All about heat distributors: do they help you save money, how to install them and how to pay for heating 

Author of the article

Alexander Georgievich Kondratiev

An electrical engineer by training, he worked as an electronics engineer, chief engineer at a food company, and general director of a construction organization.

The biggest utility bills are heating bills. The desire of the owners to optimize costs is understandable. In new buildings, according to the law, apartment meters are installed, which help save on rent. But this is only where there is horizontal wiring. That is, only 20-25% of the entire housing stock. In other houses, vertical wiring is used, where installing individual meters is impossible or expensive.

To solve this problem, a heat spreader is used. Individual meters count the amount of hot water passing through the pipes. And the heat distributor is attached to the battery and measures the temperature of the coolant and the environment. That is, it calculates how much heat the radiator releases into the room.

How the battery meter works

Let's take a closer look at how the heating meter works and what factors can affect its functioning.
A heat meter is installed to determine the volume of coolant in the radiator, as well as measure the water temperature level.

If the house has horizontal wiring, the unit is mounted on a horizontal pipe. At the same time, one device per apartment is quite enough. But with vertical piping, you will have to install a separate meter for each battery.

It should be noted that the heating meter in the apartment is quite accurate. But there are a number of factors that can have a strong impact on the device and cause some error. For example:

1. The circulation of the coolant is disrupted, low flow is observed.
2. There is a thermal difference that is less than +30 degrees.
3. The meter was installed incorrectly. For example, temperature sensors are installed incorrectly.
4. The quality of the pipeline and water is poor. For example, the water is too hard and has various impurities such as sand and rust.

What types of heating meters are there?

Depending on the installation method, the heating meter can be communal or individual.
With the common building option, one metering device is purchased for the entire high-rise building. Despite the fact that the meter is expensive, it will be quite affordable for the owner of each apartment. After all, the total price will be divided among all residents. Despite the availability of a heat metering unit, savings may be low due to the fact that some apartments may be poorly insulated. As a result, everyone will have to overpay. Therefore, many people prefer to install an individual meter on the heating battery. to pay only for the heat actually received by the apartment. True, such a device is not suitable for every room. For example, installing a meter in an old house with a vertical type of wiring can be quite problematic. After all, the device is installed on a riser. And in such houses there are several of them. Installing a meter on each riser is very expensive. In this case, distributors are used. Also, all heating meters for an apartment can be classified according to their operating principle into:

• Ultrasonic. They are used most often. They are considered the most accurate, durable and reliable. The error may be caused by particles of debris entering the signal receiver and the formation of air bubbles.
• Mechanical. Suitable for use in conditions of contaminated or salt-saturated circulating fluid.
• Electromagnetic. Fairly accurate. They are distinguished by stable operation.
• Vortex. The principle of operation is that data on the strength of the vortices formed after the passage of the circulating fluid is compared.

Features of installing a heating meter

It should be noted that independent installation of heating meters in the apartment is unacceptable. This may result in refusal of registration, and the personal account will not be re-registered

It is also important to remember that the unit should be checked every four years.

To install the device, you need to perform a number of steps:

1. get permission;
2. study technical conditions;
3. create a project, it must be agreed upon with the heating company;
4. install the unit.

How much will it cost to install a heating meter?

For those who want to spend money wisely, a heat meter is the best investment option.
Of course, the price of the device is considerable. But if you consider that the purchase pays for itself fairly quickly, the meter is not that expensive. The price for a communal heating meter is more affordable than for a unit installed individually for one apartment. The cost of devices depends on the type and manufacturer. We must remember that in addition to purchasing the device itself, you will also have to spend money on its installation. After all, installation should only be performed by a professional. It must be said that the price of heating meters includes, in addition to the equipment itself, some components: shut-off valves, control valve, filter. The average cost is from 9,000 rubles. If you add installation costs to this, the amount can rise to 20,000 rubles.

It is very profitable to buy meters in bulk: at the same time, the price for a heating meter will be slightly lower. This is possible, for example, if other residents plan to install this unit at the entrance for their apartments.

Features of installation and commissioning

The installation of devices must be carried out by a trained specialist, taking into account the specifics of the heating distribution in the apartment building. The correct operation of the device depends on this.

To install the device, you do not need to change the heating circuit. It attaches directly to the battery. Programmable. The installation algorithm may vary slightly depending on the model.

It is prohibited to use recorders where the following are installed:

• Heated floor systems;
• Heaters or convectors with forced air supply;
• Ceiling heaters with outside air intake function;
• Converters where steam is used as a coolant.

House-wide heating meters in an apartment building

Owners of apartments living in apartment buildings have the right to resolve the situation with high heat consumption by installing an IPU instead of a common building meter. However, this is not the most economical method, since the price of the equipment is high. The total cost should be divided among all owners and then the amount will be acceptable.

Readings from a common meter are taken monthly by employees of the management company or HOA. Payment is made in accordance with the square footage of each living space. Additionally, the rule of subsidies and recalculation applies. The latter option involves a refund if the temperature of the batteries and the ambient air in the apartment does not meet the standards.

Who installs

A heat meter is installed based on the decision of the residents of the apartment building. To do this, a meeting is initiated where installation is discussed. Additionally, they determine who will inspect the ODI element, take readings, and also generate invoices for payment.

The decision is recorded in the protocol, then a statement of consent to install the equipment is sent to the management company. The main purpose of installing a common house appliance is low price. But as a result, economic feasibility may not have the expected effect. For example, in old houses there is insufficient thermal insulation, which leads to increased resource consumption.

