Gas boilers for heating a private house - how to choose equipment without overpaying for unnecessary functions
The age-old question that arises among the owners of private houses is which heating equipment is better to install in a home. Of course, the installation of an electric water heater can be a very convenient option, but when using this in both heating and water supply, every month you will receive bills for electricity for a tidy sum. Ideal, in this case, can be gas boilers for heating a private house. How to choose such a device for each specific case, now we will figure it out.
The content of the article
- 1 The ability to provide one gas boiler and heating and hot water supply in a private house
- 2 Optimal gas boilers for heating a private house - the main nuances of choice
- 2.1 Wall-mounted and floor-standing gas boilers - the advantages and disadvantages of each type
- 2.2 What type of equipment is more profitable to buy - with one or two circuits
- 2.3 Features, as well as advantages and disadvantages of both open and closed combustion chambers
- 2.4 What information is needed to calculate the power of a gas boiler
- 3 Calculator for calculating the required power of a gas boiler
- 4 General rules and regulations to be observed when replacing gas equipment
- 4.1 Requirements for the installation of gas boilers in private homes - what you need to know
- 4.2 Video: self-installation of a wall-mounted gas boiler
- 4.3 What you need to know when replacing an old boiler with a new one
- 4.4 What is the scheme for installing a gas boiler
- 4.5 What you need to know before choosing a voltage stabilizer for gas boilers and what is it for
- 5 What is the rating of gas boilers depending on the model and manufacturer
- 5.1 Specifications PROTHERM BEAR 40 TLO
- 5.2 VIESSMANN VITOGAS 100-F GS1D870 - what are the differences between this unit
- 5.3 Gas boiler AOGV-23.2-3 Comfort N, domestic production
- 5.4 Another Russian model - AOGV-11.6-3 ECONOM
- 5.5 BUDERUS LOGANO G234 WS-38 - more expensive equipment
- 5.6 Another of the foreign representatives on the gas equipment market is BAXI SLIM 2300 Fi
- 5.7 VAILLANT ecoVIT VKK INT 366 - its price is clearly overpriced
- 6 Rating of the best wall-mounted gas boilers - the most bought models
- 6.1 Gas boiler WOLF CGG-1K-24 - how it attracts attention
- 6.2 Baxi LUNA-3 COMFORT 240 Fi with remote control
- 6.3 Navien DELUXE 24K - cheaper in cost, but not inferior in functions
- 6.4 Protherm Cheetah 23 MOV for connecting a warm floor
- 6.5 BOSCHGAZ 4000 WZWA 24-2 A - nothing special
- 6.6 Condensing boiler VAILLANT ecoTEC PLUS VUW INT IV 246
The ability to provide one gas boiler and heating and hot water supply in a private house
When choosing gas equipment, everyone wants one device to be able to provide both the heating function and the DHW. And the purchase of a double-circuit gas boiler can be a good choice here. The main task is to calculate the required power indicator sufficient for a particular area of premises... The main advantage of such equipment is savings, in comparison with electric water heaters - payment of gas bills will be significantly lower. The main task when choosing such devices is to determine what functionality is needed for a particular structure, so as not to overpay monthly for unnecessary power, etc.
Important advice! A good gas boiler for a private house cannot be cheap, but too expensive equipment with transcendental characteristics is useless. The best option would be from the middle price category.
Gas boilers can be classified according to several criteria. The main thing is, of course, the installation method. Equipment in this direction can be floor-standing or mounted. The next classification - according to the design of the combustion chamber - is closed or open. The type of boiler is also very important in terms of the number of possible connections. It can be a single-circuit gas boiler that can only be connected to heating. Unlike it, a double-circuit can be connected simultaneously to a hot water supply system.
If we try to superficially disassemble the main advantages of this or that type of gas boilers, we get the following:
- In private houses, the best option would be a floor-standing device, while a wall-mounted one is more suitable for installation in apartments;
- The advantage of gas boilers of a closed type of combustion chamber over heaters with an open one is that the former do not require a tie-in into the standard chimney of a stove or fireplace, they provide more efficient combustion, which means they have a higher efficiency, and also their greater safety - carbon monoxide poisoning is excluded gas;
- The advantages of double-circuit boilers over single-circuit boilers are in their versatility. When connecting both heating and hot water supply in the house, no additional equipment or a second heater is required.
