5 best electric boilers for a private home and tips for choosing
Electric boiler equipment is increasingly being used as the main or additional source of heating for free-standing buildings. If you have not yet decided which electric boiler is best for heating a private house, read this article carefully. Here you will receive the necessary information about the design features and the principle of operation of such devices and you can independently choose the model that suits you.
The selection of goods was carried out on the basis of reviews, opinions and ratings of users posted on various resources on the Internet. All information is taken from public sources. We do not cooperate with manufacturers and trademarks and do not call for the purchase of certain products. The article is for informational purposes only.
Which electric boiler is better to buy
An electric boiler of any design converts AC energy into heat, which is transferred to the coolant circulating through the heating system of the building.
The advantages of electric boilers
- Minimum space required. All household models have compact dimensions. Low weight often allows you to hang them on the wall. They do not need a fuel depot.
- Easy installation. All heat exchange and pumping equipment is usually supplied in a common kit and is often located in one housing. During installation, it is enough to fix the device, connect pipelines to the fittings for recharge and circulation of water, connect the electric cable. A chimney for such boilers is not required.
- Security. The device has nothing to do with the need to burn fuel, so it can not cause a fire.
- Convenience of operation. The electric boiler operates in automatic mode. All that is required of a person is to choose the necessary mode.
Cons of electric boilers
- Dependence on the stability of power supply.
- Increased load on the home network.
- High operating costs.
If you have come to the decision to equip your house with a boiler of this category, you should know the features of the operation of devices of different operating principles.
TEN new, electrode or induction electric boiler
There are several ways to convert electrical energy into heat. The main differences in boiler designs are associated with this.
Heating boilers
Boilers in this category can be considered classic. They appeared earlier than others, continuing to remain in demand.
The device and principle of operation. The apparatus is a small flow tank in which one or more tubular heaters are mounted. The power of one element usually does not exceed 1.5 kW, although there are more productive devices. They quite effectively heat the water pumped by the pump.
Heating element of an electric boiler.
Advantages and features.Such boilers have a reliable design, proven over years of operation. They are notable for their low price and maintainability. TENY are sensitive to a scum. They are recommended for use in systems with a closed circulation circuit.With constant work on the duct with a poorly prepared coolant, frequent breakdowns are possible due to local overheating of the heating element. For the same reason, voltage cannot be applied if there is no water in the heat exchanger.
Electrode boilers
If you have ever seen how water is boiled with two safety razor blades, spaced a short distance from each other, you can imagine how an electrode boiler works.
The device and principle of operation.Such a boiler also has a flow tank into which two electrodes are lowered: an anode and a cathode. When voltage is applied directly to the liquid layer, an electric current occurs. It leads to rapid heating of the coolant.
The device of the electrode boiler.
Advantages and features. Boilers of this type are considered reliable and safe. If water leaks, they simply stop working, because the circuit is open. The durability of such devices is highly dependent on the quality of the coolant. With excess salts, electrochemical corrosion of the electrodes occurs. During long-term operation, they will have to be changed regularly.
Induction boilers
Equipment of this type was named after the term electromagnetic induction. This process is widely used in electrical engineering.
The device and principle of operation. Such a boiler has the shape of a pipe. Inside it is a core that heats up due to the energy of the electromagnetic field created by the outer winding through which the alternating current passes. When pumping water, it takes the heat generated.
Induction electric heating boiler.
Advantages and features. Induction boilers are characterized by minimal dimensions at high power. They practically do not fail, because there are no parts that can break. Their pump and control unit are usually carried outside the housing. Such equipment is somewhat more expensive than TENOVA because of the use of more complex technologies in their manufacture.
Single or double circuit electric boiler
Boilers designed exclusively for space heating have one internal heating circuit. They are called single-circuit. They are usually flow type.
If necessary, not only heat the building, but also provide hot water for household needs, dual-circuit units are used. Depending on the number of people living in the house and the installed sanitary equipment, devices with a capacity of 8 to 15 l / min are chosen.
