Electric heating energy-saving boiler: choice

Electric energy-saving boiler: design and principle of operation

Energy-saving electric boilers for the home have one important design difference from conventional ones. They do not have heating elements. Its role is played by an electrode or an inductance coil. The liquid in such a device acts not only as a coolant, but also as a conductor. Inside the boiler, an electric current passes from the electrode to the walls through the water, thereby heating it - this is the case if there is an electrode. If its function is performed by an inductance coil, then the water is heated by magnetic waves passing through it.

Advantages and disadvantages of energy-saving electric heating boilers

There are quite a lot of advantages of such equipment. The main ones include:

Small dimensions, which allows the installation of an electric heating energy-saving boiler 220 V even in small rooms;
No noise during operation, which allows installation even in small apartments;
Full automation of the process that does not require periodic maintenance;
Possibility of installing hot water supply provided that a double-circuit unit is used;
Easy to install. This work can be done by a home craftsman without specific knowledge and skills.

Schematic cross-sectional representation of an energy-saving boiler

When talking about the advantages of economical electric boilers for heating a private home, one cannot fail to mention the disadvantages. Actually, there is only one – the inability to use equipment during a power outage.

Solid fuel and gas boilers

The most striking and economical representative of heat sources using solid fuels is an energy-saving boiler that burns wood pellets. Among its “brothers” it has the highest efficiency indicator; its efficiency is declared at 92%. In reality, this value may be somewhat less, but the unit really deserves attention, since it uses a renewable energy source and emits a minimal amount of harmful substances into the atmosphere.

Pellet boiler

A special place among the rest is occupied by gas energy-saving heating systems, which are not much inferior in efficiency to electric ones. These are condensing boilers with a closed combustion chamber and forced air flow. They extract additional heat from water produced during the chemical reaction of methane combustion. The water immediately evaporates in the burner flame, but the heat exchanger causes the steam to condense on its surface, taking away the heat of vaporization. Thus, the efficiency of the heat generator reaches 96%.

Boiler parameters that are worth paying attention to

In order for such equipment to work effectively, it is worth paying attention to some technical parameters that it has. The electric boiler should not be too large - its size is determined based on the area of the room where it will be installed. It is also important to decide on the number of phases. For an apartment with a 220 V household network, single-phase equipment is required, but for a private house where a voltage of 380 V is supplied, it will be more profitable to purchase three-phase equipment - this will provide additional savings.

This way you can neatly place all the necessary equipment for the heating system.

The type of system also plays a big role. If it is closed, then the need for periodic topping up of coolant disappears. And such a system itself is more effective. Another parameter is the intensity of operation. If you plan to use the boiler only as backup heating, then there is no need for high power of the equipment.

Main technical parameters of energy-saving electric boilers

The following list shows typical characteristics with explanations:

The main parameter, power in kW, determines the potential capabilities of the equipment. The needs of heating and hot water circuits must be distinguished.
To connect the most powerful electric energy-saving boilers, a three-phase 380 V network is required.
Manufacturers indicate the minimum/maximum pressure for different circuits.
You should also pay attention to the range of temperature adjustments. Remember that scale formation intensifies as this parameter increases.

What types of energy-saving electric boilers can there be?

Such equipment can be divided both by design features - electrode and induction, and by installation method - floor or wall. You can also select the number of contours - with one or two. First, let's look at the installation method.

Floor-standing electric energy-saving heating boilers have larger dimensions than wall-mounted ones. Such equipment should be chosen if the premises are large and there is room for installation for the electric boiler. Typically, a separate room is allocated for such equipment. The wall-mounted version is more compact - it can be installed in any bathroom without compromising useful space.

The range of Galan electric boilers is quite wide

Based on design features, it can be noted that induction electric boilers are less popular. The reason for this is the impossibility of using it in open heating systems. However, such equipment has a number of undeniable advantages. For example, in an induction boiler, you can even use oil as a coolant. And the absence of scale formation plays an important role. But it’s worth taking a closer look at the electrode equipment.

Related article:

There are situations when it is not possible to use the gas system, for example, if there is no gas main nearby. In this case, it is recommended to heat the house with electricity. The most economical method can be selected by analyzing all the options available. This is what we will do in this review.

