Selecting the ideal boiler for your house’s heating system is crucial to guaranteeing cost-effectiveness, comfort, and efficiency. Combination boilers, which run on both gas and liquid fuel, are becoming more and more common among the different kinds of boilers that are available. These boilers allow for flexible fuel usage, which can be especially helpful in places where fuel supply is erratic or where the cost of energy varies. The purpose of this post is to help you choose the ideal combination boiler to suit your heating requirements.
When contemplating a hybrid gas and liquid fuel boiler, it’s critical to comprehend the essential characteristics that impact functionality and appropriateness for your residence. These consist of the energy efficiency ratings of the boiler, its ability to sufficiently heat your space, and its suitability for use with your current heating system. These boilers are capable of switching between gas and oil, so you’ll need to take into account the setup for each fuel type, such as the needs for gas connections and liquid fuel storage.
One important consideration when making decisions is cost. Combination boilers may initially cost more than single-fuel models, but over time, they may save money due to their more flexible fuel usage and possible reduction in energy expenses. Furthermore, you should carefully consider the boiler’s durability and dependability because they have a direct effect on the long-term value of your investment. You can avoid future hassles by selecting a boiler from a reliable manufacturer with good warranty terms and customer support.
Lastly, environmental factors are becoming more and more significant. Contemporary combined boilers are engineered to reduce emissions and optimize fuel efficiency, resulting in lower operating expenses and a smaller environmental impact on your house. Verify that any boiler you are considering complies with local energy efficiency requirements and emissions regulations.
To assist you in selecting the best combined boiler for your house, this article will go into further detail about these variables. Regardless of changes in the fuel market or outside temperature, you can make sure that your home is comfortable and energy-efficient by being aware of your needs and the capabilities of various boilers.
- What are combined gas and liquid fuel boilers?
- What they are needed for and how they are used
- Device and principle of operation
- Reviews of universal gas-diesel boilers: advantages and disadvantages
- Minimum required power
- The best known manufacturers and models: characteristics and prices
- Buderus Logano G125WS
- Viessmann Vitorond 100
- Protherm Bison 30 NL
- Kentatsu Norma
- Video on the topic
- Solid fuel boilers, gas boilers g.п. Starobin
- SOLID FUEL BOILER "COSMOS". WORKING WITH GAS. FIREWOOD GAS COAL BRIQUETTES PELLETS, ETC.Д.
What are combined gas and liquid fuel boilers?
Both gas and liquid fuel boilers are always floor models with cast-iron heat exchangers. With the exception of the detachable burner, it is essentially a more universal version of the standard gas atmospheric floor standing unit. It is required to swap out the burner in order to convert the boiler to run on a different fuel. It is fairly simple to do without disassembling the boiler because of the straightforward external fixing. Burners must therefore be chosen individually and are not part of the boiler delivery set.
What they are needed for and how they are used
These mixed type boilers are chosen primarily for the following reasons:
- temporary absence of a gas main near the house;
- availability of free, but not constant access to diesel, fuel oil, waste oil or not constant possibility to purchase it for a symbolic price (from agricultural enterprises, car fleets, etc.).д.);
- space saving in a small boiler room.
But as we’ve already stated, buying a boiler that runs on gas or liquid fuel is not economically or practically justified in the absence of special circumstances.
First off, not every model has a burner; instead, burners must be selected individually depending on factors like capacity, fuel type, features, and brand preferences. Gas and liquid fuel burners for homes with capacities of up to 100–150 kW typically cost between 15 and 50 thousand rubles.
Second, you can purchase two distinct boilers with significantly greater functionality for a similar price if the efficiency (efficiency, consumption) of universal two-in-one models can still match the efficiency of single-fuel models in half of the cases. Together with additional electronic modes and functions, this also includes finer settings, a programmer, a second circuit for DHW preparation, and remote temperature sensors.
Third, there is a minor benefit to having two single-fuel boilers: if one fails, the other can be used as a backup to keep the system from freezing and cooling down.
Device and principle of operation
The unique feature of these boilers is the burner’s more sensible mounting, which suggests that it can be quickly assembled and disassembled using threaded connections. Typically atmospheric, gas burners only differ from stationary burners in terms of fixing. Supercharged burners use liquid fuel. They are supplied with diesel, fuel oil, or kerosene under pressure, which is sprayed all over the combustion chamber.
Additionally, liquid fuel needs to be preheated, and this is done right in the burner device. This accounts for the burner’s more pronounced dimensions and the requirement for room in front of the boiler for its installation. A slightly different heat exchanger design found in some models—like the Viessmann Vitorond—allows all of the combustion chamber’s walls to function as full heat exchanger sections, increasing efficiency. Boilers that combine gas and diesel are solely dependent on energy, meaning they need to be connected to the electrical grid.
Otherwise, combined boiler operation follows a standard principle:
- Fuel is atomized into the combustion chamber, ignited and burned (or burned immediately on the burner in the case of gas).
- The walls of the combustion chamber, which is a heat exchanger, heated, giving heat energy from fuel combustion to the coolant.
- Heated coolant (usually water) circulates through the heating system of the house.
