A gas boiler is the most common heating equipment that is installed in private homes and apartments. It is compact, economical and easy to operate. When choosing a model, external parameters, power, gas flow rate of a gas boiler are taken into account.
The main factors affecting gas consumption
To determine fuel consumption, it is necessary to take into account the ambient air temperature, unit power, technical characteristics of the fuel itself, the general condition of the heat exchanger, as well as additional functions of the equipment.
Boiler power
A large boiler will consume more gas. Moreover, it will not work to reduce losses. If a 20 kW unit is installed in the house, even with minimal heating of the system, it uses more fuel than low-power equipment at maximum. In order not to overpay for heating, you need to choose the device in accordance with the dimensions of the residential building and the need for additional functions.
Outdoor temperature
In this case, the gas flow rate depends on power control. If the winter is relatively warm, the boiler can be set to 1 or 2, reducing consumption. If the frosts reach -20 degrees, then the power of the device increases, it will consume more fuel.
Technical parameters of gas also affect its consumption, but the consumer cannot independently regulate or control this parameter. Sometimes the composition of the fuel differs from that fixed by the state standard, as some companies add other components to it. At the same time, cubic meters will be counted, and the quality of heating the room will deteriorate.
Technical condition of heat exchangers
The heat carrier is heated in a heat exchanger - a copper pipe, which is placed in the combustion chamber of the boiler or outside it. If this element is made of low-quality material, clogged with combustion products or calcareous deposits, its heat transfer deteriorates. To compensate for the reduction in heating, you will have to add power to the boiler, which will significantly increase fuel consumption.
Additional features
In this case, the flow depends on the number of heating circuits. The double-circuit unit consumes more gas, since in addition to heating the radiators, it performs the function of providing the house with hot water. The total length of the wiring may increase. Such boilers can be used not only in winter, but also in summer. To ensure that the device runs smoothly in cold weather, the throughput of the nozzles in it is increased.
Calculation of gas consumption for a certain period
In order to calculate the gas consumption by boilers of different capacities, it must be borne in mind that in cold weather it is 10 sq.m. living space requires 10 kW of energy, and in severe frosts, this figure increases to 1.2 kilowatts. To calculate the flow rate, you need to carry out such actions:
- Calculate the area of all the premises of a house or apartment, using the technical plan of the structure.
- Divide the sum by 10 and multiply by 1.2. The result obtained is the maximum indicator of the consumption of the heating circuit.
This parameter just needs to be rounded up to a larger value. If you need to calculate how much gas the boiler consumes per day, you need to consider that the burner does not work for 24 hours.To carry out the calculation, this time must be halved. The unit consumption rate per 10 kW is 14.4 cubic meters. per day (10 * 0.12 * 12).
If you need to calculate how much fuel will be spent per month, you need to multiply daily consumption by the number of days. However, heating appliances almost never operate at full power, so the consumption may be less. For example, per hour, gas consumption by a 24 kW boiler is approximately 3.1 cubic meters.
Features of liquefied fuel
Liquefied gas is produced by converting it from gaseous to liquid. During the conversion process, the fuel is cleaned of any excess impurities and cooled to obtain condensate. In this case, the volume of material is reduced by 600 times. Fuel is stored in special cylinders, which are connected to the heating unit. This option of heating a house is used if it is not possible to connect to a centralized heating system.
All the same factors affect the flow of liquefied gas as its gaseous form. The hourly rate of fuel consumption in liquid form by a 10 kW apparatus is 0.86 cubic liters. If the power is 30 kW, the flow rate increases to 2.58 cubic liters. in hour.
Reduced gas consumption in gas boilers
If there is no need to use double-circuit boilers, it is better to refuse them, since they consume more gas. However, if it is impossible to install economical options for heating appliances, it is possible to reduce the consumption of blue fuel. To do this, follow these recommendations:
- install plastic double-glazed windows in the rooms, as well as insulate the walls from the outside;
- if there are a large number of large icicles on the roof, the main heat loss is through it, so it needs to be blocked or insulated;
- when choosing, it is better to give preference to modern models equipped with automation;
- the installation of thermostats and regulators on radiators will reduce fuel consumption;
- the presence of special modes or timers on the heating equipment allows you to maintain minimum power on certain days;
- Technical inspection of the equipment should be carried out annually to avoid deterioration of its performance.
You can save money by installing a thermal battery. It accumulates hot liquid and retains heat like a thermos for a long time. Even in the most severe frosts, you should not set the maximum heating temperature. In this case, the expense will increase, but the atmosphere in the house may become uncomfortable.
Use of economical condensing gas boilers
When using a 24 kW gas boiler, gas consumption can hit your pocket, so it’s better to buy modern, economical options for heating equipment. Condensing apparatuses are popular. The principle of their action is simple: water vapor from condensation of fuel condenses, as a result of which thermal energy is released. Its unit uses fully, therefore, up to 20% of fuel is saved.
The advantage of such equipment is its stable operation even in the event of a decrease in fuel pressure in the network. It works almost silently. However, if it is not possible to purchase such a boiler, simply following the recommendations of specialists will significantly reduce fuel consumption.
