Climate control for home and apartment: design and advantages of the system + subtleties of selection and installation

Most people try to make their home a comfort zone, paying special attention to microclimate regulation.And this is no coincidence, because clean air of moderate humidity, heated or cooled to the optimal temperature, which does not contain harmful or pathogenic particles, is capable of much.

But you shouldn’t run to the store and buy the first climate control system you come across for your house or apartment - electronics responsible for air quality are expensive. Such equipment is not a universal solution, so it will not suit everyone. As a result, a mistake in choice will result in unreasonable financial expenses.

To avoid such consequences, it is necessary to understand how the equipment is designed and operates, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of its use, and also understand the intricacies of choosing and installing a climate system. Our article is devoted to solving all the identified issues.

Design and principle of operation of the equipment

You can not only make life more comfortable, but also protect the human body from the effects of negative factors.

And all this can be provided by modern climate control equipment, which, moreover, will perform its work taking into account the requirements of efficiency.

Modern climate control for an ordinary apartment can provide a higher standard of living for everyone living in it, taking into account the priorities of each of them. But you should be aware that such a system is more of a luxury, so it will not be available to everyone.

Briefly and simply, such a set of electronics provides centralized control of all climate systems in a home and their individual elements.

Its basis is an intelligent unit that regulates the operating parameters of the equipment in order to change the characteristics of the air, taking into account the preferences of the room owners.

At the same time, a system called climate control, optimized for an apartment or house, is capable of controlling all devices that affect the microclimate.

These include:

• air conditioners and split systems;
• radiators;
• "warm floor" systems;
• boilers and other similar heating units;
• devices providing ventilation;
• filters;
• ionizers, ozonizers;
• any embedded systems.

Built-in systems include heating and cooling, forced ventilation. The last two are usually common options for luxury housing.

In addition, any other climate control equipment can be centrally controlled. For example, automatic sunshades, blinds.

How do climate systems work?

Control electronics have become in demand due to the fact that they are capable of performing their functions automatically, and with virtually no human intervention.

The role of which is only to set the necessary parameters and periodically monitor the situation, the correctness of operating modes, and the serviceability of the system.

Any climate control system intended for housing is a set of electronic and electro-mechanical equipment that controls the performance of heating, air cooling, filtration, ionization, ozonation, ventilation devices by the parameters specified by the owner and makes adjustments if necessary

That is, any modern climate system is capable of doing, independently, the following:

1. Measure the chemical composition of the air, determine the presence of carbon dioxide.
2. Measure room temperature.
3. Examine humidity.

After which the intelligent climate control unit compares the received readings with those specified by the user. And, if necessary, sends a command to one or more elements of the system to change them.

For example, if the temperature drops below the set norm, the processor will send a signal to the control unit:

• air conditioner to stop working;
• heating device to increase productivity.

That is, the owners of the apartment/house, after setting the necessary parameters, will not even have to think about maintaining an optimal microclimate. Moreover, this statement is relevant for any situation, regardless of the composition of the system and the complexity of the processes.

For example, in a multi-room apartment, electronics are capable of providing different operating modes of climate control equipment in different rooms, bathrooms, and hallways. This will allow you to maintain an optimal climate for any of the listed premises.

So, you can fall asleep at a lower temperature and wake up at a higher temperature, which is useful and just pleasant.

Modern systems that control the creation of a microclimate in an apartment have a wide range of functionality. So they are able to maintain different temperatures in each room, as well as humidity and carbon dioxide levels. This creates not only comfort, but also allows you to save money and create an optimal microclimate in any situation. For example, when guests arrive or the owners are absent from their home for a long time

And also a system called climate control for an apartment and other premises is capable of performing, and simultaneously, the following:

• maintain the lowest temperature in the corridor, which ensures efficiency;
• take into account the microclimate in the kitchen, where additional heat sources are often located, and the air is the driest and most polluted;
• combat high humidity in the bathroom;
• promptly eliminate the problem of dry air in the nursery.

In addition, a number of other processes can be carried out in parallel. Their number and sequence are determined only by the priorities of the owners.

Control system composition

The equipment package may include the following components:

• a control unit equipped with a processor;
• thermostat responsible for maintaining the set air temperature in the premises;
• thermostat that controls the thermostat via radio signals;
• temperature control sensors air and other parameters;
• servo drives, which, upon receiving a command, control regulators and valves of heating equipment;

And also in all cases, controls are used, which can be wall panels or control panels. They have one thing in common: a convenient graphical interface that makes it easy to manage the entire system.

