Heating system in a one-story house: diagrams and design

The heating system in a one-story house can be installed according to various schemes. When choosing the optimal option, the project budget and the availability of fuels are taken into account.

As well as the features of the structural elements of a private residential building: the area of the facility, the materials used in construction, the presence of a warehouse for the installation of boiler equipment.

Let's figure out what rules should be followed when designing a heating system, and what actions should be avoided in order to avoid heating problems in the future.

Requirements for individual heating

The heating unit must be planned so that it matches the architectural design of the building. The location of all functional elements should be as convenient as possible for operation and carrying out scheduled repairs without compromising the structural integrity of the house.

Basic requirements for modern heating systems:

energy efficiency;
easy installation and maintenance;
high heat transfer rates;
complete/partial independence from electricity.

Before you begin designing a heat supply, you need to select the most suitable and economical source of thermal energy - a stove or fireplace, water, steam, air or electric heating.

And we still have to decide on the basic piping diagram for heating a one-story private house, accurately calculate the power and objectively assess the load on the system, taking into account all the features.

An individual heating system must create a comfortable microclimate inside the house in the winter, be economical and reliable in operation

A properly installed heating distribution line makes it possible to organize uniform heating of the air in all rooms of a private house in a minimum amount of time.

Classification of heat supply systems

In one-story buildings, cottages, and houses, autonomous heating systems or those dependent on external power sources are installed. The former operate on liquefied gas, diesel, and solid fuel. The second ones require connection to the electrical network or main gas pipeline.

Another difference between heat supply options is the need for human participation in the operation of the equipment.

Automated systems do not require 24/7 monitoring or manual configuration. Maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the building is ensured by thermostats and temperature sensors.

These devices regularly monitor changes in temperature indicators, which allows the heating system to take into account all factors that directly affect the temperature in the room: solar heat, radiation from household electrical appliances, heating from lighting lamps, etc.

The heat supply system is often installed together with boiler automation. Its main task is to achieve the highest possible efficiency, but not go beyond acceptable parameters.

Automation makes it possible to change the temperature in the house at different times of the day.

When classifying heating systems, the following characteristics are taken into account:

type of heat carrier - air, water or steam, combined;
type of fuel used - gas, electric, peat, wood, pellet, coal;
method of transporting working fluid - with natural and forced circulation;
the course of movement of the coolant is associated and dead-end;
method of connecting boiler equipment - single-pipe and two-pipe arrangement;
wiring diagram - with a vertical or horizontal distribution line, upper or lower, combined.

In multi-apartment buildings, the vertical wiring pattern dominates, while in single-story buildings, a horizontal layout is found. Combined heat supply methods prevail in high-rise new buildings.

Gas boilers

An excellent option is to install heating that operates on main gas. In general, hot water gas boilers are very reliable and efficient. The efficiency of the simplest energy-independent unit is at least 87%, and the efficiency of an expensive condensing unit is up to 97%. The heaters are compact, well automated and safe to operate. Maintenance is required no more than once a year, and trips to the boiler room are needed only to monitor or change settings. A budget unit will be much cheaper than a solid fuel unit, so gas boilers can be considered generally available.

Just like solid fuel heat generators, gas boilers require a chimney and supply and exhaust ventilation. As for other countries of the former USSR, the cost of fuel there is much higher than in the Russian Federation, which is why the popularity of gas equipment is steadily declining.

Features of coolant circulation

In private low-rise buildings, it is effective to install heating systems with liquid coolant. To do this, the pipes are filled with antifreeze or water.

The movement of the working fluid along the heating circuit can be carried out in natural or forced mode. The water heated by the heat generator enters the distribution pipeline, and then to the radiators. This part of the contour is called the forward stroke.

After entering the batteries, the coolant liquid cools down and is quickly sent to the boiler for heating. This interval is called the return stroke. To speed up the transportation of coolant, a circulation pump is installed inside the system.

Natural fluid movement

In the heating circuit, horizontal pipelines are sloped, thereby creating conditions for the movement of working fluid under the influence of gravity.

An open expansion tank is also installed - a special tank for receiving excess water to ensure proper and safe operation of all components of the utility network.