It is often more advantageous not to install a powerful flow heater, but to gradually create the necessary supply of hot water in the boiler. For this, in addition to the boiler, an indirect heating boiler is installed.
Single phase or three phase electric boiler
Boilers, like any other electrical equipment, are selected taking into account the available technical capabilities. Devices intended for connection to a single-phase 220 V alternating current circuit have a thermal power of not more than 12 kW.
More productive units are designed for a three-phase network with a voltage of 380 volts. Before buying an electric boiler, you should consult a specialist to find out the cross-section of the cable laid in the house and the settings of the protective equipment, which should correspond to the arising current strength.
An approximate calculation of the power of an electric boiler
Power is the main characteristic of an electric boiler. It depends on her whether he will meet the assigned tasks. When choosing equipment for a well-insulated house, located in an area with a temperate climate, you can use a simplified calculation. It is believed that for every 10 m2 heated rooms require at least 1 kW of thermal energy.
For greater certainty, a more complex algorithm should be used. It takes into account the structural features of the building. At the same time, the norms tested in practice are accepted:
- for every cubic meter of interior, you need to spend 40 watts;
- heat loss through a medium-sized window of 100 W;
- 200 W leaves through the door;
- the correction factor for the southern regions of Russia 0.7-0.9;
- for the middle band 1.2-1.3;
- North and Far Eastern regions 1.5-2.0;
- for individual residential buildings should provide a margin of 50%.
We will perform the calculation for a house with an area of heated premises of 60 sq.m. Ceiling height 2.7 meters, one entrance door and 4 windows.
(60 x 2.7 x 40 + 200 + 4 x 100) x 1.2 x 1.5 = 12,744 W
A 13 kW boiler with a reserve will provide a favorable microclimate in such a country house even in the coldest winter.
The best models of electric boilers
The rating of electric boilers for heating a private house presented to your attention is based on the opinions of experts and user reviews. It can be taken as a basis when searching for the model you need, since the most successful devices on the market are considered here.
Bosch Tronic Heat 3500 9 UA
A single-circuit boiler of the TEN type from a well-known German brand is designed to heat houses and small buildings with the ability to provide hot water through an additional boiler. It is manufactured in the Czech Republic, meets European standards of safety and quality. He has three heating elements with a copper shell, which improves the efficiency of heat transfer and eliminates corrosion. Efficiency reaches 99.7%.
The case and heat transfer surfaces of the unit are made of stainless steel. Maintenance of the set mode is carried out automatically. Double frost protection is provided. It does not allow the air temperature in the room to fall below +3about C, preventing the risk of rupture of radiators and damage to boiler equipment.
The optional ELB-KASK module makes it possible to combine up to 6 similar boilers into a single system for heating large areas. Connection of multi-tariff meters is provided. The control unit allows you to start, stop and change modes according to the set schedule. If desired, you can configure the operation of the boiler as a backup heat source by establishing its connection with the main boiler.
The hot water flow sensor gives control signals to a three-way valve, which is responsible for replenishing the system and the presence of the required supply of liquid with the temperature that users need. External thermocouples are connected in a single control circuit with three heating elements, which ensures the accuracy of maintaining a comfortable microclimate in the rooms. It is possible to send commands from a smartphone.
Main characteristics:
- thermal power 9 kW;
- supply voltage 220/380 volts;
- operating pressure 3 bar;
- dimensions 330x712x273 mm.
Pros of Bosch Tronic Heat 3500 9 UA
- Reliable materials and quality assembly.
- Compact size.
- Frost protection.
- Automatic regulation with feedback.
- Possibility of coordinated work of several similar units.
- The ability to perform the functions of a reserve heat source with switching on by command from another boiler.
- Possibility of remote control.
- The alternation of the load between the heating elements allows optimal use of their resource.
- The service life of the boiler is 15 years.
Cons Bosch Tronic Heat 3500 9 UA
- There is no option to assign a priority consumer.
Vaillant eloBLOCK VE 9 kW
This mounted TEN boiler is characterized by small dimensions, stylish appearance and ease of installation. It is equipped with an automatic control system that allows you to adapt the unit to systems associated with other boilers, heat pumps, solar panels, underfloor heating. The three-speed circulation pump included in the delivery package helps in the best way to maintain the necessary pressure and speed of the coolant. A pressure relief valve protects the equipment from overpressure.
