A solid fuel boiler is a modern, modified and improved version of traditional Russian stoves, which at all times served a person as a means of cooking, a warm place to sleep, and also performing the main function - heating the room. Modern household solid fuel boilers are capable of operating autonomously and do not depend on the centralized heating system, which in itself is the main advantage for non-gasified areas. That is why the choice of the boiler must be carried out extremely responsibly. Nevertheless, in order to determine exactly how to choose the desired long-burning boiler, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with what constitutes heating means that use solid fuels.
- Solid fuel boiler: what is it?
- Solid fuel boiler: selection by type of combustion
- Manufacturing material
- Fuel loading method
- The value of volatility when choosing a solid fuel boiler
- Single and double-circuit boilers for solid fuel
- Advantages of solid fuel boilers
- Disadvantages of solid fuel boilers
- Rules for the operation of solid fuel heating devices
- What to remember when choosing a solid fuel boiler?
Solid fuel boiler: what is it?
The basic principle on which solid fuel boilers work is to burn wood, coal, pallets, sawdust and other solid combustible materials in order to obtain maximum heat transfer. There are several features that distinguish a solid fuel long-burning heating device from electric or traditional gas ones. First of all, it is worth noting autonomy: a person who has made a choice in favor of solid fuel boilers as an alternative to gas or electricity does not depend on communication services that are prone to various breakdowns. In addition, their installation is relevant for regions cut off from the benefits of civilization.
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Solid fuel boiler: selection by type of combustion
On the modern market, solid fuel heating boilers are presented in two types: classic and pyrolysis. The classic works on the principle of fuel combustion with subsequent heat release. The principle of operation of a pyrolysis boiler consists in the afterburning of furnace gases released during the combustion of fuel.
Unlike the classic version, pyrolysis is considered more advanced and has an increased efficiency, providing efficient fuel combustion. In addition, solid fuel boilers with gasification have the ability to set the power, lower chimney requirements, and are also equipped with a blower fan, which ensures increased efficiency and better fuel combustion. However, solid fuel heating means of the pyrolysis type of combustion are distinguished by an increased cost due to the fact that the internal structure of the boiler, along with increased requirements for the dryness of the fuel, creates additional difficulties in operation. Choosing such a boiler for domestic use means providing yourself with an uninterrupted supply of heat for many years.
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Manufacturing material
Solid fuel heating boilers can be divided into types according to the type of heat exchanger material.Cast iron, less sensitive to the quality of the make-up water, is characterized by increased requirements for its temperature. In other words, when cold water is supplied to the return line of the heating system, destructive processes can begin in a cast-iron heat exchanger caused by a sharp temperature drop. In addition, due to the properties of the metal, an increased burning time is provided.
The cast iron heat exchanger is much heavier than the steel counterpart, due to which the inertia of the entire heating system increases: the time interval from the moment the firewood is loaded to the heat entering the room is significantly increased. Nevertheless, in comparison with others, cast iron heat exchangers do not require intensive cleaning of carbon deposits, the appearance of which does not affect the efficiency of fuel combustion, so choosing such a boiler is recommended for large private houses.
Fuel loading method
One of the main disadvantages of long-burning heat generators operating with coal, wood, briquettes and pallets is the need for constant fuel supply for a stable heat supply. The modern market for heating devices provides devices with manual or automatic feed provided by special screws. The main advantage of automatic fuel supply boilers is their autonomy: having loaded the bunker once, the boiler will operate for 2–5 days, depending on the size of the tank.
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The value of volatility when choosing a solid fuel boiler
For a private house located in a non-gasified area or in places where there are power outages, a non-volatile one is the best choice, since due to natural air circulation and the absence of electrical appliances, heat will constantly flow. Air flow control in volatile boilers is carried out by means of a blower fan controlled by an energy unit. Thus, in the event of a power outage, the boiler will cease to perform its main functions.
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Single and double-circuit boilers for solid fuel
Single-circuit household heating means are intended exclusively for heating, while the presence of a second circuit allows hot water supply, which is very convenient, especially for a private house. Before choosing one or another option, you need to think about whether you need hot water in the house: installing a hot-water heating device will avoid the need to heat water in various containers.
The advantages of solid fuel boilers
Solid fuel heating boilers have a number of undeniable advantages that will help tilt a person's choice towards purchasing such a device for a private house. Among them it is worth highlighting:
- Complete environmental safety;
- Fuel availability and low price;
- The ability to change power using the correct fuels;
- High safety achieved due to low energy consumption and fuel safety.
Disadvantages of solid fuel boilers
Despite the obvious advantages, every owner of a private house may face the disadvantages that all types of solid fuel boilers with long burning have. In most cases, they are associated with the peculiarities of the operation of the heat generator, among which the following stands out:
- The need for frequent fuel loading;
- Smoke emission in top-loading boilers;
- The need to constantly maintain the temperature of the water;
- Duration and labor intensity of warm-up during cold starts;
- Service frequency.
However, most owners of country houses, before choosing household solid fuel heat generators, prefer to familiarize themselves with these disadvantages. Moreover, the benefits often override them. However, neglecting the cons in the future can lead to serious consequences.
Rules for the operation of solid fuel heating devices
Before choosing the right device, it is worth remembering that long-burning heat generators operating at high powers should in no case be left unattended. When checking the draft or the presence of fuel in the heat exchanger, protective gloves must be used. Only adults should be used. To avoid fires, the fuel must be stored in a dry room at least 1 meter away from the heat exchanger.
For stable operation, the boiler must be cleaned every few months, since the ash accumulating inside the heat exchanger can lead to a decrease in efficiency, and hence the efficiency of heating. To avoid this, it is necessary to select the correct fuel, which is the key to long burning.
See also - How to start a gas boiler for the first time
What to remember when choosing a solid fuel boiler?
Boilers made of cast iron have increased reliability compared to steel counterparts. In addition, the principle of their operation is that in case of failure of one of the sections of the heat exchanger, it can be replaced with a new one. However, the device of a cast-iron heat exchanger makes it difficult to clean, however, the use of dry types of high-quality fuel helps to reduce the intensity of cleaning, which is especially important for a private house that uses a long-burning heat generator.
A steel solid fuel boiler for a summer residence is simple in design, however, it requires more frequent cleaning, as well as additional safety measures. However, the modern market allows customers to choose a heat generator with high technical characteristics, regardless of the material from which the boiler is made. To ensure stable operation, it is important to follow all the operating rules prescribed in the instructions.
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