Autonomous heating in an apartment

Autonomous heating in an apartment
TEMPERATURE CONTROL BY ZONE
HEATING SYSTEM WITH UNDERFLOOR HEATING
MINIMUM ENERGY CONSUMPTION
LOW TEMPERATURE HEATING MODE

​Central heating: features and disadvantages

When the cold comes, we all want to feel comfortable and warm at home. This is possible thanks to an apartment heating system.

Despite the fact that most apartments are smaller than houses, heating them in cold weather is not always easy and often not budget-friendly. Choosing the best heating system can certainly be a difficult process. Therefore, we will help you understand the best heating systems for apartment buildings so that you can choose the most efficient system for your home.

Central heating is a system whose heat source is a boiler house or CHP plant. As a rule, they are located outside heated buildings.

In most cases, heating in an apartment is carried out using a central system. Unfortunately, it is not efficient enough. We attribute this to several reasons:

  • the heating system is switched on and off according to the schedule of the state. Most often, the consumer has to freeze in the off-season due to the late switching on and early switching off of the central heating;

  • large heat losses during transportation of the heat carrier from the heat source to an apartment, as the heat carrier travels a long distance. Thus, during the passage of the heat carrier through pipelines, it loses a significant part of its temperature;

  • it is practically impossible to adjust the heating temperature in an apartment, since the control is carried out by the boiler room. Based on this, there may not be enough heat in an apartment, or vice versa, the room will overheat. All these points affect the human condition, since insufficient heating or overheating of an apartment will create discomfort for residents and may negatively affect their well-being.

We can conclude that apartment owners become "hostages" of utility service providers, since an apartment owner cannot influence the heating system on his own. That is why autonomous heating in an apartment is a more profitable option for the consumer in all aspects.

More details about heating in our videos

You can save time reading and watch our video reviews on the topic of heating.

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Engineering systems in the apartment: ventilation, heating, air conditioning, water supply and sewage
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What is a fan coil: types, principles and features of work
Air-to-water heat pump: operating principle, application features
Air-to-water heat pump: operating principle, application features
Heating with an electric boiler and hot water supply in the apartment | Object overview
Heating with an electric boiler and hot water supply in the apartment | Object overview

Autonomous heating of an apartment

Autonomous heating in an apartment is a system where your own heating unit, which is located in an apartment, is considered as a heat source. This system has advantages over the central system, namely:

  • it is possible to turn off and turn on the heating system at any time;

  • modern boilers are equipped with weather compensation automation, which will allow you to track changes in the outside temperature and provide an apartment with the necessary heat;

  • with the correct design of the building, the residents of the house will be able to spend less money on the heating system. Thus, all enclosing structures: foundation, ceilings, walls, etc. are selected taking into account their  thermal insulation qualities. In addition, high-quality double-glazed windows will not let in heat in summer and cold in winter;

Autonomous heating of an apartment Heating boiler
Electric boiler heating

Electric boiler heating

Heating with an electric boiler is a system where an electric boiler acts as a heat source, which works to heat rooms, and heats the water in the hot water tank or use by residents for their own needs.

The principle of operation of the electric boiler:

  1. Water in the electric boiler constantly circulates and is heated by a tubular heating element.

  2. Hot water is transported to the DHW tank or heating circuit.

  3. From the heating circuit, the cooler water returns to the system and the cycle repeats.

It is important to note that the lower the outside temperature, the more the tubular heating element consumes energy. Accordingly, when the heating element warms up, electricity consumption will decrease.

Electric boilers have the function of weather compensation control, the principle of which is to regulate the heating of water in the boiler, based on the outside temperature. Thus, the boiler increases or reduces the heating of water, which in turn will allow residents to rationally use energy resources.

An important part of the implementation of the heating system is the installation of a system of underfloor heating.The area covered by the system should be 100% of total floor area. The underfloor heating system is low-temperature system, so it is necessary to ensure a low temperature of the heat carrier supply so that the floor surface is in the range of + 24-26 ° C (comfortable temperature for the human foot). Thus, in order to ensure the transportation of a higher temperature to the radiators, and a lower one to the warm floor, it is necessary to install pumping groups.