Choosing the right electric boiler: formulating individual requirements

The required power is calculated using a simplified formula: 1 kW for every 10 sq. m. heated area. To heat a house of 100 square meters, you need to purchase a minimum 10 kW electric boiler. You need to understand that a lot depends on the characteristics of the structure and climatic conditions in the region. The location of the windows relative to the cardinal points matters. Electricity consumption increases with frequent ventilation, if a lot of hot water is needed for hygiene procedures.

Additional adjustments are made taking into account important factors:

In the premises, it is possible to maintain optimal temperature conditions, taking into account the purpose and temporary use. Precise adjustments are easier to make with modern technology.
They reduce heat losses by insulating walls, floors and ceilings, installing energy-efficient radiators, window and door units. To determine leaks, specialized infrared radiation meters are used.
Even without significant costs, you can get a good economic effect by restoring the functionality of the sealing elements of windows and doors.

Check the compatibility of the electric energy-saving boiler with the installed equipment:

circulation pump performance;
volume of the built-in expansion tank;
connecting dimensions of pipes of domestic hot water and heating circuits.

It is necessary to ensure that the standard delivery kit is sufficient. If necessary, purchase temperature sensors, external control units, and other products. The impeccable appearance of some models allows the installation of an electric energy-saving boiler in a visible place. Compact equipment can be hidden in cabinet furniture.

The control panel of this double-circuit energy-saving boiler is closed with a decorative cover

Especially for our readers, the editors of Seti.guru have developed a convenient online calculator for calculating the required boiler power, taking into account many parameters.

Calculator for calculating the required boiler power

Electrode heating boilers and their features

This type is the most common, which is not surprising. In most old private houses, heating is done using an open method. What's the point of converting the entire system to an induction heater if you can only install electrode equipment.

Such a small electrode boiler has a power of 5 kW

Here electrolysis is used as heating. The boiler itself is connected to “zero”, while the “phase” is supplied to the electrode in the center (three electrodes at a voltage of 380 V). It turns out something like a “student” or “army” boiler. Such systems are the safest compared to heating elements. Indeed, if the water is turned off, a closed electric heating element (in the event of a failure of the automation) may simply explode. Electrode equipment is free of such risks. The lack of liquid in the boiler entails a break in the contact, which means that the electric boiler will simply stop functioning.

We invite our dear reader to read one of the reviews about an electrode boiler for heating a private home.

Gvoz4D, Russia, Ussuriysk: For installation and commissioning, basic knowledge of physics at the 8th grade level and the ability to distinguish zero from phase is sufficient.
First of all, do everything according to the instructions and, indeed, special attention to the coolant and compliance with its parameters. (...) I have been using the Galan electrode boiler from the end of December to the present, and I am absolutely satisfied with it. I foresee an increase in the electricity bill, but this will most likely be a consequence of playing with salt in the water, since I set up the boiler “manually”, that is, without a device measuring the load... Now we have reached the design parameters - and now this coal, this constant voltage has given in to me -heat the stove five months a year... Read more on Review:

Electrode boiler disassembled - there is nothing complicated about it

Features of different types of equipment

What is the most economical electric boiler to choose for your home? To answer this question correctly, you must first familiarize yourself with the design features. Only after this can you proceed to studying the technical characteristics.

Automation in modern heating element boilers

Electric boiler design
Well-equipped equipment in this category has the following components:

Pressure gauge for monitoring pressure levels.
A circulation pump that provides sufficient pressure to move the coolant along the circuit. Some models have adjustable speed.
A special valve for an electric energy-saving boiler is designed to relieve excess pressure.
The vent removes air from the heating system. Mechanical impurities accumulate in the lower part of this device, which can be periodically removed into the drainage.
Electronic devices are used to connect powerful heating elements. Unlike mechanical relays, they perform their functions completely silently.
This example shows a copper tank that is resistant to corrosion processes. Stainless steel containers with insulation to prevent heat loss are also used.
In some models, an expansion tank is installed to compensate for changes in the volume of liquid during heating/cooling.

