What is better and more profitable – a gas or electric boiler? Arguments for choosing the most practical option

All owners of private houses would like to get an autonomous heating system with the least investment. It remains to decide which is better - a gas or electric boiler, if both of these energy sources are available.

In fact, this task is not very simple, since in addition to the variety of prices for equipment, there are many more nuances regarding connection, registration of documents and energy tariffs. If you approach this question seriously, you can get a reasoned answer to it and ultimately make the right choice.

Let's figure out together which version of the unit and the heating installed on its basis will be more practical. The article we present provides an assessment of the cost of installation work and a comparison of economic indicators. The information we provide will help you make the right choice.

Which is more profitable?

Vlad Srebnyak says that the largest initial investment is for a heat pump system.
Cheaper - at a boiler room with an electric boiler. Obviously, the “dry” system looks most advantageous in comparison. But what about the long term? For example, how much will you have to spend on electricity over 10 years of operation of a heat pump? Vladislav calculated that taking into account the 10% annual increase in the price of electricity, the amount will be 5,150 rubles.

Air-water heat pump. Photo: 3t.by

Electric boilers and convectors are less economical - over 10 years of operation they will “burn” 15,450 rubles worth of electricity.

If we add the cost of equipment to these amounts, we will see that a more voracious electric boiler during operation becomes more expensive than a heat pump: the cost of equipment and electricity over ten years will be 40.3 thousand rubles versus 37 thousand.

At the same time, the “dry” system, due to the low cost of equipment, even after 10 years looks more attractive: its operation and equipment cost 19.2 thousand rubles.

Still, the home owner has a lot to think about, even if all these numbers say the obvious. “Dry” systems operate only on electricity, and it would be logical to provide an additional heat source.

Equipment profitability

Now let's look at the difference in gas and electric heating, not only from the point of view of operating costs, but also from the point of view of the profitability of the equipment. As noted above, the starting investment in heating apartment No. 1 amounted to 35 thousand rubles, of which 15 thousand were spent on the boiler itself. All elements of the water heating system, with the exception of pipes (although they do not last forever) have a limited resource. In addition, it is necessary to carry out annual maintenance of the gas boiler, and in the worst case, also repair it. According to statistics, gas boilers have to be overhauled or completely replaced after 7-10 years. Moreover, expensive branded boilers are not a panacea. They also break down, and their out-of-warranty repairs are much more expensive. However, whether it breaks or doesn’t break is a matter of chance, so we won’t take breakage into account. Let's just note this as an existing risk factor and a likely cost item. Electric convectors can also break, but their cost is incomparably lower than that of gas equipment, and they break less often, especially branded ones.

Starting costs for heating equipment for apartments No. 1 and No. 2 amounted to 35 thousand and 6 thousand rubles, respectively. It follows from this that the owners of apartment No. 2 saved 29 thousand rubles, which they can spend on paying for electricity. This amount is enough to buy 7,232 kW, which is enough for 3 heating seasons. During this time, apartment No. 1 will spend about 10 thousand rubles on gas, which gives reason to give apartment No. 2 another heating season as a gift. And only after 4 years of operation of the heating equipment, the heating systems of both apartments are leveled, which is called “zero”. Further, apartment No. 1 receives net savings... However, savings are only possible if the gas boiler works flawlessly. If it has to be replaced, the payback of the system will be extended for another couple of years.

What does thermal modernization give?

The owner of apartment No. 2 (with electric heating) decided to spend less on heating next year and to do this, insulate the northern outer wall of the apartment. The area of ​​this wall was 17 m². This is the only solid wall (no windows) in the apartment. The other wall had a balcony block and a window in the kitchen, so insulation was not expected to have much effect. Insulation was carried out using the bonded insulation method using polystyrene foam 50 mm thick. As a result, the total heat transfer resistance of the wall was doubled and amounted to 2.0 m² °C/W. But the owner of apartment No. 1 did not want to insulate the wall, calculating that this investment in his case would pay off in at least 10 years. How did insulation affect it?

In December 2013, 500 kW of electricity was spent heating apartment No. 2, and apartment No. 1 consumed 150 m³ of gas. Translated into money, this is 2005 and 674 rubles, respectively, i.e. the difference was no longer 3.5, but 3 times, i.e. decreased by 14.3%.

The owner of apartment No. 2 spent 8 thousand rubles on thermal modernization. The payback period for this investment, according to approximate calculations, will be about 5 years. But the benefit in this case is not only in reducing electricity costs, but also in reducing the load on the power grid.

In the example given, the comparison was made in one-room apartments, but if these were three-room apartments, the difference between costs could be greater, since more electric heaters or an electric boiler with a water heating system would be required. In addition, in order to heat a three-room apartment with electricity, it would be necessary to lay a dedicated line, because... The household network is not designed for loads created by simultaneously switched on 3-4 electric heaters or an electric boiler with a power of more than 10 kW.

Conclusion

: the actual difference between the costs of gas and electric heating is
3-3.5 times
, and not 8-9 times.
If we take into account the cost of servicing gas equipment and its planned replacement in the future, then the actual difference can be reduced to 2-2.5 times
. But thermal modernization pays off faster with electric heating than with gas heating. That is why, in the absence of a connection to the main gas, it is recommended that country cottages be well insulated.

Which equipment is better to choose?

It is impossible to use a solid fuel boiler if there is no smoke removal system and space for storing energy. It makes no sense to install an electric unit if there are regular interruptions in the household network.

Solid fuel systems with manual loading mode cannot operate in a maintenance rhythm. When the energy carrier burns out, the boiler is deactivated, which leads to the cooling of the liquid circulating along the heating line.

To compensate for the disadvantages of one device with the advantages of the second, you can make a combined system consisting of both types of devices. However, the installation must be configured correctly.

The principle of operation of a combined heating system using gas and electricity

Combined equipment for heating from gas or electric energy has a separate combustion chamber for the gas mixture and a heating element to generate heat from electricity. The chambers are installed one above the other, which does not require additional switching of the combined boiler from gas to electric power.

Independent switching from one type of energy consumption to another occurs thanks to an automatic control system, which guarantees safe combustion of the gas mixture. This switching can also be done manually. Heating control and regulation devices have automatic or manual control. A combination boiler using gas and electricity is distinguished by high quality protective equipment.

The presence of several outputs allows you to use a gas-electric heating boiler as a multi-circuit one:

• organize heating of the sauna;
• maintain optimal temperature in the greenhouse or winter garden;
• heat the water in the pool;
• heat floors when installing a “warm floor” system;
• produce hot water.

If manufacturers have not provided a special tank in the combined gas and electric heating design for accumulating hot water used as running water, then to obtain it it is necessary to connect a storage boiler.

An electric pump connected to a combined heating system will significantly reduce costs due to accelerated water circulation. However, such an improvement will make it impossible for gas equipment to operate when there is no electrical power supply.

Electricity and gas energy carriers are traditional fuels for many regions. The simultaneous use of a gas mixture and electricity to produce heat reduces the environmental load. Gas-electric equipment is characterized by high-quality automation that controls the use of the gas mixture. Gas and electric combined equipment allows you to make the heating system as autonomous and economical as possible.

Combined gas and electrical equipment and its installation have a fairly high cost, which is offset by the convenience and efficiency of its use.

Installation and operation rules

Before connecting, you need to check the draft in the chimney

The combined heating system is installed by specialists from the gas service or a special organization according to a pre-approved plan.

Stages of work:

1. Installation of supports that will provide the required level for the heating unit. As a rule, they are present in the latter's kit.
2. Connecting the boiler to the gas supply.
3. Electrical connection.
4. Installation of special filters for water and gas.
5. Leak testing and cleaning of the heating system.
6. Connecting the boiler to the pipeline.
7. Setting up the chimney.
8. Test run of the heating system, troubleshooting problems.
9. Final adjustment of the heating system.

Installation of a gas-electric boiler is permitted in a room where, in accordance with the rules and regulations, supply and exhaust ventilation is equipped.

