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.
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.
Vaillant AtmoVit INT 164-564/1-5
Designed for heating a small private house or cottage with a total area of up to 120 m2.
Equipped with a single-stage atmospheric burner, cast iron heat exchanger, electronic ignition and flame level control sensor. A special feature of this model is the design of the burner with ceramic rods and a fuel flow regulator. The open chamber and lack of pressurization make it impossible to install it in a room not equipped with ventilation and a smoke removal system with natural draft. The advantages of this heating system: high efficiency - 94%; possibility of connecting an indirect heating boiler; the presence of automatic self-diagnosis. Average cost 7 thousand.e. Disadvantage: VRC 420S regulators are not included in the package.
Lemax Premium 20 is a Russian-made single-circuit energy-independent boiler unit with a capacity of 20 kW. The installation is equipped with a steel body, 2 mm thick, an atmospheric burner and an open fuel chamber. A special feature of this device is the innovative design of the heat exchanger, protected from overheating and coated with a special enamel that prevents corrosion. Advantages of this device: the presence of an air flow regulator, self-diagnosis functions. Efficiency – 90%. Average cost – 21 thousand rubles. Disadvantages: frequent problems with ignition, general shortcomings.
Conclusion: in terms of price-quality-functionality ratio, Vaillant AtmoVit INT 164-564/1-5 is unanimously recognized as the best floor-standing boiler.
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.
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.
Combustion chamber type
The gas burner is located in the combustion chamber. There are two types - open (atmospheric) and closed (with a turbine, forced). A double-circuit gas boiler with an open combustion chamber can only be installed in rooms with good ventilation. During operation, the oxygen necessary for combustion is taken from the room, and combustion products are discharged into the chimney with good draft. Therefore, a good air flow and a properly functioning exhaust ventilation duct are necessary.
Gas boilers come with open and closed combustion chambers
Gas boilers with a closed combustion chamber are distinguished by the fact that at the chamber outlet there is a coaxial chimney (pipe within a pipe) equipped with a fan. The chimney is taken out into the street, or into the wall near the boiler. Through one pipe, air is taken in from the street, through the second, combustion products are removed, their movement is ensured by a fan-turbine.
Which combustion chamber is better? A boiler with a closed combustion chamber operates more stably - air enters directly into the combustion zone. But there is also a disadvantage to this: with a side wind, the air flow can be so strong that it blows out the burner and the boiler turns off. The second disadvantage of this solution is freezing and the formation of ice in winter. Well, the third drawback is that such a boiler only works when there is electricity - without a turbine it turns off. Well, there is another small minus - the turbine is not silent. It’s almost inaudible, but it’s “almost.” Apparently for these reasons, if possible (a working ventilation duct), boilers with an open combustion chamber are installed. After all, ensuring a constant flow of air is much easier.
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.
Comparative table of boilers for a house 200-240 m2
| Name | Homeland of the brand | Number of circuits | Combustion chamber type | Fuel | Power | Efficiency | Price |
| Wall mounted | |||||||
| Protherm Cheetah 23 MOV | Slovakia | double-circuit | open | gas | 23 kW | 90,3 % | 58698 rubles |
| Protherm Cheetah 23 MTV | Slovakia | double-circuit | closed | gas | 23 kW | 93,2 % | 61640 rubles |
| Protherm Jaguar 24 JTV | Slovakia | double-circuit | closed | gas | 24 kW | 90,2% | 46230 rubles |
| BAXI ECO Nova 24 F | Italy | double-circuit | closed | gas | 24 kW | 93% | 43899 rubles |
| BAXI ECO-4S 24 | Italy | double-circuit | open | gas | 24 kW | 91,2% | 43899 rubles |
| BAXI ECO-4S 1.24 F | Italy | single-circuit | closed | gas | 24 kW | 92,9% | 49071 rubles |
| BAXI ECO-4S 24 F | Italy | double-circuit | closed | gas | 24 kW | 92,9% | 52470 rubles |
| BAXI LUNA-3 240i | Italy | double-circuit | open | gas | 24 kW | 91,2% | 66184 rubles |
| BAXI LUNA-3 240 Fi | Italy | double-circuit | closed | gas | 24 kW | 93 % | 73875 rubles |
| BAXI ECO Four 1.24 | Italy | single-circuit | open | gas | 24 kW | 91.2 kW | 48893 rubles |
| BAXI ECO Four 1.24 F | Italy | single-circuit | closed | gas | 24 kW | 92,9% | 55094 rubles |
| BAXI ECO Four 24 | Italy | double-circuit | open | gas | 24 kW | 91,2 % | 55809 rubles |
| BAXI ECO Four 24 F | Italy | double-circuit | closed | gas | 24 kW | 92 % | 62189 rubles |
| Vaillant turboTEC plus VUW 242/5-5 | Germany | double-circuit | closed | gas | 24 kW | 91% | 109342 rubles |
| Vaillant turboTEC plus VU INT 242/5-5 | Germany | single-circuit | closed | gas | 24 kW | 91 % | 98268 rubles |
| Vaillant eloBLOCK VE 21 | Germany | single-circuit | — | electricity | 21 kW | 99% | 72636 rubles |
| Vaillant eloBLOCK VE 24 | Germany | single-circuit | — | electricity | 24 kW | 99% | 74882 rubles |
| Protherm Skat 21 (380 V) | Slovakia | single-circuit | — | electricity | 21 kW | 99,5 % | 66983 rubles |
| Protherm Skat 24 (380 V) | Slovakia | single-circuit | — | electricity | 24 kW | 99,5 % | 68532 rubles |
| Floor-standing | |||||||
| BAXI SLIM 1.230 iN 4E | Italy | single-circuit | open | gas | 23 kW | 90,2 % | 85860 rubles |
| BAXI SLIM 1.230 i 4E | Italy | single-circuit | open | gas | 23 kW | 90,2 % | 103509 rubles |
| BAXI SLIM 1.230 FiN 4E | Italy | single-circuit | closed | gas | 23 kW | 90,2 % | 114063 rubles |
| BAXI SLIM 1.230 Fi 4E | Italy | single-circuit | closed | gas | 23 kW | 90,2 % | 131354 rubles |
| BAXI SLIM 2.230 i 4E | Italy | double-circuit | open | gas | 23 kW | 90,2 % | 164744 rubles |
| Protherm Beaver 30 DLO | Slovakia | single-circuit | open | firewood, coal | 24 kW | 90,2 % | 114375 rubles |
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 .
