A selection of the best alternative heating sources for a private house

The main elements of the water heating system

To the main elements of the water heating system include:

• boiler;
• a device that supplies air to the combustion chamber;
• equipment responsible for the removal of combustion products;
• pumping units that ensure the circulation of the coolant through the heating circuit;
• pipelines and fittings (fittings, shut-off valves, etc.);
• radiators (cast iron, steel, aluminum, etc.).

Boiler selection by the number of circuits

For heating the cottage, you can choose a single-circuit or double-circuit boiler. What is the difference between these models of boiler equipment? A single-circuit boiler is designed only for heating the coolant intended for circulation through the heating system. Indirect heating boilers are connected to single-circuit models, which supply the facility with hot water for technical purposes. In dual-circuit models, the operation of the unit is provided in two directions that do not intersect with each other. One circuit is responsible only for heating, the other for hot water supply.

Boiler selection by type of fuel

The most economical and convenient type of fuel for modern boilers has always been and remains main gas. The efficiency of gas boilers is not disputed, since their efficiency is 95%, and in some models this figure goes off scale for 100%. We are talking about condensing units capable of "pulling" heat from the products of combustion, flying away in other models simply "into the pipe".

Heating a country cottage with a wall-mounted gas boiler is one of the most popular ways to heat living space in gasified regions.

However, not all territories are gasified, so boiler equipment operating solid and liquid fuelas well as electricity. Use electric boilers for heating a cottage even more convenient and safer than gas, provided that the stable operation of the electricity grid is established in the region. Many owners are stopped by the cost of electricity, as well as the limitation of the rate of its release for one object.The requirement to connect an electric boiler to a three-phase network with a voltage of 380 V is also not to everyone's liking and affordability. It is possible to make electric heating of cottages more economical by using alternative sources of electricity (windmills, solar panels, etc.).

In cottages built in remote regions, cut off from gas and electric mains, liquid fuel boilers are installed. As fuel in these units, diesel fuel (diesel oil) or used oil is used, if there is a source of its constant replenishment. Solid fuel units operating on coal, wood, peat briquettes, pellets, etc. are very common.

Heating a country cottage with a solid fuel boilerworking on pellets - granulated wood pellets having a cylindrical shape and a certain size

Boiler selection by power

Having decided on the type of boiler equipment according to the fuel criterion, they begin to select a boiler of the required power. The higher this indicator, the more expensive the model, so you should not miscalculate when determining the power of the unit purchased for a particular cottage. You can't follow the path: the less, the better. Since in this case the equipment cannot fully cope with the task of heating the entire area of ​​​​a country house to a comfortable temperature.

Types of alternative heating sources

In order to equip alternative heating for a private DIY home, there are several options that can help you save a considerable amount of money while using completely renewable energy.

1. Biofuel.This option is completely environmentally friendly due to the use of special briquettes and pellets, which include manure, plants, sewage and other natural waste. By the way, this fertilizer can be obtained at home.

A boiler is used as a converting device, the fuel supply to which is carried out automatically. To switch from gas heating to biofuel, it makes no sense to change the entire heating system: just replace the boiler and connect it to the system.

In order to independently organize an efficient biofuel heating system, you can also build a fireplace, which, subject to all installation rules, is quite capable of heating a small private house with high quality.

2. Solar energy. Converting solar energy into thermal energy is a modern and fairly economical way to heat a room. Such heating is obtained almost free of charge: all that is required of you is to buy a solar collector or assemble it yourself from components that can be easily found in specialized stores. Installing the collector is quite simple, so you can do it yourself. The collector is mounted on the roof, where the device will collect solar energy and transfer it to a mini-boiler room located inside the house. Modern solar collectors are effective even in cloudy weather.

This option of heating a private house will allow you to heat your house for free even in severe frosts. Moreover, if you correctly installed the collector and connected it to internal communications, you can use the energy of the sun to heat water for domestic needs.