Basic operating rules:

• During operation of the combined unit, acceptable traction is required. In this regard, the chimney must have a sufficient cross-section.
• The chimney used must be insulated to prevent the parts in contact with it from catching fire.
• During regular operation of the boiler, the ash pan should be periodically cleaned. The frequency of such procedures depends on the degree of gas combustion and the intensity of operation of the unit.
• There should be a steel sheet in front of the combustion chamber, which will provide the flooring with protection from sparks.

Electric gas heating boilers are considered the most technologically advanced and advanced.

Before installing the gas unit, you should find out:

• pressure level and quality of gas
• features and cost of connection
• the amount of time that may be needed to coordinate the work (from design to launch)
• how does the insertion take place?

When replacing gas equipment If you need to replace a gas boiler with an analogue, you should be prepared to present the specialists with a certificate for the unit and a heating system plan. Only after this the installation can be carried out.

Note! Electricity is safer than gas, and therefore the procedure for organizing heating will require the preparation of fewer documents, which will increase the speed of installation. As a rule, many residential property owners are dissatisfied with voltage stability.

It happens that the tension disappears and may not appear for a long time. This feature puts the gas boiler in first place, because such units are not so externally dependent. Therefore, to ensure uninterrupted operation of the heating system, it is additionally recommended to install a generator and batteries.

Disadvantages of gas heating

1. If the house was not initially connected to the gas main, then the initial connection costs are so high that not everyone can afford it. And if the owner of a house with a plot of land does not foresee income growth in the future, then you can safely install an electric boiler. And don’t worry about the difference in the cost of energy carriers;
2. Do not forget that gas is a rather explosive substance. And here, inevitably, you will think again before installing gas heating in your house;
3. A gas water heating system is inconvenient for short-term use and takes too long to warm up (when the house is used sporadically during the colder months).

Energy efficiency of equipment

What promises more efficient operation at minimal cost: gas heating or electric? In order to preliminarily estimate how much money will be spent on heating with these and other devices, it is necessary to make a calculation.

Gas equipment

This calculation of energy costs can be done in two ways:

• taking into account the maximum gas consumption, this parameter is indicated in the boiler passport;
• using specific heat of combustion indicators.

The first option can be called a rough calculation, the second is accurate, and therefore more suitable.

Calculation based on fuel consumption

For calculations, you can take one of the more popular boiler models. Anyone who has already looked at the model will be able to substitute specific data - its parameters. Here we consider a gas model with a power of 14 kW and a fuel consumption of 1.6 m3/h.

To get the daily flow rate, you need to carry out a simple operation: 1.6 m3/h multiplied by the number of hours in a day. 1.6 m3/h x 24 = 38.4 m3. The result is then multiplied by the gas tariff. In our case, we take the Moscow region: 4.90 rubles/m3. The result is: 38.4 x 4.90 = 188.16 rubles per day.

Calculation based on the specific heat of combustion of gas

The specific heat of combustion of gas is 9.3-10 kW/m3. In this case, 0.1-0.108 m3 of gas will be required for each kilowatt of boiler thermal power. To heat an average brick house (ceilings - 2.7 m, masonry of 2 bricks), located in the Moscow region, you need to provide 1 kW of thermal power of gas equipment for a certain area - 10 m2. These are considered to be the average heat loss of a given building.

If the described house has an area of ​​140 m2, then the heat loss will be 14 kW/h, and per day - 336 kW (14 x 24). To calculate the amount of gas consumed, you need to multiply:

• 0.1 is the volume of gas needed to produce 1 kW of thermal energy;
• 336 - daily heat loss (kW);
• 1.1 - with an efficiency of 90%.

The result - 36.96 m3 - remains to be multiplied by the tariff for the Moscow region: 36.96 x 4.90 = 181.1 rubles / day. The norm of 1 kW/10 m2 is designed for the entire heating season. It takes into account both the coldest days and the warmer ones, so expenses during the season will be equal to 181.1 rubles/day.

Electrical units

The coefficient of modern models of electric boilers is greater than that of gas units: it is 99 or 100% versus 70-95%. Therefore, at maximum load, the same boiler that was considered when calculating the energy efficiency of gas equipment will consume 14.14 kW. Since the difference is not too significant, in this case the power can be considered equal to the consumption of the electrical appliance.

To make the comparison almost “reference”, it makes sense to take as an example the same average brick house with an area of ​​140 m2. It is clear that the heat loss will be similar - 14 kW/h, and per day - 336 kW. To replenish them, the boiler will have to spend: 336 kW x 4.01 kW/h = 1347.36 rubles/day.

However, in this case, it must be taken into account that this is the maximum flow rate that can occur with heat loss of 14 kW. In reality, electric boilers operate 40 to 70% of the time, so costs are significantly reduced. If you round hundredths and tenths, you get from 538.8 to 942.9 rubles. However, the amounts are not reduced as much as equipment owners would like.

Comparison of total cost

On average, the cost of an electric boiler is not much lower than a gas boiler, and with the use of a heat accumulator it can be higher. However, the price for electricity connection services is significantly less than when laying a gas pipe and obtaining all operating permits.

Thus, one-time costs for installing equipment and connecting communications for gas are higher than for electricity.

Some heating procedures can be done independently. But when calculating the final cost of all costs, you still need to take your labor into account, since it should also be valued

Considering that, in terms of heat generated, the price of gas is lower than that of electricity, the following situation arises:

• Electric heating can be installed. Pros - relatively low cost of equipment and work, ease of installation and variability when choosing the location of the boiler.
• You can opt for heating from mains gas. Plus - an economical type of energy carrier, which after some time will recoup the initial costs.

To calculate the period T (year) during which gas heating will become more profitable than electricity, you need to solve the following equation:

T = (Ng – Ne) / (Le – Lg) , where:

• Ng – one-time costs for installing gas equipment and connecting communications (r.);
• Ne - the same for electricity (r.);
• Lg – annual costs for gas payments and equipment maintenance (r./year);
• Le – the same for electricity (r./year).

Let's determine which boiler is better - electric or gas using the example of a real object. House in the Belgorod area, with an area of ​​100 m2. The estimated heat loss for the heating period is 3500 W, and for the coldest five-day period - 7000 W.

The duration of the heating season can be taken from the table. 1. SNiP 23-01-99 (column 11). Although users of autonomous heating can extend the season at their discretion

Let's calculate the one-time costs of installing an electric boiler:

• Thermotrust ST9 boiler (9 kW, 380 V): 11 tr;
• connection to the heating circuit: 12 t.r.;
• connection to electricity: 2 t.r.

The house has a power of 15 kW. When the electric boiler is operating, only 6 kW remains for all other consumers.

Considering that appliances (refrigerators, microwave ovens, electric ovens, electric kettles, washing machines, etc.) operate on 220 V, it is impossible to “scatter” a three-phase connection in such a way as to guarantee their operation.

In this case, you will have to incur additional costs:

• payment for technological connection of 30 kW at a standardized tariff rate of 157 rubles/kW: 5 tr.;
• payment for replacement of the machine block and installation of wiring around the house to the location of the boiler: 10 rubles.

Total: Ne = 40 tr.

Let's calculate the one-time costs of installing a gas boiler:

• preparation of premises for a boiler room in accordance with regulatory requirements: 50 rubles;
• gas boiler ProTerm 12 KSO (12.5 kW): 19 tr;
• installation of equipment and connection to the heating circuit: 25 TR;
• installation of a combustion product exhaust system (1.5 rubles per 1 linear meter): 12 rubles;
• technological connection to the main line: 30 t.r.;
• design and installation work on the site: 90 tr.
• closing documents (project approval, registration) and calling a specialist: 50 rubles;
• boiler startup and setup: 5 tr.

Total: Ng = 281 tr.

The period of technological connection to gas for the first category of applicants cannot exceed 1 year. Therefore, when commissioning a new house, you need to start the whole procedure in advance.

Considering the duration of the heating season of 191 days, to compensate for heat loss, it is necessary to spend 3500 × 24 × 191 = 16044000 W × h or:

• 16371 kW × h of electricity with an electric boiler efficiency of 98%;
• 1816 m3 of natural gas with a boiler efficiency of 95%.

