If you have constant problems with hot water, it's time to think about installing a water heater. Indirect heating boiler is also able to provide heating in the room. How beneficial is its installation and operation, which model is better to choose, read the article.
Users note that a water heater can be an excellent replacement for a dual-circuit boiler.
How does an indirect boiler work?
Its device is not much different from conventional storage boilers. A cylindrical or rectangular housing can hold 100-150-300 liters. For commercial enterprises, devices with a volume of 1000–2000 liters are installed.
Inside the case there is a storage tank made of stainless steel, and between them thermal insulation made of polyurethane or other material. The interior walls are covered with enamel, which protects it from corrosion.
Inside is a heat exchanger made of copper, steel or brass. This is a hollow tube, a coil through which the coolant circulates and gives off heat to the water. An indirect heater is paired with a heating boiler. The latter can function from solid or diesel fuel, gas. The connection is made using a pipeline.
Wiring diagram:
How to make a boiler strapping, read in a separate article.
Today produce combined devices. In winter, they work from the heating system, and in summer - on electricity or solar panels. For this, an additional heater is mounted.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of indirect boilers:
- No heavy wiring load.
- High performance, the ability to provide multiple sampling points.
- Long service life.
- Connection to different sources of heat.
Disadvantages:
- This type has a higher price than other boilers.
- Long heating time. 100 liters will require 1 to 2 hours.
- Installation requires a separate room.
- If the operation depends only on a single-circuit boiler, then the device can be used only in the winter season.
Criterias of choice
To make the right choice, you need to take into account the characteristics and features of the device.
- Power. The documents indicate the total and useful power. So, at 24 kW, only 15 kW will go to heating, since the rest is spent on the water heater. Think about how much power will be enough to meet the needs of your family.
- Capacity. Build on the number of consumers. A volume of 100 liters is enough to take a shower and domestic needs of three people. If you carry out the installation in the country, there will be enough 80 liters.
The duration of heating depends on the volume of the tank. Therefore, if you choose a roomy model, make sure that there is also enough power.
- Heat source. Will it be more convenient for you to use solid fuel or gas? Perhaps it is better to purchase equipment with a heating element, then it can work all year round.
- Coil area and material. The larger the heat exchanger, the faster the water will heat up. For example, with an area of 1 m², 120 liters will heat up in 30 minutes. Copper and brass give off heat best.
- Tank quality. What material is it made of? It is best to choose from stainless steel or steel. This design will last much longer. Pay attention to the inner coating - ceramics, glass ceramics protect the product well from corrosion.
- Dimensions and placement method. The body can be rectangular and rounded. Products from 150 l - floor, because the wall may not withstand heavy loads. Wall models can be mounted vertically and horizontally.
- The presence of heat exchangers. Conventional devices are equipped with a single coil. But if the boiler is connected to an additional source of energy, it is better to choose two coolants.
- Thermal insulation quality. The most common layer is foam rubber. The latest models use polyurethane.
- Magnesium anode. It must be in the design to provide protection against corrosion and scale.
- Protection. Special sensors, a safety valve provide the device with a long service life.
Pay attention to the warranty period. Make sure service centers are available in your city.
We examined the design and principle of operation of an indirect boiler. Let's start the search for interesting models.
The best indirect heating boilers
Which models are considered the best, according to customer reviews? Those that combine optimum power, quality materials and affordable cost.
Baxi Combi 80
Cumulative boiler with a capacity of 80 liters. The Baksi firm is known for reliability: the case is made of stainless steel. The device works in conjunction with LUNA-3 Comfort boilers of the same production. Due to the rectangular design and dimensions of 45x76x34.5 cm, the model can be placed in small rooms. It is installed on the floor.
The power of the heat exchanger is 33 kW. A magnesium anode and a safety valve are provided for protection. Weight - 45 kg.
Cost - from 41 000 rubles.
Protherm WH B100Z
Wall-mounted technique with bottom eyeliner from Proterm manufacturers. Capacity - 100 liters. The internal enamel coating of the walls provides corrosion protection. The maximum heating temperature is 80 degrees. The control system allows you to maintain the specified parameters. At the same time, polyurethane insulation minimizes heat loss.
