In private households in the countryside, the best solution as heating equipment is combined boilers. Heating of this type allows you to provide the necessary temperature in any room, regardless of the presence or absence of a central gas supply, firewood or coal. In addition, the system helps to allocate resources and costs not only for heating, but also for the preparation of hot water. These solutions have long been recognized as the most effective in conditions where there is no access to a central gas supply system or other energy resources.
Main types
Modern combined boilers for home heating are focused on the possibility of loading and subsequent processing of two or more different types of fuel. 70 percent of the models that are presented on the modern market are equipped with electric heaters - they contribute to a complete or partial refusal to use the basic elements that work for the preparation of hot water in the summer.
By type of fuel, the units are divided into two main groups. It is standard and universal. The former are capable of working with no more than two types of fuel, while the latter are designed for three or more types of fuel.
In most cases, it is enough to replace the burner in the boiler so that the fuel supply function changes. Now on sale are models equipped with hobs and burners, which are controlled by electronic or electromechanical systems.
Features
All owners of cottages and houses outside the city, in which combined heating boilers are installed, insist on the huge number of advantages of such equipment. Such equipment is especially praised in those cases when the house is located far from large settlements, and gas is either not supplied at all, or goes intermittently.
Boilers of this type have a lot of advantages and create serious competition with the popular types of single-component heating systems. As noted by user reviews, it is possible to connect several circuits simultaneously. Unlike conventional units, combined heating boilers are very easy to various modernizations - change burners, software, install boilers. In a heating system equipped with such models, there is absolutely no interruption - if suddenly the supply of one type of fuel has stopped, then you can always use alternative options. And finally, this is an opportunity to save.
Systems with an electromechanical type of control will be indispensable in homes located in areas where electricity is often cut off. If necessary, the boiler heating system switches to manual mode. Moreover, its productivity is not lost at all.
Fuel Combination Options
Different variants of combined boilers for heating a house allow solving a lot of different tasks - from minor to serious. So, you can ensure the use of hot water for a small family. But the boiler is also capable of heating office premises or a residential building.
Gas and electricity
This is a fairly popular combination. Electricity is considered by many to be more effective in heating water. The temperature rises rapidly due to the fact that the effect on the coolant is provided with the least delay.
Among the characteristics, we can distinguish those that give the boiler a lot of advantages. The unit is compact, this is noted by the reviews. The combustion chamber in which the gas is burning is not dimensional. Also in the design there is a heat exchanger in which a heater or other heating device is mounted.
Electricity consumption is extremely low. The equipment operates on gas, and electric heaters start only when it is necessary to quickly heat water or when the gas is turned off.
Reviews say that these types of combined heating boilers have a relatively low price. This is achieved by the absence of a separate combustion chamber. An electric heater is installed inside the heat exchanger. In boilers without a secondary circuit there is the possibility of modification - installation of an electric heater. TENY have a small power - most of the models on the market are designed only to ensure that the heater maintains the temperature.
Gas remains the most economical type of fuel, but this can not be said about electricity. These models are relevant where the gas infrastructure is still well developed. This is confirmed by reviews of combined heating boilers - there are no problems with them. For the same rooms where there is often no gas, it is recommended to look at other options.
Gas and firewood
These types of fuel are very economical. The overall dimensions of this type of boiler is much larger. The fact is that for each fuel there are separate chambers. Among the design features, one or two heat exchangers can be distinguished. In the first case, there is one heat exchanger for two combustion chambers.
In double-circuit boilers, only one fuel is used to ensure the preparation of hot water. These boilers combined for heating a private house must be registered. Also, their installation requires obtaining permits.
These units can be divided into two types. These are devices with one common and separate combustion chamber.
Self-assembly boiler
The first option is a DIY installation. They are collected to minimize the cost of heating.
The burner is independently mounted in classic boilers combined for heating a private house. Firewood or other solid fuels are suitable for this option. The burner is easy to dismantle. But this option negatively affects the heat exchanger - the element is affected by very high temperatures when the burner is working. Temperature is the cause of the failure of the heat exchanger.
Unit with two furnaces
These are mainly dual-circuit systems. One of the furnaces is intended for the preparation of hot water for household needs. And the second one works to provide space heating in the house.
