The summer season is coming to an end. Many city dwellers are ready to come to their dacha in winter, but cannot solve the heating issue. We want to introduce you to the most common methods of heating a country house during the cold season.
We do not live in those latitudes where in winter the sun “distributes” heat for free. We have to pay for it: either with money or with our own labor. How can we heat our home?
The cheapest way is to use firewood, but we definitely need to put a lot of work into it. A simpler, but more expensive option is gas. The simplest and most expensive heating option is electricity. Which method is best for a country house?
What is the best heating for a summer house?
Boiler room
There are a lot of heating options, which primarily depend on the frequency of stay outside the city. In particular, this applies in winter, when heating is necessary. In the summer this is absolutely not important, but if you often visit your dacha in the winter, then you should take care of heating. It also depends on the arrangement of the dacha itself, since it is not always a large cottage or house; sometimes the house is a small metal structure, lined inside with insulating material. In such cases, there is nothing much to think about; the only solution is to purchase electric heaters.
First of all, it is also necessary to assess the availability of the energy source. If your village is not gasified, then in any case it will not be possible to install a gas boiler. If there is gas on the site and there is a supply to the house, then it may make sense to install gas equipment. If the dacha is located far from populated areas and there is no gas supply there, then another source of heating will have to be provided. The most versatile and most affordable is the installation of electrical equipment. In particular, there are several options for heating a dacha.
What is the best heating for a dacha:
- Fan heaters
- Oil radiators
- Heat convectors
- Infrared heaters
- Warm floor
Water heating
Heaters with heat storage blocks
There are heating devices that can accumulate heat at night, when electricity is relatively inexpensive, and release it during the day. The so-called heat accumulator is a heating device with a steel body, which contains storage blocks heated by a heating element. These can be magnesite bricks, soapstone chloride crushed stone and soapstone chloride blocks. The difference is not fundamental. Thanks to reliable core insulation, the heat accumulator does not waste the accumulated energy. It is almost entirely spent on heating.
Diagram of a dynamic type heat storage device (with a fan)
When the temperature of the storage unit rises to 650-700ºC, the pressure sensor blocks the operation of the heating element, and the device goes into sleep mode, heating the room due to the accumulated heat.
This is the operating principle of static
heat accumulator.
The second type of this heater - dynamic
- has an additional technical unit. We are talking about a fan that enhances the heating effect. However, the principle of its operation is worth considering in more detail.
Each dynamic heat accumulator is equipped with a thermostat on which a comfortable temperature is set. As soon as it decreases (this is monitored by a special sensor), the fans located inside the battery pack turn on. They pass air through channels between the bricks and direct it into the room. To ensure that the house is not too hot, a built-in bimetallic sensor monitors the air flow through a special damper. The air temperature at the outlet of the device does not exceed 70ºС. The power consumption of the device is 1.6–7 kW.
During operation, the body of the device practically does not heat up, which eliminates the burning of dust and burns from accidental touch.
Static (left) and dynamic (right) heat accumulators
Despite the fact that the heat accumulator has a relatively simple design, manufacturers provide it with various useful options. Thanks to the thermostat mentioned above, you can adjust the heating mode based on the preferences of a particular user. The most advanced devices allow you to program the “weather in the house” for a week in advance. And thanks to the specially shaped blades, the fans do not get on your nerves. The noise level it produces does not exceed 30 dB.
However, the financial issue is much more important to the user. As practice shows, a heat accumulator can reduce heating costs by up to 4 times compared to conventional electric heaters.
Continuing the topic of advantages, it is worth noting the durability of the device. According to manufacturers, the heat accumulator will last at least 30 years.
Despite the presence of a massive storage unit, the dimensions of the heat accumulator do not exceed the dimensions of conventional water radiators
More details in the article “Savings part”.
3
Economical electric heating for a summer residence
Of course, the best option is to use a heated floor, but this type is one of the most expensive, as it requires complex installation and screeding. Therefore, if the dacha is small, it is a house with a small square footage, then the easiest way is to purchase a fan heater.
Of course, they heat the room faster than other energy sources, but they have a significant drawback - drying out the air. They burn oxygen and also significantly reduce the humidity in the room, which can negatively affect the well-being of the inhabitants.
Economical electric heating for a summer residence:
- A more realistic option is to use oil heaters. They heat up much longer, but at the same time they do not cool down as quickly. One of the popular types among summer residents is the use of infrared equipment.