With electric heating, annual heating costs will be:

• independent boiler maintenance and minor repairs: 2 tr;
• electricity fee at a tariff for rural areas is 2.80 rubles. per kW × h: 46 tr.

Total: Le = 48 tr.

When heating with gas, the annual costs will be:

• boiler maintenance by a certified specialist and minor repairs: 5 rubles;
• gas fee at a rate of 6.28 rubles. per m3: 11 tr.

Total: Lg = 16 tr.

For the house in question, the time it takes for gas heating to become equal in cost to electric heating will be:

T = (281 – 40) / (48 – 16) = 7.5 years.

Important parameters for choosing a heat source

Which heating is better? The answer to this question will depend on what you choose as evaluation criteria, but three conditions are unconditional for any type of heating:

1. The amount of thermal energy must be sufficient to ensure the standard temperature in residential premises.
2. Start-up and operating costs should be minimal.
3. Heating should be simple and safe to maintain.

When choosing between gas and electric heating, it is necessary to take into account several important parameters:

• distance of the gas pipeline,
• availability of an electrical network with the required power,
• dimensions of the heated room,
• heat loss through windows and walls.

Whatever heating system you choose, the main factor in energy saving will be the thermal insulation of the room and the correct choice of highly efficient heating radiators.

conclusions

Electric boiler or gas boiler - which is better? The answer depends on the location of the heated building, operating conditions of the equipment, the presence of a gas line, buyer preferences and other factors. In each individual case, the choice in favor of gas equipment or an electric boiler is individual.

As a rule, in private houses and other objects with a gas main passing nearby, it is advisable to install gas boilers, and in other cases - electric ones. In remote settlements that do not have a gas main, it is appropriate to use an electric boiler in conjunction with a storage tank and a 2-zone meter with a night tariff.

Read in our previous article about the design features of an electric convector, its pros and cons.

Description and principle of operation of electric heating boilers

Gas boilers are popular due to the low cost of fuel, but it is not always possible to connect them due to the labor-intensive procedure and the need for coordination with government agencies. Energy sources for solid fuel units are even cheaper, but there are many more disadvantages - they pollute, require the removal of combustion products, fuel loading, and storage space.

The listed disadvantages are absent in electric boilers, which are sometimes the only option for heating if there is no possibility of supplying gas. Moreover, electrical devices are considered not only as additional or emergency sources, but also as the main devices for the preparation of coolant. With them you don’t have to worry about ignition and other inconvenient issues associated with fuel combustion.

The most economical electric boiler should be chosen from energy-saving induction and electrode models. But we must take into account that in any case, its operation will cost approximately 2.5 times more than gas units, at best 1.5 times. Economy is considered here for situations where there are no other alternatives to electricity or if this type of energy is cheap (there are alternative sources - solar collectors, etc.).

Which boilers have higher efficiency - gas or electricity?

The comparison of an electric boiler and gas equipment can be continued by comparing the efficiency of each device:

• Gas boilers are classic models and have an efficiency of 88-92%. In condensing boilers, the coefficient increases to 108%.
• Electric boilers - performance depends on the principle of operation. Electrode boilers have an efficiency of 100%, their use is efficient and economical. Models using the principle of indirect heating of the coolant have a lower efficiency. A large amount of heat is lost during the heating process.

Comparative characteristics of the efficiency of electric and gas boilers show that the models have almost identical parameters. Electrode boilers benefit somewhat.

A starting point

To make an economical and safe payment, answer the following questions:

1. How accessible are communications and what characteristics do they have, namely:

• whether there will be power outages;
• maximum value of electrical power;
• average gas pressure and its purity.

1. What is your house: type of building, its footage, wall material and presence of insulation, % of heat loss, which rooms will be heated.
2. What is required from the boiler? There are different situations: heating using radiators alone, or using heated floors; Is there a need for hot water based on the number of residents plus their average water consumption per month.

Only after this specialists will be able to decide what is suitable for you: a gas boiler or an electric boiler

When designing turnkey heating, it is important not only to familiarize yourself with the estimate, but also to require the organization to calculate monthly costs depending on which energy carrier has become your priority

Disadvantages of electric heating

However, this system also has many negative aspects:

1. Electricity is 7 (!) times inferior to gas in heat transfer efficiency . Simply put, a gas boiler needs 7 times less fuel to heat the same area;
2. A stable voltage is required . The functioning of the system directly depends on the voltage in the electrical network (and in the private sector, interruptions occur quite often);
3. Extremely high electricity consumption during the cold season . In order to warm up a room of 10 square meters, you need to spend a kilowatt of electrical energy. It turns out that to heat a house with an area of ​​150 square meters. m. it is necessary to constantly consume 15 kW (which in many towns and villages is the maximum power allocated to the site). And this is only for batteries, not counting other devices that consume electricity.

Of course, many owners are frightened by the prospect of paying tens of thousands of rubles monthly on electricity bills in winter. Is there any way to reduce these costs?

Yes it is possible. If you reduce heat loss in your home to a minimum by thoroughly insulating it inside and out, you can significantly reduce electricity consumption, and therefore heating costs.

You can also install a multi-tariff meter. Such meters allow you to use electricity more efficiently, depending not only on current consumption, but also on the time of day.

We recommend: Double-circuit electric boilers: how to choose an energy-saving water heating boiler unit, review of the best models and their characteristics, reviews and prices

In addition, do not forget about converter heating, where there is absolutely no need to spend money on a boiler, and the heating itself can be local.

Comparison of gas and electricity costs. What is the price difference?

Let's try to make a simple calculation and see how much more expensive it is to heat a house with electricity compared to gas.

We will assume that a private house needs to be heated for five months a year. Let's take into account that there will be not only cold days, but also warm ones, so we divide the energy consumption by 2.

In total, it will take approximately 27,000 kW of energy to heat a house throughout the year.

Tariff prices of suppliers this year in the Moscow region are:

• 4.0 rub. for 1 cubic meter of gas;
• RUB 3.80 for 1 kilowatt of electricity.

It is easy to calculate that the cost of heating a house with electricity will be 102,600 rubles per heating season.

Ways to significantly save fuel

How to choose an external thermostat and save up to 30% on heating every month

If the automation does not provide the ability to program the operating mode, you can seriously reduce the consumption of both electricity and gas by the boiler by connecting a programmable room thermostat to it (if it is possible to connect external control, information about this is always indicated in the technical specifications). An example of a room programmable thermostat (model – Teplocom TS-Prog-2AA8A).

A programmable room thermostat controls the operation of the boiler in priority mode and focuses on measuring the air temperature in the room in which it is installed, and not on the coolant temperature. However, the main and most important task for saving purposes is the programming mode of work settings for the next day and week. For example, during working hours when the owners are away from home, you can set the temperature to 15°C. And during sleep – 18 or 19°C. Such parameters will not affect comfort, but will significantly reduce the final consumption.

An indispensable element when heating with an electric boiler is an electric meter that differentiates electricity consumption by two, or better yet, by three time zones. For example, for the Moscow region the following tariffs are differentiated by time zones:

• peak zone (from 7:00 to 10:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00) – 5.06 rubles per 1 kWh;
• half-peak zone (from 10:00 to 17:00 and from 21:00 to 23:00) – 3.89 rubles per 1 kWh;
• night zone (from 23:00 to 7:00) – 1.68 rubles per 1 kWh.

In practice, the costs of purchasing, designing and installing such a metering device pay for themselves in a few months, since they reduce costs in monetary terms by 15-25%.

BoilersWays to save Comparison of boilersEnergy-saving technologies

Double-circuit gas boilers

Such boilers constructively separate the heating circuits of DHW and coolant, while sanitary water from the DHW circuit does not mix with technical water in the heating circuit. In our climate, they have two main operating modes:

• simultaneous maintenance of temperature in the hot water circuit and heating of the room in winter (or, if necessary, in cold summer);
• summer provision of hot water for household needs when heating is turned off (summer mode).