Power reaches 19.2 kW, and productivity - 16.2 liters per minute. Water is heated to 50 degrees for 18 minutes. Works best with boilers of the same brand.
Dimensions - 50.1 × 86.5 × 50.1 cm, weight - 49 kg.
The price is 35 000 rubles.
Drazice OKC 200 NTRR
Accumulative water heater "Drage" of an indirect type. The large 200 liter tank heats up quickly thanks to two heat exchangers. They can be switched on alternately, due to an area of 2 sq.m. operating power reaches 57 kW. Maximum heat reaches 90 degrees. 6.5 cm thick polyurethane insulation is provided.
The three-way valve and pump are controlled by a thermostat. Overheat protection, overpressure protection valve installed. In the presence of a magnesium anode, the walls are coated with enamel. Heat exchanger power - 48 kW. Case dimensions: 58.4 × 136.2 × 58.4 cm.
An additional advantage of the OKC 200 NTRR is that it can be connected not only to the boiler, but also to an alternative energy source.
Cost - from 28 000 rubles.
Bosch SK 400-3 ZB
Pressure boiler is designed for several points of the fence. The capacity of the tank is 293 liters. The inner walls are covered with protective glass enamel. The maximum pressure is 10 bar. Has an electric heating element. The device of floor placement with top eyeliner.
The hatch is located below for convenient maintenance, replacement of parts, descaling. A magnesium anode is installed inside. It does not allow limestone to scale on the walls and prevents corrosion. As a heat-insulating material, foam is used. Dimensions - 71 × 132.5 × 71 cm, weight - 135 kg.
Price - from 59 000 rubles.
Reflex Storatherm Aqua AF500 / 1M_C
The combined heater has a heat exchanger and an additional heater. It can work from a boiler, electricity, and also connect to a solar collector. The steel tank with enamel coating is designed for 473 liters, complies with German standards DIN 4753. The body is equipped with a hatch for servicing.
The dimensions of the device are 196.1x70x70 cm, installed on the floor. Reliable thermal insulation is made of polyurethane 50 mm thick. Therefore, even in idle mode, the boiler perfectly retains heat.
Cost - from 58 000 rubles.
Hajdu AQ IND SC 150
The model works most efficiently with a gas and solid fuel boiler. The built-in copper heat exchanger gives off heat well, providing heating up to 65 degrees. Its power is 32 degrees. The temperature controller allows you to control performance. Additionally they have a recirculation pipe, as well as the possibility of installing a heating element.
The tank capacity is 150 liters. It is processed inside with glass enamel, and on top it is covered with thermal protection and sheet steel. Despite the floor arrangement, the input and output of the device are located below, for the convenience of draining. The coil is made of steel and coated with enamel, its power is 24 kW. Dimensions - 51.5 × 121.5 × 51.5 cm, weight - 59 kg.
Price - from 20 000 rubles.
Buderus Logalux SM200 / 5
This device is designed to work with the solar system. Floor products are equipped with two smooth-tube coils that connect to the solar collector. Simple installation can be done independently. Capacity reaches 195 liters.
Features:
- The inner walls of the tank are coated with Duoclean MKT thermal glaze. Therefore, it is not afraid of corrosion and scale.
- A large hatch on the housing allows convenient maintenance of the device, cleaning parts.
- The height of the housing supports can be adjusted.
- It is possible to mount an additional heater.
A solar installation is provided for installation on the right side. Dimensions: 153x55 cm.
Cost - from 33 000 rubles
Ariston BCH 80 L
Accumulative boiler "Ariston" is designed for 80 liters. Simple and concise design. The connection leads are arranged at the top, so installation is simple on the wall and on the floor. The special shape of the coil allows you to completely warm up the water in the tank. The maximum temperature is 90 ° C.
Enamel coating protects against rust. Magnesium anode and Protect function provide protection against scale. Recycling is provided. You can connect the device to gas boilers. Dimensions - 56 × 75.7 × 56 cm, weight - 45 kg.
Price - from 23 000 rubles.
We introduced the most popular manufacturers and their models. Having studied the characteristics, you can choose the perfect option for a house, apartment or cottage.