How to choose the best gas boiler: an overview of the criteria for choosing the best unit

Double-circuit gas heating boilers

Let's move on to double-circuit boilers - devices that are ideal for those homeowners who need to simultaneously provide not only home heating, but also hot water.

The best double-circuit gas boiler - BUDERUS Logano G125-32 WS

In terms of efficiency, the best of the double-circuit boilers on the market is the Logano G125-32, its efficiency for the heating season is 96%, which is unattainable for competitors' devices. In terms of reliability, this model is also one of the leaders - the G125 is a relatively new model, but, according to the reviews of the owners, it can be judged that there are no problems during its operation.

Advantages of Logano G125-32WS:

• Possibility of operation of the device, both on gas, and on diesel fuel;
• Minimum boiler noise during operation due to optimization of the amount of air supplied to the system;
• Convenient control panel of combined mechanical-electronic type;
• Possibility of completing the device with modules that expand functionality.

The Logano G125 has no drawbacks as such, and given its moderate cost, this device can be confidently considered the best double-circuit gas boiler for heating a private house.

Reliable gas double-circuit boiler - BAXI SLIM 2,230

It is thanks to the reliability and endurance of its equipment that the Italian company Baxi has gained worldwide recognition. Baxi Slim 2.230 is the most reliable gas boiler, which has a number of electronic protection systems that significantly extend the life of the device.

Advantages of Baxi Slim 2.230

• The presence of an automatic self-diagnosis system, a thermostat, and frost protection systems, pressure reduction and pump blocking;
• The optimal power for heating medium-sized private houses is 22.1 kW;
• Possibility of connection to the device to systems of a heat-insulated floor;
• Three built-in circulation pumps from Grundfos;

The DHW productivity of this model is 12 l / min, which is quite enough for a small family of 3-4 people.
If you are looking for a double-circuit heating gas boiler for a summer residence or at home, with an optimal price-quality ratio, then Baxi SLIM 2.230 is the best option.

The best single-circuit gas boiler

Lemax Premium-12.5 is a boiler for heating in systems with forced or natural water circulation. A non-volatile gas boiler stands out among analogues for its service life. This was achieved thanks to the high-quality steel from which the combustion chamber is made. Another technological find of manufacturers is the heat exchanger coating. For it, heat-insulating enamel treated with an inhibitory composition is used.

Advantages

• Heating area up to 125 sq. meters;
• Protection system against overheating, draft interruption, soot formation, boiler blowing;
• Gas control;
• Improved design of the turbulator for better retention of exhaust gases;
• Easy maintenance thanks to removable elements.

Flaws

Big sizes.

Despite the reliability of Lemax Premium-12.5, buyers considered the model to be insufficiently equipped with spare parts.

Floor single-circuit gas boilers and their features

The design of floor single-circuit gas boilers is economical and simple.

They are able to perform the only basic function - they heat the coolant for the heating system. These units do not perform any additional tasks, so the set of units and parts of the unit is limited - only the most necessary elements are involved in the work.

In addition, the floor mounting method allows the use of durable and powerful units with increased weight and capabilities.

This makes the design more powerful, capable of developing high performance.

Most models are equipped with massive heat exchangers that have a high heat transfer capacity and accommodate an increased volume of liquid. There are no restrictions on weight or dimensions for floor-standing boilers, so the power can be 100 kW or more.

Many units can be connected in a cascade (usually up to 4 units), creating a high-capacity thermal plant.

Another feature of single-circuit floor boilers is the ability to connect an external storage boiler.

Such a bundle allows you to get not only heating the house, but also a stable supply of hot water.

Most experts consider this option to be more preferable than using a double-circuit boiler, since the mode of supply of hot water from the boiler is even, without temperature fluctuations or pauses.

The best wall-mounted gas boilers

This section presents single-circuit space heating systems placed on the wall. They are compact and easy to maintain, although they have some limitations in functionality.

Viessmann Vitopend 100-W A1HB003 - small size and quiet operation

89%

buyers recommend this product

The A1HB line includes three boilers with a capacity of 24, 30 and 34 kW. This is enough to heat housing up to 250 m2. All cases are equally compact: 725x400x340 mm - there is a place for such units in any room.

Viessmann boilers are assembled on a single modular platform, which simplifies their installation and maintenance. In addition, there is no need to leave additional space near the body, so any Vitopend can be combined with kitchen furniture if there is a free corner for it.

