Compensators for heating networks are designed to compensate for axial displacements of temperature deformations of straight sections of heating mains. Bellows compensating devices are used for channelless laying in soils with a low groundwater level, for operation in impassable channels equipped with a drainage system and not subject to flooding by groundwater, waste or storm water, for channelless laying in soils with a high groundwater level and for operation in impassable channels, not equipped with a drainage system and subject to flooding by groundwater, sewage or storm water.