Electric heating in a private house: an overview of the best types of electric heating systems

Varieties of heating systems

There are several ways to organize electric heating in your home. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are cheaper at the purchase stage, and some save significantly during operation. Let's look at what features each method has:

Installation of an electric boiler designed to heat water flowing through the pipes of the heating system. Perhaps the most well-known method, but it is far from the most effective today.Manufacturers claim that current models have become much more productive and now consume 80% less energy, but this is a moot point. Manual switching on and off of the boiler, of course, is impractical, and automatic at a given interval does not take into account the temperature regime of day and night. A more or less economical option is to install thermostats and appropriate automation to turn on depending on the temperature in the rooms, but this is difficult in terms of installation and very costly. Reduced power models with equal performance are also nothing more than advertisements. Such a boiler, most likely, will not have enough “strength” to heat a large private house.
infrared panels. This is not just a way to heat rooms, but a fundamentally different technology. The point is not to warm up the air (which has a very low efficiency), but to influence the objects located in the room. Under the light of IR lamps, floors and furniture heat up and begin to emit heat themselves. The fundamental difference is that the traditional "radiator" method of space heating actually heats the ceiling (warm air from the battery rises), and the floors remain cold. With infrared heating, the opposite is true. The light is directed downwards, which means that the warmest place is the floor. Supplement the system with thermostats - and economical heating of a country house, private house or garage is ready. And the opinion about the dangers of infrared radiation on a person is nothing more than a myth. The main thing is not to be under the lamp for a long time, and nothing dangerous will happen.
The use of convectors. According to manufacturers, this is the most efficient way of space heating, which combines high performance and economical energy consumption.Both of these statements are the subject of a long dispute, since the technology is based on the same "radiator" principle, and many individual characteristics should be taken into account in heating a house. The main difference lies in the significant ease of installation and operation and lower price.

An important advantage of convectors is fire safety, which is very important when heating a country or private house made of wood. Convectors allow you to install them sequentially from room to room, they are compact and pleasant to look at, and they are also protected from power surges.

air heating

System air heating consists of a heat generator and a water heater responsible for heating the air. Due to the fan and distribution heads, air masses are distributed throughout the house.

Characteristics

The advantages of the air heating system are: high efficiency (93%), the ability to warm up the room in the shortest possible time, maintaining the optimum temperature. Also, the heating system with an air intake can be equipped with air ionizers or cleaning filters.

Of the disadvantages of air heating, the following should be mentioned:

• an air heating system can only be installed at the stage of building a house;
• regular service is required;
• high demand for electricity (an additional source of power supply will be required);
• Air filters need to be changed frequently
• high installation and maintenance costs;
• drawing dust from the street (applies only to the system with forced draft).

The air heating system can use gas or diesel fuel. The calculation of fuel consumption is similar to example No. 1.

What is better to heat?

There are as many opinions about how to heat a house as there are people. Someone prefers to heat with electricity, someone with gas, and another part of the population prefers coal. Let's consider each option.

Coal is used in areas where there is no gas pipeline or as a backup type of heating. When burned, coal emits a large amount of smoke and soot. It has a low level of humidity. This property ensures the release of high temperature. As a result of the use of coal, the premises are heavily polluted, in addition, it is necessary to have a place to store fuel. It is necessary to periodically support the combustion process by throwing a new batch of coal into the boiler and cleaning the boiler itself.

Electricity is a costly service for heating large areas. It can be used in small rooms and compact spaces. In our regions, there are often power outages, and therefore, despite the variety of electric heater installations (from infrared emitters to boilers and electric boilers), there is a risk of being left not only without electricity for an indefinite period, but also in a cold house.

Gas is the best and most demanded option for heating a private house, for all types of areas, houses, as it completely warms up the space.

Pros and cons of solid fuel heating boilers

Solid fuel boilers use solid fuel: fuel briquettes, pellets, firewood, coal. They have a relatively low heat dissipation. In order to heat a house of a vast area well, it is necessary to spend a large amount of fuel and your own efforts. In this situation, the fuel will burn out quite quickly in two or four hours.