Formula for calculating heating using a common house meter

Pi = (Vi + (Si x (Vd - ∑Vi)) / Sob) x Tt,

Where:

• Pi – the amount of heating contribution for one property, obtained based on the calculation results (rubles);
• Si – square footage of an apartment or non-residential premises;
• Sob – total m2 of apartment building;
• Vd is an indicator of energy consumption based on TDPU, if calculated within a season or from the average volume for 12 months;
• Tt – the current tariff in the region for the resource;
• Vi – individual heat consumption;
• ∑Vi – total volume throughout the house.

Installation and configuration

Before you buy and install a thermostat on a battery, you need to make sure that your heating device is not equipped with a valve from the factory. This applies to steel panel radiators from some manufacturers, for example KERMI or HEIMEIER. For them, you only need to purchase the thermostatic head itself with a suitable thread and screw it into the appropriate socket.

Setting up and installing a thermostat on batteries with your own hands should not cause you much difficulty. Here are some recommendations:

If the thermostat does not provide a function for mechanically blocking the coolant flow, then to service the radiator you will have to install an additional ball valve in front of the valve, as shown in the diagram:

Installation of thermal head

The element is fastened to the valve body in two ways - on a thread or by simple snapping, as on DANFOSS products. In any case, you first need to remove the protective cap from the valve axle box, then turn the head handle to the “max” position and insert it into the socket until it clicks, or lightly tighten it with a wrench (when the connection is threaded). If the thermostat head rotates normally, the installation is successful.

Valves from some manufacturers, as well as all heads, have a presetting function. This is an advance limitation of the temperature control range, which is implemented differently in different models. For example, the HERZ ARMATUREN thermostat is limited using special pins; other products include a key that locks the head in a certain position.

The operational setting of the battery thermostat is carried out using a handle with a printed scale and numbers (designations). As a rule, the range of smooth adjustments is 16-28 °C, and in the “*” position the valve will maintain the air temperature at 6-7 °C to prevent defrosting.

In conclusion, a few words about the compatibility of thermostats with cast iron heating appliances. In principle, there are no contraindications to installation, but there are doubts about the effectiveness of the thermostats. Cast iron batteries are massive and hold a lot of water, and therefore are inertial and will respond to automatic regulation with a delay. So here it is preferable to install a regular tap on the supply and a balancing tap on the return.

Source

How to convey testimony correctly

An apartment heat meter is functionally much simpler than a modern mobile phone, but users periodically have misunderstandings about the process of taking and sending display readings.

To prevent such situations, before starting the procedure for taking and transmitting readings, it is recommended to carefully study its passport, which provides answers to most questions related to the characteristics and maintenance of the device.

Depending on the design features of the device, data is collected in the following ways:

1. From the liquid crystal display by visually capturing readings from various menu sections, which are switched by a button.
2. ORTO transmitter, which is included in the basic package of European devices. The method allows you to display and print extended information about the operation of the device on a PC.
3. The M-Bus module is included in the delivery of individual meters in order to connect the device to the centralized data collection network of heat supply organizations. Thus, a group of devices is combined into a low-current network using a twisted pair cable and connected to a hub, which periodically polls them. Afterwards, a report is generated and delivered to the heat supply organization, or displayed on a computer display.
4. The radio module included in the delivery of some meters transmits data wirelessly over a distance of several hundred meters. When the receiver comes within range of the signal, the readings are recorded and delivered to the heat supply organization. Thus, the receiver is sometimes attached to a garbage truck, which, as it follows a route, collects data from nearby meters.

Archiving of readings

All electronic heat meters store in the archive data on accumulated indicators of thermal energy consumption, operating and idle time, coolant temperature in the forward and return pipelines, total operating time and error codes.

As standard, the device is configured for various archiving modes:

• hourly;
• daily;
• monthly;
• annual.

Some of the data, such as total operating time and error codes, can only be read using a PC and special software installed on it.

Transfer of readings via the Internet

One of the most convenient ways to transmit readings of consumed thermal energy to institutions for its accounting is transmission via the Internet. Its convenience and practicality lies in the ability to independently control payments and debts, as well as track heat consumption at different periods without standing in queues and spending a small amount of time.

To do this, you must have a personal computer connected to the network and the address of the website of the controlling organization, as well as the login and password of your personal account, after logging into which a form for entering readings will open. To prevent disagreements from arising in the event of a possible failure or malfunction on the site, it is advisable to take “screenshots” of the screen after entering information.

Types of devices for obtaining information about the temperature inside the room

Devices for receiving and transmitting heating indicators are usually divided into:

• by the method of data transmission;
• by method and location of installation;
• according to the data acquisition algorithm.

By data translation method

Based on the method of data transmission, temperature sensors are usually divided into two separate categories:

• using wires;
• having a wireless communication channel.

Now the most popular devices are wireless temperature sensors that transmit information about indoor air heating and water heating using a built-in transmitter. Installation of these devices is allowed both indoors and outdoors.

By method and location

Devices that measure temperature in coolants are also divided according to installation method and mounting location:

• Invoices. They are installed to the thermal circuit of the heating circuit of the room;
• Submersible. Such microsensors come into contact with the coolant (what flows in the heating system);
• Rooms. They are placed inside a heated enclosed space;
• External. Located on the street.

Some devices can combine several types of temperature sensors for more precise heating control.

By method of obtaining evidence

Thermal sensors are also divided according to the method of collecting data. The following types of microsensors are sold on the market:

• bimetallic;
• alcohol

The first type of sensor is a pair of plates made of different metal alloys with an indicator in the form of an arrow. An increase in temperature leads to deformation of one of the plates, which creates pressure on the dial indicator. These devices are distinguished by their accuracy. True, their disadvantages include inertia.

Alcohol heat sensors do not have this drawback. They are sealed flasks with an alcohol solution. When heated, the alcohol expands, which helps set the current temperature. This is a simple and reliable design. True, it cannot be called convenient for tracking indicators.

