How to choose a gas floor standing single-circuit boiler

For both comfort and efficiency, selecting the appropriate heating system for your house is essential. A gas floor-standing single-circuit boiler is a common choice among homeowners. These boilers are renowned for their dependability and efficiency and burn natural gas to produce heat. Choosing the best model for your needs can be overwhelming, though, because there are so many different models and features on the market.

One of the first things to consider when looking at a gas floor-standing single-circuit boiler is the size of your home and how much heating it needs. The size of your property should correspond with the boiler’s capacity to guarantee adequate heating without wasting energy. A climate analysis, the number of rooms, and insulation can all be used to help determine the right boiler size.

Another important consideration when selecting a gas floor-standing single-circuit boiler is efficiency. High-efficiency models minimize their negative effects on the environment while drastically lowering energy use and utility costs. To find boilers that convert fuel into heat as efficiently as possible, look for ones with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. Purchasing an energy-efficient boiler can result in reduced carbon emissions and long-term savings.

It is crucial to take durability and dependability into account when choosing a gas floor-standing single-circuit boiler. Choose trustworthy brands that have a history of producing heating systems that are dependable and effective. Understanding the dependability and lifespan of various boiler models can be gained by reading customer reviews and consulting experts.

Furthermore, features like modulation capabilities and sophisticated controls can improve a gas floor-standing single-circuit boiler’s performance and functionality. With the help of smart heating controls, wireless networking, and programmable thermostats, modern boilers enable users to tailor settings and maximize energy use based on schedules and personal preferences.

Selecting the best gas floor standing single-circuit boiler is essential to heating your house effectively. Because they provide dependable hot water and heating, these boilers are a popular option for many homes. A few things to think about when choosing one are the size of your house, how much hot water you need, energy efficiency ratings, and your budget. Seek for models with high energy efficiency ratings to reduce your long-term utility costs. To guarantee peace of mind and hassle-free maintenance, take into account the manufacturer’s warranty and after-sales service. You can select the ideal gas floor standing single-circuit boiler to maintain a warm and cozy home by carefully weighing these factors.

What are floor standing single-circuit gas boilers?

The central component of the house’s local gas heating system is the gas single-circuit floor boiler, a stationary heating device with a single heat exchanger that is directly in charge of producing heat energy and transferring it to the circulating coolant.

Such a gas boiler isn’t initially meant to serve as an independent hot water supply because its main purpose is to heat the house.

Aid. The existence of a centralized (main) gas supply is a prerequisite for the installation of any gas equipment. Even though there are models that can be transferred to use liquefied gas (cylinders), using them to heat rooms, especially large ones, is extremely wasteful.

Gas boilers with a single circuit are an extremely conservative device; the basic design comprises the same "spare parts" as it did in the past:

• combustion chamber – serves as a place for converting the energy carrier into heat;
• rectangular burner – distributes the flame by feeding gas through nozzles;
• heat exchanger – transfers heat from burning gas through built-in pipes;
• smoke extraction system – responsible for the removal of combustion products of fuel.

Apart from the mandatory components mentioned earlier, numerous models come with expansion tanks that regulate the flow of water through the main circuit and level out temperature-dependent increases in water volume. Installing electronic sensors and a control module that automates operations is an option. However, their necessity is contingent upon the subtleties of the system’s overall operation and organization.

It’s a common misconception that installing a single-circuit boiler will leave the house without any hot water because these units don’t heat water for consumer use, but this isn’t entirely accurate. In most circumstances, installing the necessary auxiliary equipment will easily solve this issue:

• storage water heater (boiler);
• flow electric water heater;
• indirect heating storage boiler ;
• gas flow heater (column).

Considering that the auxiliary circuit is typically just a small-capacity, antiquated flow heater, its capacity will be insufficient if a large-scale water supply is required. Because of this, single-circuit models have an even greater advantage in terms of variability.