As already mentioned, the main task is to choose the right gas boiler that is needed without overpaying for unnecessary functions. Right now, we will consider all the criteria for such a selection.
Optimal gas boilers for heating a private house - the main nuances of choice
Let's try to consider in more detail the types of gas equipment and its purpose for a more complete understanding of all the nuances of choosing gas equipment. You should start by choosing an installation option. Because In this case, we are discussing equipment installed in a private house, then the most rational choice would be in favor of equipment installed to the floor. The fact is that such devices are more durable in operation and have more power. Usually, for an average calculation, approximately 1 kW per 10 m is taken2.
As for the cost, although it is higher than that of electric water heaters, nevertheless, with a lower gas price, as a result, heating premises with equipment running on blue fuel will be more profitable. And in order not to be unfounded, we will give an example. The price of a gas boiler for heating a private house up to 100 m2 an average of 15,000 rubles.The power, in this case, should be at the level of 11 kW. Average consumption in winter, colder months will be about 350 m3gas per month, which in money will be about 1,700 rubles. Compared to electric boiler power of 6 kW, you will have to "lay out" about 4500 per month. And then, this is subject to a low-power 2 kW boiler. And it's not a fact that he is able to heat such an area.
In addition, do not forget that after the house is thoroughly warmed up, the gas consumption will drop, because intensive boiler operation will no longer be needed.As for the combustion chamber device, it is better to choose a closed type. Such heaters have greater safety, although the price difference is felt upward. Their installation is allowed in the premises of apartment buildings, although they will be acceptable in the private sector. In general, the choice of a gas boiler for heating a private house is a rather complicated process that requires consideration of many aspects and taking into account various nuances, such as drafts, loose window frames, doors, etc. And you need to approach it as responsibly as possible.
Wall-mounted and floor-standing gas boilers - the advantages and disadvantages of each type
As already mentioned, wall units are more compact and are perfect for apartments, even with a small area. It is possible to place such a gas boiler, for example, in a bathroom, without any damage to the usable area. But precisely because of their compactness, such devices have the main drawback - low power.
Although, if you think about it, then in apartment buildings there may not be hot water, but heating is usually present. In this case, such a gas boiler will be enough. Only one rule will have to be observed - do not open too much hot water in the taps mounted in the line before the shower, if one of the household members is in the bathroom. Some low-power devices cannot cope in such a case, and as a result, the water in the shower becomes icy. Of course, modern devices with slightly higher power are devoid of this "sore".
As for equipment with two wall-mounted circuits, then the situation is much better. This device can also be used in private homes. Let's try to compare similar devices of different brands, and for one thing and find out what is the price of a wall-mounted double-circuit gas boiler for heating a private house.
Table 1. Wall mounted boiler models
Thus, it can be understood that it is quite possible to pick up a budget version of a wall-mounted gas boiler, which is practically not inferior in performance to expensive models.
Well, now it makes sense to compare a more overall view, which requires a separate room during installation, because when installing it, for example, in a bathroom, the usable area will sharply decrease, which is not very much in such rooms. So, let's consider what the price of a floor-standing double-circuit gas boiler for heating a private house can be, citing as an example some models of various companies.
Table 2. Models of floor standing boilers
As can be seen from the comparison, floor-standing gas boilers are much more expensive than wall-mounted ones, but at the same time they are much more reliable and their service life is 3-4 times longer, of course, with correct operation.
Summing up the intermediate result, it can be noted that the choice of the type of placement of such equipment depends on the area of the dwelling, as well as on the financial capabilities of the owner.
Useful advice! Installation of floor gas boilers for heating a house is permissible on the first and basement floors of a building, in places with convenient access. At the same time, this equipment should not interfere with household members. If the premises are small, for example, housing in an apartment building, then the installation of wall-mounted gas boilers will be appropriate.
