In private households in the countryside, combined boilers are the best solution as heating equipment. Heating of this type allows you to provide the required temperature in any room, regardless of the presence or absence of central gas supply, wood or coal. In addition, the system helps to distribute the resource and costs not only for heating, but also for the preparation of hot water. These solutions have long been recognized as the most effective in conditions where there is no access to the central gas supply system or other energy resources.
Main species
Modern combined boilers for home heating are focused on the possibility of loading and subsequent processing from two or more different fuel options. 70 percent of the models that are on the market today are equipped with electric heaters - they contribute to the full or partialrefusal to use the main elements that work to prepare hot water in the summer.
According to the type of fuel, the units are divided into two main groups. These are standard and universal. The former are capable of operating with no more than two types of fuel, while the latter are designed for three or more types of fuel.
Most often it is enough to replace the burner in the boiler to change the fuel supply function. Now on sale are models equipped with hobs and burners that are controlled by an electronic or electromechanical system.
Features
All owners of cottages and houses outside the city, in which combined heating boilers are installed, talk about the huge number of advantages of such equipment. Such equipment is especially praised in cases where the house is located far from large settlements, and gas is either not supplied at all, or it is intermittent.
Boilers of this type have a lot of advantages and create serious competition for popular types of one-component heating systems. According to user reviews, it is possible to connect several circuits at the same time. Unlike conventional units, combined heating boilers are very easy to upgrade - they change burners, software, install boilers. In the heating system equipped with such models, there are absolutely no interruptions - if the supply of one type of fuel suddenly stops, then you can always use alternativeoptions. And finally, this is an opportunity to save money.
Systems with an electromechanical type of control will be indispensable in homes located in areas where power is often cut off. If necessary, the boiler heating system switches to manual mode. At the same time, her productivity is not lost at all.
Fuel combination options
Different options for combined boilers for home heating allow you to solve a lot of different problems - from minor to serious. So, you can provide the use of hot water for a small family. But the boiler is also capable of heating office space or a residential building.
Gas and electricity
This is quite a popular combination. Electricity is considered by many to be more efficient to heat water. The temperature increases rapidly due to the fact that the effect on the coolant is provided with the smallest fractions of the delay.
Among the characteristics are those that give the boiler a lot of pluses. The unit is compact, this is noted by the reviews. The combustion chamber in which the gas burns is not overall. Also in the design there is a heat exchanger in which a heating element or other heating device is mounted.
Electricity consumption is extremely low. The equipment runs on gas, and the electric heaters only turn on when the water needs to be heated quickly or when the gas goes out.
Reviews say that these types of combined heating boilers have a relatively low price. This is achievedlack of a separate combustion chamber. An electric heater is installed inside the heat exchanger. In boilers without a secondary circuit, there is the possibility of modification - installation of an electric heater. Heating elements have low power - most models on the market are designed only for the thermal electric heater to maintain the temperature.
Gas remains the most economical type of fuel, but the same cannot be said about electricity. These models are relevant where the gas infrastructure is still well developed. This is confirmed by reviews of combined heating boilers - there are no problems with them. For the same premises where there is often no gas, it is recommended to look at other options.
Gas and firewood
These fuels are very economical. The overall dimensions of this type of boilers are much larger. The fact is that there are separate chambers for each fuel. Among the design features, one or two heat exchangers can be distinguished. In the first case, there is one heat exchanger for two combustion chambers.
In double-circuit boilers, only one fuel is used to ensure the preparation of hot water. These combined boilers for heating a private house must be registered. Also, their installation requires obtaining permits.
These aggregates can be further divided into two types. These are devices with one common and with a separate combustion chamber.
Self-Assembly Boiler
The first option is do-it-yourself installations. They are collected to minimize the cost of providing heating.
Self-installation of the burner in classic boilers combined for heating a private house. Firewood or other solid fuels are suitable for this option. The burner is easily dismantled. But this option negatively affects the heat exchanger - the element is exposed to very high temperatures when the burner is working. Temperature is the cause of heat exchanger failure.
Unit with two fireboxes
These are predominantly two-circuit systems. One of the furnaces is designed to prepare hot water for the needs of the household. And the second one works to provide space heating in the house.
Electricity and firewood
Solid fuel boilers are increasingly being used when it is not possible to connect to gas or equip the heating system with cylinders. Solid fuel solutions are more powerful and non-volatile.