Management of the boiler and indication of indications occurs using the LED display. Automatic control of the heating intensity is carried out adjusted for the readings of external temperature sensors. There is a function of reducing power while increasing the overall load on the home electrical network.The priority consumer option allows you to stop the pump when you turn on alternative objects of energy consumption.
The unit can be paired with a storage boiler. It is possible to connect a multi-tariff meter. There is a change of modes in accordance with a given long-term program. Functional protection against overheating and freezing.
Main characteristics:
- thermal power 9 kW;
- supply voltage 220/380 volts;
- operating pressure 3 bar;
- dimensions 310x740x410 mm.
Pros of Vaillant eloBLOCK VE 9 kW
- Simple installation.
- Reliability.
- Convenience of management.
- Infinitely variable heating power.
- Frost protection.
- Possibility of coordinated work with other heating devices.
- Connect a lot of tariff counter.
- Priority Consumer Assignment Function.
- Stylish design.
Cons Vaillant eloBLOCK VE 9 kW
- Estimated service life 10 years.
Protherm Scat 9K
Wall-mounted heating element of this brand is made of high-quality steel. It is intended for heating rooms with a total area of 90 sq.m. Its efficiency is 99.5%.
When connecting an external boiler, the boiler can work simultaneously for heating and generating hot water. It has two heating elements with a power of 3 and 6 kW, an expansion tank of 10 liters, a safety valve and a two-speed circulation pump. The unit functions equally well in combination with traditional heating schemes based on radiators and with branched systems of underfloor heating.
The control unit is equipped with a liquid crystal display. The temperature is adjustable in the range from 30 to 85 degrees. It is possible to work in weather-dependent mode. There is protection against overheating and freezing. The self-diagnosis system provides information on detected faults. The soft start function allows you to smoothly reach the maximum mode without sudden voltage fluctuations. You can change the modes in accordance with a given long-term program.
Main characteristics:
- thermal power 9 kW;
- supply voltage 220/380 volts;
- operating pressure 3 bar;
- dimensions 310x740x410 mm.
Pros Protherm Scat 9K
- Easy installation.
- Beautiful design.
- Smooth regulation of thermal load.
- Two speeds of the pump.
- Protection against overheating and freezing.
- Connection to a multitariff counter.
- The ability to regulate the system when consuming hot water.
- Automatic adjustment of system parameters, adjusted for external sensors.
Cons Protherm Slope 9K
- It is not intended to work in a cascade with other boilers.
- There is no option to assign a priority consumer.
- There is no remote control.
- There is no overload protection of the home network.
Kospel EKCO.L2-8
This wall-mounted heating boiler of a well-known Polish brand is notable for its small size and original design. The efficiency of the device is 99%. There are modifications designed for voltages of 220 and 380 volts. It can be configured to provide additional hot water at home. To do this, you need to purchase an indirect heating boiler, a three-way valve and a liquid flow sensor.
The boiler is controlled through the Auraton 2021 programmer, which allows you to adjust the power depending on the time of day and days of the week. He is able to work in an economical mode when tenants are at work or at school, raising the load for their arrival. The coolant temperature can be maintained in the range from 20 to 85 degrees Celsius. All readings are displayed on the front panel.
The unit can serve as the main or auxiliary source of heating, working in a cascade with other boilers. He has a reliable copper heat exchanger, 3 dry heating elements with a stainless steel casing, a two-speed circulation pump. The automatic protection system prevents overheating or freezing of the coolant.
The priority consumer option reduces power consumption by stopping the pump during intense heating of water in the boiler.The load shedding function monitors the status of the home network, reducing the performance of the device in peak situations.
Main characteristics:
- thermal power of 8 kW;
- supply voltage 220/380 volts;
- operating pressure 3 bar;
- dimensions 418x710x153 mm.
Pros of Kospel EKCO.L2-8
- Reliability.
