An energy-saving boiler is one of the simple and affordable options for a heating system. This type of equipment is presented in several versions, which differ in design and technical characteristics. Due to their convenience, systems using electric boilers are often used in private homes for individual heating.
Electric boiler in the heating system Source teplospec.com
Electric energy-saving boiler: design and principle of operation
Energy-saving electric boilers for the home have one important design difference from conventional ones. They do not have heating elements. Its role is played by an electrode or an inductance coil. The liquid in such a device acts not only as a coolant, but also as a conductor. Inside the boiler, an electric current passes from the electrode to the walls through the water, thereby heating it - this is the case if there is an electrode. If its function is performed by an inductance coil, then the water is heated by magnetic waves passing through it.
No heating element
First, the electric boiler is induction, supposedly there are no heating elements. But in a heating element, sometimes there are more than a dozen of them, which means there is a high probability of them breaking, maybe several at once.
But if there were no heating element, then how would the boiler heat the water? The same coil essentially performs this role, only without contact with the liquid. Therefore, this element is present in any such unit.
But as for the high probability of heating elements failing, this directly depends on the product and manufacturer that you buy.
There are specialists who have installed more than 500 heating element boilers over the years of their work, and have not changed a single element under warranty during all this time.
Advantages and disadvantages of energy-saving electric heating boilers
There are quite a lot of advantages of such equipment. The main ones include:
- Small dimensions, which allows the installation of an electric heating energy-saving boiler 220 V even in small rooms;
- No noise during operation, which allows installation even in small apartments;
- Full automation of the process that does not require periodic maintenance;
- Possibility of installing hot water supply provided that a double-circuit unit is used;
- Easy to install. This work can be done by a home craftsman without specific knowledge and skills.
Schematic cross-sectional representation of an energy-saving boiler
When talking about the advantages of economical electric boilers for heating a private home, one cannot fail to mention the disadvantages. Actually, there is only one – the inability to use equipment during a power outage.
Loosening contacts
Terminal contacts in heating element models, most of them, can be in temperature difference mode. Heating at maximum load, and cooling when switched off.
And this imposes obligations for their revision and tightening.
And in induction, there are supposedly no electrical contacts. In fact, they are always and everywhere, including induction ones.
But as for the former, in recent years specimens with high-quality screw clamps have begun to be produced.
Or there may be screw connections with a locking washer, which do not require maintenance, or spring clamps, which also go without control and revision for years.
In fact, these are just made-up benefits.
Boiler parameters that are worth paying attention to
In order for such equipment to work effectively, it is worth paying attention to some technical parameters that it has. The electric boiler should not be too large - its size is determined based on the area of the room where it will be installed. It is also important to decide on the number of phases. For an apartment with a 220 V household network, single-phase equipment is required, but for a private house where a voltage of 380 V is supplied, it will be more profitable to purchase three-phase equipment - this will provide additional savings.
This way you can neatly place all the necessary equipment for the heating system.
The type of system also plays a big role. If it is closed, then the need for periodic topping up of coolant disappears. And such a system itself is more effective. Another parameter is the intensity of operation. If you plan to use the boiler only as backup heating, then there is no need for high power of the equipment.
Ways to improve energy efficiency at home
You can reduce energy costs used for heating using different methods:
- increasing the energy efficiency of the building;
- the use of the Smart Home system, as well as other automation that allows minimizing costs;
- reducing electrical losses using radiators and other devices;
- increasing the efficiency of heating boilers or furnaces;
- using environmentally friendly types of energy (firewood, solar panels).
A combination of two or more options can be used to achieve better results.
Even the most reliable and high-quality heating system will not bring much benefit if large-scale heat loss occurs in the house, so measures should be taken to prevent heat energy from leaking through cracks and open vents.
It is important to take simple but effective steps by covering floors, walls, doors, ceilings, and window frames with thermal insulation material. In addition to insulation, additional insulation can be placed according to regulatory requirements. This will further reduce heat loss, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of the building.
To carry out high-quality thermal insulation, you can call a specialist energy auditor. He will carry out a thermal imaging survey of the house, which will reveal the places of the most intense heat loss, the insulation of which must be carried out first.
As a rule, the greatest heat loss occurs through the walls, the attic floor, and the floor along the joists. These areas require high-quality thermal insulation. To prevent heat loss through windows, you can use shutters that close at night.
What types of energy-saving electric boilers can there be?
Such equipment can be divided both by design features - electrode and induction, and by installation method - floor or wall. You can also select the number of contours - with one or two. First, let's look at the installation method.
Floor-standing electric energy-saving heating boilers have larger dimensions than wall-mounted ones. Such equipment should be chosen if the premises are large and there is room for installation for the electric boiler. Typically, a separate room is allocated for such equipment. The wall-mounted version is more compact - it can be installed in any bathroom without compromising useful space.