Types of temperature sensors

To obtain heating data, temperature sensors are used that have different operating algorithms. The most popular types of temperature sensors include the devices listed below.

Thermocouple

This microsensor consists of two connected wires made of two different metals. Due to the resulting temperature difference between the warm and cold ends, a current of 35-65 40-60 μV appears. This indicator will depend on the materials used in the thermocouple.

A thermocouple is a fairly accurate heat sensor used to obtain information about indoor air temperature and heating of coolants. However, its disadvantage is the difficulty of taking indicators.

Video: How to take readings when using a thermocouple

Thermistors

It is much easier to obtain temperature readings using thermistors. These devices are based on the principle of transforming resistance indicators of materials under different heating conditions. These microdevices are not only accurate, but also linear.

Such thermal microsensors can be interfaced with analog-to-digital devices.

Video: how to take readings with thermistors

Digital heat sensor for simultaneous measurements

Digital thermal microsensors have also become widespread. One of the most popular such sensors is DS18B20. This device operates on a microcircuit with three outputs. The device can receive heating data from several microsensors operating in parallel. In this case, the error in the indicators will not exceed 0.5 degrees.

Non-contact thermal imagers and irometers

These microsensors detect thermal radiation emanating from bodies. In order to characterize this phenomenon, a method is used to calculate the amount of energy released over a certain time from the surface of a body per wavelength range. At the same time, they do not come into contact with the thermal fluid.

Quartz temperature transducers (piezoelements)

Quartz thermal transducers (piezoelectric elements) can be used to obtain temperature data in the range from -80 to +250 degrees Celsius. This device works according to the principle of frequency depending on the degree of heating of the quartz element. The operation of the sensor is affected by the placement of the slice along the crystal axes.

Acoustic noise thermal sensors

Heat sensors operate on the principle of obtaining information about the acoustic difference in electrical potentials arising from the heating of resistors. The method of using these devices is extremely simple: the noise emanating from two identical elements is compared. In this case, one of these elements is in previously known conditions of air heating, but the second is not.

Temperature sensors

Nuclear quadrupole resonance thermometers operate on the basis of a field gradient that forms crystal lattices. Also, the operating principle of this device is based on the nuclear moment - an indicator that arises when a charge deviates from the primary spherical symmetry.

The main structural element of these devices is a glass ampoule with a substance placed in an inductive winding connected to a generator circuit.

Semiconductor devices

A separate category of devices that operate according to the principle of changes in p/n junction parameters resulting from temperature exposure. The voltage in this case will be proportional to the temperature effect on the transistors. This helps simplify the calculation of this factor. The main advantage of these devices is high accuracy. Their advantages also include linearity over the entire measuring range.

Volumetric transducers for temperature readings

These devices operate on the simple and well-known principle of changing the volume of substances when they are heated and cooled. These temperature sensors are practical. Their operating temperature measurement range is from -60 to +400 degrees Celsius.

Features of calculating the cost of heating payments

The heating standard is calculated based on the amount of thermal energy that was consumed by the apartment building during one heating period.
In this case, the volume of heat consumed is divided by 12 months and by the total area of ​​residential apartments. Thus, heating services are paid evenly throughout the year. You can find out how you can regulate the temperature of the heating battery here. By installing a meter on the battery, you will not be charged for heating in the summer.

The owner of the apartment will pay based on the heat received. If there is a device that measures heating, its data must be taken monthly and submitted to the appropriate services.

Registration of the “Individual” meter with a house management company or HOA

Next, you need to register the installed meters. To do this you need to collect a set of documents:

• A copy of the latest heating payment receipt,
• A copy of the certificate for the device (picture on the right),
• A copy of the device type description,
• Copy of the instruction manual,
• Calibration report with battery type coefficient (reports in .pdf format for different types of radiators can be downloaded here)
• Thermal energy consumption report form,
• Photos of radiators with installed devices,
• Application to the DUK. It is filled out in two copies and registered with the secretary of the DUK, after which one copy remains with the house management organization, and the other with the applicant (the secretary puts the registration number and his signature on it).

The management company is obliged to register individual heat meters within a month.

If desired, the apartment owner can perform all these actions independently, but to save time and be confident in the correct installation, it is advisable to contact a specialized installation organization.

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Is it profitable to install individual heat meters?

After you go through all the vicissitudes of paperwork, installation of a heat meter and its commissioning, you will receive the following benefits:

• payment for the heat used specifically by you, and not some average costs throughout the building;
• it will be possible to save thermal energy when it is not required;
• By investing money in insulating the walls of your apartment, you will not only protect your home from the cold, but you will also pay less for heating in fact.

The payback of the project depends on many factors, ranging from how much the heating meter and installation services cost. Practice shows that payment for the device is reduced by an average of 25-30% compared to the tariffs applied in the absence of heat meters.

Advice. There is a simple way to verify the benefits of organizing individual heat energy metering. Analyze how much you paid for centralized heating 2-5 years ago and track the trend in tariff growth. Note that rising energy prices will not stop in the future.

This thermal head allows you not only to regulate the temperature, but also to change it according to the time of day

Controlling actual heat consumption is the first step to saving it. The second is the installation of valves with thermal heads on batteries that limit the heating of air in rooms, which is described in detail in this article. If you buy programmable thermal heads, then during your absence the temperature in the rooms can be reduced by 3-4 °C. The third step is thermal insulation of walls and ceilings with floors (if necessary).

Types of residential heating system wiring

Apartments in high-rise buildings are equipped with either vertical or horizontal distribution of the heating system. In apartment buildings built before the beginning of the 21st century, heating systems were installed vertically.

