Disruptions in the operation of district heating systems are, unfortunately, a fairly common occurrence in Russia. And if in areas close to the city limits, one can count on the use of alternative means of heat supply to different degrees, then in remote villages it is necessary to solve the problem by means of autonomous engineering. However, in each of these cases, an individual boiler may be required. Which is better to buy? This will depend on many factors, which will be discussed below. At the first stage, it is necessary to determine the basic set of functions of the unit, form a list of mandatory requirements for it and determine the conditions for future operation.
Which fuel to prefer?
The basic classification of modern boilers involves the separation of the type of energy source consumed. The most popular type of domestic boilers for use in a private house is gas. How is he good? Firstly, the cost of gas mixtures is quite low compared to other energy materials, and the thermal return from burning allows even two-story houses to be served with a sufficient supply of power. Secondly, it is worth emphasizing the independence of gas heating boilers. Which are better in terms of autonomy? Models that run on liquefied bottled fuel. For example, the Japanese Rinnai unit of the RB-RMF series. The equipment is connected to the source directly at home and does not require any mains or energy support from central networks.
Next, you can go to electric boilers. They are expensive to maintain, but more compact and safer. This option can be purchased for use in a city apartment, where it is not required to generate large volumes of heat, but there is a desire, in principle, to optimize the technical organization of the heating system.
The next option is the classic group of solid fuel boilers. Which is better in this segment? Due to the relatively low cost of the energy resource consumed (firewood, coal, biofuel) and the structural ability to connect to various heat exchangers, it is worth initially focusing on units with hot water supply. They also work autonomously, but in view of the safety of the working process (the main difference from gas analogues), they even organize complex heating and water supply schemes in a private house that are complex in configurations.
The category of liquid or separately diesel models is also distinguished, but due to low practicality it is in this design that they are rare. Typically, the principle of burning the same diesel or gasoline with kerosene is used in combined or universal boilers, and this is already a slightly different, vast group of heating equipment. Now it’s worthwhile to examine in more detail the nuances of the choice of equipment in each of the indicated segments.
Which gas boiler is best for home?
The choice will be mainly between single and dual circuit models. They differ in their capabilities for heating and water heating. So, equipment with two circuits can be used both for the main domestic heating with circulation of the coolant, and for domestic hot water. However, the single-circuit model can be expanded in such functionality by connecting it to a boiler installation.
So, which gas heating boilers are better in the single-circuit category? When it comes to a private house, many owners recommend the Baxi Slim 1.300 Fi and Ariston Clas 15 CF models. Both units are connected exclusively to the heating infrastructure, and water can be heated with their help for domestic hot water by means of a boiler with indirect heating. If you choose between these two options, then the offer from Baxi is more efficient in work and more productive. This boiler has a capacity of about 30 kW, but is also estimated at 50 thousand rubles. For comparison, the maximum power potential of Clas 15 CF is 16 kW, but at the cost of this version will cost almost half the price.
It is clear that the presence of one circuit in the system makes it smaller and easier to maintain. But what kind of gas boiler is better for a house from the family of dual-circuit models, which by definition are larger and heavier? If you plan to provide comprehensive hot water both for heating and for domestic needs, then you can turn to the Baxi Main Four 24. This option is especially suitable for those who do not expect to allocate a separate utility room or utility unit for equipment.
The best deals in the segment of electric boilers
The modest dimensions, safety and ergonomics with modern controls make this group of heating units in demand on the market. Their only minus is the high cost of electricity. According to users' average estimates, electric boilers generate thermal energy with a cost indicator of 1-2 rubles / kW * h. In turn, gas equipment requires 30-50 kopecks / kW * h. Therefore, the obvious question is which boiler is best for a home in this segment. It should be economical, but at the same time quite powerful, reliable and easy to manage. The Protherm Skat 21 KR and Kospel EKCO.R1 models comply with these requirements. The power potential against the background of gas equipment is low (6-12 kW), but for a small cottage it will be enough if a well-organized piping with connected circuits and systems is provided.
Another important feature of electric boilers is the possibility of safe operation in small rooms, interfaced with living rooms. In other words, this option is also suitable for urban residents, since unlike gas units, this equipment does not burn oxygen. Which heating boiler is better to choose for a small apartment? For many characteristics, the attractive solution is Evan EPO-2.5. The model has a small power of 2.5 kW, but this will be enough to heat the rooms in the apartment. Moreover, the user receives a whole range of modern options at his disposal, such as the GSM-Climate module, temperature sensors, expansion tank for hot water, etc.
Solid fuel boilers - how to give preference?
The use of traditional fuel materials in the age of automation and nanotechnology seems somewhat archaic and ineffective, and yet, thanks to the improvement of the design of heating units, this approach is justified. Which boiler is better to choose for a private house from this category? Worthy of both price and quality is the option "Pechkin KST 20". A steel boiler of domestic production with a capacity of 20 kW is available for 15 thousand rubles. The model features include a combustion chamber made of a structural carbon alloy, which allows the equipment to be used at maximum loads for many years. Also, for ease of operation, the manufacturer recommends supplementing the unit with a special Regularus RT4P traction regulator, which improves air exchange, thereby ensuring the pyrolysis effect of the secondary combustion of gases.
