Gas boilers: types, nuances of choice and recommendations for operation

Today, various appliances are being produced for heating houses, which are regularly updated with new, more advanced devices. The most common and frequently encountered gas-fired boilers. These units perfectly cope with their main task, which makes them so popular.

Modern residential and public buildings, for the most part, need high-quality and efficient heating. It is extremely rare in the construction materials are used that do not require additional insulation. This trend makes gas boilers irreplaceable, as they are able to provide high-quality heating in a variety of conditions.

The gas boiler is a high-tech device designed to generate thermal energy for heating a residential area. In addition, such units may be responsible for water heating.

The gas boiler itself is a rather complicated mechanism, which can be divided into three main components:

• burner;
• electronics;
• heat exchange unit.

Such units may seem simple at first glance. It is not recommended to repair them yourself in the event of a breakdown, as this may lead to their final failure. As a result, will have to buy a new boiler.

It is necessary to highlight one important feature of such units - despite the complexity of the design, they rarely break. As a rule, this happens for two main reasons: due to the natural wear and tear of equipment or due to factory production.

Such equipment is the ideal solution if the dwelling is connected to the gas mains. In this case, the installation of electrical devices will be simply meaningless and unnecessarily expensive, since gas will be cheaper than electricity. It is not worth considering for a long time which equipment to purchase - if there is access to gas, then you need to install a gas boiler.

Such units can be selected for dwellings of absolutely any area. It can be both a small modest house and a chic cottage with large and spacious rooms. In addition, gas boilers are often installed in buildings where people do not live year-round, for example, it is in the country. High-quality and properly selected equipment will not fail in such conditions, and will work in a given mode when necessary.

Also, gas boilers may have different dimensions. High-performance and powerful floor products usually have the largest dimensions, while wall-mounted ones are often compact and mobile. Of course, this trend is not the same rule. For example, today consumers can buy a quality floor-mounted boiler of democratic size, for which it is not necessary to allocate a separate room of a large area. The main thing is to choose a suitable option that would meet all the requirements of the buyer.

The main feature of gas boilers, which every buyer should be aware of when planning to purchase such a unit, is that their installation is an extremely serious and responsible matter. To take up the connection of such equipment should be especially careful and balanced. That is why not every owner of a private house undertakes to install a gas boiler on its own. In most cases, this is caused by experts.

The current gas technology is famous for its practicality, forethought to the smallest detail and efficiency - that is why it is chosen by many owners of private houses and cottages.But this does not mean that this technique is flawless and devoid of cons. In fact, this equipment, like any other, has both advantages and disadvantages.

Below are the positive aspects of gas equipment.

• This demanded equipment can not only heat living space, but also provide it with hot water supply. Such equipment is equipped with two circuits. Single-circuit version can perform only one of these functions.
• The range of modern manufacturers have gas boilers of various sizes: from large to very small. Thanks to this choice, it will be possible to acquire a suitable model for any living space.
• Gas units are rightfully recognized as one of the most economical. In this issue, they are ahead of the equally popular electrical devices that consume quite a lot of electrical energy.
• If there is a gas boiler in the house, the consumer will be able to independently regulate the temperature of the hot water and the thermal carrier itself in the system.
• It is possible to purchase such equipment for quite reasonable and modest price.
• Despite the complexity of its structure, in use such units are very simple and straightforward. Particularly practical and hassle-free in the application are high-tech specimens, equipped with automation.

• If we are talking about the wall option, then it can be installed directly in the residential premises, and not in separate boiler rooms. Often, this technique is put in the kitchen surrounded by a headset. Fortunately, today in stores you can find not only functional, but also outwardly attractive models that can decorate the interior.
• Modern gas boilers are reliable. They serve quite a long time. As mentioned earlier, this technique rarely breaks down.
• In retail outlets, you can purchase gas equipment with full equipment. With such a product will not have to additionally buy the necessary items.
• Some types of gas boilers can operate not only from gas, but also from other fuels.
• Another advantage of this technique is that it is characterized by a very high efficiency.In addition, it is necessary to take into account the fact that such boilers give much more energy than they consume.
• This equipment is environmentally friendly because it releases very few harmful substances into the atmosphere.
• Having a unit with automatic, you can independently adjust the parameters of technology.