Water systems fully work with liquid fuel, solid fuel, gas and electric boilers

Heating systems operate with natural circulation due to the different densities of heated and cold coolant. According to the laws of physics, hot water rushes upward.

In a closed circuit, cold flows inevitably displace heated ones, forcing them to move in the opposite direction from the heat source. A moving fluid with kinetic energy potential passes through all batteries, giving off heat. After returning to the boiler equipment, the cycle repeats.

Today, single-pipe heating systems with water radiators are very popular among consumers. The coolant is water, but it is also possible to use a non-freezing working fluid, which will prevent the destruction of pipes in the winter season

In order for the gravity-flow design to function fully, the boiler is installed below the central axis of the main circuit. Usually the heat generator is mounted in a recess in the floor, but sometimes in basements, with the exception of gas units.

The supply pipeline from the boiler is raised vertically to the highest possible point. This creates additional space in a closed loop for acceleration of the working fluid.

The number of necessary shut-off valves in gravity heating systems is reduced to a minimum. Strict requirements are imposed on the diameter of the installed pipes - it must be at least 32 mm. Since the speed of water movement in the circuit is insignificant, in order to increase the heating efficiency, only large-diameter pipes are installed.

An expansion tank is installed at the top point of open heating systems. In closed ones, as a rule, an automatic air vent is installed

An autonomous heating system, the operating principle of which is based on the natural circulation of the coolant fluid, is the simplest. Such a home heating project is easy to implement in practice. However, this option is only suitable for small private buildings, since the length of the heating circuit is limited to 30 meters.

The main advantage of gravity systems is complete independence from electricity. Read more about heating systems with natural coolant circulation below.

Forced circulation in the system

For private buildings with a total area of more than 60 square meters. m. they design heating with forced transportation of working fluid. A circulation pump is installed in a closed loop to ensure accelerated movement of the hot coolant to the radiators, and the cooled coolant to the heat generator.

Installation of pipes in the system can be carried out without a slope in the horizontal plane. Water moves due to the difference in pressure that occurs in the section of the line between the forward and reverse flow of the liquid.

The presence of a pumping device significantly increases the efficiency of the heating system and minimizes the fuel consumption required to maintain a comfortable room temperature in a private home

A significant drawback of a coercive system is its energy dependence. For constant circulation of water in the circuit, continuous operation of the pump is necessary, and its performance directly depends on the power supply.

In the event of a sudden power outage, the equipment simply will not be able to pump liquid. Therefore, experts recommend additionally installing backup generators that can provide stable, uninterrupted heat supply even in unforeseen situations.

Such schemes can be used when installing heating in buildings of any size. You just need to select a circulation pump with suitable power ratings and provide power supply.

How to choose a heating unit

Factors influencing the choice of a boiler (or several water heating devices):

energy carrier used;
heat generator power;
dependence on external energy sources;
price;
functionality, ease of use.

Note. The heater selection criteria are arranged in order of priority. It is important for the user that the unit consumes cheap fuel and produces enough heat. Price plays a secondary role; comfort and functionality come in third place.

All household boilers are usually divided into groups according to the type of fuel (energy carrier) burned:

gas;
electrical;
solid fuel;
liquid fuel, consuming diesel fuel and waste oil;
universal, operating on 2-3 types of energy carriers.

Each of the listed groups is divided into varieties according to the operating principle, installation method and other criteria. We will review existing boilers and give a number of useful recommendations.

Types of gas boilers

To organize heating in private homes, 3 types of units using natural gas are sold:

Atmospheric. The combustion chamber is open, combustion air is taken from the boiler room. The operating efficiency is in the range of 86...88%.
Supercharged (aka turbocharged). Air is forced into the closed firebox by a fan controlled by an electronic circuit. Boiler efficiency is 90...93%.
Condensation. Structurally similar to turbocharged heaters, but the heat exchanger and burner are designed in such a way that in a certain mode the boiler uses the latent heat of combustion of the fuel. Efficiency – 95%.

Reference. All heat generators are capable of burning 2 types of fuel - natural gas and liquefied propane-butane mixture (LPG). To switch to LPG, the fuel jets are replaced and the automation is adjusted.

