Atmospheric or turbocharged gas boiler - which one is better to choose? Weighted Purchase Criteria

The range of gas boiler models on the market is quite wide. They differ in functionality, installation method, and cost-effectiveness.To select atmospheric or turbocharged gas boiler, you should understand the advantages of each type in advance. We need to find out which type is optimal for individual heating.

You will learn everything about the specifics of operation of equipment with an open and closed combustion chamber from the article we propose. We will introduce you to practical qualities, pros and cons of operation. Taking into account our recommendations, the choice of equipment for arranging a country property will be much simpler and easier.

Differences between an atmospheric gas boiler and turbocharged

Gas equipment, on the basis of which autonomous heating systems are built, is presented in two options on the market. The consumer can now purchase or turbocharged or atmospheric (chimney) type.

The first group is equipped with a coaxial chimney, as well as a closed combustion chamber. Due to the minimum requirements for the ventilation system, it can be installed in apartment buildings. To operate an atmospheric boiler, a traditional chimney is required. It is installed in low-rise private buildings.

The main differences between atmospheric and turbocharged boilers lie in the design and operating principle of the gas burner

The main working unit of the atmospheric gas boiler, which is of the open type, takes air from the room. The combustion process with the traditional release of its products occurs openly, therefore, to install atmospheric equipment, a boiler room is installed, separated from the living area of ​​the house.

An atmospheric burner is a set of small nozzles through which gas passes under pressure. During combustion, the required amount of air enters the chamber, which intensifies the flame. As a result, when heating water in the system, an atmospheric boiler consumes a minimum of fuel. Smoke is exhausted through a stainless steel chimney.

An open burner burns oxygen from the air mass of the boiler room during operation. Even if we take into account that this is a priori a non-residential premises, a powerful ventilation device is required. After all, a constant supply of air is required for normal combustion

IN turbocharged The boiler has a closed combustion chamber. Oxygen is driven into the chambers through a coaxial pipe by a fan. Installation of equipment is possible anywhere.

Feature of wall mounted turbocharged boiler - the combustion chamber is made of copper, which limits the power to 35 kW. In floor-standing boilers it is made of cast iron, which allows you to significantly increase power.

Atmospheric varieties of gas boilers require connection to a standard chimney with a vertical duct. Turbocharged ones can be equipped with a coaxial chimney - it is easier and cheaper to install

Review turbocharged gas boilers

For heating small apartments and offices, the best choice would be turbocharged a gas boiler. It is safe, easy to operate and trouble-free.Consistently provides consumers with heated water in the volume they need.

Its advantages over atmospheric:

• if the power is up to 60 kW, the installation location does not matter;
• air is not taken from the premises for combustion;
• combustion products are removed by a fan to the street through the chimney;
• high efficiency allows you to use less fuel.

Turbine-type boilers are completely safe and can be installed in any room.

The closed burner of a gas boiler is much safer than the open version. During its operation, gaseous fuel processing products do not enter the premises. Oxygen is not burned out

Design and operating features

The main structural components of a boiler with a closed burner option:

• gas-burner;
• fan;
• DHW heat exchanger;
• built-in expansion tank;
• heating heat exchanger;
• circulation pump;
• temperature sensors;
• gas valve;
• security systems;
• coaxial chimney;
• electronic control unit.

The installation of such a boiler should be carried out on the outer wall of the house or near the ventilation shaft. Even though the cost turbocharged models higher than atmospheric, you can save on equipping the boiler room and installing a traditional chimney.

Most dual-circuit units stop heating the room while hot water is supplied. Contrary to the opinion of the majority, coolant does not have time to cool down and the temperature in the apartment remains unchanged.

Turbocharged The boilers are equipped with a “Summer” mode. In this case, hot water is supplied independently from heating systems - this is a compelling argument in favor of purchasing a model with a closed burner.

Advantages turbocharged boilers:

• Air intake for heating is carried out not from the room, but from the street:
• sealed combustion chamber;
• no need to install a chimney;
• there is no need to build a boiler room (installation can be carried out in any room);
• compact dimensions;
• high efficiency and low energy consumption;
• high productivity (on average 10 liters of water are heated per minute);
• automated operation and electronic control system;
• high security;
• ease of operation.

Disadvantages include the high cost of equipment and parts for repairs and dependence on electricity supplies.

Models with closed burner type

To supply heated water to heating radiators, it is used single-circuit boiler. IN dual-circuit models a second heating circuit is provided for preparing hot water. A boiler with a power of over 20 kW will allow you to heat the room and heat water.

However, the floor-standing unit is of low power, so it should not be “overloaded”. It is better to heat water with a gas water heater. According to the standards, it is allowed to install two separate boilers in one boiler room: wall-mounted and floor-standing. One of them will supply sanitary water, and the second will supply coolant.

