Installation of meters for heating in the apartment -
Every year, the installation of heating meters in an apartment is becoming more and more popular among residents because of a number of advantages: they can be used to track the actual consumption of heat energy and pay only the amount that was actually consumed. In addition, the owners have an incentive to save energy and insulate walls and windows to save heat.
The usefulness of this type of device has long been proven, experts have calculated that with the installation of metering devices, the amount of payment for heating is reduced one and a half to two times.
Main types of individual metering devices
It should be noted right away that in some houses the installation of devices in each apartment is impossible. In this case, as an option, a house-wide meter can be used, but its efficiency directly depends on the awareness of all residents without exception, and the actual savings may be less than expected.
Therefore, all the same, the options installed in each apartment are more preferable, so you will be sure that all the necessary measures have been done for maximum savings.
All devices of this group can be divided into several main types that differ in the principle of operation, so before installing meters for heating in an apartment, you should be familiar with the features of the device and the principle of operation of each of the options:
| Mechanical counters | The easiest option, the main advantage of which is the low price. The principle of operation is simple: when moving, the fluid turns the impeller or screw, which counts the passing volume of fluid. It is not recommended to be installed if there is rust and mechanical particles in the water (a special filter is placed in front of the device). |
| Electromagnetic devices | Their principle of operation is based on the fact that when water passes through a magnetic field, small currents are formed in it. This option is much more accurate than the first, but also does not work well where the coolant contains mechanical impurities. In addition, when connecting, it is necessary to monitor the quality of the wire connection. |
| Swirl counters | Such devices use the principle of formation of vortices in a fluid passing through any obstacle. Their plus is the ability to install both on horizontal and vertical sections of the pipeline. Systems of this kind are sensitive to air impurities in the water, it is also very important that the straight pipe section of the heating system in front of the node and behind it be at least a certain length (the exact value will be indicated by the instructions). |
| Ultrasonic devices | The most modern version, which guarantees measurement accuracy and has a rather impressive working resource. Like other analogs, the device is sensitive to the quality of water, and in the presence of impurities, air or scale in it, the indicators may be distorted, although not as much |
How to choose and install the device
It is worth noting immediately that it is very important to select high-quality equipment, properly design and register, and install it professionally. Violations at any of the stages are fraught with the emergence of many problems later. To protect yourself from an extra headache, you should follow a few simple recommendations.
Equipment selection
In order not to be mistaken with the acquisition, you need to remember the following:
Tip! First of all, you should consult with experts, they will tell you what type of devices has proven itself best in the conditions of your region, because finding out the quality of water in the system without disassembling is rather difficult.
- If you decide to put the meter on heating with your own hands, then you should not save on its quality and reliability, some budget options are so fragile that you can damage them even during installation. In addition, most often the high price indicates the accuracy of the device and its durability.
- Included with the product must be a certificate of quality, indicating that it is tested in our country and is suitable for use in our systems.
- The second mandatory document is a passport to the counter, it indicates the manufacturer, the date of production and initial calibration of the product.. Verification is a very important procedure, indicating that the accuracy of measurements complies with established standards.
- Information on the initial verification should also be duplicated on the device case.. Experts, before putting the counters on the heating, should check the coincidence of the date in the papers and on the product.
Note! You should not forget that metering devices need the subsequent checking. Their frequency may be different, but on average, this event is held every 4 years.
Design activities
Before you install a meter for heating in the apartment, you need to conduct a whole range of preparatory activities:
- First of all, it is necessary to contact the local housing authorities for a consultation, sometimes there are problems with the installation of one or another option or there are any restrictions.
- Next, you need to make a project to connect the device. If you do not have the appropriate qualifications, then the scheme is better to order specialists, as they know the basic requirements and standards and will do everything in accordance with the law.
- The finished document must be coordinated with the organization that supplies your home. Only then can you proceed to installation.
Assembly work
It should be noted that, according to generally accepted rules, installation should be carried out by qualified specialists, but at times it is difficult to find them. Therefore, the work can be done independently, but the commissioning should still be carried out by professionals.
Note! If you have an approved project, then all work is carried out in strict accordance with it. Even the slightest deviations and changes will cause all documents to be redone and re-approved. Therefore, it is important to think everything in advance.
Works must be carried out in accordance with the following requirements:
- Installation of meters for heating should be carried out outside the apartment, in some cases, installation is allowed in the apartment, but this requires special approval.
- On both sides of the device there should be smooth sections of the pipeline, this will allow to calm the flow of coolant and ensure its uniform passage through the measuring device. Soothing areas are necessary to ensure the best measurement accuracy.
- If a sensor is inserted, it should be positioned so that its thermal resistance is located along the pipe axis.
- In order to be able to remove the device in the future without emptying the system, it is located on the branch, and shut-off valves are placed on the pipes on both sides.
Commissioning
Design and installation are not limited to all necessary activities.
After completion of the work, the meter must be put into operation, this is done as follows:
- A letter is sent to the heat supply organization to call a metrologist, and a copy of the approved project is attached to it.
- On the day of the metrologist's arrival, a commission consisting of the owner of the apartment, a representative of the organization on whose balance sheet the building is located, and a representative of the organization that carried out the installation is going.
- The conformity of the installation of the design documentation is checked, after which all required nodes are sealed.
Conclusion
Installing a meter for heating saves significant amounts. Investments are fully paid off in 1-2 years, which is also important. If you have questions, watch the video presented, in it some important nuances are discussed in more detail.