3. Energy of the earth and water.To equip such a heating system, you will need to install a heat pump, which requires electricity to operate. In this case, you can save 10-20% of cash costs compared to gas heating. The heat pump can also be installed independently, especially since, compared to gas equipment, it is absolutely safe.

Heat pumps can operate in 2 types:
- water-water;
- brine-water.

For the first type, it will be necessary to drill 2 wells for lifting and 2 for draining water, about 50 m deep. All these works can be carried out on their own, but with the permission of government agencies.

For the second type, you will need a well with a depth of at least 200 m. Pipes with a solution must be laid in the well. In order to reduce the difference in heat at the outlet at different times of the year, a heat exchanger can be installed.

Despite the relative complexity of installation, such a heating system will allow you to receive almost free heat, the main thing is to make the right calculations and take into account all the nuances.

4. Infrared heating and system "warm floor". Heating with infrared heat sources can be easily arranged independently. To do this, you just need to buy infrared heaters and arrange them in the house. Their cost is relatively inexpensive, besides, such devices can become a spectacular element of home decor.

The underfloor heating system can also be installed on your own in just a couple of days. To do this, you will need an infrared film, which must be laid immediately under the top layer of the flooring.This process does not require any special skills, it is enough just to remove the existing coating, lay the film and lay a new coating.

Such an alternative heating of a private house is quite simply mounted and allows you to efficiently heat the room.

Which radiators to choose

Despite the variety of heating systems, in any case special equipment required, with the help of which heat enters the cottage: heating radiators, batteries. All heating equipment can be divided into 4 types:

1) Cast iron radiators are an excellent heat carrier. But they are not without risk. occurrence of water hammer, which can lead to damage to them during the heating season. Since the inner surface of the radiator is rough, it is able to accumulate limescale, which blocks the flow of heat into the room. When choosing a cast-iron radiator for a cottage, it should be taken into account that a local heating system is installed.

2) Steel radiators are more resistant to water hammer and do not have the disadvantages of cast iron batteries, they transfer heat better. But they are not resistant to corrosion, rust can form on the inner wall, which forces the batteries to be carefully maintained, or too frequent replacement will be required.

3) Aluminum radiators are light in design, excellent in heat conduction, corrosion resistant, but unable to withstand water hammer. If in the cottage uses a local heating system, then such a radiator can be an excellent solution.

4) Bimetallic radiators are the most efficient.They are resistant to corrosion, water hammer, do not form scale on the inner surface, give off more heat. Among the shortcomings, only the high price was revealed.

The number of sections of radiators: how to correctly calculate

Number of battery sections: competent selection

The calculation of the heating system is carried out with the obligatory selection of the number of radiator sections. A fairly simple formula can also be used here - the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room that is supposed to be heated must be multiplied by 100 and divided by the power of the battery section.

• Room area. As a rule, all radiators are designed to heat only one room, and therefore the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe house is not needed. The only exception is if there is a room that is not equipped with a heating system next to the room that is being heated;
• The number 100, which appears in the formula for calculating the number of radiator sections for a heating system, is not taken from the ceiling. According to the requirements of SNiP, about 100 W of power is used per square meter of living space. This is quite enough to maintain a comfortable temperature;
• As for the power of the section of heating radiators, it is individual and depends, first of all, on the material of the batteries. If it is impossible to accurately determine the parameter, then 180-200 W can be taken for calculations - this corresponds to the average statistical power of a section of modern radiators.

Having received all the data, you can start calculating the heating batteries. If we take as a basis the size of the room at 20 m2, and the section power at 180 W, then the number of elements of heating radiators can be calculated as follows:

n=20*100|180=11

It should be noted that for rooms located at the end or at the corner of the building, the result obtained must be multiplied by 1.2. Thus, it will be possible to achieve the most optimal values, to determine a sufficient number of radiator sections for heating a country cottage.