Related article: How to significantly reduce the cost of heating your home with electricity ? We will consider the most economical method and expert advice in more detail in the article on our portal, comparing some types of heating systems.

Separately, it is necessary to note the features of modern control units. They are created using microprocessor technology. They use programming of work cycles and provide users with extensive additional opportunities for individual customization. The operation of the heater is quickly adjusted taking into account the readings of temperature sensors outdoors and indoors. By adding a GSM unit, remote control of an energy-saving electric boiler for the home using standard mobile communications is available.

Advantages of simple solutions: electrode heating boiler

Equipment in this category can be created in the same design as the new heating element version. However, quite often the market offers sets, or functional parts separately.

Main components of electrode energy-saving electric heating boiler

Related article: For those who choose an electric boiler for heating a private home , prices for specific models are not always the main selection criterion. In this review, we will get acquainted with the existing types and their features so that the choice is informed and correct.

The main block (1) is marked in the picture. The robust housing is equipped with connections for connecting the return and supply pipes. Power cables are connected to the electrical terminals. The electronics unit (3) is capable of controlling several standard electrode heaters. This is used for autonomous connection of several circuits when upgrading an existing heating system. In a general or separate electrical panel (2), protective shutdown devices for an electric energy-saving boiler are installed, taking into account the power consumption (maximum current).

Equipment of this type is capable of performing its functions with an efficiency of about 100%. It takes up little space and can be installed in the right places without any problems. When connecting, it is necessary to take into account the high temperature at the outlet. For this reason, it is recommended to make several meters of steel pipeline rather than using polymer and composite analogs.

Special mention should be made of the high sensitivity of the equipment to the composition of the coolant. Excessively pure liquid is not suitable for induction installations. For this reason, some manufacturers recommend using specially prepared formulations with standardized ion concentrations.

Important! A high level of security is a significant plus. If there is no liquid in the working volume of an electric energy-saving boiler, the electrical circuit opens automatically.

Specialized coolant

This liquid is more expensive than tap water. However, this version offers full frost protection. The composition does not contain abrasive substances or substances that provoke oxidative processes. The use of such a coolant extends the service life of the pipeline. However, we must not forget that such solutions are suitable exclusively for equipping a heating system.

Application of induction heating

Layout diagram of the functional elements of an electric energy-saving boiler
Manufacturers are experimenting with different designs. They produce equipment in which an induction coil is installed in the middle, and liquid circulates inside a hollow outer shell. The diagram shown in the figure is often used in different variations, taking into account several advantageous indicators:

Here you can make a heat exchanger from a relatively inexpensive type of steel.
Comparative compactness and low weight mean the possibility of wall mounting.
The overall simplicity of the design of the electric energy-saving boiler reduces the cost and reduces the requirements for production processes.

Experts recommend paying attention to the following features and disadvantages:

The power of individual heaters of this type does not exceed 70-80 kW (outlet temperature – up to +100°C). This “minus” is conditional, since the indicators are quite sufficient for solving everyday problems.
Inexpensive metals are susceptible to corrosion processes. This should be taken into account when using equipment seasonally, when regular drainage of the coolant is provided.
In this design, the gradual accumulation of mechanical impurities in the lower part of the electric energy-saving boiler cannot be ruled out. Appropriate measures should be taken to pre-clean the coolant.
Accumulation of gases is allowed in the upper part. To make their removal effective, it is recommended to install an automatic air vent nearby.

One of the advantages of induction heating is a high level of electrical safety. In this option, the same additional protection is required as in heating element boilers. Here, contact of the coolant with live parts is possible if the seal is broken.

This design of an electric energy-saving boiler ensures reliable separation of the coolant flow

A more uniform heating distribution will be ensured by such a heat exchanger

Double-circuit energy-saving boilers

Equipment Features
An economical electric boiler for heating a private home is capable of performing the functions of a heater for a hot water supply system. To do this, it is equipped with a standard two-way valve. When the tap is opened, the automatic device connects the corresponding circuit.

Number of circuits in water heaters

Single-circuit electric heating boilers provide the ability to heat only the coolant. They can heat the house, but in this case something will have to be decided about the hot water supply system. Typically, homeowners install a separate water heater, which solves this problem. However, it is much easier to eliminate it in another way.

