Methods of heating a wooden house: what is more effective and cheaper?

Houses made of wood are actually the first artificial housing created by man. There is a gap of thousands of years between the first tree trunk huts and stone structures. There is something primitive, real and native in wooden houses: perhaps this is why their popularity not only does not fade, but is steadily growing. Naturalness, environmental friendliness, good thermal insulation properties and unsurpassed aesthetics are the main advantages of such buildings. Are there enough of them to call such housing ideal? Quite - if the installed heating of a wooden house is efficient and safe.

• 2 Gas heating
• 3 Liquid fuel - an alternative to “blue”
• 4 Electricity: simple, convenient, but unprofitable?
• 5 Solid fuel boiler: a practical solution
• 6 Stove - never losing its relevance
• 7 Safety, accessibility, comfort

Types of heating systems

To organize space heating, you can use several heat sources at once. Heating installation in a wooden house can be done using the following heat generators:

• bake;
• fireplace (classic or modernized);
• gas convector;
• electric convector;
• heat gun.

When choosing a suitable option, it is worth considering how light and easy it will be to operate. The cost of equipment maintenance becomes an important factor; sometimes incorrect calculations lead to unnecessary costs. The same applies to reducing heat losses to a minimum. An important role when creating heating in a wooden house with your own hands is played by the aesthetic appearance of the units and their compliance with the chosen interior.

What heating is better for a wooden house

Since the number of heating options for wood allows you to choose, the main thing in this matter is to take into account several important factors that make the choice correct:

• Expediency. Even if you want to heat your house with gas, it can’t be installed everywhere. And the boiler can be installed anywhere (and as a backup option).
• Convenience. Different systems are suitable for two-story and one-story wooden houses, so it is important to understand which will be optimal for a particular home.
• Cost of fuel for heating. Here, too, a lot will depend on the size of the house.
• The price of the equipment itself and its installation. That is, preliminary calculations are important.
• Cost-effective maintenance. In some cases, very cheap equipment can be very expensive to operate, and this point needs to be clarified.
• Equipment safety. You need to look at all the quality certificates, etc.
• Aesthetics of designs. This is also an important factor, because no one wants to spoil the design of the house. The equipment must fit neatly into it.

One cannot fail to mention such a factor as the time spent living in a wooden house. Sometimes they live there all year round, and sometimes they come only for vacation. In the second case, a stove, electric convector or fireplace - local heat sources - will be sufficient. And here you only need to take into account the personal convenience of using a particular heater. But in homes for permanent residence, heating must be carefully thought out and installed with high quality - this is the only way it will be truly effective and comfortable.

Distinctive features of pumping systems

The movement of the coolant at a suitable speed is ensured by a special pump. This helps to avoid temperature loss and also leads to faster heating of the premises.

A common system is a system with natural water circulation. Due to the difference in pressure, the liquid returns to the boiler after cooling. The warming up process is carried out more slowly, but the cost of installing a system of this type is more affordable for a wide range of buyers.

High efficiency can be achieved by installing a circulation pump. The use of such a system makes it possible to use pipes of smaller diameter. With natural circulation, the volume of heated space is limited; when operating a circulation pump, there are no space restrictions. Additional equipment requires money to be spent at the purchase stage, but the efficiency of its use will reduce fuel consumption, so it will bring tangible benefits.

Other modern types of heating a house made of timber

Heating a house made of timber with convectors

Convectors powered by electricity are easy to install and easy to maintain. They are usually attached to the wall or installed on the floor. To save free space, electric convectors can be mounted directly into the floor near the baseboard.

Such equipment quickly reaches the required operating temperature. Moreover, their efficiency reaches 90%.

Modern models of electric convectors are capable of operating from a network with a voltage of 150 to 242 V. Unfortunately, such a unit is capable of heating only the room of the timber house in which it is located. Considering this circumstance, it is necessary to correctly select the power of the convector for each room. For rooms with an area of ​​about 20 m2, an electric convector with a power of 2000 W is required.

In addition to power characteristics, other equipment parameters must be taken into account. The most important points include the presence of a built-in temperature controller. It can be mechanical or electronic. The most advanced convectors have special sensors that can be programmed to maintain a special temperature regime, taking into account the days of the week and time of day.

The advantages of electric convectors include the small size of the equipment and uniform distribution of heat throughout the room. The most compact models can be hidden in the baseboard.

It should also be noted that there are disadvantages in convectors operating from the electrical network. The disadvantages of such devices are especially evident in houses made of timber with high ceilings. In such buildings, the heat generated by electric convectors is collected under the ceiling. At the same time, the movement of warm air currents contributes to the appearance of drafts and raises dust from the floor. If an effective ventilation system is installed in the room, the convector significantly loses efficiency. Some of the heated air will be removed by ventilation, so the room may be somewhat cool. If there are natural ventilation systems in a house made of timber, there is no such effect.