Air conditioners

Air conditioning is the most affordable and easiest alternative source of home heating. You can install one powerful on the entire floor or one in each room.

The most optimal option for using the air conditioner is in late spring or early autumn, when it is still not too cold outside and the gas boiler can not be started yet. This will reduce gas consumption for electricity bill and do not exceed the monthly rate of gas consumption.

Important points:

• The boiler and air conditioner must be linked to each other to work in pairs. That is, the boiler must see that the air conditioner is working and not turn on while the room is warm. Here you can not do without a wall thermostat.
• Heating with electricity is not cheaper than gas. Therefore, you should not completely switch to heating with air conditioners.
• Not all air conditioners can be used at zero and frost.

Personal experience

I use for home heating four heat sources: a gas boiler (main), a fireplace with a water circuit, six flat solar collectors and an inverter air conditioner.

Why is it needed

1. Have a second (backup) source of heat if the gas boiler fails or its capacity becomes insufficient (severe frosts).
2. Save on heating. Due to different heat sources, you can control the monthly and annual gas consumption rate so as not to switch to a more expensive tariff.

Some statistics

The average gas consumption in January 2016 is 12 cubic meters per day. With a heated area of ​​200m2 and an additional basement.

	October	November	January
Consumption per month	63,51	140	376
Minimum	0,5	0,448	7,1
Maximum	5,53	10,99	21,99
Average per day	2,76	4,67	12,13

Fluctuations in consumption by day during the month are associated with different outdoor temperatures and the presence of the sun: on sunny days, collectors work, and gas consumption decreases.

conclusions

Heating without gas is possible. Some heat sources serve as a complete gas boiler replacement, others can only be used in addition. For convenience, let's combine everything in a table:

Alternative to gas	Addition
Ground source heat pump solid fuel boiler pellet boiler	Fireplace with water circuit air fireplace Pellet fireplace Solar collectors inverter air conditioners Air source heat pump Electric boilers

There are other alternative ways to heat a building that are not included in the list: stoves, buleryans, electric boilers and other heating devices.

And, of course, it is important to remember that installing other heat sources is not the only way to save gas and reduce dependence on it. We need to work on improving the overall energy efficiency of the building: identify and eliminate all heat leaks, use heat more efficiently and minimize building heat losses

Boiler, pump, heater or collector: pros and cons

In order to at least roughly outline a suitable option for yourself, you should read a brief information about each of them.

Boilers for various types of fuel

The most optimal option is boilers operating on liquid fuel. They do not require any additional maintenance costs, which makes them stand out against the background of solid fuels.Throughout the heating season, they operate fully automatically.

Oil boiler

Installation of such boilers is carried out in a room with an air temperature of at least + 5 ° C, the presence of exhaust ventilation is also important. Depending on the model chosen, such boilers can run on kerosene, diesel fuel, waste oil

Tank capacity, as a rule, is from 100 to 2000 liters.

Also on sale are universal boilers that can work on different types of fuel. Pellet boilers work by burning pressed wood waste. Biofuel devices are very popular, which are various wastes: manure, weeds, food waste. In the process of decay, all this emits a gas that burns perfectly and is able to give off thermal energy in large quantities. This option is ideal for small areas.

Infrared heaters

Infrared heaters are durable, efficient and easy to install. Plus, affordable prices and a wide selection of models.

Infrared heater

Video description

An experiment to test the effectiveness of infrared heaters is presented in this video:

Heat pumps

Heat pumps are similar in principle to standard air conditioners. This is equipment that receives heat from natural sources (water, air, earth) and accumulates it, transferring it to the heating system of the home. Such systems are characterized by high performance and can be used all year round. Among the shortcomings are a short service life (15-20 years), complex installation and high cost.

