Heating boilers have long gone beyond the category of outlandish novelties and have become a popular and profitable option for heating residential or public premises.
Practice has shown that the most economical and comfortable for the owner is a gas boiler.
It is capable of operating in automatic mode, consumes fuel economically, is reliable and durable.
There are two main designs of gas boilers - single- and double-circuit.
The debate about which option is better still continues and requires careful consideration.
What is a wall-mounted single-circuit gas boiler and what is the difference from a double-circuit one?
A wall-mounted boiler is a heating unit. which is installed on a solid (load-bearing) wall. This installation method requires light weight and size, which is a plus in a residential environment.
A single-circuit boiler is a device that heats, prepares and supplies coolant to the heating circuit. Double-circuit boilers, in addition to the basic function, are capable of preparing hot water for domestic needs.
At first glance, it is much more convenient to use a double-circuit boiler. The opportunity to have not only heating, but also hot water from one device is very attractive for any owner.
However, there are some objections here:
- the performance of double-circuit domestic hot water units is low and cannot satisfy high demands;
- the supply of hot water is unstable - many users note serious fluctuations in the temperature of the hot water supply while taking a shower, associated with the inclusion of another plumbing fixture;
- most single-circuit models can work in conjunction with external water heaters, which makes them capable of full DHW supply,
NOTE!
Many experts recommend considering your hot water needs first. If they are tall enough, the family is large or a new addition is expected, you should immediately choose single-circuit boilers with external water heaters.
Installation Features
Of course, you can only purchase a heating boiler from an official certified store, and you should check the availability and authenticity of all documents. Also, the installation of the boiler should be carried out by a professional only after the project has been agreed upon with the city gas services.
But the location of the boiler can be chosen by the owner himself; it is most convenient to place such equipment in utility rooms or even in the kitchen. Wall-mounted models are always more convenient to operate and maintain, but floor-mounted options will require additional space.
Device
The main components of a single-circuit gas wall-mounted boiler are:
- gas burner, which is connected to the primary heat exchanger;
- turbocharger fan;
- circulation pump;
- three-way valve;
- gas equipment;
- control board and self-diagnosis sensor system.
IMPORTANT!
The design of atmospheric boilers does not include a turbofan, and non-volatile installations have neither a circulation pump nor a control board. Such boilers operate only on mechanics, like a regular gas stove.
conclusions
If you need to purchase a single-circuit heating boiler, you should listen to the recommendations of specialists and remember that:
- When choosing equipment, you need to decide in advance which device is more suitable : condensing, gas, combined, solid fuel or electric;
- the basic criteria for choosing a unit are the maximum thermal power, coolant temperature and expansion tank capacity ;
- Particular attention should be paid to the fuel used, type of control and design dimensions .
Operating principle
The operating principle of a single-circuit gas boiler is based on flow-through heating of the coolant using a gas burner.
The liquid that has cooled during circulation enters the boiler, where it is immediately sent to the heat exchanger . Passing through it, it receives the maximum possible heating for the current operating mode.
The coolant then flows into a three-way valve, where it is partially mixed with colder liquid from the return flow. This procedure allows you to achieve the set temperature and provide heating mode.
The prepared coolant is again sent to the heating circuit to undergo the next cycle.
What to look for when choosing
When choosing a single-circuit gas boiler, the following basic criteria should be taken into account::
- The main characteristic is thermal power . When choosing a device, we proceed from the condition that to heat a 10 m2 room, a power of 1 kW is required.
- Combustion chamber type . There are open and closed cameras.
- Possibility of connecting a boiler to heat water.
- Control system . Boilers can have a mechanical or electronic system.
- Safety . The boiler must be equipped with a reliable control system for pressure, temperature, overvoltage and automatic shutdown in the event of an emergency.
- To select, you need to take into account a number of parameters: room area, ceiling height, presence of a ventilation system, thermal insulation ability of the walls. It is determined by gas consumption and the ability to maintain optimal mode.
When choosing a device, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer.
Gas boilers from companies such as BAXI, Buderus, Vaillant, Navien, Bosch, Protherm, Ariston are distinguished by their high reliability, quality and safety.
Kinds
Wall-mounted single-circuit boilers are produced in various design options, which can be divided according to the following characteristics:
By type and material of heat exchanger:
- steel _ Stainless steel is used, which has average capabilities and efficiency. Such units are usually installed on units in the middle and low price range.
- copper _ This unit demonstrates increased heat transfer, durability and efficiency. Installed on expensive models from the most famous manufacturers.
On single-circuit boilers, as a rule, one structural type of heat exchanger is used - tubular. It is a spiral of steel or copper tube, which is heated by a burner flame.
The coolant passing inside manages to get a high temperature and exits to the next nodes completely ready for further work.
By type of burners and combustion chambers:
- atmospheric _ These are open type burners that use air directly from the room. To remove flue gases, they need to be connected to a traditional type chimney with natural draft;
- turbocharged _ These units are closed, so a turbofan provides fresh air and smoke displacement. Their combustion process is more stable, and there are never problems with smoke removal. The only problem may be a fan failure or a power outage.
According to the method of energy transfer:
- convection _ These are boilers that operate on the usual principle of heating the coolant using a burner.
- condensation _ A relatively new design, which uses a two-stage method of heating the coolant. First, it is heated from the heat obtained from the condensation of flue gases, and only after that it enters the heat exchanger, where it finally receives the set temperature. This technique allows you to significantly reduce gas consumption, since the coolant is already heated and does not require too intensive preparation . However, for the operation of condensing boilers, specific conditions are required - the condensation temperature must exceed the return flow temperature. This is only possible on underfloor heating systems, or when the temperature difference between inside and outside is no more than 20°. This is impossible in Russia.
NOTE!
When purchasing a condensing boiler, you should not trust the declared efficiency, which is 107-109%. This is a common marketing ploy. We must first understand how this unit works.
Differences in ignition type
There are two main types of ignition:
With all its advantages, the use of piezo ignition has one significant drawback - maintaining the igniter burning requires increased gas consumption, which for not very wealthy citizens can hit the wallet.
- Piezoelectric - a small gas igniter operates on board the wall-mounted boiler, ignited using a piezoelectric element;
- Electric - there is a high-voltage generator on board with two electrodes, between which a spark jumps.
The latter type of ignition is economical and safe - there is no need to burn gas.
Most popular manufacturers
The most famous and popular manufacturers of wall-mounted single-circuit boilers include:
- Vaillant;
- Viessmann;
- Buderus;
- BAXI;
- MORA-TOP;
- Protherm;
- Navien;
- Bosh;
- Ariston;
- Thermex, etc.
It is difficult and impractical to list all manufacturers. There are many of them, some companies are subsidiaries of more well-known concerns. In addition, new companies are constantly appearing on the market, which expands the range and makes the choice for the user more diverse.
How to calculate power?
Calculating power using scientific methods is quite complicated. The heat loss of the building is determined, the thermal contour is calculated, and the influence of openings or other openings is taken into account.
The process is difficult even for professionals, not to mention untrained people . Therefore, a simple and fairly reliable technique is usually used. One kilowatt of thermal power can heat an area of 10 square meters. m.
Therefore, to determine the boiler power, you need to divide the area of the room by 10. For example, for 180 sq m you need 18 kW of power.
Attention! You should not choose overly weak or overly powerful boilers. In this case, the reserve works to the detriment - the unit operates in the wrong mode and fails faster .
Rating of TOP 5 single-circuit wall-mounted boilers
Let's consider the most popular models of gas single-circuit wall-mounted boilers:
MORA-TOP Meteor Plus PK24ST
A well-known manufacturer of heating equipment from the Czech Republic, MORA-TOP produces a wide range of gas boilers. The Meteor Plus PK24ST model is an atmospheric unit that requires connection to a classic type chimney.
The boiler power is 23 kW, which allows heating rooms up to 230 sq.m. Wall mounting facilitates access to connecting pipes and simplifies maintenance of the unit.
Main characteristics:
- coolant temperature - 30-90°;
- system pressure - up to 3 bar;
- gas consumption - 2.67 m3/hour;
- dimensions - 400x750x380 mm;
- weight - 31 kg.
The boiler is equipped with multi-stage protection against external influences, overheating, backdraft and other undesirable conditions.
It is possible to connect external control and a storage boiler for DHW supply.
Buderus Logamax U072-18
Buderus is part of the Bosh holding, which significantly expands its capabilities. Heating boilers of this brand are distinguished by their reliability and high quality combined with relatively low prices.
The Buderus Logamax U072-18 model, thanks to its power of 18 kW, is capable of heating 180 sq. m of residential or public space. The boiler has a copper heat exchanger, a closed burner, and multi-stage protection against all overloads or external influences.
Options:
- coolant temperature - 40-82°;
- system pressure - up to 3 bar;
- gas consumption - 2.1 m3/hour;
- dimensions - 400x700x299 mm;
- weight - 34 kg.
To create a full-fledged hot water supply line, you need to connect an external boiler. For this purpose, the boiler already has a 3-way valve and a circulation pump .
The capacity of the expansion tank is 8 liters, allowing it to overcome temperature fluctuations in the coolant volume.
BAXI LUNA-3 1.310 Fi
The Italian company BAXI is known as a manufacturer of high-quality and durable heating equipment. Currently, the factories of this company are distributed throughout Europe, and the head office is located in the Netherlands.
The double-circuit wall-mounted boiler BAXI LUNA-3 1.310 Fi has a power of 31 kW, designed to serve an area of 310 sq.m.
The copper heat exchanger allows for maximum heat transfer efficiency. The closed type burner eliminates flame failure due to sudden gusts of wind or strong drafts.
Boiler characteristics:
- coolant temperature - 30-85°;
- system pressure - up to 3 bar;
- gas consumption - 3.52 m3/hour;
- dimensions - 450x763x345 mm;
- weight - 38 kg.
The manufacturer sets a 10-year service life for its products, subject to compliance with all operating requirements and timely maintenance.
The warranty on the unit is 2 years.
Protherm Panther 25 KTO (2015)
Protherm is a subsidiary of the Vaillant Group. It was formed as a special division for the production of inexpensive budget-class gas boilers.
However, existing requirements and strict European standards have done their job - Protherm products are not inferior in quality to the products of the parent company . The Protherm Panther 25 KTO boiler (2015) has a power of 25 kW and is capable of heating 250 sq.m. usable area.
Its characteristics:
- coolant temperature - 30-85°;
- system pressure - up to 3 bar;
- gas consumption - 2.8 m3/hour;
- dimensions - 440x800x338 mm;
- weight - 41 kg.
It is noteworthy that Protherm boiler groups are named after groups of animals.
Thus, wall-mounted gas boilers represent a “cat” line, where all series have corresponding names - Lynx, Panther, Jaguar, etc..
Viessmann Vitopend 100-W A1HB002
A sample of a gas boiler from the leader of the European heating industry - Viessmann. The company's policy does not consider the possibility of reducing the quality or reliability of its products.
The Vitopend 100-W A1HB002 model clearly demonstrates the approach of the company’s engineers to the creation of heating units. Boiler with a closed burner, power 29.9 kW (for heating 300 sq.m. area).
Its parameters:
- coolant temperature - 40-80°;
- system pressure - up to 3 bar;
- gas consumption - 3.47 m3/hour;
- dimensions - 450x725x360 mm;
- weight - 38 kg.
Experts note that gas consumption is too high for such power. However, when connecting an external water heater, fuel consumption practically does not increase.
This makes the boiler a good option, capable of providing the room not only with heat, but also with hot water supply when an additional unit is connected.
