problem. A modern heating system is installed in each individual apartment, which allows you to automatically maintain the minimum level of heating, without requiring constant monitoring.
Every year more and more houses are put into operation, in which each individual apartment has its own heating system. The systems are regularly upgraded, which makes their implementation and use as efficient and more affordable as possible.
Autonomous heating system of an apartment building
Autonomous home heating system. Advantages and disadvantages of autonomous systems. Features of the autonomous heating device for apartment buildings.
Autonomous heating in an apartment building - myth or reality?
Individual heating boilers today are installed in many private homes. Often this is the only way to guarantee heat in the home and provide it with hot water. But is it possible to install autonomous heating in an apartment building?
More and more owners of housing in apartment buildings began to think about this issue. After all, bills for paying for heat energy are constantly growing, and it is quite difficult to find justice for power engineers. I would like to somehow reduce these costs.
Existing options for arranging autonomous heating
Today, there are many ways to ensure thermal autonomy in a private cottage. You can choose a boiler for liquid or solid fuel, or a gas or electric boiler. If renewable energy is more desirable, then any cottage roof has enough space for solar panels or a solar collector.
But autonomous heating in an apartment can be organized in fact in only two ways, using:
- gas boiler from the main pipeline,
- and one or another option for heating with electricity.
After all, the installation of a liquid and solid fuel boiler will require the arrangement of a boiler room with high-quality ventilation and fuel storage. Gas in cylinders is much more expensive than main gas and is much more explosive. It is generally forbidden to mount a water heated floor in an apartment building.
Option one: gas
An ideal option for an apartment is a gas double-circuit boiler. It will allow you to separately heat water for heating and for domestic consumption.
Modern models with a closed combustion chamber, as well as a full set of automatic ignition and combustion support, allow you to program the desired temperature. And then everything will function independently. In a large apartment, it is also desirable to put a storage boiler. It will allow you to shower and wash dishes at the same time.
Among the disadvantages of gas autonomous heating in an apartment building are:
- Explosiveness. Although much smaller than in the version with cylinders, accidents cannot be ruled out.
- Ventilation. A professional ventilation system must be installed in the room with the gas boiler. And its channels periodically require cleaning, otherwise they will quickly become clogged with greasy soot.
- Smell and soot. For the operation of a gas boiler, a constant supply of fresh air and removal of combustion products is necessary. For this purpose, a coaxial chimney with a twin pipe is mounted. Street air is drawn in one at a time, and smoke is removed through the second. And although gas is considered a clean fuel, nevertheless, when it is burned, soot is still formed with bad smell. The latter will annoy both the owners of the apartment and the neighbors.
For the installation of individual gas heating, it will be necessary to purchase and install a gas boiler. Disconnect radiators from central heating risers. Then make the piping from the boiler and connect the batteries to it. Heating appliances and pipes can be used old, but it is better to replace them.
For an apartment, light radiators made of aluminum and polypropylene pipes. Aluminum appliances are good for high heat dissipation, and the strength of polypropylene is quite enough for an autonomous heating system. At the end of everything, the boiler is connected - here you will need to call a representative of the gas service.
The best option for connecting batteries to a gas autonomous boiler is to connect them in parallel to a circuit with a diagonal power supply circuit. Heated water is supplied from above on one side, and the return pipe is connected from below on the other.
A valve is installed at the inlet, and a thermal head is installed at the outlet to control the temperature of the coolant. A Mayevsky valve should be installed on the free upper pipe, which will allow you to bleed air from the radiator.
In order for an autonomous system to function normally and smoothly, it must have:
- expansion tank,
- circulation pump,
- safety, emergency valves
- manometer.
Modern models of gas boilers, for the most part, already have everything you need in the kit.
Option 2: Electricity
Autonomous heating in an apartment using electricity as fuel can be arranged by installing:
- electric boiler, the same two-circuit version,
- warm floor,
- infrared heaters,
- and heat pump.
With an electric hot water boiler, the whole sequence of actions is the same as with a gas counterpart. Only there is no need to equip ventilation and a chimney.
Heating elements of a heat-insulated floor evenly warm up a floor covering which then already gives off heat to air. IR devices emit waves that heat the floor, walls and furnishings. The air in the room is heated already from them. Compared to traditional batteries, it takes much less heat to create comfortable temperatures with these methods.