At the moment, there are long-burning boilers.Fuel can be loaded into them twice a day, or even once every 30 hours. But these boilers also have their drawbacks, for example, low efficiency (70%).

There will also be a need for auxiliary devices - this is the arrangement of additional traction in some cases or a heat accumulator. Do not forget about the positive components of solid fuel boilers. They work on all types of solid fuels and everything that can burn. It is not difficult to obtain such fuel at a reasonable price. Solid fuel heating is the best where civilization has not reached and gas supply will not be implemented soon. And if on top of that you have a big house.

How to heat the oven

You can heat everything that burns. The classic option is wood and coal. However, the following sources of thermal energy also went into the furnace at all times.

Kizyak

Kizyak is completely dried cow dung. It burns well and leaves almost no ash. Horse manure can be used for the same purpose. By the way, there is no smell from such fuel.

Peat

Peat, or rather, peat briquettes. In terms of calorific value, this is something between firewood and coal. Briquettes are burning in an already heated firebox. This means that you first need to melt the oven with wood, and then lay the briquettes.

More precisely, the toxicity of peat smoke can be equated with the toxicity of firewood. Only from peat there is more ash and smoke. You can only talk about the benefits of using peat if you have the opportunity to buy it at a low price. In all other cases, it is better to use firewood and coal.

Firewood

Firewood is considered to be the cheapest fuel. However, it is not always possible to agree with these statements.Even if a ton of firewood is cheaper than a ton of coal, you need to compare by the end result.

Coal

It is best to use coke. Coal burns for a long time, and good coked coal is also hot.

If you use black coal with low ash content and high calorific value, then one measure of coal can give as much heat as 3-5 such measures of their firewood will give. The only argument against coal is its high ash content.

Yet

There are other substitutes for firewood. For example, seed husks or corn cobs. Both burn well, but not for long, and without strong heat. However, these types of fuel should not be taken seriously.

Thus, from all types of solid fuels, it is worth choosing firewood and coal. And, in combination. Firewood is good for kindling the stove, and coal for a long and slow burning.

Steam heating: advantages and disadvantages

Steam heating implies the following mechanism: water is heated in the boiler to the boiling point, and the resulting steam enters the radiators. The steam then condenses to a liquid and returns to the boiler.

Advantages:

• high heating rate, regardless of the area of ​​​​the house;
• no heat loss in heat exchangers;
• ecological cleanliness of the coolant;
• cyclicity of the coolant - steam can be used several times;
• the minimum probability of freezing of the structure.

There are also negative aspects of such heating:

• there is no way to control the temperature inside the house;
• short service life of the system due to the high temperature of the coolant;
• high probability of corrosion under the influence of vapors;
• the need to install a grid.

The boiler can operate on the basis of gas, solid, liquid or combined fuels. In order for the heat transfer of the equipment to be as efficient as possible, it is necessary to choose it correctly. So, to heat a private house with an area of ​​60 - 200 m², a unit with a capacity of 25 kW is required (if the area is 200-300 m², then the boiler power must be at least 30 kW).

Properly combining fuel, you can save on heating your home.

How much fuel is needed

Example 2. Calculation of gas consumption for steam heating. Suppose the area of ​​a private house is 100 m². Accordingly, the boiler power for heating is 25 kW.

• 25 kW*24 hours*30 days = 18000 kWh. This figure does not reflect an adequate situation, as the boiler does not always operate at full capacity. The average value in this case is more acceptable.
  18000/2 = 9000 kWh.
• 7 months *9000 kWh = 63000 kWh - annual fuel consumption.
• Given that 1 m³ of fuel generates 10 kWh of energy, we get: 63000/10 = 6300 m³.
• In monetary terms: 6300 * 4.97 = 31311 rubles per year.

What is energy saving heating

If you make a similar request in any search engine, then the advertisements of various electric heat sources, possibly alternative installations - heat pumps, solar collectors, will mainly fall into the issue. To put it mildly, this looks somewhat paradoxical, because electric heating has always been and will be the most expensive way to heat a house.

Obviously, energy-saving heating systems are those that allow more profitable use of available fuel and energy resources while maintaining a given temperature regime inside the premises.