As you can see, gas boilers have many positive qualities that make them simply indispensable when it comes to heating a private house.

However, this technique has some weaknesses, which are better known before buying.

• As mentioned above, the installation of such equipment has very strict requirements, which relate both to the technical side of the issue and to the design of the necessary documentation. The owners have to coordinate their actions with the relevant authorities, which often takes a long time.
• If it is planned to install a gas-fired boiler in the house, you will definitely need to install a high-quality chimney. It is necessary for the removal of waste combustion.
• Installation of gas equipment is allowed only in a room with good ventilation.
• If the pressure in the gas system is reduced, or the burner in the equipment is severely worn, the boiler can start to smoke. Moreover, its efficiency is usually significantly reduced.
• In the event of a breakdown of the unit, the owners should contact the specialists rather than try to solve the problem on their own, especially when it comes to serious violations in the operation of the equipment.
• Experts say that the heating of the premises, the area of ​​which is less than 100 square meters. m, is not only economically disadvantageous, but also dangerous for residents of the house.

• Modern boilers are subject to increased safety requirements. They must be equipped with high-quality and properly functioning automatics, which will control gas leakage.
• If the consumer independently installs a gas boiler, then he will not have the right to make mistakes. Otherwise, the technique may simply be unsafe to use.
• Some types of gas appliances are demanding on the quality of water in the system. For example, heat exchangers in units with two circuits should not come into contact with a fluid having a high rigidity. Otherwise they can quickly become unusable.
• Even the most high-quality apparatuses can differ by insignificant power, which depends on the boiler design.For large houses, it is better not to take such models, despite their low price.
• The downside of many brand models on the market is that their repair is very expensive. In addition, it is not uncommon to find the required spare part.
• Gas boilers require annual maintenance that many homeowners do not like.

Before proceeding to the consideration of the principle of operation of gas boilers, you should familiarize yourself with their basic elements.

This technique is equipped with some combination of the necessary details.

• Burner. Without this detail it is impossible to imagine a gas boiler. It is the burner that is responsible for heating the heat carrier. Fuel is fed directly into the chamber using nozzles. They allow the flame to be distributed evenly.
• Heat exchanger This element transfers its thermal energy to the fluid that circulates in the system.
• Automation.Modern units for the most part are equipped with an automatic system. First of all, it is required to ensure the safety of the use of technology. With such equipment it is possible to independently regulate the modes of operation of the boiler.
• Components responsible for the discharge of exhaust gases.

In some types of gas boilers there is such an element as a pump responsible for circulation. It allows the heat carrier to move in the forced mode along the heating pipes. However, you need to consider that such products are more expensive than simple options. They are not in great demand. As a rule, consumers install the pump separately - it turns out cheaper.

Today, the market of heating equipment offers the customer a choice of many gas boilers of various modifications.

First of all, all gas boilers are distinguished by the direct method of installation.

Models are:

• wall mounted;
• outdoor.

Wall type boilers appeared on the market relatively recently, but they have already gained popularity and wide distribution.In another such technique is called a mini-boiler room. This name is not accidental, because in a compact case of such a device there is not only a heat exchanger, a burner and a control system, but also pumps responsible for the circulation of fluid in the system, expansion tank, thermometer, pressure gauge and other functional elements.

According to experts, wall-mounted boilers have combined all the advanced technologies. However, these devices are inexpensive, which only "stirs" interest in them. In addition, wall models are very easy to install. It is possible to cope with such work, even if the consumer has never before encountered such processes. This equipment usually has a small size, so it is often installed in the kitchen. In this setting, well-chosen wall-mounted boiler will look harmonious.

More impressive dimensions differ boilers floor modification. Such devices are also quite powerful. Of course, with a modern update of the range, you can find a small unit - the choice of a suitable model depends on the room in which it will be located.