Advantages:

• Low gas consumption - no more than 3.5 m3 / h in the older model;
• The hydroblock is equipped with quick-detachable connectors;
• Auto-adjustment of power depending on the outside temperature;
• Efficiency up to 93%;
• New coaxial chimney system with frost protection;
• Intelligent control with self-diagnosis function;
• Possibility of switching to liquefied gas.

Flaws:

There is no remote control.

Viessmann provides an opportunity to choose a boiler for an apartment of any size. The appearance and dimensions for the entire line are absolutely the same - the models differ only in performance and, accordingly, in gas consumption.

Baxi Eco Four 1.24 F - the fourth generation of the popular single-circuit series

88%

buyers recommend this product

Despite the prestige of the brand, the Eco Four model is relatively inexpensive. The boiler has a flat body measuring 730x400x299 mm, which allows it to be hung flush with kitchen cabinets. When used in northern latitudes, such a unit can heat an apartment up to 150 m².

Boilers of the fourth generation were developed taking into account our operating conditions. That is why the presented model works even at a gas inlet pressure reduced to 5 mbar. In addition, it has two separate thermostats: for heating radiators and the "warm floor" system.

Advantages:

• Built-in water flow meter;
• Pump with air outlet and post-circulation mode;
• It is possible to connect to solar collectors;
• Dual-mode thermal control;
• Pressure switch for protection against low coolant pressure;
• You can connect a remote thermostat and remote control.

Flaws:

Uninformative built-in display.

As for Baxi, the price of the Eco Four is very attractive.In addition, this is an excellent solution for placement in a small kitchen or studio apartment.

Vaillant AtmoTEC Plus VU 240/5-5 – German quality and maximum safety

87%

buyers recommend this product

This boiler has all possible means of protection: gas control, pressure switch with safety valve, pump air vent. Here, overheating of the carrier and combustion chamber, freezing of liquid in the system and in the chimney are completely excluded. The built-in auto-diagnostics helps to monitor the correct operation of all systems.

AtmoTEC is adapted for operation in Russia: it takes into account the low quality of main gas and can operate on LNG. The control of the programmer is fully automated, and the panel itself is covered with a neat decorative cover.

Advantages:

• Volumetric expansion tank 10 l;
• Low gas consumption - 2.8 m³ / h (or 1.9 m³ / h when connected to a cylinder);
• Virtually eternal chromium-nickel burner;
• Possibility of combination with other heaters;
• Minimum side clearance for installation is 1 cm.

Flaws:

Classic (atmospheric) chimney.

The dimensions of the boiler are 800x440x338 mm and the maximum power of 36 kW is more suitable for a private house than for a city apartment. Although in a spacious kitchen there will be no problems with its placement.

Equipment Features

A gas boiler is a heating device in which the thermal energy released during the combustion of natural gas is used to heat the coolant circulating in the heat exchanger circuit. One of the directions in their design is wall-mounted design, characterized by low weight and small dimensions. This solution allows you to economically spend the usable area of ​​​​the room.

Depending on the design features, such installations have different technical characteristics and efficiency. The classification of boilers is carried out according to the following indicators:

1. The number of independent circuits in the heat exchanger. There are 2 types - single-circuit and double-circuit units. In the first case, the coolant circulates through one circuit, providing only the heating system. The double-circuit boiler has 2 independent circuits for the movement of liquid - they can be distributed to the water supply and heating system. With sufficient power of the installation, a single-circuit boiler can have a tap for connecting a boiler, i.e. hot water tank.
2. Combustion chamber design. There are boilers with open and closed chambers. Open fireboxes require a natural system chimney. In the closed version, all gases are forcibly removed through a coaxial type chimney.
3. Type of burner - atmospheric and modulating. In the second design, the power is controlled by the boiler automatically.

In addition, it is important to take into account the presence in the design of devices with power supply (pump, fan, etc.). In their presence, the boiler depends on the electrical network (volatile installation)

If there are no electrical devices, then we are talking about non-volatile boilers.

Criteria for evaluation

When choosing the right equipment, special attention should be paid to the following characteristics of the wall-mounted boiler:

1. Power. This is a fundamental criterion that determines the capabilities of the heating system in terms of the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heated room. It is customary to proceed from such a calculation - 1 kW of power for every 10 sq.m of area with a standard ceiling height.It is recommended to make a margin of 15-30 percent, taking into account the climatic factor, the reliability of the thermal insulation of the house and the height of the room more than 3 m. If an additional boiler is connected to a single-circuit boiler, then the calculated power increases by 20-30%.
2. Boiler volume, hot water capacity. This parameter is important for providing hot water.
3. Ignition mechanism. It defines serviceability. The burner can be ignited manually, using a piezoelectric element or an electrical device.
4. Regulation of water temperature and stability of its maintenance. Modulating burners make it possible to automatically maintain the temperature, regardless of the pressure change. Mechanical adjustment requires setting the mode depending on the pressure. When it changes, you need to switch the controller.