Option #1 - vertical wiring

The vertical circuit of the thermal system is made of one pipe, less often two pipes. But always with a sequential flow of coolants through the interfloor levels - from bottom to top, then from top to bottom.

Vertical heating distribution is especially common in Khrushchev-era buildings.

The circuit of a single-pipe thermal system covers several floors and apartments. That’s why you can’t install a built-in heat meter on it

Heating with vertical wiring has serious disadvantages:

• Uneven heat distribution . The coolant is pumped along a vertically oriented interfloor circuit, which does not ensure uniform heating of rooms at different levels. Those. in apartments on the lower floors it will be noticeably warmer than in rooms located closer to the roof of a high-rise building;
• Difficulty adjusting the degree of heating of heating batteries. The need to equip each battery with a bypass;
• Problems with balancing the heating system . The balance of single-circuit heating of vertical distribution is achieved by adjusting shut-off valves and thermostats. But at the slightest change in pressure or temperature in the system, the adjustment must be made again;
• Difficulties with individual accounting of heat consumption . There is more than one riser in the vertical heating system of apartment rooms, so conventional heat meters cannot be used. You will need several of them for each radiator, which is expensive. Although for vertical heating, another thermal energy metering tool is available - a heat distributor.

Constructing a vertically oriented heating pipeline was cheaper than horizontal wiring - fewer pipes were required.

Such savings in the era of mass standard development of urban areas of Russia in the 20th century were considered completely justified.

Option #2 - horizontal wiring in a high-rise building

When the heating system is laid out horizontally, there is also a vertical supply riser that distributes the coolant across the floors.

The pipe of the second riser, which serves as a return line, is located in a vertical technical shaft next to the supply riser.

From both distribution risers, horizontal pipes of two circuits are led into the apartments - supply and return. The return line collects cooled water, transporting it to a thermal station or heating boiler.

In a horizontal heating circuit, everything is simple - the coolant enters the apartment through one pipe, and exits through the other.

The advantages of horizontal distribution of heating pipes include:

• the ability to regulate the temperature in each apartment , as well as throughout the entire highway (installation of mixing units is required);
• repair or maintenance on a separate heating circuit without completely shutting down the heating system. Shut-off valves allow you to close the apartment’s circuit at any time;
• quick start of heating on all floors . For comparison, even in a well-balanced single-pipe vertical distribution system, delivery of coolant to all radiators will take at least 30-50 seconds;
• installation of one heat meter per apartment circuit . With horizontal heating distribution, equipping it with a heat meter is a simple task.

The disadvantage of a horizontal heating circuit is its increased cost. The need to install a return pipe parallel to the supply pipe increases the price of residential heating by 15-20%.

Types of thermal heating devices

The main types of heat meters include:

• Tachometer or mechanical;
• Ultrasonic;
• Electromagnetic;
• Vortex.

There is also a classification by area of ​​application. For example, industrial or individual.

An industrial heating heat meter is a common building (in apartment buildings) device; it is also installed at production facilities. This unit has a large diameter from 2.5 cm to 30 cm. The range of coolant amount is from 0.6 to 2.5 m3 per hour.

An individual heating device is the unit that is installed inside the apartment. It is distinguished by the fact that its channels have a small diameter, namely no more than 2 cm. And also the range of coolant amount is from 0.6 to 2.5 m3 per hour. This meter comes with 2 devices, namely a heat meter and a hot water meter.

How to fight such injustice?

Modern heating meters allow you to control the amount of heat you receive, and you no longer have to pay for cold radiators in your apartment.

An apartment heat meter for a battery is special equipment designed to account for the thermal energy that enters the home. Despite the fact that the device is called “apartment”, it can be installed in a private home, office and even in a country house without any problems.

The meter package includes:

• Heat calculator.
• Water meter.
• Two temperature sensors.

What do you need for installation?

To install such a meter, you just need to write a statement to the Housing Office stating that you want to install a heat energy meter.

After the Housing Office issues the necessary permit, you must draw up a project in accordance with which all installation work will be carried out.

This project must be approved by the head of the housing office. After all the documentation has been signed and the housing office has no objections, you can begin installation work on installing the heat meter. Once the device is installed, it must be connected and configured correctly.

Important. After installing the meter and completing commissioning work, do not forget to sign all the necessary documents and register the new device.

What types of counters are there?

You will probably ask, which counter is best to choose, since their range is far from small?

Today the market can offer several types of meters.

By volume of work:

• Apartment.
• Industrial.

Based on the operating principle:

• Tachometer.
• Ultrasonic.
• Electromagnetic.
• Vortex.

First of all, let's discuss a budget option - a mechanical counter. The price of a tachometer for a battery is considered quite acceptable.

This mechanical device includes a heat calculator and a rotary water meter.

The only disadvantage of such a unit is its inability to work with water, where hardness is increased, scale, rust, scale and any other debris are present.

An ultrasonic meter is a more modern option that will cost a little more than a mechanical one. Its operating principle is practically no different from other devices. The only significant advantage of such a counter is the high clarity of the readings.

The apartment meter is small in size and has a channel of 15 - 20 mm. The measured heat range is from 0.6 to 2.5 m3/h.

Heat is measured according to the operating principle of the meter. For more accurate data, you can additionally use a flow meter. Almost always, the flow meter and heat calculator form one whole device.

The house meter is used in large enterprises or in apartment buildings. Heat is also taken into account using one of several methods: vortex, turbine and electromagnetic.

The only difference between a house meter and an apartment meter is the size and amount of work required. The size of a house meter is about 25 - 300 mm. The heat measurement interval has not changed - 0.6 - 2.5 m3/h.

