The use of electric boilers is one of the options for organizing a heating system in the absence of a centralized gas supply. However, all the advantages of electric heat generators - environmental friendliness, safety, no need to build chimneys and storage facilities - are crossed out by the high cost of electricity. Therefore, when choosing an electrical device, one of the main issues is the efficiency of its use of energy.
Let's look at some of the existing methods economical consumption of electricity with electric heating.
Models of highly economical heating elements units
If the user prefers traditional heating elements, then his choice should be on models with multi-stage power control and the ability to install a programmer. Such equipment includes an economical boiler with high efficiency(about 99.4%) Polish production KOSPEL EKCO.L1z.
This device can be used both for radiator water heating and in underfloor heating systems. In combination with a boiler indirect heating installation not only heating function, but also provides residents hot water sanitary purposes. Ideal for buildings where it is impossible to install chimneys or where safety precautions prohibit their use. open fire, for example, at gas stations. Units of the KOSPEL EKCO line are suitable for heating rooms for periodic use.
Significant energy savings are achieved thanks to the 6-step power selection. The operating mode of the unit can be controlled in two ways:
- Manually - while required level power or temperature is selected using the front panel of the device.
- Automatically - in this case, using a programmer on which a room thermometer is installed, different temperature conditions are set for different times of the day. A weekly programmer can be used.
Attention! Energy savings are also ensured by a multi-tariff meter that takes into account operation at night, and a delay function for turning off the circulation pump after turning off the boiler at the command of the temperature sensor.
The cost of an 8 kW device is approximately $900-1000.
Features of using economical electrode units
When deciding which electric boiler is the most economical, consumers are increasingly exploring the possibility of using a less traditional, compared to heating elements, electrode heating apparatus. The efficiency of the electrode unit is shown by the following figures:
- An electrode device with a power of 3 kW used for heating a house with an area of 50 m2 consumes 0.5-0.7 kW/hour.
- A new 3-kilowatt heating element unit can heat a room with an area of only 30 m2, while consuming 1.2-1.4 kW/hour.
The same situation is observed when using three-phase installations.
Heating of the coolant in such units occurs due to the ionization process, which consists of the disintegration of the coolant molecule into positively and negatively charged ions. The movement of ions occurs with the release of a significant amount of heat.
The economical operation of electrode devices is achieved due to the following factors:
- The coolant is heated without an intermediary, for example, a heating element, therefore the inertia of this process is much lower than that of heating elements units.
- Application in modern automation devices.
- Smooth start.
- Simplicity of design and use of modern materials in their production.
The cost of a 9-kilowatt Geyser electrode unit manufactured by Galan (Russia) is approximately $500.
An obstacle to the widespread use of electrode boilers is a number of their serious disadvantages:
- Broadcast electric current directly with the coolant significantly increases the risk of electric shock.
- Significant leakage currents make it impossible to use a residual current device (RCD) in combination with such a unit.
- Electrolysis of the coolant leads to a change in its chemical composition and, as a consequence, electrical conductivity. Electrolysis also causes the appearance of electrolysis gases that air the system. Such gases, depending on the chemical composition of the coolant, can be toxic.
- The coolant must be carefully prepared for electrical conductivity.
- This heating equipment requires qualified service.
Therefore, the user must carefully weigh the pros and cons when purchasing an electrode device.
Attention! The efficiency of any type of heating system can be significantly increased by using proper insulation premises and proper organization of the heating system.
The role of automation in ensuring high efficiency of an electric unit
An important role in ensuring high efficiency electric heating system plays right choice control devices. Automation can be mechanical or electronic.
Attention! The effect of using programmable automation is especially noticeable when people are not constantly in the room.
Heating your home in winter is a must to ensure comfort. Let's consider a question that often interests owners of cottages and private houses that are not connected to gas supply - the feasibility of using an electric boiler to heat your home.
Electric boilers for home heating
Modern electric boilers are various power and configuration.
This option, when the home is heated using an electric boiler, occurs if there is no gas supply in the area.
Heat supply using an electric boiler is remarkable in that it provides stable heat and at the same time maintains a constant air temperature in the room. The heated air is evenly distributed throughout the rooms of the home, gradually warming up the walls, furniture and floors. A special function of electric boiler designs is the presence of temperature control taking into account power consumption.
Electric boilers are not the most economical heating system.
Many experts believe that combining traditional water heating with an electric boiler is much more economical than heating using heaters infrared systems. We bring to your attention such a calculation, since there is a theory, but there are also practical calculations, as they say, live.