Operating modes can be controlled manually (for budget models) and automatically, depending on the situation outside the home (for advanced boilers). Double-circuit equipment is divided into two types: with a common or two separate heat exchangers.

Differences between boilers with one bithermal heat exchanger and two separate monothermal ones.

Manufacturers, characteristics and design

Combined heating equipment on the Russian market is represented by products of domestic and foreign manufacturers.
Some of the most popular are: Let's start with Korean products. Gas-electric boilers from Navien are fully adapted for operation in Russian conditions. They easily cope with voltage drops in the network and do not react to a decrease in pressure in the gas main. The use of such technology allows you to save money on operation due to low gas consumption. They have a high degree of protection, and the circuits of electric-gas boilers make them completely safe to use. The operating modes of the device are set in software and can be selected independently.

The boilers of the Korean company have an optimal balance between price and quality. The presence of a special chip in the package that protects the device from voltage surges significantly extends the life of the device and also prevents its breakdown. The operation of this boiler is configured in such a way that it adapts to the conditions in a particular room, which saves fuel. The presence of a remote control allows you to control the operation of the device from a distance.

An electric-gas boiler from a Russian manufacturer under the Hercules brand can be used to heat rooms up to 300 m². The company's products are represented by a wide range of models. It includes samples with different configurations, depending on the energy carrier and functional features of the device. They have two circuits and are capable of not only heating the room, but also supplying residents with hot water, without connecting additional gas water heating burners. The DHW circuit in such boilers has a protective coating that increases its service life.

The device from the Swedish manufacturer has a power of 45 kW and is capable of heating rooms up to 500 m².

The gas-electric boiler STS is a model that can operate on any of the existing types of fuel. Its distinctive feature is that it is equipped with heating elements with a power of 15.75 kW. The presence of an internal automation system allows you to maintain the water temperature at a constant level. If necessary, boiler circuits can include programming devices that allow operation to be adjusted depending on the outside temperature.

The presence of a heat exchange unit in the configuration allows you to prepare up to 730 liters of water per hour.

The advantages of this device are:

• Easy access for cleaning smoke ducts
• Overtemperature control
• Possibility to turn off the pump and burner if necessary

Having considered the capabilities of three models of combination boilers from different manufacturers, you can make the right choice. It should be based on the size of the room, its thermal insulation properties and the availability of the required amount of funds.

Which is better, more profitable: gas heating or electric?

This question can be answered quite simply. It is enough to compare the features of both types of heating:

• electricity - cheap installation, but expensive operation;
• gas - often a very expensive connection to the main line, but cheap operation.

If the main requirements of the owners are convenience and safety, then electric heating will be the best choice. When savings are a top priority, gas boilers are the preferred option, especially when considering this fuel in the long term.

Even taking into account the costs associated with preparatory measures and the prices of gas equipment, this heating certainly remains a favorite. This fact is confirmed not only by rough or precise calculations, but also in practice. Yes, some claims can be made against gas boilers regarding the danger of the fuel, the complexity, as well as the high cost of laying the line and installation, or the relative inconvenience. However, there is simply no more economical option.

But electrical equipment cannot be called an outsider either. Its use in some cases is quite justified. For example, such boilers can be profitable purchases for heating systems of small buildings, whose area ranges from 40-60 to 100 m2. It also makes no sense to equip houses intended for temporary residence with gas boilers. In this case, you will have to wait a very long time for the equipment to pay for itself.

Which system to choose: gas heating or electric? If the house has a large area, and the owners have the opportunity and desire to connect to the main line, then it is better to opt for a gas boiler. When there is no such chance due to the lack of a gas pipeline nearby, other alternatives are considered. For example, the “golden mean” between gas and electricity is LPG cylinders or gas holders.

If the cottage is small, or it is intended only for seasonal living, and there are no serious problems with the power supply voltage, then the choice is obvious: this is an electrical appliance. Another option to consider is the use of such a boiler as additional, backup equipment in the “gas kingdom”.

To complete the topic, here is a video related to heating systems:

Features of heating from electricity

For each house or cottage, you need to determine the types of work required, draw up an individual estimate and get the amount that you will ultimately need to pay for the heating system. You also need to calculate the amount of electricity or gas needed for the cold season, and knowing their cost, it is easy to calculate the annual costs.

Electric boilers, which are used to heat a country house, are classified as high-power consumers. It follows that in most cases you will have to incur costs not only for the purchase and installation of equipment, but also for reworking the power supply system.

Norms and limits of consumption

To determine the required power of an electric or gas boiler, you need to calculate the heat loss of the house.

If you calculate in detail the structure of heat loss at home, you can take effective measures to insulate it. This will help you save on heating costs

Heat loss has two meanings:

• Average , which is calculated based on the average daily temperatures for the entire heating period (Qav). It is used to calculate the amount of energy consumed per year (gas, electricity, firewood, fuel oil, etc.).
• Maximum , which is determined by the temperature of the coldest five-day period (Qmax). It is used to calculate the minimum permissible boiler power.

During periods of peak cold weather, the boiler can operate continuously, and during temperatures close to standard temperatures, the coolant circulating through the heating circuit is periodically heated.

Heat loss values ​​can be obtained in several ways:

• calculate independently using simplified methods or special calculators;
• calculate independently using more accurate calculations using the parameter of thermal resistance of the materials from which the house is built;
• order payments to third parties.

Any boiler must be selected according to the parameter of maximum thermal power (Pmax), taking into account the following condition:

Pmax ≥ Qmax / (K / 100) where

K – equipment efficiency.

The efficiency of modern electric heaters is equal to or greater than 98%, while gas heaters usually range from 92% to 96%.

Double-circuit boilers are equipped with a hot water supply circuit. This leads to additional energy costs, which must also be taken into account

Having calculated the required maximum power of the boiler, it is necessary to determine the possibility of connecting it to the network. For small buildings, it is sometimes possible to meet the standard 15 kW, which the electricity supply organization is obliged to provide to the consumer, who is an individual.

According to Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1178 of December 29, 2001 (as amended), the cost of technological connection in this case is now only 550 rubles.

If the required power exceeds 15 kW or the networks are located at a distance of more than 500 meters (within city limits - 300 meters) from the facility, then the price for connection will be higher. It may depend on many factors, so it is easier to find out from the electricity supply organization by sending a corresponding request.

In addition, the applicant may be given a reasoned refusal to make such a connection if there is a technical problem, for example, substation overload.

Purchase and installation of an electric boiler

One of the clear advantages of an electric boiler over its gas counterpart is its ease of installation and the ability to install it almost anywhere in the house.

Electric boilers do not require a separate room with normal ventilation and there is no need to connect a chimney to them. They are also easy to fit into the interior

If you compare which will ultimately be more profitable - an electric or gas boiler, then you must not take into account those works that are the same in price for any type of equipment. For example, installation of a water circuit around the perimeter of the house does not depend on the type of energy supplied.

Therefore, when installing an electric boiler, the following financial costs must be taken into account:

• connection to the heating circuit (piping);
• ensuring the supply of electricity;
• placement and connection of the heat accumulator.

The heat accumulator is relevant when using a two-zone tariff. It allows you to accumulate heat at night, when the cost of electricity is much lower.

Electric heating boilers

When choosing an electric boiler, you need to take into account the following criteria: number of circuits, method of heating the coolant, design, power, design, cost. Domestic and foreign manufacturers are constantly improving heating equipment manufacturing technologies, so the buyer can purchase functional, practical, safe models at an affordable cost.

• Zota is a domestic product that is characterized by power and a high level of efficiency. Some models are equipped with a GSM module, which allows you to control them remotely.
• Evan is a Russian company that produces devices of excellent quality. Some units are fully automated, which significantly increases the efficiency and safety of operation.
• Protherm electric heating boilers operate on a two- or three-phase connection. The design of the models includes a hydraulic unit, an expansion tank, a pressure sensor, and various protective modules.
• The Vaillant company produces multifunctional heating devices. They are equipped with a reliable security system, are characterized by economical energy consumption, stylish, modern design.

