Rating of the best warm skirting boards for 2020

Relatively recently, a new type of heating equipment has appeared on the Russian markets - the so-called warm skirting boards. In domestic housing, they are still not common, while in foreign countries they have become a sustainable alternative to classic heating systems. However, this system has many opponents both in its homeland and abroad, who believe that full heating with such equipment is impossible. The main argument is the fact that the area of ​​heating devices is small. In turn, there are those who call this disadvantage an advantage. Thus, it is necessary to understand all the pros and cons of warm skirting boards.

The principle of operation and design of warm skirting boards

Indeed, a warm plinth can be called a "new word" in heating all types of dwellings - from apartments to private houses. This heating system got its name due to its similarity to a conventional skirting board and due to its small dimensions. Visually, the structure consists of:

• Aluminum box, including three walls - front, bottom and top;
• The very thickness of the box does not exceed 3 centimeters;
• The height of the front panel can be from 10 to 24 centimeters;
• For decoration purposes, the end parts of the box are covered with special plugs;
• The box is equipped with heating elements inside, which are attached to the wall of the structure by means of mounting brackets.

Depending on the heat source used in the system, skirting boards can be electric or liquid (they practically do not differ externally). The principle of operation of thermal skirting boards is fundamentally different from the traditional convection heating equipment - heating radiators / convectors.

Traditional heating equipment (the same batteries) heat the room by convection. This means that the heat from the heated outer parts of the battery heats up the surrounding air. Moreover, the heated air rises closer to the ceiling, where it forms a special air cushion, simultaneously displacing the cold masses lower closer to the floor. In rooms with low ceilings, the difference between a cool floor and a hot sub-ceiling space is not so noticeable, so a person feels quite comfortable there. However, in rooms with high ceilings, the difference is very noticeable and therefore forced ventilation has to be done there - only in this way it is possible to mix the available warm and cold air masses to achieve a comfortable temperature. At the same time, despite the forced ventilation in the corners of the room with high ceilings, the air will remain unheated. Thus, to achieve a greater effect, a banal increase in heating temperature and a longer period for heating the room are required. Heat loss in this case is from 20 to 30%.For clarity, you can give the following example: if you turn on an oil heater in a cool room, then at a short distance from it the air will quickly warm up, but a little further away it will remain cold for a long time.

The action of a warm skirting board is based on an even and gradual heating of all walls and floors located near it. The convection method of heating the ambient air at the baseboards consumes no more than 30% of all resources. Heating the room begins with the layers of air closest to the floor, then smoothly moves up the walls, simultaneously heating their surface. Thanks to this heat distribution scheme, it is possible to achieve equal heating of the room throughout its entire volume. Moreover, rising along the walls, the heated air does not mix with the surrounding air, while creating a kind of thermal "curtain". This heating method is extremely relevant for rooms with panoramic windows, because cool air that can flow through unsealed joints is simply cut off without cooling the room.

Statistics show that heat loss when using warm skirting boards is only 5%. It has been scientifically proven that if the walls of the room are heated to 37-38 degrees Celsius, and the general temperature of the room is at the level of 16-17 degrees, then the person no longer feels cold and generally any discomfort. From this it can be seen that heating skirting boards may well be used as a full-fledged heating system. They can be mounted along the general perimeter of the room or only in certain places.

The skirting boards in question have extremely functionality, because they can be installed in places where it is not possible to put a conventional radiator. Loggias with French glazing (the wall of the loggia is a solid glass) can serve as a good example here.

The majority of domestic buyers are wondering whether the furniture, which is often placed in apartments near the walls, will suffer from the work of a warm plinth? It should be noted here that the operation of the heating system under consideration is not aimed at warming up the ambient air and objects adjacent to the walls, so they will not interfere with each other. In addition, heating heating elements have an operating mode at low temperatures, which means they are heated to no higher than 60 degrees Celsius, so they cannot damage the furniture cladding and its coating, as well as the floor covering. Thus, it can be concluded that warm skirting boards are systems that are extremely economical and safe.

