Recently, in Europe, concerned about the conservation of natural resources and the environment, the use of direct-burning gas boilers has been banned everywhere. In this case, it is prescribed to install condensation units as more environmentally friendly and economical. Let's try to figure out what they are and how they differ from the usual gas heaters.
How a condensing boiler works
The water heating system of a private house works due to the combustion of the heat carrier and heating of the heat exchangers. In a classic gas boiler, natural gas heats the water in the heating circuit, and its combustion products are eliminated through the chimney. In addition, water vapor is also formed along with carbon monoxide. It was the use of this steam to generate additional heat that laid down the principle of operation of condensing boilers.
To obtain additional heat, special metal tanks have been installed where water vapor reaches the dew point and turns into a liquid. At the same time, he gives his heat to the heating system.
What a condensing boiler consists of
The design underlying condensing boilers was developed quite a long time ago, in the last century. Its implementation was hindered by the lack of metals capable of withstanding high temperature and humidity. Modern science has been able to create metal sulimin. It is able to withstand reactive water vapor and withstand many condensation cycles.
On a note!
Sulimin is silicon and aluminum alloy
The structure of the boiler with a condenser is extremely simple:
- the body contains a familiar gas combustion chamber;
- Together with it, a system for capturing water vapor, their condensation and liquid drainage is installed.
Oddly enough, such boilers are not at all more massive than classic ones, but their capacity is several times higher. The difference in gas consumption in spring and autumn is especially noticeable. At this time, you can save up to 20% of the heat carrier for heating the room.
In winter, the difference is noticeable only when using condensing boilers with underfloor heating systems, but with heating radiators the flow rate will not differ much.
Rules for working with a condensing boiler
Condensing boilers are designed in Europe, where the climate is milder and there are no such harsh winters as in Russia. Therefore, there is no need to raise the temperature in the heating pipes to 70 degrees and above. Most effective condensation occurs when the pipes are slightly heated, when the difference in temperature of water and combusted gas is maximum. Ideally, the return pipe should have room temperature water.
Whether to install a classic boiler or a condensing one, which is one and a half times more expensive, is up to the owners themselves. If the house is located in the south of Russia, then gas savings will be very significant. But for the northern regions with long cold winters, the difference will be almost imperceptible - 5-10 percent.
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