Electricity consumption for heating is small real house, whose area is 60 square meters, using systems infrared heating went out about 900 kW per month. Water-type heating of the same house (in which the heating system was reconstructed and an electric boiler was installed) at the end of the month showed a consumption of 500 kW. And this is far from an isolated example.
Stationary electric heating device
A stationary electric heating device, which is intended for heating premises, is offered by manufacturers in various models, which differ in power and voltage.
Heating with an electric boiler is a worthy replacement for the radiator water heating method. An important advantage over other types of heating is its relatively low price and real safety. Electric boiler:
- environmentally friendly, it does not produce harmful emissions into the air;
- since there is no source of open flame, it has no fire hazard;
- installation of the boiler is simplified due to the fact that there is no need to install an additional exhaust gas exhaust system;
- It should also be noted that there is no need to prepare additional area for storing combustion products, as in other systems;
- significantly reduces costs and labor costs for installation and installation of heating equipment;
- During operation, electric boilers are easy to control and produce virtually no noise;
- The boilers are also distinguished by a very high coefficient of performance (efficiency). In some types of electric boilers, the efficiency, provided that the heating system is properly installed, reaches 96 - 98 percent;
- new boilers of the latest developments have automated system management. These types of boilers do not require additional maintenance during operation.
Thermal electric heater in electric boilers is the main working part in the heat exchanger. The new generation of electric heating boilers is equipped with additional devices necessary for automation - a temperature sensor, a power regulator, this in many ways makes the electric boiler easier to operate.
If we briefly describe the operation of an electric boiler, it looks like this. The heating element heats the coolant (let’s say it’s water), which, in turn, circulates in the system, while heating the air in the room through pipes and radiators. In cases where natural circulation of water is problematic, forced circulation is used through a pump.
Electric boiler parameters and connection
Power
A modern electric boiler has many parameters, but the most important parameter when choosing - this boiler power. It is selected according to your parameters:
- heated area;
- wall material;
- quality and availability of thermal insulation.
Mains voltage
We have two common types of electric boilers for heating a house with a power supply of 380 and 220 volts. Low-power boilers are usually designed for 220 volts (single-phase connection), while boilers with higher power, approximately 12 kW and above, are designed for 380 volts (three-phase connection). Depending on where the boiler is located, it divided into types:
- floor;
- wall.
Installation
Most new models of electric boilers are aesthetic, compact and environmentally friendly, so they do not require a separate room for installation and operation.
Installing an electric boiler in a house is not a difficult undertaking. It is easily portable; if necessary, it is easy to dismantle it and move it to another place, since these boilers are sufficiently light, compact and mobile.
Coordination
Installation of the heating apparatus is carried out quite quickly; boilers are installed in cottages and private houses up to 700 square meters. It is possible to install the boiler yourself. When registering and registering an electric boiler, much less is required. various types approvals and documents, which, for example, would be required for a gas-fired boiler. However, you need to know that before installing the boiler, it is necessary to obtain approval from the operating organization. In most cases this will be Energonadzor.
Install an electric heating boiler wall view necessary with anchor bolts or dowels.
Accordingly, the floor-standing electric boiler must be mounted on the floor and on a special stand. Having installed the boiler on site, it is necessary to connect it to the heating system using adapters and couplings, maintaining tightness. Before connecting to the heating system, it is necessary to shut off the water using a ball valve or other shut-off valve.
After you have connected the electric boiler to the heating system, you need to start connecting the electrical wiring. It is imperative to install an RCD and a circuit breaker of the required ratings in order to protect the boiler from possible short circuits and power leakage to the ground.
Draw your attention to! Like any electrical installation, The electric boiler must be grounded! For your safety.
The cross-sections of the wires connected to the electric boiler must comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations and withstand the electrical power consumed. After connecting the boiler to the power supply, water is drawn into the system and its functioning is tested.
Customers' opinions
Advantages
Of course, a heating device cannot be called the most economical, but if you do not have centralized heating and there is no gasification, this is a completely acceptable and logical solution.
Also, an electric boiler is good because it is compact and does not take up much space, moreover, it is environmentally friendly and operates without noise.
Buyers note its compactness, which does not require installation additional pipes for the chimney. In addition, electric boilers have other advantages.
- This is the absence of harmful substances.
- Easy to operate and able to work autonomously.
- Any malfunction using automation immediately blocks further work.
- The electrical device for your home independently regulates the possibility maximum feed heat so that spontaneous combustion and short circuiting will not occur.