Liquid fuel

Liquid fuel boilers are often considered as an alternative to gas-fired appliances. If there is no possibility of connecting to a central gas pipeline, in houses made of timber, boiler equipment that runs on diesel fuel can be used. Such boilers have a high cost, but also have a number of advantages: the affordable price of diesel fuel and the ability to install autonomous heating without connecting to gas mains while maintaining the ability to automate the heating system control process. The efficiency of such equipment can be comparable to that of gas boilers. It should be taken into account that a separate spacious boiler room is required to accommodate the liquid fuel boiler.

Air heating

Air heating systems for houses made of timber are widely used in European countries, but are not yet well known in the Russian Federation. The operating principle of such systems is based on the movement of heated air masses in an air duct system, which is distributed throughout all rooms of the building. Thus, not only is a comfortable temperature maintained in the rooms, but the timber house is also effectively ventilated.

Air heating systems are characterized by high efficiency. They are distinguished by functionality and provide an aesthetic appearance to the interiors of a house made of timber. The level of heat transfer of such equipment is higher than that of other types of heating equipment. It should be taken into account that air ducts for supplying warm air are designed before the house is built, and their repair is a rather labor-intensive operation.

The principle of operation of air heating is that outside air is supplied to the air heater using a fan, and then distributed to individual rooms of the house. Air masses that enter the system from the street can be cleaned of dust, foreign odors and various bacteria. If necessary, the air can be additionally saturated with oxygen. Liquid fuel equipment or gas heaters can be used to heat the outside air.

The disadvantage of such systems is their high price and cumbersome ventilation ducts.

Air heating in a house made of timber must be designed and installed under the strict supervision of specialists, which can also be attributed to the disadvantages of such a system.

Warm floor

There are two types of heated floors - water and electric. Such systems provide additional comfort. If there are heated floors in a house made of timber, warm slippers will not be needed in winter, and small children will be able to play on the floor without the risk of catching a cold. Modern underfloor heating systems are easy to install, but it is better to design them at the stage of building a house. In this case, you will not have to disrupt the aesthetics of the interior after the renovation is completed.

In water-heated systems, water is used as a coolant, which circulates through a closed circuit built into the floor screed. Water is heated in such a system using a heating boiler.

To install electrically heated floors, a special cable is laid in the screed.

Advantages of heated floors:

• thermal energy is evenly distributed throughout the room;
• the air in the rooms of the house does not dry out;
• when using heated floors there is no risk of drafts;
• such systems do not affect the interior design of premises;
• simple room temperature control.

Flaws:

• labor-intensive installation;
• increasing the width of the screed reduces the height of the room;
• expensive repairs;
• The disadvantage of electric heated floors is the high cost of electricity.

The most common option for heating houses made of timber in our country is a system with a liquid coolant, which, as a rule, is water. It circulates in a closed loop: “heating boiler - radiators”. Residential buildings use systems with forced and natural circulation of coolant fluid. Natural circulation occurs due to the difference in density of cold and heated water. Such systems can be used in timber houses whose area does not exceed 100 m2. For forced circulation of the coolant, the heating system is equipped with a special pump, which creates the necessary pressure in the line.

The advantage of water heating is the high heat capacity of water and the low cost of installation. At the same time, heating systems with natural coolant circulation are completely autonomous, since they can operate regardless of the presence of a connection to the electrical network. The disadvantages of this option include the short length of the system, which can only be used to heat houses with a small area.

Heating with forced water circulation can be used for houses made of timber of any size. But it should be taken into account that in this case the operation of the heating equipment will depend on the availability of a connection to the electrical network. In addition, the arrangement of such systems will be more complicated, since it is necessary to install additional equipment. The main disadvantage of water heating is the need to drain water in winter when the heating is turned off (water can freeze in pipes and radiators, which will lead to cracks). That is why such systems are rarely used for heating dachas, or instead of water, non-freezing liquids are used as a coolant.

Baseboard heating

A good option for a house made of timber is to install baseboard heating. In this case, the heat is evenly distributed from the baseboard along the wall surfaces, which prevents the formation of condensation and water does not get inside the wooden walls.

According to its characteristics, baseboard heating resembles heated floors, which have recently become one of the most popular solutions for houses made of timber.

Combination boilers

Leading brands engaged in the production of heating equipment for private homes offer a wide selection of autonomous heating boilers that can operate on several types of fuel (for example, wood, briquettes and electricity). Such models allow owners of log houses to heat their premises even during a power outage.

The cost of heating a house made of timber consists of two components - the price of equipment and the cost of installing the heating system. In order for the heating system to operate economically and without failures in the future, higher costs will have to be incurred when purchasing, connecting and installing equipment.