- Beautiful appearance.
- Ability to program changes in operating modes.
- Long-life heating elements.
- Ability to work in cascade with other heaters.
- Connection through a two-tariff meter.
- Service life not less than 15 years.
Cons Kospel EKCO.L2-8
- There is no expansion tank.
- Lack of external temperature feedback sensors.
- No remote control provided.
EVAN EXPERT 12
A modern single-circuit TEN boiler of Russian production is able to heat residential, office or utility rooms with a total area of up to 120 sq.m. It is equipped with a 12 liter expansion tank, an integrated circulation pump, safety valve, air vent and pressure gauge. It can be used as the main or auxiliary source of heating of the heating circuit. Efficiency 99.5%.
The control system in automatic mode is able to maintain the temperature of the circulating water in the range from 10 to 85about C. It can be configured to work, adjusted for the readings of the temperature sensors in the kit, installed in rooms or on the street. Power switches in steps. It is possible to program load changes for a week in advance. When paired with a storage boiler, the priority of heating the water supply is set.
The security system includes protection against pressure increase, coolant overheating, equipment lock in case of short circuit. In the event of an emergency interruption of one of the phases, the controls automatically switch to the remaining one. Internal self-diagnosis promptly gives signals of detected faults.
Main characteristics:
- thermal power 12 kW;
- supply voltage 380 volts;
- operating pressure 2.9 bar;
- dimensions 420x795x300 mm.
Pros EVAN EXPERT 12
- High power.
- Smooth load control.
- Programming work a week in advance.
- Possibility of a cascade with other sources of heat.
- Correction of the mode depending on the readings of external temperature sensors.
- Reliability of protective devices.
- Remote control possible.
- Convenience of operation.
Cons EVAN EXPERT 12
- This manufacturer does not produce a boiler and a three-way valve. You have to look on the side, but they may not fit.
What parameters should be considered when selecting a boiler
A household heating boiler is a complex technical device that incorporates not only a heating element. When buying, you need to pay attention to auxiliary units, and additional options on which depend on the reliability of the entire unit, safety and ease of operation.
Expansion tank
The expansion tank for closed heating systems is a small tank with an internal membrane, dividing it into two halves, filled with water and air. It allows you to compensate for the thermal expansion of the liquid with temperature changes. Without it, a sharp increase in pressure with the risk of pipe rupture is possible. If it is not in the boiler kit, you have to buy it.
Expansion tank for heating system.
Ability to work with multi-tariff meter
When installing a multi-tariff meter, it becomes possible to more economically pay for energy consumption. The heating system has a certain inertia. If it is heated intensively at night, when the minimum tariffs are in effect, during the day it will gradually be able to give off heat. Regulation of the boiler according to the schedule in automatic mode is carried out with a programmer.
Pump
The circulation pump is necessary for pumping the coolant throughout the circuit. It provides optimal conditions for heat exchange processes occurring in the boiler and external heating devices. It is economically feasible so that it can change the flow rate of the pumped liquid. If this is not provided by the boiler manufacturer, it is better to purchase an additional regulator.
Weather regulation
Most well-known manufacturers of electric boilers provide for the possibility of equipment operation depending on the readings of temperature sensors that can be installed in a heated room or on the street. Such a function improves the quality of maintaining a comfortable microclimate in the house and makes it possible to significantly save energy consumption.
Scheme of heating system with weather-dependent control.
3-way valve control
When operating a single-circuit boiler, an additional indirect heating boiler is installed to provide hot water supply to the building. To do this, the manufacturer must provide for the possibility of the control system giving commands to the three-way valve, which is responsible for the timely supply of hot water to the storage tank. Without this option, the high-quality operation of the DHW system will be impossible.
Ability to connect to a load shedding relay
With the simultaneous operation of several powerful consumers of electricity, the home network may experience congestion. This threatens to trigger emergency protection with blackout the building.
The priority consumer selection function implemented on the boiler allows you to automatically turn off the boiler when you turn on an alternative device that is more important in terms of the given logic. The unit will again return to its previous mode as soon as the opportunity arises.