The most important selection criterion is the safety of the equipment. Consideration should be given to the design and efficiency of the chimney. Reliable removal of products of combustion is provided by the built-in fans. It is necessary to have protective devices, systems for shutting down the boiler in automatic mode, incl. when the gas supply is interrupted, the flame is extinguished, etc., control of overheating and hypothermia.

Ease of use depends on the way the boiler is controlled. Mechanical control has shown its reliability, but modern designs use more convenient electronic systems. They make it possible to set time limits for modes, provide remote control, and display information.

Analysis of the most reliable equipment

Numerous consumer reviews and expert opinions of specialists allow us to rank the best models of wall-mounted gas boilers for 2019.When developing it, the performance of equipment in various conditions, adaptation of devices to Russian specifics, ease of use, safety and other criteria are taken into account. The proposed TOP quality products should not be regarded as advertising. It is designed to enable a person to navigate the "sea of ​​proposals".

Floor gas boiler which company is better to choose

In the consumer market, you can find domestic and foreign models from different manufacturers. Russian firms make simple floor-standing gas boilers for the home. Products from foreign suppliers are convenient, but the price is higher. The review considers the products of the following companies:

• Lemax - the products of this company are in great demand due to their quality. The production uses modern Italian and German equipment.
• Protherm - equipment is assembled at factories in Slovakia and Turkey. The first boilers of this company were brought to Russia in 1996.
• Siberia - the brand represents a line of devices with different characteristics. The boilers are made using basalt fiber, which is used to insulate spacecraft.
• Borinsky - the company supplies heating equipment to the regions of Russia and neighboring countries. The assortment includes more than 30 models of gas equipment for home heating.
• Baxi - today the Italian brand is owned by the BDR Thermea Group corporation. The company manufactures non-standard heating and hot water systems. The quality of products is confirmed by certificates.
• Ferroli is an Italian company that has been manufacturing heating and air conditioning equipment since 1955. Products are delivered to dozens of European countries. The boilers of this company are durable, reliable and safe.
• Viessmann is a large international concern supplying equipment for space heating and cooling. The main priority is the technological development of the industry and concern for the environment. Products are delivered to 74 countries of the world.
• Buderus, a European manufacturer of heating equipment, began producing the first boilers in 1731. The trademark belongs to Bosch Thermotechnik GmbH. German technology is reliable and efficient.
• Alpenhoff is a German company that produces heating equipment. Production and research centers are located in Germany and Slovakia. The goods of this company are imported to 30 countries of the world.
• Atem - the first equipment of this company was released in 1988. Since then, the brand's products have become popular in Ukraine and other countries. Heating appliances are included in the IQenergy energy saving program.
• Termomax is a Ukrainian company that annually produces more than 100,000 products for space heating. Simple equipment is in demand among Russian buyers.
• Navien is a Korean brand that has been providing comfort and coziness for 40 years, producing high-quality heating equipment. The main goal of the company is to create favorable conditions for the environment. Products are delivered to 35 countries of the world.

Brands have a long history, good reputation and worldwide fame. Domestic producers are valued no less than foreign ones. In addition, the delivery of Russian goods is cheaper.

Single-circuit or double-circuit gas boiler

A single-circuit gas boiler is a device with one line, which has one heat exchanger.Such boilers were originally designed for heating a country house and for underfloor heating.

The double-circuit gas unit is equipped with two heat exchangers. The device is connected to two independent mains, one of which is designed for heating, and the second for supplying hot water.

Hot water can be heated in one of three ways:

• Heating with a flow heater of the boiler.
• Heating using a tank built into the boiler.
• Heating in a separate boiler.

It would seem that you can buy a double-circuit boiler for a house where a large family lives, and for a house where you come only for the weekend, a single-circuit boiler is enough. But in fact, this solution will not always be optimal.

The main disadvantage of double-circuit units with a flow-through water heating system is that heating and hot water supply cannot work simultaneously, but are turned on in turn. That is, while you are taking a shower, the batteries in the house are cooling down. At the same time, boilers with a power of up to 25 kW are not able to maintain a sufficiently high temperature for two water intake points at once. That is, when one person takes a shower in the bathroom, and the other decides to wash the dishes in the kitchen, the shower will automatically become contrast. Even buying powerful models does not save the situation - because even with a connection diameter of ½ inch, the water flow will not improve much.