It is necessary to analyze what the main advantages of such models of heating equipment are:

• as already mentioned, outdoor specimens usually have more power;
• some models are independent of electricity;
• such equipment is distinguished by reliability and durability (especially if the boiler is produced by a reputable company);
• these products are also characterized by their efficiency (they consume little fuel per month);
• floor models are easy to use.

However, we should not forget about the disadvantages of this technique.

• This equipment requires a separate room, which must meet several requirements. For example, located far from sources of combustion, and to the boiler itself there should be an open approach on each side.
• To accommodate all the necessary elements of the heating unit, you will have to allocate even more free space. That is why such equipment is more common in private houses, cottages and cottages, and not in city apartments.
• The installation of such equipment can cost homeowners a tidy sum. This is due to the weight of the equipment and the need to install an automatic system.

Modern boilers operating on gas, differ not only in the method of installation, but also in their equipment. For example, simple models with one circuit are designed to heat the coolant. This means that they are only responsible for the heating of the house. In these embodiments, there is one heat exchanger. Single-circuit models are considered the most simple and low-functional, as they perform only one function.

Usually products having a single circuit are manufactured in very modest sizes. Here we must not forget that the dimensions of such equipment also depend on its power. If you do not plan to spend extra money, but you need to buy this straightforward model, then to warm the water in the house you will have to separately stock up with another device. In such a situation, an indirect heating boiler is often installed.

Most often, devices with a single circuit are used for erections, in which there is no need to provide hot water. They are also suitable for homes with a large area. In such conditions, the full potential of the equipment should be directed only to warming the house.

Practical and multi-tasking boilers are recognized as having two circuits. These specimens often acquire single-circuit variants. The relevance of double-circuit units is explained by the fact that they are responsible not only for the heating in the house, but also for providing hot water.

In such equipment there are two heat exchangers. Because of this, the structures of these systems are considered technically complex. They are more expensive than simple single-circuit products. Often, devices aimed at both heating the dwelling and heating the water have special bithermic heat exchangers consisting of several segments. The heat carrier itself moves along one of them, and the heated liquid follows the second one.

The main advantages of such units are:

• durability;
• reliability;
• wear resistance;
• multifunctionality;
• high efficiency.

Double boiler - the perfect solution for a private house. Experts recommend using this technique when it comes to housing a small or medium footage. This is due to certain safety requirements and the required power.

Gas devices differ in the combustion chamber, which takes place in their design. For example, specimens with open-view cameras act through natural traction. At the moment when oxygen from outside penetrates into said chamber, the required combustion process is ensured. Install this technique is required in a well ventilated area. Similar boilers do not do without such a device as a chimney. Most often install vertical elements. Thanks to the chimney, sufficient thrust will be ensured.

Another structure have products with a closed combustion chamber. They are equipped with a special fan, which is designed to facilitate the flow of air into the system. This unit is also responsible for removing flue gases from equipment. Due to its structure, such equipment does not absorb the air in the room.

The chimney for a boiler with a closed chamber is different from what is installed complete with units that have an open combustion chamber.For closed variants, it is necessary to fix a special coaxial system consisting of 2 pipes embedded into each other. The inner half in this case performs the function of removing the waste of combustion, and the outer one is designed for air from the street. It should be noted that coaxial chimneys are fixed not only in the vertical, but also in the horizontal position. To ensure the required thrust in such devices there is a fan.

It should be understood that the presence of a closed combustion chamber significantly increases the efficiency of heating equipment. This is due to the fact that with such a structure there is a more powerful combustion of fuel.

Many consumers opt for such turbocharged models, because they are ahead of their peers in terms of efficiency. The effectiveness of units with a closed combustion chamber has no analogues.In addition, while the boiler is operating, gas consumption is rather modest. This equipment is safe to use, as the burning in it is isolated.

However, these types of gas engineering and have weaknesses. The main disadvantage of these units is that they are dependent on electricity. If a person lives in an area where electricity interruptions occur regularly, the boiler will not be able to function in this situation properly. Also note that the turbocharged unit is quite noisy, because it has a fan.