Structurally combined heating boilers "electricity - firewood" are very similar to gas units. It is not necessary to buy equipment - you can make it yourself. It is enough to determine what power the heating element should be, and then install the element inside the heat exchanger.
Factory models are equipped with all the necessary elements. The devices have correctly defined power parameters and the location of the heating element. This results in high safety and a long periodoperation of these boilers.
It is possible to highlight the features of the combined heating boilers "wood - electricity". This is an opportunity to connect a heating element unit through the contact area with a thermostat or an electronic unit that controls the operation of the boiler. Also, the equipment is resistant to various breakdowns - factory solutions generate heat due to the operation of heating elements that can withstand a huge temperature effect during the operation of the furnace.
The units are repairable - if the electrical part fails, it can be easily replaced. Most gas models do not have this feature.
The power of solid fuel boilers is regulated too slowly. Because of this feature, manufacturing companies recommend using the electrical part as well.
Universal multi-fuel systems
Designs of multi-fuel heating systems for domestic use are based on the use of several different types of fuel. These are systems with the possibility of burning pellets, gas, firewood. Most are also equipped with an electric heating element. A significant feature of pellet aggregates is several combustion chambers that are adapted for one fuel, liquid or solid. If there is no electricity option, then to heat the house with a combined wood-electricity boiler, you need to install a heating element located in the heat exchanger chamber.
Quick-release pellet burners provide an excellent opportunity to use other types of fuel - gas or diesel. To work with such media, conditions are provided so that there is a forcedthrust. They also change the design of the heat exchanger a little.
Conditions for installing a multi-fuel boiler
Installing a multi-fuel system is recommended if all conditions are met. There are only three of these conditions. So, the main thing is the absence of interruptions in the supply of electricity. The boiler activates the work by means of electricity. Pellets, gas or a diesel burner light up from it. Also, the boiler will be efficient if a constant supply of fuel is provided. This is an acute problem when creating a project and installing wood-gas boilers. Another important condition is the provision of safe storage. To use gas equipment, external steel boxes are made or a separate room is selected. Diesel fuel can be stored in tanks or tanks to which a fuel pump is connected.
Before reading reviews of a combined multi-fuel heating boiler, it is necessary to analyze the factors that influence the choice. They also note whether it is advisable to use one or another energy carrier, because the price of equipment is much higher than for a conventional single-fuel counterpart.
What you need to know when choosing?
The most important and objective selection criterion is the required power for the heating system to function. At the same time, the number of switched circuits should not affect the power.
There is no point in overpaying for a powerful unit in the hope that automation will control the operation of the equipment. This approach entails the operation of the boiler "idle", whichcause wear and premature failure. Also, this mode of operation accelerates the formation of condensate.
An equally important factor is the cost. It depends on the rated power, the number of functions, the availability of options. Other features and characteristics are also important. These are hot water supply, materials, comfort in management and operation. Overall dimensions, accessories, weight are also taken into account.
Before choosing, you must immediately resolve issues related to hot water supply. This water will be prepared by the boiler. If this option is chosen, it is more preferable to buy a boiler.
Dimensions are important only if the installation is carried out on a very small area. The material of manufacture can be any, but most often it is cast iron and steel. Boilers are able to withstand high temperature loads, have good service life.
Ease of use provides an automated control system. There is also a security system. Many models have different configurations. This includes the presence of hobs, injectors, draft control devices, burners, noise insulation casing.
The weight of the equipment and the complexity in the process of installing a combined wood heating boiler is one of the most basic characteristics. Floor-standing units may require an additional concrete pedestal. The standard floor of a residential building will not support a large mass.
Power calculation
To heat a room or a house with an area of 100 square meters, you need 10-15 kW. This is if the boiler is single-circuit. If double-circuit, then the power should be 15-20 kW.
Conclusion
So, we found out what are the combined heating boilers for the home. Such units are an excellent way out for many residents of suburban villages. Until now, there are places in our country where the gas pipeline did not reach, and the winter is cold and long. This is where these units come to the rescue. If you read the reviews about the combined heating boilers "wood - electricity", then for many this is a real salvation. If there is a diesel, you can heat it. If there is firewood, you can effectively heat the room with them. Thus, the combined boiler is a very useful unit.
