Should you consider a parapet gas boiler

Selecting the appropriate heating system is essential for effectively and efficiently heating your home. With so many options available, it’s critical to consider the advantages and disadvantages in order to make an informed choice. The parapet gas boiler is one option that is becoming more and more popular. The purpose of this article is to investigate if a parapet gas boiler is a good fit for your insulation and heating requirements.

A heating system that uses gas as its main fuel source to warm your house is called a parapet gas boiler. In contrast to conventional boilers, which are usually situated in utility rooms or basements, parapet boilers are fixed on external walls, usually the building’s roof or facade. There are a number of benefits to this unconventional placement, including simplified installation and space savings.

The space-saving nature of a parapet gas boiler is one of its main advantages. Because the boiler is mounted on the outside wall, valuable interior space is preserved, giving interior designers and layouts more creative freedom. Furthermore, by minimizing the amount of piping and ductwork that is required inside the house, this placement simplifies installation and lowers overall construction costs.

Furthermore, parapet gas boilers are renowned for being economical and energy-efficient. Gas is a cost-effective fuel option for homes since it is frequently less expensive than oil or electricity. Furthermore, contemporary parapet boilers are made with cutting-edge technology to optimize energy efficiency, which lowers utility costs and has a smaller environmental impact.

Even so, not every house is a good fit for a parapet gas boiler, despite its benefits. Prior to making a decision, one should take into account various factors, including the local regulations, building structure, and climate. Furthermore, adequate insulation is necessary to guarantee peak performance and energy economy. Sufficient insulation minimizes energy loss and helps the house maintain its heat. It also eases the boiler’s workload.

In conclusion, a number of variables, such as your budget, space requirements, and desired level of energy efficiency, will determine if you should think about installing a parapet gas boiler for your home’s heating needs. Even though this kind of heating system has many advantages, it’s important to evaluate your unique needs and speak with an expert to choose the best solution for your home.

Factors to Consider Yes/No
House Size Yes
Heating Needs Yes
Cost of Installation Yes
Energy Efficiency Yes
Availability of Gas Supply Yes
Long-Term Savings Yes
Environmental Impact Yes
Maintenance Requirements Yes

What are parapet gas boilers

The parapet gas boiler is a small boiler that can be used for both single- and two-circuit heating and hot water supply for various objects.

These models were generally created as an energy-efficient substitute for wall-mounted appliances; however, in contrast to the latter, they are flexible in terms of installation locations, as they can be positioned in both floor-standing and hinged configurations. The sole requirement is that it be fastened to the room’s exterior wall, ideally below the window sill line.

Device and principle of operation of the equipment

Parapet gas boilers function somewhere in between an air convector and a traditional atmospheric heat generator.

The standard units are changed in order to achieve this combination:

  • closed combustion chamber – completely isolated from the living space, which excludes any influence of smoke products on the internal microclimate;
  • primary heat exchanger – has dissipating turbulators, which increase the time of passage of air streams and do not let the heat escape;
  • air intake and smoke removal system – realized through a short (from 25 cm to 53 cm) coaxial pipe, without complicated elbows, wiring and insulation;
  • hermetic steel housing – equipped with a viewing window for direct visibility of the burner flame, as well as convection openings, t. н. ribs.

Parapet boilers operate on a slightly different principle than other boilers. In spite of their closed combustion chamber, they use a system of natural air exchange, or draft. Street oxygen is supplied to the burner through the outer portion of the pipe from below, heating the heat exchanger, and then the smoke is released through the core of the pipe.

Air is also constantly moving throughout the room as it passes through the ribs, heats up, and pushes aside the cold mass as its volume increases. Therefore, if the boiler’s specifications are chosen carefully, there will be sufficient heat for both the heating circuit and the surrounding area (without a radiator).

In what conditions it is most advisable to use such boiler units

When organizing heating and hot water supply (HWS) in buildings, parapet models are used to address issues with power supply, stable pressure, soft water, and high-quality fuel. The project of HWS does not assume the construction of a full-fledged chimney.

It is imperative to consider the constraint of power within the range of 4 to 46 kW, meaning that the power can be utilized for room heating. Similar indicators show that "parapetniki" are far less effective than wall-mounted and, in some cases, floor units. This means that it makes sense to only place them in spaces that are between 30 and 250 m2, such as private homes, cottages, retail establishments, offices in shopping malls, and, of course, apartments in high-rise buildings, where they are ideally suited for the nook beneath the kitchen window sill.

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The possibility of installing a parapet boiler in a wooden house

A parapet boiler can be installed in almost any wooden house, with the exception of barracks and other historic apartment complexes.