Devices that operate on gas, are made with different burners.

In the market of heating equipment, there are one- and two-stage specimens and modulation units.

• The simplest are single-stage devices. These burners are capable of producing 1 power level.
• As for the sophisticated two-stage burners, with them you can choose the power of the 2 proposed levels.
• Special modulation burners are responsible for the gradual change in power output by equipment.

It is very important to understand that the high power of this heating equipment is not always required. Experts believe that it is needed only 30% of the time during which the device operates. The rest of the time, the gas boiler usually gives the weakest power.

If we compare the devices with other burners, we can come to the conclusion that modulation variants are optimal and beneficial. After them are two-stage copies that have a positive effect on the durability of the heating equipment, since it will not be necessary to turn it on and off too often.

Gas heating equipment belongs to the convection category. This technique is designed so that the flue gases and water vapor will emerge as soon as possible.

As for the condensation devices, they accumulate vapors, which are gradually released during the combustion of the gas. After that, the heat is redirected directly to the contours.Since energy in this situation is consumed more efficiently, the performance of the circuit also increases significantly - this is how substantial fuel savings are achieved, as well as the efficiency of the equipment.

Heating equipment acting on gas, has in its composition heat exchangers, which are made from various materials.

Often there are cast iron parts that have the following distinctive characteristics:

• destructive rust does not appear on them;
• they are not afraid of heat shock;
• acid attacks cannot harm cast iron heat exchangers;
• These elements can last for a very long time (if you treat the boiler responsibly, the heat exchanger made of cast iron can function for more than 30 years).

The disadvantage of cast iron elements is that they have quite a lot of weight. If you do not adhere to the rules of operation of the equipment, then such details can simply burst in the place where the boundary between areas with different temperatures.In order not to face such a serious problem, the cast iron heat exchanger will need to be washed regularly.

Very often today there are devices in which there are heat exchangers made of steel. They are not as heavy as cast iron. In addition, the steel elements can boast wear resistance. As a rule, they are not deformed and are not covered with cracks. However, cast-iron options have a serious drawback - they are often formed destructive corrosion. They also often burn out. On average, these elements serve 10-15 years. Of course, in this situation everything depends on the quality of the steel itself.

In order for the steel heat exchanger to last longer, you need to control the temperature in the inner part of the unit - it should not fall to the “dew point” for the outgoing waste. If this happens, then condensate will accumulate on its walls - carbonic acid dissolved in the liquid is a very aggressive compound that can cause serious damage to the element.

The best characteristics of heat transfer have copper elements. They are not only non-corrosive, but also lightweight.But we must not forget that more often these parts are installed in the wall, and not in the floor units. This fact is not due to the lowest cost of the metal and its weak strength characteristics. Copper heat exchangers serve in floor-standing boilers for a short time, since they quickly deteriorate and fail in a short time.

If you need to purchase a high-quality and durable gas boiler, then you should refer to branded products from famous brands. Of course, most often such products have a high cost, but the service life and performance characteristics of such models fully justify their price. Below is a ranking of the most well-known and reputable companies whose gas boilers are in demand among modern buyers.

The products of this company are represented by both budgetary and expensive aggregates of various types. The main features of Aton boilers are their efficiency, excellent build quality, safety and efficiency.

Most consumers leave positive feedback about the products of this company.Many people claim that Aton units are the best in price-performance ratio.

As for the shortcomings, here the owners of the boilers noted:

• easy breakdown of burning in case of a gust of wind;
• connection complexity.

Some consumers did not notice the minuses at all, but, unfortunately, there are also those who have not found advantages for themselves in Aton units, claiming that they are executed in bad faith. Of course, in this situation, much depends on the operation of equipment - if you do not treat the boilers with care, they can fail unexpectedly quickly.

Italian gas boilers from the well-known brand Ariston have brilliant quality. Products manufactured under this brand are equipped with both one and two circuits. The lion's share of the range falls on compact wall models. The main feature of the products of this brand is continuous modulation of the burner flame in working condition.