The range of Galan electric boilers is quite wide
Based on design features, it can be noted that induction electric boilers are less popular. The reason for this is the impossibility of using it in open heating systems. However, such equipment has a number of undeniable advantages. For example, in an induction boiler, you can even use oil as a coolant. And the absence of scale formation plays an important role. But it’s worth taking a closer look at the electrode equipment.
Related article:
There are situations when it is not possible to use the gas system, for example, if there is no gas main nearby. In this case, it is recommended to heat the house with electricity. The most economical method can be selected by analyzing all the options available. This is what we will do in this review.
Heating system manufacturers
Energy-saving electric boilers have recently become increasingly popular. They are produced by many domestic and foreign companies. To figure out which electric boiler is the most economical and choose the best option for your home, you should familiarize yourself with the most popular manufacturers and their models.
Russian manufacturers
Among domestic manufacturers, electric boilers occupy a leading position. The company was founded in 1994. Today it is focused on the production of heating elements and electrode systems. Galan also produces coolants and electronic automation for heating systems. The company has established itself in the market as a manufacturer of high-quality, practical and inexpensive electric heating systems.
Boilers are top sellers in the domestic market
Induction boilers are produced by several Russian ones, “SAV”, “Geyser” and others. The equipment outperforms other manufacturers in the ratio of power – heated area – price. Models of this brand are called vortex. The electromagnetic field in these units is enhanced by the use of Foucault eddy induction currents. Induction units cost an order of magnitude higher than electrode units, so they are in less demand.
Eddy currents are used in VIN boilers
German manufacturers
The concept of “German quality” speaks for itself. German technology is unrivaled in terms of reliability, practicality and durability. Among manufacturers of electric boilers from Germany, the models “Vaillant” and “Viessmann” are popular. It should be noted that German boilers are much more expensive than their domestic counterparts, so they are not suitable as a budget option.
German systems are distinguished by their quality and reliability
Energy-saving electric boilers from Ukraine
Ukrainian equipment for home heating is presented. Additional energy savings in boilers are provided by the power control function. The model range is represented by single-phase and three-phase boilers with a power from 2 to 36 kW. This equipment is capable of heating rooms ranging from 40 to 750 square meters.
Ukrainian presents a wide range of units of different capacities
Slovak
This brand was created in 1991 and supplies heating equipment to the markets of Russia and Europe. Prices for the range of units are high, however, the installations are in demand. The owners of these boilers highly appreciated such parameters as quality and durability.
Protherm boilers have proven themselves to be durable and reliable units
Electrode heating boilers and their features
This type is the most common, which is not surprising. In most old private houses, heating is done using an open method. What's the point of converting the entire system to an induction heater if you can only install electrode equipment.
Such a small electrode boiler has a power of 5 kW
Here electrolysis is used as heating. The boiler itself is connected to “zero”, while the “phase” is supplied to the electrode in the center (three electrodes at a voltage of 380 V). It turns out something like a “student” or “army” boiler. Such systems are the safest compared to heating elements. Indeed, if the water is turned off, a closed electric heating element (in the event of a failure of the automation) may simply explode. Electrode equipment is free of such risks. The lack of liquid in the boiler entails a break in the contact, which means that the electric boiler will simply stop functioning.
We invite our dear reader to read one of the reviews about an electrode boiler for heating a private home.
Gvoz4D, Russia, Ussuriysk: For installation and commissioning, basic knowledge of physics at the 8th grade level and the ability to distinguish zero from phase is sufficient.
First of all, do everything according to the instructions and, indeed, special attention to the coolant and compliance with its parameters. (...) I have been using the Galan electrode boiler from the end of December to the present, and I am absolutely satisfied with it. I foresee an increase in the electricity bill, but this will most likely be a consequence of playing with salt in the water, since I set up the boiler “manually”, that is, without a device measuring the load... Now we have reached the design parameters - and now this coal, this constant voltage has given in to me -heat the stove five months a year... Read more on Review:
Electrode boiler disassembled - there is nothing complicated about it
Number of circuits in water heaters
Single-circuit electric heating boilers provide the ability to heat only the coolant. They can heat the house, but in this case something will have to be decided about the hot water supply system. Typically, homeowners install a separate water heater, which solves this problem. However, it is much easier to eliminate it in another way.
Double-circuit heating boilers are quite convenient. What is especially pleasing is that, if there is a second circuit for installing a hot water supply system, there is no additional electricity consumption. This happens due to the fact that the water is heated by the coolant of the heating system. It all happens as follows. In the tank where the hot water is located, there is a coil through which coolant passes, heated to a certain temperature. At the same time, it transfers part of its heat to the water, heating it. It turns out that if you install a single-circuit electric boiler for heating a house of 100 square meters and compare it with a double-circuit analogue that allows the connection of hot water supply, then there will be no noticeable difference in electricity consumption.