An important advantage is that there are many design options, so noticeable parts of the climate control will fit into the decor of almost any apartment.

Manufacturers take into account that the design elements of climate control systems will be installed in apartments with different designs, so their aesthetic properties are high, and most importantly, a variety of colors and shapes are provided. As a result, correctly selected sensors, servos, and blocks are almost invisible in the room environment

If necessary, the kit may include other equipment, for example, sets of air ducts, ventilation deflectors, other.

Benefits of automatic control

Based on the above, it can be argued that modern climate systems can provide a number of benefits.

These include:

• complete autonomy - users will have to mainly have fun and enjoy comfort, and not worry about anything related to operating the equipment;
• variety of climate regimes — most smart blocks support a sufficient number of preinstalled programs;
• setting modes for each individual room;
• setting up modes for special rooms - this option will be indispensable for those who have a wine room at home, have a collection of paintings, for the storage of which certain parameters must be observed, or a regular pantry where preservation is stored, which requires a lower temperature than in living rooms.

The range of modes is very rich. For example, one that stands out among them is the popular mode "Guests", which, after activation, contributes to more effective air purification, but at the same time it will warm up less.

And after the excess number of people leave the room, you can activate the "Comfort". This will allow you to maintain the desired microclimate while consuming a minimum amount of electricity.

The most economical users, if desired, will be able to use the program "Economy" - this will bring tangible benefits in the form of energy savings.

An important point is the presence of a program that ensures economical work when people leave the premises for a long time, for example, go to work or on vacation. Climate control is able to detect this and go into sleep mode, which helps save up to 40% of energy. All necessary parameters will be observed.

An important advantage of any microclimate control system is the ability to remotely monitor the implementation of specified parameters. In addition, in the event of any failure, the processor will send a signal message to the specified phone number, which will allow urgent measures to be taken to normalize the situation

A program that provides preparation for users returning home will significantly improve the comfort of their stay. So, if there is no one in the room for a long time, the system switches to an economical operating mode, which it will exit after they return.

But, when you need to make adjustments, you can remotely enter the graphical interface or send a special message with the appropriate command.

As a result, the climate control will switch to active mode. Moreover, immediately or at a certain time, but in any case, before the owners arrive. This feature will ensure the most comfortable conditions when users return.

An important feature is the ability to monitor the air condition remotely and in all available rooms.

Therefore, the user can display current indicators of temperature, humidity, and the amount of carbon dioxide on the screen of his tablet or phone at any time and anywhere in the world.

Moreover, when for some reason a failure occurs or the system simply cannot maintain the set parameters, the control unit will send the corresponding signal in the prescribed manner. For example, to the owner’s phone number in the form of SMS.

And most importantly, climate control is able to perform its duties effectively. Therefore, even with a large number of various climate control equipment, the possibility of its operation in the “meeting” mode is excluded. That is, when air cooling and heating operations are performed simultaneously.

Installation of the climate control system must be carried out by specialists. In addition, it is advisable to coincide with such an operation in conjunction with the renovation of the premises, which will allow you to select components that match each other without unnecessary expenses and install them, hiding everything unnecessary from view

When using intelligent control systems, residential safety also increases. Since its presence significantly reduces the number of wires and controls in the house.

It also reduces the likelihood of network overload by several actively working independent devices, for example, in “meeting” mode.

Main disadvantages of the equipment

Despite many advantages and high functionality, the essence of climate control can be described in just a few words, namely: it is created for convenience. That is, the owner can perform almost all of the provided functions manually, namely using the controls of individual devices.

But for this you will have to spend quite a lot of time, use a large number of remote controls and other controls scattered throughout different rooms. In addition, in this case, efficiency suffers.

It should be borne in mind that climate control systems bring maximum benefit if the apartment/house has a large number of various climate control devices.

This photo proves that the installation procedure for the climate system is difficult and labor-intensive. In addition, fire safety in the apartment depends on it, so you should not save on such an operation

The main disadvantage is the rather high cost of the climate control kit, even in a budget version.

Recommendations for choosing a system

It should be understood that there are no ready-made comprehensive solutions on the market, since each individual case is unique. And the control system is equipped taking into account the characteristics of each room separately.

As a result, the right decision will not be to search for equipment, but to choose a performing company.