Heat pump

Solar collectors

Solar collectors can reduce gas costs several times during the heating season, on days with high solar activity. They are able to absorb up to 90% of heat. The advantage is affordable cost, ease of operation. At the same time, most models lose their effectiveness in windy weather and are damaged by frost.

solar collector

The use of alternative heating is a profitable investment for the future. Given the current rates and their constant increase, this is a great way to save money. Due to the fact that the described methods are not yet at the peak of popularity, the price of equipment is quite high, but these investments will pay off in a year or two. As for the specific choice, it should be made based on specific conditions - location, amount of heat required, permanent or temporary residence, etc., and also, if possible, with the support of specialists.

Heat pumps

The most versatile alternative heating for a private house - installation of heat pumps. They work known to all principle of the refrigerator, taking away heat from a colder body and giving it to the heating system.

It consists of a seemingly complex scheme of three devices: an evaporator, a heat exchanger and a compressor. There are a lot of options for the implementation of heat pumps, but the most popular are:

• Air to air
• Air to water
• water-water
• ground water

Air to air

The cheapest implementation option is air-to-air. In fact, it resembles a classic split system, however, electricity is spent only on pumping heat from the street into the house, and not on heating the air masses.This helps to save money, while perfectly heating the house throughout the year.

The efficiency of the systems is very high. For 1 kW of electricity, you can get up to 6-7 kW of heat. Modern inverters work great even at temperatures of -25 degrees and below.

Air to water

"Air-to-water" is one of the most common implementations of a heat pump, in which a large-area coil installed in an open area plays the role of a heat exchanger. Additionally, it can be blown by a fan, forcing the water inside to cool.

Such installations are characterized by more democratic cost and simple installation. But they are able to work with high efficiency only at temperatures from +7 to +15 degrees. When the bar drops to a negative mark, efficiency drops.

ground water

The most versatile implementation of a heat pump is ground-to-water. It does not depend on the climatic zone, since a layer of soil that does not freeze throughout the year is everywhere.

In this scheme, the pipes are immersed in the ground to a depth where the temperature is kept at the level of 7-10 degrees throughout the year. Collectors can be located vertically and horizontally. In the first case, several very deep wells will have to be drilled, in the second case, a coil will be laid at a certain depth.

The disadvantage is obvious: complex installation work that will require high financial investments. Before deciding on such a step, you should calculate the economic benefits. In areas with short warm winters, it is worth considering other options for alternative heating of private houses. Another limitation is the need for a large free area - up to several tens of square meters. m.

water-water

The implementation of a water-to-water heat pump is practically no different from the previous one, however, the collector pipes are laid in groundwater that does not freeze throughout the year, or in a nearby reservoir. It is cheaper due to the following advantages:

• Maximum well drilling depth - 15 m
• You can get by with 1-2 submersible pumps

Biofuel boilers

If there is no desire and opportunity to equip a complex system consisting of pipes in the ground, solar modules on the roof, you can replace the classic boiler with a model that runs on biofuel. They need:

1. Biogas
2. straw pellets
3. Peat granules
4. Wood chips, etc.

Such installations are recommended to be installed together with the alternative sources considered earlier. In situations where one of the heaters does not work, it will be possible to use the second.

Main advantages

When deciding on the installation and subsequent operation of alternative sources of thermal energy, it is necessary to answer the question: how quickly will they pay off? Undoubtedly, the considered systems have advantages, among which:

• The cost of the energy produced is less than when using traditional sources
• High efficiency

However, one should be aware of the high initial material costs, which can reach tens of thousands of dollars. The installation of such installations cannot be called simple, therefore, the work is entrusted exclusively to a professional team that is able to provide a guarantee for the result.

Summing up

Demand is acquiring alternative heating for a private house, which becomes more profitable against the backdrop of rising prices for traditional sources of thermal energy. However, before starting to re-equip the current heating system, it is necessary to calculate everything by considering each of the proposed options.

It is also not recommended to abandon the traditional boiler. It must be left and in certain situations, when alternative heating does not fulfill its functions, it will remain possible to warm your home and not freeze.

