Solid fuel heating boilers: main types and criteria for choosing the best unit

If economic issues concern heating your own home, it is better not to depend on anyone.To organize an autonomous system, heating boilers using solid fuel are often chosen. They provide the opportunity to quickly achieve a comfortable temperature in the room, while ensuring a significant reduction in costs.

You will learn everything about choosing a solid fuel boiler from our article. We have presented and described the main criteria that allow us to accurately determine the most suitable option. Taking into account our advice, finding the right model will be much easier.

Types and rules for choosing a boiler

A solid fuel boiler is a good incentive to save money on heating. It happens that even with installed hot water meters, utility services send bills with inflated figures.

Individual heating eliminates dependence on a centralized heating system and makes it possible to control the volume of fuel consumed. This is especially important when it comes not to domestic use, but to heating of enterprise premises. Expenses directly affect the cost of production.

Cost Determinants

An autonomous heating system using solid fuel is a fairly practical way to heat small industries. Such boilers are used when there is a lack of electricity or no connection to the gas main.

The installation of such units is especially relevant in woodworking industries or small workshops (solid fuels are all types of coal, wood, sawdust, etc.)

Classic solid fuel boiler with additional protection. Ideal solution for private housing construction

The cost of the boiler itself depends on its design. The simplest option is an improved stove with manual fuel loading. Some models have automated feeding, but their cost is several times higher.

The increase in cost may also be influenced by the materials used in the manufacture of the product and its heat exchanger (cast iron is most often used). The last factor that affects the price is power. A solid fuel boiler for a small house will cost less than one that can heat a 200 sq. m mansion. m.

Cast iron and hardened steel are used as the main materials for the production of boiler heat exchanger. A cast iron boiler lasts about thirty years and requires regular cleaning. You can load any solid fuel into it, and the efficiency of these models is quite high. Which modification of the unit to choose depends on the parameters of the heated room.

Cast iron boiler. Suitable for heating large areas. Due to its strength, it copes well with any type of fuel

Steel boilers are cheaper than cast iron ones, but they are practically no different from them - they have high performance at a lower cost. A heat exchanger made of a steel alloy heats up faster, but also cools down faster. When choosing any model, you need to take care of the fireproof protection of the room where the equipment will be installed.

The entire range is presented in the form of single-circuit and double-circuit models. Single-circuit ones are used only for heating, while double-circuit ones are also used for heating water (an additional heat exchanger is provided).

They are practical for installation in small houses, where it is advantageous to have one heating unit instead of several.

Steel boiler. An excellent solution for private housing construction. Provides good savings on heating and hot water

If the area is large, it is possible to install a coupled heating system. Such work can only be carried out by specialist installers - without experience in carrying out such work, you may face additional costs for equipment and wiring throughout the house.

The arguments for choosing a boiler for a country house are presented in detail in next article, the contents of which we advise you to familiarize yourself with.

A little about heating boiler brands

Among heating equipment users, equipment from Viessmann and Conord is of great interest. Thus, the Italian brand of solid fuel boilers Viessmann stands out on the market due to its ease of installation and build quality of the finished product.

By installing large cast iron crossbars, engineers give users the opportunity to load firewood up to 70 cm long. The starting price of such a unit is 75 thousand rubles

Russian products are the most popular on the domestic market. The Conord company is an excellent representative of it. Thanks to the large model range, you can choose both an economical option and an “industrial” one for large areas. For domestic types of heating equipment, prices start from 50 thousand rubles.

Moreover, their units for autonomous heating no worse than foreign ones. Using modern equipment, Russian engineers create quite competitive options, sometimes surpassing their European counterparts in power and performance.

This rule does not work for all equipment manufacturers. Most often, it is more profitable to buy a unit from a European company, which belongs to the middle price category. Such models offer the best combination of quality and cost.

About the intricacies of choosing equipment

The main points when choosing before purchasing a classic solid fuel boiler or long-burning boiler are dimensions and functionality. For each type of room, you will have to select a boiler individually. Sometimes it is still necessary to rebuild it, taking into account the characteristics of heated housing.

In order for the installation to be carried out in accordance with the technical instructions, everything should be done according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or you should seek help from specialists. It is enough to comply with all the specified requirements for the safe operation of the boiler.

It is important not to forget about fire safety measures. This should be remembered at the stage of equipment installation, and later during its operation.

When choosing a model, do not forget that solid fuel heating modules are divided into universal and specialized. The former operate on several or one type of solid fuel or combustible waste. Specialized ones are most often installed in places where there is only one type of fuel, or the availability of one is superior to the others.

All solid fuel units are divided into 3 main groups:

• traditional;
• pyrolysis;
• universal.

Representatives of the first group produce heat by burning fuel (coal, firewood, etc.). This is the most common option on the market and is very popular. In pyrolysis modules, solid fuel is burned and additional combustion of the gas generated is carried out. For this purpose, a second camera is provided.

Installation of such equipment is more difficult - it requires the installation of a high-quality ventilation system. After all, for productive operation of the unit, an uninterrupted supply of secondary air is necessary.

As for the cost, it is higher for pyrolysis boilers than for traditional ones. But the productivity of the former is also higher - therefore, in the long term, the initial cost is recouped due to lower costs for fuel materials.

But universal models operate on several types of fuel and are able to consume a minimum of energy to ensure the functionality of the equipment’s automation.

These are quite popular representatives of the trading line. They are often installed in public places to heat rooms. They are in turn divided into stationary and mobile options.

Pyrolysis boiler. Its installation is somewhat more complicated than the traditional model - it is advisable that it be carried out by a specialist

IN pyrolysis boilers Disadvantages include energy dependence and an urgent need for regular air supply. Inside such a boiler, not only fuel elements are burned, but also the gas released as a result of this process.