Boilers are manufactured in wall, floor and parapet versions. The first group is ready-made mini-boiler rooms, equipped with their own expansion tank and pump. The second type is high-power units, or those that do not depend on electricity. Parapet models are placed near the outer wall, the chimney goes directly to the street.

Among the large assortment of gas water heaters, it is not easy to make the right choice. Our recommendations are:

If you are on a limited budget, purchase an atmospheric wall-mounted boiler. But remember - open-chamber heaters require a traditional chimney.
To work together with the gravity system, you will need a non-volatile floor-mounted atmospheric unit.
Floor-mounted non-volatile heater equipped with a single-stage burner, mechanical automatic safety system EuroSIT and a cast iron heat exchanger
It is better to install a forced-air heat generator in an apartment or cottage without a ready-made chimney. Organize the removal of combustion products through a coaxial pipe laid through the outer wall.
To supply hot water to 1-2 consumers, buy a dual-circuit model. If the consumption in the DHW network is high, you will need an indirect heating boiler connected to a conventional single-circuit heater.
Read the detailed description of all gas heaters presented in a separate article.

A condensing boiler is the most economical among gas-using devices. The disadvantage of the unit is the complexity, high price of the equipment and its repair.

Electric hot water installations

A feature of electric boilers of any type is their high efficiency, reaching 99%. The second positive point is the low installation costs and purchase of the heaters themselves. The units should be used as auxiliary heat sources, operating at night at half the light tariff.

There are 3 types of electric boilers (all are available in wall-mounted versions):

With traditional tubular heaters - heating elements. Modern devices are equipped with an expansion tank and a circulation pump.
Electrode. Heating of the coolant occurs due to a chemical reaction resulting from the passage of current through the water layer between the 2 electrodes.
Induction. Here the coolant is heated by the steel core of a sealed coil, which creates eddy currents in it.

Heat generator with tubular heaters (TEN) in section

To install electric heating, it is better to take a classic heating element boiler, which does not require serious wiring. The device is reliable and easy to repair - you can always replace a burnt heating element yourself. An induction heat generator is expensive and cannot be repaired in the event of a breakdown, and an electrode heat generator is highly dependent on the salt content in the coolant.

Advice. Don't listen to salespeople who call induction boilers energy-saving. All electrical installations heat water equally efficiently - losses do not exceed 2%, the rest of the energy is converted into heat.

Classification of solid fuel boilers

For heating country cottages, 3 types of solid fuel units are used:

direct combustion - atmospheric and turbocharged;
pyrolysis;
automatic pellet and coal.

There are many myths about the efficiency of TT boilers. Manufacturers of pyrolysis heat generators claim an efficiency of 85-86%, pellet heat generators - up to 90%. In reality, the figures are much more modest: traditional wood-burning units - 75%, pyrolysis units - 75%, boilers using pellets and coal chips - up to 86%.

Construction of a direct combustion boiler with a fire tube heat exchanger

Reference. In addition to the listed types of heaters, there are long-burning TT boilers with an increased size of the firebox. How to distinguish such installations from classic wood-burning heat generators, read the corresponding publication.

Recommendations for choosing a solid fuel boiler:

A steel direct combustion apparatus equipped with a chain draft regulator is perfect for burning wood, coal and briquettes. Turbocharged examples are automated and burn wood better, but rely on electricity.
Pay attention to the volume of the firebox of a traditional boiler - the duration of combustion depends on this indicator.
Automated pellet units are a good solution for lovers of comfortable heating. You don’t have to chop and carry wood, remove coal dust, just clean the firebox and burner weekly.
Do not mess with pyrolysis TT boilers, they are a priori more expensive than conventional ones, demanding on the quality of fuel, and in addition they consume electricity.
Avoid models with water-filled grates if you plan to burn with coal. The temperature difference forms a hard crust on the surface of the grate, which is not easy to knock off.

Grate of a TT boiler made of pipes filled with coolant

When choosing a heat generator, remember the old saying “the miser pays twice.” It is better to take a high-quality classic device with a cast-iron heat exchanger than a cheap “pellet generator” with electronics of unknown origin.

Diesel and combined models

This heating equipment is used much less frequently than gas, wood and electric boilers. Diesel fuel is more expensive than other energy sources, and waste oil is a specific fuel that is clearly unsuitable for the average homeowner. Accordingly, such heating devices are operated only in certain conditions when access to other resources is limited.