Principle of operation

The standard procedure for ensuring a continuous cycle of gaseous fuel combustion is completed in multiple steps that follow one another:

1. Gas is dosed into the combustion chamber (furnace) through burner nozzles.
2. Piezo ignition (by pressing the button)/electric ignition (automatically) is activated.
3. The resulting spark ignites the igniter and the air-gas mixture.
4. The igniter ignites the main burner and heating of the heat carrier starts.
5. When the coolant reaches the desired temperature, the burner turns off.
6. When the temperature drops, the igniter ignites the burner and the cycle repeats.

Aid. The actual ignition burner, or igniter, runs constantly. The gas valve is opened by the thermocouple, which is heated by its combustion. The valve cools down and shuts when the flame goes out, stopping the gas flow. In the absence of that, it might build up and explode.

The heated coolant is pumped to the radiators, which then heat the rooms’ surrounding areas. After cooling, it moves continuously along the circuit before returning to the boiler by gravity (due to the action of gravity) or force (due to a pump).

Reviews of standard gas floor standing boilers for home heating: advantages and disadvantages

It is best to research owner reviews of single-circuit gas boilers in advance if you plan to purchase one of these types of equipment.

Features for customers of gas-fired floor-standing single-circuit boilers:

Advantages	Disadvantages
ecological purity – when burning gas emits less harmful compounds than wood, coal and various petroleum products	large dimensions – installation of the boiler and the whole system (pipe outlet, taps, pump) requires a lot of free space
high performance – the capacity of domestic floor standing boilers can heat even large (up to 800 m 2 ) houses	separate placement – the device is placed only in non-residential rooms (households). rooms, boiler rooms or bathrooms)
fuel versatility – most units can consume both natural (methane) and liquefied (propane-butane) gas	heaviness of the boiler – the large weight (up to 200 kg) makes transportation very difficult and increases the cost of installation services
reliability of the boiler – simple construction and a minimal set of automatics guarantees protection against frequent breakdowns	the presence of a full-fledged chimney – it is responsible not only for the removal of combustion products, but also for the draught in the furnace chamber
a wide range of non-volatile models (no need to be connected to the mains)	usually more simple and less functional than the wall-mounted models automatics

Some owners of floor-standing boilers have observed that during extremely cold temperatures, their machinery breaks down. This is because, as the pressure in the gas mains drops, the flame settles on the burner and is put out by automation to avoid burnout. This feature is not a drawback; rather, it is first required to select a model that is better suited to home circumstances.

How to choose a gas single-circuit floor standing boiler?

There is no clear answer to the question of which gas unit should be purchased; instead, each home should choose its own boiler and other system components. Consequently, it is essential to carefully review the following selection criteria and key technical features; if needed, seek expert advice.

Energy-dependent or non-volatile

Energy-dependent models, in actuality, depict a miniature boiler room complete with all required plumbing. Their primary benefit is the sophisticated automation, which enables more mode customization. For example, a timetable can be established, and remote room thermostats can be used to control the system. These boilers’ primary benefit is that remote room thermostats can be used to control them. Energy-dependent models that are more costly typically come with a turbine or circulation pump installed right out of the factory.

Nevertheless, even with all the benefits, these boilers are not appropriate for vacation homes or places far from the city, where the dependability of the power supply frequently leaves a lot to be desired (unless you are not supposed to install an additional UPS or generator). It makes sense in this situation to choose a non-volatile model that doesn’t require any kind of grid connection.

However, it should be noted right away that all interaction is required to be done manually due to the nearly total lack of automation (apart from safety features that cut off the gas supply in the event of a burner flame extinction or draught interruption): this includes everything from mechanically activating the ignition button to controlling the operating modes and regulating the heating.

Heat exchanger material

Since the heat exchanger absorbs generated heat first, the system’s lifetime and performance are determined by the material used in its construction:

• cast iron – designed for long-term operation with large boiler outputs;
• steel – with intensive use of the boiler quickly comes into disrepair.

Boilers with copper heat exchangers are occasionally found. Because of its low mass, oxidation resistance, and enhanced thermal conductivity, copper is a nearly perfect material to use in heat exchanger construction. But it is rarely used because of its high cost of production and poor durability.

As a result, commonplace floor-standing gas boiler models with a steel heat exchanger and cast iron construction have been available.