Electromagnetic heating meter

This is an expensive model of thermal devices, and is one of the most precise devices. The principle of operation of an electromagnetic meter is that the coolant passes through the device, while the electromagnetic field conducts a weak current. This device needs to be maintained, that is, cleaned periodically.

Rice. 4 Electromagnetic heat meters

The electromagnetic device consists of 3 main parts:

• Primary converter;
• An electronic unit that can operate both from batteries and from the mains;
• Temperature sensors.

In this case, the electromagnetic heat device can be installed in any position (horizontal, vertical, or at an angle), but this is only in the case when the area where the meter is installed is constantly filled with coolant.

If the diameter of the pipe does not match the diameter of the device flange, then adapters can be used.

How to choose the right Danfoss heat meters

Products manufactured in Denmark have gained universal popularity and fame throughout the world. It will be necessary to meet the installed heating devices. The wide range presented allows everyone in need to make the most of their financial capabilities to achieve the desired result.

• power supply
• measurement accuracy and error level
• dynamic range of measurement
• functional content
• connection method
• price.

Almost the entire model range is quite small in size, which provides additional convenience during installation work.

Installation of an individual heat meter

Before installing a heating meter in a separate apartment of a multi-storey building, a number of measures and actions will need to be completed, otherwise connecting the device will not be appropriate or legal.

Step one

. It is necessary to eliminate existing sources of heat loss, including cracks in windows, insufficiently insulated entrance doors, and frozen corners. Only after this the installation of a heat meter will result in significant savings.

Step two

. The management company (housing office, homeowners' association) must provide the apartment owner with technical conditions (TU) - they contain the requirements that must be met in order to connect an apartment heat meter. Typically, the text of the conditions takes up an A4 sheet. It certainly contains information about the temperature and pressure of the coolant entering the pipeline of a particular house.

Step three

. Knowing these parameters, you can start purchasing a heat meter from a company that operates legally. When purchasing a device, you must request a sales and cash receipt, a certificate confirming quality, rules and operating instructions.

Step four

. Based on the technical specifications provided by the management company, you should order a design solution for installing a heat meter in an apartment from the design organization. The design company must have a license for this type of work.

Step five

. The thermal measuring device is installed by employees of a licensed organization specializing in this type of service.

When choosing a company, it is advisable to pay attention to a number of nuances:

• for the availability of information about the organization in the Unified State Register of Legal Entities;
• for the availability of a package of necessary documentation, including certificates, SRO approvals;
• availability of qualified specialists;
• for the availability of special equipment;
• to perform a full list of installation works;
• for the availability of a free specialist visit to the client’s apartment to inspect communications;
• for the presence of warranty obligations for the work performed.

Step six

. When the installation of the heat meter is completed, a representative of the management company (housing office, homeowners' association) must seal it and sign the acceptance certificate for the device.

The procedure for legal installation of a heat meter

The sequence of actions aimed at installing an individual heat metering device in an apartment consists of several stages.

Let's look at them in more detail:

1. A written application to the house management organization for permission to install a heat meter. Copies of documents on ownership of the living space and the technical passport of the apartment must be attached to the letter.
2. Obtaining technical specifications for the installation of a heat meter from a heat energy supplier (usually a management company).
3. Preparation of a project for individual heat metering and installation technical documentation. Performed by an organization that has the legal right to provide design services.
4. Coordination of design documentation with the heat supply company.

You should not purchase a heat meter before receiving an agreed upon thermal energy project, because Failure is possible for various reasons.

Having all the documentation for the project, all that remains is to choose a heat meter - ultrasonic, mechanical or externally installed, for example, a heat calculator.

A device that is required to save up to 50% of heating costs - it must be installed by a professional. And with a guarantee

For the purchased model, you must obtain from the seller receipts (sales and cash receipts), instructions, warranty card and a copy of the current quality certificate.

The company installing the heat meter must have a license for this type of work.

Before choosing a contractor, it is necessary to evaluate the data on the candidates (Unified State Register of Legal Entities, certificates, SRO approvals), the professionalism of the installers (special equipment, list of installation work, availability of an installation kit), guarantees of the work performed.

The quality of the thermostat installed on the heating radiator is important. It is this that will allow you to control the heating of the battery, and therefore the cost of heat. Please note that in addition to the heat meter, you will need additional devices and accessories: bypass, radiator thermostats, pipe filters, tees, etc.

Please note that in addition to the heat meter, you will need additional devices and accessories: bypass, radiator thermostats, pipe filters, tees, etc.

Sealing the heat meter or heat distributor after installation work is mandatory.

The seals are placed by representatives of the heat supply company.

Selecting a heat meter

There are several types of accounting units based on the operating principle, but 3 of them are most suitable for installation in an apartment:

• mechanical (otherwise known as tachometer);
• ultrasonic;
• overhead sensors for batteries.

Mechanical heating meters are called that because the water flow in them is determined using an impeller immersed in the coolant. Using 2 sensors installed in the supply and return pipelines of the heating devices, the temperature difference is calculated. Based on these data, the electronic unit calculates the thermal energy consumption. Tachometer heat meters are characterized by the lowest cost, but at the same time they are sensitive to the quality of the coolant.

For reference. Heat supply organizations do not favor mechanical metering units not only because of incorrect operation with poor coolant. According to experts, the design of the device does not protect it from external interference in order to underestimate the readings.

Ultrasonic heat meters are good in all respects. They don’t care what quality the liquid medium in the pipe will be, since its flow rate is determined by ultrasound passing through the working section. The temperature difference is shown by the same sensors on the supply and return. The cost of such a device is at least 15% higher than that of a mechanical one, but the management company recommends them for installation. The reason is clear - it will not be possible to interfere with the operation of an ultrasonic apartment meter.