Heating boiler diagram

Water heating in a wooden house cannot be imagined without a boiler that provides heating of the coolant. The boiler is a device operating in automatic mode. There are several types of equipment that use different types of fuel.

Heating boiler diagram

The heating system in a wooden house can be installed using the following types of boilers:

• gas;
• electrical;
• diesel;
• working on solid fuel.

It is worth considering separately the features and types of infrared heating. This model of heating system uses electricity to operate, and at the same time has economical consumption compared to electric boilers. The disadvantage of this option is the inability to heat large rooms; often infrared equipment plays a supporting role.

Drawing up a heating scheme

Since water is predominantly used as a heat carrier, the schemes discussed below will be based on this factor. The essence of this kind of heating system for a wooden house is that the liquid is heated in a boiler and passes through pipes into radiators, where it is cooled. Next, the water returns to the heat source.

Installation of a one-pipe system

The choice of scheme largely depends on whether a system with gravity or forced coolant pumping is used. In addition, when drawing up a project, you need to take into account the number of circuits.

When organizing a single-pipe building heating system, it is almost impossible to regulate the temperature. It will be different in any case. The farther from the boiler, the lower the temperature

The advantage of creating one heating circuit is ease of installation. If you stick to the plan, you can quickly get the job done without involving a professional.

The single-pipe system allows you to save plumbing fixtures. And in order to maximally equalize the temperature throughout the entire circuit, it is necessary to increase the number of radiator sections that are connected at the end. To speed up the water flow, it is recommended to install a pump.

You should choose a single-pipe system only if it is possible to install the boiler below the level of the radiators. Otherwise, water will not circulate through the pipes

Subtleties of organizing two-pipe heating

A system with two circuits allows you to maintain the same temperature in all radiators, which will have a beneficial effect on heating efficiency. The disadvantage of this solution is the high consumption of materials.

The diagram of a two-pipe house heating system is also suitable for heat generators that run on solid fuel. The only thing that needs to be adjusted in this case is the pipeline material

When implementing a two-pipe project, each radiator must be equipped with shut-off valves. Such elements will allow you to adjust the temperature in each room.

If the boiler will be installed in the basement, then the best choice is a system with bottom wiring (the diagram is presented below). This solution is ideal for wooden houses where a gas boiler is used as a heat generator.

Gas boilers

If it is possible to connect to a gas pipeline, a gas boiler in a wooden house will be a good option. There are three types of boilers:

• atmospheric (a distinctive feature is a constant combustion mode, but when heated to a certain level, the gas supply automatically stops);
• turbine (in many ways similar to atmospheric, the difference is the presence of an air mass control system);
• condensation (has a more complex structure, in it the condensate located on the surface of the combustion chamber is first heated, which subsequently heats the coolant).

Gas boilers
Condensing boilers from Germany are characterized by high energy efficiency; they have decent efficiency. The only reason to refuse such equipment is the need to install heating in a wooden house without gas.

Choosing a boiler

If the source is gas, then it is best to choose an automatic wall-mounted gas boiler. This generator is equipped with a pump and protection. If a chimney is not provided, then you need to opt for a boiler with a closed combustion chamber. And to exhaust air in such a boiler, you can use a coaxial pipe. This will save money on pipe installation.

Wall-mounted boilers already have full automation, but if the water volume is more than 100 liters, install an additional expansion tank, even if there is a built-in one. It will make it possible to compensate for the expansion of water when heated. Otherwise, the pressure in the boiler will increase greatly as the temperature rises, and the automation will often turn off.

If the choice fell on an electric boiler, then it is best to choose a fully automatic boiler, with a built-in pump and expansion tank. This option will be more convenient to install and will avoid many mistakes.

Be sure to use a special device to stabilize electricity for such a boiler.

If the fuel is of a hard nature, then such a boiler can be installed by yourself, only if you know how to weld. And they are able to weld heating pipes with their own hands. The outlet temperature of this type of boiler can reach 100 degrees and it will be difficult to install any pipes other than iron ones without the help of professionals.

You can also use plastic pipes in a system with a boiler powered by hard fuel, but a special decoupling is required. Only highly professional heating engineers can carry it out.

When the boiler is selected, you need to select the right pipes and radiators. Various materials are used for pipes today. But when installing it yourself, it is best to use plastic. It is easy to install. The quality of metal pipes today has deteriorated greatly. So from the proposed option, choose metal-plastic or polypropylene.

The material has been selected, all that remains is to draw a diagram and choose a project for your home. The project will depend on the type of heating you choose.

Radiators are chosen depending on what kind of heat transfer you want to get and which ones suit your interior. The larger the radiator sections, the warmer the house will be. The calculation is 1 section per 1.5 square meters.

The appearance of radiators should not spoil the overall appearance. You will make the right choice by watching the video:

Calculation of materials is carried out after drawing up a detailed diagram of the heating system of your home.

