Double-circuit gas boilers: types, principle of operation, selection criteria + overview of the best brands

For heating private houses and preparing hot water, double-circuit gas boilers are perfectly suited. They work on the basis of transferring energy to the coolant arising from the combustion of the most affordable and demanded type of fuel. However, due to the wide range of equipment, it can be difficult to choose. Do you agree?

We will talk about how to decide on the most suitable model of a gas boiler. The article we have proposed gives all the guidelines for choosing an aggregate with the highest possible efficiency that can withstand intense operating load. Market leading models and trustworthy manufacturers are listed.

Unit design features

The household gas appliance consists of a housing, two communication circuits, an integrated burner, a heat exchanger, an expansion tank, a flue gas removal unit, a gas valve and a control unit.

The main circuit is connected to a common heating system in a closed circuit. With the active operation of the unit in heating mode, the coolant circulates through the pipes of the primary circuit, but does not enter the hot water supply (DHW) communications system, since a special valve blocks the way there.

When installing equipment with two contour elements, it must be remembered that the length of the communication pipe connecting the boiler to the farthest point of water intake should not exceed 7 meters. Otherwise, mineral elements deposited in the form of scale in the area of ​​the heat exchanger will begin to impede the movement of the working fluid and the productivity of the water heater will decrease significantly

When the user turns a hot faucet in the kitchen or in the bathroom, the valve is activated, closes the entrance to the heating pipes and directs the heat carrier to the DHW circuit to warm the water in the heat exchanger.

From there, the liquid enters the tap and is used for its intended purpose. When the need for hot water disappears and the valve closes, a reverse switch occurs and the valve again redirects the coolant to the heating circuit.

What to consider when choosing?

All double-circuit gas boilers perform the same complex of basic tasks, but differ from each other in such parameters as:

• location;
• power level;
• type of burner;
• ignition principle;
• type of traction;
• heat exchanger material.

All of the above criteria are equivalent in importance and require mandatory consideration when choosing and buying heating equipment.

Location classification

According to the principle of installation, boilers serving two communication circuits are floor, wall and parapet. Each of the options has its own special characteristics.

Focusing on them, the client can choose the most suitable installation method for themselves, in which the equipment will be located conveniently, will not “eat” the useful area and will not cause problems during operation.

Floor standing boilers

Floor units are high-power devices that can heat and provide with hot water not only a standard apartment or apartment building, but also a large-sized industrial building, public building or structure.

If a double-circuit boiler is planned to be used not only for heating and supplying domestic hot water, but also for replenishment of warm water floors, the base unit is equipped with an additional circuit

Due to the large size and solid weight (up to 100 kg on some models) floor gas boilers they don’t put it in the kitchen, but place it in a separate room directly on the foundation or on the floor.

Features of wall equipment

The hinged device is a progressive type of household heating equipment. Due to compact size gas column installation can be made in the kitchen or in other small rooms. It is combined with an interior solution of any type and fits seamlessly into the overall design.

A double-circuit mounted boiler can be located not only in the kitchen, but also in the pantry. It will take a minimum of space and will not interfere with furniture or other household appliances.

Despite the small size, wall boiler It has the same functionality as a floor device, but has less power. It consists of a burner, expansion tank, pump for forced movement of the coolant, pressure gauge and automatic sensorsgiving the opportunity to use the fuel resource with maximum efficiency.

All communication elements “hide” under a beautiful, modern case and do not spoil the appearance of the product.

The gas supply to the burner is controlled by an integrated safety system. In the event of an unexpected cessation of the supply of the resource, the complete operation of the unit occurs. When the fuel starts to flow again, the automation automatically activates the equipment and the boiler continues to work in standard mode

The automatic control unit allows you to set the instrument to any operation parameters that are most suitable for the user. It is possible to set your own temperature conditions for different times of the day, thus ensuring economical fuel consumption.

The nuances of parapet devices

The parapet boiler is a cross between a floor and a wall unit. It has a closed combustion chamber and does not create harmful emissions. Does not require the installation of an additional chimney. The removal of combustion products is carried out through coaxial chimneylaid in the outer wall.

The parapet type boiler is the best option for heating equipment for small rooms with a weak ventilation system. The device is designed so that during operation it does not emit combustion products into the atmosphere of the room in which it is installed

The device is mainly used to provide hot water and full heating to small houses and apartments in high-rise buildings, where it is not possible to mount a classic vertical chimney. The base power ranges from 7 to 15 kW, but, despite such low indicators, the unit successfully copes with the tasks.

The main advantage of the parapet equipment is the ability to connect heating and water supply lines to the central gas system and pipelines from any user-friendly side.

Differences in power models

Double-circuit type boilers are divided in power into single-stage and two-stage. Single-stage devices always operate at a constant power level and use the same amount of fuel resource year-round.