2 Varieties of non-standard systems

When choosing non-standard heating for a private house, you should familiarize yourself in detail with all the subtleties and nuances of this issue.

Particular attention should be paid to energy sources and equipment that will convert energy into heat:

1. 1. Biofuel boilers. Recognized as the most popular energy sources among consumers, they are ideal for a private home. Differ in high quality of production, long service life. They are considered excellent substitutes for gas heating, such an option for an alternative source of heat for a home with your own hands can be done and implemented only with the proper experience. Such boilers can be used to provide hot water and space heating.
2. 2. Heat pump system. It is one of the most economical heating methods. Such equipment operates from the electrical network, thereby converting natural energy into heat intended for heating the house. Alternative heating of this type is very successful, as it can become a full-fledged substitute for a gas boiler.
3. 3.In addition, air heat pumps are also suitable for a private house as an alternative to gas, the cost of which is several times cheaper, and besides, they stand out for their ease of installation. Air heat pumps can completely replace gas heating, but there is one caveat - if the temperature is below zero outside the window, then their efficiency begins to drop dramatically.
4. 4. Solar collectors. This alternative heating option is also very popular because it saves money on gas.
5. 5. Air fireplaces. Compared to conventional fireplaces, the air version is less expensive and easier to install. For the normal functioning of the heat source, it is necessary to carefully work out the scheme of an alternative source of heating, so that the whole house is heated as a result. These actions can be performed both with your own hands and with the help of specialists.

To implement such an idea, it will be necessary to purchase a windmill without fail. In order to convert the force of the wind into the desired source of heating, one cannot do without a wind generator, which can be vertical or horizontal, everything here depends strictly on the axis of rotation.

Biofuel boilers

If you intend to change the gas heating system to alternative heating of a private house, then there is no need to organize it from scratch. Very often, only the replacement of the boiler is required. The most popular are those boilers that run on solid fuels. or electric boilers. Such boilers are not always profitable in terms of coolant costs.

Particular attention should be paid to such boilers that operate on fuels of biological origin.For the operation of the heating system, in the center of which there is a biofuel boiler, special pellets or briquettes are required

However, other materials can also be used, such as:

• granulated peat;
• chips and wood pellets;
• straw pellets.

The main disadvantage is the fact that such alternative heating of a country house can cost much more than a gas boiler and, moreover, briquettes are quite expensive material.

Wood briquettes for heating

A fireplace can be a great alternative solution for organizing such a system as an alternative home heating system. By means of a fireplace, you can heat a house with a small area, but the quality of heating will largely depend on how well the fireplace was arranged.

With geothermal type pumps, even a large house can be heated. For functioning, such alternative methods of heating a private house use the energy of water or earth. Such a system can perform not only a heating function, but also work as an air conditioner. This will be most relevant in the hot months, when the house does not need to be heated, but cooled. This type of heating system is environmentally friendly and does not harm the environment.

Geothermal heating of a private house

Solar alternative heating sources of a country house - collectors, are plates installed on the roof of a building. They collect solar heat and transfer the accumulated energy to the boiler room by means of a heat carrier. A heat exchanger is installed in the storage tank, into which heat enters.After this process, water is heated, which can be used not only for heating the house, but also for various household needs. Modern technologies have made it possible for such alternative types of heating a private house to collect heat even in wet or cloudy weather.

Solar collectors

However, the best effect of such heating systems can only be obtained in warmer and southern areas. In the northern regions, such alternative country heating systems houses are suitable for organizing an additional heating system, but not the main one.

Of course, this is not the most affordable method, but every year its popularity is only growing. Alternative heating of a cottage in this way is the simplest from the point of view of such a science as physics. Solar panels stand out in an expensive price category because the manufacturing processes for photovoltaic cells are expensive.