With cast iron heat exchanger

The main reason cast iron heat exchangers are good is that they have strong anticorrosive properties, which enable them to last for 50 or even more years. Its cost-effectiveness is determined by its resistance to burning and extended ability to provide energy to the heat carrier, both of which are results of its uniform heating.

The primary drawback of cast iron is its brittleness; cheap alloys can fracture or burst when subjected to severe temperature changes or direct physical impact. Gray cast iron alloys are used to make more costly, completely heat-resistant heat exchangers, which are typically installed in models that cost between forty and fifty thousand dollars rub.

With steel heat exchanger

Steel heat exchanger is used in less expensive models because it is less expensive. It does not deform while operating because it is resistant to both thermal and physical forces. Compared to its cast-iron counterpart, it is significantly lighter and smaller, which makes installation, transportation, and potential repairs much easier and less expensive.

Steel, however, has a significant drawback in that it easily corrodes and burns, meaning that these heat exchangers are only good for ten years at most. Some manufacturers "three-layer" their indicators (applying a layer of copper on the steel and a high-temperature resistant enamel on top) to marginally increase this indicator.

How to select a room thermostat to reduce monthly heating costs by up to 30%

Combustion chamber design and types of smoke extraction

Despite having a similar appearance, all gas single-circuit boilers have different types of combustion chambers based on the burner that is installed:

• Atmospheric (injector) – used in open combustion chambers;
• inflatable (fan) – designed for closed combustion chambers.

These two burners are not interchangeable pieces of equipment; they should only be used in the boilers made specifically for them.

Open combustion chamber and natural draught through the chimney

Since the open combustion chamber operates on the basis of natural draught, the room provides the oxygen intake needed to maintain the flame.

Although such equipment is less expensive and energy-independent, it will need to set up a functioning chimney and adequate ventilation within the boiler room. Inadequate ventilation can result in low oxygen levels and increase the possibility of combustion smoke particles entering the space. Boilers featuring an atmospheric burner and an open combustion chamber generally need more frequent maintenance because of the increased build-up of soot.

Closed combustion chamber and forced draught (turbo boilers)

The forced draught system installed in the closed type combustion chamber guarantees the gas boiler’s safe operation and an air supply from the street. It is only installed on pricey gas boilers in the highest price range, starting with floor standing models.

In this instance, a coaxial chimney with a "pipe in a pipe" design will suffice to remove combustion products. An extremely strong fan creates the forced draught—thus the name, turbo boiler. The system’s drawbacks are its cost and reliance on the electrical grid.

What are the benefits of contemporary turbo gas boilers?

Types of gas burners by flame regulation

Further heating of the water is contingent upon the ability to regulate flame after the burner converts the air-gas mixture and feeds it into the furnace:

• single-stage – regulated only by switching on and off;
• two-stage – have 2 modes of regulation (100% power and 40/50%);
• modulating – gradually regulate heating (capacity 10 % – 100 %). The ideal and most economical mode of operation of the gas burner – minimum flame power and constant burning without shutdowns.

There are three types of modulating burners: electronic, pneumatic, and mechanical. The latter very precisely control the house’s heating.

The most cost-effective gas boiler with a single circuit is one that has an electronic modulating inflatable burner, also known as a fan. Although these devices are more costly, they use 15–25% less gas because of their automatic reduction and increase of combustion power.

Efficiency and fuel consumption

The traditional definition of coefficient of performance (COP) is the ratio of heat released during combustion to the total amount of energy used for heating. GOST 5542-2014 states that fuel consumption will be 0.94 m 3 per hour and that the heat of combustion of household gas will be approximately 33.8 MJ/m 3, which, at 100% efficiency, yields 9.4 kW of heat.

A typical gas boiler’s passport indicates an efficiency of 89–92%; therefore, the real fuel consumption will be marginally higher. Heat loss increases and boiler efficiency decreases in tandem with an increase in burned gas volume. When the system is run with insufficient load, the same thing takes place.

For instance, the service manual for Protherm Wolf KSO boilers with capacities of 12.5 kW and 16.0 kW states that the efficiency will rise to 92.5% when running at maximum load (12.8 kW and 16.3 kW), but it will fall to just 78.4% when running at minimum load (4.5 kW and 5.8 kW).