Electric boilers for heating can also be wall-mounted - these are more compact
heating elementnew
The most popular type of boiler due to its compactness, low cost, ability to work with any coolant and ease of operation. Heating element electric boilers are equipped with a protective block that allows the boiler to operate in automatic mode.
Let's consider their structure and operating principle. Main working blocks:
- Heat exchanger - a tank with heating elements (heating elements) fixed in it;
- Circulation pump (creates the necessary pressure in the system);
- Air valve;
- Coolant pressure sensor with safety valve;
- Control unit with temperature sensors and indicators;
- Expansion tank (only for energy-saving models).
Diagram of a heating element electric boiler
The coolant enters the heat exchanger, where it is heated using heating elements (heating elements), and is then distributed into the heating system. The pressure necessary for coolant circulation is created by a circulation pump. When the maximum pressure, which is monitored by the sensor, is exceeded, the safety valve is activated. To protect against boiling of the coolant, the system is equipped with an emergency temperature sensor, which turns off the boiler when the temperature reaches 95 degrees. It is possible to regulate the boiler power by turning the heating elements on/off.
Using a control unit equipped with thermostats, the entire system is controlled automatically. Depending on the boiler model, there are two types of temperature sensors - those that control the coolant temperature or the air temperature outside the installation. The second type of sensors is located outside the boiler. When the coolant (or room temperature) cools, the circulation pump is turned on, then the coolant is heated to the set temperature, supplied to the system and the boiler is turned off.
A little more complicated is the system with an expansion tank, which allows you to accumulate heated coolant and gradually use it in the system, without turning on the boiler again. This saves significant energy, but requires additional space for the tank.
The main disadvantage is that when using a coolant with hardness salts (hard water), scale gradually forms on the heating elements. With a scale thickness of 2-3 mm, the heat transfer of the heating element sharply decreases, and its efficiency is about 30%. At the same time, energy consumption remains at the same level, which leads to excessive energy consumption.
Some nuances of choosing a water heater for heating
When deciding which most economical electric boiler to choose for your home, you need to decide at what intensity it is expected to operate. If this is only additional heating, then 2-3 kW of power will be quite enough. You should also think about the need for a second circuit. If you need hot water supply in your home, then it will be much more profitable to purchase a double-circuit water heater for heating than to buy a separate one for hot water supply. And during operation, obvious savings will be noticeable.
For many, the most important indicator of quality is the brand, but you should not blindly trust what is written on the packaging. Nowadays there is quite a lot of counterfeit. But even if all the documents and certificates are in order, perhaps there is an electric boiler nearby on the counter with the same characteristics and not worse quality, but at a lower cost. This happens due to inflated prices “for the brand”. The more it is promoted, the higher the cost of the product will be, which is not always justified by the quality and equipment.
Some electric boilers are so compact that they practically do not differ from main pipes
Advantages
SLO has high physiological properties. Low-temperature film electric heaters have a maximum surface temperature of + (40-45) ˚С, which provides radiation of an infrared heat flow of a soft long-wave spectrum. These rays do not heat the air, leaving its humidity natural. They heat objects, floors, ceilings. At the same time, the speed of movement of convective flows decreases by an order of magnitude. When these rays hit the human body, they activate the human peripheral circulatory system, which causes the onset of a feeling of thermal comfort 2-3 °C earlier than with convective heating. The rays emitted by heaters are the most useful part of the solar spectrum. They compensate for the “solar hunger” that occurs in the autumn-winter period in the Ural-Siberian region.
Confirmation of the positive physical properties is the information that such devices are used by English doctors to treat herpes, remove wrinkles on the face and for other cosmetic purposes. The high performance properties of the SLO are determined by its service life - more than 50 years. Virtually no maintenance costs required. The simplicity of installation technology is ensured by the absence of metal-intensive structures.
High design potential is ensured by the fact that radiant heat generators located on the ceiling can be covered with any elements of the ceiling design. The presence of a heating system is “signified” only by programmable regulators located on the walls. The innovation process both in the Russian Federation and abroad is mainly associated with the expansion of the use of natural gas, the installation of autonomous boiler houses, and the use of radiant gas systems. The use of electricity is limited by its high cost, which is objectively manifested if electricity is used as fuel (electric boilers, electric radiators, electric panels).
The innovativeness (novelty) of the process under consideration is determined by the following components:
- The use of a radiant film electric heater that converts electricity into a stream of soft infrared radiation, which has physiological properties beneficial to humans.
- The use of a regulator that provides high-temperature conditions (20°C or other required temperature) only while people are in the room.
