What is a convection boiler

Boilers are usually used for space heating. In the best cases, they are also intended for the organization of hot water supply (DHW). Convection type is no exception.

What is a convection boiler

Convection is the heat exchange that occurs as a result of mixing particles between themselves. This action occurs in liquids and gases. The easiest way to mix gas. Natural gas in Russia is the cheapest fuel. And it is not surprising that this type of boilers is the most common among us.

What it consists of and how it works

Inside is a heat exchanger and burner. During ignition, gas enters the system, a spark forms and the burner ignites. The flame heats the heat exchanger along which the coolant moves. When the desired fluid temperature is reached, automatic control is triggered and heating stops. During cooling, the fuel valve automatically opens and heating of the coolant resumes.

Important! A circulating pump is used to move the coolant in the system. The speed of movement of water can be adjusted.

And the last one is the conclusion of combustion products. It is provided through a branch pipe and further into the chimney. The chimney must be made of a material that can withstand high temperatures and aggressive environments.

By the method of organizing hot water (DHW) are divided into:

1. Single-circuit. Used when the task is only to heat the room. If you additionally want to get hot water, you need to use them in combination with a boiler.
2. Bypass. They can be with flow-through heat exchangers and with a boiler. And in both cases it is possible to simultaneously heat the room and receive hot water. The expediency of use is determined by the number of hot water sampling points.

Important! The choice is always yours. Having a double-circuit boiler, you can use only one circuit. Do not harm this appliance. But in the future, you can quickly organize a DHW system.

According to the installation method are divided into:

1. Floor standing. They require a separate room, ideally a dedicated boiler room. But it is possible to install directly in the house in a separate non-residential room with an area of ​​more than 7.5 m. They require a foundation.
2. Wall mounted. These models are compact and can be installed in any non-residential premises of a house or apartment.

Pros and Cons of Convection Boilers

The attractiveness of use is determined by the following:

• assortment allows you to choose what you need;
• it is easy to find the right ratio of quality and price;
• long radiator life;
• low residual condensate;
• protected against freezing;
• easy to operate and repair.

The following factors make us doubt the feasibility of a choice:

1. Gas consumption is greater than in other units.
2. Water quality plays a big role in the longevity of the installation. Especially in double-circuit boilers. Installing water filters will help. This will significantly increase the life of the heat exchanger.
3. When using a closed chamber, combustion appears volatility, since the fan for exhaust smoke is powered by electricity.

Important! When installing a heating system with a traditional boiler, the exhaust products at the outlet must not be lower than 57 ° C.

Comparison with condensing boiler

Today it is customary to give preference to condensing boilers. The main reason is that this type saves 10% of fuel. The main difference from traditional ones is that they use heat-removing gases. This is achieved by placing an auxiliary heat exchanger, on the walls of which vapor condensation occurs.

To ensure this, water is required at around + 55 ° C. That is, the water in the return line must be cooled as much as possible.

When using convection units, the opposite is true: the temperature difference between the "return" and the feed line should be as small as possible. This essentially affects primarily the durability of the heat exchanger.

These requirements result in an outlet temperature of:

• convection - 140-160 ° C;
• condensation - 60-80 ° C.

It is this huge difference that leads to the fact that the efficiency of condensing type boilers is much higher. But at the same time, they lose a lot in price. Units of this type are very economical only at low temperature conditions. (underfloor heating, paving of paths).

The number of condensation type sales in our country is growing, but does not exceed 5% of the total sales. This is explained primarily by the low cost of gas in Russia. With the cost of the condensing boiler almost 2 times higher than the traditional one, the payback period will approach the life of the boiler itself.

When to prefer a convection boiler

From the right choice depends on how warm and comfortable the house will be, the safety of the heating system and the costs of its maintenance. So, it is advisable to install a convection boiler in the case of:

1. If the room is available, or in the near future will be connected to the main gas.
2. The heating system in the old house is being replaced and the same is required.
3. If long winters are common.
4. For some reason, there is no way to create a competent condensate drainage system and its neutralization.
5. The heating system is equipped only with radiators (without underfloor heating).
6. There are power outages.

If the house is heated with non-heated floors or other low-temperature heating systems, there will be no great benefit from installing condensation-type boilers during Russian cold winters. The availability of spare parts and cheap service also speaks in favor of the traditional ones.

And the increased gas consumption can and should be compensated by good insulation of the house. Fuel consumption is more dependent on the amount of heat loss in the room and a properly equipped heating main. Proper automation will also increase the efficiency of the installation.