Thermal imaging allows you to determine the weak points of the object that need to be insulated in the first place

It is unlikely that this definition can characterize any one type of heating, and even more so some individual models of heat generators. And if it comes to that, then, in order to make such a loud statement, you need to compare not only with “classmates”, but with all available options. There have been no technological breakthroughs for a long time, there is no need to look for a miracle. In this case, real energy saving consists in a whole range of measures aimed at saving money. How it is achieved is another question. Due to objective and subjective reasons, for each object and for each user they will be different, but general directions can be identified.

Electric heating

The advantage of an electric boiler is ease of installation and a small number of permits. This boiler practically does not need maintenance. Electric heating is suitable for areas where natural gas is not available.

Electric heating is an environmentally friendly form of energy. It can be carried out with the help of infrared heaters, with the help of electric underfloor heating, with the help of oil heaters, electric boilers of various designs. To convert electrical energy into heat, for private-type houses, as a rule, electric convectors are used. Usually this is a metal case in which a heating element is mounted that heats the air inside the case.

Warm heated air rising up warms the room. The convectors are supplied with a temperature sensor.These devices are quite expensive, and the level of electricity consumption is quite high. When heating a large area, it is impractical to use them. The system of water heating with the help of electric heaters does not differ from systems in which boilers operating on other types of fuel are used.

Radiators or water convectors, which is better?

Convectors are based on the principle of heating the room by means of air flow. It heats up passing through the body of the heating unit. In turn, radiators heat the room by radiating heat from the surface of the body.

Radiators are very popular. Their principle of operation can be compared with the work of a Russian stove.

Convectors are heated panels, they heat the space with the help of the movement of cold and warm air masses. The composition of the convector includes a pipe in which the coolant is located. The pipe is framed with ribs, plates that heat up the surrounding space. Plates are often made of copper or steel. Convectors are divided into external and built-in. The first type of convectors is mounted on the wall, the second can be fixed along the floor or wall. Warm skirting boards also belong to convectors. This device is an excellent solution for people who do not want to depend on public heating systems.

Convectors are used as additional and main heating, especially indispensable in places where standard radiators are not used. For example, built-in floor convectors are located along sliding doors and glass walls.Convectors heat up a room much faster and cool down faster. Devices are durable in operation.

If it is better for you in heating a private house when the room warms up faster and more evenly, then install convectors. The most common options are steel radiators (60% convection) or copper-aluminum (90% convection). If these points are not important, then put ordinary radiators.

How to choose the right boiler?

The only objective criterion for choosing a combined boiler for your home is the required power to ensure the functioning of the heating system. Moreover, this indicator should not be affected by the number of connected circuits.

It makes no sense to pay more for a powerful boiler in the hope of adjusting its operation with automation. This approach contributes to the "idle" operation of the device, which leads to a faster failure. In addition, this mode of operation contributes to the acceleration of the condensation process.

As for the calculation of power, theoretically, to heat an area of ​​10 m2, it will be necessary to use 1 kW of heat energy.

But this is a rather conditional indicator, which is adjusted based on the following parameters:

• ceiling heights in the house;
• the number of floors;
• degree of building insulation.

Therefore, it is advisable to use a one-and-a-half coefficient in your calculations, i.e. in calculations, increase the margin by 0.5 kW. The power of a multi-circuit heating system is calculated with a surcharge of 25-30%.

So, in order to heat a building with an area of ​​​​100 m2, a power of 10-15 kW is required for single-circuit heating of the coolant and 15-20 kW for double-circuit heating.

To select a gas burner for a solid fuel boiler, you need to accurately measure the dimensions of the combustion chamber.It is these proportions that will correspond to the size of the gas burner

An equally important criterion when choosing a combined heating boiler is the price category. The price of the device depends on the power, the number of functions and the manufacturer.

For users, other characteristics are no less important:

• DHW;
• material of manufacture;
• ease of management;
• dimensions;
• accessories;
• weight and installation features;
• other.

The issue with hot water supply will immediately have to be resolved: a boiler will provide hot water or there is an electric boiler for this.

