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How to choose an electric boiler for heating a private house

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Heating with electricity, although more expensive than heating with wood and coal, but the system created on the basis of an electric boiler does not require a separate boiler room and the creation of a chimney. In this article, we will talk about how to choose an electric heating boiler for a private house..

How to choose an electric boiler for heating a private house

There are several prerequisites for choosing an electric heating boiler:

  1. The lack of a gas pipeline near the house.
  2. Unwillingness or inability to allocate an area for a boiler room and storage space for solid fuel (coal, firewood, pellets).
  3. An electric boiler is easier to automate and integrate into a home control system.

Advantages of heating systems with an electric boiler:

  1. Efficiency at the level of 92-99%.
  2. Compact dimensions.
  3. Registration with supervisory authorities is not required.
  4. An electric boiler has less inertness, heats up the house faster. The reaction to changing settings can be felt after 2-5 minutes.
  5. The electric boiler works automatically, does not require constant user attention.
  6. No need for a separate room for the installation of heating equipment.

How to choose an electric boiler for heating a private house

Minuses:

  1. Significant electrical power required.
  2. The heating system is volatile.
  3. Mandatory grounding of all components of the heating system is required.

Characteristics and features of electric boilers

In an electric heating boiler, the coolant is heated due to the release of heat in the conductor through which the electric current flows. According to the method of implementation, boilers are divided:

  • Heating elements;
  • induction;
  • electrode.

Heating elements

The heating elements are refractory conductors insulated with ceramics and a layer of copper with a high thermal conductivity as a shell. They are called heating elements.

How to choose an electric boiler for heating a private house

The heat exchanger is often of the flow type with 2-3 heating elements, although there are no restrictions on the use of a volumetric tank that accumulates heat.

The main drawback attributed to such boilers is the formation of scale on the heating elements during operation. Scale reduces the rate of heat transfer, increases the temperature of the heating element, and reduces the resource of the boiler. But heat still comes in, and the efficiency decreases slightly. Increases inertia of the system and the risk of burnout of the heating element.

How to choose an electric boiler for heating a private house

This aspect is eliminated by simple preparation of the coolant. Before pumping water into the system, it is enough to demineralize or use distilled water with antifreeze.

Induction

An induction electric boiler operates on the principle of a transformer. The primary winding is an inductive coil, the secondary winding is a special metal core and a heat exchanger body.

How to choose an electric boiler for heating a private house

The current in the coil induces high-rated currents with the help of electromagnetic waves on the housing, from which the latter heats up, and the heat is transferred to the coolant. Due to the large heat exchange area, it is possible to operate the boiler without high temperature elements. For comparison, in heating elements, the conductor heats up to 500-600 ° С.

An induction boiler is almost insensitive to the quality of the heating medium. Due to the absence of surface boiling of the liquid, scale does not form.

How to choose an electric boiler for heating a private house

The main disadvantage is the high cost of equipment, comparable to the cost of a gas boiler.

Electrode

The heating method in such boilers is an innovative one. The current is passed directly through the coolant with the release of heat.

How to choose an electric boiler for heating a private house

A flow-through design is always used, in the case of which there is an electrode connected to the supply phase. The second electrode is the body.

Among the advantages are very fast water heating, minimal dimensions. The diameter of the boiler is only three to four times larger than the diameter of the connected pipe with a length of about half a meter.

Electrolysis decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen does not occur due to the constant reversal of polarity on the electrodes at a mains frequency of 50 Hz.

How to choose an electric boiler for heating a private house

However, the electrode boiler has the most impressive number of operational requirements and features:

  1. The coolant must have a conductivity of more than 1000 Ohm / cm.
  2. Distilled water is used with the addition of salt in a strict proportion, which must be selected on site during commissioning.
  3. Risk of electric shock from contact with any metal surface of the heating system.
  4. The electrode is “eaten up” over time, destroyed.
  5. It is undesirable to use an electrode boiler with cast iron and aluminum radiators.

Boiler selection

All three options for electric boilers are suitable for arranging a heating system in a private house. So the final choice should be made based on the following criteria:

  • the cost of equipment and its installation;
  • the complexity of installation, commissioning and starting heating;
  • features of operation, comfort.

With regard to the first and last points and partially the second, the heating element boiler wins. Its low cost and ease of maintenance benefits it. It is enough not to pour water into the system from the tap or from a well. Heating elements, which are very inexpensive, will have to be changed only once every 5-10 years.

How to choose an electric boiler for heating a private house

Induction and electrode boilers are the most compact, in addition to the high heating rate of the heating medium. However, for this in both cases, you will have to spend more on the purchase of equipment. Induction boilers are capable of working even with oil products and, accordingly, with any type of heat carrier at low operating costs.

Electrode boilers are too demanding to operate. Too many factors concerning the installation and start-up of the system affect the heating efficiency.

Selection of characteristics and installation

The selection of the power of an electric boiler is carried out according to the standard scheme. The total heat loss of the building is determined and the rated power of the boiler is selected with a margin of 20–30%. The greater the power reserve, the less often the heating element will turn on, but the starting and operating currents increase. Typically, the power of the boiler is calculated based on the area of ​​the house, multiplied by the regional coefficient. The result obtained is divided by 10. For the southern regions, a coefficient of 0.7–09 is used, for the middle zone – 1–1.2, and for the northern regions, 1.5–2.

If the area of ​​your house in the middle lane is 150 m2, then the boiler power must be at least 150 x 1/10 = 15 kW.

How to choose an electric boiler for heating a private house

Any type of electric boiler requires a powerful electrical input, a separate power line with large wires in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements, separate circuit breakers and protective switches, as well as reliable grounding.

Installation of a heating element and an induction boiler with a circulation pump is allowed in any convenient place, from where it is easier to lay pipes and provide normal access to equipment for maintenance. The electrode boiler is installed at the lowest point of the system, taking into account the powerful convection flow created by itself.

The total cost of installing an electric boiler for heating a private house is not much higher than even gas equipment. This is possible due to the use of precise automation and programmers that can set the most economical and at the same time comfortable mode of heat supply operation..

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Comments: 2
  1. Aurora Kelly

    I’m in the process of selecting an electric boiler for heating my private house and would appreciate some guidance. What factors should I consider while making this decision? Are there specific features or specifications to prioritize? Additionally, does anyone have any personal recommendations for reliable electric boiler brands? Thank you in advance for your assistance!

    Reply
    1. Isaac Thompson

      When selecting an electric boiler for heating your house, there are several factors to consider. First, you should determine the size of the boiler based on the heating requirements of your house. Consider factors such as the insulation in your home, the number of rooms, and the climate in your area. Additionally, look for energy efficiency ratings to ensure lower running costs.

      Next, consider the installation and maintenance requirements of the boiler. Some models may require professional installation, while others may be more DIY-friendly. Look for boilers with user-friendly controls and easy access for maintenance purposes.

      In terms of features, prioritize safety features such as overheat protection and automatic shut-off. It’s also worth looking for boilers with adjustable temperature settings and programmable timers for optimal comfort and energy savings.

      As for reliable electric boiler brands, some reputable manufacturers include Rheem, ECOHOT, and Stiebel Eltron. It’s always a good idea to read reviews and seek recommendations from professionals or other homeowners who have experience with electric boilers. Ultimately, choose a model that fits your needs, budget, and preferences.

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