The correct selection of a water heater in a private house will ensure the constant availability of hot water not only for household needs, but also for the heating system. In the article, we consider the principle of operation of an indirect boiler, its advantages and disadvantages.
Water heater device
The more common types of boilers are storage and flow. But they have their limitations:
- Cumulative models consume a large amount of energy to constantly maintain temperature.
- The flow heater quickly heats the water, but cannot ensure a constant temperature, and the pressure force depends on the pressure in the water main.
With an indirect device for heating water, it is possible to provide not only all intake points in the house, but also a heating system. Moreover, his work does not depend on the availability of electricity or gas. All that is needed is to throw firewood into the furnace and get the result.
How is the device arranged? The design is based on a large tank with a boiler for a furnace. Outside, the enclosure is protected from heat loss by mounting foam, mineral wool or other insulation. Inside are:
- Heat exchanger - a copper or brass tube filled with a substance.
- Thermometer - measures the temperature.
- Magnesium anode - protects elements from corrosion.
The latest indirect models are additionally equipped with a heating element. This allows you to use the device in the summer as an electric boiler. Some products may be powered by solar energy.
There are two types of indirect heating products:
- Pressure or closed. It is installed in the presence of a water supply system. The tank is most often made of stainless steel, copper or has an enamel coating. If you correctly calculate the required performance, then the device will regularly supply several points of sampling. Including transferring heat from the tank to the boiler.
- Free or open. Able to provide one point of fence. It is good in the absence of a constant water supply, since it can work without pressure in the system.
How does an indirect heater work?
There is a hollow spiral in the tank. A coolant circulates inside, which distributes heat through the system. Its constant movement provides a circulation pump. As soon as the thermometer marks the achievement of the indicated temperature, the pump automatically shuts off. Thanks to the insulating layer, heat loss during shutdown is only 3-4 degrees per day.
Inlet and outlet pipes are connected to the tank, through which hot water flows into the boiler.
Scheme of work:
What to look for when choosing:
- Power. It must comply with the parameters of the heating system. Otherwise, the system may not cope with the load or, conversely, the power will not be enough for normal heating.
- Accommodation. If the heating boiler is located on the floor, then it is better to choose a floor boiler. In other cases, give preference to the wall.
Experts recommend purchasing a boiler and boiler of the same brand. Then the installation and connection will be easy and harmonious.
- Heat exchanger consumption. Values are indicated in the technical documents. Ideally, the indicator should not exceed 40% of the total liquid volume in the tank.
How to make an indirect heating boiler, read in a separate publication.
Advantages and disadvantages of the system
For what reasons it is worth installing an indirect boiler:
- Provides plenty of hot water.
- Uniform pressure at once at several points of the fence.
- Low cost of heating, without the cost of electricity.
- The ability to additionally include gas, electricity if necessary.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive installation. Since in addition to the boiler you need to buy and connect a boiler.
- While the water is heating, the room temperature will decline.
- The design takes up a lot of space, you will need to allocate a separate room.
Having understood the principle of operation of the equipment, you can adequately assess the profitability of the purchase. When choosing, pay attention to the technical specifications and calculate the appropriate power.