A separate issue, of course, concerns the choice of the type of materials to be loaded into the furnace. The above model is primarily focused on coal fuel, but developers of solid fuel boilers pay more and more attention to modern biological materials from recycled products. In this case, this applies specifically to solid raw materials such as pellets, briquettes, shavings and husks. If you plan to use the full range of such fuels, it is better to turn to larger equipment with high working pressure. Which boiler will be better in this case? Model ZOTA MIX 31.5 kW is able to maintain a pressure level of up to 4 atm, powered by energy of fuel briquettes, wood and coal. If necessary, the design can be modified to allow the use of gas, electricity and liquid fuel, but this is the functionality of another group of combined boilers, initially ready for use as such. The unit from ZOTA has an impressive combustion chamber, so with a greater probability its use will justify itself in working with firewood and large pellets.
Combined boiler as a universal option
In terms of autonomy, such units do not and cannot have analogues, since they are “omnivorous” and maintain their operability even when completely isolated from central supply networks. Of course, in each case a certain fuel supply is required. It can be the same electricity with gas, and coal with wood and diesel fuel. Support configurations for different types of fuel may vary, so this issue should be considered separately. For example, which boiler is better to choose with the expectation of a regular gas and reserve liquid supply? Many recommend reliable equipment from large manufacturers - Protherm Bison 35NL and Ferroli Atlas D 55. These units are designed to provide heat to large houses, but they do not take up much space and are highly safe when operating gas mains.
Versatility can mean not only the ability to work with different fuel materials, but also the already mentioned functional multitasking. Which boiler will perform better as a unit for the preparation of hot water, necessary for domestic needs? Once again, it’s worth returning to the Ferroli family, but this time cite the Atlas D 70 as an example. The unit is introduced into the DHW system, and in the process, through several chimneys, completely removes the gas products from the room. Possible gas leaks are recorded by a self-diagnosis system, so for a private house this option in its class will be the best solution.
Key Performance
Begin the selection by technical and operational parameters should be with power. It is compared with the results of a preliminary assessment of heat consumption in specific operating conditions of the unit. The value will be the volume of the target space, the quality of insulation, the number of openings, etc. On average, one must start from the fact that 1 kW will require 1 kW. That is, in the question of which boiler is best for a house of 200 m 2 , it is worth considering models with a power potential of at least 20 m 2 . Moreover, you should always calculate the margin of 15-20%, which is just needed to compensate for unforeseen heat losses and load drops.
Also, the type of boiler can be determined by the level of approximately suitable power, since the average potentials will vary depending on the fuel used. For example, for gas units, the range extends from 10 to 150 kW, for solid fuel - from 19 to 60 kW, and electric combined models allow you to create complete heating systems in the power spectrum from 2 to 500 kW.
The pressure value for the heating equipment to be used in the domestic hot water system has already been mentioned. According to experts, in the expansion tank should be an indicator of the order of 3 atm. This level, in particular, corresponds to the compact ThermoTrust STi-7,5 / 220B unit - for domestic systems with forced water circulation it is the best boiler. Which model should be preferred if the requirements go far beyond heat transfer for rooms up to 70-100 m2? In this case, you can pay attention to the Wolf FGB-35 system, which is a condensing gas unit for organizing water heating of a private house. The equipment has a wide range of reinforcing devices and branch pipes for connecting to gas networks, water lines and boiler stations.
Optimum construction solution
With regard to reliability, the material of manufacture of the heat exchanger is especially important. There are few options and all of them mainly come down to steel alloys and cast iron. The first group is more popular, since stainless steel guarantees a long service life with good thermal conductivity and maintainability. The only negative is the formation of condensate, which over time can contribute to the development of rust. A cast-iron heat exchanger is a classic solution, but impractical. This is a robust, corrosion-protected structure with excellent thermal conductivity, but even the formation of a small crack completely destroys it without the possibility of restoration.
The type of combustion chamber will also be important - it can be open or closed. The difference is the use of local air from the room during the combustion process. Which boiler is best for a private house, taking into account this characteristic? If space allows, it makes sense to focus on open structures, for which it will be possible to organize an efficient exhaust system with fans. Closed communications with direct input and output to the outside are more suitable for urban apartments.
The IP protection class should also be taken into account. For example, IP54 marking for boilers will be basic. It indicates the equipment is protected from mechanical damage, dust, moisture, etc. An increased degree of insulation for units operating in harsh conditions characterizes models with IP67 code and higher. In this case, one can count on the presence of specialized means of equipment protection - including those with electrical properties.
Which boiler is better - floor or wall?