For a wooden house, radiators with a bottom entry are usually used. This is due to the fact that it is difficult to hide pipes in the wall of such a house. They are hidden under the floors between floors.

Electric boilers

Electric heating in a wooden house involves the use of two boilers, one of which performs only an auxiliary function. The main boiler is a model in which the heating element function is performed by a heating element (tubular electric heater). In some cases, an electric boiler with electrodes is used; its operation is carried out using the ionization of water molecules.

Electric boilers

Before choosing electric heating in a wooden house, it is worth considering the subsequent costs. The equipment itself is inexpensive, but the price of electricity may scare off potential buyers. This method has advantages:

• small size of the unit;
• complete safety of use;
• possibility of autonomous operation (without human intervention);
• Efficiency is close to 100%.

Advantages of electric heating of a house made of timber

Electric heating is an effective solution for any home. This option allows you to uninterruptedly heat the rooms and accurately maintain a comfortable temperature in them. Such systems are used in many European countries.

Electric heating is versatile. Electric boilers and various heaters can be used for local and autonomous heating systems in timber houses.

The advantage of this option is its affordable cost, ease of control, minimal maintenance requirements, ease of installation, the ability to regulate the temperature using a timer, compact size of the equipment, low noise and no emissions of combustion products. To install electric heating in a house made of timber, you do not need special approval of the project from administrative authorities.

Recommended reading:

• Options for laminated timber houses for every taste and budget
• Construction technology of a half-timbered house
• Types of foundations for a private house

Additional benefits can be obtained by installing electrically heated floors. In this case, the air in the rooms will not become too dry and drafts characteristic of systems with water radiators will not occur. When installing electric heated floors, it becomes possible to accurately and easily control the temperature in the room. At the same time, heating devices will not interfere with the interior design of the premises.

The disadvantage of electrically heated floors is the complexity of installation and repair, the high cost of heating due to the high cost of electricity. Even economical systems in the cold season will consume several tens of kW per day during the day.

Solid fuel boilers

If the cost of electrical energy is unaffordable and there is no possibility of connecting to gas, the best choice would be a solid fuel boiler in a wooden house. There are various models of equipment with different firebox heights. One load of fuel allows the unit to operate autonomously for up to 12 hours. The most popular types of fuel are coal and wood. This type of boiler is the most profitable in terms of operating cost.

Solid fuel boilers

The disadvantage of heating in a private house using solid fuel boilers is the dependence of the efficiency on the level of humidity. You should not choose too cheap models, otherwise you will have to deal with such troubles as the formation of soot and soot. Most inexpensive boilers require frequent cleaning, which takes a lot of time.

Recommended heating equipment

• Electric boilers. Electric boilers are considered the most convenient to use. They do not require a spacious room for installation of equipment, regular maintenance and complex installation, and are durable and reliable.

• Diesel boilers. Installing an oil-fuel boiler in your home allows you to not depend on a common gas pipeline and provide autonomous heating. At the same time, the efficiency of diesel heating boilers is almost the same as that of gas boilers. However, diesel equipment requires a large room located far from living rooms.

• Solid fuel boilers. Solid fuel boilers operate on wood or coal. This method can complicate the operation of the boiler, since coal storage will require a separate room, where fuel will need to be supplied in a timely manner. A solid fuel boiler can be a suitable solution for a house built in a non-gas supply village.

• Gas boilers. The type of heating of log houses using gas boilers is the most economical, easy to use and therefore popular among customers. When installing a gas boiler, it is important to follow safety precautions to avoid fire.

Diesel boilers

One of the common options for heating a wooden house is purchasing a diesel boiler. The advantage of such systems is their ease of installation and subsequent operation. When installing most models, you do not have to worry about the need to create a complex chimney system.

Diesel boilers

When using water heating, such equipment will have a number of disadvantages:

• high fuel consumption (15 liters per day) and corresponding maintenance costs;
• low efficiency rate (from 75 to 85%);
• the need for constant monitoring (if bad fuel is used, work may simply stop).

Among all the options, this one has the lowest efficiency and the need for constant monitoring, however, quick heating of the room and the ability to regulate the temperature make the installation of a heating system of this type popular. You can also choose a diesel boiler if fuel costs do not become a serious problem for you.

Heating installation in a wooden house

First of all, it is worth noting that there is no need to try to make a heating system yourself, because the result may, at a minimum, not work and, at a maximum, lead to a fire. This matter should be handled exclusively by a specialist in this field.

But before calling it, you need to decide what fuel the house will be heated with and what type of heating mechanism will be used. Now liquid and solid fuels, as well as electricity and gas, are used for this. Types of heating will be discussed in more detail below, and the choice of fuel will largely depend on them. But before that, it should be said that wood as a building material can change in size - depending on the humidity of the environment and the time of its use.