Double-circuit boiler equipment

For heating a private home, double-circuit electric-gas equipment is very suitable. This heating has its advantages:

• reduced gas consumption;
• If we consider separately the generator of a double- and single-circuit boiler, then the cost of the first is higher. But when comparing the cost of heating equipment for a single-circuit and combined boiler, the price is lower;
• heating of water in the water supply and heating systems occurs simultaneously;
• Can be installed in a boiler room or kitchen. But there is a need to follow all safety and installation rules.

Gas and electric boiler

Disadvantages of combined heating:

• you need to balance the costs of gas, electricity and water;
• when the water flow decreases, gas is supplied with the same force. Consequently, the temperature rises;
• if the pressure in the system changes, then reconfiguration of the device is required;
• equipment requires periodic preventative maintenance. Due to scale deposits on the heating elements, there is a need to clean them;
• When using hot water for half a minute, the water in the system will cool down.

Device comparison

Moving away from energy efficiency parameters, you need to remember the advantages and disadvantages of both devices. Among the advantages of electrical equipment are the following features:

• Wide power range (2-60 kW). From these you can choose models up to 20 kW, suitable for individual heating. Thus, the miniature Tenko economy KE 6_220 with a power of 6 kW will heat the average apartment up to 68 m². There are also more powerful 30 kW options, such as Vaillant eloBlock 28 kW with a heating area of ​​about 200 square meters. Such units satisfy the needs of industrial and commercial facilities.
• Environmental friendliness is another advantage of the technology - it does not produce emissions of combustion products.
• Variability: electric boilers heat water. Such devices are easy to operate, silent, reliable, and durable.

As disadvantages, we cannot keep silent about:

• High amounts of energy payments.
• Outlet dependencies.
• Electrical wiring required.

If we talk about gas analogues, then they also have their own characteristics. So, the advantages of gas-powered boilers:

• The power of gas equipment is enough to heat objects of colossal size. Model NOVA FLORIDA CATU32MF99 will heat 1000 m2!
• Gas in automatic boilers is supplied continuously; they will turn off as soon as the fuel supply stops (which happens infrequently, unlike the supply of electricity).
• Easy to use. The equipment is designed for long-term operation.

There were some downsides:

• A complex installation that comes with many nuances. You will have to touch on the technical side of the issue and the bureaucratic side, drawing up the appropriate documentation, permits, and approvals.
• The need to equip a chimney that removes waste substances.
• The need for good ventilation and separate access to the street.
• There is no benefit from installing such boilers in rooms up to 100 m2.

Let's summarize what has been said. Our calculations have finally decided: the efficiency of an electric boiler is beyond doubt, although its gas counterpart with a condensing mechanism competes with it in energy efficiency.

Don’t forget about the increased efficiency of an electric boiler - it is 25% higher than that of a relatively cheap gas device, for example Ferroli DivaProject. All this says one thing: feel free to choose an electrode boiler if you need to heat an ordinary apartment up to 100 square meters, and you won’t regret it!

Related video: Heating a home is four times cheaper than a gas boiler

https://youtube.com/watch?v=mXelnJ7oLZI

Which boiler is more profitable and economical?

A more accurate calculation can only be made regarding operating costs. It is important to consider that there are also costs for running a gas main to the house (from 200 to 500 thousand rubles), costs for design, installation and connection (from 5 to 50 thousand rubles), costs for organizing a three-phase electrical network (5-15 thousand). rubles) and other expense items, the amount of which always depends on the specific situation and is calculated individually.

We can only calculate and compare the costs of fuel that will presumably be spent on heating a private house with electric and gas boilers.

We calculate the energy efficiency of gas boilers

The photo shows a wall-mounted single-circuit gas model Vaillant EcoTEC.
The energy consumption of a gas boiler necessary for comparison can be calculated in two ways: through the maximum consumption of natural gas (which is always indicated in the technical specifications) and through the specific heat of combustion.

For a rough calculation based on the maximum flow rate, let’s take as an example one of the most well-known models of gas boilers - BAXI ECO Four 1.14 F with a power of 14 kW, the maximum possible flow rate of which is 1.6 m3/hour. Per day this is 1.6 (m3/hour) * 24 (hours) = 38.4 m3. In value terms, according to the current tariff for natural gas in the Moscow region (from July 1, 2022) 5.7 rubles/m3 – 38.4(m3) * 5.7(rubles) = 218.88 rubles/day.

More practical and accurate is the calculation based on the specific heat of combustion of natural gas, which is 9.3-10 kW per m3. It follows that for 1 kW of thermal power of a gas boiler, about 0.1-0.108 m3 of natural gas is required.

To heat an average house with a masonry of 2 bricks and a ceiling height of 2.7 m, located in the climatic zone of the Moscow region, 1 kW of heating capacity of heating equipment is required for every 10 m2. This rule is based on the average heat loss (1 kW for every 10 m2) of the described house.

Let's say there is the above-described average house with an area of ​​140 m2, the heat loss of which will be 14 kW (per hour). Per day this is 14*24 = 336 kW. That is, the boiler needs to replenish 336 kW of heat loss, for this it will spend - 0.1 (m3, volume of gas to produce 1 kW of thermal energy) * 336 (kW, heat loss per day) * 1.1 (boiler efficiency 90%, exact value depends on the model) = 36.96 m3. In value terms, this is 36.96*5.7 = 210.67 rubles/day.

We recommend: Gas boilers Ferroli (Ferroli): review, operating experience of wall-mounted and floor-mounted, single-circuit and double-circuit models, their technical characteristics, owner reviews and prices

Accordingly, the norm of 1 kW per 10 m2 is calculated taking into account the entire heating season. This means that heat loss, and, accordingly, gas consumption, will be maximum (218.88 rubles/day) with the highest heat loss of 14 kW on cold days or minimum on warmer days of autumn/spring. On average for the season for the house described above, it will still be 210.67 rubles/day.

We calculate the energy efficiency of electric boilers

The photo shows a compact heating element Proterm Skat 13.

The efficiency of modern electric boilers is 99% or more, which means that at maximum load a 14 kW electric boiler will consume 14.14 kW of electricity. To simplify the calculations, we will not take into account the efficiency close to unity and assume that the consumption of an electric boiler = its power.

For a visual comparison, let’s take the same house with an area of ​​140 m2, the heat loss of which will be 14 kW (per hour). Per day this is 14*24 = 336 kW. That is, the electric boiler needs to replenish 336 kW of heat loss, for this it will spend 336 (kW) * 5.56 (rubles per 1 kWh, electricity tariff from July 1, 2022) = 1,868.16 rubles/day.

Accordingly, this is the maximum possible daily consumption of an electric boiler with a heat loss of 14 kW. In practice, the boiler unit operates only 40-70% of the time, so real costs will be in the range of 747.2 - 1,307.7 rubles/day , which is still a significant indicator.

What is ultimately more profitable: a gas or electric boiler?

From an economic point of view, even taking into account the costs of connecting to the gas main, the higher cost of gas equipment, installation and commissioning costs, a gas boiler is more profitable than an electric one and this is a long-known fact. It is confirmed both by rough calculations and in practice: heating a house with a gas boiler is cheaper and more economical, although not as practical, simple and comfortable.

However, electric boilers can be completely justified economically: in small private houses with an area of ​​40-60 m2, in which the actual cost of heating with electricity, according to reviews from the owners, is 5,000-9,000 rubles per month.

It is even more justified to purchase an electric boiler if you plan to stay in the house temporarily, for example, visiting for the weekend. Then the lower cost of the boiler itself and its connection will pay off the high operating costs for a long time. Especially if you resort to the saving methods described below.

Types of boiler ignition methods and which method is the most optimal?

There are three ignition options:

• electronic. The burner is ignited at the touch of a button using a special unit. This option is present on all models of volatile boilers;
• piezoelectric. The principle of operation of such a system is similar to all piezo devices - in order for a spark to appear, you need to press on a special crystal. Used on non-volatile boilers. Many users find this type of ignition inconvenient;
• manual. The flame is ignited with an ordinary lit match (spear). For ignition, you need to have a certain supply of such elongated wooden sticks.