Double gas boiler.

If the tap is more than 5 meters away from the boiler, then after you turn on the water, you will need to wait 10-15 seconds for the cold water to change to hot. To solve this problem, you can get a double-circuit gas unit with a built-in boiler, in which there is always hot water.The capacity of such a tank reaches 40 liters, sometimes more: this is enough for an express shower, but not for taking a bath.

Double-circuit gas boiler with built-in boiler.

In the case when hot water is required constantly and for the comfortable use of hot water supply, it is recommended to purchase a single-circuit unit and additional equipment - an indirect heating boiler. A stand-alone boiler is used in cases where a large volume of prepared hot water is needed - about 100–200 liters. This device is a capacious metal container with thermal insulation. Inside the boiler is a coil connected to the heating system of the house. Heated water or antifreeze moves along the coil, as a result of which the water in the tank is heated. If a small family lives in the house, then a 100-liter boiler is enough. If the boiler is turned off, the water in the boiler does not cool down quickly.

Single-circuit gas boiler with an indirect heating boiler. Photo: PROTON + company.

The disadvantages of such a system from a single-circuit boiler and an indirect heating boiler include:

• the higher cost of such a combination, compared with a two-circuit unit;
• the need for a separate room as a boiler room.

At the same time, this combination of equipment makes it possible to ensure the recirculation of hot water supply: opening any tap, you will immediately receive hot water. In addition to the system, you can connect a warm floor or a heated towel rail, which will function when the heating is turned off. Recycling is convenient, but not always profitable from an economic point of view.

If hard water is supplied through the pipeline, then buying a double-circuit boiler is not the best solution.This may result in the need to replace the secondary heat exchanger. The cost of such repairs can reach 50% of the price of the boiler itself. In fact, double-circuit units are designed for small houses and apartments, as they take up less space and save space.

What you need to know when choosing a heater

You can’t just go to the store and buy a gas heating boiler. To select a suitable model, it is necessary to prepare a list of requirements for the unit - to determine the thermal power, the necessary functions, the method of installation and other initial data.

What items are on the list:

1. Calculate the amount of heat required to heat a cottage or apartment.
2. Outline the scope of tasks for a gas boiler - it should only heat the building or, in addition, serve as a water heater for household needs.
3. Allocate a place for the installation of a heat generator. The rules allow installing gas-using heating equipment in the kitchen (power - up to 60 kW), an attached boiler room or in another separate room located near the outer wall of the dwelling.
4. Decide whether the boiler is to be installed on the floor or on the wall. For apartments, only the hinged version is suitable.
5. Consider how your heating system works. Under the gravitational scheme with natural circulation of the coolant (the so-called gravity flow), an appropriate non-volatile heater operating without electricity is selected.
6. Set the machine automation level according to your wishes. Examples of useful functions: maintaining the indoor temperature according to a schedule or signals from an external weather sensor, remote control via the Internet, and so on.
7. Estimate the prices of various boilers and find out how much you are willing to spend on a gas boiler.

Before choosing a new or changing an outdated gas boiler for heating a private house, we highly recommend that you consult with the subscriber department of Gorgaz (or another management company). Why is it needed:

• in addition to the general rules, regional offices have internal instructions that restrict the use of gas equipment, these points should be clarified;
• a new or replacement boiler must be included in the project documentation, otherwise you risk getting a fine for installation without approval;
• experts will help you to properly place the heat generator in the house.

In the project of the boiler house, the location of all heat generators is indicated with dimensional references to building structures

Another example: you want to remove a horizontal (coaxial) chimney from a room in an apartment building, but the office does not agree on this decision, since the protruding pipe spoils the appearance of the facade. To understand all the subtleties, you will have to understand the existing varieties of gas heaters, but first ...

What is the difference between non-volatile and conventional boilers?

Conventional (volatile) boilers need a power supply, without which they cannot work. The turbofan, circulation pump, electronic control board need a high-quality and stable power supply.

Particularly capricious are the control boards, which immediately fail when the current parameters change.Manufacturers claim the ability to withstand strong voltage fluctuations, but in practice this is not observed.

At the same time, volatile units have a set of additional features - they can be controlled remotely, integrated into a smart home system, and programmed for some time in advance.

Non-volatile boilers do not have all these additions. They work exclusively with the help of mechanical components and parts, like a conventional gas stove.