Double-circuit models are divided into boilers with bithermic heat exchanger and separate. The first is used for heating and DHW. Its disadvantage is sensitivity to bad water. Scale quickly forms on it and productivity decreases.

During operation, it is recommended to use descaling powder. The separate heat exchanger performs the same functions as bithermic, but less sensitive to water.

The high efficiency of condensing boilers is explained by the intelligent use of condensate, the heat of which is transferred to the heating circuit

Condensing boilers, in addition to the usual heat generation, additionally use the energy released during operation of the equipment during condensation of water vapor. Essentially, these models collect condensate to transfer its heat to heating devices. Such boilers allow you to save up to 17% of gas, and their efficiency reaches 108%.

Would you say that the efficiency of any type of heating equipment cannot exceed 100%? Maybe this is what condensation models confirm. They partially reuse the energy released during the combustion of one portion of fuel.

Condensing boilers have two heat exchangers. One of them heats water or coolant, the second collects and prepares condensate for subsequent use

Review of atmospheric gas boilers

Main characteristics of atmospheric gas boilers:

• power - from 20 to 60 kW;
• large dimensions and weight;
• productivity - up to 30 l/min;
• average efficiency - 79-92%;
• electronic control panel.

This model is equipped with an open combustion chamber. Oxygen is taken from the room where the equipment is located, and combustion products are removed through the chimney. Leaks in the combustion chamber result in some of the gases entering the environment and can cause poisoning.

Gas boiler equipment with an open burner is absolutely not suitable for installation in residential premises. Even with a flawlessly functioning chimney system, the risk of toxins entering the air mass cannot be excluded

Therefore, a special room with good ventilation is equipped for atmospheric boilers.

Selecting a location for installation:

• the structure is installed in a technical building;
• powerful and large models require a building with a foundation;
• to ensure sufficient draft, a close location of the chimney with minimal bending is necessary;
• it is important to provide communications for the output of the coaxial chimney.

The operation of an atmospheric boiler is based on heating the heat exchanger material with a gas burner. It then transfers the resulting energy to the coolant or water prepared for use.

Burner design:

• nozzle;
• head;
• air regulator;
• ejection a tube.

With partial, part of the gas enters directly, and the other part with air. At full - before entering the combustion chamber, complete mixing of gas with air occurs. In the CIS countries there are no models with full mixing.

Gas boiler burner and its operating principle. Before the air reaches the nozzles, it mixes with the gas. Mixing can be complete or partial

Burners are available in one and two-stage types, with smooth switching of fuel supply speed and modulating. Cost savings depend on the complexity of the design. Some models allow the use of diesel fuel. But the price of such boilers is much higher.

The burner package includes CO2 level sensors and flame. If the draft is insufficient, the flame may go out, which will lead to gas pollution in the room. A similar problem is observed in home-made structures that are converted from solid fuel boilers.

Advantages of atmospheric gas boilers:

• stable operation even with low gas pressure (it follows that in this case the fuel supply elements fail faster);
• No additional air supply is required for efficient combustion of the mixture;
• silent operation;
• ease of operation.

There are also significant disadvantages. The most important thing is the possibility of carbon monoxide leakage and fire. Therefore, boiler equipment with an open type of gas burner requires a separate room (impossibility of installation in apartments).

Types of atmospheric gas boilers

Heating equipment differs from each other:

• dimensions plus weight directly related to dimensions;
• power;
• Efficiency

The maximum power of wall-mounted models of atmospheric boilers is 36 kW. This indicator is due to the design features.

To select the optimal power, you should take into account the area of ​​the room and factors of possible heat loss (windows, cold floors and walls). It is recommended to choose a boiler that can heat an area 25% larger than the actual one.

The boiler power is selected so that for every 100 sq.m there is a minimum of 10 kW plus 25% of the result obtained

In addition to power, when choosing a boiler, you should pay attention to efficiency. This indicator shows how much energy is required to heat water and how much is burned. Average figures for atmospheric boilers are 80-90%. More expensive models provide maximum effect - up to 97%.

Condensing boilers have 100% efficiency. The fact is that the exhaust gas heats up to 110°C. IN turbocharged units, this figure is at 55 °C. In condensation rooms - 30°C.

Floor and wall types of equipment

The floor structure is distinguished by its high weight - up to 100 kg. Its installation requires a lot of space, and installation is labor-intensive, complex and expensive. Most floor-standing atmospheric boilers do not heat water to be supplied to mixers. During work floor unit It makes a lot of noise, and the chimney requires regular cleaning.

Positive sides:

• high power;
• durability;
• lack of electronics.

Wall heaters are smaller in size and weight (up to 50 kg). Such boilers are predominantly double-circuit. The model is easier to install and does not take up much space. The boiler can be placed anywhere in the room. Wall-mounted atmospheric boilers are single-circuit and double-circuit.