Consumers note the following positive qualities of Ariston brand equipment:

• quiet work;
• compact size;
• operational safety;
• attractive appearance;
• profitability;
• ease of handling.

The famous German company Buderus began its production in 1731. The brand's assortment includes not only standard gas boilers, but also AOGV, whole gas power plants, high quality gas and steam models, storage water heaters, diesel heating boilers and even solar collectors. The country producing many gas-acting units is Turkey. For example, such instances include popular Logamax units.

Buderus branded units are chosen by many consumers.

By the positive qualities of products people include:

• virtually silent operation;
• easy operation;
• stylish design;
• profitability.

Cons consumers found more.

Here are some of them:

• There are too many defective models in the market, produced not in Turkey, but in Russia;
• not very clear menu;
• poor performance;
• the complexity of the installation (people argue that it is better to entrust the installation of the boiler to specialists);
• low maintainability;
• uncomfortable location of the makeup cock.

The name of this manufacturer comes from the name of the village in which the plant operates since 1976. This company manufactures both solid fuel and universal devices. Some units of the company are equipped with high-quality imported automation.

Heating units from Borinskoe LLC are ideal for the harsh Russian climate. They are unpretentious, maintainable (to find the necessary parts will not be difficult), can run on liquefied gas (in cylinders).

Product reviews LLC Borinskoe ambiguous. Buyers do not have serious complaints about the work of technology. In addition, branded boilers are compact in size, which has pleased many owners of small houses.

However, buyers also noted such serious disadvantages of domestic gas equipment:

• unnecessarily high cost;
• poor quality metal (boiler leaks are a frequent problem);
• not very convenient automatic system;
• noisy work;
• low quality assembly;
• contributes to the desiccation of air.

This is a well-known company from Slovakia, which produces high-quality, but inexpensive heating equipment.The company has been successfully operating in the market since 1991. The Protherm product range includes both mounted and floor models of different capacities.

Consumers who buy gas boilers from this manufacturer have the following positive characteristics:

• low cost;
• nice design;
• ease of management;
• quiet work;
• safe operation thanks to a large number of sensors.

Without the drawbacks noticed by buyers, this was not done.

Consumers point out the following disadvantages of branded units of the company from Slovakia:

• not all models are economical in their work;
• frequent false alarms of protective systems;
• unavailability of necessary spare parts;
• expensive repairs;
• weak control boards that break often.

This is another well-known Russian manufacturer, offering consumers a choice of high-quality gas-fired heating units. The range of the company includes both simple models with one circuit and more practical products with two circuits. In the company units "Conord" there are high-quality automatic systems of Italian and American production.

Most consumers were satisfied with the quality of Conord boilers. Many people have not noticed a single lack of these products.

As for the benefits, here people highlight:

• esthetic appearance;
• ease of management;
• affordable cost;
• unpretentiousness;
• quiet work.

Many homeowners are wondering how to choose the right gas boiler model. Of course, any buyer wants to buy high-quality, reliable and durable equipment that will not break and cause any inconvenience.

In order not to err in choosing such equipment, one should rely on some important criteria.

• Particular attention should be paid to the power of the boiler, which must be obtained. This value is laid, focusing on the heating system.
• Efficiency is another important parameter that should be considered when selecting heating equipment. The higher the efficiency, the more efficient the equipment will be.
• If it is necessary that the house was not only heating, but also hot water, then you should purchase a model with two circuits.
• In search of compact models, it is better to give preference to wall options. If the size of the boiler for the consumer is not critical, then you can look at the more powerful outdoor units. However, you need to take into account the fact that they will need more free space in a separate boiler room.
• Experts recommend purchasing non-volatile models, since in operation they are more convenient and practical.
• If, nevertheless, it was decided to buy equipment that will depend on electricity, then it is necessary to stock up on a backup electric generator or an uninterruptible power supply unit so that at an unexpected moment not to be left without heating in the house.

