Choosing a double-circuit wall-mounted gas boiler: advice from consultants + overview of brands and prices

A modern gas wall-mounted double-circuit boiler is the best choice for heating a private house. This device is small, reliable and perfectly copes with two tasks simultaneously: heating a house and heating water for household needs. A variety of automatic systems minimize concern for the routine maintenance of equipment. Most wall-mounted models are compact in size and have an attractive modern design.

The device and characteristics of such units

Externally, such a boiler looks like a neat cabinet, so it fits perfectly into the interior. Inside, all the necessary elements are placed, the device just needs to be connected to the heating and domestic hot water systems. Among the other advantages of wall mounted gas boilers are usually mentioned:

• the ability to perform two tasks at once with the help of one unit: space heating and water heating;
• a significant reduction in utility bills (cold water is much cheaper than hot);
• high degree of equipment safety;
• relatively low price (compared with other options for autonomous heating);
• the ability to use automation systems, which minimizes maintenance and configuration of the unit.

Wall-mounted gas boilers differ markedly in size and performance. It is necessary to take into account a number of characteristics in order to choose a model that will provide the house with heat and hot water, without requiring unnecessary expenses.

Wall-mounted gas heating boilers usually have an attractive modern design and compact dimensions, they are easy to place even in a small kitchen

Dual-circuit wall-mounted gas models usually cost significantly less than single-circuit ones complete with a boiler. The wall-mounted version of such equipment is the most common and practical. Floor models are usually devices of high power, or boilers with a cast-iron heat exchanger, too heavy to fit on the wall.

The double-circuit gas boiler is a compact device, which in fact is a version of a mini-boiler. To heat the water in such a unit, a flow-through water heater is provided, there is an expansion tank, one or two circulation pumps, a safety valve, temperature and safety systems sensors, a pressure gauge, etc. There is no need to allocate a separate room for such a device. Usually it is placed on the wall in the kitchen.

The power of wall-mounted gas boilers is relatively small, usually around 30 kW. They are used to service rooms with an area of ​​not more than 200-300 square meters. mIt is recommended to install such a boiler as close as possible to the points of draw-off, which should also be nearby, i.e. the shower should be arranged next to the kitchen. Usually there is enough hot water to service only one water intake point. If someone takes a shower, washing the dishes with hot water will be problematic. If the distance between the points of water intake in the house is too large, heating will be extremely ineffective.

The figure shows a diagram of the device of a wall-mounted double-circuit gas boiler with forced ventilation and two heat exchangers, which will help to understand the principle of operation of the device

Some models use natural draft, while others use forced ventilation. In the second case, it should be established not traditional, but special coaxial chimney. This is a compact chimney, the installation of which is much simpler than building a conventional chimney for a boiler with natural draft.

Note! If it is necessary to use several points of water intake, it is recommended to pay attention to models that allow you to create a supply of hot water of at least 60 liters. They are equipped with a built-in boiler and a special mixer, which allows you to keep the water temperature constant at any level of water flow or pressure in the system.

What to look for when choosing a specific boiler?

Useful information about choosing a gas is presented in the video material:

When choosing a mounted gas boiler, you should decide on such moments as:

• necessary equipment power;
• the level of comfort that should be ensured;
• the need for automatic control;
• chimney characteristics;
• degree of trust in a particular manufacturer.

Then it remains only to compare the characteristics of a particular model with these data and make a choice.

Wall boiler power

It is believed that for heating ten square meters of living space, one kilowatt of heat is required, that is, for a house with an area of ​​about 200 square meters. m. you will need a model with a capacity of at least 20 kW. Data on the power of a particular model is in its data sheet, and this information is usually indicated directly on the packaging of the device. It should be remembered that the amount of heat required to heat a private house or apartment depends significantly on the degree of its thermal insulation. It is necessary to carry out work on the insulation of the premises before purchasing heating equipment. You can approximately calculate the required level of power you need using our calculator:

The necessary level of comfort

Since the outside temperature changes depending on the weather, there is a need to regulate the operation of the gas boiler. Consumers today can choose a model with:

• single stage;
• two-stage;
• three-stage power adjustment.

One-stage adjustment implies the operation of the boiler in only one specific mode. To adjust the temperature of the coolant too high, the device will have to be turned off. In models with two-stage power control, you can choose one of two modes of operation of the device: for colder and warmer outdoor temperatures. This option is much more convenient in operation than a single-stage model.In addition, the ability to switch the burner operation mode increases the life of the device. Models with three degrees of adjustment are also very convenient and last longer. However, the cost of such devices is quite high, so consumers often choose the second option. It should be noted that many models of wall-mounted gas boilers can work only in one of two necessary modes, i.e. when the hot water is turned on, the unit stops heating the house and resumes it only after the DHW tap is closed. If this option for using the equipment does not suit the owners of the house, you need to pay attention to the models with a combined heat exchanger. The cost of such boilers is much higher than that of models with a conventional heat exchanger, but they provide a much higher level of comfort.