What can be considered alternative heating

It so happened that there is no single approach to the definition and classification. Manufacturers of heating devices, equipment sellers, the media are all ready to exploit this concept in their own way. Quite often, alternative types of home heating are called everything that does not work on gas. This may include a pellet "biofuel" installation, infrared heated floors or an ionic electric boiler. Sometimes the emphasis is on an unusual implementation, for example, “warm plinth” or “warm walls”, in a word, everything is relatively new, which has been actively used since the end of the last century.

So what is really an alternative for a private house? Let's focus on options where three basic principles are observed.

First, we consider only renewable energy sources.

Secondly, the performance of the equipment should be sufficient to at least partially supplement the heating (as the most energy-intensive system), and not just ensure the operation of a few light bulbs.

Thirdly, the cost / profitability of the power plant should be at such a level that it would be advisable to use it for domestic needs.

Modern heating technologies

Heating options for a private house:

• Traditional heating system. The heat source is a boiler. Thermal energy is distributed by the heat carrier (water, air). It can be improved by increasing the heat transfer of the boiler.
• Energy-saving equipment that is used in new heating technologies. Electricity (solar system, various types of electric heating and solar collectors) acts as an energy carrier for heating housing.

New technologies in heating should help in solving the following issues:

• Cost reduction;
• Respect for natural resources.

Warm floor

Infrared floor (IR) is a modern heating technology. The main material is an unusual film. Positive qualities - flexibility, increased strength, moisture resistance, fire resistance. Can be laid under any floor material. The radiation of the infrared floor has a good effect on well-being, identical to the effect of sunlight on the human body. Cash costs for laying an infrared floor are 30-40% less than the cost of installing floors with electric heating elements.Energy savings when using a film floor of 15-20%. The control panel regulates the temperature in each room. No noise, no smell, no dust.

With water supply heat in the floor screed a metal-plastic pipe is laid. The heating temperature is limited to 40 degrees.

Water solar collectors

Innovative heating technology is used in places with high solar activity. Water solar collectors are located in places open to the sun. Usually this is the roof of the building. From the sun's rays, the water is heated and sent inside the house.

The negative point is the inability to use the collector at night. It makes no sense to apply in areas of the northern direction. The big advantage of using this principle of heat generation will be the general availability of solar energy. Does not harm nature. Does not take up usable space in the yard of the house.

solar systems

Heat pumps are used. With a total electricity consumption of 3-5 kW, pumps pump 5-10 times more energy from natural sources. The source is natural resources. The resulting thermal energy is supplied to the coolant with the help of heat pumps.

infrared heating

Infrared heaters have found application in the form of primary and secondary heating in any room. With low power consumption, we get a large heat transfer. The air in the room does not dry out.

The installation is easy to mount, no additional permits are needed for this type of heating. The secret of savings is that heat accumulates in objects and walls. Apply ceiling and wall systems. They have a long service life, more than 20 years.

Skirting heating technology

The scheme of operation of the skirting technology for heating a room resembles the operation of IR heaters. The wall is heating up. Then she starts to give off heat. Infrared heat is well tolerated by humans. The walls will not be susceptible to fungus and mold, as they will always be dry.

Easy to install. The heat supply in each room is regulated. In summer, the system can be used to cool the walls. The principle of operation is the same as for heating.

Air heating system

The heating system is built on the principle of thermoregulation. Hot or cold air is supplied directly to the room. The main element is an oven with a gas burner. The combusted gas gives off heat to the heat exchanger. From there, the heated air enters the room. Does not require water pipes, radiators. Solves three issues - space heating, ventilation.

The advantage is that the heating can be started gradually. In this case, the existing heating will not be affected.

Heat accumulators

The coolant is heated at night in order to save money on electricity costs. A thermally insulated tank, a large capacity is a battery. At night it heats up, during the day there is a return of thermal energy for heating.

Use of computer modules and the heat generated by them

To start the heat supply system Internet connection and electricity required. Principle of operation: the heat that the processor releases during operation is used.

They use compact and inexpensive ASIC chips. Several hundred chips are assembled into one device. At cost, this installation comes out like a regular computer.