If it's hot in an apartment or house in winter, you have to open the windows. So the temperature in the room is normalized. But the cost of space heating is quite high. To reduce them, the coolant must be spent expediently. To regulate the heating temperature, a device such as a thermostatic head is installed on the radiators. It effectively consumes the coolant and saves significant funds in the family budget.
Working principle
Some homeowners regulate the heating temperature of radiators during the heating season by partially closing the shut-off valve. This is the wrong approach, since with such an operation of the fittings they quickly fail. Their purpose is to be in the fully open or closed position only. To be able to reduce heating costs, thermostatic heads are used for radiators.
Their principle of operation is completely different. Using the scale printed on the device, the required room temperature is set. When the radiatorpumps it up to the specified level, the thermostat shuts off the coolant supply. This does not happen partially, but completely. As soon as the temperature drops, the flow resumes. It is very convenient and profitable from an economic point of view.
Head unit
Thermostatic head has a certain device principle. Some models differ in additions and features laid down by the manufacturer. But the principle is the same for everyone.
The device consists of a valve and the thermostat head itself. Inside the latter is a sealed corrugated chamber. It's called a bellows. This chamber is filled with a special substance that expands in a certain way when heated.
The system starts to put pressure on the valve stem, and it shuts off the coolant supply. The material inside the bellows can be liquid, gas or solid. According to the type of such a filler, thermostatic heads for radiators of different manufacturers are distinguished. The speed of response of the device to changes in ambient temperature depends on this.
Saving principle
When buying the presented device, the consumer is promised savings in heating costs up to 35%. In different cases, this figure will vary significantly. Since the principle of operation of the heads is to completely cut off the coolant supply, they are used only in autonomous heating systems.
Never use the appliance if the house is rather cool. But when the room is hot,thermostatic head will be relevant. The main economic effect of its use is observed in the off-season or when the temperature difference between day and night is quite large.
If the heating system is designed correctly, and all its elements are installed properly, the device will be quite effective. During certain periods of the heating season, the savings will be really noticeable.
Varieties of mounting
There are two main principles of the presented device. The first option involves measuring the temperature directly on the radiator at the head installation site. This is a rather inaccurate approach, but it has the right to exist.
The second option involves the use of a device such as a thermostatic head with a remote sensor. The temperature is measured in the absence of the effect of ascending heated flows from the battery. The sensor in this case correctly determines the temperature in the room.
Due to this feature, the second type of installation is preferable. If the sensor is correctly positioned, the measurements will be correct. This is especially felt in winter, when the coolant temperature is high. Significant heat radiation comes from batteries and pipes. It may lead to errors when detecting heat with a conventional head.
How does the device work?
There are many manufacturers offering the presented products to the consumer. But the thermostatic headDanfoss, Giacomini, Purino, etc. are quite different in how they work. Therefore, their functions should be considered ideally.
Suppose the user has set the required room temperature to +23 degrees. For different manufacturers, this mark on the head can be indicated by a number, a dot, etc. As soon as the heating reaches a predetermined level, the substance in the bellows expands and presses on the valve stem. When the room temperature is +24 degrees, the coolant supply to the radiator stops. The room is getting cooler. When the temperature drops by 1 degree, the batteries will restart. At the same time, +22 degrees is determined indoors. But the reality may be somewhat different.
Installation
In order for the device to work correctly, the installation of the thermostatic head must be carried out strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions. The valve is installed on the water supply pipe to the radiator. The head should not be located vertically, but horizontally. This will allow her to better capture the temperature of the air in the room.
Do not install the radiator deep into the niche under the windowsill. If the batteries are covered by a decorative panel or thick curtains, the use of a remote sensor is essential. This element should be positioned so that nothing obscures it.
The installation location must be carefully considered, otherwise the temperature measurement error will lead to overcooling of the room. Incorrectly installed sensor significantly reduces the response speed of the deviceto heat the air in the room. Strictly following the manufacturer's recommendations, you can install it yourself.
Select device
Thermostatic head, the price of which depends on many parameters, comes with various bellows fillers. The cheapest varieties have a solid inside. The speed of its response to temperature changes is rather low. Therefore, it is better not to save on quality and purchase more effective products. Manufacturers such as Giacomini, Purmo (500-700 rubles) use liquid as a bellows filler. Such devices adapt faster to the conditions around them.
One of the leaders in sales today is a Danfoss thermostatic head worth 1000-1500 rubles. Its work is due to the influence of a gaseous substance. With the correct installation of the device, its operation is closest to the ideal option. Gas reacts faster than other bellows fillers to changes in heating in the room. Therefore, setting up the heating system is much faster.
Having become familiar with such a device as a thermostatic head, we can conclude that it is necessary for a properly designed autonomous heating system. It is better not to save on the quality of this device, otherwise the effect of its use will be minimal.