What type of equipment is more profitable to buy - with one or two circuits
Before analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each type, you need to understand the essence of the functioning of each of them and decide what goals are pursued when purchasing such equipment. In the case of buying a single-circuit gas boiler, you need to be prepared for the fact that it will only perform heating functions. If in the future it becomes necessary to install hot water supply, then you will have to additionally buy an electric water heater or a gas water heater.
Two contours are more convenient in this sense. They provide both hot water supply and heating. Therefore, the cost of such equipment is somewhat higher. If you look at it, then it makes sense to acquire a single-circuit gas boiler, there is only if a centralized hot water supply has already been supplied to the dwelling or a gas water heater or an electric water heater is installed. In other cases, you should not save on buying a boiler - it is better to purchase a double-circuit one.
But the possibility of simultaneously turning on DHW and heating is still there. This is the use of a gas boiler with one circuit and an indirect heating boiler. The principle of its work is as follows. The boiler itself is a container with a heat exchanger, i.e. a spiral tube inside the tank. The heated water flowing through the heating system passes through it, as a result of which heating occurs. This operation allows you to save on electricity spent on heating water for washing dishes, washing, etc.
As for the principle of operation of a gas boiler with two circuits, it is a little similar to the previous one, i.e. bath water and shells does not heat up directly from the gas, but receives heat from the heating system. Such devices have large and small circuits, and the liquid intended for the heating system does not mix with the water supply in any way. All work happens as follows:
- The water of the heating system is constantly circulating along a large circuit, being heated from the gas burner;
- When you open a hot water tap, a valve is triggered that closes a large circuit and starts circulation at a small one;
- The hot water supply pipe, located in a small tank of a small circuit, begins to heat up from the heating, as a result of which the hot water supply is functioning;
- When the tap is closed, the valve returns to its original state, again turning on the heating system in a large circle.
Thus, it turns out that when water is consumed in the DHW system, heating of a private house with a gas double-circuit boiler is not carried out.
Features, as well as advantages and disadvantages of both open and closed combustion chambers
Here it makes sense to figure out what are the design features and differences between open and closed combustion chambers of gas boilers and which type is better to choose for a particular room.
To begin with, devices with an open combustion chamber have some drawbacks, which often become the reason for the impossibility of installing such devices in some apartments. The fact is that such gas equipment must necessarily be connected to the chimney of a stove or fireplace, which, you see, is unrealistic if you live in an apartment building. In addition, there is a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, which means that installing a device with an open combustion chamber will require forced ventilation.
Opposite to him in these parameters are wall-mounted double-circuit gas boilers with a closed-type combustion chamber. Such units have their own chimney, through which fresh air also enters, and therefore are more convenient to install. And the danger of poisoning by combustion products in the case of using such heaters disappears.
If we talk about a floor-standing gas boiler with a closed-type combustion chamber, then the procedure for its operation is completely identical. If it is installed in a separate room, no forced or other ventilation device will be required, and therefore this type of heater is more acceptable and easier to install.
What information is needed to calculate the power of a gas boiler
The required power of gas equipment is calculated based on the area of the heated premises. In this case, it is worth purchasing a device a little more powerful than necessary, based on the presence of drafts and other heat leaks, without which no room can do.
As already mentioned, the average power rating of a gas boiler should be 1 kW per 10 m2 area. But, it is worth emphasizing that this is only an average. Therefore, for example, the capacity of a gas boiler per 100 sq. m should not be 10 kW, but at least a little more than 11. And this is subject to heating the house. If a glazed, but not too insulated veranda is included in the heating system, then the power indicator should already be at least 12-13 kW. Do not neglect such calculations when choosing equipment for heating, because a boiler that is too weak will not be able to provide a comfortable temperature in the premises, and an excessively powerful one will increase the amounts in monthly gas bills, which will be spent completely uselessly.
For the simplicity of such calculations, we have developed a convenient illustrated online calculator for calculating the required power of a gas boiler, taking into account many room parameters. The calculation is made for each individual room and the resulting values are summed up. According to the final figure, you can safely select a boiler of the required power.
