When constructing a residential building, various engineering communications are installed, which are necessary to create comfortable conditions. Their design, functional features depend in many respects on the material possibilities and preferences of the owners. But among the variety of such systems there are those that are equipped without fail.
One of them is water supply. It is clear that domestic water needs not only cold water, but also hot water. If you can not connect to the central highway users install stand-alone units. One of the types of such devices that provide DHW are boilers. According to the principle of operation, they are divided into and direct heaters of indirect heating. Here on the last and stop.
From the very title it is clear that in the design the heating element is not provided. The water in the tank is heated by heat exchange. It occurs between it and a liquid, the temperature of which has already been increased by some kind of heat generator. It circulates through the internal circuit of the boiler, giving heat energy to the water in the tank, thus ensuring its heating.
Advantages of an indirect heating boiler
This is a good alternative to heating boilers with 2 circuits. And for some indicators, boilers with indirect heating in conjunction with a single-loop heat generator are even more convenient.
If the analysis of hot water is made immediately from several taps( for example, in the kitchen and in the bathroom), then the pressure in the system begins to drop. This leads to "jumps" in temperature and changes in the operating mode of the boiler, which does not have the best effect on its durability. A boiler provides several points of simultaneous analysis of water at its constant temperature.
The connection of the recirculation system creates additional usability.
In some cases, this DHW option is more economical. In rural areas, there is rarely a centralized hot water supply. With gasification, the situation is not much better. And given the tariffs for electricity, the use of electric water heaters is more expensive. Boilers with solid fuels are constantly firing in the summer( for hot water), there is no sense, to periodically turn on electrical - expensive.
Disadvantages of
When connecting an indirect heating boiler to a heating system, it must be understood that it will provide DHW only in the heating season. Therefore, at other times of the year, the boiler will have to be switched on periodically. The use of other sources of thermal energy is associated with certain difficulties and costs. For example, installation of a heat pump, solar collector. But in some cases, changing the source of hot water to "serve" is quite convenient.
In size, it exceeds flowing water heaters( gas columns), so more space is required for installation.
Key features of
- Capacity capacity.
- Installation method and position - on the floor or wall;vertical installation or horizontal.
- Maximum values of the parameters: heating temperature, supply pressure and DHW circuit.
- Power( heat exchanger).
- Water preheating time to maximum temperature.
- Presence of protection elements( thermostat, safety valve).
- Dimensions.
Depending on the manufacturer and the particular model, there may be other characteristics, some of which are described below.
What to consider when buying
Feasibility of acquisition. The indirect heating boiler is suitable if the hot water flow in the house is quite significant - from 1.5 l / min. This happens, as a rule, if the family has 4 or more people. In addition, it makes no sense to connect it to an electric heating boiler, since its consumption of electricity in general will grow significantly, given the time of heating the tank.
It is necessary to pay attention to the design of the boiler. If the inner contour is made in the form of a coil, how is the latter fixed? After all, it is clear that in the process of exploitation, salt deposits appear on its internal walls, and it should be serviced periodically. In devices sold at a low price, this tube, as a rule, "tightly" welded to the body. Therefore, it will not be possible to remove it. It is better to buy with a removable coil.
How many of them are in the device design? If 2, then it is possible to connect the boiler to two independent sources of hot water( for example, a heating system + solar collector), which creates additional convenience in operation.
Coil material. It is better if it is brass or coated with silver.
Material used in the manufacture of the container. There are models where the heat exchanger consists of 2 tanks( one in the other), in the space between the walls of which circulates heated water supplied to the boiler. Durability is considered to be devices, in which the inner tank is made of stainless steel.
If it is made of a different material, what is the inner protective coating of? The most reliable is done by spraying titanium. But the cost of such products is relatively high. For cheaper models, "protection" is used, for example, from glass-porcelain. Even cheaper if used enamel, fiberglass. But the service life of such tanks is small - over time the protective layer is covered with cracks, and you need to make a replacement. By the way, is it possible in this model?
It is also important, and what material is used as a heat-insulating layer. If foam rubber, it is better not to buy. Quality is considered insulation, made of polyurethane.
Method of anti-corrosion protection. It can be anodic or cathodic. More common models with built-in magnesium anodes, which change as the "work out";this depends on the chemical composition of the water and the intensity of operation of the device.
The presence of other elements of the protective system - safety valve and thermostat.
More advantageous devices, where instead of anodes mounted devices that perform the same function. They do not change, but they work only when the industrial voltage is applied. Consequently, such boilers are partly volatile.
Is the recirculation system connected? There must be an appropriate branch pipe.
Is the heater installed? In some models( combined) it is, which ensures the autonomy of the device.
Diameter of the coiled tubing. The thicker it is, the faster the heat exchange process will take place. At the same time, a large capacity of the heat generator will be needed, since the water at the "supply" will cool down more quickly. This must be taken into account depending on the source of the hot liquid to which the boiler is to be connected.
Installation location. Boilers can be mounted on the wall or on the floor.
Warranty period. Availability in the place of residence of service organizations that have accreditation for the repair of this manufacturer's equipment. The possibility of acquiring components, for example, magnesium anode.