Protherm Medved 50 PLO
It is a floor heating system with an atmospheric burner and an open fuel chamber. The maximum power of the boiler unit is 44.5 kW. The design of this mini-boiler room includes a built-in 110 liter boiler. to create a domestic hot water system in the house. A special feature of the boiler is the manufacturer’s use of a reliable and durable cast iron heat exchanger. According to the manufacturer, its service life reaches 20 years. Main advantages: low fuel consumption 5.2 m3/h; protection class IP 40; Efficiency 92%. Disadvantages: does not work in low pressure gas lines. Cost – 70 thousand rubles.
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.
Editor's Choice
Bosch Gaz 6000 W WBN 6000-24 C (from 32.5 thousand rubles)
Bosch Gaz 6000 W WBN 6000-24 C. Photo: yandex.market.ru
Despite the well-known German brand in the name, this wall-mounted gas boiler is produced in Russia. Representatives of the company say that this is their first device made in Russia, which was also made specifically for Russian conditions. Customers are offered a choice of models from 12 to 35 kW. For our rating of the best, we took the most popular 24 kW model - please note, this is the figure indicated in the title. In fact, we have a ready-made heating solution. The kit includes a pump, an expansion tank, a flow sensor, and a safety valve. In reviews, buyers praise the model for its compactness: it will fit in even a small kitchen or pantry. Also on sale you can find models with the letter K in the name. If there is a letter, then the device has a water heater tank for more comfortable operation. There are five buttons and an LCD display on the front of the boiler. The controls are intuitive.
Characteristics:
| Boiler type | Dual-circuit |
| Thermal power | 24 kW |
| Electronic control | There is |
| Built-in circulation pump | There is |
| Built-in expansion tank | There is |
Advantages and disadvantages
Very quiet
Frequent purging required
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Lemax PRIME-V32 32 kW (from 38.5 thousand rubles)
Lemax PRIME-V32 32 kW. Photo: yandex.market.ru
Another wall-mounted gas boiler, which, according to the manufacturer, is designed to work in Russian conditions. The device has a forced coolant circulation system, and combustion products are removed either through a separate (up to 20 m) or coaxial chimney (up to 4.5 m). This can be installed in an apartment or private house where there is no organized chimney. The declared efficiency is 92.5%, which, of course, is not a record figure, but close to ideal. The device itself adapts to changes in gas pressure. The combustion chamber is quite large, which reduces fuel consumption. The controls are simple. Remote control via a smartphone app is possible, but for this you need to purchase a separate module. Can operate in a system with high hydraulic resistance without additional pumps. However, before starting operation, it is better to seek the opinion of installation engineers in this matter. The device can also operate on liquefied gas.
Characteristics:
| Boiler type | Dual-circuit |
| Thermal power | 32 kW |
| Electronic control | There is |
| Built-in circulation pump | There is |
| Built-in expansion tank | There is |
Advantages and disadvantages
Stable spark and smooth ignition
There are complaints about the quality of the expansion tank tube
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Vaillant turboTEC pro VUW 242/5-3 (from 64.2 thousand rubles)
Vaillant turboTEC pro VUW 242/5-3. Photo: yandex.market.ru
In this device, the power is regulated by a modulating burner. It can automatically switch to the hot water preparation mode for heating needs if the flow rate is less than 1.5 liters per minute. It also adjusts the intensity of work depending on the volume and temperature of the water. This can be installed in an apartment or residential building without a traditional chimney. Side gap 1 centimeter. The LCD display is backlit during operation, which is something that other companies often forget about. The device board simultaneously monitors all vital indicators for the boiler and signals errors. All the parts needed for operation - various valves, a circulation pump and an expansion tank - are right in the box. Immediately after installation, the device has permanent frost protection. There are programmable winter and summer modes.
Characteristics:
| Boiler type | Dual-circuit |
| Thermal power | 24 kW |
| Electronic control | There is |
| Built-in circulation pump | There is |
| Built-in expansion tank | There is |
Advantages and disadvantages
Reliable
Expensive maintenance and spare parts
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