But the greatest benefit in the apartment will bring heat pumps. Electricity is consumed only for the operation of pumps that pump outdoor air to extract thermal energy from it. In fact, this is a kind of air conditioner, it is only aimed at heating indoor air or water in a heat exchanger. You should also install high-quality air conditioners in the house. The cost of installing an air conditioner varies depending on the amount of work that you need.
It is a pure renewable source of heat energy. But you need to know that this equipment is effective only in climatic zones where outdoor temperatures do not fall below minus 20-25 C.
How to make autonomous heating in an apartment, which option to prefer can only be decided by the owner of the dwelling.
In warm areas, a heat pump will be most beneficial. And although it is much more expensive than other options, everything pays off over time. In cities with severe winters, a gas-fired boiler is preferable. You can also combine gas heating with electric heaters. During frosts, heat with gas, and during warming, turn on a heat pump or other electrical heating appliance.
Autonomous heating in an apartment building
How to make autonomous heating in an apartment building? Details in our article. Nuances and recommendations. Details further…
The use of modern heating systems entails significant costs. To save money, you need to choose the most suitable method of heat supply. Autonomous heating in an apartment building has advantages and disadvantages. Before studying them, you should learn the principle of operation of the units used for the independent supply of thermal energy.
Before installing autonomous heating, I advise you to get acquainted with the advantages and disadvantages of this system in more detail.
Pros and cons of autonomous heating
Autonomous heating of a multi-storey building is a system located in a separate room, where high-power boilers are located, which provide the houses not only with heat, but also with hot water. The mini-boiler room is equipped with the necessary appliances and devices.
In this video you will learn how to install autonomous heating with your own hands:
Its operation has a number of advantages:
- The distance from the generator to the heating appliances located in the apartments decreases, which means that heat loss is reduced.
- By choosing autonomous heating of an apartment building, the consumer reduces the cost of maintaining heating systems.
- The unit that heats the heat carrier is located in close proximity to the consumer.
- To start the central heating network, local authorities must obtain an appropriate order. If the house or apartment has an autonomous system, the consumer can turn it on at any time. It is advisable to install such systems in regions with a cold climate.
- The apartment has thermostats, with the help of which the consumer selects the thermal regime. If necessary, you can change it, saving money.
- When erecting a residential building, the developer must obtain a permit that allows them to "crash" into the heating main. The duration of the document is 1-2 months. For the developer, the best option would be an autonomous boiler room.
Independent heating of the apartment - the pros and cons:
Despite the benefits The system also has disadvantages.. To create a boiler room for a large number of apartments, you need to allocate a separate territory for it (if possible, an extension is placed near the house). It should also be taken into account that the unit pollutes the environment. To fix this problem, you need to purchase cleaning devices.
Private heating still has few fans, most consumers prefer centralized heating. Due to the fact that the production of units is not put on stream, they are very expensive. Not every developer can afford them.
A separate room can be allocated for autonomous heating The designers claim that the boiler room is compact and can be installed even in the attic. But if you place the unit in a small room, then it will be heated, and this is an additional plus. The only requirement for installation is a flat and level roof.
Autonomous (individual) heating in an apartment building:
Types of decentralized heat supply
There are several types of boilers. Each of them requires significant financial costs for the purchase. Varieties of autonomous heating include:
- Block-modular heating system. It consists of blocks that are connected into a single structure. Block-modular units are placed in a pre-allocated area. Outwardly, they look aesthetically pleasing, have a heater. In order for the mini-boiler room to work smoothly, you need to correctly install and connect the units. The system becomes ready for operation in 2-3 days. Assembly should only be carried out by professionals. Previously, a modular boiler room was used to heat change houses and country houses. Years later, it improved and began to be used to supply thermal energy to residential buildings.
- Wall mounted boilers. These devices are more popular. They are more convenient to use and save costs. Wall-mounted boilers operate on electricity. Important advantage such devices - compactness. They are installed in rooms of different sizes. The wall-mounted gas boiler is aesthetic, it does not catch the eye and does not spoil the interior. The design has a circular pump, as well as additional elements responsible for safe operation. Despite its compact size, the power of the unit is high - an average of 20 kW.
