A gas boiler for heating and hot water supply is an integral part of a private house and many city apartments. Independence from public utilities and the availability of blue fuel made this equipment the most popular in solving the issue of heating during individual and capital construction. The modern market is saturated with gas heaters of various designs, types and sizes. In order not to make a mistake in the choice, you should familiarize yourself with the assortment of goods presented on sale, study its features, capabilities, pros and cons, installation and operation rules.
Criteria for the selection of gas boilers
In order to correctly choose a gas boiler for heating for an apartment, you must have the source data, under which the technical and other characteristics of the product will be customized.
When deciding on the purchase of gas equipment, one should be guided by the following criteria:
- Power. It is measured in kW. For effective heating of the room, the optimal indicator is 10 kW / m². The ability to heat a volume of water to the desired temperature corresponds to 15 kW / 100 l.
- Type of combustion chamber. Modern parapet furnaces with a closed chamber take oxygen from the street through a coaxial pipe, which ensures the optimal microclimate in the room.
- Mounting option. Wall-mounted appliances are compact and lightweight, but have limited functionality. Floor boilers are more powerful and reliable. They require more free space and arrangement of a solid foundation.
- The number of circuits. Determines the breadth of the spectrum of equipment.
- Life time. It is determined by the materials from which the working equipment is made. The most durable parts are cast iron, followed by stainless steel. The fastest way is black iron to burn out and be destroyed by corrosion.
- Additional options. The number of control and monitoring devices affects the cost of the product, but makes its work more efficient and safe.
Not the last role in the choice is the price of the goods. Not always this indicator determines the level of quality. Domestic products are not inferior to European counterparts, but are much cheaper. It is advisable to choose a Russian boiler with imported electronic parts.
Operating costs
The gas boiler in the apartment is an excellent alternative to central heating and hot water. Modern technologies make heating appliances more compact, efficient and safer. In this case, the production of thermal energy involves associated costs.
The operation of the boiler is associated with such costs:
- Purchase of equipment. Even budget models have a fairly high price.
- Purchase, installation of strapping and radiators. Costs can be reduced by using strapping from reinforced polypropylene pipes for construction, which are several times cheaper than iron and brass analogues.
- Obtaining permits. It should be noted that it is forbidden to carry the boiler after its installation.
- Gas. The raw materials are inexpensive, but a considerable amount will come over the heating season, especially in harsh winters.
- Periodic inspections by regulatory authorities. All gas services, including meter calibration, are paid.
- Replacing worn parts (burner, sensors, chimney).
Equipment pays for itself in 5-10 years, depending on the conditions of its operation and prices for utilities in the region. The main advantage of the autonomous system is that you can turn it on, off, add and lower the temperature depending on the desire of the property owner at any time of the year.
Classification and differences of gas boilers
Before installing a gas water boiler at home, you should familiarize yourself with the designs and differences of the devices on the market.
Equipment is divided into the following types:
- Single-circuit. The products have one heat exchanger designed to heat water exclusively for the heating system. Devices are used to equip objects of a small area, sometimes non-residential. The movement of fluid through the system is carried out by gravity or under the influence of a pump. The price of such products is much lower than that of more complex devices.
- Bypass. Such boilers are installed in private mansions and apartments of multi-storey buildings. Units differ in large dimensions and high power. Designed for heating and providing facilities with hot water for domestic purposes. At the same time, both systems are independent and can equally effectively perform their tasks. The water supply to the taps is carried out from tanks or flow heating circuit. As a minus, one can consider increased fuel consumption and the need to allocate space, since double-circuit boilers are manufactured in floor-standing design and have rather large dimensions.
- With natural traction. Boilers of this type have an open combustion chamber and a separate chimney. Air during operation of the burner is taken from the room, and the output of combustion products is carried out due to the difference in temperature and pressure inside and outside the room. Natural draft stoves are not so effective, in violation of the rules of installation and maintenance of the chimney, they are a danger in terms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Forced traction. The boilers are equipped with a closed firebox, which completely eliminates any contact of fire and combustion products with the room. The devices are equipped with coaxial pipes through which clean air simultaneously enters and toxic gases are discharged. For increase of safety and overall performance fire chambers are equipped with fans. One of them pumps clean air, and the second draws combustion products into the pipe. The advantage of such a system is that ventilation continues after the boiler is turned off. This ensures that gas is removed from the furnace in the event of an accidental leak.
- With automation. The installation of precision electronic devices makes it possible to configure many parameters. With modern models, start and stop times are set, the air temperature in the room during the day, emergency shutdown and alarm sensors. Remote duplicate control panels can be worn throughout the house; there is no need to go to the boiler each time to set it up.
The choice of the optimal design is easy. It is necessary to prioritize and find a product that meets their criteria. Chasing cheapness is not worth it. The lower the price, the lower the quality of the product, the more often it will have to be repaired.
Rating of the best manufacturers
According to user reviews, such manufacturers are considered the most popular today.
- Bosch
- Viessmann.
- Vaillant.
- Ariston
- Buderus.
- Protherm.
- Ferroli
- Immergas.
- Baxi.
- ATEM.
It is recommended to purchase products in specialized stores after studying the quality certificate.