Calculator for calculating the required power of a gas boiler
General rules and regulations to be observed when replacing gas equipment
Due to the fact that the gas is explosive and its leakage can lead to irreparable consequences, it is best to entrust any work on the installation of boilers to professionals. The same applies to the replacement of equipment due to the development of a resource or premature complete failure. Of course, installation and replacement is possible with your own hands, but for this you need to know some rules for the production of such work and be completely confident in your abilities and the possibility of independent, and most importantly, correct connection of the gas boiler.
For this, it makes sense to dwell on the existing installation standards, having analyzed them in detail.
Requirements for the installation of gas boilers in private homes - what you need to know
Because we are not considering the initial installation, namely the replacement of gas equipment; it makes no sense to dwell on the coordination and approval of the necessary documentation now - we will analyze this a little below. It is understood that it is issued for an old boiler, which means that you just need not to exceed the upper value of the boiler power established in the acts.
There shouldn't be any difficulties in dismantling old equipment. After shutting off the water and gas supply to the boiler, it is necessary to open the drain plug of the device, which is usually located at the bottom, and then unscrew all connections from the device, such as the supply and outflow of heating and water supply, as well as the gas supply.
Further, in place of the dismantled boiler, a new one is installed, the connections are screwed back. If the pipes do not fit in size, they must be lengthened or shortened.
Important advice! If it is possible to purchase a gas boiler of the same brand and company that was installed before, then you should not neglect this. If this is not possible, it is best to measure the distance between inputs and outputs on the old equipment and select a new one with the same parameters. This will make installation much easier. Moreover, this advice applies to both floor-standing and suspended equipment.
If such equipment is installed for the first time, then it is necessary to agree on the plan-scheme with the fire department, as well as a detailed study of the norms for the installation of gas boilers, which are spelled out in the documentation of sanitary norms and rules (SNiP).
Video: self-installation of a wall-mounted gas boiler
If you decide to install a gas boiler yourself, first watch this video:
What you need to know when replacing an old boiler with a new one
The main thing that will be required when installing new equipment is a device for removing combustion products, as well as providing the boiler with an inflow of fresh air. This issue is especially relevant when replacing a device with an open combustion chamber with a device with a closed one. A special, so-called coaxial chimney for a gas boiler copes with this function perfectly. It consists of two pipes of different diameters, the smaller of which is inserted inside the larger. At the same time, they do not touch each other, and create a double-circuit highway in tandem. In one of them, combustion products are removed, and in the second, fresh air is supplied to maintain the required flame.
Even if a wall-mounted boiler with a similar ventilation system for the combustion chamber was previously installed, then when replacing the equipment itself, the old coaxial chimney must also be dismantled, inside which soot can accumulate, which makes it difficult to remove the combustion products. In this case, especially if the old and new equipment is of the same brand, it is quite possible to assemble a wall-mounted gas boiler with your own hands, which will save you from additional labor costs for a gas service employee.
What is the scheme for installing a gas boiler
Before starting the installation of gas equipment, you must carefully study all the technical documentation that is attached to it. After all, each model has its own nuances and features that you should know about in advance. A special role is played, when connecting a double-circuit gas boiler, the scheme according to which the water supply, heating and gas are mounted to the device. If all the necessary papers have been studied properly, problems should not arise.
Also, special attention should be paid to protective alarms and shutdowns. Special gas leakage detectors will help to cut off gas supply in time in case of an emergency situation, which is very important. It is also necessary to provide not only the normal operation of the ventilation of the room where the gas boiler is installed, but also a duplicate outlet. This is also stipulated by SNiP when installing floor equipment on "blue" fuel.
Important advice! Sanitary norms and rules governing the installation of a gas boiler in a private house must be observed thoroughly.
What you need to know before choosing a voltage stabilizer for gas boilers and what is it for
All automatics of the prevailing number of models of gas boilers operate from the mains, with a voltage of 230 V. It is this indicator that is necessary for the regular functioning of the device. However, this value in our country is rarely set at a similar level and can vary from 180 to 270 century. This means that there is no other way out than purchasing a stabilizer.
So what will be best for a gas boiler? Which gimbal should I choose to fit my equipment perfectly? Let's start with the fact that such devices can be of three types:
- Relay;
- Electromechanical;
- Electronic.