- The use of the thermophysical properties of the building corresponding to modern SNiP, which allows the formation of pauses in electricity consumption.
Essentially, this is heating to a new level. One of the main advantages of SLO is the virtual absence of operating costs and a long service life - up to 50 years.
Nuances of installing electric boilers for heating
Installing an electric boiler for heating your home is easy. This work is completely doable without the help of professionals with your own hands. You just need to follow the instructions, which are necessarily attached to the technical documentation.
It is important to know! Before you begin connecting electrical equipment, it is necessary to remove the voltage from the supply wire from the input circuit breaker. Remember that electric shock can not only harm your health - it is life-threatening!
When installing the boiler you need to be very careful - the voltage must be turned off
The only caveat is that many manufacturers break the warranty agreement when installing it themselves. Their main requirement is installation of equipment by licensed specialists. If you purchase such products, it is better not to take risks and entrust all the work to professionals.
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to seek help from professionals
PLEN is a worthy alternative
Film radiant electric heaters are one of the most interesting developments in the field of energy-saving heating technologies. PLEN systems are economical, efficient and quite capable of replacing traditional types of heating. The heaters are placed in a special heat-resistant film. PLEN is mounted on the ceiling.
The film radiant electric heater is a complete structure consisting of power cables, heaters, a foil screen and high-strength film
The principle of operation of such a system
Infrared radiation heats the floor and objects in the rooms, and they, in turn, give off heat to the air. Thus, the floor and furniture also play the role of additional heaters. Due to this, the heating system consumes less electricity and produces maximum results.
Automation is responsible for maintaining the desired temperature - temperature sensors and a thermostat. The systems are electrical and fireproof, do not dry out the indoor air, and operate silently. Since heating occurs primarily by radiation and to a lesser extent by convection, PLENs do not contribute to the spread of dust. The systems are very hygienic.
Another important advantage is the absence of the release of toxic combustion products. The systems do not require special care, are harmless to human health, and do not poison the environment. With ceiling infrared heating, the warmest zone is at the level of the legs and torso of a person, which allows you to achieve the most comfortable temperature regime. The service life of the system can be 50 years.
An infrared heater does approximately 10% of the work of heating a room. 90% comes from the floor and large furniture. They accumulate and release heat, thus becoming part of the heating system
What makes PLEN so profitable?
The buyer incurs the greatest expenses at the time of purchasing a film heater. The design is easy to install, and if desired, you can install it yourself. This allows you to save on workers. The system does not require maintenance. Its design is simple, therefore durable and reliable. It pays for itself in about 2 years and can serve for decades.
Its biggest advantage is significant savings on electricity. The heater quickly warms up the room and then simply maintains the set temperature. If necessary, it can be easily removed and mounted in another room, which is very convenient and beneficial in case of moving.
Infrared radiation has a positive effect on human health and activates the body's defenses. By installing PLEN, the owner of the house, in addition to heating, additionally receives a real physiotherapy room
Training film on editing PLEN
The video shows all the stages of installing a film heater:
Where to buy electric energy-saving heating boilers
It all depends on the buyer. You can make a similar purchase in a specialized store, but in this case you should be prepared to overpay about 15-20% of the cost compared to online sellers. But there are pitfalls here too. When purchasing equipment through an online store, you need to be extremely careful not to fall for scammers. We advise you to study the reviews about the seller as carefully as possible and try to collect as much information about him as possible.
This is what an energy-saving heating boiler looks like inside
Advice! If the page of an online seller’s website does not contain details by which it can be checked in the State Register, this should alert you and you should not contact such a seller.
Instead of an afterword
When purchasing equipment for your home heating system, you should not grab the first offer you come across. Even if it seems that nothing better can be found. It is worth approaching the choice as carefully and thoughtfully as possible. Only in this case will the electric boiler work for a long time, giving comfort and warmth to you and your loved ones.
Electric boilers made of stainless steel are considered the most durable
We hope that the information presented today was useful to our dear reader. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them in the discussions for this article. And finally, a short video on today's topic:
Heat recovery
Using heat recovery will be a step towards creating an energy-efficient private home, as well as a good way to save on utilities. Heat recovery is the return of warm air using a ventilation system. When ventilating, we not only let in cold air, but also let out warm air, thus discrediting the central heating system, and we throw money away.
During recovery, not only the temperature regime is maintained, but the air is also purified. Every modern “passive” private house has a heat recovery system. Organizing recovery is inexpensive, especially compared to the benefits it brings. Statistics show that about 40% of the heat goes outside during ventilation. But you have already paid for this warmth!
So, there are many different energy-saving heating systems and the main question is how to choose the most optimal one. To do this, you need to devote time and effort to its selection, purchase and installation.