The specialists of which will be able to:

• create a project, according to current standards;
• select the appropriate equipment, matching even the design style;
• install the system, and of high quality.

The optimal solution is to purchase and install climate control together with heating, ventilation and any other equipment with which it will be used to provide the desired microclimate.

The reason is that not all devices and units are compatible and have internal control units to which a command signal can be sent.

And in some cases, the possibility of installing servo valves and other equipment is not even provided, which is guaranteed to prevent the integration of individual elements into an integral climate system.

It should be understood that the current versions of smart climate control systems are quite expensive, so they will not be the best option for everyone. At the same time, there is no need to try to find a way out by purchasing cheap equipment from unknown manufacturers.

This is another reason to start the selection procedure by searching for qualified specialists who can understand the situation and draw up a project that allows you to purchase everything you need without losing money.

What complicates the independent selection of climate system components is the fact that among manufacturers, even those belonging to the group of leaders in the field, there are many unknowns.

And also, employees of an organization that deals with climate control systems are the only people who can determine the cost of the equipment needed in a particular case and its installation, which is also not cheap.

In any case, climate control will be expensive, so the necessary control unit can cost tens of thousands of rubles.

For example, one sensor that measures temperature will cost 15-25 thousand rubles, but you may need from several to several dozen of them if the apartment area is impressive and there are many rooms.

How to install everything correctly?

Installation of climate control equipment is also a crucial moment.

The quality of the work performed depends on:

1. Efficiency, correct operation of individual components and the system as a whole.
2. Safety. The control unit, sensors, and other components operate from the electrical network, which, if installed incorrectly, can lead to dire consequences in the form of broken expensive equipment, electric shock, and even fire.
3. Aesthetic properties of premises. If the controls and other structural elements look like foreign objects in the room, this means that the work was done poorly.

Initially, it is necessary to determine how to solve the problem of creating comfort.

A scenario in demand today is the creation of an optimal microclimate by controlling radiators, heated floors, and air conditioning. For remote control, just install the application on your gadget

In this case, the creation of a climate control system can be achieved in several ways:

1. Connecting radiators, heated floors, air conditioner to one controller. This method of microclimate control is the simplest, most convenient and effective - the user only has to indicate his preferences and enjoy the benefits. But this option for creating a system is the most expensive, since many components are used.
2. Connecting the listed heating devices to one controller, air conditioning to another. This option is more reliable than the one described above, because if one controller fails, the second will be able to perform its duties. At the same time, connecting an air conditioner can be an optimal solution only when the use of an external control unit makes it possible to expand its functionality.
3. Connecting radiators and air conditioners to one controller, while the air conditioner is not connected to any control systems. This installation method is as reliable as the previous one, and is also the most affordable. It is considered optimal when the air conditioner is equipped with an effective internal control unit.

Moreover, the less expensive last method is often chosen; as a result, the user will only have to install heating equipment.

The basis of any system is the controller to which all structural elements are connected. The correct operation of all functions depends on the correctness of its choice.

Why you will need to purchase a set of equipment, including:

• controller;
• temperature sensors - one for each room;
• relay block;
• servo drives - one for each radiator, and for heated floors the same number for each room, circuit;
• electrical cabinet with a DIN rail, which can be DR-30-12.

In addition, you will need power wires, twisted pairs.

Then you can proceed to the installation itself, which involves performing the following steps:

1. Installation of the electrical cabinet on which the controller and relay unit are located.
2. Installation of servo drives. They are located on the coolant control combs or on each radiator.
3. All servos are connected to a power cable, and they, in turn, are connected to the controller.
4. A temperature sensor is installed in each room (in the center), then it is connected to the relay using a twisted pair. If wireless products are used, a data reception gateway will need to be installed.

After all of the above, testing and adjustment procedures are performed.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video below will help you understand how modern climate systems are used.

Modern climate control installed in an apartment can provide not only optimal living conditions, but also protect against pathogenic bacteria and other harmful elements that the air may contain, especially coming from outside the room.

But for a set of the necessary equipment, its installation, and configuration, the buyer will have to pay an impressive amount of money. Therefore, it can be argued that climate control equipment today, unfortunately, is a solution that is not available to everyone.

Share with readers your experience using climate control for your home. Tell us what the choice of system was based on, and whether you are satisfied with the purchase. Please leave comments on the article, ask questions and participate in discussions. The contact form is located below.