• It is necessary to acquire only automated products equipped with various sensors and sensors.
• In that case, if you need to find a suitable unit for heating a city apartment, then it is better to purchase a boiler with an air supercharger and a coaxial flue. Such models have a high efficiency, and in matters of installation they are more malleable.
• Before choosing the best option, you should familiarize yourself with the opinions of other buyers.Reviews - the best indicator of the quality (high or low) equipment.
• If you plan to buy a wall boiler and install it in the kitchen, then you should pay special attention to its design (unless, of course, you plan to hide it in a cupboard or box). Technique must harmoniously fit into the interior.
• It is necessary to buy boilers only in specialized stores, where they can provide a certificate of quality or a guarantee for the products they sell. You should not apply for purchase to obscure sellers offering equipment at a very low price - a suspiciously low price for a functional model should arouse suspicion among the buyer. You should not save on the purchase of a gas boiler, if you want to purchase a high-quality product.

If a gas-fired heating unit is installed in a house or apartment, then it is necessary to follow some simple rules of operation.

If all actions are correct, the technique will last for many years without causing problems.

• The very first launch of the device can only produce a technical worker with the appropriate permissions.He will make sure that the equipment and the system as a whole work correctly.
• Many homeowners refuse annual maintenance of boilers, not considering it necessary. This is not recommended. In time removed pollution and a deposit in pipes will prolong service life of the unit.
• It is necessary to avoid such situations when the temperature indicator is more than 90 degrees - this may adversely affect the heating equipment. During operation, it is necessary to maintain a range of 65-90 degrees.
• If the period of operation of the equipment specified in the technical documentation is over, then you need to conduct an examination to ensure the safe use of the boiler.

Gas boilers are not uncommon. They can be found in many homes. And we are talking not only about private houses, but also about city apartments in high-rise buildings. If you plan to install this practical and efficient equipment in your home, then it is better to take into account some of the tips and recommendations of experts regarding the operation of such equipment.

• If the consumer noticed that during the operation of the equipment, pressure indicators began to fall, and fuel consumption at the same time begins to grow,This may indicate a need for repair. Most often it is required to clean the burners and jets.
• Technique with manual control today is much rarer automatic options. Such products are cheaper, but it is not recommended to purchase them, as they can only regulate the temperature by repeated switching on and off. Such adjustments can lead to serious wear and tear of equipment, due to which it will soon fail.
• If the boiler room has a floor heating unit with an open combustion chamber, then there must be good ventilation in the room. Gas leakage, which can occur due to clogging of the chimney, can cause a real tragedy.
• The best burner is considered modulation. It is good because it creates ideal conditions in the mode of hot water, while maintaining the temperature regime of household liquid at the exposed level.
• Despite the fact that the models of boilers with a closed combustion chamber are recognized as more efficient, they are more expensive because they depend on electricity in the house.Without electricity, a gas heater equipped with electric ignition will stop its operation.

• To track the temperature in different rooms, as well as adjust it at your discretion, you can use the remote control with sensors.
• In some modern heating units there is a special weather-dependent automation. A temperature sensor is installed on the street, which makes it possible to monitor the state of the weather. The electronic system at the same time produces an ideal program to maintain an optimal microclimate in the living space. Experts advise to pay attention to such models, as they are comfortable and high-tech.
• It is not necessary to proceed to the self-installation of gas equipment, if there are doubts in the skills, and the consumer does not understand the connection schemes. In addition, we must not forget that for the first time the technician should start the equipment.
• It should be noted that the parameter of the length of the pipe that connects the boiler with the farthest intake zone should not be more than 7 m.
• Choosing this or that model of heating equipment or AGV, it is recommended to find out how much its service network is developed in the region of residence.There are cases when certain instances are not serviced in some regions. This can cause significant inconvenience in the operation of the device.
• If the equipment is installed not in the boiler room, but in a residential area, for example, in the kitchen, then the consumer has a choice of how best to arrange it. For example, wall-mounted boilers are usually left in the open access (hanged over the sink or between wall cabinets). As for the larger floor options, they are often “hidden” in large closets or closed with a homemade drywall box.
• Volatile systems are recommended to be purchased with protection against network drops.

On how to choose the right gas boiler, see below in the video.