Atmospheric or turbocharged gas boiler: a comparative review

The range of models of gas boilers on the market is quite wide. They differ in functionality, installation method, economy. To choose atmospheric or turbocharged gas boiler, you should understand in advance the advantages of each type. It is necessary to find out which type will be optimal for individual heating.

You will learn all about the specifics of the operation of equipment with an open and closed combustion chamber from our article. We will introduce you to the practical qualities, pros and cons of operation. Taking into account our recommendations, the choice of equipment for the arrangement of suburban 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, are presented on the market in two options. The consumer can now purchase or turbocharged or atmospheric (chimney) type of.

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

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

An atmospheric burner is a set of small nozzles through which gas flows under pressure. During combustion, the right amount of air enters the chamber, which intensifies the flame. As a result, during the heating of water in the system, the atmospheric boiler consumes a minimum of fuel. The smoke is removed through a chimney made of stainless steel.

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 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 can significantly increase the power.

Overview turbocharged gas boilers

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

Its advantages over atmospheric:

• if the power is up to 60 kW, the place of installation does not matter;
• no air is taken from the premises for combustion;
• combustion products are discharged by means of a fan to the street through a chimney;
• high efficiency allows you to use less fuel.

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

Design and features of operation

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

• 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. Despite the fact that the cost turbocharged models higher than atmospheric, you can save on the equipment of the boiler room and the device of a traditional chimney.

Most double-circuit units stop heating the room when 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.

Turbocharged boilers are equipped with the "Summer" mode. In this case, hot water is supplied independently from heating systems Is a compelling argument in favor of a closed burner model.

Advantages turbocharged boilers:

• air intake for heating is made 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 size;
• high efficiency and low energy consumption;
• high productivity (on average, 10 liters of water are heated per minute);
• automated work and electronic control system;
• high security;
• ease of use.

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

Closed burner models

For the flow of heated water into the heating radiators, it is used single-circuit boiler. IN dual-circuit models a second heating circuit is provided for the preparation of hot water. A boiler with a capacity of over 20 kW will allow you to heat the room and heat the water.

However, a floor-standing unit of low power, then it should not be "overloaded". It is better to heat water with a gas column. 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 heat carrier.

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 builds up on it quickly and performance decreases.

It is recommended to use limescale powder during operation. The separate heat exchanger performs the same function as bithermicbut less sensitive to water.

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

You will say that the efficiency of any type of heating equipment cannot exceed 100%? Maybe that is confirmed by condensation models. They partially use the energy released during the combustion of one portion of fuel twice.

Overview 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;
• the average efficiency is 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 the combustion products are removed through the chimney. A leak in the combustion chamber leads to the fact that some of the gases enter the environment and can cause poisoning.

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

Choosing a place for installation:

• the structure is installed in a technical building;
• for powerful and dimensional models, a building with a foundation is required;
• to ensure sufficient draft, a close location of the chimney with a minimum bend 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 received energy to the heat carrier or to the water prepared for use.

Burner design:

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

With a partial part of the gas comes directly, and the other part with air. At full - before entering the combustion chamber, the gas is completely mixed with air. There are no fully mixed models in the CIS countries.

The burners are available in one and two stages, with smooth switching of the fuel feed rate and modulating. The savings in consumption depend on the complexity of the design. Some models allow the use of diesel fuel. But the price for such boilers is much higher.

The burners are supplied with CO2 level sensors and flame. If the draft is insufficient, the flame can go out, which will lead to gas contamination of the room. A similar problem is observed with home-made structures that are converted from solid fuel boilers.

Advantages of atmospheric gas boilers:

• stable operation even with an insignificant gas pressure (fate follows that in this case the fuel supply elements fail faster);
• for efficient combustion of the mixture, additional air supply is not required;
• silent work;
• ease of use.

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

Types of atmospheric gas boilers

Heating equipment differs among themselves:

• 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 the factors of possible heat loss (windows, cold floors and walls). It is recommended to choose a boiler that is capable of heating the area 25% more than the actual one.

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 burns out. Average rates for atmospheric boilers are 80-90%. More expensive models provide the maximum effect - up to 97%.

In condensing boilers, the efficiency is 100%. The fact is that the exhaust gas heats up to 110 ° C. IN turbocharged aggregates, this indicator is at the level of 55 ° С. In condensation rooms - 30 ° С.

Floor and wall types of equipment

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

Positive sides:

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

Wall heaters are smaller and lighter (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 positioned anywhere in the room. Wall-mounted atmospheric boilers are single-circuit and double-circuit.

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

So what should you choose?

Turbocharged models use air from the street, which is fed through a coaxial tube. Unlike atmospheric boilers, they can be installed in kitchens, bathrooms and other living areas. This is the best option for heating an apartment or an 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 likelihood 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, you need it seal acid resistant pipe. If this is not done, the resulting condensation will destroy the pipe.

An open chamber is provided in an atmospheric (convection) boiler for gas combustion. This model is connected to a standard chimney. Air is taken from the room where the equipment is installed.

There are high demands on the installation of equipment with an open combustion chamber. It is forbidden to install atmospheric boilers in houses with more than 9 storeys.

IN turbocharged boiler, the combustion chamber is hermetically sealed. Waste intake is compulsory, pressure is generated by a turbine or fan. The air from the room where the equipment is installed is not combusted.

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

Conclusion: the main difference between an atmospheric gas boiler and turbocharged consists in forced intake and removal of exhaust air, which is 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. It is imperative to analyze the room in which the equipment will be installed. The first step is to pay attention to the power and functionality of the technique.

Criteria for a competent choice

Important characteristics:

1. Performance. The calculation is made after analyzing the area of ​​the room and the possible heat loss.
2. The number of circuits being serviced. If you need heating the room and hot water supply, choose a double-circuit boiler with a pair of heat exchangers. If DHW not necessary then enough single-circuit boiler. The new two-circuit heaters have 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 a double-circuit turbocharged boiler. There are two types: standard and weather dependent. The new models have built-in remote control units. The model can be additionally equipped with a 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 with low cost.

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

Installation requirements

The highest demands are placed on the installation of atmospheric boilers. Installation and connection is 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 perfect, extremely tight.

Turbocharged models are not so demanding, but hand-made connection is also not particularly recommended. Especially if, through the fault of an inexperienced performer water enters the gas pipeline. There is an important condition - the flawless removal of the chimney ducts to the street.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video # 1. Recommendations of 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 regular chimney:

Video # 3. Valuable recommendations for the selection of 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 characteristically appear during operation. It is imperative that you familiarize yourself with them and the technical characteristics of a particular model before making a purchase. We hope that the information we have provided will provide effective assistance.

Do you want to talk about how you chose a gas boiler for the arrangement of suburban property or an apartment? Share what type of boiler you prefer, reveal the secret why. Please leave comments in the block below, post photos on the topic of the article, ask questions.