Both floor-mounted and wall-mounted boilers are produced to serve one or two circuits. However, if space allows, it is better to take two: a floor-mounted single-circuit one for heating and a column for preparing hot water

Flaw - wall mounted boiler depends on electronics. If something burns out, you will lose hot water and heating. Boilers are installed mainly in small apartments and houses.

So what should you choose?

Turbocharged models use air from the street, which enters through a coaxial tube. Unlike atmospheric boilers, they can be installed in the kitchen, bathroom and other living spaces. This is the best option for heating an apartment or oversized house.

Choosing between turbocharged and an atmospheric boiler, several factors speak in favor of the first:

• there is no need to allocate space for a boiler room, which attracts owners of small houses;
• can work completely autonomously;
• optimal for servicing small-sized objects.

Atmospheric boilers are installed when:

• a large building needs to be burned;
• the possibility of using several types of fuel is necessary;
• there is no possibility of connecting to the mains.

In private houses equipped with a brick chimney, it is necessary sleeve acid-resistant pipe.If this is not done, the resulting condensate will destroy the pipe.

The efficiency of naturally aspirated units is lower than that of turbocharged ones. They are heavier and often require reinforcement or an additional foundation in the boiler room. However, they are more reliable in operation and much less likely to cause breakdowns.

An atmospheric (convection) boiler has an open chamber for burning gas. This model is connected to a standard chimney. The air is taken from the room in which the equipment is installed.

High demands are placed on the installation of equipment with an open combustion chamber. Atmospheric boilers are prohibited from being installed in houses with more than 9 floors.

IN turbocharged In the boiler, the combustion chamber is hermetically sealed. The waste is collected forcibly. Pressure is pumped up by a turbine or fan. The air from the room where the equipment is installed is not burned.

According to the technical data sheet, the boiler can be located in the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, or next to the meter. It can even be hidden in a specially equipped niche. Smoke emission carried out through a coaxial chimney.

Conclusion: the main difference between an atmospheric gas boiler and turbocharged consists in the forced intake and removal of exhaust air required as a source of oxygen for the operation of the burner.

How to choose a boiler?

At choosing a gas boiler analyze three main parameters: all technical characteristics, reliable and proven manufacturer, cost. Be sure to analyze the room in which the equipment will be installed. The first thing you should pay attention to is the power and functionality of the equipment.

Criteria for choosing wisely

Important characteristics:

1. Performance. The calculation is made after analyzing the area of ​​the room and possible heat loss.
2. Number of serviced circuits. If space heating and hot water supply are required, choose a double-circuit boiler with a pair of heat exchangers. If DHW not necessary, then enough single-circuit boiler The new double-circuit heating devices provide a “Winter/Summer” mode.
3. The material from which the heat exchanger is made. Steel or cast iron is used for the primary circuit, and copper and aluminum for the secondary circuit. The service life, thermal conductivity and cost depend on the material.
4. Automation. It is provided in dual-circuit turbocharged boiler There are two types: standard and weather-sensitive. New models have built-in remote control units. The model can be additionally equipped with remote notification. Gas consumption depends on the number of automation functions.

The best models of gas boilers are produced by German companies. Italian and French products are in second place in popularity. Russia also began to supply competitive boilers that are low cost.

The most reliable boilers are Baxi, as well as Vaillant Turbo TEC, Viessmann, Vaillant Atmo TEC. In second and third place are models from Neva Lux and Arderia. Korean products from Navien, Hydrosta, Daewoo and Kiturami have low reliability and build quality.

Installation requirements

The highest demands are placed on the installation of atmospheric boilers. Installation and connection are carried out only by representatives of the gas company, with which an agreement is concluded for further maintenance and technical inspection of the equipment.All connecting nodes must be made perfectly, extremely tightly.

You can install a turbocharged boiler yourself. But you need to take into account that the slightest violation will lead to a decrease in performance, and the manufacturer will refuse warranty service

Turbocharged models are not so demanding, but manual connection is also not particularly recommended. Especially if it is the fault of an inexperienced performer water enters the gas pipeline. There is an important condition - perfect removal of smoke exhaust ducts to the street.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video #1. Recommendations from a heating engineer for future buyers of gas heating equipment:

Video #2. Expert opinion: is it possible to connect a boiler with a closed burner to a conventional chimney:

Video #3. Valuable recommendations for selecting the power of a gas boiler:

Choosing between turbocharged and an atmospheric boiler, it is necessary to take into account the structural features and nuances that typically appear during operation. You should definitely familiarize yourself with them and the technical characteristics of a particular model before making a purchase. We hope that the information we provide will provide effective assistance.

Would you like to talk about how you chose a gas boiler to equip your country property or apartment? Share what type of boiler you preferred, reveal the secret why. Please leave comments in the block below, post photos related to the topic of the article, and ask questions.