Heat meters installed on the battery measure the temperature of its surface and the air inside the room. After which the electronic unit calculates the amount of heat consumed, based on the data on the radiator’s nameplate power, entered manually. It is unlikely that such devices will be accepted into operation by a service provider company, but if there is a general building metering unit, they will help calculate the share of each apartment in the total energy consumption. But for this it is necessary that heat meters be installed in all rooms.

Recommendations for choosing a device and its installation

To correctly account for the low flow rate of coolant used to heat an apartment, 2 types of household heat meters are used:

• mechanical (otherwise known as tachometer);
• ultrasonic.

Note. The technical parameters of commercial metering devices are determined by design engineers based on calculations.

This is what tachometer thermal energy metering devices look like

To understand the difference between them and make the right choice, you need to understand a little how a heat meter works. It consists of three main elements that perform their functions:

1. A flow meter whose task is to determine the amount of water flowing through a pipe section per unit of time. It crashes into the supply pipeline.
2. Forward and reverse flow temperature sensors (resistance thermal converters).
3. Electronic computer block. Receiving signals from sensors and a flow meter, the device calculates the consumed heat using the formula included in the program. The result is reflected on the display and can be transmitted to the supplier via GSM connection or the Internet.

Ultrasonic heat meters designed for installation in apartments

Important point. When issuing technical specifications, heat supply organizations strongly recommend installing ultrasonic heat meters in apartments. The reason is not only reliability and durability. Unscrupulous tenants are just thinking about how to deceive any meters, including heat meters (for example, stop them using magnets). The operating principle of the ultrasonic device does not allow the readings to be influenced illegally.

Clip-on heat meter from the famous European brand Danfoss

It is impossible not to mention another type of heat consumption analyzer - overhead devices installed directly on the battery (so-called proportionalizers). They determine energy consumption by the temperature of the heat-releasing surface and the air in the room; you just need to enter the technical parameters of the radiator into the device’s memory in advance.

Proportionalizers are widely used in Western Europe, but in the post-Soviet space they are not yet in demand due to inconsistency in legislation. However, large cities have already gained some experience in the successful use of such heat meters, as described in the video:

As mentioned earlier, the installation of a thermal energy meter is carried out by personnel of a licensed company. You can only monitor their operation, knowing that the flow meter is installed on the supply pipeline, and the sensors are embedded in the supply and return lines. Moreover, in new models there is only one sensor - for the return line, and the supply temperature meter is built into the flow meter housing.

As a rule, modern heat meters do not require compliance with measuring sections (straight pipes of a certain length before and after the device).

How to choose the right heat meter for heating

Installation of a common house meter by housing and communal services workers.

Ultrasonic heat meters are capable of measuring the time that the liquid in a heat exchanger travels from the source to the signal receiver. This type of device is durable and reliable. Works exclusively in clean water, without impurities and sediments. If scale, bubbles and scale appear in the coolant, distortion in measurements occurs. That is, its benefit is equal to zero. Such meters should be checked as often as possible, this way you will extend their service life. Ultrasonic counters are frequency, time, correlation and Doppler.

The vortex type heat meter is a device that can be installed on a horizontal and vertical radiator (its pipelines). Vortexes serve as an evaluation device. They are formed due to an obstacle on the way to the coolant. Such devices are sensitive to air, welding and the presence of impurities in water. Therefore, installing a filter is mandatory. However, the operation of the meter is not interfered with by various deposits in the pipelines, which is one of the advantages of such devices. Vortex meters are demanding on pipeline dimensions, so devices are purchased in accordance with the pipe parameters.

An electromagnetic meter installed in an apartment works on the principle that a current appears when water passes through a magnetic field. The devices have metrological stability, that is, they are safe to use. The readings become inaccurate if the radiator is filled with liquid with impurities or the wires are poorly connected during installation.

How to choose a company to install a heat meter for heating?

The company you can contact for installation of such devices must meet the following requirements:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=5C7r-yEelDE

1. Departure of employees should be free, and with the necessary recommendations.
2. Only qualified specialists with work experience. There is a specific work plan and equipment for installation.
3. The company must have documentation that confirms their activities. They may also provide certification, certificates or SRO approvals.
4. Registration in the Unified State Register of Legal Entities.
5. Providing guarantees for work.
6. It is desirable to have benefits for pensioners and disabled people.
7. Form of payment for their services. Possibility of installments.
8. Carrying out subsequent dismantling of meters.

Now you know what meters are used for, what they are made of, and the operating principle of these devices. You also became familiar with the types of heat meters and their technical characteristics, installation methods and payment for heating. Therefore, you can purchase such a device for your apartment, it will bring you considerable benefits.

Classification of devices

Heat meters work with different types of flow meters. Depending on the operating conditions, you can choose from four options.

Mechanical devices

They are among the simplest counters. They can be screw, turbine or vane. The operating principle of the device is based on converting the translational movement of the coolant into the movement of the measuring element. The most affordable equipment. Cannot be used if hard water is selected as the coolant or if it contains particles of rust, scale or scale. They clog the mechanical parts of the device, so it is recommended to install special filters in front of it. In addition, mechanical devices do not tolerate sudden fluctuations in flow rate.

Mechanical heat meters are considered the simplest measuring instruments. However, they are very sensitive to the quality of the coolant, they become clogged and fail quite quickly.

Electromagnetic equipment

In their work, electromagnetic meters for heating an apartment use the factor of the appearance of electric current when a liquid passes through a magnetic field. The devices have fairly high metrological stability and are successfully operated. The inaccuracy of devices increases with the appearance of impurities in the water and poor quality of wire connections during installation.