It requires an installed blower fan to operate. This type of boiler requires less access to the chimney system. Their efficiency is higher, despite their energy consumption. When choosing a pyrolysis model of a solid fuel boiler, you should immediately take care of the installation by inviting a specialist to do this.

You should buy this product only from trusted suppliers - certified stores themselves ensure compliance with all rules and regulations, and the buyer can save time, effort and money.

If store employees are unwilling to provide additional services of installation, transportation, etc. you should contact the administration

Particular attention should be paid long burning models – these are, as a rule, pellet boilers. Here, compressed wood waste is used as fuel, which burns for a long time.

These units have a special bunker, which allows for an uninterrupted supply of fuel. They can retain heat for up to 3 days, do not require special attention, and are equipped with additional protection, due to which they do not need to be looked after.

Modern and environmentally friendly equipment

Solid fuel boilers with a long-burning function are rightfully considered guardians of nature. Burnt filtration systems installed in modern models help purify smoke from combustion products, releasing only purified steam. The maintenance cycle for a solid fuel boiler is about two months (cleaning, purging).

For equipment cleaning procedures, it is better to call a specialized worker so as not to damage or disturb anything yourself.

It is also appropriate to install such units in industries with a large amount of solid combustible waste. The recycling (incineration) process takes a short amount of time, while it becomes possible to save additional money on waste removal.

If installed correctly, it is possible to provide heating for work areas, which will significantly improve the cost of production.

How to choose the optimal boiler model?

As for the rules for choosing the optimal option, the specifics of each specific case should be taken into account. You have to carefully analyze your needs and compare them with the capabilities of the models you like.

A solid fuel boiler is quite expensive equipment and errors in selection can affect the quality of heating. However, replacement is fraught with unnecessary costs.

To choose the right heating unit, you must first carefully measure and prepare the room in which it will be installed. Only after finishing and organizing the water supply and chimney drainage systems should you begin to select a specific model.

Pyrolysis models are suitable for industrial premises, because... for large areas, despite their price, they “give” greater savings and payback effect

When choosing, you should consider useful recommendations, including the following:

1. Versatility. For private homes, universal solid fuel units are best suited, where it is possible to combine and replace fuel;
2. Difficult to install. Based on the cost of the product, you definitely need to study all its capabilities and modification options (so that there are no problems with installation);
3. Average price. You should not choose very expensive models. Often, in the middle class there are options that are quite suitable for home use;
4. Repair and service. You should immediately consider all possible repair and maintenance options. The boiler room should be easy to access at any time;
5. Climatic conditions. At low ambient temperatures, installing a low-power boiler is unacceptable (even if at first glance it seems that it is “enough”). It is better to make a purchase with a reserve so as not to start all over again later.

Particular attention should be paid to arranging the space for installation of a solid fuel boiler. Fire safety requirements must not be violated. All necessary advice can be read in the instructions for the equipment, obtained in a store, or from fire specialists.

It is important to use only fire-resistant materials during installation. You should save on equipment only as a last resort. After weighing all the pros and cons, calculate all the details again and only then make a purchase.

Considering heating boiler modelsoperating on solid fuel, you should immediately think about what type of fuel is most accessible in the region. When it’s easier to buy wood, the most logical thing to do would be to install a traditional double-circuit boiler. This solution will allow you to save not only on heating, but also on hot water.

Always remember safety precautions. There must be free access to the boiler room at any time

When choosing a specific manufacturer, it is a good idea to make sure that in your region of residence there are authorized technical centers or, at least, specialists who know how to work with such equipment. A solid fuel boiler is an expensive pleasure, so it’s worth thinking about possible repairs and unusual situations in advance.

In addition, do not forget that boilers require regular maintenance, which will be the key to long and uninterrupted operation of the equipment:

Most often, stores warn about the availability of warranty service provided under the manufacturer’s warranty card. This point is important because this way you can count on qualified assistance without the risk of damage or permanent breakdown of the equipment.

It is important to immediately clarify questions about the availability of original spare parts and components for the selected type of equipment, because in the event of a breakdown, it is advisable to install components that are ideal for the operation of the structure. This will make the heating unit last longer.

Qualified service is the key to long-term operation of a solid fuel boiler

If you have difficulties making a choice, it is better to consult people involved in design autonomous heating systems and installation of equipment, or read reviews from other customers. Comparing several points of view helps in making a final decision.

When purchasing, be sure to check for certification documents confirming the quality of the product. And also resolve the issue of future installation of equipment. Most often, delivery and installation services are provided by the seller.

It should be remembered that when planning the installation of a double-circuit model in private housing construction, a water supply system will have to be laid in advance. After all, the location of the heating boiler will depend on the placement and installation of pipes.

It is also important in advance arrange a boiler room, design a ventilation system, think through boiler piping and the location of the chimney for removing smoke. And only after such preliminary preparation at home can you begin to select the required boiler model.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Advantages and disadvantages of solid fuel equipment in the video clip:

Review of new products on the market of solid fuel units in the video:

In order not to make a mistake in choosing and purchasing a unit to heat your home, you should correctly assess your capabilities and needs. After all, the most expensive equipment will not always be better and more durable.

An option with an average cost may be more suitable, which will fully meet all technical needs. And in order to avoid mistakes in calculations and selection of heating devices, you should definitely consult with specialists.

Tell us about how you chose a solid fuel boiler for a country house or cottage. Share what was the main argument in choosing your model. Please leave comments in the block below, ask questions, post photos on the topic of the article.