Channel heaters are becoming more and more popular. It must be admitted that this solution is not only effective, but also allows you to maintain even better aesthetics of the room. Today we will tell you how to install a trench heater. We will consider whether this solution is a good choice for an apartment in a block of flats. And finally, we will present you the top 3 really good models.
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Installation of a trench heater step by step
The trench heater is placed in the floor. This makes it almost invisible. It is most often installed next to patio doors and does not interfere with the free opening of the terrace. This solution will work very well in both large and smaller rooms. Thanks to them, you can easily and quickly obtain the correct interior temperature, and at the same time heating costs are not very high. Now that this is clear, we can move on to assembly.
Step one: planning
Before we move on to installation, it is worth planning the assembly. You need to remember to leave some free space here. About 3-4 cm on each side is enough. Prepare a hole in the floor layers. It must be selected according to the size and power of the radiator. The width of the channel is also the width of the bathtub and the insulation layer. At the same time, you need to add approx. 2 cm to the length of the bathtub, 1 cm for the expansion joint of the upper part of the bathtub side on each side.
Step two: making the channel
The channel in the floor can be made in two ways. You can, for example, board up the entire opening, but also take into account the space for insulation layers. Spacers must be inserted between the formwork to prevent the opening from narrowing. An alternative to this solution is to install a bathtub with struts. The upper part must be secured with expansion tape. Only then can we lay the screed for the bathtub. While the screed dries, the radiator tub must be removed and replaced with Styrofoam, and when installing a radiator with a fan, you must inject assembly foam.
Step three: installation of the radiator bathtub
The bathtub and the radiator should be installed only before flooring works, and the bathtub frame must be supported on the screed. Thanks to the screws placed at the bottom, the bathtub is stabilized. Also remember that only before framing it is necessary to make expansion joints with silicone or cork. The bathtub should be installed on a layer of slime and thermal insulation. If you plan a low radiator, you will easily fit it at the height of the floor underlay, but if the radiator is high, it will be necessary to sink a channel under the bathtub.
Step four: preparation of the hydraulic installation
Now we can proceed to preparing the hydraulic installation. We make it on lean concrete, then lay a waterproof layer of foil and thermal insulation. This solution prevents heat loss to the ground, and the minimum thickness must be 5 cm. We can use hard thermal insulation materials such as polystyrene, mineral wool or low-pressure assembly foam. You still need to place a technological spacer on the thermal insulation.
Step five: installation of the heat exchanger
Now we can install the heat exchanger and modules. We are still checking whether they are working properly. At the very end we install the platform. We match it to the material the floor is made of. We would also like to remind you that you need to select the grate according to the size of the radiator and that's it.
Channel heater in a block of flats - is it a good solution?
Many people wonder whether a trench heater can be installed in a block of flats. Well, this solution will not work for residential areas, because it would require significant interference with the ceiling, and for this you would have to obtain permission, e.g. from the cooperative. However, if you actually apply for a permit and obtain it, it is worth choosing the Regulus Quattrovent heater with a fan . Channel heaters are often installed in modern developer apartments. They are then a good alternative to traditional radiators.
Regulus trench heaters - top 3 effective models
Top 1: QUATTROVENT Regulus trench heater
QUATTROVENT Regulus trench heater is a perfect replacement for classic panel radiators or underfloor heating.
At the same time, it will not only heat the room quickly but also effectively. It is equipped with an easy-to-control heating element. If you place it along the window space, it will act as an air curtain, namely it will protect against the inflow of cold air through leaky windows. This model has very high heating power.
Top 2: TRIOVENT Regulus trench heater
The TRIOVENT Regulus trench heater is also worth attention. It looks extremely stylish and is very easy to control. The heater's power depends on the gear setting. This solution saves money, but also ensures convenience of use. It is also worth paying attention to the tightness of the water system and the exceptionally long service life, which can be up to several dozen years. Importantly, the radiator ensures low heat inertia, but it can also be installed in the floor between ceilings.
Top 3: QUATTROVENT trench heater 100/250/300/230V, L=2750 Regulus
Our list of Regulus radiators also includes the QUATTROVENT 100/250/300/230V L=2750 Regulus channel radiator .
It is characterized by low weight and low thermal inertia, which determines its high heating precision, which helps to achieve thermal comfort. It works really efficiently even at low supply temperatures. It is resistant to both variable and high pressure. This solution allows you to save space previously occupied by wall radiators - it is worth considering this option.