The subtleties of the selection of electric heating for a private house

Electric energy today is used very widely, including in the heating of rooms. However, in order to prevent overspending of resources and loss of efficiency, it is necessary to carefully select the appropriate heating system. It is equally important to understand the specifics of its installation.

Special features

When buying a new private house or building a building from scratch, the organization of gas heating delivers big problems. The necessary devices, along with their installation, state registration and drafting of the project, are very expensive. Oven heating does not require permits, but it is not practical enough. In addition, not all people can properly organize it. Alternative methods of obtaining heat are rare and do not justify themselves economically.Therefore, we can confidently say that for hundreds of thousands of people, electric heating is the best choice.

Distinguish conventional batteries from the components of the heating system, fed by current, will not work. They have no external differences. However, in the second case, instead of water, inside most often there is boiling oil, which heats the air without reducing the oxygen concentration.

Installation of electric radiators is quite simple, you can do it yourself. A wide variety of power levels allows you to select the most efficient modes of operation and quickly switch them. However, you will have to come to terms with the fact that the power consumption will increase immediately and for the duration of the connection of radiators (boilers).

Cheaper by gas or electricity?

In many areas, the question of choosing between gas and electric heating is very serious. Both options have their own technical nuances, but in general it can be said that these units cope with providing the house and its residents equally well. If they are faulty, both options are fed intermittently or malfunction.Therefore, only the economic component (cost value) is of decisive importance in the selection. Unfortunately, in this case, considerations of economy are clearly not on the side of the electric current.

However, there are other subtleties that should not be forgotten:

  • autonomous gas heating requires a higher initial cost;
  • real estate in cottage villages with gas connected is significantly more expensive than without it (so the developers will compensate for their losses);
  • Electric energy begins to flow into new development areas usually earlier than “blue fuel”, and its connection speed is noticeably higher.

Kinds

Despite the above nuances, deciding that heating with electricity is better does not mean making the right choice. The fact is that this method of heating, in turn, is divided into many options. In addition, each system has its own positive and negative characteristics.

We are not talking about self-receiving electric current, since this topic requires a separate analysis. But when connected to trunk sources there are various variations.The electric boiler is a classic type of heating device in which the heating of the fluid is carried out either by heating elements or by an electrode installation.

In the first case, the heating element inside the boiler body transfers its heat to the running water., which circulates more and more under heating. To improve this circulation and cope with the attendant problems, use special transfer pumps. Heaters are put on 3-4 pieces on the boiler, their inclusion is determined by the operating mode.

Such boilers are capable of producing from 3 to 50 kW of heat energy per hour, and, accordingly, heat houses of various sizes. In the electrode boiler, the source of heat is the transition of current between the electrodes through the liquid, which begins to move faster, that is, it warms. Most designers prefer not to water, and antifreeze.

Any boilers running on electricity:

  • occupy relatively little space (this is especially true for suburban residential buildings);
  • easy and fast;
  • allow you to accurately adjust the temperature;
  • create a minimum of noise;
  • do not require a chimney and do not litter the environment;
  • differ in decent performance.

The problem is not only that such a device can hardly be called an economical solution. TENY sooner or later fail, becoming covered with a limy raid, spots of a scum. Be sure to need solid wiring, and with redundancy over the power of the boiler for other needs. In the case of the slightest error in the choice of parameters in the arrangement of the power grid, there are delays in heating the house. Moreover, the power even in the limiting mode of operation may not be enough.

These circumstances, as well as dependence on the state and stable operation of electrical networks and power lines, make the combined heating more and more popular (when the house is heated with electricity and firewood). Even in the twentieth century, the domestic industry made such combinations, however, they were focused on the combination of wood fuel with gas supply. But modern designs using current are much more perfect.

Now there is no need to remove the burner in order to switch to fire heating. Carefully thought over automatic equipment allows not to worry about transition from firewood to electric current.Of course, with all the power and sophistication of electronics, it is not capable of making the reverse transition without the help of a person. But compared with the ability to use two types of heating at home, alternative to gas, this is just an insignificant trifle.