Most users unanimously prefer the electronic type of ignition, but it is not possible on non-volatile units. You have to get used to using a piezoelectric element or ignite the burner with a burning torch.

Which unit is more profitable?

When talking about the benefits of installing and using the unit, it is worth considering both the financial and operational components of the issue. First of all, you need to understand what is more economical: a gas or electric boiler. The solution to this issue is based on three sub-points:

1. Fuel cost. Gas is constantly becoming more expensive. But, despite this, it still remains cheaper than electricity (tariffs for which are also growing all the time). If we take this factor into account, heating using gas will be more economical than electric. But if gas is not supplied to your site, all the advantages of this option will become useless. In this case, you will have to design electric heating. It is worth taking into account new achievements of electrical equipment manufacturers. After all, some brands began to produce models of electric boilers equipped with a storage tank with maximum thermal insulation. This container serves as a thermos for coolant. Using a boiler with a storage tank together with a multi-tariff meter, you can receive electricity at reduced rates.
2. Cost of equipment. To understand which is more profitable: a gas or electric heating boiler, you need to take into account the prices for these devices in stores. If we compare products from domestic manufacturers, electric boilers are much cheaper than gas units with similar performance. The price difference can reach 40%. Such prices are relevant only for Russian brands. If you compare a domestic electric boiler with a foreign gas boiler, you will see that the cost of the second one will be almost 300% higher.
3. Prices for installation and maintenance. When choosing a gas-fired boiler, you will have to register the device and prepare design documentation. These procedures are not provided free of charge. Their cost reaches tens of thousands in rubles. Prices vary in different regions of the Russian Federation. In addition, it is worth taking into account the costs of connecting the device and connecting the pipeline to it, if initially the pipeline did not go directly to the house. These works will greatly affect the efficiency of gas equipment. If we compare the electric model with the gas one, then the installation services for the first one will be less expensive. You will only have to allocate a separate line to connect the unit. You do not need permission to install it.

Which boiler is more convenient and simpler?

In addition to the economic component of the issue, it is necessary to pay attention to the operational features of electric and gas boilers. They will help you understand which boiler is better to choose: gas or electric.

First of all, it is worth talking about security issues. When choosing gas equipment, you will have to take care of its uninterrupted operation. This is necessary both for personal safety and to comply with legal requirements. You will need to install high-quality automation responsible for control and shut-off valves. This automation will need to be configured correctly, because a small error can lead to malfunctions even of equipment from a brand such as VAILLANT. Therefore, only a specialist with appropriate training should perform the setup.

There are no such problems with electric boilers. Their safety can be ensured with the help of high-quality wiring, grounding, and an RCD with the required characteristics. In this case, the operation of the boiler itself will be regulated by several sensors. From this we can conclude that installing an electric model is easier than a gas model.

Don't forget about further maintenance. Electrical appliances are safe and durable. You will not need to periodically call a specialist for preventive examinations. This cannot be said about gas models, the operation of which must be constantly monitored by specialists. In gas, you need to regularly check the automation and prevent it from breaking down. Otherwise, you risk not only a breakdown of the heating system, but also more serious complications.

In addition to electronics, gas appliances have a complex mechanical structure. Their parts also need maintenance and repair. You will need to regularly clean the boiler to remove carbon deposits and soot. This work should also be done by a master. When using electric models, you do not have to solve such problems.

Based on the information reviewed, we can conclude that electric boilers are easier to use and cheaper to purchase and install than gas boilers. But they require a more expensive resource - electricity. That is, electric and gas appliances lead to the same costs during their use. Therefore, when comparing a gas and electric boiler, it is better to focus on individual technical calculations.

Summarizing all of the above

Weighing all the pros and cons, all the pros and cons, we can definitely say the following: if the house was purchased with gas heating already connected, then of course it is not worth changing it.

If you are not ready to invest almost a million rubles in your house so that it has gas, and the speed of heating the rooms is also important to you (in this regard, gas heating loses to electric heating), it is better to give preference to electric heating.

The fact is that electrical systems do not have this drawback, especially if you use a boiler-air system. The whole trick of quick warming up is convection - room air is taken in by the system, then heated and returned to the room, taken in again, and so on in a circle. Such systems are characterized by very high efficiency - and produce more heat than they consume energy.

In terms of monthly expenses, heating a house with gas is definitely more profitable than with electricity: the cost of heating the same area is 7 times cheaper.

However, taking into account all the costs of equipment, connection and maintenance, the difference is no longer so obvious. And in some cases (for example, when the gas main is located too far away, or when the house is used only for short-term recreation), electric heating looks like a more preferable solution.

Buy a gas or electric boiler

Specifics of gas heating

The procedure for obtaining permission to connect to the main line, install gas equipment and start it up is more complicated than for boilers powered by electricity. Therefore, it is quite difficult to calculate the costs yourself and you will have to contact the organizations responsible for gas delivery and installation of systems.

How to connect to the main system

All work carried out on territory located outside private property is carried out by the gas supply organization.

Gas can be supplied to the house underground or by air. The second option is less attractive, as it imposes restrictions, for example, on the trajectory of personal vehicles entering the site

First of all, it is necessary to collect a package of documents and obtain technical conditions with calculation of the fee for technological connection.

Typically, a private individual is classified as a first category applicant who meets the following conditions:

• gas consumption no more than 20 m3/hour;
• network operating pressure 0.3 MPa;
• straight line distance to the network is 200 m.

These parameters are specified in clause 2 of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1314 of December 30, 2013, as amended as of February 21, 2019. The cost of technological connection (including VAT) for the first group is set in the range from 20 to 50 tr. and depends on regional tariff rates.

However, the presence of a fragment of the gas network near the site does not mean that it is possible to connect to it, since perhaps the entire power of this branch has already been selected. In the event that pipes have to be pulled from afar, or additional gas distribution equipment must be installed to reduce pressure, the cost of the work can increase significantly, up to several million rubles.

Also, the presence of ravines, reservoirs, roads with asphalt concrete pavement and other obstacles on the route to the house can lead to an increase in the cost of technological connection, if additional work is required to overcome them.

Another disadvantage of using gas is the many documents that must be provided to the gas supply organization. This can also be taken into account in monetary terms.

The next type of cost is the installation of gas communications along the site. The owner must pay for them. It is important to know here that such work can be carried out by any company with SRO approval. Very often, the cost of design and construction at the client’s site from gas supply organizations, with whom it will be necessary to enter into an agreement for the construction of the system, connection and maintenance, is too high.

Since gas pipelines are classified as high-risk objects, construction and installation work must be carried out only after a series of studies, which are also paid for by the owner:

• preparation of a topoplan of the site;
• development of a gas supply project;
• coordination of the project with services (architecture, electricians and gas workers);
• registration of the project with gas workers.

Upon completion of the installation of the gas boiler, the final procedure will follow, which also requires financial investments - putting the entire system into operation: checking the facility’s compliance with the requirements, concluding a contract, final paperwork and commissioning.

Features of equipment installation

The use of gas requires compliance with safety regulations that are more complex than those for electricity. Therefore, the placement and installation of a gas boiler must be carried out in accordance with SNiP 41-01-2001 (clauses 6.14-6.15). If any discrepancies are found with this document, the heating system will not be accepted by the gas service specialist.

In order to comply with the requirements for ventilation and removal of combustion products for a floor-standing gas boiler, it is necessary to allocate a separate room - a boiler room. This also entails additional costs, especially if this room was not originally provided for in the building design.

In addition to high-quality ventilation, the boiler room must meet fire safety requirements, as well as provide convenient access to all equipment

In total, the list of work required for installing a gas boiler includes the following steps:

• placing the boiler on the floor or wall;
• connection to the heating circuit (piping);
• installation of a chimney for a gas boiler;
• first heating start and setup.

The combustion product exhaust system for gas heating equipment has its own specifics. The temperature at the beginning of the chimney will be significantly lower than that of stoves or solid fuel boilers.