This parameter does not have a significant impact on the workflow, but in terms of ergonomics of installation and handling of equipment, it can make a difference. The floor form factor allows you to endow the equipment with high power, large functional equipment and additional equipment for tying - for example, with the same boilers. What good floor standing boilers can be found on the market? If we talk about gas units, then this class represents the Slim 1,300 Fi from Baxi. In the family of solid fuel models, the Viadrus U22C-2 will be a suitable solution for a private house, and in the niche of electrical equipment it is worth taking a closer look at the Evan EPO-60 version. When choosing floor-standing boilers, it is important to consider that under them both a place for installation and a special supporting platform are required. Often these are heavy units, so without a damping fire-resistant platform that will protect the screed, you can not do.
Of course, in terms of installation, a wall boiler will bring much less problems. It is also necessary to select a special section for it, but in any case, such a device will take up less useful space. The main requirement is the sufficient strength of the wall structure, which is enough to hold a weight of about 15 kg at least. Which boiler is best for heating a house as wall-mounted equipment? Compact and lightweight models can be found in the families of famous foreign manufacturers like Vaillant, Baxi, Ariston, and in the assortment of the Russian manufacturer Evan. In the second case, for example, the C1-3 modification stands out, whose power of 3 kW is quite enough to service a summer house or a small residential building.
Management system - what to consider?
Previously, boiler equipment was controlled manually and, in principle, did not spoil users with special regulatory and control capabilities. Actually, even today this approach attracts many with its simplicity and reliability. For example, solid fuel units operating on wood, coal and briquettes, more often than not, provide for refueling with their own hands. Next, you yourself need to monitor the combustion process of the loaded material. But which boiler is better to choose for home heating, if the bet is on automation or even program control? The principles of a modern approach to heating control are clearly demonstrated by the Haier model L1P20-F21S T HEC. This is a standard gas boiler for a private house, which has an LCD display, a timer and a programmer. The operator can set operating modes based on the day and week. Emphasis on the correction of operating parameters can be done based on indicators of temperature and pressure. For power, an automatic output regulator is provided.
General recommendations of specialists
In addition to the main selection criteria, there are many nuances that appear during the operation of the equipment and at first glance seem insignificant. Experts include the following points to them:
- Strapping fittings and accessories. Even in full assembly, the boiler does not always have a sufficient set of parts and accessories for its full installation and operation. It is necessary to think over in advance the necessary fasteners with anchors and brackets, profiles for fastening and stands for floor boilers. For connection separately provided pipes, hoses, adapters and fittings with hydraulic amplifiers and pumps.
- A rational approach to power selection. Often there are situations when an aggregate with high power indicators is selected for a medium-sized house. A future user purchases equipment with an unjustified margin, which in the future leads to unnecessary waste of energy. But underestimating the power potential will not lead to anything good. Which heating boiler is better? Owner reviews emphasize that much will depend on the operating conditions, the length of the circuits and the operating mode. The best choice will be a boiler with the power regulation function, where the average value will be at the optimal calculated heat transfer rate.
- Taking into account the specifics of the operation of pyrolysis type boilers with long burning. These are special versions that are designed for maximum energy efficiency. In this case, secondary combustion of gases occurs with a more efficient regulation of the flow of oxygen into the chamber. That is, the volume of loaded fuel is consumed over a longer period. Which boiler is best for a private house - pyrolysis or ordinary? The undoubted advantages of the first option include the completeness of fuel combustion and efficiency. But this will have to pay for large volumes of gas emissions and, consequently, intense pollution of the chimney.
Manufacturer's Reviews
The most trusted consumers of heating equipment are Protherm, Vaillant, VIESSMANN, Buderus, etc. These manufacturers represent the transition link between industrial units and the household class, which allows them to combine high power, ergonomics and reliability of the equipment. But the cost of such systems is quite high - from 50 to 70 thousand rubles. for a medium power device. Another thing is that innovative technologies such as the same pyrolysis system can minimize costs already in the process of operation, which is also confirmed by the reviews themselves. Which boiler is best for a private home in the household level segment? The most popular brands are Baxi, Buderus, Vaillant and Ferroli. Owners value their products for a moderate price, sound quality of materials and the inclusion of modern functions sufficient for home use.
Those who are counting on savings already when buying the unit can be recommended by AEG, Ariston, Haier and Evan. As the reviews show, these are optimal budget-level solutions that do not cause any special problems in maintenance, but regularly perform the main tasks of heat supply.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, at the first stage, it should in principle be determined how appropriate the use of the boiler will be. After all, there are many other, less expensive methods of heating - for example, using small-sized mobile heaters. Such a choice should be resorted to when it comes to complex and independent heating - as a rule, as applied to a private house. And then, in the selection process, some disadvantages of such a decision should be minimized. For example, which boiler is better - wall-mounted or with a traditional floor installation? For the house, the second option will be more profitable, but in a small apartment, the wall-mounted installation method will save a lot of space. Another question, how justified is the use of the boiler in urban housing? Again, in this case, similar equipment is used as a means of backup support of the heat supply function. Although the use of gas units as such is justified from the point of view of economy.