This is not effective and entails gas overruns, because high-quality heating is required for a house or apartment for no more than 5 months a year. For the rest of the time, “driving” equipment at full capacity is neither reasonable nor economically viable.

When installing equipment with a base power of 30 kW or more, you should be aware that these types of devices should not be located in residential premises, but in separate rooms equipped with a high-quality ventilation system, individual access to the street and a full chimney

The functionality of two-stage devices is wider.

Using it you can:

• regulate the regime of gas intake and rationally consume fuel;
• reduce the number of on / off, thus reducing equipment wear and extend its life;
• Minimize harmful air emissions.

In addition, the device is equipped with a smooth switching module, which reduces energy consumption and allows you to simultaneously operate the boiler and boiler of any capacity, installed separately.

Types of working gas burners

A gas burner is either atmospheric or supercharged. The first type has an elementary design and does not produce any noise during operation. The module is cheap and, as a rule, is included in the basic package of the boiler.

Despite its simplicity, the atmospheric burner is very reliable and works well for a long time. It can be used both on budget devices and on expensive, “sophisticated” luxury products

The principle of operation of an atmospheric type burner resembles the operation of industrial hearth models. The fuel resource is fed through the ejector and draws air from the surrounding atmosphere due to traction. Through a special hole, the mixture enters the combustion chamber and immediately ignites.

As a result, fiery flames of flame with a very low actual temperature appear above the outlet openings, the task of which is to heat the coolant to the desired level.

Supercharged (mounted) burners demonstrate a high level of efficiency; they constantly maintain the set temperature both in the coolant itself and in the hot water supply system, but they are much more expensive than atmospheric analogues.

However, these costs are justified, since the modules have advanced functionality and make it possible to spend the fuel resource as wisely as possible, without reducing the level of comfort of the home.

A pressurized (mounted) burner is not included in the basic kit of a dual-circuit gas boiler. It is purchased separately, and then installed on heating equipment

When fully operating in pressurized burners, the air supply is forced, and its volume is very clearly controlled by internal automation.The module is placed in devices equipped with a closed combustion chamber, working with supercharging.

Fuel and air are not mixed inside the system, but at the outlet. The process of the device is almost completely automated and does not require human control.

Atmospheric burners are installed in heating dual-circuit appliances with power up to 80 kW. Supercharged (mounted) modules are introduced into large-sized units, with a capacity of up to several thousand.

Varieties of ignition function

The launch of a household double-circuit boiler is carried out manually (using matches or a lighter) or by means of built-in elements (electric ignition or piezo ignition). The first method is the most simple and accessible. The second makes it possible to save blue fuel, without leaving the wick in the igniter to burn continuously.

The disadvantage of this option is only one - the dependence on the availability of electricity in the network. If, for some reason, the energy ceases to flow, the equipment immediately turns off and automatically activates again when the power supply resumes.

Piezo ignition is absolutely safe and allows you to turn on the boiler by pressing just one button. The element does not depend on current supply and it is possible to use equipment even in the absence of electricity.

Equipment traction options

During operation of the unit, fuel burns and flue gases are generated. To remove them from the living room, natural or forced draft is required. It will ensure timely removal from the apartment or house of all combustion products and released harmful substances.

Natural draft modules

Natural draft boilers have a simple design and take the necessary air for full combustion from the room in which they are located. During intensive use, a certain amount of steam and various chemicals are released. Emissions are removed through a vertical chimney.

Among the main advantages of units with natural draft are reasonable cost, energy independence and the absence of noise effects during operation

In general, devices with natural draft are convenient and good, however, when the pressure in the gas pipeline drops, the quality of their work decreases significantly. At the same time, the risk of rapid burnout of the burner increases, since the fire extinguishes or goes inside the burner at a reduced pressure level.

Uneven pressure in the trunk networks provokes a serious overspending of fuel, which entails an increase in the size of utility bills.

Forced traction devices

Boilers with forced draft are sometimes called supercharged or ventilated. They take air not from the room where they are located, but from the street. Closed combustion chambers are installed in the modules, and the exhaust is discharged through a horizontal coaxial exhaust using a powerful fan integrated in the system.

Coaxial tap consists of two pipe elements of different diameters inserted one into the other. Combustion products leave the room through a smaller pipe, and through the space between the small and large pipes the room receives fresh air from the street, which is necessary for the boiler to function properly

Products with forced draft are easy to install, do not make complaints about the location, do not “eat” oxygen in residential premises, work stably and clearly even with reduced gas pressure in the central main networks and do not need to install an additional vertical chimney.

The appliances are reproached by the noisy operation of the fan elements, a higher cost and dependence on power supply.

Distinctive features of heat exchangers

The heat exchange unit of the heating device is cast iron, steel or copper. The cast-iron version retains heat for a long time, almost does not undergo corrosion due to the high wall thickness and is resistant to aggressive coolants.It has a large weight and therefore is mainly integrated into floor boilers.