Boilers can hit your wallet well Thanks to the gas boiler, you can heat a room up to 90 m². Devices are single-circuit and double-circuit. When installing the second consumer is provided with hot water.
Independent heating of the apartment. What documents need to be issued to disconnect from the heating network:
Boiler selection and other nuances
Before buying a unit should study it design features . It must have a pump, a tank and a chimney. The latter ensures the exit of the decay products of the fuel, and also launches fresh air.
The wall device must have a closed chamber. It is recommended to choose an automatic unit, which provides convenience in operation and saves money when buying fuel.
Electric boilers are more convenient than gas boilers. In addition, they are easier to install.
Electric boilers have a number of advantages Installing autonomous heating in an apartment building saves money, but all residents cannot switch to it at the same time, since the organizations supplying thermal energy do not give permission for this. Despite the prohibitions, it is assumed that the autonomous system will become very popular in the future.
Autonomous heating - price of use:
Now many apartments are tied to central heating, that is, there is a boiler room that supplies them with heat and hot water. It's not always cheap, or rather it's not always cheap! Because the systems (pipes) are often worn out, there is a huge loss of heat, and the management companies have a free hand, they can wind up as much as necessary. In general, we overpay for such heating mercilessly! However, now more and more developers are presenting apartments with the so-called autonomous heating, and this living space is a little more expensive, but later it quickly pays off. If you do not know what it is, then read our article ...
Let's start with a definition.
Heating system- this is an autonomous heating system for an apartment or house, which does not come into contact with external central systems. Usually you have either a gas boiler or an electric boiler in your apartment - you yourself already regulate the heat supply and water heating.
That is, no losses to the central system, just turn it on at home and enjoy, very reasonable and logical. Now let's go over the main systems that can be installed in apartments.
Gas autonomous heating
At the moment, the most common, because gas itself is a very cheap fuel. The principle is simple, you make a water system with aluminum or cast iron batteries, install a boiler, it is almost always double-circuit, supply gas to it, and connect the system.
The boiler supplies you not only with heating, but also with hot water, which is also not unimportant! As a result, you pay only for the consumption of gas and cold water (which is heated by gas).
System advantages :
- This is undoubtedly cost-effectiveness, when compared with the central option, the difference can reach 3-5 times!
- This is a convenience - you can turn on the boiler at any time, you are not tied to a centralized option.
- Can be combined with electric heaters, such as underfloor heating.
- You can remake pipes and batteries, for yourself.
Minuses :
- The gas boiler requires maintenance every year.
- If broken, repairs can be frustratingly expensive.
- You yourself need to monitor the heating system, this is a boiler, pipes, radiators.
As you can see, the pros and cons are significant. But from my own experience, I can tell you that an autonomous gas system is just a treasure for an apartment! Here is a simple example - the area of \u200b\u200bmy living space is about 82 square meters. meters, I pay from 2000 to 2500 rubles a month for heating, I have a central system + hot water for about 1000 - 1200 more, total - 3000 - 3700 rubles! My friend has the same area, maybe a little more (about 90 squares), he pays about 1000 - 1500 rubles a month for everything, he has a boiler, respectively, he heats the water through it! Feel the difference?
Electric option
Not so economical, however, has recently been developing very rapidly. You can install the heating elements directly into the radiators themselves and not “fence” a lot of water pipes. Also now there are (mats or film), convectors, improved radiators with high efficiency, etc.
That is, if your house does not have gas, it does not matter, you can make autonomous heating of rooms and water with electricity.
It is cheaper than central heating, although not as significant as gas, saving up to two times here.
pros :
- The devices are diverse, these are floors, convectors, radiators, heat guns, etc.
- You don't need a gas line to the house.
- Can be done almost anywhere there is electricity.
- You can power it from alternative sources (sun, wind), we will get big savings.
- Savings compared to central heating.
Minuses :
- Such heaters require powerful wires, that is, the wiring must withstand them.
- Wiring must be calculated and installed by professionals.
- If the electricity is cut off, there is no heating, respectively!
Watch a helpful video.
I will say this - electrical options are becoming more efficient every year, efficiency is growing, technologies are improving (), if it goes like this, then in 5-10 years they will approach gas in efficiency.
