Warm plinth: choice, devices, advantages and disadvantages

A warm baseboard is an alternative option for space heating. Visually, it is larger than usual, but it fits into any interior without any problems. Its width is in the range from 14 to 20 cm. Its installation is carried out at the level of the finished floor.

Warm skirting system

The idea of ​​such an alternative heating method arose at the beginning of the last century, but did not find wide implementation in practice. Due to the high costs, a small number of building owners could afford the installation of a warm baseboard system. Modern technologies have made their own adjustments to their device.

The coolant in warm baseboards can be heated up to a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius. Despite this, the optimal heating mode is considered to be maintaining the temperature on the surface of the skirting boards no higher than 40 degrees. This is done in order not to spoil the decorative coating of the skirting boards.

Operating principle

Heating of rooms with the help of warm baseboards differs from radiator heating. The strongly heated surface of the elements of the system of the latter transmits its heat into the surrounding space.Warm skirting boards give some of their heat to the walls, turning them into barriers to the cold.

Heating skirting boards create the effect of "sticking" of heated air to the surfaces surrounding them.

Thanks to the installation of the plinth along the perimeter of the premises, their uniform heating is ensured. Cold air penetrates through the plinth grilles to the heating elements, heats up and slowly begins to rise.

Types of warm skirting boards and their features

Existing heating systems are divided into two main types:

The first ones consist of parallel-connected TOENs with a power of 220 watts. Their operation is controlled by thermostats. They can be electronic or electromechanical. The maximum heating temperature of heating elements in the heating system is 60⁰C. They are mounted inside lower copper pipes. A cable is inserted into the upper ones, which supplies voltage to the heating elements.

Water systems of warm skirting boards are equipped with a distribution manifold. It is connected to the main system by polyethylene pipes. They heat the liquid. The maximum heating temperature of the coolant is 85⁰C. The liquid filling volume of the system should be 0.35 liters per 1 linear meter.

Pros and cons

The advantage of heating skirting boards is increased heat transfer with minimal heat loss in the system. They are safe to use, they cannot provoke a fire of objects located next to them. The heating system prevents the formation of condensation, fungus and mold on the walls.

Among other advantages:

Calculation of a warm plinth

The calculation of the length of heating skirting boards is based on the norms for space heating. The standard indicator for living rooms is 60-100 W of heat per 1 sq. m. It is relevant for central Russia. For the northern regions, the rate of space heating increases to 150-200 watts.

In addition to the regional adjustment, other adjustments must be made:

• the type of glazing;
• wall thickness;
• the number of window and door openings, etc.

After determining the heating rate, this indicator is multiplied by the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room that is planned to be heated. The resulting value is divided by the amount of heat generated by 1 running meter of thermal plinth.

How to install a warm skirting board yourself

Installation of a water heating system begins with the installation of a collector. Two pipes are connected to it (one for supply, the other for coolant intake), powered by a thermal unit.

Correct operation of the equipment is possible only if a constant pressure of at least 3 atm is maintained in the system.

The maximum length of the circuit cannot exceed 12.5-15 m. In cases where a longer circuit is required, an additional collector is installed. Pipes are laid along the perimeter of the room in a prepared base (plate) with thermal insulation.

A gap of at least 1 cm is left between the pipes and the floor. This prevents overheating of the system elements. Modules are fastened with fittings. After the pipes are installed, the operation of the system is checked, after which they are closed with a front panel.

The electrical heating system is connected directly to the electrical panel. For these purposes, it must be equipped with a separate machine. The wires installed in the system must have a cross section of at least 2.5 mm.Each circuit has its own thermostat and temperature sensor. Heating skirting boards should be located at least 1.5 cm from the wall.

Rating of the best warm baseboards

Budget models

Cozy 1050 mm

Country of origin - Russia. The electronically controlled model is designed for installation in small spaces. Made from aluminium. Heater type - electric. Well suited for installation under high windows.

Characteristics:

"Orion" 530 mm

Country of origin - Russia. The model can be used for installation along the perimeters of swimming pools, in greenhouses, change houses, on balconies with French glazing, etc. The body has a special anti-corrosion coating. Management is electronic. Heater type - electric.

Characteristics:

Models of the middle price category

"Orion 1 Cedar"

Country of origin - Russia. The model is not afraid of moisture. It has a wide range of color options for products allows you to use them as room decor. The high efficiency of the system allows it to be used for heating large areas. Management is electronic. Heater type - electric. Production material - aluminum.

Characteristics:

TP-2

Country of origin - Russia. The water type model can be used for main and auxiliary heating. It has an attractive design that harmonizes with various types of interior spaces. The heat exchanger of the product is made of stainless steel, the box is made of aluminum.

Characteristics:

Premium Models

"Thermodul Combi"

The country of origin is Italy. The model has a combined mode of operation: water and electric. The heating system is fully automated, controlled by a thermostat. The execution material is aluminium.

Characteristics:

Which heating baseboard to choose for heating

When buying underfloor heating, you should pay attention to the manufacturers of products. It is better to purchase skirting boards from well-known brands with a long history.

Among the manufacturers that have proven themselves to be of good quality equipment:

When installing electric warm skirting boards, it is necessary to first assess the need for electricity consumption and the possibility of connecting the equipment to the network. An important factor determining the choice of a heating skirting board is the wall material. The typical characteristics of the premises are also taken into account.

Tips

When installing water-type heating skirting boards in residential premises for heating, it is important not to exceed the maximum permissible circuit length. It should be no more than 15 m. If you want to make a circuit longer than 15 m, you need to break it into several autonomous parts.

Conclusion

A warm baseboard can be used as an alternative heating system or as additional heating. They are safe and aesthetically pleasing.

Video tips for installing a warm skirting board