Gas heating equipment is gaining more and more popularity. The operation of such equipment is beneficial even with liquefied gas, compared with the cost of electricity. A convection boiler is the most common type among heating devices of this type. Among a large assortment of models, it is important to choose the one that is suitable for your home.
What is a convection boiler?
This type of device is often used for a private house with an area of more than 300 m². The principle of operation of the device is simple: gas enters the burner, the flame lights up, it heats the heat exchanger with water. Combustion products are discharged through a connected chimney. The efficiency of the device is over 90%.
Convection gas boiler happens:
- single-circuit - designed only for heating the coolant for heating the house;
- double-circuit - provides housing with heating and hot water (DHW).
There are two ways to install:
- Outdoor - such units require a separate room or a large area; a solid foundation is provided for their installation.
- Wall-mounted - such models are compact, can be placed in any non-residential premises of the apartment.
The principle of operation and device
Heating appliances come with an open and closed combustion chamber. A boiler with an open chamber draws combustion air from the room and removes the exhaust gas through a chimney. A device with a closed chamber provides for the coaxial chimney. This is a “pipe-in-pipe” design: air enters one by one to maintain a flame, and combustion products are discharged on the other.
How does convective heating work? Inside the device there is a heat exchanger and a flame modulating burner. With automatic or piezo ignition, gas enters the system, a spark is created and the burner ignites. The flame heats the heat exchanger along which the coolant moves. As soon as the liquid reaches the set temperature, the automation is activated and the heating stops. When the coolant is cooled, the thermocouple is turned on, the fuel valve opens and heating again occurs.
The circulation pump forcibly moves the coolant in the system, which avoids freezing when the temperature drops. The speed of the pump can be adjusted.
Combustion products are discharged out through a chimney, which is organized according to the standards and using only materials resistant to aggressive environments and high temperatures.
The scheme of the main units of the unit is shown below:
Advantages of convection boiler:
- A wide range of designs and models allows you to choose a boiler for a large private house or small apartment.
- Price categories are different, everyone can choose a unit that is suitable for cost.
- Wall and floor installation types.
- The radiator is made of cast iron, so it is designed for a long service life.
- Automatic sensors and sensors ensure safe operation.
- Settling on the walls, condensation contributes to corrosion. But in these models, more of it is discharged into the chimney. Low residual condensate residue minimizes the risk of metal damage.
- The outdoor thermostat automatically adjusts the heating temperature of the circuit.
- Frost protection.
- Simple construction and operation.
Experts identify several shortcomings of convection-type boilers, but they can be challenged:
- Bypass devices are sensitive to water quality. On the one hand, this is an inconvenience. On the other hand, if you initially install filters, then in the future you will avoid the formation of scale, violation of heating and combustion of the heat exchanger.
- Devices with a closed combustion chamber are volatile. Indeed, turbocharged models require a network connection, since the smoke exhaust fan is powered by electricity. If this problem is relevant for you, choose boilers with an open camera.
Convection type boilers
A gas convector is a heating device that looks like an electric fireplace: it does not require connection to pipe systems for heating. But it is structurally similar to the boiler: inside there is a burner, a closed-type combustion chamber and gas exhaust. Smoke is removed through a special pipe.
It is recommended to install the unit in the lower part of the room. The coldest air passes through the convective part, heats up and rises.
In such an apparatus there is a fan, it quickly and efficiently distributes warm air throughout the apartment. The convection device is mounted on a permanent place. After that, a hole is organized for the outlet of the chimney pipe. Installation can be done independently.
Which is better: gas boiler or convector? A boiler is definitely better for heating a living room. The convector heats the air quickly and unevenly, and after it is turned off, the temperature quickly drops. Therefore, it is better to install such units in warehouses and industrial buildings.
Convection or condensation?
What is the difference between these two types of devices? Both run on gas fuel, provide radiators and hot water with hot water. However, the efficiency of one is over 90%, and the other is 107-110%. How is this possible? The condensation method allows you to use the latent heat of the combustion products.
Carbon monoxide vapor contains acid and aggressive substances. In convection technology, they are taken to the street, and in condensation technology, they cool to the dew point (52-56 degrees). This technology was not possible until stainless steel was welded in production. Ordinary metal quickly corroded acid.
Modern products are equipped with an additional heat exchanger. Condensation forms in it, which accumulates in the tank. As a result of the conversion of steam into liquid, additional (latent) energy is generated, which is transferred to the coolant. The principle of operation is similar to the economizer in steam boilers: it is used to increase efficiency due to the energy of combustion products. This device is installed in a separate room and takes up a lot of space.
Everything is relative. Condensing boiler:
- More economical and efficient, but the savings depend on the cost of fuel.
- It does not cool the air in the room, as it is taken from the outside.
- It is applied in low-temperature systems, such as "a heat-insulated floor".
- Needs a high-quality and reliable chimney that can withstand an aggressive environment.