- It is usually mounted on the ceiling or wall. A significant drawback is the limited range of influence. It warms only in the place where the rays fall. However, electrical equipment has a significant drawback - light weight.
- If in an apartment the small dimensions of the device are an advantage, then in a dacha it is a big disadvantage. If you plan to live at your dacha infrequently in winter, then one fine day you may discover that all the electrical equipment, along with additional equipment, has been stolen.
- Therefore, when purchasing such electrical devices, it is necessary to evaluate how well the security of the holiday village is organized.
Boiler
Heat guns
Electric guns do not contain a fuel tank; therefore, they do not require a supply of fuel or refueling; do not produce combustion products, which means they do not require the installation of a chimney or ventilation. Thus, these are environmentally friendly, lightest (weigh about 2–7 kg) and extremely easy to use devices, used at home more often than others.
They are safe for heating rooms where people are; they do not have problems starting in the cold, like diesel units, and, since there is no need to replenish the energy source, they can operate in continuous mode for as long as required (usually up to 22–24 hours, after which a two-hour break is needed). The guns are equipped with a thermal relay, which allows you to set the required temperature (usually up to +35...40⁰С) and turns off the heating element when it is reached, as well as an overheat protection sensor. To be able to maintain heating at a given level, the devices are equipped with thermostats.
Design and operating diagram of an electric heat gun
Household appliances have a power of up to 5 kW and are powered by a single-phase 220 V network or battery. The regulation system is stepwise: in order to quickly fill the room with heat, they are first turned on to maximum, and then the power is transferred to an intermediate level to maintain a comfortable temperature. Many models can function simply as fans without heating the air.
Guns with a cylindrical body are more effective in terms of creating a directed heat flow, which is ensured both by their “barrel-shaped” shape and by a specially adapted stand with clamps for this purpose, which allows you to direct the air stream to the desired area - up to the “vertical flow” position, for example , for drying the ceiling. Such devices, as a rule, are equipped with a tubular heater twisted into a spiral - it reaches the set temperature faster than “loop” type heating elements.
Many cylindrical guns allow wall mounting.
The legs and stands of units intended for floor installation (this includes all rectangular models) are usually equipped with rubber pads to reduce vibration. The well-thought-out design of the fan and internal fastening units serves the same purpose. As for the noise produced by electric heat guns, for the “loudest” of them it reaches 55–58 dB, which is quite comfortable for daytime. It is clear that a device that drives a powerful stream of air through itself cannot be absolutely silent, but if the issue is especially acute, then experts recommend choosing rectangular devices - due to the aerodynamic features, they work quieter than cylindrical ones.
To increase reliability and safety in operation, as well as to improve heat transfer, manufacturers implement such design solutions in their devices as double-walled steel housings, copper windings of motors, and protective screens made of heat-resistant galvanized steel. They provide the function of blowing cold air onto the heating elements after switching off; The devices are equipped with dust and waterproof fans and control units; They use highly efficient heating elements in a ceramic shell or stainless steel heating elements with a special coating - they do not cause a lack of oxygen in the air and do not emit the characteristic unpleasant smell of hot dust. For fire safety purposes, devices are painted with heat-resistant enamel and the cross-section of the wiring is increased. Some manufacturers produce models in durable plastic housings; in this case, they are equipped with an internal steel casing that prevents heating of the outer walls.
Electric heat guns can be used not only in closed but also in open spaces. Although the heating efficiency will be relatively low, on cool days they will create conditions for comfortable spending time in a summer gazebo or on the terrace. In the spring, they are used for heating small greenhouses, and, for example, devices with directed flow are quite suitable for drying clothes under a canopy
Electric guns have electrical protection class I, and most of them are equipped with a power cable with a power plug. The degree of protection of the structure from moisture and solid particles is standard for household appliances of this type: IP20 (21, 24). The efficiency of the devices is 100%. Prices for products from both domestic and foreign brands are quite affordable and range on average from 1.5 to 5 thousand rubles. Manufacturers' warranty periods vary markedly - sometimes 1 year, sometimes 5, so you should pay attention to this when purchasing a device.
Electric gun KALASHNIKOV KVF-E3-11, power 3 kW. Price 3350 rub.
Electric heat gun BALLU BKN-3, 2200 W. Price 2000 rub.
Electric gun ZUBR ZTP-24, power 24 kW. Price 12,300 rub.
Timberk TIH R5 5M gun, power 5 kW. Price 5400 rub.
Electric gun Timberk TIH Q2 6M, power 6 kW. Price 5900 rub.