Multi-fuel boilers from different manufacturers combine 2-3 energy sources, for example, wood + electricity, gas + coal. Advantage: you buy one heat generator and get two. Disadvantage: the unit cannot boast of high efficiency and functionality. The most popular option is shown in the photo - a TT boiler, equipped with a heating element unit for electrically heating water after the flame in the firebox has died out.

Electric wood heater from the Russian company Teplodar

Heat generator power calculation

To select a boiler based on performance, you should find out the load on the heating system of the house. That is, calculate the heat losses of the building. We propose to calculate this indicator in a simplified way:

If a living room is separated from the street by one wall with 1 window opening, then 0.1 kW of heat is consumed to heat a square meter of area.
A room with two external walls (corner) and 1 window – 0.12 kW/m².
The same, with 2 light openings - 0.13 kW/m².

An important nuance. The calculation is performed for each room separately, then the results are summed up.

The algorithm is suitable for buildings with floor heights up to 3 meters. If the ceilings are higher, heat consumption is calculated based on the volume of the room. Accordingly, in a room with 1 fence and a window, the volume value is 35 W/m³, in a corner room – 40 W/m³, in a corner room with two openings – 45 W/m³.

Having determined the need for thermal energy at home, we select the power of the boiler installation according to the instructions:

The performance of a unit operating only for heating is taken with a margin of 20%. That is, we multiply the found amount of heat by a factor of 1.2.
The heat generator providing hot water supply must be taken with a reserve of 50% (coefficient 1.5).
For TT boilers, the increasing coefficients are 1.5 and 2, respectively.

If you live in an area with a mild southern climate, then the coefficients should not be used. Conversely, residents of the northern regions should increase the initial heat loss figure by 1.5-2 times.

Calculation of heat losses by volume of residential premises

Single-pipe heating system

Only one main line is installed in the house, under or above the floor, with batteries connected in series. In such a heating circuit there is no distribution between the supply pipe and the return pipe.

Along the perimeter of a one-story building, only one round pipe with a diameter of at least 32 mm is installed, which is conventionally divided in half. The half leaving the heat generator is called the supply, and the second part of the line is called the return. Radiators/convectors are mounted into the loop using a welded or seamless pipe of small diameter.

Organizing a heating system with natural circulation involves installing a supply pipeline with a slope of 4-5 mm every 2 m

The single-pipe circuit includes the following functional elements:

heat supply source (boiler);
heating radiators;
expansion tank;
pipe routing elements.

The heated liquid flows alternately into the heating radiators, each time giving off part of its heat. After this, it is already cooled and returned to the boiler for the next heating cycle. Each battery loses heat and the last element in the chain remains the coldest in comparison with the others.

There are several ways to optimize the operation of a single-pipe system. You can additionally install special thermostatic valves for heat exchangers, balancing valves with adjustable hydraulic resistance or compact ball valves. Such equipment helps normalize the heat supply to the batteries.

Installed valves make it possible to regulate the amount of heat entering each individual radiator

Another way is to increase the number of sections of each subsequent radiator in the heating circuit. You can also install a circulation pump. The pumping device is connected at the end of the return line - the place where the working fluid has the lowest temperature.

The single-pipe heating option is easy to install and put into operation. Heat loss is minimized, since absolutely all communications are located inside the living rooms of a private house.

Such a scheme can be organized in the form of a system with horizontal wiring and forced movement of the coolant or a vertical heating network with natural, forced or combined movement of the working fluid.

We also recommend reading our other material, where we examined in detail a single-pipe heating system for a private home.

Horizontal wiring method

Installation of the supply pipe in a horizontal plane is carried out with the required slope in the direction of movement of the heated water. In this case, all batteries around the perimeter of the house must be installed at the same level. To bleed air from radiators, Mayevsky taps or automatic air vent devices are used.

The Mayevsky tap is a special device for removing accumulated air from batteries. The shut-off valve is turned until a hissing sound is clearly audible. When the mixture of gases is removed, water will flow from the tap.

