Autonomous water supply and heating systems are firmly established in the practice of engineering and communications services for private homes. In part, their popularity is associated with the impossibility of a full centralized provision of economic resources, but many are attracted by their independence from backbone supply networks. Of course, there is no talk of complete autonomy, and the resources for generating primary energy will still come from centralized sources. But in any case, special equipment will be required to organize domestic heat and hot water supply (DHW) on their own. Which is better, a boiler or gas boiler? This is a key issue facing the owners of country houses and cottages who decided to switch to an individual hot water system.
What is a boiler?
This is a type of heater with indirect heating. That is, the function of providing DHW in this case is secondary, and the heating problem is in the first place. A water tank is located near the boiler heat exchanger, which provides indirect heating. As standard, the boiler contains two circuits that operate separately. One line (usually a copper coil) passes through the cavity of the water tank from the boiler. On this circuit, and heating occurs. The second line serves to direct and distribute already hot water to consumers. By the way, the possibilities of organizational isolation of the DHW circuits differ at the gas water heater and the boiler. What is more profitable? For operation in a house with a large number of hot water consumption points, a boiler installation is preferable. Another thing is that the service capabilities in a particular case will be determined by the operational performance of the model - its capacity, tank volume, etc. For example, to provide a family of 2-3 people, you should focus on designs with tanks with a capacity of 60-120 liters. Such an installation will allow you to simultaneously perform household tasks with water in the kitchen and at the same time take a bath.
Classification of boiler water heaters
Fundamentally, boilers differ in the type of heating. For example, traditional designs provide heating with a metal spiral inside the tank. The fluid circulates through the channel, bypassing the hot circuit. In a short period of time, a large volume of water can be served in this way. In this case, a gas boiler is used as an energy source for heating, that is, the operability of the installation will depend on the stability of the supply of blue fuel.
If the heating equipment is prone to interruptions due to regular problems on the main, it would be better to use a boiler with an electric heater instead of a geyser. In this design, the energy for heating will be generated by electricity. It would seem that no one is immune from voltage surges in the electric network, but the heating elements do not work as the only source of heating, but rather as an additional backup source. Since electricity is more expensive than gas, by default a traditional coil is used, which is heated from the burner.
Boilers differ in the installation method. There are special constructions for installation on the floor with the possibility of wall mounting and even under the boiler. It is advisable to calculate the installation configuration at the stage of choosing a water heater, taking into account the characteristics of the location.
The device and principle of operation of the gas column
If the boiler is positioned as an indirect water heater, then in this case we are talking about flow systems. The typical design of such an assembly includes the following elements:
- The combustion chamber is the compartment in which the processes of direct combustion take place.
- A burner is a device for igniting incoming gas mixtures. Located in the combustion chamber.
- A heat exchanger is a tank in which water is heated.
- Fan - pumps out street air. It is used in cases where the combustion chamber is closed.
- Chimney - removes combustion products.
- Control infrastructure - includes regulators and sensors, through which traction, fuel supply intensity, heating temperature, etc. are monitored.
It has already been said that boilers have a fairly developed network of hot water circulation outside the equipment infrastructure. This is not to say that the column is seriously losing in such possibilities, but there are several limiting nuances in the implementation of branched coolant delivery networks. The main one is to equip the channels that serve to deliver fuel. Which is better, a boiler or a geyser in terms of flexibility of piping and connection? In this regard, a boiler is more convenient, since it requires less supply circuits. The geyser is also provided with pipes that circulate water, but in an optimized version - as a rule, to cover current needs at a particular moment of use of the liquid.
What are the geysers?
When choosing, it is important to consider the type of combustion chamber. It can be open or closed. For example, the first option is connected to a household chimney through which combustion products are discharged. The burner in this design is atmospheric and selects all the oxygen from the room. Models with closed combustion chambers provide for the installation of their own coaxial chimney with two circulation channels. One is used to remove burning, and the second is designed to take air from the street. As you can see, in both cases, one cannot do without assembly manipulations with the air ducts, therefore, from the point of view of the technical installation, the question of whether to install a boiler or a gas column is also decided in favor of the first option. Boilers provide for a number of installation operations, but the gas column is also sensitive to the operating conditions of the fan unit that regulates draft. That is, there are several technical and structural nuances that require a careful approach.