Now if you install electric heating for yourself, then it is about 2-2.5 times more efficient than the central one.
Other options
Of course, now there is also heating with solid fuel (coal, firewood), but it is difficult to use it in apartments! You will not store bundles of firewood for the winter, will you? And yes, it is a fire hazard.
Alternative sources, this is another matter, now there is geothermal, solar, wind, etc. heating. Of course, the efficiency is not always 100%, but if you combine all three at once, it can turn out not even bad - I would say almost for nothing.
Probably, now many people thought - damn it, how cool, I also want to heat up autonomously in the apartment, I’ll cut off these “central” radiators - I don’t need them! Yes, guys, I thought so too, but our government does not think so, you can’t just cut off the batteries in the apartment! . Therefore, those who have central heating may not even dream of installing autonomous heating for themselves.
That's all, I think now you understand - what it is and why it is needed at all. If you are buying a new apartment, pay attention to this!
Read our construction blog.
To date, there are many solutions to such a difficult task as. This can be external thermal insulation, replacement of old windows with modern double-glazed windows and installation of additional heating sources. But all these methods are not always effective enough. If the quality remains unsatisfactory, an individual source of heat supply can save the situation.
Autonomous heating in the apartment makes it possible to independently regulate the temperature of the coolant and choose the time for connecting the heating equipment (communal services perform this procedure according to the seasonal schedule).
In addition, an individual system does not experience temperature drops and pressure surges, it is not threatened by water hammer, which means that the equipment will last a long time and reliably.
Permission for individual heating of the apartment
Refusal of central heating must be formalized before the start of work, as they are directly related to the central heating system of the building. The transition from general to individual heating includes a change in engineering communications, the transfer of equipment and documentary evidence of the procedures performed (new technical passport).
Legal side of the issue
Regulatory documentation for the reconstruction of residential premises consists of 4 tbsp. LCD and several special provisions of the Town Planning Code regarding changes in the in-house heating system, namely:
- draft changes;
- procedure for issuing permits;
- issuance of an act of commissioning;
- other regulatory documents.
The issuance of relevant documentation is supervised by local governments. Also, taking into account the provision on the common ownership of property by the owners (Article 36 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation), which are all residents of the house, consent to the procedure from them will be required.
Required documents
There are requirements for specifications equipment that is installed during the transition to autonomous heating. These include the permission of Rostekhnadzor, the necessary certificates, installation instructions, and the conclusion of the sanitary authorities.
Together with the application of the approved form, the local self-government bodies are submitted Required documents(Article 26 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation): a draft diagram and a package of technical acts for the installation of individual heating.
According to the law, the development of the project is carried out by a licensed company with SRO approvals.
The licensing authorities have 45 days to make a decision. If the answer is yes, the applicant receives a document giving the right to carry out measurements, transfer communications, installation and other procedures provided for in the project documentation.
If the members of the commission made a decision to refuse the possibility of switching to independent heating, it can be appealed in court.
Responsibility
Without the approval of the project, the installation of individual heating is regarded as unauthorized redevelopment. The homeowner is held liable and sanctions are applied to him in the form of a fine (1000 - 1500 rubles) or arrest for 15 days.
All illegal changes in the heating system must be restored.
Type of energy carrier
There are several ways in which they refuse the services of state-owned enterprises and switch to individual service. First you need to consider all the options and choose the best one from them. The choice will directly depend on the type of energy that is used to heat residential premises in an apartment building.
Gas
The most popular resource in our country. The gas heating system has many advantages:
- multi-level equipment protection system and the ability to maintain a stable temperature regardless of gas pressure;
- silent compact boiler that does not require much space for installation;
- no need to install a chimney;
- affordable price that will suit most residents of city apartments.
Modern gas boilers are equipped with electronic system management and meet all safety requirements.
Their only drawback is the burning of oxygen, but this is easily eliminated by elementary ventilation.
Electricity
Dwellings can become a system with an electric heater. Electric Energy instantly converted into heat, so you can do without an additional coolant.
This method is environmentally friendly, quiet, easy to install and easy to operate. The dimensions of the equipment are also compact, so it will not clutter up the room.
The disadvantages include rather high costs for consumed electricity and complete dependence from her submission.