The horizontal line can be installed in the floor structure itself or mounted above it. To avoid heat loss, in the first case it is necessary to insulate the pipes.

Vertical wiring option

In such a system, the transportation of the coolant liquid is ensured by a natural circulation mode, and therefore there is no need to install an additional pump. Energy independence is the main advantage of a single-pipe vertical home heating system.

With this method of wiring, the working fluid, heated to a given temperature, moves up the riser, after which it enters the batteries through distribution pipes. The operating efficiency of a vertically located single-pipe system is achieved by installing the main line at a slope, as well as by installing large-diameter pipes.

Of course, a massive pipeline will not decorate the interior of living rooms. But this obvious drawback can be avoided by installing circulation equipment in the system.

Vertical connection

In this scheme, water heated in the boiler flows through a pipeline into the first radiator, and then into the second. After the coolant passes through the last element, it again ends up in the boiler. There is one drawback in this case. It represents the temperature difference between the last and first radiator. This problem is corrected during design and installation operations. The latest radiators are made large in accordance with the working area. In some cases, bypass jumpers are used for balancing. Adjusting such a scheme is quite a difficult task.

Two-pipe heating system

The main difference between a two-pipe house heating scheme is the presence of one pipe for supplying water and another for returning it. Moreover, the first one receives hot liquid, while the second one sends the already cooled coolant to the boiler.

Each battery is served by both a supply and a return riser. This makes it possible to regulate the amount of heat received by individual radiators. If we do not take into account the cooling of the coolant in the pipes, it turns out that all heating elements receive liquid at the same temperature.

This is what a standard two-pipe heating system looks like, in which heating of the liquid coolant is provided by a double-circuit gas boiler

The two-pipe heating circuit includes:

heat generator;
batteries;
expansion tank;
pipes;
shut-off valves and special devices for air release.

A pipe with hot water runs from the boiler to the expansion tank. Then it is connected to the distribution line in the heating circuit. In addition, an overflow pipe is cut into the tank to promptly drain excess coolant into the sewer system.

Pipes emerge from the bottom of the heat exchangers, combined into one return line. Through it, the cooled coolant returns back to the boiler. The return pipeline is laid strictly parallel to the upper pipes. It must pass through all rooms where the hot water supply line is installed.

Two-pipe forced systems are considered the most efficient for one-story houses and cottages, but they can also provide heat for two-story large buildings.

And these allow you to evenly and very quickly warm up the room and maintain different temperature conditions in the rooms. In addition, dual-circuit design makes it possible to organize not only heating of the house, but also hot water supply.

The circulation pressure in a two-pipe system directly depends on the installation height of the heating elements

Closed heating systems with forced circulation are installed in two versions - with horizontal and vertical wiring.

The first method is implemented in one-story houses with a long pipeline. In such situations, connecting water radiators to a heating circuit with horizontal wiring is the optimal solution.

With the second wiring option, the riser is located vertically, which makes it possible to use the scheme even in multi-story buildings. In such systems, air does not accumulate, since the resulting bubbles instantly rise in a vertical direction, directly into the expansion tank.

What's happened? Principle of operation

Gravity - a system based on the laws of physics, i.e. natural movement of coolant through pipes. Hot liquid rises, cold liquid falls. This heating system is most often used for a private home if there is no electricity connection or the supply is unstable.

The only limitation may be the ceiling height. Since the pipe must extend 1.5 meters upward from the boiler, space is still needed for the expansion tank. There are limitations to the system, such as the cost of creating the system and reduced efficiency. Its price is approximately 1.5 times higher than creating a simple forced heating circuit. Also required is the accuracy of installation of the system, compliance with all slopes while maintaining the appearance of the interior.

The principle of operation of a gravity heating system is the movement of liquid to the top point of this system under the influence of physical laws, when the warm liquid is lighter, rises, then the coolant moves through pipes with a slight slope, gradually giving off heat, cools down, then also by gravity to the boiler to warm up again . It does not imply any devices that accelerate the movement of water, so it is highly inert.

Lower and upper wiring diagram

When distributing the system at the bottom, the main line is laid in the basement or basement. It is also possible to install pipes under the floor. The coolant enters the heating equipment from the bottom up.