The installation is done in compliance with SNiP 42-101-2003’s current regulations:

  • the unit is placed on an external wall, leaving an empty gap of 0.3 to 3.1 m (depending on the capacity) outside, without facade elements;
  • Chimney outlet is prohibited to conduct near or directly in closed rooms (haylofts, attics, entrances, balconies, loggias, etc.). д.);
  • the installation wall is lined with fire-resistant material and covered with a sheet of steel so that there is a distance of 10-25 cm to the difficult and easily combustible areas;
  • In order to increase fire safety, porous wood is prepared in advance for overlapping by treating it with special mastics and impregnations in 2-3 layers.

Even though asbestos is now officially recognized as a material dangerous to health, many companies still use it to prevent fires from spreading through walls. It can be replaced with silicate or ceramic brick, GWP plates, mineral wool, foam panels, aerated concrete, and even gypsum plaster.

Reviews of household parapet boilers: advantages and disadvantages

Although most people still find these units strange, some users have already had a chance to test them out and establish their own opinions.

Typical testimonials from parapet gas boiler owners:

Advantages Disadvantages
Budgetary cost – it is easy to find an option for every taste and purse, t. к. prices start from 10 000 rubles manual control – ignition (piezo) and change of mode (mechanical control) is possible only with the participation of a person
freedom of communication – versatile connection of branch pipes reduces the cost of piping the unit and simplifies installation poor automation – the set consists of a thermocouple regulating the position of the gas valve and one thermostat
replacement of radiators – the holes in the casing themselves give a good heat flow, which means that the radiators in the room where the boiler is installed can be removed weather dependence – if no wind protection is installed on the chimney, it often happens that the flame is simply extinguished by the wind
energy independence – practically all models do not need power supply, but there are also universal units that work "according to the situation" Chimney installation – for the chimney outlet it is necessary to make a hole in the wall, which is not allowed in all houses

Regarding the final drawback, it is imperative to address the potential for social challenges: while it is not necessary to formally coordinate the installation with neighbors in accordance with technical specifications, it is unlikely that they will be amused by the release of carbon monoxide at the level of their windows, so this should also be taken into account beforehand.

Considering a parapet gas boiler for heating your home presents a compelling option worth exploring. These boilers, installed on exterior walls, offer efficient heating solutions while saving valuable indoor space. With their compact design and versatility, parapet gas boilers can suit various household needs, especially in urban settings where space is limited. Additionally, their installation is relatively straightforward, making them a convenient choice for both new constructions and renovations. However, it"s crucial to weigh factors like energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and local regulations before making a decision. By evaluating these aspects alongside your specific heating needs and budget constraints, you can determine whether a parapet gas boiler is the right fit for your home"s heating and insulation needs.

How to calculate the minimum required power

Most of the time, a simplified formula is used to calculate the power (Q), which is 1 * kW of heat energy per 10 m 2 of heated area.

  • * approximate heat losses of a brick building with ceilings of 2.7 m from the average climatic strip of Russia.

For instance, a 120 m 2 residential home in the Moscow area will need a parapet gas boiler with a minimum capacity of Q=120÷10×1=12 kW.

Additionally, we advise setting aside 15–25% of the power in reserve so that the heat generator won’t run continuously at its maximum capacity, which is Q≈14–15 kW for the same object. Furthermore, if we are discussing a two-circuit model, then an additional 15-20% will be needed to provide DHW; as a result, the total comes to Q = 16–17 kW.

Heat losses are naturally lower in an apartment of 120 m 2 (not a corner), so for a unit with one circuit, Q = 12,5–13 kW, and with two, Q = 14,5-25 kW.

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

The best known manufacturers and models: characteristics and prices

Lemax Patriot-12,5

Two words can best sum up this unit’s characteristics: economy and simplicity. Even though the heat exchanger is composed of regular steel, its anticorrosive enamel coating and inhibiting composition make it less vulnerable to the effects of aggressive substances like acids, salts, and mineral oils. This coating also helps the heat exchanger last 12 to 15 years.

One of the best indicators is that its fuel consumption will not exceed 0.75 m 3 at a power of 12.5 kW. However, the "picture" hides the rather awkward rectangular housing shape and the uninspiring control system: the only device to "by default" monitor the current parameters was a thermometer.

Russian manufacturer LEMAX (LEMAX).

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ATON Compact-12,5EV

This reasonably multipurpose boiler has a 12.5 kW capacity and modest dimensions, which set it apart from other two-circuit analogs. It uses an S-shaped copper coil for flow heating, which has a longer lifespan of up to 17 years due to its increased thermal conductivity and resistance to metal corrosion.