Underfloor heating system
Heating the apartment using an electric boiler

Heating an apartment using an electric boiler has disadvantages:

  • low efficiency (efficiency factor). With 1 kW of electricity, the boiler provides only 0.9 kW of thermal energy;

  • since the electric heating in an apartment works with the help of electricity, when it is turned off, the system will stop functioning;

  • produced kW of electricity in an apartment must comply with thermotechnical calculations.

Thus, in order for autonomous heating in an apartment to work without interruption, when performing a thermotechnical calculation, you need to pay attention to the consumption of kW of an electric boiler and electrical appliances to avoid their frequent shutdown.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Electric boiler BOSCH TRONIC HEAT 3500
Electric boiler BOSCH TRONIC HEAT 3500

Electric boiler BOSCH TRONIC 5000 H
Electric boiler BOSCH TRONIC 5000 H

Electric boiler VAILLANT ELOBLOCK
Electric boiler VAILLANT ELOBLOCK

Electric boiler PROTHERM СКАТ
Electric boiler PROTHERM СКАТ

Gas heating

​Gas heating is a system where a gas boiler of any type is used as a heat source. In turn, a gas boiler is a device that performs the function of heating and is able to provide residents with hot water, thanks to the combustion of gaseous fuels.

An atmospheric boiler is a unit that has an open combustion chamber so the boiler must be installed in a boiler room. The boiler has a significant drawback, due to which it is not popular among consumers – it is impossible to control the temperature. Thus, when the boiler is turned on, it can only work at full capacity.

A turbocharged boiler is a device with a closed type combustion chamber. The principle of operation of the device is that air is supplied to the combustion chamber by means of a fan through a coaxial flue or through a room. In turn, the coaxial flue is a "pipe in pipe" device. This means that 2 processes can be carried out at the same time: drawing in outside combustion air and throwing the exhaust gas out. This boiler is not in high demand among buyers, because it has a low efficiency. Since, during the process of gas combustion and energy transfer to the heat carrier, part of the heat is lost.

The most efficient device is a condensing type boiler. The principle of operation of the boiler is based on the condensation process:

  • Condensation occurs when warm and cold air streams come into contact. Accordingly, hot air is carbon dioxide, which comes up from the combustion chamber, and cold air enters from top to bottom into the heat exchanger through a coaxial flue. *The principle of operation is "pipe in pipe" - the inner pipe is hot, and the outer pipe is cold.

  • After that, heat is released in the form of hot water masses, which is fed into the heating circuit and used to heat the chilled water in the return pipeline. Thus, preheated water is supplied to the burner, which in turn reduces energy costs.

  • The system also uses the residual heat from the flue gases. Thus, through the air supply pipe, which is located in the flue, the incoming air is heated due to the heat of the exhaust gases. Accordingly, already warm air enters the burner, thereby providing additional energy savings. Therefore, because additional energy is used in the system, the efficiency of the boiler can exceed 100%. Another advantage of the boiler is the presence of weather compensation control. With the help of a sensor located on the street, the temperature of the heat carrier is adjusted to maintain comfort in the house.

Based on this, a condensing boiler is most suitable as a heat source for an apartment. It should be noted that for the efficient operation of the heating system, it is necessary to fulfill the requirement regarding the temperature of the heat carrier, as well as the area of ​​underfloor heating should cover maximum of the floor surface. For a condensing boiler, it is necessary to provide a heating carrier supply temperature of +50°C, respectively, a return heat carrier temperature of +35°C. Thus, the lower the water supply temperature, the more efficient the operation of the gas boiler.

The disadvantage of the condensing boiler is the uncontrolled gas pricing policy in Ukraine, due to the war in Ukraine.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Boiler VIESSMANN VITODENS 100-W
Boiler VIESSMANN VITODENS 100-W

Condensing boiler VAILLANT ECOVIT EXCLUSIV
Condensing boiler VAILLANT ECOVIT EXCLUSIV

Condensing boiler VAILLANT ECO TEC PLUS VU OE 806-1206/5-5
Condensing boiler VAILLANT ECO TEC PLUS VU OE 806-1206/5-5

Condensing boiler VAILLANT ECOCRAFT EXCLUSIV
Condensing boiler VAILLANT ECOCRAFT EXCLUSIV

​HEATING WITH A HEAT PUMP

Heating in an apartment based on a heat pump is a profitable solution, since the heat source is able to provide residents with 3 functions:

  1. heating;

  2. cooling;

  3. hot water supply (DHW).