This means that incorrect installation of the heating system (without taking this parameter into account) will lead to its rapid breakdown. At the same time, remodeling or even replacing it is expensive and does not have the best effect on the condition of the house. So it’s better to immediately clearly calculate and double-check everything, and only then buy equipment, not forgetting about the availability of fuel.

Warm floor

Modern homes often use underfloor heating to create a more comfortable environment. If the power is correctly calculated, such a system can be used as a method of heating rooms if there is no severe frost outside. When using a water system, pipes are laid under the final coating, thereby heating the surface.

Warm floor

If you use an electric heating connection in a wooden building, you should definitely install heated floors. This will increase consumption slightly, but the increase in comfort will be clearly felt.

Underfloor heating is rarely used separately as heating; most often it is part of a combined system. When installing, take into account the need for additional thermal insulation to comply with fire safety regulations. Before installation, it is worth taking care of the possibility of temperature control in order to control the condition of the system.

Important Tips

Choosing a heating mechanism for your wooden house is a responsible matter, and this is already clear from the previous section. It is necessary to take into account many details, not forgetting about various theoretical and practical aspects. But besides purely technical issues, you should pay attention to simpler and more vital tips. Like, for example, these:

• Before making your final choice, it is better to consider not just one or two, but all heating options. In addition to those described here, there are even exotic methods of heating rooms - quartz heating, etc. And what if this is the right one?
• User reviews are a really valuable thing. Hearing real stories from people about which heating was right for them in their specific circumstances allows you to see your situation in a brighter light and make decisions with more confidence.
• Heating is very important, and its importance cannot be overestimated, but even the best system can show low efficiency if the walls and roof are poorly insulated. So first you should take this seriously and remove all the shortcomings.

You cannot independently carry out not only installation of equipment, but also other work related to its operation - replacement of parts, etc. This is not a question of safety alone - a specialist will install the system so that the efficiency is maximum.

The issue of an alternative heating source also deserves attention. This is not often talked about, but many have probably heard how their neighbors or friends’ gas boiler suddenly stopped working in the middle of winter.

Gas systems are not repaired as quickly as we would like, and the situation turns out to be very unpleasant and even dangerous. You have to either go live in some other place (if there is one), or buy heaters - and the wiring may not be able to withstand such a quantity of them, plus the energy costs are huge.

But if an electric boiler was initially installed in the house as an alternative heating option, then the problem is solved on the same day. The equipment itself is inexpensive, so it can be installed without much burden on the budget with any other heating system that is planned to be used as the main one.

Options for choosing the right system

It is impossible to talk about a clear advantage of one system over all others; in a particular case, your own option is optimal. The following factors should be taken into account:

• cost of equipment;
• cost of radiators and other consumables;
• operating and maintenance costs;
• efficiency;
• exercising control;
• frequency of residence in the house (all year round or only in warm weather);
• types of thermal media used.

Each factor must be taken into account to make an informed decision. Do not forget about the aesthetic component of the question of how to hide and conceal heating pipes. All potential problems should be considered at the stage of choosing the type of system. Do-it-yourself heating schemes for a wooden house allow everyone to carry out installation independently without the involvement of third parties.

Stove heating

A classic option for local heating of a house, which involves building a fireplace or a massive stove.

The advantage of this heating system is that it can be an effective design element of any interior.

Disadvantages of stove heating:

• with the help of one single stove it is impossible to heat an entire house; this is only possible for a small dacha;
• low efficiency;
• the oven will take up quite a lot of space;
• periodic maintenance is required;
• often causes fire.

Whatever heating system you choose for a wooden house made of profiled timber, first you need to learn how to prevent heat loss. It should be remembered that a significant part of the heat is passed through the uninsulated roof, walls and windows of a house made of profiled timber. And it is imperative to take into account that how you subsequently heat your own home in the first years of its operation can have a huge impact on its durability.

Types of thermal media

Thermal energy can be transferred in various ways; the following options can be considered:

• air heating of a wooden house;
• using water (the most popular option);
• stove heating in a wooden house;
• underfloor heating systems.

We have already discussed the underfloor heating system above; it will not be able to fully provide the house with heat in the winter. This option is used as part of a system with different coolants or when living in a cottage only in the summer.

Water is most often used as a coolant for many reasons. This is the easiest way to provide room heating; the system will have high performance and efficiency.

Stoves for heating a wooden house are a traditional option for heating rooms. This method has been tested by time; in our time, it remains in high demand. Stove heating in a wooden house is sometimes not capable of heating distant rooms, which becomes a serious drawback. However, when combined with other options, the stove demonstrates good efficiency indicators.

The use of air as a coolant is also often used. It is relatively safe; the downside is often significant heat loss during long-distance transmission. If you plan to heat houses with a large area, you will have to think about a way to avoid a drop in temperature when moving.

