Modern heat meters for heating can be found in almost every house or apartment. This is a convenient device designed for heat metering, which helps to save money and pay only for the heat consumed. The choice of such a device must be approached responsibly, it is selected depending on the characteristics of the heating network and the installation location. A large number of counter models are available on the market, which are sometimes difficult to understand without outside help. To begin with, it is worth learning about the principle of operation of the device and its features.
How does a heat meter work?
The meter for heating an apartment works by calculating the amount of heat based on data taken from temperature sensors and the flow rate of the heat carrier. The amount of water passing through the heating system, as well as the difference in temperature at the outlet and inlet, is measured. The total amount of heat is calculated by a special formula. The information received from the devices goes to the computer, which determines the heat consumption after processing the data and adds them to the archive. Values can be seen on the device display and taken at any time.
The device has its own error, consisting of the errors of the calculator, temperature sensors and flow meter. To account for the heat in the apartments, appliances are installed with an acceptable error of not more than 6-10%. In reality, the indicator is able to exceed the base value, it depends on the characteristics of all components. For this reason, it is important to purchase a modern counter that will work as accurately as possible.
The following factors influence the increase in the indicator:
- the amplitude with the inlet or outlet temperature of the coolant, having a value of less than 30 degrees;
- installation problems regarding manufacturer requirements;
- poor pipe quality, too hard water;
- coolant flow rate is less than the minimum values specified in the technical specifications.
You need to know how the heat meter works and in what units the tariff is calculated. In Russian devices, the calculation is carried out in gigacalories, in European ones in gigajoules or kilowatts, which are a common unit.
Is it possible to install a meter in an apartment
Installing a meter for heating in any apartment is possible, but it will be beneficial only if you install the device in accordance with the requirements of the law. Owners spend money only for the heat supplied from the radiators. To save, you need to use the resource to good use. For this purpose, the apartment is insulated, sealed double-glazed windows are installed and other measures are applied.
The list of requirements under the law includes:
- obtaining permission to install and comply with the conditions of the Republic of North Ossetia;
- sending installation notice to the inspecting officer or chairman of the house;
- installation of only one device in one apartment;
- coordination of design documents with the company supplying the apartment building with heat;
- sealing the meter after installation by an employee of the management company.
The best option is to install the device in new buildings, where wiring with separate pipes for supplying heat is supplied. In the houses of the old model, additional work needs to be done.
Who is engaged in installation
A heat energy meter should be installed by a specialist of the local heat supply organization who has permission to carry out such work. It is not recommended to do installation on your own. If it is not carried out according to the instructions and with violations of the installation rules, the owner of the apartment will take responsibility for possible accidents. The authority of employees includes the development of a project for installation, if necessary, the submission of documents to certain organizations if additional permissions are required, installation, registration and testing of the device.
The installation project should include information on the type and principle of operation of the device, calculations on the load and flow rate of the coolant, a diagram of the heating system, calculations of potential heat losses and charges for heat energy.
Varieties of heat meters
On sale you can find devices of various types. A high-quality heat meter must comply with the standards and have all the necessary details for installation. Given the purpose and place of installation, they are divided into individual, communal and industrial. The list of the most popular includes Pulsar, Whist, Beryl and Mars. The devices of these brands have established themselves as the most reliable.
Electromagnetic
An electromagnetic type heat meter for an apartment displays data as accurately and reliably as possible. The principle of operation of the device is based on the passage of magnetic fields through the coolant flows, during which the magnet reacts to water. A standard electromagnetic device consists of temperature sensors, an electronic unit and converters, as well as additional elements.
It can be put in a private house or apartment and carry out verification of data at any time. It must be remembered that a device of this type needs periodic cleaning and constant maintenance. Of the minuses, the owners of the devices note only their high cost, otherwise such devices do not cause inconvenience.
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic meters are most often installed as general-purpose devices in apartment buildings. They are divided into several types and are frequency, temporal, Doppler or correlation. The essence of the work of such devices is the generation of ultrasound, which passes through water. Next, the sensor generates a signal and transmits it to the receiver during the passage. An ultrasound device also measures data with high accuracy, but to obtain the correct information, you need to monitor the purity of the coolant.
Whirlwind
Such a device works by measuring the number and speed of vortices, while the device is not sensitive to blockages, but is able to respond to the presence of air inside the system. The device must not be placed in an upright position, only in a horizontal position and between two pipes. This is a fairly convenient and economical option for those who are within the budget and at the same time want to install an accurate and modern device at home.
Mechanical
A mechanical or tachometric heat meter measures the coolant using a circular rotating part. It can be screw, turbine or in the form of an impeller. A mechanical apartment heat meter is the most affordable and easy to use.
Devices have a main minus - the maximum sensitivity to the ingress of dirt, which settles inside, rust and water hammer. For greater safety, the meter is equipped with a magnetic mesh filter, but keep in mind that such devices do not store data collected per day.
Registration and verification
Only companies that have the appropriate permission can conduct a legitimate registration of a device for heat after installation. The heat meter is installed in the apartment after the development and approval of the project, if necessary, then it is registered, put into operation and record data that is transmitted to the central heating organization. Verification is a necessary procedure, usually all the meters go on sale, already having the data of the initial inspection, which was carried out in the conditions of the manufacturer.
Confirmation is a brand, a record or a sticker, it can be found on the device itself or see in the documents attached to the device. It is not necessary to undergo additional verification as long as the validity period of the verification interval is 3-5 years. The owner of the device can take readings of his meter at a convenient time. When the interval expires, verification is performed in Rostest, special organizations or a service center from the manufacturer.
Verification is a check of the correctness of the readings of the device and their removal. All measuring devices, including heating meters, go through this procedure. A specialist from the relevant organization has the right to conduct it.
Benefits of using a heating meter
Installation of any heat meter should be carried out in accordance with the instructions. This useful device helps to significantly reduce the cost of thermal energy, if installed correctly. With standard consumption, savings of at least 10%. If you approach the consumption of heat energy wisely, for example, close the battery valve before leaving home, you can save more. The list of the main advantages of installing the device includes:
- savings on heating payments from 15 to 60%;
- reduction of expenses for heat losses due to the absence of the need to pay for heating streets and heating mains
- cost control and utilities.
Self-accounting of energy gives much more advantages and is able to insure against possible mistakes of communal services. The owner of the device can effortlessly control the operation of batteries and central heating radiators without leaving the apartment.
The choice of meter
You need to choose a device for accounting for heat, taking into account the parameters of your heating system and coolant. First you need to clarify whether the heating is supplied to the basement, and whether there is ventilation and light. In most houses, heating units are installed in the basements, it is also necessary to find out in which place the heating pipes go down to the basement. According to the rules, the heating units must be located near the valves.
The owner of the apartment must check the amount of water, the pressure level of the heat carrier, temperature limits and temperature control methods. Before installation, they will additionally find out the exact number of pipes entering the house and their number involved in the heating system. Also important is the material of pipe insulation, the number of apartments and residents in the house, the presence of hot water circulation.
The device itself must be selected taking into account the heat meter and all the parameters indicated above. The type of device depends on the budget and the needs of the homeowner.
Inexpensive devices work no worse than more modern and advanced ones, but keep in mind that in budget options data is not always provided without errors.