In addition, you have to think about how to remove the accumulated moisture. If in apartments it is mixed with sewage water, then in a private house it is necessary to equip a separate sewage system (for more details, see the publication “What is a Condensing Boiler”).
Convection Heater:
- much cheaper than condensation models;
- equipped with a cast-iron radiator;
- produces less condensate;
- consumes more fuel;
- models with an open combustion chamber take air from the room, so it cools faster.
Major malfunctions
With each release, manufacturers will improve their technology. But absolutely reliable devices have not yet been invented. Let's list what problems users have to face:
- A small flame in the burner. This happens when the nozzles become clogged with dust and soot, or when there is a high air content in the fuel.
- After ignition, the burner does not work or the flame goes out. The reason may be a lack of draft, a chimney blockage, an ionization electrode. Cleaning and replacement of defective elements.
- Noise at work. The heat exchanger is overgrown with scale, so the water inside boils and makes noise. Descale the radiator.
- The technique does not start. It is necessary to check the phase and zero connection, turn the plug in the socket.
Problems with sensors and components are reported by the boiler self-diagnosis. The error code is displayed. Its value indicates the cause of the breakdown.
There are problems that do not depend on the manufacturer and user, but affect the operation of the equipment:
- Differential pressure in the highway. Many manufacturers produce technology adapted to our realities. Such units can operate at a pressure of 1.5-2 bar.
- Incorrect installation, chimney clogging. Installation must be done strictly according to the standards.
- Power outages. It is recommended to connect a stabilizer.
Consider the most popular models.
Varieties of convection equipment
Among residents of apartments, mounted models are more popular. Floor options are more often mounted in private houses, in a separate room.
Vaillant turboTEC plus VUW 362 / 5-5
One of the smallest and most compact models. The device includes a turbo burner and a closed gas exhaust system. Modulation of the flame is adjustable from 30 to 100%. Thus, you can not only adjust the heating temperature, but also save on fuel.
Smoke is discharged through a coaxial pipe. The coefficient of performance reaches 93%. A feature of the Vaillant turboTEC plus is the presence of two heat exchangers. Primary is made of copper for heating the coolant in the heating circuit. Secondary - stainless steel - provides hot water.
Built-in pump with speed control in three positions. The boiler security system includes:
- expansion tank;
- bypass (provides constant circulation of the coolant);
- relief valve;
- protection against jamming and freezing.
Electronic ignition, as well as the control panel. Product power reaches 36 kW. Dimensions - 800x440x338 mm. Cost - from 67 000 rubles.
Ross Aogw 10 Pcd Sit Economy
Cost-effective, two-circuit outdoor equipment. This boiler is more like a fireplace, but it works much more efficiently, its power is 10.5 kW. The efficiency is 93%. Two radiators are structurally provided. One of them is made of steel; the second (plate) radiator is designed to provide hot water.
The product is suitable for heating areas up to 105 m². It works when connected to the main line and cylinder. The system functions stably when the pressure drops to 1.5 bar. Built-in overheat protection (thermostat), gas control. Fluid circulation is natural. The burner starts from piezo ignition. Dimensions - 610x650x280 mm. Price - from 19 000 rubles.
CTC 950 gas
This is a combination heater from a Swiss company. How is it different from AOGV? First of all, at a price. This is one of the most expensive and reliable devices. In addition, dual-circuit equipment operates on two types of fuel: in winter it will be convenient to use diesel heating, and in summer, gas can be turned on for heating hot water. Installation of a boiler is allowed.
A rectangular construction is hung on the wall. Thermal power 30 kW, efficiency - 94%. Carbon monoxide is discharged into the street through a coaxial pipe, and air is taken from there to maintain the flame. On the external panel there is a large display and button control. Protective automation includes:
- thermostat - temperature control;
- safety valve - for fluid withdrawal with increasing pressure;
- external thermometer;
- expansion tank for 12 liters.
Dimensions - 690x900x370 mm. Cost - from 200 000 rubles.
Bosch Gaz 7000 W
The equipment is suitable for heating apartments and houses of 280-350 m². The double-circuit closed-type power unit reaches 33.3 kW. Heating between radiators and domestic hot water occurs almost instantly thanks to the flow sensor. Electronic control allows you to separately adjust the temperature and power for both circuits, which is important in the summer.
Torch with modulating flame modulation. To transfer to liquefied fuel, it is enough to put nozzles of the desired diameter.
Features of Gaz 7000 W:
- traction sensors and thermostat installed;
- built-in frost protection;
- flame ionization;
- gas control;
- pressure valve;
- circulation pump with three modes and blocking protection;
- automatic ignition.
Dimensions - 480x825x370 mm. Price - from 50 000 rubles.
If you are faced with the choice of equipment for heating, consider the advantages and disadvantages of convection boilers, as well as the type of housing and layout. Knowledge of the features of convection gas boilers will help you choose the right equipment and save on its operation in the future.