Therefore, you need to follow all the rules regarding the diameter and slope of the pipes, their location outside the building and insulation. Otherwise, the boiler automation may react to insufficient draft and block its operation.

Electric heating boilers

Electric heating boiler
Electric heating boilers differ in the type of installation and can be installed in a wall or floor version.

Interesting! Exclusively heating boilers, whose power does not exceed 60 kW, can be mounted on the wall, and more powerful ones - only on the floor.

Electric boilers are connected to a standard single- or three-phase electrical network, and water from a regular plumbing system, specialized oils or antifreeze can be used as a filler for the heating system.

Important! Only devices with a power of less than 12 kW can be connected to a single-phase network. Electric heating boilers differ in the method of heating the coolant

Main types:

Electric heating boilers differ in the method of heating the coolant. Main types:

• Indirect heating. In these devices, heating occurs through the use of a heating element located in a heat exchange tank.
• Direct heating. The coolant is heated by the heat generated by a pair of electrodes lowered into the water.
• Induction energy saving.

Boilers TEN

In these devices, heating of the coolant is carried out by converting electrical energy into heat through a tubular heater located in the heat exchanger. Heating element boilers work with any coolant and regardless of their initial temperature. The required level of pressure is created thanks to the circulation pump.

Interesting! You can significantly reduce heating costs by installing special temperature sensors on radiators.

Boilers using heating elements can be either single-circuit or double-circuit and are used to supply hot water.

The main disadvantages of such boilers are:

• Burnout of TEN, which implies its replacement.
• Scale formation on the heating element. This occurs due to the use of low quality hard water and leads to loss of power and breakdown of the heating element.

Important! The service life of the boiler can be significantly extended by using special water softeners.

Electrode type boiler

The principle of operation of such boilers is that electric current passes through the coolant directly, which causes heating. Electrode boilers are characterized by efficiency and reliability. Compared to TEN, real energy savings are up to 40%. An undoubted advantage is the absence of the possibility of scale formation, since there is no such fuel element, only a cathode and anode through which an electric current is passed.

The device of this type of boiler does not require the installation of a circulation pump and a large heat exchanger tank, which makes the device quite compact.

The coolant heats up in a very short period of time, and the efficiency reaches 95%. Electrode-type boilers are very reliable, durable, energy-saving and economical, but there are some disadvantages:

• Inability to connect to the power grid via RCD.
• It is necessary to use only special antifreeze liquids supplied by the boiler manufacturer as a coolant.

Resistive energy-saving electric boilers

The least known representative of electric heating boilers, similar in principle to electrode boilers. The direct heating element is a metal tube coated with a layer of tungsten, which heats the water. This method is called electromagnetic induction.

Despite their little popularity, boilers of this type have a number of advantages,

• You can use ordinary tap water as a coolant.
• High power due to the absence of a thermal barrier.
• Cost-effective and high level of energy saving.

Which is better in terms of practicality and comfort: gas or electric boiler

A well-known fact is that electric boilers in the middle price category and above (from 25 thousand rubles) are almost ideal in their simplicity, functionality and ease of use. They do not require a separate room for a boiler room, ventilation or chimney, are environmentally friendly, have functional automation, and are completely autonomous. In addition, due to the simplicity of the design, they are extremely reliable, even in the event of a breakdown, the cost of heating elements or a full-fledged heating unit averages up to 10-15% of the cost of the boiler.

In terms of installation, operating comfort and safety, modern electric boilers are not only better than gas ones, but are also leaders among all existing types of boilers. To make the comparison as comprehensive and clear as possible, we have summarized all the features and differences of gas and electric boilers into one table.

It is also worth considering that the body of electric boilers (with the exception of the most budget ones) already contains all the necessary elements of the heating system, such as an expansion tank, circulation pump, automatic air vent, safety valve, etc. Among gas boilers, only wall-mounted models are distinguished by such equipment (of the floor-standing ones, only some boilers in the highest price segment).

In practical comparison, electric boilers are an almost ideal heating equipment option, incomparable to gas ones. However, not everything is so simple, if we take into account the economic side of the issue.

Let's compare networks

Electricity

The undeniable advantages of electric boilers:

• there is no need to constantly be in the house while the boiler is operating and clean it;
• no additional communications or storage required;
• automatic shutdown is triggered in the event of a short circuit in the network or elevated temperature conditions.

Be sure to find out the condition of internal and external electrical networks, incl. “free” power of the transformer substation, which is located near your home, how uninterrupted the power supply to your area will be; Will it be possible to install a cable with a voltage of 380 V (three-phase) for construction?

Operating principle

Combined devices are available in various modifications. Gas-electric boilers are considered one of the most convenient and cost-effective. They not only simplify the choice of fuel, but are also able to work autonomously, providing the house with heat in the event of a power outage. Such boilers provide maximum efficiency of the system, allowing you to select the most profitable fuel.

They have several outputs for connecting heating systems, which allows them to be used simultaneously for heating a bathhouse, swimming pool or connecting to a heated floor. A design feature of such equipment is a heat exchange unit that provides the preparation of more than 730 liters of water per hour. It is also possible to connect to the boiler apparatus.

Combined devices use a pressurized burner, which ensures high efficiency, as well as operation of the device when the gas pressure in the line decreases. Such devices are able to operate even when gas and electricity are turned off, due to:

Ease of use

The operation of modern boilers, regardless of the type of fuel, does not cause any difficulties

Ease of maintenance and use is an important characteristic. The consumer pays extra for convenience.

Electric boiler

The device is equipped with a control module and multi-stage automatic safety system. The setup is extremely simple and is carried out by the consumer himself. If the device is equipped with a programmer, you can also set the operating mode - for example, reducing power at night, on and off times, etc.

Gas holder

Operating the gas tank itself is also not difficult. The tank operates in automatic mode. The owner periodically checks the fuel level using the sensor and, if necessary, buys a gas mixture. The download is performed by the supplier.

Combination boiler gas and electricity balanced choice of heating

Installing a combined heating system allows you to economically and efficiently heat rooms in autonomous mode and expand the services received.

Important advantages of the combination heater:

• has small dimensions;
• has excellent efficiency;
• reduces the cost of thermal energy production;
• automatic switching of gas or electricity supply modes;
• reduces environmental load.

Rice.
3 Gas-electric boiler Its most effective operation can be achieved when a combined gas and electric heating system is designed at the stage of construction and equipment of premises. Professional installation and commissioning of combined equipment will also increase the quality and long-term service of the gas and electric heating circuit.

Gas-electric heating boilers not only allow you to heat water for supply to heating radiators, but also combine several functions at once. Combination boilers can be responsible for the operation of the “warm floor” system and heat water for domestic purposes. Additional heat exchange units will maintain the water at the proper temperature in the pool, and installing a boiler will meet the needs for hot water.

Cost of heating equipment

Approximate estimate for a house with an area of ​​100 meters2:

The average cost of equipment for an electric boiler and a double-circuit gas boiler does not differ significantly and is approximately 58-65 thousand rubles. The cost of installation work will be about 28-30 thousand rubles.

Advantages of electric heating

According to many developers, heating with electricity is more profitable for owners of country houses, since this does not require connecting to the main gas pipeline, which, moreover, is not available everywhere.

This system does not require large start-up costs, and the advantages are obvious:

1. Easy installation. Installing an electric boiler is quite simple - you can do it yourself. This does not require a separate boiler room, nor does it require coordination and registration of equipment installation with inspection authorities;
2. Can be equipped quickly and cheaply. There is no need to spend money and time on preparing and obtaining a project, technical conditions, or waiting for the commissioning certificate;
3. No excavation or pipe laying required;
4. There is no need to equip a chimney and sensors that should monitor safety and smoke;
5. Higher safety and environmental friendliness. There is no risk of explosion from electric boilers; they do not emit carbon monoxide or form combustion products;
6. The system is very easy to operate , and electric boilers are more convenient to use.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Work on bringing gas into a house and its cost using the example of a house in the Perm region:

About tariffs for using electricity to heat a house located within the city. Legal and technological nuances:

The use of gas and electricity when heating a house has its own characteristics. Electric heating equipment is easier and faster to connect, and natural gas is cheaper as a fuel. To determine the best economic model for heating, you need to carry out calculations for a specific object and draw up a schedule of financial costs.