It is easy to predict how much less efficient the same boilers will become when used with a heating system that has a capacity of, say, 3 or 4 kW. An acceptable outcome for single-circuit gas boilers with a 12–16 kW capacity would be an average efficiency of 88–92% and an hourly gas consumption of 0.9–1.6 m³.

Therefore, the most important thing when selecting an efficient device is to choose the boiler capacity correctly; a few percentage point difference in efficiency is not a priority.

Minimum required power

It is crucial to pay attention to the boiler’s required power in order to operate it as efficiently as possible. If you choose a unit that is too powerful, it will not be able to operate in its optimal mode, will constantly consume more fuel, and will turn on and off more frequently. If you choose a unit that is too weak, it will eventually break down due to wear and tear.

Simplified, the minimum necessary boiler output is typically determined using the following formula: for every 10 m^2 of area, an average Moscow region home with two brick masonry and a ceiling height of up to 2.7 m requires 1 kW of heating equipment capacity. It’s also advised to factor in a 15-20% reserve. In 98% of cases, such computations are more than sufficient.

For instance, the minimum power needed for the gas boiler in a private home measuring 120 m 2 and situated in the middle of Russia is 12 kW * 1,15 = 13,8 ≈ 14 kW.

Correction factors are applied individually for non-standard (too large) glazing area, high ceilings, and excessively warm or cold climate zones.

How to compute the necessary boiler output precisely Formula, correction factors, and individual calculations

Furthermore, when choosing the capacity, it is also required to consider the installation of an indirect heating boiler in addition to a single-circuit floor boiler. Since there is a significant difference—up to 20–25 kW—the calculation in this instance should be based on the capacity of an additional water heater.

Additional criteria

After choosing the primary parameters for gas equipment, it’s advisable to consider the following extra features:

• flue gas condensation – the use of this technology allows you to increase efficiency up to 104-116%, but the price of such a boiler is 1.5-3 times higher than the usual (to date, not less than 100 thousand). rub.);
• automation functionality – modern models are equipped with weather-dependent automation, remote control modules via the Internet and self-diagnostics of malfunctions;
• sensor kit – with the help of outdoor temperature sensors and room thermostats the boiler can maintain the desired climate in the house, which will reduce gas consumption by 10-20%;
• burner for liquefied gas – will come in handy in rural areas where there are interruptions in gas supply or where mains supply is only expected;
• safety system – The presence of safety elements (pressostat, pressure switch, overheating and smoke control, frost prevention mode) reduces the risk of accidents.

Best known manufacturers and models: prices and characteristics

Baxi SLIM 1.150i 3E

With a capacity of 14.9 kW, this model is one of the most popular and widely distributed in Russia. It operates at a flow rate of 1.74 cubic meters per hour with an exceptional 90.3% efficiency. It has a burner with an electronic flame modulation feature and a dependable cast iron heat exchanger. It is ideal for any type of interior design due to its extremely small size (width of only 35 cm), almost silent operation, and minimalist design. Adaptable to liquefied gas reconfiguration.

Italian manufacturer Baxi.

Protherm Wolf 16 KSO

The top model with a 16 kW capacity in terms of value for money. The perfect floor-standing, non-independent gas single-circuit boiler for open heating systems. possesses a high efficiency of 92.5% at 1.9 m 3 of gas consumption per hour.

Features a basic injector burner and a steel two-pass heat exchanger. Even so, the steel heat exchanger has a reputation for dependability. operates almost silently, and during the installation process, no significant malfunctions have been noticed.

Slovakian manufacturer Protherm (Protherm).

Buderus Logano G124-32 WS

32 kW is the output of one of the German reference boiler units. incredibly high 92% efficiency with 3.67 cu. m/hr of consumption. includes an atmospheric burner with pre-mixing and a dependable cast iron heat exchanger with more precisely fitted sections. The room thermostat and external temperature sensors can be connected.

The model is well-known for its great dependability, lengthy service life (more than 12 or even 15 years), and lack of preference for coolant and fuel quality.

Germany-based manufacturer Buderus (Buderus).