The mixture of gases is removed through a special air line connected to the risers. In case of unforeseen emergency situations, the return and supply risers are equipped with special shut-off valves.

To implement a scheme with an upper distribution line, the expansion tank is mounted at the highest point of the pipeline. The network is branched in the same place.

It is impossible to design overhead wiring in private houses where there is no attic

Tips for choosing pipe diameters and connections

A single-pipe heating option can be designed and installed independently, without resorting to complex hydraulic calculations. Let’s simplify the task and give useful recommendations on the design of single-circuit systems:

The maximum number of heating devices on one loop of a closed Leningradka is 5 pcs. To deliver the required volume of coolant to the batteries, a pipe Ø25 mm (DN20) is sufficient. We make the connections from pipes Ø16 mm.
If, due to objective reasons, the number of radiators on 1 ring of a closed system needs to be increased, the cross-section of the main line is increased to a diameter of 32 mm (DN25), the liner - to 20 mm. It is not economically feasible to install more than 7 batteries on one pipeline; it is cheaper to lay 2 smaller lines.
The minimum diameter of a horizontal collector with natural circulation is DN40, outer diameter is Ø48 mm. In a two-story house, the accelerating riser and the beginning of the distribution branches are made from a DN50 pipe (Ø57 mm), remote areas are reduced to a size of DN32. Vertical lines to radiators - DN20-25 depending on the thermal power of the heaters.
To automatically regulate heat transfer, select full-bore valves with thermal heads. The hole in standard radiator valves is too small.
Connection to a wall-mounted or floor-standing gas boiler is made according to the standard diagram shown in the picture below. The wiring of an electric water heating apparatus is done in a similar way.
It is better to connect the Leningradka solid fuel boiler through a three-way mixing valve and a buffer tank. Since there is too little coolant in the system, there is a risk of overheating and boiling. Gravity distribution, holding more than 200 liters of water, can be connected directly to the TT boiler.

Typical connection diagram for a double-circuit wall-mounted boiler with a Leningradka.
The listed recommendations will help you organize heating correctly if you use single-pipe wiring wisely. For an analysis of common mistakes and questions regarding the installation of the Leningradka, see the next video:

Date: September 25, 2020

Types of two-pipe horizontal layout system

The most common option for heating a single-story residential building is a two-pipe heating system with horizontal wiring.

To organize such a heating circuit, the following schemes are used:

tee or otherwise perimeter;
collector, otherwise radial.

According to the tee scheme, the pipes are connected by tees, the pipelines are laid around the perimeter of the room, and connected in series to the devices. The coolant in the perimeter system flows from one battery to another, cooling somewhat along the way.

Based on the movement of the heated and cooled coolant, tee options are divided into associated and counter. In a dead-end circuit, hot and cooled water move in different directions. In the associated heated and waste coolant flows in one direction.

In the collector circuit, pipes are led from the central organ of the system, the collector, to each of the radiators, due to which the coolant flows to all devices simultaneously.

The principle of the device resembles the sun's rays emanating from a heat flow distributor usually located in the center. In radial types of wiring, the coolant moves only in different directions.

Design programs

Programs PURMOOZC 3.0., Purmoh30 1.0., PURMOC.O. developed by SANKOMSp.zoo for RettigHeating. The programs contain catalogs of different types of pipes, fittings from various manufacturers and a catalog of steel panel radiators produced by RettigHeating.

Radiator and underfloor heating Purmo CO 3.8 with Pex pipes for 6 and 10 bar.

Program for calculating heat loss. Version 5.0

User manual

To install the program, you need to unpack the setupsdg.exe archive (1.42 MB) and run the installation file.

User manual

To install the program, you need to unpack the setuph3o.zip archive (14.2 MB), run the setuph3o.exe file for installation.

User manual

2D and 3D models of Purmo heating devices for CAD programs

User manual

Graphic program for designing central and underfloor heating equipment. Version 3.6

User manual

With different parameters of the coolant in Excel.

User manual

www.purmo.com

Rules for drafting a heating system

A well-designed project allows you to launch the most efficient and multifunctional heat supply system.

It must operate smoothly in the climatic conditions characteristic of the specific area where the one-story house is located, and be easy to operate.