Separately, it is worth noting quartz heating, which is more economical compared to classic electric heating systems. Quartz equipment consumes several times less electricity, while being able to heat rooms in a short time.

Tips on what to consider when choosing heating

When choosing heating systems for a house made of timber, in addition to their cost, it is necessary to take into account the complexity of installation and operating costs. It is necessary to analyze the efficiency of the equipment, as well as the ease of operating the system and monitoring the temperature in the premises. It is worth considering the level of complexity of carrying out preventive measures and repair work, operational safety and environmental characteristics.

When designing a house made of timber for permanent residence, you should pay attention to heating systems that use liquid or electric current as a coolant. This is precisely the conclusion that arises after comparing the advantages and disadvantages of different heating options. The same result will be obtained when comparing the cost of heating a house using different systems.

If you plan to build a country house from timber for seasonal living, then networks with a liquid coolant turn out to be completely ineffective. For such a house it is better to equip a fireplace or electric heating.

What can you save on?

When purchasing equipment and installing a heating system, the issue of saving invariably arises. Correct calculations of power will allow you to spend less money, while in terms of comfort you will not lose anything. For example, there are several options for installing a gas boiler in a wooden house. The heat exchange pattern and overall efficiency depend on its location.

The efficiency of the system depends on how good the heating radiators are, which ones are best to use in a particular situation, calculations will show. These elements may have different designs. A massive element will not be highly efficient if you need to heat a small room. Radiators according to the type of material used are divided into the following types:

• aluminum (they can be cast or obtained as a result of processing a workpiece);
• panel steel (ease of installation, efficiency of use);
• cast iron products (they take a long time to heat up, but can be used for more than half a century);
• tubular steel;
• modern bimetallic structures.

If gasification is present, you should first consider options using gas for heating. Options may vary in cost; you can always choose the best option for a particular case. It is possible to install a stove under a gas boiler, which will make your life more comfortable.

Subtleties of radiator selection

Radiators are one of the most important components of the system. After all, they distribute heat throughout the living space. Therefore, their choice should be taken with full responsibility, and not buy the first product you come across.

Batteries are divided into categories depending on their design and the material from which they are made. Since a wide assortment can drive an unprepared buyer into a dead end, before going to the store it is necessary to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Aesthetics of aluminum structures

Such products appeared in Italy more than 35 years ago. Since their invention, aluminum heating radiators immediately became popular and won the recognition of professionals.

When choosing a heating radiator, first of all you should familiarize yourself with the material of the sections. The heat transfer of the battery, its service life and weight depend on it

And this is not at all surprising, because these structures are distinguished by their lightness, high heat transfer, and attractive design. But they are poorly resistant to corrosion and are susceptible to airing.

Aluminum batteries can be cast or extruded. The first type is a monolithic structure, and the second is a blank formed by a press, from which finished products are subsequently cut.

Cast structures are considered more reliable and durable. In other respects, their analogues are in no way inferior to them.

Aluminum batteries are relatively lightweight. This makes them easy to transport and connect, something you can do yourself

Panel steel radiators

Steel is an excellent heat conductor. Therefore, batteries made from it are considered the most effective and are recommended for installation by all specialists. In addition, they are a monolithic structure, which greatly simplifies installation.

Provided that steel radiators are used in a house or country house with an autonomous heating system, they have no disadvantages. If all recommendations are followed, the service life can reach 30 years.

Batteries of this type are often supplemented with heat exchangers. But this in no way affects the appearance of the structure.

Good old cast iron

Cast iron radiators were first used more than a century ago. But even today they have not lost their relevance and are actively installed in heating systems.

The reason for this is its ease of maintenance and simply enormous service life - cast iron will faithfully last for about 50 years. At the same time, it retains heat well. The products take a long time to heat up, but after turning off the heating they will heat the room for a long time.

Taking into account all their advantages, cast iron appliances have only one insignificant disadvantage - they are heavy. Thus, the weight of one section can reach 6 kg, and the weight of the entire battery can be 36 kg.

Even in comparison with bimetallic and aluminum products, cast iron structures are a good and universal solution with many advantages

Tubular radiators made of steel

Tubular batteries, as a rule, are classified as products in the highest price segment. They fully comply with all quality standards and have a number of advantages over their analogues.

First of all, such structures can easily withstand sudden changes in pressure, and in the event of a heat cut, the battery will not become air-filled.

Also, tubular radiators have a smooth surface both outside and inside. Thanks to this, they have an attractive appearance, due to which they will harmoniously fit into any interior.

Tubular steel radiators are an expensive proposition. But at the same time, they last for about a quarter of a century, which completely pays for the costs.

Modern bimetallic structures

These types of batteries are made from an alloy of aluminum and steel. These metals have completely different characteristics, and as a result of their combination, a material with excellent performance is obtained.

More precisely, these radiators show high thermal conductivity and can easily withstand water hammer. If assembled with high quality, bimetallic products last about 50 years. But they are quite expensive.

