Combination boiler combines several functions: a standard electric heater and an indirect heater. The heating source is a tubular (serpentine) element or system coolant. Such a device is used in various premises, from residential buildings to enterprises.
Water circulation is provided by a special pump, which is installed in the heating system. Installing a combined boiler allows you to significantly save on electricity bills during the heating season.
A wide range of models allows you to choose equipment for price and quality, as well as for room parameters. Modern manufacturers take into account the geometry of the room, performance, as well as the usable volume of the device.
The principle of operation and features of water heaters
Any of the devices for heating water is made in the form of a sealed container with a thermoelement. There are several typesheaters, depending on the contact of the heating element with water: contact and non-contact. The latter is somewhat different in design and high cost.
In the combined indirect heating boiler, a thermoelement is not provided at all. The process of increasing the temperature of water is carried out through heat exchange between the external liquid and the internal one. "Working" water, which circulates through the internal closed circuit of the boiler, gives up its energy to the water in the tank, while ensuring its heating.
Circulation in a closed system is carried out by a pump. Units of this type are autonomous and do not need to be connected to the central highway.
Control system for indirect heating boilers
Regardless of the type of heating (from a heating system with forced water circulation or from a thermocouple), the control system consists of:
- Thermostat - for temperature control and regulation.
- Systems for automatic program on/off.
- Multiple check valves.
- Powered pump.
- Systems to protect against overheating and power surges.
Advantages and disadvantages of combined boilers
Benefits include:
- Temperature equalization when using multiple water access points at the same time.
- Possibility of use without connection to the main line.
- Economy.
- Easy to use.
- Quickinstallation.
- Availability of protective and safety systems.
- Possibility of heating water in several ways (for example, during a power outage).
The combined boiler also has disadvantages:
- The need to install heat sources. During the heating period, this is the boiler, and to use the boiler in the warm season, you will have to use heat pumps, solar collectors, etc.
- If the boiler capacity is large, it takes a long time to heat the water.
- Large dimensions (compared to gas water heaters or instantaneous heaters).
- Expensive.
Things to consider before buying
It is advisable to buy a combined boiler if the consumption of warm water is more than 1.5 l / min. (for example, if more than 4 people live in one house). It is not advisable to connect the heater to an electric boiler.
When selecting, you should pay attention to the design of the boiler (especially the fastening of the coil to the inner wall). Due to constant contact with water, s alts and sediments are deposited on the inner surface of the device. Some manufacturers weld the coil mount to the body. This feature does not allow cleaning items.
Next, pay attention to the number of coils. If there are two or more, it becomes possible to connect the heater to two sourcesat once or alternately (for example, a boiler and a solar collector).
Very important are the materials of the coil and tank. Brass is considered a more reliable and durable material for the first, and stainless steel for the second.
Manufacturer rating
Weighty clues when choosing any technique are customer reviews. Based on the latter, a rating of manufacturing companies was compiled.
- Ariston. The Italian company, which is known all over the world, has been producing various home appliances for over 20 years. A manufacturer with such experience has earned the trust among customers with the reliability and quality of equipment. Thanks to its good reputation, Ariston takes the first place in the ranking. Water heaters are produced in different volumes and geometric shapes. Composite materials used in engineering are environmentally friendly and reliable.
- Combined boilers Gorenje take the second position in the ranking. The company is engaged in the development and production of a wide variety of technical products. Installation options and geometric shapes of water heaters are endless. Each client can choose equipment based on the parameters of the premises. This feature is very important for narrow openings. The range of the company allows you to choose both a budget option with a conventional thermoelement, and a more expensive one with a dry one. Some devices are equipped with two heaters.
- French firm Atlantic is in the middle of the rankings. The manufacturer provides an opportunity to choose a boiler according to the required parameters. The main developments of the companyaimed at improving tank technology. Among the latest technical solutions, water heaters with an enameled tank with titanium and cob alt impurities and the same with zirconium content stand out. The use of new technologies in production increases their durability and at the same time rating among users.
- Perfezza. The young company is engaged in the invention and production of various equipment for heating water. The products of this manufacturer have gained attention and popularity among users with their simplicity of design and low cost.
- Bosch water heaters are also common in this area. The manufacturer provides powerful equipment of various volumes. The model range is presented in a classic form (for installation in a vertical position) and in a rectangular form - in the form of floor combined boilers.
Design features of models
Regardless of the manufacturer, the boiler is connected to any type of heating boiler. Small equipment is placed on the wall in a position accessible to it (vertical or horizontal). For fastening, special brackets are used, which are completed with the equipment. An important condition for installation is the availability of the necessary space in the room.
Threaded holes are provided in the design of the combined boiler. This feature allows the consumer to connect heating elements that operate from the mains. An additional function is very convenient in the non-heating period, because to get a warmwater is not required to start the boiler.
Water heater with multiple heat exchangers
The combined indirect heating boiler with heating element has a number of advantages. Most water heaters are equipped with just one thermocouple. Since the useful temperature directly depends on the area of the heating element, the presence of two or more sources allows you to adjust the power and performance of the equipment.
Each heat exchanger can be connected to:
- Heat pump.
- Solar collector.
- Heating system.
This design solution is effective when heating large volumes of water. The use of multiple sources for heating allows you to optimize the cost of various types of energy and increase the potential of the equipment.
New manufacturers
Drazice combined boilers are a budget option among heating equipment. In the new series of such devices, a special heat-insulating foam is used, which ensures a long service life and low heat loss. For vehicles with a volume of more than 300 liters, additional insulating materials are provided.
The use of modern composites allows you to improve the energy class, while maintaining the original parameters. Also, all materials meet European standards. The company's innovative technologies make it possible to produce boilers of energy class C and above.
Manufacturer Reviews
The most frequent reviews of various brands andspecific brands are found on the Internet. User opinions about the combined boiler "Gorenie" were divided into positive and negative.
The positive characteristics were:
- Resistant to voltage surges.
- Easy installation.
- Able to clean at home.
- A simple water supply system.
- Quick heating.
- Low power consumption.
- Possibility to adjust the temperature.
Negative points are:
- Inability to supply hot water during the absence of cold water (due to work under pressure).
- Scaling occurs even on a dry element.
- Design leaks on some models.
Making indirect heating boilers at home
For production you need:
- Purchase or make your own tank.
- Create a serpentine.
- Produce thermal insulation.
- Assemble the structure.
- Connect the coil to the heating system.
- Serve cold water.
- Create a wiring for heated water (you can also mount a tap in the structure).
To install a homemade combined heating boiler, you can use brackets. After installation, the device should be checked for leakage and operation.
Important! When installing boilers of any type, safety precautions must be followed.when working with heating elements, tools and electrical networks. Be aware of the possibility of overpressure in closed circuits and containers.