Based on the results of the energy audit, calculation of savings and annual heating costs, the optimal option for the home heating system is selected

Drawing up a high-quality project for heating a one-story house and accurately calculating the system parameters are carried out according to a specific plan:

At the first stage, it is necessary to formulate a technical task taking into account all the requirements and details for the heating system.
The second step is collecting information on a private property. Specialists must take all the indicators to draw up a diagram of the heating circuit.
The next stage is the calculation of thermal transfer. To do this, you need to carry out calculations and select the optimal heating scheme that will meet basic building standards and the individual requirements of the customer.
When all calculations are completed, drawings are made.
The last stage is the design and delivery of the finished heating system project to the customer.

The main design task is to calculate the correct area of heating equipment and select suitable pipeline diameters. And also determine the performance of pumping devices, calculate the insertion points of valves and system components. Therefore, it is advisable to entrust the process to professionals.

If you really want to carry out the calculations yourself, we recommend reading the material where we used an example to calculate a heating system for a private house.

Determining the power of underfloor heating

If you decide to use a “warm floor” for heating, the equipment should be selected based on the following power indicators:

for a living room or kitchen, the power is 120-140 W/m²;
for a glazed balcony – 130-170 W/m²;
for a bathroom about 150 W/m².

When calculating power, it is important to take into account the floor of the building. For example, for the first floor this figure must be increased by 20%

The calculation of pipes for underfloor heating is carried out according to the following formula: L (pipe length) = AR (housing area)/a (laying pitch) + 2*Lzu (length of heating supply pipes) - 2*Ld (length of heating pipes passing through).

What information do craftsmen need?

Before installation work begins, you should discuss all the nuances with specialists and show your vision of the heating system.

Masters must provide:

complete information about the materials from which the building’s roof, wall coverings, and window structures are made;
one-story house plan;
drawings where the locations of plumbing units are marked.

The service life of a heat supply system is influenced not only by the quality of engineering design and skillful installation, but also by the selected materials, installed boiler equipment, as well as the rational use of heating elements.

Comparison by installation price

Supporters of single-pipe heating networks like to remind people of the low cost of this type of wiring. The reduction in costs compared to a two-pipe scheme is justified by half the number of pipes. We claim the following: “Leningradka” will cost less than a dead-end system in one case - if you solder the heating from polypropylene.

Let's prove our statement with calculations - let's take as an example a one-story dwelling measuring 10 x 10 m = 100 m² (in plan). Let's put the "Leningrad" layout on the drawing, count the fittings with pipes, then make a similar estimate for the dead-end wiring.

A common return manifold running through the corridor allows the ring line to remain small in diameter. If it is removed, the cross-section of the pipes will increase to Ø25 mm (internal)

So, to install one-pipe heating you will need:

pipe DN20 to the collector (outside Ø25 mm) – 40 m;
tr. DN25 Ø32 mm for return – 10 m;
tr. DN10 Ø16 mm for connections – 8 m;
tee 25 x 25 x 16 (outer size) – 16 pieces;
tee 25 x 25 x 20 – 1 pc.

Based on the following layout, we will find out the need for pipes and fittings for a two-pipe network:

tr. DN15 Ø20 mm – 68 meters (mains);
tr. DN10 Ø16 mm – 22 m (radiator connections);
tee 20 x 20 x 16 mm – 16 pcs.

Now we will find current prices for plumbing fittings and pipes made of 3 materials: reinforced polypropylene PP-R, metal-plastic PEX-AL-PEX and cross-linked polyethylene PEX from well-known manufacturers. Let's put the calculation results in the table:

As you can see, the costs for polypropylene tees and pipes are almost the same for both schemes - the shoulder scheme turned out to be only 330 rubles more expensive. For other materials, two-pipe wiring definitely wins. The reason lies in the diameters - the prices of larger cross-section pipes increase sharply compared to the “running” sizes of 16 and 20 mm.

You can take cheaper plumbing fixtures from other manufacturers and perform the calculation - the ratio is unlikely to change. Note that we skipped the 90° elbows for pipe turns and other small items, since we do not know the exact quantity. If you carefully calculate all the materials, the cost of the Leningradka will increase even more. An expert demonstrating calculations on video came to similar conclusions: