When creating a comfortable temperature in a private house, various heating devices are used. One such device is a condensing boiler. A heater of this type is considered innovative and is widely used in European countries. And what is a condensing boiler? Where is it better to use and how does it differ from other devices of this type?
What is a condensing boiler
First of all, you should deal with the device. Condensing boilers - heating appliances. The principle of their work is similar to other similar designs. When fuel is burned, heat is generated, which heats the coolant. As a rule, in their work, boilers of this type use main or liquefied gas. This type of fuel allows you to bring the efficiency of the device to 90 percent.
Designers did not stop there. In a condensing boiler, the level of efficiency is much higher than the value of ninety percent. Such an “addition” literally came out of thin air. When gas is burned, water forms, which, together with the smoke, comes out. In this case, about ten percent of the energy is lost. Constructors of condensing boilers and made sure that these calories are not wasted.
The main elements of the device are as follows:
- a chamber where the combustion of fuel occurs;
- heat exchanger. Here, the heat from the burned fuel is transferred to water or another heat carrier;
- coaxial chimney. Designed to remove gases from burned fuel to the outside;
- automation. Devices allow you to monitor the status and operation of the boiler and manage it;
- additional devices. These include an expansion tank, a circulation pump, and more.
Despite the components common with other types of boilers, heating systems, there is an important distinguishing feature. The condensing device has a different configuration of the heat exchanger and the chimney. Gases from the combustion of fuel pass through an additional chamber. Here, the water contained in the smoke cools and loses its heat to the incoming water. It is due to this that the increased efficiency is obtained.
Where applicable
Why use the device - it is clear from its name. Condensing boiler is designed for heating systems of private houses and apartments. Depending on the equipment, the design can be used for two purposes:
- If there is one circuit, the boiler is used only for heating the coolant in the heating system.
- If the device is equipped with two circuits, then the scope expands. In this embodiment, the boiler is used both in the heating system of a private house or apartment, and for hot water supply.
Important! The installation of a condensing boiler is best entrusted to professionals. A special chimney is used here. If it is installed incorrectly, that condensate will accumulate inside the system and will quickly disable it.
Unlike other types of boilers
The main difference is a special heat exchanger device. The design allows you to receive additional heat from water vapor contained in the smoke from burnt fuel. Otherwise, the condensing boiler is similar to other types of heating devices for heating systems.
Making his choice, the buyer always pays attention to the positive and negative sides of the device. In the case of condensing boilers, the following are the advantages of the devices:
- The first undoubted advantage is fuel economy. Even in comparison with the innovative convection boiler, it is more than thirty percent. And the less fuel is spent, the more money is saved;
- environmental friendliness. Due to its characteristics, the boiler gives less harmful emissions;
- Smoke has a low temperature. It is also associated with the features of the device. As a result, the chimney can be made in plastic. Another plus of the low temperature of the smoke coming out is the fire safety.
Other advantages are distinguished. For example, condensing heating boilers are quieter than their "brothers", which can improve the comfort of living. But the device also has its drawbacks. Here, first of all, specialists point out the high cost of the device and additional accessories to it. The unit has an innovative and sophisticated design. This makes the boiler many times more expensive than its "counterparts" with a similar capacity.
Important! When buying, you should take into account the cost of spare parts. Condensing boilers have a sensitive heat exchanger. If the device is not used correctly, do not carry out periodic maintenance, then in case of breakdown repair will be expensive.
Another drawback is the problems encountered with the disposal of condensate. Liquid per hour of operation of the boiler, depending on its capacity, is formed up to three liters. At the same time, condensate is not pure water. This includes various oils and acids. It is difficult to dispose of such a volume of "unclean" liquid, especially if the house is not connected to a centralized sewage system.
But all these disadvantages are offset by the benefits of fuel economy. Expensive condensing boilers are innovative devices. With proper operation and timely maintenance, they last a long time. Over the entire period of operation, the increased costs can be fully covered by cost savings on the purchase of gas.
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