Electric heating skirting boards

Electrical samples of the equipment in question are more popular than liquid ones. This is due to a simpler installation scheme and due to the fact that access to electricity is available even in the most remote areas, but finding the nearest water supply can be more difficult. According to the principle of operation, the construction of a warm plinth is akin to a "warm floor":

• Two metal (usually copper) tubes with a diameter of about 13 millimeters with a wall thickness of one and a half millimeters are installed in the inner part of the box. Brass "ribs" are tightly seated on these tubes. The lower tube contains a low-temperature heating element;
• Hidden inside the first tube is a heat-resistant electric cable, insulated with silicone, which is responsible for feeding the heater;
• Due to the fact that copper / aluminum are excellent heat conductors, tubes are made from the first, and front panels are made from the second. This combination of alloys allows for maximum heat transfer;
• In addition, the system can be equipped with temperature sensors and thermostats.Due to the latter, it is possible to achieve significant savings in the entire system - with its help, it is possible to maintain a certain temperature for several days in advance (for example, set the minimum values ​​when the room is not supposed to be used).

IMPORTANT! The thermostat probe should be placed 130 to 150 centimeters above the floor to obtain the most accurate temperature readings. When the temperature reaches the set level, the heating system will shut down. And it will turn on again when the temperature reaches the minimum allowable mark.

The length of each module of the electric skirting board, as a rule, ranges from 70 centimeters to 2.5 meters. Based on these dimensions, it is possible to assemble the required heating circuit of the required power and the required perimeter. Average indicators say that one running meter of such a system is capable of delivering from 180 to 280 watts of heat. It is always worth remembering that for the safe functioning of such a heating system, it must be connected to a completely serviceable and new wiring. For convenience, manufacturers recommend laying a separate power line for the baseboards, leading it directly to the meter and installing your own machine.

Skirting boards for water heating

In their work, water skirting boards are most similar to water boilers. Their structure is significantly different from electrical samples:

• Such skirting boards do not heat the coolants on their own - they use already heated substances (they can be both simple water and a special liquid, for example, antifreeze);
• The coolant flows through pipes inside the box, which are made of cross-linked polyethylene;
• There are two pipes in the box, they are installed one on top of the other, despite the fact that through the lower one the heat-transfer fluid is taken in, and through the upper pipe it is supplied.

Due to the fact that for the transfer of the heating substance through the system, the organization of sufficient pressure is required, then in private houses special circulation pumps are used for these purposes. By means of them, the coolant flows at a set pressure through the distribution manifold, and then is supplied to the heating modules.

IMPORTANT! In the case when the junction of the pipes in the plinth box for water heating falls on the corner of the room, then special corrugated or polyethylene "corners" are used to connect the system. It is worth remembering that for the correct operation of the water circuits, their length cannot exceed 12.5 meters - otherwise the heat will be consumed irrationally. However, if the perimeter of the room is much larger than this figure, then it is preferable to install two or more separate circuits.

The temperature in water models can also be controlled with a thermostat or manually on the manifold. If a thermostat is used, then the automatic servos will be responsible for opening / closing the valves.

Summing up, we can conclude that the organization of a heating circuit in water-based skirting boards is a very expensive business. This is due to the fact that it is required not only to install a pump and a collector, but to ensure reliable storage of coolants and their cleaning. Therefore, Russians prefer electric models more.

Connecting a water baseboard in a city apartment

In principle, this option is possible, but it is not common. This is due to the need to connect the system to central heating, and water hammer can often occur in it, which may not withstand the pipes in the structure. Moreover, the temperature of the water in the batteries ranges from 85 to 90 degrees Celsius, and the pressure can reach 9 or more atmospheres. All these factors also lead to the destruction of individual elements of the entire heating structure.

Still, there is a way to minimize the above risks - the whole trick will be to separate the heating circuit from the central network:

• It is necessary to use heat exchangers, that is, devices through which a certain part of the excess heat from the heat-carrying substance will be taken away. In the future, these surpluses can be transferred to another internal and independent circuit;
• In typical apartments, riser wiring is installed, therefore, a single or two-pipe riser can be located in each room. Thus, the connection can be made by means of copper fittings by soldering or plastic pipes coupled with fittings. With this method, the restrictions on the temperature and pressure of the heat-carrying substance are removed;
• The heating skirting board can be connected to the drain with a thermo valve.

Advantages and disadvantages of warm skirting boards

The undoubted advantages of using the heating system in question can be called with confidence:

• Due to the fact that the heat rises precisely along the walls and heats them perfectly, the problem of the occurrence of fungus or mold can be considered once and for all (dry walls are the main guarantee of their absence from damage by fungal microorganisms).
• Heating of the serviced room is carried out simultaneously around the entire perimeter and evenly, which allows you not to wait until the heat from the coolant dissipates throughout the room. It is this factor that leaves standard radiators at a disadvantage.
• It is possible to achieve an equal temperature throughout the room, while there will be no "cold sectors" left. Practice shows that the difference in temperature under the ceiling and near the floor is no more than a degree. However, it is worth remembering that the effective operation of the entire structure will also depend on the competent thermal insulation of the room itself and on possible heat loss.
• Heating takes place by the radiation method, which is considered the safest for the human body, because it is perceived by it as receiving solar heat.
• The maximum amount of heat loss is only 5% (while for heating by convection this figure is up to 30%).
• Warm skirting boards are compatible with any type of flooring.
• In the box of the device itself, a moderate temperature is constantly maintained, so there is no need to fear for the safety of the furniture standing near (its drying out).
• Installation of the entire system presupposes the preservation of the aesthetic appearance of the entire room, which cannot be said about the installation of bulky radiators.
• Due to the small dimensions of the structure, it can be used to heat rooms where it is simply impossible to install radiators and batteries.
• Loop temperature adjustments are made intuitively using thermostat switches and temperature sensors (modern systems can even perform user-programmed actions).
• The whole system is completely a model of saving on heating the home.

However, there are also significant "disadvantages":

• The cost of such a design is quite high.
• Skirting devices are not yet popular enough in Russia, so sometimes it is difficult to find not just spare parts for the structure, but even specialists for their installation.
• Except for special samples, most heating skirting systems are extremely afraid of high humidity in the serviced premises. High humidity can lead to premature wear of some of their elements.
• The entire structure is limited by the length of the heated perimeter (12.5 meters) - and the installation of a second and even a third circuit for just one room is far from cheap.

Rating of the best warm skirting boards for 2020

Budget samples

2nd place: "Orion" 530 mm

This economical model is characterized by high reliability and no need to install shut-off fittings. The sample works like a standard battery, but its heat loss is 6 times less. The body of the device is covered with a special protective compound, which stably protects it from possible corrosion. It can be used around the pool perimeter and on balconies with French glazing (panoramic windows).

• The box is processed with a special compound;
• The ability to install at different sites;
• Budgetary cost.

• There is no thermostat.

1st place: "Cozy" 1050 mm

Powerful and reliable model. It can be installed both as a single heating element in small rooms and in heating circuits. Provides residents with special comfort: it does not dry out the air, does not fill it with combustion products, does not create dust circulation in the serviced room.

• Large assortment of color variations of the case;
• Increased power;
• There is a thermostat for regulation.

• Afraid of high humidity.

Models of the middle price segment

2nd place: "Orion 1 Cedar"

This model has an extremely pleasant appearance and can be used as a design element when decorating a country house. Sufficient power of this circuit will keep you warm in the coldest seasons. This sample is characterized by the production of rather long structural elements, which allows them to be equipped with large rooms around the perimeter.

• Aesthetic appearance;
• Increased power;
• Simplified installation.

• Again there is no thermostat.

1st place: “Mr. Tektum 2.0 "

Another model for design projects. The heater is made of hot-pressed aluminum alloy with brass and copper pipes installed inside. Due to the fact that the model is liquid, installation is best done after preliminary heat calculations. Most experts recommend using this skirting board for summer cottages and country houses.

• High power for liquid instrument;
• Application of special alloys in the construction;
• Recommended for design projects.

• High price;
• Complexity of installation.

Premium class

2nd place: "Thermodul 13.17"

A rare representative on the Russian market of a line from a Western manufacturer. Differs in the variability of the materials used and the high price. Import and trade in the Russian Federation is possible only with a certificate of conformity. It is relatively difficult to install and requires original components for repair. It is better to entrust the installation of such equipment to professionals.

• The model is controlled by a thermostat;
• The design uses an innovative alloy;
• Extended warranty period.

• Very high price per running meter (in the absence of other advantages).

1st place: "Thermodul Combi"

Another expensive model from the Italian brand. It justifies its extremely high price (30,000 rubles / r.m.) by 100%, due to the fact that it has a combined mode of operation: it can work both on an electric coolant and on a liquid one. However, it requires professional installation and adjustment of the entire circuit. Management is fully automated.

• Combination of operating modes;
• Fully automatic control;
• Latest materials in construction.

• Not identified (for its own characteristics).

Instead of an epilogue

Analysis of the Russian market for warm skirting boards showed that the domestic buyer prefers domestic models. This is due to the fact that the search for components for them is not burdensome, and some samples can be mounted independently. And even visual simplicity does not make them something of low quality in the eyes of a potential user. On the contrary, most Russian models are well balanced in terms of price / quality parameters. At the same time, foreign samples can cost many times more (or even dozens of times), however, even due to their perfection and the use of new technologies in them, they are not in great demand in the Russian Federation.