You can call the minimum set for an autonomous heating system: boiler, heating appliances, fittings, expansion tank, air valves. The boiler in this case is its basis. The correct choice of this device depends on the expected type of fuel, the area of the room, as well as the main tasks assigned to it.
A hot water boiler is a complex device in which the required heat is generated for its subsequent transfer to a heat carrier. The basic design of all such devices is similar: a cast-iron or metal firebox with a heat exchanger integrated inside. By the type of fuel used, these devices can be divided into several categories:
- solid fuel boiler - runs on coal, wood, coke, briquettes;
- gas - uses balloon or main natural gas;
- liquid fuel - works on diesel fuel or fuel oil;
- electric - uses conventional electricity;
- universal or multi-fuel - allows you to simultaneously use several types of resources for work.
The solid fuel boiler has one very important advantage - the ability to create a fully autonomous heating system. Fuel is available for him, it is safe to store it, the device is repaired simply and quickly, and its service life is 15-50 years, which is quite a lot. Modern models have advanced automation that allows you to maintain the desired temperature of the coolant at the outlet.
There is a certain inconvenience in the operation of this appliance - the need to regularly load fuel, which is why the possibility of automatic heating is completely excluded. Maintenance and time will require time and effort, consisting in cleaning the combustion chamber of slag and ash, as well as monitoring the process.
The operation of gas-generating water - heating boilers is a bit simpler, since they work on the basis of burning fuel, as well as the gases generated during this process. Such a device works with less ash and soot formation due to the fact that the fuel burns out almost completely. There is also a higher efficiency indicator in comparison with a conventional device. However, such steam and hot water boilers are highly dependent on electricity, and also slightly more expensive than conventional solid fuel boilers.
Devices operating through the use of natural gas are more profitable in terms of operation, due to which they are very popular. This boiler allows you to economically solve the problems associated with heating and hot water. Conventionally, devices of this type are divided into floor-mounted, wall-mounted, as well as devices that allow the use of liquid and solid fuels as necessary.
Steam appliances differ from hot water in purpose and output. According to the first parameter, they are divided into industrial and energy. It is worth saying that in domestic conditions the operation of steam boilers is economically disadvantageous.