The system must include a combustion chamber and a water jacket with a coolant circulating around the furnace. Also, most developers equip their products with an ash compartment and a grate type grate. To increase fire safety, all fire sections of the boiler are covered with doors outside.

When burning wood, the regulation of the temperature of the coolant is provided by a mechanical device. As soon as the loaded tree burns out, the water begins to gradually lower its temperature. When it reaches the set critical point, the heating element or the electrode is started.

As soon as the owners load and light a new batch of firewood, the electrical system itself stops working until it burns out.. But it should be noted that the heaters on solid fuel boilers are of an auxiliary nature and can only keep the water temperature in the batteries.Become a full replacement for firewood, they can not because of limited power.

Aloof is halogen electric heating. It allows you to spend less current than convectors or fireplaces, not to mention the boilers. In addition, the first heat begins to be felt subjectively already in 30-40 seconds after the start. Other electrical systems to ensure such a quick warm-up at home can not, in principle, due to the nature of their work.

The key heating unit here is a halogen lamp that emits infrared radiation. Inside are horizontal tubes saturated with carefully selected inert gas.

This design provides:

  • solid heating of the spiral;
  • long and reliable service;
  • high efficiency.

By manipulating the position of the screen, which is located behind the halogen lamp, one can orient the heat fluxes in a certain direction. The mobility of the described device allows its use even outside the walls of the house. Eliminates the slightest noise, mass and size are small. Therefore, any hard and flat surface will be suitable for installation, where the placement of the heater will be comfortable and stable.Infrared radiation heats the objects first, and then the heat from them is transferred to the room air.

When choosing a halogen heater is worth asking about the length of the emitted waves. It is unacceptable to buy devices that create a short wave, because they have a detrimental effect on the health of people and pets. For living rooms there are enough devices with a radiation temperature of 120 degrees. More powerful systems are needed only in offices and in other areas of large footage. The only exceptions are very large cottages and mansions.

Electric boilers

Despite the attractiveness of halogen lamps, this energy-saving equipment for people is still a novelty. The experience of its use has been accumulated little, even service services have not yet understood enough of all the nuances. Therefore, a considerable part of consumers choose the usual heating boilers for electricity. Among them, there is also a relatively economical group, which saves up to 30% of current compared to traditional analogues. Not only electrode, but also induction and ion-exchange heating installations help save.

Reducing the cost of electricity in the newest devices due to a number of factors. So, they all automatically control the temperature and have a lower inertia of heating, and some of them are able to start smoothly. An important role in improving the efficiency are carefully selected construction materials. External to the boiler factor is the use of adequate radiators and two-pipe wiring coolant. Antifreeze is recommended to be used only where people are periodically, and not for the entire cold season.

All electric boilers produced today can produce just as much heat as is needed to warm up rooms to the required temperatures. Among others, the designs with the option of instantly heating the coolant stand out favorably.

Manufacturers who are most willing to offer the longest warranty guarantee the greatest confidence. It is simply unprofitable for them to supply low-quality goods, and then change or repair it at their own expense, lose their reputation in the courts and pre-trial settlement. It should be noted that when choosing an electric boiler you need to think about its design.Also, before buying it is desirable to read the reviews.

Heaters

No matter how good electric boilers are, they require laying of pipes and other infrastructure, filling the working circuits with coolant. It is worth the pipe "leak" or the radiator to lose its tightness, as the whole system loses the ability to properly heat the house.

Electric heaters are much more practical and easier in this sense. Their advantage lies in the fact that it is possible to locally enhance the heating of the most problematic room. Of course, reasonable owners will try to warm it, but in any case it will take some time. This option gives additional heat "here and now."