Similar equipment features
Both units take up little space and are suitable for operation not only in private homes, but also in urban apartments. Boilers are slightly larger than the columns, because their design is designed for accumulation and long-term water content. However, with a small tank volume, there is no fundamental difference in terms of dimensions - in a small room it is equally possible to install both a boiler and a gas column. What is better in terms of communication capabilities? Modern means of tying engineering equipment allow you to implement a variety of configurations for the mutual connection of units and networks, therefore, in this regard, there will not be much difference between different types of water heaters. These units are similar in the controls. In both cases, manufacturers seek to equip the equipment with modern thermostats, which can be included in the general engineering control panels.
Differences between boiler heaters and geysers
The principle of operation and interaction with local communications nevertheless determine a number of significant differences. The most important include the following:
- Installation requirements . Gas equipment is more demanding on safety measures, as well as on the systems of the supplying link (connecting to the mains, cylinders, etc.).
- The complexity of the installation. Again, high installation requirements determine the difference between a gas boiler and an indirect heating boiler, which can be introduced into the communication infrastructure of the house with your own hands.
- Water heating rate. Geysers have a higher rate of warming up to the desired temperature. But it is important to consider that the boiler more effectively supports the set mode in all connected hot water consumption points.
- Maintenance activities. In the case of the column, a regular check of the tightness of the fuel delivery channels is required, and the boiler must be periodically cleaned of lime deposits and scale in the tank.
Performance comparison
Geysers have a special principle of operation, which requires high energy consumption. The average power of the unit is 15-20 kW. This allows the equipment to deliver about 10 l / min. In turn, the boiler requires less resources, since the heating function is provided passively from the heat exchanger. So, the power of the electrical unit will be 5-10 kW. And still, which is better, a boiler or a geyser, in terms of performance? This will depend on the nature of the operation of the equipment. In constant mode, the boiler installation can provide 30-50 liters of hot water for use. However, the flow-through principle of the column allows it to maintain high water quality and in smaller volumes, but still ensure delivery stability of 5-10 l / min.
Energy Efficiency Comparison
The use of gas is in principle considered the most economical solution for powering any engineering equipment. Whether it is a centralized network, a gas tank or a cylinder with liquefied gas - it will be the cheapest source of energy. Therefore, the question of which is more economical, a boiler or a geyser, is obviously being decided in favor of the second option. Boilers with heating elements are especially expensive, although they are much safer to operate and easier to install.
Ergonomic Comparison
As already noted, both units are organically supplemented by controllers, sensors, control panels and all kinds of automation. Already in the basic set, the user receives the necessary set of tools for the full service of the equipment. In terms of the convenience of physical regulation, there are also no special differences. Whether it’s a gas boiler or a gas water heater, both options are equally suitable for a home. Another thing is that you should save yourself from possible hassle with connecting, initially thinking over the need to use various accessories like extension cords, connectors, protective devices, etc.
Pros and cons of boilers
The advantages of this equipment include safety, reliability, high performance and independence from the current pressure in the supply circuit. When deciding what to purchase, a boiler or a geyser, many face restrictions in local engineering support. The boiler just minimizes the dependence on the quality of central networks in a variety of ways. But it has significant flaws such as high energy costs and troublesome maintenance.
Pros and cons of geysers
This unit has many strengths: from efficiency and compactness to flexibility in terms of installation options. For example, if we are talking about a small area in the city "odnushka", what is better to put a gas boiler or a boiler? Even in comparison with a low-capacity boiler up to 30 liters, the column will allow you to win a couple of tens of square centimeters. On the other hand, gas water heaters are more responsible equipment in terms of installation and operational safety, in the connection and repair of which you can not do without professional help.
Equipment sharing
This configuration allows you to create the optimal system for meeting the needs of domestic hot water and heating in a private house. This is important to note, since for apartments such combinations are ineffective. How is the “boiler plus geyser" scheme technically implemented? For an average house with an area of 200 m 2, you can install a double-circuit decoupling with a gas water heater and a 60-liter boiler. The connection is made in series. Cold water will be directed to the column, warmed up there, and then fill the capacity of the boiler, which will act as a buffer zone for the permanent storage of hot water.
Conclusion
Systems for the autonomous provision of the household needs of a residential building in recent years have markedly advanced technologically. But there also remained differences between the principles of their work. Geyser or electric boiler, which of these water supply options is preferred? Two aspects will be most significant - safety and profitability. The column is characterized by high energy efficiency, but loses in terms of safety. The situation is the opposite with a boiler, but its operation also has its own nuances in terms of requirements for the reliability and durability of equipment.