Efficient, convenient and inexpensive heating in a private house with a solid fuel boiler is gradually replacing traditional gas and electric counterparts. In addition to being economical, this method of heating buildings is in demand among owners of real estate that is not connected to central communications. The devices can be used as the main and backup heat source. In small country houses, you simply cannot do without these devices, since they will not allow their owners to freeze even in the most severe frosts. It is possible to carry out the installation of heating boilers with your own hands, without involving hired workers, and without obtaining a permit. In order for the heating system to work efficiently and reliably, it is necessary to study the types of heating equipment, its features and the range of fuels used.
Criteria for choosing a boiler in a private house
There are no uniform recommendations regarding the characteristics of a heating system for a private house. Each building, as well as the priorities of the people living in it, is individual. However, there are a number of requirements that must be met in all cases.
The following criteria apply to the selection of solid fuel boilers:
- The cost of equipment, components and installation work. You should not buy a cheap installation, as it is characterized by low performance and unreliability.
- The range of solid fuels on the market. It is advisable to choose devices for fuel, which is always available and inexpensive.
- Ease of use of equipment. Ease of maintenance, repair and heating.
- Boiler efficiency. The cost of producing a unit of energy.
- Possibility of storage and storage of the selected fuel.
- The safety of the equipment in terms of the risk of fire, smoke and shutdown in case of malfunctions.
It is recommended to put the question of the choice of fuel at the forefront. It is necessary to calculate in advance how much the heating season will cost and only then make a final decision. In addition, you need to measure your physical capabilities and health status during the operation of the heater. You will need to make an effort to carry weights, go down stairs with them, get up at night to refuel the stove. And not everyone can do it.
Types of solid fuel boilers
According to the level of functionality, heating devices are divided into the following types:
- Single-circuit. Used only for heating rooms.
- Double-circuit. They are used simultaneously for heating and generating hot water for domestic purposes. The liquid reserve is contained in the heat accumulator, which ensures a uniform water temperature in the system.
Depending on the type of fuel used, boilers are made of steel or cast iron.
Traditional, direct burning
Products of this type have been used in space heating since the time when mankind learned to obtain metal. They are a chamber with windows for loading fuel and a blower. The material is placed on the grate, through which air enters and ash falls.
Advantages of traditional boilers:
- simplicity;
- reliability;
- affordable price;
- the possibility of making it yourself;
- manufacturing options in different modifications.
The disadvantage is that traditional ovens have low productivity. Firewood in them burns out within a few hours, you need regular refueling.
Pyrolysis
These are complex and expensive gas generating plants in which the fuel is burned in several stages. At the first stage, the wood is dried and heated. Then it ignites, gas is released, and the wood turns into coal. In the final phase, the gas ignites, and the coal continues to smolder. The air is supplied to the closed chamber by an electric fan.
Advantages of the device:
- high efficiency;
- combustion control;
- complete processing of fuel;
- excellent heat dissipation.
The downside of the design is only in its cost. Despite this, the payback comes after the first heating season. In addition, the electric boiler depends on a constant supply of current. If it is absent, the fan stops and combustion stops.
Long burning
A feature of such a wood-burning stove is that the blower is located not from below, but from above. Thanks to this design, combustion occurs only at the upper level. The fire gradually descends as the wood is consumed.
Product advantages:
- long burning;
- lack of frequent refueling;
- profitability;
- simplicity of design;
- the ability to load a large amount of fuel.
The disadvantage of a long-term burning device is only in its size. To ensure the implementation of the principle of operation, it is necessary to make furnaces of large height and diameter.
Pellet
The device body consists of two chambers. The first stores the capsules, and the second burns them. Fuel is supplied automatically as it is consumed. Pellets pressed from wood waste are used as fuel.
Design advantages:
- high heat transfer;
- intense heat generated;
- long-term operation at one gas station;
- inexpensive fuel;
- availability of automation that ensures control and safety.
The only disadvantage of the products is their price. It is better to choose such devices for those who do not want to work as a fireman all day. The volume of the hopper is sufficient for 24-48 hours of continuous operation.
Installation instructions
Having decided to make heating in a private house with your own hands, the solid fuel boiler must be installed correctly. The basic principle of the unit is the height difference between the lower and upper parts of the water circuit. In addition, a high pipe is needed to create good traction. If the house has a strip foundation, it is advisable to use the basement level to accommodate the equipment. If this is not possible, you will have to put it on the first floor. To ensure good circulation of the coolant, you will need to install a small centrifugal pump.
Before starting the installation work, it is necessary to prepare the room for the installation of the boiler.
The sequence of work is as follows:
- Remove all combustible objects.
- Make a solid concrete base for the appliance.
- Close wooden products with sheets of iron or asbestos cement.
- Provide efficient ventilation. It is necessary to provide for the possibility of a power outage and make a supply and exhaust system operating on natural draft.
The best place to place the boiler is on the side wall. It is convenient to lead a pipeline and a chimney from this place.
Installation of a heat generator and chimney
It is advisable to install a solid fuel boiler together with a buffer tank for warm water. This container is placed between the oven and the strapping.You can connect it to the system during the construction phase or during the operation of the system.
Purpose of the object:
- System overheating protection. The reservoir absorbs the superheated water, mixing it with the relatively cold contents. This eliminates the likelihood of rupture of the circuit due to the formation of steam.
- Energy storage. The buffer collects heat and supplies hot water as the media in the system cools. In the presence of a two-peak meter, energy is accumulated at night, when its cost is 2 times lower.
- Commutation. The device connects all connected gas, electricity and solid fuel units into a single circuit. Distribution of energy occurs, smoothing of pressure and temperature differences.
To work, you will need the following tools and materials:
- tape measure, level, square;
- puncher, screwdriver, grinder;
- a hammer;
- soldering iron for plastic;
- polypropylene pipes and fittings;
- marker;
- protective goggles and gloves.
Installation of the heating system is carried out in the following sequence:
- Marking in accordance with the drawn up scheme.
- Strengthening the base for the boiler.
- Fastening pipe clamps and radiator stops.
- Installing the oven, leveling and fixing it.
- Pulling plastic pipes, installation of taps and fittings.
- Checking the tightness of the circuit.
- Chimney arrangement.
- Carrying out a control furnace.
A separate issue is the assembly of the exhaust system. It is made from steel pipes or sandwich sections. Depending on the architecture of the building, a choice is made in favor of an external or internal chimney lining. The internal version allows you to use the heat from the chimney to heat the premises and the water circuit. The external one is good in that you do not need to make holes in the ceilings and do waterproofing work.
Boiler connection diagram
The connection diagram for a solid fuel boiler is selected based on its capacity, number of storeys and building area. Priority is given to one-pipe or two-pipe construction
The boiler TT can be connected in one of the following ways:
- straight line with a closed contour (Leningrad);
- with a three-way valve;
- with underfloor heating and batteries;
- with heating tank and storage tank.
When installing the heating system, each radiator, if not provided for by its design initially, should be supplemented with a Mayevsky valve to bleed air. In addition, it must be borne in mind that when heated, the water expands. To prevent the build-up of overpressure in the system, it must be equipped with a sealed expansion vessel.