Even despite the high price, it is better to spend money once and buy a bimetallic radiator from a reliable supplier. Thanks to its long service life, it will fully justify the investment.

Built-in floor convectors

This heating device is a tube made of copper and aluminum through which the coolant moves. The main advantage of floor convectors is the ability to build them directly into the floor.

In this case, the structure does not take up precious residential square meters, but at the same time warms the building well. The only thing that comes out is the decorative grille or panel.

If installation is carried out incorrectly, drafts may form inside the room. In addition, you need to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the heating element - air flows carry dust well.

It is better to choose a floor convector made of copper, steel or aluminum. In this case, the structure will last a long time, and the house will warm up almost instantly

Heating system installation

Self-installation forces you to take into account the following operating features:

• installation of special compensators;
• selection of material for pipelines and radiators;
• correct connection of all elements so that there are no leaks;
• wiring on all floors, reducing the number of risers to a minimum.

Installation of a heating system
It is worth deciding where the boiler room will be located in a wooden house. For its arrangement, basements or a separate extension can be used. There are always different options for how to attach a boiler room to a wooden house, differing in the cost of installation, the complexity of the work and the ease of subsequent operation.

Types of heating radiators for a house made of timber

To install a water heating system for a house made of timber, in addition to boilers, it is necessary to select the most suitable pipes, connecting fittings and radiators. The modern heating equipment market offers a wide selection of different types of batteries. Sectional radiators continue to be the most popular. For their production, materials such as cast iron, steel and aluminum alloys can be used. The most recent developments in the field of heating equipment include bimetallic radiators.

Cast iron is a traditional material for the production of heating batteries. Products made from it are distinguished by their heavy weight and high thermal inertia. Cast iron radiators are attractive due to their reliability and long service life.

Modern cast iron batteries differ from traditional Soviet models in a more attractive design.

Aluminum radiators are light in weight, but do not withstand pressure drops in the system and are therefore considered not reliable enough. Bimetallic batteries are made from steel and aluminum, so they combine the best characteristics of these materials. The aluminum body can significantly reduce the weight of the structure, and steel pipes transfer heat well and are reliably protected from corrosion. The presence of a large selection of different radiator models creates certain difficulties for buyers when choosing products for heating a house made of timber. To avoid making mistakes, it is worth consulting with experienced specialists who are well acquainted with modern heating equipment at the heating design stage. Special attention should be paid to the qualified installation of such systems.

Single pipe system

The heating system can have a different number of circuits; the single-pipe version is most common. A single-pipe system ensures that hot water rises due to the difference in mass and density with the colder part of the coolant.

Single pipe system

This option is best used for small houses, since with natural circulation the difference in temperature on different floors will be felt. A good way to get rid of this drawback is to use a circulation pump. It is worth calculating all the expenses to understand whether this option will have truly suitable efficiency.

Installation of a "warm floor" system

We use heating mats

Stage 1: it is most convenient to use electric heating mats, although they will cost 20-25% more than cable. A groove is made in the wall and floor where the cable in a corrugated tube will go, connecting the heating mats to the energy source, and the temperature sensor. Then all debris and dust are removed from the floor surface. Heating mats can be placed directly on old tiles. The mat mesh is easy to cut, and if the mat is rotated, a cut can be made, but the heating cable must not be touched.

Stage 2: the mat is attached to the floor using a heat gun or tape. Sometimes an adhesive layer on the mesh is already applied to the surface of the mat, and the mat itself sticks well.

Stage 3: a layer of tile adhesive is applied on top of the mat. You need to let it dry completely for 5-7 days.

Stage 4: all connections must be made and the thermostat connected. The functionality and serviceability of the heating system is checked.

Stage 5: You can lay the floor covering on the completely dried adhesive base.

We use a cable

main source of heating

Stage 1: the floor is cleared of old tiles or other material before laying the heat insulator. All debris is swept out and dust is removed.

Stage 2: sheets of heat insulation are laid out on the cleaned surface. The joints between the sheets are taped.

Stage 3: a reinforcing mesh is laid on top of the thermal insulator and an intermediate screed no thicker than 3 cm is poured. Wait 3-5 days until it dries completely.

Stage 4: after the screed has completely dried, mounting tape is applied to it.

Stage 5: a detailed cable laying diagram is drawn up. You need to start laying from the bridge connecting the wiring to the thermostat. It is necessary to take into account the cable manufacturer's recommendations regarding the minimum bending radius of the cable and the minimum distance between the cable threads. Do not run the cable under areas where plumbing fixtures and furniture will subsequently be installed.

Stage 6: the thermostat is installed inside the corrugated tube. All components of the electrical system are connected.

Stage 7: after checking the operation of the heating system, a second screed 3-10 cm high is laid. You must wait a month until it dries completely.