Lemax Premium-16

A popular low-cost 16 kW model with an open combustion chamber that was produced in Russia. It has an enamel-coated steel heat exchanger (Certa), which is resistant to the effects of aggressive materials like salt solutions and mineral oils. 90% efficiency at 0.95 cc m/h in flow rate. This floor-standing boiler is regarded as one of the most cost-effective models.

The unmodulated burner and poor assembly quality are drawbacks (although the presence of smooth regulation could further reduce consumption).

Russian manufacturer Lemax (Lemax).

Vaillant VK INT 164/1-5

An additional citation A 16 kW German boiler is among the best gas floor standing single circuit boilers for heating a private home, even though it is quite expensive. The actual efficiency is 91% when the gas flow rate is 1.9 m 3 /h. It has an injector-style burner and a cast iron sectional heat exchanger. Long-lasting and silent in operation, it doesn’t place a high demand on fuel or coolant quality.

Featuring one of the best automatics available for floor-standing heaters, complete with frost prevention mode, overheating protection, and autodiagnostics. The weather-dependent heating mode organization and the room thermostat can be connected.

German manufacturer Vaillant (Vaillant).

Aton AOGV-16E/EM

Among the least expensive models, with a 16 kW capacity. This energy-independent gas boiler, made in Ukraine, has a very straightforward and generally dependable design and is outfitted with the renowned Italian automation system EUROSIT. 90% efficiency at 1.8 cu.m. m/h, a good flow rate.

Installation experience indicates that the model operates without issues for eight to ten years before the steel heat exchanger’s resource runs out and it leaks. Despite this, the model is regarded as one of the greatest in its price range.

Manufacturer: Ukraine’s Aton (Aton).

Prices: a summary table

Ranking of popular floor-standing single-circuit gas boilers:

Boiler name (model)	Power, kW	EFFICIENCY, %	Gas consumption, m 3 /hour	Price, rub.
Baxi SLIM 1.150i 3E	14,9	90,3	≤ 1,74	83 000
Protherm Wolf 16 KSO	16	92,5	≤ 1,9	21 000
Buderus Logano G124-32	32	92	≤ 3,67	158 000
Lemax Premium-16	16	90	≤ 0,95	25 500
Vaillant VK INT 164/1-5	16,9	91	≤ 1,9	105 000
Aton AOGV-16E/EM	16	90	≤ 1,8	25 000

The cost of the gas boilers that are being offered does not include the boiler or any connection devices; therefore, if necessary, these items must be purchased separately.

Consideration	Guidance
Heating Capacity	Calculate the required heating capacity based on the size of your house.
Efficiency	Choose a boiler with high efficiency to save on energy bills.
Size	Ensure the boiler fits the designated space in your house.
Brand Reputation	Opt for a reputable brand known for reliability and quality.

Selecting the ideal gas floor standing single-circuit boiler is essential to guaranteeing your home’s effective insulation and heating. With a number of things to take into account, it’s critical to make an informed choice that fits your individual requirements.

First, determine how big your house is and how much heating it needs. A boiler with a greater heating capacity is required in a larger house in order to sufficiently heat every room. On the other hand, a less powerful boiler might be adequate for a smaller house, saving you money and energy.

Think about the boiler’s energy efficiency. Choosing a high-efficiency model can minimize your carbon footprint and eventually save your energy bills significantly. Seek for boilers that can efficiently convert fuel into heat, as indicated by high AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings.

Consider your needs for hot water as well. Certain gas floor standing boilers have inbuilt water heaters that allow them to heat water as needed. Evaluate the hot water usage patterns in your home to see if you really need this feature.

Consider installation requirements and compatibility with your current heating system when choosing a boiler. Make sure there are no major modifications needed to integrate the boiler into your home, which will save you installation time and money.

Finally, don’t overlook upkeep and repairs. Select a well-known company with a solid track record of dependability and customer service. Maintaining your boiler properly and extending its life requires routine maintenance.

To sum up, choosing the best gas floor standing single-circuit boiler requires giving careful thought to a number of factors, including size, energy efficiency, hot water capacity, installation needs, and maintenance requirements. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can select a boiler that minimizes energy costs and environmental impact while simultaneously providing your home with effective insulation and heating.