In the case of determining the first option, the preferred method is chosen - storage or flow, as well as the parameters of the water reservoir according to needs (calculated based on the number of residents).

As for the dimensions of the equipment, they only matter in the case of installation in a room with a small area.

According to the material of manufacture, a wide range of boilers is presented. But the most popular options are steel or cast iron. Also, such a boiler is able to withstand a high and prolonged temperature load, has a longer service life.

Judging by the intensity of sales and relying on consumer reviews, the following models are actively in demand:

Automation of control affects the usability, and the security system depends on how automated the process of combustion of energy carriers is. Most models can be controlled using convenient remote controls or panels.

Most models are optional. This includes the presence of a hob for cooking, injectors, draft regulators, burners, a soundproof casing, etc.

The choice of a boiler according to this parameter should be based on personal preferences and the allocated amount for the purchase.

When choosing a heating boiler with a combination of wood / electricity, it is necessary to calculate the required power of the heating element. It is recommended to choose models with an indicator of at least 60% of the required coefficient for home heating

But the weight of the equipment and the complexity of its installation should immediately pay attention. Installation in a residential building of most floor models of combined boilers for heating, equipped with several combustion chambers, requires an additional concrete pedestal device, because a standard floor covering cannot withstand such a load

The best solution is to equip a separate boiler room

Installation in a residential building of most floor models of combined boilers for heating, equipped with several combustion chambers, requires an additional concrete pedestal device, because a standard floor covering cannot withstand such a load. The best solution is to equip a separate boiler room.

Knowing the main parameters that affect the choice of a combined boiler, you can choose the most suitable model.

Additional selection recommendations, as well as a comparative overview of different heating units for a private house, are given in.

Which boiler is better

Talking about the efficiency of boilers operating on different fuels is a thankless task. It is simply impossible to determine which one is better, because each type has both advantages and disadvantages. Ideally, it is necessary to calculate which boiler will create fewer problems during operation. Although the initial costs also affect the choice.

We must keep such things in mind, because in winter they can vary by several hundred zlotys. In addition to such heating, we can use others that may be convenient, but still cheaper. Most importantly, it is worth looking for renewable sources of heating. Solar panels and heat pumps are often used in practice. However, they require favorable conditions, which we cannot always achieve. We must carefully analyze each opportunity in terms of cost effectiveness, convenience and usability.

For example, gas is considered the best solution to the problem. During operation, this is how it is, but installation and connection to a gas pipe will require money, time and nerves. In addition, gas pressure in winter does not meet the required standards in all regions, so problems will arise in this regard.

Heating system for solid and liquid fuels

But back to electricity, shall we? We can find ways of heating that, outside of heat, can offer us a unique climate. They are often used by homeowners. They cannot install a classic fireplace in such a property. To do this, we need a special installation, without which we will not be able to smoke. This does not mean, however, that people living in blocks should forget about the fireplace once and for all. There are solutions that allow them to effectively replace them. They are definitely more convenient to use and safer. We will not talk about boilers operating on solid and liquid fuels. With them always problems through the roof. But electric boilers today are the most acceptable option:

• First, they are easy to install and connect.
• Secondly, in them the parameters of the coolant are regulated automatically.

Of course, problems with electricity arise in winter, but not as serious as with gas. Still, one piece of advice is to install electric boilers as the main heating device, and use small stoves or solid fuel boilers as a backup arsenal. This is how you can avoid big problems in winter.

Monolithic quartz modules

Electric fireplaces are simply plugged into an outlet to benefit from their benefits. They can not only emit heat, but also create a warm and unique atmosphere. We don't have to worry about fuel as we only need to be connected to the electrical grid. Can we disable heating and leaving only a visual effect? What is impossible in classic fireplaces? The biggest annoyance of individual homes is the need for self-heating. Apartment in a block, in terms of heating, with great comfort and convenience. The combined heat and power plant provides a constant supply of heat, and the user only has to worry and pay the bills. At home, we must equip the boiler room and control its operation. The choice of how to heat a house is large and the decision should be made once the house is still in the design phase. The building materials used in the building will depend on our choice.