The design of such units is devoid of all unnecessary components, it is functional and therefore very reliable. In addition, the owners of non-volatile boilers are not threatened with a sudden power outage without heating.

Dilapidated and congested networks are typical for remote villages, so the use of independent heating systems is very valuable for many users.

Selection of a heating boiler by price, power, combustion chamber

Dear users of our resource, if you are on our website for the first time in search of a heating boiler and do not know which boiler you need, we recommend using the heating boiler power calculation.

Here you can choose a heating boiler based on the fact that you already know what kind of boiler you need, the power of the boiler, where the boiler will be mounted: on the wall or it will be floor-mounted and, of course, take into account the resources available for this. For selection, we suggest specifying the criteria you need.

More detailed information can be obtained by clicking on the appropriate link as a result of the selection of a heating boiler or by calling in Moscow +7 (495) 48-132-48

Criteria for selecting a heating boiler:

• boiler price
• number of circuits (single circuit or double circuit)
• type of boiler (wall or floor)
• combustion chamber (open or closed)
• type of heat carrier (gas, diesel, electricity)
• boiler power
• boiler voltage (220V, 380V, 220/380V)

In order to find out more detailed information about heating boilers, we present the classification of heating boilers:

by installation method (at the place of installation):

• floor (cast iron or steel)
• wall-mounted (mounted) (usually operate on gas)

by type of energy carrier:

• liquid fuel (diesel oil, kerosene, fuel oil, etc.)
• solid fuel (solid fuel: firewood, coal, coke, sawdust, fuel briquettes, etc.)
• gas (liquefied gas, natural gas)
• electrical (energy carrier may be electricity)
• universal (multi-fuel, combined) (energy carriers can be different, depending on the heating boiler)

by the number of circuits:

• single-circuit, such boilers are intended only for heating, as a rule, in such boilers it is possible to connect an external storage boiler.
• double-circuit (one circuit for heating, the second for hot water supply)

by combustion chamber:

• open, air, namely oxygen for combustion, is taken from the place where the boiler is installed. It must be well ventilated.
• closed, air is taken, as a rule, from the outside, although such boilers can be converted to take air from the place where it is installed. Boilers with a closed combustion chamber, in turn, differ from each other - in the way of air intake and smoke removal. Those. or with a separate smoke exhaust system, when two “pipes” approach the boiler - one of which supplies air, and the other removes combustion products. In boilers with a coaxial chimney, which are more compact, there is one pipe inside the other.Air is supplied through one, smoke removal is carried out through the other.

according to the material of the main heat exchanger:

according to the type of burner (burner device):

• inflatable (fan) burner (gas or liquid)
• atmospheric burner (gas)

according to the method of movement of the coolant:

• natural circulation / gravity (no pump)
• forced circulation (with pump)

by the amount of voltage required for operation:

by type of coolant:

• liquid (water or antifreeze)
• steam
• air

The difference between wall-mounted and floor-standing devices

The main difference lies in the installation features, and besides this, in the type of their design. The floor unit acts as a heat exchanger. If the burner in the boiler breaks, then the heat will leave the house. The wall model in the event of a breakdown can be repaired without serious problems.

Another difference between these units is their service life. Outdoor equipment has a longer operating period. If the owner of the premises makes a choice in favor of such a model, then he can count on his service for 20 years. Equipment that is mounted on the wall lasts no more than ten years.

Between themselves, these two types of heating boilers differ in the type of automation that is used in them. Wall appliances are equipped with a factory security system. Therefore, when it becomes necessary to replace a particular sensor, certain difficulties arise with this. But on wall appliances you can find various types of automation.

How to calculate the power of the boiler?

If you don’t want to bother with calculations, take a device with a calculation of 1 kW = 8m2 of heated area. In addition, throw 1 kW on heat loss and feel free to buy.If you want to make a more accurate choice of a wall-mounted gas boiler, depending on the climatic conditions of your place of residence, then the following calculations are for you:

P = U * S * K, where P is the design power of the boiler; U - specific power equal to 1 kW / 10 m2; K is the correction factor for the climatic zone.
Correction factor for different climatic zones of Russia:

• Southern latitudes - 0.9;
• Middle latitudes - 1.2;
• Moscow and the region - 1.5;
• Northern latitudes - 2.

Suppose we need to calculate the power devices for home area of ​​80 m2, located in the Moscow region. It will equal:

P \u003d 1/10 * 80 * 1.5 \u003d 12 kW

Now, according to the estimated power, you can choose the right model.