There are three types of heating systems in an apartment:

An air-to-air heat pump — the appearance of the unit resembles a classic air conditioner, but it can operate at low temperatures. These heat pumps are not common in Ukraine, as they have significant disadvantages:

  • if an outside temperature is -20℃, the heat pump will not be able to effectively heat an apartment;

  • if the system is turned off, the room cools down quickly;

  • the location of the indoor unit of the heat pump at the top of the room is not a very effective solution. Since warm air always rises, the supply of heated air from the top of the room will lead to the accumulation of warm air under the ceiling. In addition, there will be cool air at the bottom of the room, which will cause discomfort to residents.

An air-to-water heat pump is the most demanded device in buildings with a high level of energy efficiency up to 200 m2.

The COP (electricity to heat conversion ratio) of a heat pump is high, as the unit is able to convert 1 kW of electricity into 3 kW of heat. The implementation of a heating system based on a heat pump will allow residents to reduce the cost of heating/cooling the rooms and hot water, and with a high COP, the heating system will pay back much faster. As we mentioned earlier, a mandatory requirement for the implementation of heating based on a heat pump is the installation of an underfloor heating system over the entire surface of the floor, as well as the installation of additional devices (radiators, fan coil units, in-floor convectors).

air-to-water heat pump
A geothermal heat pump

A geothermal heat pump is a unit that, like an air-to-water heat pump, can work for heating/cooling and hot water supply, while using the thermal energy of the earth. This pump is more resistant to temperature, since the temperature of the earth is approximately +12℃ all year round. The COP of a geothermal heat pump is 1:6. Accordingly, when converting 1 kW of electricity, the device is able to give up to 6 kW of heat.

It is important to note that the implementation of the system using a geothermal heat pump is laborious and rather costly, since it is necessary to carry out earthworks in order to install submersible probes. It is impossible to implement such a system for an apartment.​

Heating with underfloor heating

Underfloor heating is not a full-fledged heating system, but is considered a constant in the implementation of a heating system based on a heat pump. First of all, underfloor heating is a comfort in your home. As we mentioned earlier, cold air always accumulate at the bottom of the room, respectively, the person will feel discomfort in the foot area.

Since the underfloor heating is a low-temperature element of the system, it is necessary to ensure that the heat carrier supply temperature is lower for it (supply + 50 °C, and the return temperature + 35C), in comparison with auxiliary units, such as in-floor convectors, fan coil units and radiators. Thus, pump groups are installed that can send a lower temperature heat carrier to the warm floor, and a higher temperature to auxiliary units.

Heating with underfloor heating underfloor heating
Fan coil unit

It is important to note that heating in an apartment only with a n underfloor heating is an irrational solution, since this system is inert, and accordingly, the following problem may arise:

  • In the case when the outside temperature is constantly fluctuating (let's say it was -10°C and rose sharply to +5°C), the concrete will get very hot and will cool down for a long time, which will create discomfort.

Based on this, in order to prevent this situation from occurring, it is necessary to install additional devices:

  1. Fan coil unit is a device that can generate heat and cold.

  2. Radiator — a device that is used only for heating.

  3. In-floor convector — a device that performs the function of heating. However, with Kampmann HK, the occupants will get a cooling function as well.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Air-air heat pumps
Air-air heat pumps

Air-water heat pumps
Air-water heat pumps

Geothermal heat pump
Geothermal heat pump

Warm floors
Warm floors

Fan coil unit
Fan coil unit

In-line convectors
In-line convectors

Raiators
Raiators

IMPLEMENTATION STAGES

  • Consultation
  • Pre-project documentation
  • Project design
  • Heating installation
  • Service maintenance
01
Consultation

Consultation

Alter Air invites you to a consultation in our showroom, which is located in Kyiv. Our experts will select suitable heating for your apartment, as well as taking into account the wishes and budget of the customer. In our showroom, you can visually see the implementation of a heating system based on a heat pump.

02
Pre-project documentation

Pre-project documentation

Specialists make a thermotechnical calculation, according to which a commercial offer is developed. At this stage, an estimate is provided, in which the approximate cost of implementing the system is indicated (the price of the system may differ from the commercial offer within 15%).