Flaws
As a disadvantage, users note the relatively high cost compared to gas, but at the same time, compared to imported coal and a home stove, it is cheaper.
Electric heating boilers reviews and prices
I have an electric boiler with a power of 14 kilowatts that heats my house with an area of 140 square meters. I am very glad acquisition.
A good electric boiler if I have a power outage, as, for example, last year the electricity was turned off due to heavy snowfall, and my neighbors’ entire heating system broke down, even though they have a gas boiler, but they have electrically dependent automation, and mine everything is in order, as there is an uninterruptible power supply and a small gas generator. So I wasn't cold.
Thanks to its compact size, I didn’t have to worry too much about the installation location, and there were fewer problems with paperwork for registration.
There is no burning smell, no soot or dirt. I love. I recommend electric boilers for home heating to everyone. Thanks to my husband for installing the electric boiler.
The pricing policy for electric boilers varies depending on the power and additional devices. It ranges from approximately 10,000 rubles to 40,000 rubles. On average, an electric boiler for a house of 100 square meters will cost approximately 20,000 rubles. Consumer reviews indicate that pricing policy becomes secondary when all the advantages and benefits of this installation are listed in the reviews.
Residents of many private houses and summer cottages, who do not have mains gas nearby, equip their homes with electric boilers for heating. The electric boiler works automatically and all it needs is an uninterrupted power supply. This equipment safer than solid fuel boilers or stoves, as it does not emit smoke and carbon monoxide. Accordingly, such a boiler does not need to be cleaned from ash and soot. At the same time, it is quite cheap and easy to install. You don’t need to look for a special place for it, where there is a hood or chimney. The electric boiler itself is easy to use and silent during operation. It can be placed on the desired temperature regime, and it will work according to the specified parameters
- heating elements new
- electrode
- induction
The main element of the first group of electric boilers is a thermoelectric heater, abbreviated as TEN. In addition, it has built-in power controllers and temperature sensors.
Principle of operation Such an electric boiler is quite simple: the heat exchanger of the equipment heats the water, which, in turn, transfers heat to the room. The big disadvantage of this type of boiler is that during long-term operation, scale may be deposited on its walls. This, in turn, negatively affects his future work.
There is also another type of boiler - electrode. It contains an electrode as a heat exchanger, which transfers electricity to the coolant. Under the influence of current, water is split into ions, which pass to the electrodes of the corresponding polarity. During this process, the coolant heats up quickly
In this boiler, the electrodes will have to be replaced periodically, as they tend to dissolve
One more modern version electric boilers are induction boilers. They heat the room using an inductive coil that heats the coolant. The disadvantages of this installation are the large size of the boiler and the high price.
Electric boiler selection parameters
The manufacturing technology of an induction boiler is presented in this material:
Economical models of electric boilers with high efficiency
For home heating, most people purchase heating element boilers. With them least hassle and much cheaper than induction or electrode. In addition, the electrode will have to be replaced frequently, which is not very profitable. Among the boilers with electrical element you can highlight the equipment " KOSPEL EKCO", produced in Poland and having an efficiency of more than 99%. This boiler is used for radiator heating. It can also be used in conjunction with a water heater to provide hot water to the home.
Boiler energy savings occur thanks to multi-stage apparatus. For models with power over 50 kW, three-phase installations are provided. There are 2 operating modes available - manual and automatic. The latter is good because it is special software sets the required temperature, which changes depending on the time of day. The only drawback common to all boilers of this type is the periodic appearance of scale. If it is not removed, the performance of the device will decrease significantly.
Galan electric boilers are also popular in Russia. Inexpensive and at the same time effective, they have 3 power levels, operate from different electrical networks, both conventional and three-phase, and are light in weight and volume. Users of this boiler describe it as a relatively economical model.
Electrode boilers are less popular among the population. Nevertheless, In terms of their efficiency, they demonstrate high performance. For example, they “eat” 2 times less kilowatts than the same heating element heater, while heating a much larger area. The ability to save energy when using such boilers is achieved thanks to modern technologies. The water in the electrode boiler is heated without additional equipment(for example, a thermal element or an induction coil), so energy is consumed in smaller quantities.
The operation of the electrode boiler is accelerated due to smooth start and modern automation. Among electrode boilers, one of the most popular is “ Geyser"Galan company with a capacity of 9 to 15 kW of domestic production, the cost of which is about 12 thousand rubles. Moreover, the price range of such equipment varies from 3.5 to 15 thousand rubles. The line of these products also includes boilers “ Hearth", less powerful than " Geyser" And Vulcan boilers are the most productive, their power reaches 50 kW. All boilers from this manufacturer operate silently and have high productivity (from 98%).