Would you like to share your own opinion about the most rational and practical heating system? Do you have useful information on the topic of the article that is worth sharing with site visitors? Please leave comments in the block form below, ask questions, post photographs.

Which boiler is more convenient and easier to use?

Only the most expensive models of gas boilers are equipped with an automated configuration system. The higher the cost of a gas boiler, the simpler the system for adjusting it. For trouble-free operation of gas equipment, precise settings are required, and even minor failures can lead to system shutdown.

Electric boiler

Electric boilers are equipped with a fully automatic control system, and safety of use is monitored by built-in sensors, ensured by grounding and installation of a residual current device.

In settlements near which a central gas main is located, it is more advisable to use gas for heating the area. In all other cases, the installation of electrical equipment is considered rational.

This article is advisory and is not a guide to choosing a particular system. Answer to the question: Which is cheaper and more convenient to use: heating with gas or electricity? It is decided on an individual basis.

Environmental friendliness and safety of gas and electric boilers

In terms of these two parameters, the clear leader is models operating on electricity. Let's compare both options:

Operation and installation of gas and electric boilers

When deciding whether a gas or electric boiler is better, let’s talk about installation, maintenance and operation. In terms of ease of operation, electric heaters also benefit. They do not require the same preparation as gas ones before starting. Therefore, the choice in their favor is completely justified.

• Gas. Ease of operation directly depends on the cost of the product. Only expensive models have automated operation. A complex installation of a system with pressure gauges, a chimney, and an exhaust hood is required. To install the boiler, you need additional space adapted for these purposes.
• Electrical. The models are automated. Easy installation. There is a possibility of heating water. You can install the equipment in any convenient place.

Which boiler is more economical - gas or electric?

When choosing which boiler is more profitable, gas or electric, it is worth considering the prices of the models and the feasibility of the costs. In both categories you can find suitable options for the price - middle-class equipment at an affordable cost. Of course, you will have to pay more for excellent quality. This same fate also awaits owners of large houses.

Prices for a gas or electric boiler depend on the manufacturer, the availability of additional components and many other technical issues. Also, to make sure whether a gas or electric boiler is more economical, you need to compare them in terms of energy costs.

Boiler efficiency comparison:

Electric

The cost of blue fuel and electricity is constantly growing, but the price of gas is much higher and rising faster than the cost of a kilowatt of electricity. Therefore, in terms of feasibility, it is best to purchase electrical equipment. It has high efficiency and pays for itself faster.

Disadvantages of central gas heating

The following points can be highlighted:

• If the building is not connected to a central heating system, then the costs of the work are so high that not everyone will be able to bear them.
• The gas is highly explosive and can cause significant harm if safety precautions and operating instructions are not followed.
• If the house is rarely used in winter, then installing a gas heating system is not cost-effective, since it takes a very long time to warm up.

Disadvantages of using liquefied gas

The use of liquefied gas in cylinders is not always convenient because:

• the more powerful the gas equipment, the more cylinders will be needed for its operation;
• empty cylinders must be changed or refilled frequently;
• at sub-zero temperatures, gas is not completely produced;
• cylinders filled with gas are a source of increased danger.

A gas tank has much fewer disadvantages: high cost and the need for excavation work for its installation.

What to choose: heating with bottled gas or electricity? If we are talking about convenience and ease of use, then electric heating comes to the fore here, and if we are talking about savings, then gas is still in the lead, even though it is in cylinders.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric heating

Electric heating, compared to gas heating, is absolutely safe and convenient. There are currently two types of electric heating:

1. Water, which requires the installation of a coolant that heats up and supplies heat to the rooms. This type of heating also requires the installation of a boiler, due to which the water in the system will be heated. Water is characterized by a high level of inertia, so this system is very effective.
2. Convector heating involves installing a heating radiator in each room. These can be either independent heating devices or a single system interconnected by a common control. Installation of a convector heating system is quite simple: you just need to hang the radiators and provide them with 220 V power.

In any case, heating with electricity at the price of gas is nothing more than a myth. If you close your eyes to the high cost of electricity, you can find many advantages of electric heating:

• ease of installation. You can install a boiler or radiators on your own, without the help of specialists. To carry out electric heating, you will not need a separate room for the boiler room and permission from the inspection authorities;
• installation cost is much lower compared to gas heating. To provide your home with heat, you don’t need to draw up a project, wait for permission to use it to be ready, and so on;
• no need to lay utilities;
• there is no need to build a smoke removal system and install smoke detectors;
• Electric heating is safe and does not pollute the environment;
• The electrical system is easy to operate.

Among the shortcomings we note:

• Low heat transfer efficiency.
• The need for a constant and stable supply of electricity.
• High electricity consumption in cold weather.

What will have to be changed in the house to connect a gas boiler

Chimney

An electric boiler does not require a chimney, so it is most likely not included in the project. For gas equipment this is a mandatory part of the system. Discharge of combustion products into the ventilation duct is not allowed; a separate chimney duct, full thermal insulation, and protection of walls, ceilings and roofs from overheating are required.

There are 2 options:

The chimney is a difficult decision. Combustion products are discharged into the street above the roof. The smoke duct can stretch across the entire house. For boilers with an open combustion chamber.

A chimney (coaxial chimney) is a simple solution. Combustion products are discharged through the outer wall next to the equipment. For boilers with a closed combustion chamber. The chimney simultaneously removes combustion products and takes in air.

An additional advantage of a closed-type combustion chamber is that it does not waste oxygen from the rooms, does not affect existing ventilation, and reheats the outside air on its way to the boiler burner.

Boiler room

The installation location is regulated by MDS 41-2.2000 and SP 281.1325800.2016. If you are installing a gas pipeline, Mosoblgaz will help with technical specifications. The room must meet the requirements of the standards, or gas will not be supplied. If you are installing a gas tank (gas storage), choose a certified contractor.

The location directly depends on the power:

0-60 kW - allowed in the kitchen;

60-150 kW - in a separate room on any floor (also ground and basement);

150–350 kW - in a separate room on the first, ground or basement floors and in extensions;

above 350 kW - in an attached room with a separate entrance - “boiler room”, which is extremely rare for private houses.

A boiler room is not always needed

According to MDS 41-2.2000, a heater with a power of up to 60 kW can be installed in the kitchen or dining room. The main requirement is compliance with the following parameters:

The ceiling height of the room is from 2.5 m.

Volume - from 15 m³ + 0.2 m³ per 1 kW of power. For a 35 kW appliance, the kitchen volume must be at least 22 m³. With a ceiling height of 2.5 m, the kitchen area is from 8.8 m². For a boiler room, 15 m³ is enough (area - 6 m²).

Exhaust and air supply threefold + air used for gas combustion. At the bottom of the door there is a grille or gap with an area of ​​0.025 m².

Daylight. The window area is 0.03 m² for each cubic meter of volume.

An additional requirement for a boiler room is separation from adjacent rooms (living room, veranda, office) by enclosing fire-resistant walls.

Most kitchens in country houses fit the parameters. Remove the electric heater and install a gas boiler up to 60 kW. You will do without a separate room, although objectively the boiler room is more convenient - it is easier to control and maintain the equipment.

Disadvantages of heating with electricity

Unfortunately, there are also quite a few of them.

1. Huge electricity bills. We should not forget that electricity is the most expensive type of fuel.
2. Dependence on weather. If a wire breaks somewhere due to wind or ice, you will be left without heating.
3. Low power of devices. Electric boilers with a power sufficient to heat large areas simply do not exist. If you have a large cottage with several floors, you will have to install a gas tank and buy LPG .
4. A three-phase power supply (380 Volts) is required. In some settlements, especially remote ones, this simply may not exist.