03
Project design

Project design

After choosing a heating option, project design follows - the main stage in creating a system, which includes the drawings, diagrams and calculations. In the design process, an important point is the interaction with contractors (architects, designers, foremen). Alter Air company without fail provides a specification (task) for these specialists. Creating a drawing and visualization will allow you to clearly understand how to implement the system and its future appearance.

04
Heating installation

Heating installation

Installing a heating system in an apartment is not only a matter of comfort, but also safety. Alter Air's own installation teams are regularly certified, which allows you to be sure of the quality and correct implementation of the project. After that, commissioning is carried out - the final part of the installation - checking the correct operation and efficiency of the heating system in an apartment, as well as testing it under different conditions. The final start-up of the heating system takes place in the presence of the chief engineer and the client to ensure that all components are functioning correctly.

05
Service maintenance

Service maintenance

In a heating system, both the heat source and the additional equipment need regular maintenance to ensure long and efficient operation. The service engineer of our company will always remind the client about the time for maintenance, select the necessary list of services, and, if necessary, order spare parts or consumables from the manufacturer. We do not recommend neglecting this stage in order to avoid unpleasant and sometimes even dangerous consequences. You can always learn more about service from our specialists.

The price of autonomous heating of an apartment

Pricing policy

​The price for autonomous heating in an apartment depends on the type of system, the area of an apartment, the selected heat source, additional units and, of course, the wishes of the client. Let us consider three options for pricing policy for the consumer. It should be noted that the installation of heating in an apartment, and the price will be clearly understood after our specialists provide the commercial offer. We talked about this stage earlier.

Premium level

​Heating in an apartment based on an air-to-water heat pump

​Below there is an example of the installation of an air-to-water heat pump heating system by Alter Air professionals in a 150 m² apartment.

Installed equipment:

  1. underfloor heating – 100% of the floor area;

  2. Kampmann's convectors;

  3. Kermi radiators;

  4. boiler room based on Viessmann Vitocal 100-S air-to-water heat pump;

  5. 100L buffer tank;

  6. 300L hot water tank.

The price of this equipment and the work performed is approximately 1.5 million UAH.

* However, each object is unique and the cost for your object will differ from that indicated in the example.

Medium level

​Heating in an apartment in the medium segment is implemented with the help of a gas condensing boiler

​Let us consider an example of one of the projects carried out by our specialists in a 100 m² apartment. 

Installed equipment:

  1. underfloor heating - 100% of the floor area;

  2. Kermi radiator heating (through a distribution manifold, beam pattern);

  3. Uponor automation;

  4. boiler room based on the Viessmann Vitodens 200-W gas boiler with weather compensation control;

  5. 200L indirect heating tank

The cost of this system implementation is approximately 500,000-550,000 UAH.

Budget level

​Heating system with an electric boiler — does not require large investments. 

Using the example of the project carried out by the Alter Air team, one can understand the cost and equipment that will be installed for this heating system in a 100 m² apartment.

Installed equipment:

  1. wall-mounted electric boiler VAILLANT eloBLOCK VE9/14 (3+6 kW) with eBus

  2. pump groups with thermal insulation (for underfloor heating and radiator circuit);

  3. automation modules;

  4. indirect heating boiler with Drazice OKC 250 NTR/BP 250L coil.

The cost of this system implementation is approximately 260,000-280,000 UAH. Of which 120,000 UAH is for equipment, 150,000 UAH — for installation and piping.

Transition to autonomous heating in an apartment

Transition to autonomous heating

If you have a heat meter installed in your apartment, then the residents of the house can switch to individual heating in an apartment - to an electric boiler, an air-to-water heat pump or a gas boiler.

Our projects

A complex of engineering systems in an apartment, Lipskaya street, Kyiv

  • Living room
  • Bathroom
  • Mini-boiler room - 1
  • Mini-boiler room - 2
TROX double slot inline diffuser

Double-slot diffusers from the TROX brand are designed for high-quality air distribution throughout the room. They combine visual aesthetics and high technical potential. Air currents are given in different directions, evenly scattering and avoiding any drafts. Outwardly, only laconic lines on the ceiling remain visible.

Duct air conditioner Daikin FDXM 35F

A low-pressure internal duct unit Daikin FDXM 35F is installed in the ceiling space of the bathroom - it works to cool the bedroom. It is accessed through hatches. The capacity of the air conditioner is enough to service rooms up to 35 m2, which is optimal for a given room. The lowering of the ceiling in a technical room was 300 mm.