Heaters help out in other cases, for example, if rainy days came before the main heating season or, on the contrary, were delayed longer than usual. In this situation, premature start of the main heating circuit, furnace heating and other actions can cause a lot of inconvenience. And this system begins to work when you turn on the outlet and simply press a button. After a few minutes a pleasant atmosphere is created in the room, and a wet autumn or a lingering spring no longer remind of themselves. It is only important to wisely choose the type of electric heater.

Most people prefer oil electric heating devices. This group also includes quartz panels and so-called modular batteries. You should know that the direct transfer of heat into the air is not very effective, because the heat transfer occurs in a limited area of ​​contact. Designers are trying to cope with this problem by increasing the surface heating and increasing its area as much as possible.

An alternative to this solution is convection equipment. Convectors contain heating elements hidden in the housings. Through the specially provided holes, the hot air quickly travels upwards and warms the space in the room.

The air flow directed to a certain side can also be created by other devices - heat fans and heat guns. The ventilation unit, as its name implies, contains a ventilation system inside of itself, which also requires an electrical current to operate. Therefore, all other things being equal, the energy consumption in the house will be greater than when analogs of comparable power are used.

Another electric heating option is infrared heaters. (these include not only halogen lamps, but also other devices). Such devices are made outdoor, suspended or mobile. Film heaters are quite common. It is recommended to install such devices in the ceiling version, because then they will create the best in physiological terms.

Importantly, the placement of the source of heat rays on the ceiling contributes to the most efficient use of energy. Considering floor and wall models, it is better to make a choice in favor of technology equipped with thermostats. We must not forget that infrared heating covers only a strictly defined part of the space, affecting the air temperature very weakly and indirectly.

How to choose?

Knowledge of the general advantages and disadvantages of various options for electric heating may not be enough to make the right decision. It is also necessary to take into account the specifics of a particular room and its thermal characteristics.

To give often use traditional electric boilers. According to experts, in general, for every 10 square meters. m. private country house should account for 1 kW of thermal power. But it is advisable to leave some more reserve so that the heater does not work all the time at the peak of its performance. Marginal operation is bad for a temporary resource.

A feature of the warm-up of a frame house is that such a dwelling saves heat very well and allows you to get by with a minimum thermal reserve. Nevertheless, 5-10% of power, adding quite a bit to the cost of the boiler and energy, but extending the time of normal operation, will not be superfluous.

Other significant features are:

  • overheat protection automatics;
  • definition and indication of temperature, pressure;
  • safety valves;
  • automated problem determination;
  • valve air discharge from the line.

Oil heater is useful if you need to selectively warm up a room of 10-25 square meters. Most of the models of such devices are placed on the floor, equipped with a timer and a thermostat. It is important to take into account the hefty bulkiness of the hull and the substantial thermal inertia. In addition, among electric heaters, oil machines can hardly be called a champion in economy.

When there is not enough space, but you want to beautifully decorate the space, you can give priority to a convector or even a ceramic heating panel. Such devices spend the current in moderate doses, but the fee for them is quite noticeable.

Inverter electric radiators surpass any of the systems already described in terms of autonomy. This factor is extremely useful at any cottage, regardless of its use. The inverter will be able to accumulate current and give it out in the form of heat even with a brief interruption in power supply. Experts note the optimal level of fire safety. However, it is worth remembering the significant costs when buying a unit and the strict installation rules, from which it is impossible to deviate.

Electric heaters are useful not only in suburban housing. Owners of apartments in apartment buildings, whether it is an old foundation or a new building, also often need such equipment. Stability and quality of heat supply through trunk pipelines from CHP plants sometimes leave much to be desired. In addition, even a stably operating central heating system sometimes starts and stops at inappropriate moments.In order to cope with the “ice age” in an apartment or a single corner room and not encounter unnecessary problems, it is recommended to carefully review consumer reviews.

The big problem of urban housing, aggravated by many types of heaters, is over-dried air. It is best to prevent such a negative development of the infrared heating system. It works effectively even with long airing in the winter. You can safely open the windows and run inside fresh air without fear of drafts and hypothermia. But some people, unfortunately, suffer from pathological intolerance to the infrared part of the spectrum. Therefore, it is better to check this circumstance in advance so as not to risk it.