These models have all the above advantages of an electrode boiler. The main disadvantages, because of which many are afraid to purchase innovative electrode cats, are risk of electric shock. In addition, for such a unit it is impossible to use the installation emergency shutdown. If you need to replace the electrode, you will have to constantly seek the help of professionals.
Among induction heating boilers, we can highlight the brand “ SAV» domestic production scientific company INERA. THEIR products have enough high price(from 30 thousand to 160 thousand rubles). The cost depends on the power of the purchased boiler (from 2.5 to 100 kW) and the expected heating area. But at the same time it has a number of advantages. The efficiency of the electric boiler of this company is 99 percent. It is equipped with a starting (automatic) relay. The operating principle is the same as conventional induction units.
Video instructions for installing the economical Galan boiler
The undeniable advantages of such a boiler are fast heating, high fire safety, no connectors, due to which leakage often occurs. At the same time, the boiler operates even at low power, which other types of boilers cannot do. Unlike conventional heating elements, scale cannot be deposited on such boilers. And what is very important, the performance of such a boiler does not decrease over time. And their service life reaches 25 years and more.
Wide selection of boiler brands
You will learn from this article what criteria you should use to evaluate a gas boiler for your home when purchasing equipment for a local heating system.
Efficiency of gas boilers
First of all, you need to understand how the thermal energy of burning fuel is distributed. The energy carrier for a gas boiler is natural or liquefied gas, and the calorific value of any of these types of fuel must be within regulatory requirements– only in this case will the heating unit be able to generate heat in accordance with its ratings.
The calorific value of a gas is a value indicating how much heat is released during the combustion of a unit volume of fuel. The heating unit directs the main part of this energy to heating the coolant in the building system, i.e., to heating the house. The greater the percentage of energy used to solve this problem, the better.
The efficiency of a heat generator (expressed as a percentage) is an indicator of exactly what part of the combustion heat of the energy carrier is used to heat the house. The higher the efficiency, the more efficiently the fuel is used, the less it is required to maintain the heating system operating normally.
Efficiency and economy depend on each other In turn, the more fully the fuel is used and the lower its consumption, the less money is spent on purchasing energy. Thus, the efficiency of the boiler is directly related to its efficiency.
During combustion gas fuel under normal conditions and with a sufficient supply of oxygen, CO 2 (carbon dioxide, also known as carbon dioxide) and H 2 O (water) are released.
Thermal energy obtained as a result of gas combustion is consumed:
- for heating the coolant;
- on the evaporation of water vapor obtained during combustion;
- goes down the chimney along with the flue gases.
The most economical gas boilers differ from the others in that the absolute maximum of thermal energy is directed to heating the house, while losses on the last two items on the list are minimized.
Combustion chambers and burners
The efficiency of a heat generator operating on natural or liquefied gas usually 90-95%; for premium units this figure can reach 98%.
To a certain extent, the efficiency of the device depends on the characteristics gas burner with which the boiler is equipped.
When choosing a heat source, you should pay attention to the type of combustion chamber of the unit - it can be open or closed:
- air enters the open combustion chamber from the room;
- air enters the closed chamber from the street through coaxial chimney, and is pumped by a fan.
Obviously, in the second case, the combustion process takes place with a higher oxygen supply, due to which the fuel burns almost completely, giving maximum thermal energy. This not only reduces the amount of flue gases, but also increases the efficiency of the boiler.
The burners themselves are of two types - with step and smooth adjustment, thanks to which you can change the power of the unit. The most inexpensive units are equipped with a single-stage or two-stage burner device.
If a gas boiler is equipped with an electronically controlled modulating burner, it can save energy as much as possible. This is due to the fact that the degree of heating of the coolant is smoothly adjusted depending on the real heat needs of the house. This is one of the the most important conditions reducing fuel costs during the heating season.
Attention! It makes sense to install an efficient and reliable gas unit with a modular burner and forced air supply into the firebox as part of a heating system with individual microclimate control in each room. It requires serious investments at the stage of purchasing and installing equipment, but in the future the system pays for itself due to serious savings in energy resources.
A little more about the efficiency of boiler systems
This indicator depends not only on the characteristics of the firebox and burner device, but also on how thermal energy is transferred.