Indirect heating boiler Drazice

Vertical indirect heating boiler Drazice OKSE 200 l is designed to provide apartment residents with hot water. The inner surface of the tank is covered with high-quality enamel without nickel, which ensures a long operation of the water heater, and there is also an anti-corrosion coating. The temperature inside can be kept between 7 and 77 ℃. The water heating indicator always shows the current temperature on the front of the tank. There is a fast heating function. This is an excellent solution for an apartment, allowing you not to depend on seasonal blackouts and other inconveniences.

Electric boiler Vaillant Ecoblock

Electric boiler Vaillant Ecoblock An electric boiler Vaillant Ecoblock with a capacity of 6 kW and efficiency of up to 99% works for heating and hot water supply of the entire apartment. It has a wide range of temperature settings for both heating and hot water supply. There are frost protection and 2-level overheating protection. Equipped with eBus data transmission technology. With the help of a capillary thermostat, residents can smoothly regulate the heating temperature in the range from 25 to 85 ℃

Expansion tank Zilmet

The Zilmet expansion tank is designed to compensate extra pressure in the heating system. Works in conjunction with the Vaillant electric boiler above. The special inner lining of the tank prevents the growth of any bacteria, that is, the water does not acquire a metallic taste, does not stagnate or change its properties.

Refiner Ecowater - water softening and filtration system

A modern system for filtering and softening water: cleans water from all kinds of impurities and odors, neutralizes iron, making it soft, pleasant and safe for household appliances, water pipes and human use. The purified water is also suitable for drinking directly from the tap. The refiner does not require changing the carbon filters, and is controlled via WiFi - maximum automation and comfort!

A complex of engineering systems in an apartment, Lipskaya street, Kyiv

COMPLEX OF ENGINEERING SYSTEMS IN A THREE-STOREY BUILDING (380 m2) KG RIVIERA VILLAS

  • BEDROOM
  • Utility room
Duct air conditioner Daikin FBA 60

Кондиционеры Daikin FBA 60 – мощные сплит-системы канального типа, предназначенные для скрытого монтажа практически любого помещения.

HVU with heat recovery JABLOTRON FUTURA L

Highly efficient air handling unit for general ventilation in houses and apartments. Reuses the heat and moisture that are present in the room. Has a "native" VAV-system (variable air supply).

COMPLEX OF ENGINEERING SYSTEMS IN A THREE-STOREY BUILDING (380 m2) KG RIVIERA VILLAS

FAQ

What kind of heating in an apartment is better?

Individual heating in an apartment based on an air-to-water heat pump is the most cost-effective solution. You can find out more about this heat source in the "Heat pump heating" section.

How to turn off the heating in an apartment?

In case when residents have apartment heating of an individual type, it is not necessary to turn off the heating. Since an apartment has a heat meter. Thus, the heat meter does not spin - the client does not pay for the service.

However, if there is no heat meter in an apartment, unfortunately, you can’t turn off the central heating in any way and you will have to pay depending on the area of ​​your apartment.

How much does the heating system in an apartment cost?

The cost of implementing heating in an apartment depends on the specifics of the object itself, the selected equipment, the piping of the boiler room, the complexity of installation and other factors.

Therefore, you can find in this article, as well as by contacting our specialists at: 0-800-33-08-28, how to design and carry out autonomous heating in an apartment and the cost of its implementation.

Testimonials and questions
  • 5 / 5

    Роман Солоненко

    Мы долго решали какую же систему отопления ставить в квартире. Для нас выбор наилучшей отопительной системы, оказалось сложным процессом. А компания Alter Air помогла нам разобраться в лучших системах отопления. По итогу, остановились на автономном отоплении. Система Alterair работает надежно и эффективно, позволяя настроить температуру в каждой комнате индивидуально. Достаточно удобно, что системой можно управлять с помощью смартфона или планшета. Кроме того, специалисты Alterair профессионально выполнили установку и оказали квалифицированную поддержку. Потому настоятельно рекомендую данную компанию.

  • Команда Alter Air

    Добрий день, Роман! Дуже дякуємо за ваш відгук. Ваші теплі слова - наш стимул працювати якнайкраще!