The best way to cope with the cold in some rooms will help warm floors or ceiling radiators performance. With their help, a well-divided heating is created. For example, to supply heat under a cupboard or washing machine is hardly worth it, but for tile in the bathroom or the floor in the working part of the office is necessary.

If you plan to just warm the air for a while,when central heating is still not (or already) in operation, professionals recommend the use of oil radiators in combination with heat fans. It is important to consider that before choosing a specific model of a heating device, it is necessary to carefully calculate the required power. Special attention is paid to the type of pipe materials, their cross-section and wiring. If these moments do not meet the standards, even the most powerful heater will not fix the situation.

Tips

The most economical boiler is one that is equipped with the best automation and is complemented by well-chosen thermostats. It is important to remember that all the promises of manufacturers and sellers about “less energy consuming” materials, original designs or low power are nothing more than a marketing trap.

If infrared heating is selected, one control unit should be installed for every three heating elements. Wooden houses are best heated with convectors, where the low level of fire danger is crucial. To purchase components for a heated floor without adjusting automation does not make sense at all.

In order to qualitatively heat a house or an apartment with electricity, it is worth taking care of thoroughly warming the dwelling and preventing all kinds of heat leaks. It is the inconspicuous external cracks that even relatively powerful heating devices depreciate. The use of complex automation in the heating system is especially important if during the daytime hours nobody in the house happens. Controllers and timers that start warming up at exactly the specified time, allow to resolve the "eternal dispute" between energy savings and comfort.

Not all people can work out a plan for the heating system at home, choose the power and geometry of the circuits correctly. In this case, it is worth consulting with specialists. They will help you make a bargain.

In a house with electric heating, regardless of the type of heater, there must be a meter with several tariffs. Thanks to him, the payment for the current consumed at night will be significantly less. If you plan to install a boiler with a power of 12 kW, you will need to re-equip the internal power grid and install a three-phase meter.Of course, this kind of work is not allowed without the approval of the energy supplier and supervisory authorities. The basic principles of piping and radiator connections are the same as for "water" systems.

It must be remembered that boilers running on electricity cannot heat many batteries at the same time. An infrared heater should have a power of 100 W per 1 m2, and if you need several heaters, a pyrometer will help to do all the calculations as accurately as possible. This mechanism immediately reveals the warmest and most heated areas. We must not forget that, despite the decent level of security of infrared films and circuits, they still remain electrical appliances.

The basic rules are:

  • a certain distance to easily igniting objects, to gas cylinders and everything that can explode;
  • laying cables in special channels or on non-flammable bases;
  • the inadmissibility of the contact fastener with the part that directly provides for heating;
  • placement of ceiling panels at a height of 250 to 350 cm;
  • The maximum power of a home or home unit is limited to 0.6 kW.

Ceiling mounting is much more efficient than wall placement. But it cannot be called a comfortable arrangement of panels directly above the bed, above the dining area or above the working part of the office. The best solution would be a slight shift to the side. And in order for several units to work synchronously and clearly, they need to be connected to a single thermostat.

Although electric boilers are more familiar, there are several important points in their installation. Before installation, you should check the absence of voltage in the network. It is unacceptable to choose a site located next to the water supply system, sink, other water sources and tanks. All electric boilers and equipment attached to them must be carefully grounded. Although the official permission is not necessary, it is better to order a professional examination at home and checking the scheme by specialists.

The permissible distance from the boiler to individual objects specified in the instructions must not be violated. If it is hung on a wall, the surface must be completely made of a non-combustible substance. In the absence of such a wall, which in this case should be strong enough, you will have to choose a floor version.

      When calculating the heat output, it is necessary to take into account the position of windows and floors, the level of glazing, the number of rooms and the quality of their insulation. Experienced owners and professional installers always complement the electric boiler with closely located UZO.

      Video review of electric heating in the country, see in this video.

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      Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

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