Automatic control unit

Almost all models of gas boilers of leading Western companies are equipped with an electronic control unit. This element takes the use of heating equipment to a whole new level. Automation allows you to set the optimal operating modes of equipment and timely indicates the need for ongoing maintenance or repair.

The control panel of a modern wall-mounted double-circuit gas boiler is usually equipped with a liquid crystal monitor, which reflects the technical characteristics of the device, as well as signals about possible malfunctions

However, such a convenient solution has several disadvantages:

• increases the cost of a gas boiler;
• makes equipment dependent on the availability of electricity;
• the device becomes more vulnerable, more often breaks.

Addressing these shortcomings will require additional costs, for example, the purchase of an electric generator and / or a good model of uninterruptible power supply. If you decide to use a budget version of the equipment, it is better to find a reliable model with mechanical control.

What should be the chimney?

Natural-draft gas boilers are cheaper, but models with a closed combustion chamber are much more popular, albeit more expensive. To remove products of combustion in such models install a fan. A small hole is made in the wall of the house into which the pipe is led out. Installing a boiler with a closed combustion chamber is much simpler, since there is no need to mount a bulky box of a traditional chimney.

For double-circuit gas boilers with a closed-type combustion chamber, it is necessary to build a compact coaxial chimney, which is displayed on the outer wall of the house

If the house already has a ready-made chimney in a suitable place, for the sake of economy it makes sense to think about purchasing a model for natural draft. To restore the channel of the old chimney or improve its characteristics, use special inserts.

How to find a good manufacturer?

An excellent reputation and high quality equipment are not the only points that you should pay attention to when choosing a wall-mounted gas boiler. Not all imported models are adapted to the realities of work in Russian conditions. Often, such boilers are very sensitive to the quality of the coolant. Electronics breaks down during power surges.

It is better to entrust the installation of a gas double-circuit wall-mounted boiler to specialists, since it is necessary to correctly connect to the heating circuit and the DHW circuit, install a chimney and set up the equipment

An important point is the availability of service. In cold weather, procrastination can be fatal for the entire heating system. The situation is also unacceptable when spare parts for repairs have to be purchased in a neighboring region or even in a neighboring country.

Market offer overview - brands and prices

One of the leaders in the gas equipment market is the German company Vaillant.Dual-circuit models of the VUW line can have a closed or open combustion chamber (modifications according to Turbotec and Atmotec, respectively). Equipped with protection against freezing, jamming of the pump and the switching valve, a partial power mode, electronic ignition, technical condition monitoring, convenient LCD display, etc. are provided. Especially for the Russian consumer, Vaillant boilers are equipped with a sensor system isolated from the frame, as well as an integrated analog pressure gauge. The price of such an aggregate can be approximately $ 1100-1600.

No less popular gas boilers Viessmann (Germany), having an efficiency of about 93%. The boiler can be connected to a PDA and set up depending on the temperature change in the room. Another advantage of these boilers is the quick disconnect connections, which greatly simplify installation. A number of models are adapted to work in Russian heating systems. The price may be $ 650-1200.

Bosch German gas boilers, which can work in parallel with the solar collector, are also quite reliable. If necessary, you can modify the design to work on liquefied fuel. Ionization control of the flame, which does not allow the burner to die out, as well as a number of protective and monitoring devices protect the device from breakdowns. Prices range from $ 650-1000.

Models of gas boilers "Chao-Nord" manufactured by the Italian company Beretta are equipped with a closed combustion chamber and are considered the best option for the northern regions. These boilers are characterized by an original control panel design, an improved heat exchanger model and a three-speed Grundfos pump. The price of the unit can be $ 400-650.

Reliability and high efficiency made popular modern gas boilers Protherm, made in the Czech Republic. Models of the Tiger series have a modern control panel, and those who are looking for a gas boiler with a simple push-button interface should pay attention to the Panther line. The increased protection against moisture allows you to install these units even in bathrooms. The price range is $ 600-2000.

A wide selection of gas double-circuit boilers provides the Italian company Ferroli. In addition to protection systems, self-diagnosis and electronic control, these devices are equipped with a special bimetallic heat exchanger that is resistant to possible breakdowns. Prices range from $ 350-1500.