Vortex counters

The equipment evaluates vortices formed behind an obstacle located in the path of the coolant. Can be installed on both vertical and horizontal pipelines. The devices are sensitive to the presence of air in the system, the quality of welding work and impurities in the water. For their operation, it is necessary to install a magnetic mesh filter. Deposits in the pipes do not interfere with their operation. The devices are demanding on the size of straight sections of the pipeline in front of and behind the flow meter.

Ultrasonic devices

The time it takes the liquid to travel from the source to the signal receiver is measured. Devices are divided into Doppler, frequency, time and correlation. In any case, the equipment works flawlessly, taking measurements in a homogeneous, clean liquid without sediment or scale. Distortions in readings occur when air bubbles, scale or scale appear in the coolant. The most durable and reliable option.

Like any measuring device, the meter must have a certificate and passport. The documents must indicate information about the initial verification carried out by the manufacturer. The same information must be applied to the meter body in the form of a special mark or sticker. During operation, devices must also be subject to regular verification. The timing of this depends on the model of the device. On average, the event is held once every four years.

Compact ultrasonic models designed for installation in apartments are characterized by high accuracy, reliability and long service life

What does the user get from installing a heat meter?

The cost of heating increases every year. Some people try to solve this problem by taking a more economical approach to heat: installing new windows and insulating their home. Modern double-glazed windows are energy efficient and allow you to save about 30% of heat. Very often the owner of the house has to pay a lot of money during the heating season. At the same time, batteries do not always heat the room at the proper level. As a result, a person pays for what he does not receive. In this case, heating meters are an excellent option for saving money. By installing a meter in your apartment, you can save about 40% of the total payment for heating services. The installation of a measuring device pays for itself within 3 to 6 months of the heating season. Sometimes poor heating is associated with the negligence of service workers, with the reluctance of the operator to lose money on achieving the required coolant parameters. If the apartment has a heating meter, this can become a significant argument in the event of litigation with utility services.

The design and principle of operation of the thermostat

Any automatic radiator valve consists of 2 parts:

The valve, made of brass, has a traditional mechanism with a working cone that fits into the seat and thus reduces its flow area. The difference from a conventional manual tap is that the cone is attached to a pressure rod with a spring that extends outward. Pressing on the end of the rod is carried out by the second element - the thermal head. The stronger the pressure, the smaller the flow area. The diagram below shows the assembly of the heating battery regulator:

Inside the thermostatic head is a small sealed container filled with a heat-sensitive medium - liquid or gas. When heated, this medium expands, the container increases in size and presses harder on the rod, blocking the flow of coolant. When cooling, the process goes in the opposite direction, which is the principle of operation of the thermal head. An adjustment knob with a printed scale mechanically limits the maximum opening of the valve.

Important. The thermostat installed on the battery only affects the coolant flow, changing it in one direction or another. The thermostat is not a water temperature regulator, that is, it performs quantitative regulation, but not qualitative one.

How does a heat meter work, types and characteristics of these devices

Today, a heating meter is very profitable, since such a device allows you to save money. This happens because after it is established, payment for heat will be carried out according to tariffs. This means that the meter will only count the amount of thermal energy that is supplied, and there will be no need to overpay. As prices rise, people are becoming increasingly concerned about how to save money.

An important expense item for every family is payment for heating energy. To save money in this direction, there is a heating heat meter.

When buying a heating meter, it comes with (Fig. 1):

• The meter itself, that is, a device that counts the amount of coolant.
• Temperature sensors. There should be 2 of them. They provide readings about the water heating temperature, which are sent to the main electronic module.
• As well as other components that are included individually, depending on the type of device.

Rice. 1 Device contents

Key Benefits

Danfoss heat meters are an intelligent device that will allow you to save quite an impressive amount of money when heating rooms of various types. Due to the presence of intelligent “filling”, the device accurately calculates the energy resources spent.

Each production stage is strictly controlled. Danfoss heat meters undergo a series of tests and trials in the factory. Subject to compliance with the installation and operation rules stated by the manufacturer, a long period of operation of the devices is guaranteed.

Other advantages include

• Possibility of installation in any position
• high accuracy of flow measurement
• increased wear resistance
• low pressure loss.

How to install a heat meter in an apartment

The easiest way is to install an overhead device; you don’t need to hire anyone or cut pipes. Just attach it to the battery. Mechanical heat meters are another matter; here you will have to shut off the risers, drain the water and dismantle a section of the pipe. The same applies to ultrasonic devices embedded directly into the pipeline. As mentioned above, to carry out such work you must have a permit and a ready-made project. And for successful commissioning, installation must be carried out by a licensed company, which will be confirmed by a corresponding certificate of completion of work.

In the event that you decide to get to work on your own, first carefully read the heat meter instructions. There are recommendations for installation and operation that must be followed strictly. By the way, for tachometer and ultrasonic instruments it is necessary to provide a measuring section of a certain length. That is, before and after the device there should be a straight pipe without turns or bends.

For reference. The length of the measuring section for a mechanical meter is 3 pipe diameters before the flow meter and 1 diameter after it. The requirements for ultrasonic flow meters are higher; a straight section of at least 5 diameters is needed before the meter and 3 after (depending on the manufacturer).

Now let’s talk about whether it is possible to install a residential heat meter on the return pipeline. Most manufacturers offer models that can be installed on any highway; the main thing is to correctly install resistance thermal converters (temperature sensors). Usually they are screwed into a tee or a special tap that has a separate pipe for this purpose.

How to install a thermostat

Table 1. Set of materials and accessories for installation

You may also need a flathead screwdriver and pipe tools if you need to shorten them to make the thermostat insert.

Now let's take a step-by-step look at how an electronic thermostat is installed on a radiator.