At the first stage, the heat received in the combustion chamber heats the water jacket of the unit. Then the flue gases and the remaining thermal energy pass through a heat exchanger made of steel or cast iron, due to which another part of the thermal energy is spent on heating the water. The remaining heat, along with the flue gases, escapes into the atmosphere through the chimney.
If you measure the temperature of the flue gases at the outlet of the chimney, you can evaluate the efficiency of boiler equipment. In a heater with low efficiency, the temperature of the gases at the outlet pipe reaches (or even exceeds) 200 degrees - this means that a significant part of the thermal energy is irretrievably lost, that is, a decent percentage of the fuel is burned in vain. Gas heating boilers can be considered quite efficient if the temperature of the flue gases at the outlet of the pipe does not exceed 150 degrees. For an economical boiler this figure will be about 100 degrees.
Parameters of exhaust flue gases The lowest temperature of combustion products is in condensing gas boilers. This is achieved thanks to design features unit, which provides a system for selecting heat obtained during water vaporization. As mentioned above, water is released during the combustion of gas fuel and then evaporates - and part of the resulting thermal energy is spent on this evaporation. Condensing colas differ from classic gas units in that they take this energy back by condensing water vapor.
The condensing model is equipped with a cylindrical burner, which is mounted inside a stainless steel heat exchanger, made in the form of a coil with turns located very close to each other. The coolant circulates through the coil. Water vapor formed during chemical reaction combustion, passes through the coil, since it has no other way, and condenses on its surface. During the condensation process, the steam releases heat to the coil.
When determining which gas boiler is the most economical, you should pay attention to condensing boilers, since the temperature of the combustion products at the outlet of the pipe is the lowest - only 45-70 degrees, while the efficiency is 98%.
What to choose: a condensing or a regular boiler?
As already mentioned, the efficiency and reliability of a condensing boiler is beyond doubt. But it should be taken into account that sellers of such equipment often mislead buyers by declaring that the efficiency of the condensing heat generator is more than 100%. They add to the basic indicator of 98% the “percentage of efficiency” obtained through condensation of water vapor - that is, the thermal energy that the unit takes back, having initially spent on converting water into steam.
The photo shows a condensing boiler Any literate person who studied physics at school knows that the efficiency of equipment cannot exceed 100%. A condensing unit is capable of minimizing heat loss, but cannot increase the amount of thermal energy obtained by burning gas. Thus, the actual efficiency of the condensing heat generator does not exceed 98%.
However, when choosing a heating unit that runs on gas, it is important to consider the following:
- condensing boilers are more economical than conventional boilers, but are significantly more expensive due to their more complex design;
- servicing a traditional gas unit (flushing the heat exchanger, etc.) can be done with your own hands; technically there is nothing complicated about it, but cleaning a condensing boiler requires the involvement of certified specialists.
If you are looking for an economical gas boiler among conventional units, it is important to understand that savings when purchasing equipment in the future may result in increased costs for repairs and maintenance.
Don't forget to estimate installation costs.
For example, a floor-standing gas boiler with open camera combustion requires installation in a specially designated room with fire-resistant finishing. In addition, a foundation and a vertical chimney are installed for it.
And the model with closed camera combustion units can be installed in any convenient place and the chimney can be removed through the wall.
Compact gas boilers are hung on the wall and take up minimal space - this is the most convenient option.
Please note: it makes sense to choose a non-volatile boiler only if it is not possible to provide power to the equipment. Such models have a relatively low cost, but do not provide the opportunity to save fuel.
How to make the right choice?
Compare the following indicators:
- Unit efficiency (indicated by the manufacturer in the product passport);
- temperature level of combustion products at the outlet;
- design features of the heat exchanger (the more turns, the more thermal energy the flue gases will have time to release);
- the quality of thermal insulation of the boiler water jacket (it is important that there is no unnecessary heat loss);
- type of combustion chamber;
- type of burner (smooth adjustment is the ability to switch the boiler to the most economical operating mode relative to specific conditions).
An installed heating boiler for a private home must be adjusted correctly; this must be done by specialists. Practice shows that you should not continue to skimp on inviting experienced professionals to adjust the heating unit - even the slightest deviations from optimal modes functioning of the components lead to the fact that the boiler operation becomes less efficient and more fuel is wasted.
The choice you make will not disappoint you if you take into account all the recommendations. But it should be understood that an economical boiler will meet expectations only if the house is well insulated, best option heating system, fuel with the proper characteristics is used.
No matter how high the performance of the boiler unit, it requires regular preventive cleaning - accumulated contaminants reduce the boiler’s power and provoke excessive fuel consumption.
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