Stage 8: Now you can lay any flooring.

Two-pipe system

If there are two circuits, the hot coolant enters the radiators through a separate line. This ensures faster heating of the rooms, as well as the same temperature in opposite parts of the building. In large houses, uniform heating is important, so this option is optimal there.

Two-pipe system

Sometimes there is a need to expand the house and make new extensions. When using a double-circuit heating system, this will not be a problem; such a system is considered scalable, that is, you can always extend any line. When building houses with a large area of ​​premises, opt for a two-pipe system.

Water heating

In this case, water is used as a coolant, which circulates through a closed circuit “boiler - heating radiators - boiler”. There are two more solutions of similar heating for a house made of profiled timber: with forced or natural circulation of water. The first solution is perfect for small buildings whose area does not exceed one hundred square meters. The movement of this coolant in this embodiment is due to the difference in the mass of warm and hot water. Heating systems that use forced circulation of coolant must be equipped with an electric circulation pump, which ensures the required water pressure.

The advantage of heating systems with natural coolant circulation is their independence from power supply. The disadvantage is the short range of action.

A system with forced circulation has one advantage - it is that a house made of profiled timber can be heated in almost any area, but there are two disadvantages:

• complex installation due, among other things, to the installation of additional equipment;
• dependence on power supply.

Electrical

The most common electric heating systems are with electric convectors. Electric convector radiators are equipped with various heating elements - open filaments, heating elements, nichrome spirals.

• Models with filaments are cheap, but require good ventilation. Dust falls on the threads and burns, hence the unpleasant odors.
• A heating element (thread in a tube) is the safest option.
• Nichrome coils are chemically inert, durable, and highly efficient.

Modern electric radiators have a built-in programmer - a programmable thermostat. You can set a timer and set the desired temperature. And even set up work on specific days of the week, so as not to heat an empty house and warm the rooms before the owners arrive.

Peculiarities

• Mobile compact equipment.
• Comfortable use.
• Electricity costs.
• Energy dependence.

Pipe routing

A water heating system for a private house involves the use of three piping options - a single-pipe system, a two-pipe system and a collector system.

A single-pipe system is a system where the heated coolant (water) from the boiler sequentially flows from one battery to the next. Such a system has one big drawback - it is very difficult to control the wiring, since when water access to any of the radiators is blocked, the others are also blocked.

Single pipe system

In a two-pipe system, each radiator has a hot and cold water pipe. So, with such a system, water heating at home can be regulated very conveniently.

Another system is a collector system. It is also called radial. Here the mechanism works in this way: from the collector (which is a device that collects water) two pipes are supplied to each heating device - forward and return. Thanks to this, you can simply install a system with hidden pipe wiring, you can maintain a certain temperature regime in a separate room and regulate it.

One-pipe and two-pipe system

A critically important point when drawing up a project is determining the number of circuits. The most common option is a single-pipe system. Installation is easy and does not take much time. The systems are economical to install.

The advantage of a single-pipe system is the small number of parts. Such a heating device in a wooden house allows you to equalize the temperature of the circuit by increasing the number of radiator sections. It is worth increasing only those elements that are at the end of the system. Efficiency is increased by installing a small pump.

Attention! The main disadvantage of single-pipe systems is that they require installation of the boiler below the level of the radiators.

Two circuits can be called a more efficient scheme. The method implies that the design constantly regulates the temperature in all heating elements. If all radiators are equally warm, the consumption of heating materials will decrease significantly.

The disadvantage of this design is the increased consumption of pipes and other parts during installation. However, it is precisely two circuits that make it possible to efficiently heat a large room without loss in temperature. A two-pipe system is installed much more often than a single-pipe version.

Comparison table for heating types

Types of radiators

There are many types of radiators. The most common and popular are sectional batteries. They are made of cast iron, steel, aluminum, bimetal. If the material of the house is timber, it is advisable to organize heating by selecting lightweight options. It is also necessary to take care of the selection of pipes and additional elements for connection.

High heat transfer of steel radiators, allowing maximum energy savings. To achieve an optimal microclimate, you do not need to install bulky multi-section models. A compact device with much smaller dimensions is also capable of coping with the task. The variety of models allows you to choose the best options that can satisfy individual requirements and taste preferences.

Steel radiators have high heat transfer. To achieve optimal room temperature, it is not necessary to install massive models with several sections. Compact radiators of small dimensions will successfully complete the task.

Aluminum models are much lighter than all analogues, however, this metal may not cope with pressure drops within the system. Bimetallic models were developed to combine the advantages of metal and aluminum installations. Their body is made of aluminum, and the coolant moves through steel tubes.

Modern models from manufacturers differ in a variety of shapes. The optimal option should, first of all, provide a heating function, be reliable, other aspects can be considered from the standpoint of personal taste preferences.