To compare their technical characteristics, take a look at the table.
Table 3. Comparison of voltage stabilizers for gas boilers
Options | Relay | Electromechanical | Electronic |
---|---|---|---|
Service life in years | 3-5 | 1-5 | 10-15 |
Years warranty | 1 | 1 | 3-5 |
Voltage range | 120-160 | 150-250 | 120-300 |
Service | Not required | Once a year | Not required |
Reaction speed, volts per second | 50 | 10 | 250 |
Protection against voltage surges,% | 50 | 20 | 90 |
Leveling accuracy,% | 5-8 | 2-3 | 3-0,8 |
Approximate cost, rub. | 700-1500 | 900-1600 | 2500-6000 |
Thus, it becomes clear that electronic voltage stabilizers do not leave a chance to other types, despite the higher cost.
As for the choice and purchase of gas equipment, it is worth considering some brands and models in order to understand what the functions of such equipment may be and compare their approximate prices.
What is the rating of gas boilers depending on the model and manufacturer
Of course, having come to the store, you need to choose gas equipment according to your preferences and device characteristics. But to save time, it is better to narrow the range of models to more preferable ones at home, and for that it is worth figuring out how great the differences are between brands of gas equipment. Prices are also important, which differ from brand to brand.
That is why now we will try to first consider the characteristics, and then make a small rating of gas boilers by brands and models in the category of the most famous.
Specifications PROTHERM BEAR 40 TLO
power, kWt | Number of contours | Efficiency | Installation type | Functions | Cost, rub. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
35 | 1 | 90 | Floor | Thermometer, manometer | 79500 |
The main inconvenience of such a gas boiler is in the absence of a boiler, which means it will need to be bought separately. Or you will have to install a gas water heater for hot water supply, which will lead to additional costs.
VIESSMANN VITOGAS 100-F GS1D870 - what are the differences between this unit
power, kWt | Number of contours | Efficiency | Installation type | Functions | Cost, rub. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
29 | 1 | 92 | Floor | Auto ignition, flame modulation | 106200 |
The lower power of this gas boiler is compensated by a slightly higher efficiency. For what reason the price is sensitively overpriced - it is not clear. Is that because of the presence of auto-ignition. But it’s hard to believe. Most likely this is a banal payment for brand awareness.
Gas boiler AOGV-23.2-3 Comfort N, domestic production
power, kWt | Number of contours | Efficiency | Installation type | Functions | Cost, rub. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
23,26 | 1 | 88 | Floor | Thermometer | 23700 |
It's amazing how different the price of a heating boiler for a private house can be, between foreign brands and domestic manufacturers. Such equipment is quite enough for heating rooms with an area of up to 200 m2, which means that while this model is in the first place in our rating. In addition, the call to support the domestic manufacturer is always relevant.
Another Russian model - AOGV-11.6-3 ECONOM
power, kWt | Number of contours | Efficiency | Installation type | Functions | Cost, rub. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
11,6 | 1 | 86 | Floor | Thermometer | 16800 |
Here the reason for the price reduction is clear, the power indicator is 2 times less than in the previous version. However, even this capacity is quite enough for heating an area of 100 m2, which means that we can say about such a device that it is quite worthy of a place in our small rating.
BUDERUS LOGANO G234 WS-38 - more expensive equipment
power, kWt | Number of contours | Efficiency | Installation type | Functions | Cost, rub. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
38 | 1 | 93 | Floor | Thermometer, auto ignition, flame modulation | 105000 |
As it becomes clear, a foreign manufacturer sets a fairly high price for gas boilers, which not everyone can afford. In this case, it is necessary to look for an alternative, because usually in private houses there is simply no other way out than the installation of such equipment.
Another of the foreign representatives on the gas equipment market is BAXI SLIM 2300 Fi
power, kWt | Number of contours | Efficiency | Installation type | Functions | Cost, rub. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
29,7 | 2 | 90 | Floor | Thermometer, auto ignition, flame modulation, pressure gauge | 122000 |
The slightly higher cost of this model is explained by the presence of a second circuit, which means that it is possible to connect hot water supply without installing additional devices. The Baxi Slim 2300Fi gas boiler with a built-in boiler will be an excellent assistant in the struggle for comfortable living in a private house, subject to the availability of the financial opportunity to purchase it.