Electric gun BALLU BHP-P2-3, power 3 kW. Price 4000 rub.
Electric gun RESANTA TEP-5000K1, power 5 kW. Price 4200 rub.
About other types of guns - in the material “Are you using a gun?”.
5
Electric heating convectors for summer cottages
If there is no security, or it does not work well enough, or there are frequent cases of break-ins, then you should discard such equipment and give preference to heavier options that cannot be taken out of the house. Usually these are stationary boilers, stoves and fireplaces. If the dacha is well guarded, the best option is convectors that are mounted on the wall.
Electric heating convectors for summer cottages:
- They have a high level of efficiency, which is 98-99%, so the installation of such equipment is justified. If you have gas at your dacha, you plan to vacation outside the city quite often in the winter, often organize children’s winter holidays or short vacations, then it makes sense to install gas equipment.
- It is also necessary if you have children and need hot water. Thus, it is possible to install a double-circuit heating boiler that heats water for heating and household needs.
- Of course, this equipment is quite expensive, and you will have to analyze the room temperature in advance. The fact is that when water freezes in the pipes, the system can depressurize and begin to leak. In this case, gas equipment is not suitable. If you don’t go to your dacha often, and the region is northern, the water in the pipes may freeze.
List of the best convectors for summer cottages:
- Noirot Spot E-5 2000
- Timberk TEC.E3 M 2000
- Electrolux ECH/AG2T-2000 E
- Electrolux ECH/AG2-1500 T
- RESANTA OK-2000
Fireplace
Stove and solid fuel boiler
Heating your dacha with wood is the easiest thing to do if you are not in the desert. There is no need to obtain any permits, and it is impossible to drag away bulky equipment. Both the stove and the boiler feel normal at low temperatures, this is important for periodic use. An exception is boilers equipped with electronic control units; this modern technology may fail when started in cold weather. So it is better to organize heating of a country house with a solid fuel boiler of a simple design, without electronics. The efficiency of such units does not exceed 75%.
The heat generator, as in the case of gas, will have to be connected to a water heating system, filling it with antifreeze. At the initial stage, count on a significant investment of money, since equipment, piping elements and heating devices with pipelines will not be cheap. When the house is small, this is irrational; it is better to organize stove heating. The choice of metal stoves is extremely wide; you can choose the right one both for money and for every taste.
Metal and brick stoves with water heating quickly heat up themselves and warm up the room; in addition, they can supply heat to radiators in adjacent rooms, as well as prepare water for hot water supply. But the efficiency of the furnaces is low - about 60%.
Building a brick stove is not always expensive; here you need to choose a successful design, for example, build a Dutch stove or a small Swedish stove. It can include a hob for cooking, an oven and a water tank. For aesthetes, we can advise you to build a fireplace out of brick or purchase a ready-made metal one.
Despite all their advantages, stoves and fireplaces require chimneys and also take up a lot of space. A solid fuel boiler can be taken outside into an extension, but the stove will take up useful space in the house.
Water heating in the country house
In addition to gas and electric equipment, there are other alternative options. If you are in a rural area and have the opportunity to purchase firewood cheaply, then wood heating is the ideal option for your dacha. That is, you need to equip the oven.
Water heating in the country:
- Many people think that it is quite difficult and costs a lot of money. However, if it is a Swedish or Finnish stove, which is small in size and has high heat output, then its construction is quite affordable.
- It is possible to provide holes in such a stove for heating hot water, as well as installing a hob. The ideal option is to purchase a solid fuel boiler.
- Many summer residents who can afford to buy expensive equipment buy expensive boilers equipped with sophisticated electronics. This is not worth doing, especially if you are not at the dacha often enough.
- The fact is that when the electronics freeze and the temperature in the room drops to sub-zero levels, they may behave inappropriately, and the boiler simply will not start. An ideal option for a dacha, which is not often chosen, is to purchase a solid fuel boiler, the most inexpensive, without electronics.
Boiler
Main types of heating units
Autonomous heating can be automated. The following coolants are used:
- Steam.
- Electricity.
- Hot water.
- Air.
High-quality installations operate on solid fuel, gas cylinders, and diesel fuel.
All types of heating have disadvantages. If the user analyzes all the options in terms of the cost of the coolant, then the most expensive fuel is diesel fuel, the most affordable is gas.
How to make heating in a country house?
As for organizing heating in a dacha with your own hands, the process also depends on the area of the house, the characteristics of the territory and its protection, as well as available energy sources.