Benefits of building an energy efficient home

When people talk about building an energy-efficient home, you often hear negativity.The reason is that many developers think that it is good to insulate a house - throwing money away. Why buy additional thermal insulation for the foundation, walls and roof when you can increase the capacity of the heating system and install additional radiators?

This will work if you heat a country house with main gas. But what if there is no gas, or its connection is too expensive? Make a system for economical heating country house with electricity. Consider the example of a portal user Alexander Fedortsov (nickname skeptic).

I independently built a two-story energy-efficient frame house with an area of ​​186 sq. m. I am heated by electricity at the night rate. The heating system is a water-heated floor, an insulated Swedish plate (UShP) integrated into the foundation. I also installed a heat accumulator with a volume of 1.7 cubic meters. m. Heating costs in winter in December amounted to 1,500 rubles. In January 2000 rub.

Prices are for 2013, at the cost of a nightly electricity tariff of 0.97 rubles/kWh.

Alexander Fedortsov decided to build an energy-efficient frame house for the following reasons:

1. To build, as planned at first, a cottage made of aerated concrete, is difficult alone. Especially when working with blocks 50 cm wide.
2. It is difficult and expensive to build a stone house in winter because of the abundance of “wet processes”.
3. I wanted to build an energy-efficient house on my own, so that when I retire, I don’t have to spend a lot of money on heating.
4. You can build a frame house alone, without the involvement of hired workers, even in winter.

Deciding that it was necessary to build a frame, the skeptic ordered a house project and decided on the construct.

In a well-insulated house, heating costs are reduced, because.All energy losses are kept to a minimum.

If you orient the house to the cardinal points and put large energy-efficient windows on the south side of the cottage, then heat loss will be reduced even more.

In winter, sunlight enters the house through them and additionally heats the rooms.

You also need to organize pre-heating of street air. For this, a recuperator is installed. Alexander found a simpler and more cost-effective solution, which we will discuss below.

An energy efficient home is a balanced system. The thickness of the thermal insulation is not chosen by eye, but on the basis of heat engineering calculation and the climate in the region where the construction is being carried out.

Use of electric convectors

If, despite the fact that electricity cannot be called the most economical of all types of heating, you still decide to use this option, then convectors that can be installed both on walls and on the floor will be an excellent solution. In the latter case, the device can be moved from room to room, making it mobile. Among the additional advantages, absolute safety can be distinguished, since the devices have protection against overheating, and their case does not heat up so much, the temperature does not exceed 80 degrees.

Considering that convectors cannot be called the most economical, it is best to purchase devices with built-in thermostats to reduce electricity bills, which make the system the most economical during operation. In terms of functionality, such units are the most innovative, which is associated with the use of an additional control unit. But as for the price, the convector will cost about 3000-7000 rubles. for the heater.If we expect that one device is required for one room, then the cost of such a heating system will cost about 20,000 rubles. Economical electric heating convectors can meet expectations if the house is small enough, and you choose the device taking into account the presence of a thermostat in it.

Method 2 - tubular electric heaters

Heat is transferred from a tubular electric heater to a liquid-based heat carrier. Usually, water and oil are used as a coolant, sometimes antifreeze. The principle of the device of heaters is the same as that of electric kettles, therefore they are also called heaters and oil radiators. In fact, this is a boiler placed in a vessel with water. The efficiency of such devices is quite high, and heat loss for heating is minimal.

pros

• The undoubted advantages of tubular heaters include their safety, reliability of operation and versatility of use.
• They can be used in both gaseous and liquid media.
• Not explosive, and not afraid of vibrations and shocks.
• Tubular heaters are available in a variety of design solutions, which allows you to economically heat a private house with electricity without violating the aesthetics of the interior.

Minuses

Heating elements have a high cost due to the expensive metals that are used in production. Since scale builds up on the pipes, the quality of the water must be taken care of.

A tubular radiator is a thin-walled metal tube with a spiral inside, so if you do not need especially high temperatures, then you need to take a heater with carbon steel tubes.If the device must produce a consistently high temperature or work in an aggressive environment, then you need to take a device made of stainless steel.

Pictured is a do-it-yourself tubular electric heater