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If you have constant problems with hot water, it’s time to think about installing a water heater. An indirect heating boiler is also capable of providing indoor heating. How profitable 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 double-circuit boiler.
How an indirect boiler works
Its device is slightly different from conventional storage boilers. Cylindrical or rectangular body 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 there 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. The indirect heater is paired with a heating boiler. The latter can operate on solid or diesel fuel, gas. The connection is made with a pipeline.
Connection diagram:
How to make a boiler piping, read in a separate article.
Today they produce combined devices. In winter, they are powered by the heating system, and in summer they are powered by electricity or solar panels. For this, an additional heating element is mounted.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of indirect boilers:
- There is no heavy load on the wiring.
- High performance, the ability to provide multiple sampling points.
- Long service life.
- Connection to various heat sources.
Disadvantages:
- This type has a higher price than other boilers.
- Long heating time. For 100 liters, it will take from 1 to 2 hours.
- A separate room is required for installation.
- If the work depends only on a single-circuit boiler, then it will be possible to use the device only in the winter season.
Criterias of choice
To make the right choice, you need to consider the characteristics and features of the device.
- Power. The documents indicate the total and net 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.
- Roominess. Start from the number of consumers. The volume per 100 liters is enough for taking a shower and household needs of three people. If you are installing in the country, 80 liters will be enough there.
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 will be able to work all year round.
- Area and material of the coil. 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 from? It is best to choose from stainless steel or steel. This design will last much longer. Pay attention to the internal coating – ceramics, glass ceramics well protect the product from corrosion.
- Dimensions and placement. The body can be rectangular and rounded. Products from 150 l are floor-standing, since the wall may not withstand a large load. Wall models can be installed vertically and horizontally.
- Availability of heat exchangers. Conventional devices are equipped with one coil. But if the boiler is connected to an additional energy source, 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, 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 device and the principle of operation of an indirect boiler. Let’s start looking for interesting models.
The best indirect heating boilers
Which models are considered the best, according to customer reviews? Those that combine optimal power, quality materials and affordable cost.
Baxi Combi 80
Accumulative boiler with a capacity of 80 liters. Baksi 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 spaces. Installed on the floor.
The power of the heat exchanger is 33 kW. Protection includes a magnesium anode and a safety valve. Weight – 45 kg.
The cost is from 41 rubles.
Protherm WH B100Z
Wall-mounted technique with bottom connection from Proterm manufacturers. Capacity – 100 liters. The internal enamel coating of the walls provides protection against corrosion. The maximum heating temperature is 80 degrees. The control system allows you to maintain the specified parameters. At the same time, thermal insulation made of polyurethane reduces heat loss to a minimum.
Power reaches 19,2 kW, and productivity – 16,2 liters per minute. The water heats up 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 rubles.
Drazice OKC 200 NTRR
Accumulative water heater “Dražice” of indirect type. The large tank volume of 200 liters heats up quickly thanks to two heat exchangers. They can be turned on one by one, thanks to the area of 2 sq.m. working power reaches 57 kW. The maximum heating reaches 90 degrees. Polyurethane insulation 6,5 cm thick is provided.
The three-way valve and the pump are controlled by a thermostat. Installed protection against overheating, valve protection against overpressure. In the presence of a magnesium anode, the walls are covered with an enamel coating. The power of the heat exchanger is 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 a heating boiler, but also to an alternative energy source.
The cost is from 28 rubles.
Bosch SK 400-3 ZB
The pressure boiler is designed for several points of intake. Tank capacity – 293 liters. The inner walls are covered with protective glass enamel. The maximum pressure is 10 bar. Has an electric heating element. Floor standing device with top connection.
A hatch is located below for convenient maintenance, replacement of parts, descaling. A magnesium anode is installed inside. It does not allow scale to harden on the walls and prevents corrosion. Styrofoam was used as a heat-insulating material. Dimensions – 71 × 132,5 × 71 cm, weight – 135 kg.
The price is from 59 rubles.
Reflex Storatherm Aqua AF500/1M_C
The combined heater has a heat exchanger and an additional heating element. 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 DIN 4753 standards. The hull is equipped with a service hatch.
The dimensions of the device are 196,1x70x70 cm, it is installed on the floor. Reliable thermal insulation is made of polyurethane 50 mm thick. Therefore, even in non-operating mode, the boiler retains heat perfectly.
The cost is from 58 rubles.
Hajdu AQ IND SC 150
The model works most effectively 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 thermostat allows you to control the 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 location, the input and output of the device are located below, for easy draining. The coil is made of steel and covered with enamel, its power is 24 kW. Dimensions – 51,5 × 121,5 × 51,5 cm, weight – 59 kg.
The price is from 20 rubles.
“Buderus” Logalux SM200/5
This device is designed to work with a solar system. Floor units are equipped with two smooth-tube coils that are connected to a solar collector. Simple installation can be done independently. Capacity reaches 195 liters.
Features:
- The inner walls of the tank are covered with Duoclean MKT thermal glaze. Therefore, he is not afraid of corrosion and scale.
- A large hatch on the body allows you to conveniently maintain the device, clean parts.
- The height of the body supports can be adjusted.
- It is possible to mount an additional heating element.
The solar installation is designed for installation on the right side. Dimensions: 153×55 cm.
Cost – from 33 000 rubles
Ariston BCH 80 L
The storage boiler “Ariston” is designed for 80 liters. Simple and concise design. Connection terminals are arranged at the top, so installation is easy 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 prevents rust. The magnesium anode and the Protect function provide protection against a scum. Recirculation provided. You can connect the device to gas boilers. Dimensions – 56 × 75,7 × 56 cm, weight – 45 kg.
The price is from 23 rubles.
We have presented the most popular manufacturers and their models. Having studied the characteristics, you can choose the perfect option for a house, apartment or cottage.