Well, the last gas boiler in our rating of top models with the highest cost.
VAILLANT ecoVIT VKK INT 366 - its price is clearly overpriced
power, kWt | Number of contours | Efficiency | Installation type | Functions | Cost, rub. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
31 | 4 | 109 | Floor | Thermometer, auto ignition, flame modulation, pressure gauge | 163000 |
Of course, the efficiency of 109% is impressive, but still the cost for a single-circuit gas boiler is clearly too high. Although, if someone likes this particular brand, such a device has a right to exist, as well as one of the places in our rating of the most famous brands and models.
Related article:
Floor gas boilers for home heating. From this publication you will learn how to choose the right devices, their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Rating of the best wall-mounted gas boilers - the most bought models
Having dealt with the most famous brands and models of gas boilers, you can proceed to the most popular ones. After all, the higher the demand for a particular brand, the more trust in it. It is for this reason that it is worth considering the 6 most popular gas boilers presented on the shelves of household appliances stores in our country.
Gas boiler WOLF CGG-1K-24 - how it attracts attention
This is a double-circuit gas boiler with a capacity of 24 kW. The type of its location is wall-mounted. Among the advantages, the heating temperature can be noted, which is 900C for heating and 600C for hot water supply, as well as the presence of a tank with a volume of 8 liters. Also, the presence of gas shutdown control, protection against overheating and prevention of freezing cannot but rejoice.
The cost of a double-circuit hinged turbocharged gas boiler WOLF CGG-1K-24 is about 66,000 rubles, which is relatively small. That is why we can safely give this model the first place in our rating.
Baxi LUNA-3 COMFORT 240 Fi with remote control
This double-circuit boiler has a power rating of 25 kW, with an efficiency of 93%. Quite an interesting electronic filling allows you to control this gas equipment using a remote control. In the advantages, you can safely write down such a function as the ability to connect a warm floor to it. The price of double-circuit gas boilers for heating private houses of this model in the Russian market varies from 53,000 to 57,000 rubles.
A similar model of a double-circuit boiler has a power of 24 kW with an efficiency of 95.5%. Just like the previous one, it has the ability to be controlled from the remote control. The cost of a gas boiler Navien DELUXE 24K is 24,000 rubles.
Protherm Cheetah 23 MOV for connecting a warm floor
An open combustion chamber prevents this gas boiler, with a capacity of 23 kW and an efficiency of 90%, from becoming the leader of our rating. But for connecting a warm floor, this model is almost ideal, and it can work both on natural and on liquefied gas.
Important advice! If a stove is not provided, then a chimney for a gas boiler in a private house will need to be mounted. In addition, there is a need for additional forced ventilation.
BOSCHGAZ 4000 WZWA 24-2 A - nothing special
In this model, which power is 24 kW, there is nothing particularly distinguishing it from others. The cost of 36,500 rubles is most likely the consequences of brand promotion. The same reason can be called for the popularity of this model. Although German quality has always been at its best, nowadays you can find cheaper models that are not inferior to this work in terms of durability.
Condensing boiler VAILLANT ecoTEC PLUS VUW INT IV 246
But this model of a wall-mounted double-circuit gas boiler really deserves attention. Its power is 20 kW, but the efficiency of 108% is achieved due to the fact that the boiler is condensing. The device has the ability to connect external control, which means that when installed in the basement, the temperature control panel can be taken out to any convenient place. The cost of such equipment averages 94,000 rubles.
Summarizing all the information, we can say that before choosing a gas boiler for heating a private house, it is necessary to carry out "preparatory work", ie study the characteristics of various models, calculating the required power to understand which boiler is needed. And the number of contours ultimately plays an important role. In general, each of the characteristics needs to be studied, to understand what functions the gas boiler should perform. And only after that you can go to the store, continuing the selection already there.
Important advice! Selection and installation must be done with thoughtfulness and thoroughness.And then the gas boiler in the house will serve for many years, giving warmth and comfort to you and your loved ones.