How to make heating in a country house:
- Installation of gas equipment requires permits, as well as work on tapping into the pipeline and supplying gas to the country house. All this work is carried out by specialists and is not cheap.
- Therefore, this option is not suitable if you do not have much money and you planned to equip the heating of your dacha while spending a minimum amount. The ideal option would be to purchase a solid fuel boiler or build a stove.
- For gourmets, you can use a metal fireplace, which is made from pipes. It’s quite possible to do it yourself. It is enough to own a welding machine and skills in working with electrical and plumbing tools.
Warm floor
Important points to consider when choosing a heating project
The final characteristics of the property depend on the foundation, wall insulation and room heating. When choosing economical heating, you need to take into account the parameters of materials. The insulation retains heated air for a long time.
It is necessary to analyze the fire hazard of the house, since heating systems can lead to fire. To avoid problems with heating rooms, you need to find out whether it is possible to buy coal, firewood, and diesel fuel near your home.
If fuel has to be imported from another region, this will significantly increase the final costs of maintaining a comfortable temperature in the house.
Which electric heating system should I choose for my dacha?
Of course, one of the best heating options is underfloor heating, since it cannot freeze and makes it possible to turn it on when the owners arrive. The main disadvantage is the high cost of installation.
Which electric heating system to choose for your dacha:
- It was replaced, especially for dachas, by so-called warm baseboards. In this case, these are lamellas that are attached to the baseboard area; their height is 13 cm and the width is only 3 cm. They look like a regular baseboard.
- Water flows through small tubes located inside the baseboard, heated by an electric boiler. This option is available, it does not require dismantling the old floor, you just need to remove the old baseboards and install new equipment in their place.
- When using thermostats, it is possible to set the heating to a minimum if the owners are absent, or, conversely, to add heat if you arrive at the dacha. This is an ideal option if you are not at the dacha often, but periodically, for example, on weekends or holidays.
Heating
The most profitable and affordable way to heat a small country house
It is possible to use the most economical property heating by choosing a solid fuel installation. This is an alternative to gas equipment. Only a team of specialists can install and put it into operation. For stable operation of a solid fuel boiler, it is possible to use briquettes, pallets, firewood, and coal. A well-laid pipeline allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the house even on cold winter days.
More useful and educational information is presented in the video:
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Do-it-yourself heating in the country
An ideal option for dacha dwellers who come to the house periodically are infrared heaters. They are best mounted on the ceiling in the area where household members are located.
Do-it-yourself heating in the country:
- That is, this is a living area, a place of relaxation. Many of them are equipped with modern control systems. Now you can send an SMS, or go to a special server via the Internet and turn on the infrared heater.
- This way, the house will be sufficiently warm before your arrival. Now there are infrared films and panels that are ergonomic, lightweight, and easy to install. Any man can install such equipment.
- To do this, it is enough to have a drill and screws with you. Using these devices, equipment is mounted on the ceiling or walls. Please note that such equipment consumes a large amount of energy, so if the electrical wiring in the house is old, it may cause a fire. Before installing a large number of heating electrical appliances, it is worth upgrading the electrical wiring to make it more powerful.
Boiler room
In solid fuel boilers, you can use either firewood, briquettes, or pellets as an energy source. Now there are a large number of similar energy sources that are inexpensive, yet have high heat transfer and have proven themselves well. There are also non-standard sources of heating for the dacha, such as a diesel boiler, or devices that are powered by liquid energy sources.
That is, it is gasoline, used oil. They are advisable if it is possible to purchase diesel fuel, or, in extreme cases, when the village is not gasified and there is no electricity. A diesel boiler will be a real solution.
Diesel fuel
This case is appropriate if the owner of the dacha no longer has any energy resources at his disposal. This really happens, diesel heating comes to the rescue when there is no gas, the limit on electricity consumption is too small, and transporting firewood is too far or expensive. The cost of the equipment is comparable to gas, as is the efficiency (92%), only connection permits are not required. This is where the positive aspects end, the reason is the price of diesel fuel, the operation of a diesel boiler cannot be called cheap.
To heat a dacha with diesel fuel, in addition to the boiler, you still need the same water heating system and radiators filled with antifreeze. The water heating function is also available if you purchase a dual-circuit heat generator. A warning is appropriate here: it is better to take the unit with a minimum of electronics, which can fail at subzero temperatures.
For those who like to do the heating installation themselves, there is an alternative: a homemade boiler using waste oil. You can make it yourself, spending a minimum of money. The game is worth the candle, provided that such fuel is available to you.