It requires great accuracy during installation, since any impact violates the structural integrity of the material and leads to the formation of microcracks.

The steel structure weighs little, is not afraid of mechanical impact, quietly tolerates temperature differences of the coolant, is easily transported and mounted. It has some tendency to corrosion. The boiler control system helps to avoid it, which prevents the coolant temperature from falling below a critical point.

Copper elements are much more expensive than cast iron and steel counterparts, but compensate for the solid cost with a large number of advantages. Inside the copper heat exchanger, sediment and scale are formed to a minimum and do not interfere with the normal circulation of the working fluid. The walls of the device warm evenly and do not cause local overheating of the coolant.

Advantages and disadvantages of gas systems

In places where central gas communications are laid, double-circuit boilers are very popular. They are bought for heating and uninterrupted supply of hot water for apartments, houses and country cottages.

The main advantages of devices

The gas system demonstrates a high level of efficiency, gives several times more energy than it consumes, serves for a long time and runs smoothly. In constant monitoring by the person does not need.

The double-circuit boiler looks neat and modern. Unlike units operating on solid or liquid fuel, during operation it practically does not emit unpleasant odors and creates a minimum of soot and soot

The fuel resource is supplied to the installation continuously, and the built-in controller independently monitors the presence of fire on the burner. If the flame is extinguished, the sensor sends a signal to the ignition unit and the automatic supply of a spark instantly restores fire. The boiler is controlled elementarily and is not difficult.

The disadvantages of dual-circuit equipment

The main disadvantages are associated not so much with the device itself as with the process of legalizing and installing it. You can’t just buy a boiler, bring it home and install it yourself according to wiring diagram. First, you will have to observe a lot of technical nuances, draw up documentation and coordinate all subsequent actions with the local gas supply company.

There you will need to provide:

• project equipment installation, drawn up in accordance with the norms adopted by law;
• installation contract with a specialized organization;
• copy of the license of the profile organization, confirming the right to work.

In addition, it will be necessary to organize the removal of exhaust gas from the living room, lay an additional chimney for this, or use the existing one, and install additional equipment to monitor the potential gas leak.

If the boiler smokes, it is possible that the pressure in the system has decreased or the existing burner has worn out and started to burn out. A specialist with the proper experience will help to quickly fix the problems.

The main installation activities can only be started when the project documentation for organization of gas heating it will go through all stages of coordination and the client will receive a certified seal on the hands of the system.

Overview of popular manufacturers and models

The market of modern gas equipment offers its customers a large number of high-quality appliances designed for heating residential premises and supplying hot water.

Among the mounted units, the most popular are:

• Navien DELUXE 24K (South Korea) - efficiency, good functionality and reasonable cost;
• Baxi MAIN 5 24 F (Italy) - budget price, high level of efficiency, long service life;
• Vaillant turboTEC pro VUW 242 / 5-3 (Germany) - reliability, high-quality heat transfer.

In addition to the above listed qualities, the models are distinguished by their attractive appearance, compact dimensions, fit into a variety of interiors and are freely placed even in small rooms of complex layout.

The gas device with two circuits of the German company Vaillant has a convenient control knob and a display on which you can see the level of heating of the coolant at the moment

Of the floor units, the most demanded are the high-power (30 kW) ATON Atmo 30E, the practical Lemax Premium-25B and the more expensive, but very functional Navien GA 17KN.

Despite its high power, the Navien GA 35KN uses fuel wisely and allows owners to save on utility bills without compromising on personal comfort

Baxi SLIM 2.300 Fi and Protherm Bear 40 KLZ are part of the premium technology line. They have advanced functionality and reliably serve for many years. By all parameters and physical characteristics, they comply with the most stringent European standards (confirmed by CSQ certification certificate and UNI EN ISO 9001).

For a small room (up to 50 sq.m), a boiler with a base power of 7 to 12 kW is suitable. If the real estate area is larger (for example, 150-200 sq.m.), it is better to purchase a 23-25 ​​kilowatt device

Weak units simply can not provide an apartment or a large house with full heating.

Buy floor gas boilers and wall models only needed in company stores or official representatives of manufacturing companies. There, the client will be told in detail about the principles of operation of a particular unit and will help to make the optimal choice.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

A simple and understandable description of the basic principles of operation of household double-circuit gas boilers. Overview of the “quick start” and “pump run-down” functions:

Expert opinion and a few interesting points that you should pay attention to when choosing a boiler:

How are wall-mounted boilers arranged and by what principle do they work:

The targeted choice of a dual-circuit domestic gas boiler for heating and hot water supply is an important, crucial moment. There is no need to rush here. It’s better to think things over in advance, decide on the brand and type of equipment, and calculate the running costs.

It is necessary to take into account the costs of acquisition and installation activities, and then make a purchase in a specialized store. The manager will issue guarantee papers, and at the same time he will give detailed advice to the client regarding the principle of operation of the device and the rules for safe operation.

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