Step 1 - Installing Batteries

We unpack the thermostat, remove the battery compartment cover and install AA batteries, which can come with the device or be sold separately. Close the lid and check the serviceability of the device by test switching on. If everything blinks and he shows signs of life, then you can move on to further actions. Some models do not require turning on - they start automatically.

Installing batteries

Step 2 - Setting the Time

Next, you need to set the time, which will allow the device to operate based on the time of day. Setting up does not take much time, no different from setting up the most ordinary clock - we use the arrows and the “OK” button.

Setting the time

Next comes setting the date. It is not entirely clear why this is implemented, but perhaps for some this function will replace the calendar.

At the end of the settings, a flashing checkmark appears on the display - you need to press the “OK” button again to confirm the entered settings.

The device is ready for use

If you did everything correctly, you will see a flashing capital letter “M” on the screen, as shown in the photo. Now you can proceed to preparing the pipeline to include a thermostat.

Step 3 - removing the old thermostat

If you previously had a thermostat installed in your system, it must be removed. We first turn off the water supply tap to avoid leakage. The device is removed using a hexagon, which you need to unscrew a small lock.

Removing the old thermostat

Advice! You have the opportunity to combine the head of the new thermostat with the old valves, so as not to completely replace a still working device. To do this, you will need an appropriate adapter, which can be purchased separately.

Assortment of adapters for valves
Step 4 - installation of the RA adapter

Install the adapter onto the valve base. It is also secured using a hex socket wrench. The adapter has an external thread onto which you need to screw the thermostat head and tighten it well.

RA Adapter Installation

Step 5 - Setup

The letter “M” will flash on your screen again. Press the middle button and hold it until the function menu opens (3 sec). We press the middle button again, and an indicator of the current temperature setting will appear in front of us - using the up/down buttons we set the desired value.

If you do not change anything, the preinstalled programs will automatically launch. For example, the model from the photo will automatically cool the air at night to 17 degrees - P1. The P2 program will do the same during working hours, when it is assumed that no one is at home.

Settings

Somehow everything just worked out according to our instructions. Perhaps this is an ideal case where valve installation or replacement was not required. This type of work can be done by anyone, without any training or skills. But this is not always the case. More often you will have to do this.

Step 1 - drain the water from the radiator

We start by draining all the water from the radiator. You may have to wait a while after turning off the tap until the coolant cools down to avoid getting burned. To drain, you need to unscrew the nut or plug at the top and bottom of the radiator. Place a bucket underneath and wait until the flow stops.

Draining water from the radiator

Step 2 - removing the old adapter

Next, the old adapter or tap is removed. We use wrenches for this. Cover the floor with rags, as residual water will still flow from the system. To avoid damaging the pipes, the adapter body must be secured with a gas wrench or wrench.

Removing the old adapter

Step 3 - installation of a new adapter

We seal the threaded connections in a convenient way - you need to make at least 6 turns with fum tape. We first screw the new adapter onto the pipe, and then attach it to the heating radiator.

Installing a new adapter

The further procedure is already familiar to you - we screw in the thermostat head and perform its step-by-step adjustment. If you are using a mechanical device, this process will take you a long time. To speed things up, we recommend doing this.

1. First, open the taps and bleed all the air from the radiator. As soon as the coolant current is restored, the battery will begin to heat up.
2. Close all windows and doors in the room to avoid errors in heat loss through them.
3. We open the valve fully and place a thermometer in the room to see if the scale corresponds to the air temperature.
4. As soon as the temperature rise stops, turn the regulator lever in the opposite direction, to the minimum position.
5. We wait until the thermometer drops to the level you need, start opening the regulator again until you hear water running through the pipes. Stop rotating and leave the device. Re-measure the air temperature after a few hours and make final adjustments if necessary. Now the device will maintain the desired heating in the room.

Adjusting the mechanical thermostat

Nuances of using counters

Different types of devices show the obtained indicators in different units. They can determine thermal energy in the following quantities:

1. Gcal (gigacalorie).
2. kWh (kilowatt/hour).
3. mW (megawatt).
4. GJ (gigajoule).

The meters themselves allow you to determine the amount of heat entering the apartment. They will partially reduce heating costs. However, for additional savings, it is recommended to install control valves on the batteries. This will allow you to optimize heating and, if the system is overly productive, reduce the heating of your apartment. It is not recommended to completely shut off the radiators, since the heat meter should display at least the minimum values.

The principle of operation of a temperature sensor indoors

Monitoring the operation of the heating circuit and adjusting the air temperature can be carried out using the following technical solutions:

It will probably be useful for you to read about air vents, as they prevent air from heating systems.

To ensure the normal operation of these technical solutions, temperature microsensors are used. These devices are responsible for transmitting signals about the operation of devices. Monitoring microsensor readings helps to identify faults in a timely manner and quickly eliminate them.

The operating algorithm of these sensors is based on an algorithm for converting temperature conditions into an electrical signal. This makes it possible to transmit the received information over the network in digital code format. As a result, high accuracy of measurements is ensured, as well as high speed of their transfer to devices for visual inspection.

How necessary are thermal sensors?

When operating heating in an apartment or in a private house, it is important to ensure the ability to control the level of heating of coolants and heating of the air inside the heated rooms. Temperature microsensors for heating record and transmit similar information. Such information can be read visually or transmitted directly to the controller, this is how telemetry .

Peculiarities

Prices for individual metering devices on average start at 4,000 rubles. Ultraviolet, more modern mechanisms will cost more, but their installation is not always rational in communal conditions.

A vertical heating circuit is characterized by the connection of several sections to one riser. In this case, one riser pipe goes down, and the other comes out from above. Pipes in a horizontal pattern come out from the bottom and return back. This type of wiring has become most widespread in modern homes, although its arrangement is more expensive than the vertical version. Both types of breeding, one way or another, relate to water supply.