How to select a diesel boiler for home heating in a competent manner
Selecting a hybrid boiler that runs on both liquid and gas fuels provides you with efficiency and flexibility when it comes to heating your house. Think about the boiler’s fuel compatibility, efficiency ratings, and size in relation to the heating needs of your home when making your choice. It is imperative to guarantee that the device can smoothly transition between fuels, offering continuous functionality independent of fuel availability. Additionally, look for features that are simple to maintain and controls that are easy to use. To minimize your impact on the environment and cut down on fuel consumption, choose models with high energy efficiency. To ensure that the boiler specifications meet your unique requirements and the availability of fuel in your area, always seek professional advice.
Reviews of universal gas-diesel boilers: advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Dimensions, except for the outer part of the burners, correspond to the single-fuel models | Burner must be purchased separately, its cost can be close to the cost of the boiler |
| Switching to another type of fuel with basic skills takes minutes | The total cost of the boiler and two burners is equal to the cost of two single-fuel boilers with much more functionality |
| Installation and connection costs for one boiler are lower than for two different types of boilers | Lack of energy-independent models |
| All models have a durable cast iron heat exchanger and relatively simple design, so they often serve without problems for 12, 14, 15 and more years | No two-circuit models |
| According to the owners" feedback, liquid fuel burners are quite noisy and at night can be heard through the thin walls of the boiler room | |
| Limited choice of models: today there are only about 10-14 models, some of which are difficult to find on sale |
Minimum required power
The minimal power needed for a typical uninsulated or inadequately insulated home in the Moscow region with two bricks of masonry and a ceiling height of 2.7 meters is determined using the following straightforward formula: 1 kW for every 10 square meters. Additionally, we advise reserving 15% to 20% of your power.
For instance, the minimum power needed for heating equipment in the 150 m 2 typical house mentioned above is 150/10 * 1.2 (20% reserve) = 18 kW.
The indicator can then be adjusted by 5–30% up or down depending on the correction factors, which are taken into consideration if the house has high ceilings, a large area of glazing, is well-insulated, and is situated in the country’s southern or northernmost regions.
How to compute the necessary boiler output precisely Calculation, formula, and correction factors customized
The best known manufacturers and models: characteristics and prices
Buderus Logano G125WS
German boiler unit at low temperature with a relatively high-quality assembly made in Russia. Versions with 25–40 kW are available. It can be identified by its more sectioned heat exchanger, which causes it to heat up and cool down more slowly. It also stores more heat energy because of its longer gas exhaust and lower exhaust gas temperature. Additionally, it has a high efficiency of 96%. The model has a reputation for being dependable and practically "unkillable" when used properly. A layer of thermal insulation is present.
There are no negative reviews or known issues with the way things are run. The only drawbacks are the relatively high cost and the substantial 150–216 kg cast-iron construction weight.
Viessmann Vitorond 100
One of the best hybrid gas and diesel boilers for heating a private home is the German reference model. The temperature of the flue gases is between 30 and 50 °C. They are distinguished by a unique heat exchanger design and the condensing principle of operation, which suggests the accumulation of extra heat energy from the condensate of combustion products, preventing part of the heat from "flying into the pipe."
Numerous operating settings, a programmer for a day or a week, Internet control through a dedicated application, the capacity to connect external temperature sensors, and much more are among the model’s many features.
There is an opening burner door on the front of the boiler, making cleaning it simple. Like every other boiler made by the reputable German manufacturer, the Vitorond 100 is renowned for its dependability and toughness. available in power ranges of 18–63 kW. The only drawback is that it is susceptible to voltage variations, which is why connecting the boiler through a stabilizer is preferable.
Protherm Bison 30 NL
Low-cost boiler combined Slovak style. Versions ranging in output from 27 to 71 kW are offered. stands out for having an excellent balance between price and quality because it is highly reliable, has excellent build quality, and operates at maximum efficiency while maintaining minimum functionality. 88 percent efficiency. It is possible to increase functionality by connecting an external thermostat (which costs between $3,000 and $6,000). rubles.
Over the course of the last five years of operation, there have been no significant service complaints.
Kentatsu Norma
The Turkish "gas-diesel" combined boiler with the lowest cost. Versions ranging in capacity from 29,1 to 78,5 kW are offered. 90% efficiency, mechanical controls, and a small number of settings. Only the auto-diagnostics and overheating protection are derived from the safety systems.
It’s crucial to understand that Turkish alloys and production technologies are not yet on par with the European ones shown in the aforementioned models, despite the fact that there have been no unfavorable experiences or significant service failures during the operation.
Selecting an appropriate hybrid boiler that operates on both gas and liquid fuel is a sensible choice for homeowners who want to optimize heating system flexibility and efficiency. The ability to switch fuel types based on availability or price fluctuations is one of these boilers’ advantages; it guarantees that your home stays warm without breaking the bank. To get the best performance, it’s critical to choose a model that fits the size of your house and the heating requirements of your family.
The energy efficiency ratings and the boiler’s compatibility with your current heating system should be taken into account when choosing a combined boiler. In addition to lowering your household’s carbon footprint, an energy-efficient boiler will also result in lower ongoing energy costs. To ensure the boiler operates as efficiently as possible, make sure a professional handles the installation process. This is important because poor installation can result in decreased effectiveness and possible safety hazards.
Lastly, consider the boiler’s long-term servicing and maintenance needs. You can avoid a lot of hassles down the road by choosing a boiler from a reliable manufacturer with reachable customer support. In order to maintain the boiler’s efficiency and avoid malfunctions, it is imperative that you schedule regular maintenance with a certified provider. Making a wise decision now will help guarantee that your boiler keeps on delivering dependable and reasonably priced heating for many years to come.