Types of heating
Depending on the type of coolant in an apartment building, the system is divided into air, gas and water.
Air
Air heating for apartments with such a system does not need to lay pipes. The heating structure is powered by electricity and distributes heat by convection or ventilation.
Gas
The gas heating system is carried out using convectors. In such devices, the products of gas combustion heat the air in the room to the desired temperature. The installation of gas convectors requires the organization of a chimney channel in the wall. The built-in thermostat allows you to automatically control the heating of the room.
Water
Water autonomous heating consists in heating water and circulating it through pipes fixed along the walls (batteries) or along the floor (warm floor).
Most apartment owners who decide to abandon central heating prefer a water heating system for their homes. It will be discussed in the following sections.
Features of the water system
The water heating scheme operates according to the method of natural or forced circulation of the coolant, which flows in a vicious circle. The natural type is characterized by the installation of pipes at a slight slope. A hydrostatic head is created in the line due to the difference in the density of hot and cooled water.
For forced circulation, it is necessary to install a heating boiler with a built-in pump, which creates the movement of the coolant in the system. In apartment buildings, an individual heating system with forced circulation is usually installed.
System device
The water system can be one-pipe and two-pipe.
Single pipe
In the first case, the pipeline is not divided into supply and discharge.
The radiators here are connected in series, so they warm up unevenly - the one farthest from the heating boiler has a temperature lower than the nearest one.
Two-pipe
With the second type of system, everything happens differently.
Hot water flows through the supply pipe to the batteries, and the return pipe takes the cooled coolant to the boiler. All radiators emit the same temperature, besides, they can be turned off individually and the degree of heating can be adjusted.
Due to a number of advantages, experts advise opting for a water heating system with forced circulation, arranged according to a two-pipe scheme.
Project and materials
Even if the installation of the heating system in the apartment of a high-rise building will be done by hand, do not neglect the drafting of the project. This will greatly facilitate the main process and help to comply with the technology.
In the project document, it is necessary to indicate the type of system, all materials that will be used during the work, their type and quantity. A piping layout drawing must also be drawn up, indicating:
- pipeline diameter;
- its angle of inclination;
- directions for connecting radiators (bottom, top, side);
- places of installation of heating devices;
- heating boiler wiring diagrams.
Materials and tools
The project will require the following equipment and materials:
- a boiler with a circulation pump suitable for the type of fuel available;
- expansion tank;
- radiators;
- pipes;
- taps and fittings;
- tow;
- mounts.
Autonomous heating of the apartment provides for the installation of system elements that are made from different materials. The best choice according to the ratio of price and quality will be steel radiators and plastic pipes. To install them, you need a special tool:
- wrenches of various sizes;
- level, tape measure, pencil;
- perforator;
- soldering iron for pipes.
Assembly process
Installation work on the installation of the heating system is carried out in accordance with technological requirements and is carried out in several stages. Failure to comply with clear rules and requirements can cause incorrect operation of the equipment and lead to an emergency.
markup
First of all, markings are applied in places where pipes will pass and radiators will be installed.
In order for the elements of the highway to be on the same level, as required by the technology, marks are placed using a level.
On next step batteries are attached to their seats. To do this, holes for fasteners are drilled at the marked points with a puncher, which must be fixed with dowels.
Radiators are hung on the installed fasteners, and fittings are screwed to them.
Then proceed to the drawing of pipes. Their assembly begins from the beginning of the wiring and, accordingly, the return. Using a soldering iron, fittings are welded to the edges of the pipes, which will connect the line to the heating boiler. The soldering process consists in the fact that the edges of the pipes are cleaned from the foil and inserted into the nozzle of a heated soldering iron, in parallel, the fitting is heated in the same way to the desired temperature (mainly 260 ° C).
Next, the parts are joined with hot edges in a straight line and pressed tightly - this is how a homogeneous one-piece connection is formed. Similarly, the edges of the contour details are connected along the entire perimeter of the apartment. To avoid deformation of the pipes, every 65 - 70 cm they are fixed to the wall with fasteners.
At the junction of radiators with plastic elements of the heating system, corner valves are welded. The system is ready for connection to a gas boiler, the installation and connection of which is best entrusted to qualified specialists due to the complexity of the work and the increased safety measures for their implementation.