Electricity and firewood
A solid fuel boiler is increasingly used when there is no way to connect to the gas or equip the heating system with cylinders. Solid fuel solutions are more powerful and non-volatile.
Structurally combined heating boilers "electricity - firewood" are very similar to gas units. Buying equipment is not necessary - you can make it yourself. It is enough to determine how much power should be the heater, and then install the element inside the heat exchanger.
Factory models are equipped with all the necessary elements. In devices, correctly defined power parameters and the location of the heating element. This leads to high safety and a long period of operation of these boilers.
You can highlight the features of combined boilers heating "firewood - electricity." This is an opportunity to connect the heater block through the contact area with a temperature controller or an electronic unit that controls the operation of the boiler. The equipment also has resistance to various breakdowns - factory solutions generate heat thanks to the operation of heating elements, which withstand the enormous temperature effects during the operation of the furnace.
Units are repairable - if the electrical part fails, it is easily changed. Most gas models do not have this feature.
The power of solid fuel boilers is too slowly regulated. Because of this feature, manufacturing companies recommend the use of the electrical part.
Universal multi-fuel systems
The designs of multi-fuel heating systems for domestic use are based on the use of several different types of fuel. These are systems with the possibility of burning pellet granules, gas, firewood. Most are also equipped with an electric heater. A significant feature of pellet assemblies is several combustion chambers that are adapted for one fuel, liquid or solid. If there is no electricity option, then for heating the house with a combined wood-electricity boiler, you need to install a heater located in the heat exchanger chamber.
Quick-release pellet burners provide an excellent opportunity to use other types of fuel - gas or diesel. To work with such carriers, they provide conditions for forced traction. Also slightly change the design of the heat exchanger.
Conditions for mounting a multi-fuel boiler
It is recommended to install a multi-fuel system if all conditions are met. There are only three of these conditions. So, the main thing is the absence of interruptions in the supply of electricity. The boiler activates the work through electricity. Pellets, gas or a diesel burner light up from it . Also, the boiler will be effective if a constant supply of fuel is provided. This is an acute problem when creating a project and installing wood-gas boilers. Another important condition is the provision of safe storage. To use gas equipment, external steel boxes or a separate room is selected. Diesel fuel can be stored in tanks or tanks to which the fuel pump is connected.
Before reading reviews on a multi-fuel combined heating boiler, it is necessary to analyze the factors that influence the choice. It is also noted whether it is advisable to use one or another energy carrier, because the price of equipment is much higher than for a conventional single-fuel analogue.
What you need to know when choosing?
The most important and objective selection criterion is the required power so that the heating system can function. In this case, the number of switched loops should not affect the power.
There is no point in overpaying for a powerful unit in the hope that automation will control the operation of the equipment. This approach leads to the boiler “idling”, which will entail wear and premature failure. Also, this mode of operation accelerates the formation of condensate.
An equally important factor is cost. It depends on the rated power, the number of functions, the availability of options. Other features and specifications are important. This hot water supply, materials, comfort in management and operation. Overall dimensions, accessories, and weight are also taken into account.
Before choosing, you must immediately resolve issues related to hot water. Such water will be prepared by the boiler. If this option is selected, it is more preferable to buy a boiler.
Dimensions are important only if installation is carried out on a very small area. The material of manufacture can be any, but most often it is cast iron and steel. The boilers are able to withstand large temperature loads, have good service life.
Ease of use provides an automated control system. There is also a security system. Many models have different configurations. This includes the presence of cooking surfaces, injectors, devices for adjusting traction, burners, noise insulation casing.
The mass of equipment and the complexity in the process of installing a combined wood heating boiler is one of the most basic characteristics. Floor units may require an additional concrete pedestal. The standard floor of a residential building will not withstand a large mass.
Power calculation
To heat a room or a house, the area of which is 100 square meters, you need 10-15 kW. This is if the boiler is single-circuit. If double-circuit, then the power should be 15-20 kW.
Conclusion
So, we found out what are the combined heating boilers for the home. Such units are an excellent outlet for many residents of suburban villages. There are still places in our country where the gas pipeline has not reached, and the winters are cold and long. Here these units come to the rescue. If you read the reviews about the combined firewood-electricity heating boilers, then for many this is a real salvation. If there is a diesel engine, you can heat it. If there is firewood, you can effectively heat the room with them. Thus, a combination boiler is a very useful unit.