At 35±5 °C, the rate of hot water supply can reach 5–6 l/min, and the fuel consumption won’t go above 1,53 m3/h. Because of its flexible outputs, which enable connection from both the left and right sides, installing the model will be even more convenient, allowing you to appreciate its merits.

Price range: 23,350–27,500 rubles.

Manufacturer: Ukraine’s ATON (ATON).

TERMOMAX C-12E

One more unit, completely blank of design. Despite this, you shouldn’t discount it because the primary control elements are situated right in front of the outer panel, making up for the lack of aesthetic appeal on the outside with economy, efficiency, and genuine comfort of use.

In accordance with the order, the boiler may be enhanced with a circulating pump and an expansion tank (which are not part of the basic configuration), making it appropriate for integration with intricate heating systems in situations requiring high hydraulic resistance. Maximum gas usage of 1.39 m 3 /h at 12.0 kW.

Price range: 15 860–20 340 rubles.

Manufacturer: Ukraine’s TERMOMAX (TERMOMAX).

Gefest VPR KSG-10S

This option is possibly among the best parapet gas boilers for heating a private home because it is easy to use, nearly silent (unusually quiet when operating), and extremely efficient due to the ability to operate in the "low flame" mode, which lowers average gas consumption to 0.60 m 3 / h.

Even though the unit is assembled in Russia, it features a renowned Italian automatic type "SIT" that maintains the ideal power level (within 10 kW) based on current heat losses and a slotted burner type "BRAY" that doesn’t require air flow adjustment.

Price range: 19, 680–23, 840 rubles.

Russian manufacturer Gefest WPR (Gefest WPR).

Prices: summary table

List of the most widely used parapet gas boiler models:

Model name DHW, l/min Power, kW EFFICIENCY, % Flow rate, m 3 /h Price, rub.
LEMAKS Patriot-12,5 12,5 87 0,75 21 500
ATON Compact-12,5EV 5-6 12,5 90 1,53 25 000
TERMO MAX S-12E 12,0 90 1,39 18 000
Gefest VPR KSG-10S 10,0 92 0,60 21 500

Why the boiler unit is blown by the wind and what to do in such a case

Blowing can be a sign of a problem with the automatics and chimney connection, but it usually means that the headliner isn’t providing enough wind protection. But generally speaking, blowing out the burner’s flame due to wind is the most significant and well-known issue with parapetniki, which is why they never became extremely popular.

The coaxial chimney’s factory-made casing typically comes with a unique insert that provides wind gust protection. If it isn’t included in the set, you’ll need to find an appropriate deflector or build one yourself by shaping a sheet of galvanized steel to the right shape and fastening it to the header using rivets or press washers.

Any further action is useless if the boiler is still fading after the protection was installed. You can, of course, keep adding headers and deflectors, strengthening the coaxial pipe elbows, and building vertical chimneys, but doing so will negate the purpose of installing a parapet model.

For your home heating system, taking into consideration a parapet gas boiler can be a good choice, particularly if you’re trying to save space and have a practical, effective heating solution. Due to their small size and ability to be mounted on external walls, these boilers can free up significant interior space in your house.

The energy efficiency of a parapet gas boiler is one of its main advantages. Due to their high efficiency ratings, these boilers can effectively heat your home while also helping you save money on energy costs. To further increase their efficiency, a lot of models come equipped with sophisticated features like modulating burners and programmable thermostats.

When considering installation and maintenance expenses, parapet gas boilers are more cost-effective than other heating systems. Installation is frequently easier and less expensive than with traditional boilers because they can be mounted on external walls. Furthermore, compared to other heating system types, gas boilers typically require less maintenance, which can ultimately save you time and money.

Nevertheless, there are a few things to think about before choosing a parapet gas boiler. The first thing you’ll need to do is make sure your house has access to gas because these boilers run on propane or natural gas. Furthermore, in order to guarantee effective and efficient heating throughout your house, it’s critical to select a boiler with the right heating capacity.

In conclusion, even though parapet gas boilers have a number of benefits, including a space-saving design, energy efficiency, and reasonably cheap installation and maintenance costs, it’s crucial to thoroughly assess your unique requirements and situation before deciding. You can decide whether a parapet gas boiler is the best option for your home heating system by assessing the benefits and drawbacks and speaking with a licensed HVAC specialist.

Video on the topic

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Sergey Ivanov

I like to help people create comfort and comfort in their homes. I share my experience and knowledge in articles so that you can make the right choice of a heating and insulation system for your home.

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