Double-circuit heating boilers are quite convenient. What is especially pleasing is that, if there is a second circuit for installing a hot water supply system, there is no additional electricity consumption. This happens due to the fact that the water is heated by the coolant of the heating system. It all happens as follows. In the tank where the hot water is located, there is a coil through which coolant passes, heated to a certain temperature. At the same time, it transfers part of its heat to the water, heating it. It turns out that if you install a single-circuit electric boiler for heating a house of 100 square meters and compare it with a double-circuit analogue that allows the connection of hot water supply, then there will be no noticeable difference in electricity consumption.

Electric boilers for heating can also be wall-mounted - these are more compact

What is an electric heating energy-saving boiler?

It’s nice to know that an expensive new product purchased on credit is innovative technology of the latest generation with outstanding characteristics. An induction electric boiler cannot be carried in your pocket like a smartphone. However, you can always mention in a conversation the exceptional energy saving parameters of heating equipment. This will create an image of an intelligent person who knows how to prudently manage available resources.

A positive image is good. But a reasonable owner needs objective knowledge. Just to demonstrate your wealth to others, you can buy a case with the image of a bitten apple, and not spend money on the poorly working facial recognition function in the latest iPhone. Similarly, rationally, one should evaluate the advertising appeals of boiler manufacturers.

All modern equipment in this category can provide efficiency of 95% and above. A difference of a few percent will not have any significant impact on operating costs. Due to its popularity, we will leave the terminology “energy-saving” electric heating boiler. But by this we mean high-quality modern equipment. For objective analysis, its consumer characteristics must be considered together.

The following parameters when searching for an electric energy-saving boiler deserve special attention:

purchase price;
ease of installation;
compatibility with existing heating/hot water supply systems;
operating costs (electricity, maintenance);
reliability, durability, cost of spare parts.

Convenient automated control is an essential part of modern technology

Some nuances of choosing a water heater for heating

When deciding which most economical electric boiler to choose for your home, you need to decide at what intensity it is expected to operate. If this is only additional heating, then 2-3 kW of power will be quite enough. You should also think about the need for a second circuit. If you need hot water supply in your home, then it will be much more profitable to purchase a double-circuit water heater for heating than to buy a separate one for hot water supply. And during operation, obvious savings will be noticeable.

For many, the most important indicator of quality is the brand, but you should not blindly trust what is written on the packaging. Nowadays there is quite a lot of counterfeit. But even if all the documents and certificates are in order, perhaps there is an electric boiler nearby on the counter with the same characteristics and not worse quality, but at a lower cost. This happens due to inflated prices “for the brand”. The more it is promoted, the higher the cost of the product will be, which is not always justified by the quality and equipment.

Some electric boilers are so compact that they practically do not differ from main pipes

Nuances of installing electric boilers for heating

Installing an electric boiler for heating your home is easy. This work is completely doable without the help of professionals with your own hands. You just need to follow the instructions, which are necessarily attached to the technical documentation.

It is important to know! Before you begin connecting electrical equipment, it is necessary to remove the voltage from the supply wire from the input circuit breaker. Remember that electric shock can not only harm your health - it is life-threatening!

When installing the boiler you need to be very careful - the voltage must be turned off

The only caveat is that many manufacturers break the warranty agreement when installing it themselves. Their main requirement is installation of equipment by licensed specialists. If you purchase such products, it is better not to take risks and entrust all the work to professionals.

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to seek help from professionals

Where to buy electric energy-saving heating boilers

It all depends on the buyer. You can make a similar purchase in a specialized store, but in this case you should be prepared to overpay about 15-20% of the cost compared to online sellers. But there are pitfalls here too. When purchasing equipment through an online store, you need to be extremely careful not to fall for scammers. We advise you to study the reviews about the seller as carefully as possible and try to collect as much information about him as possible.

This is what an energy-saving heating boiler looks like inside

Advice! If the page of an online seller’s website does not contain details by which it can be checked in the State Register, this should alert you and you should not contact such a seller.

Review of the main manufacturers and models of energy-saving electric boilers

To find out how to heat a house with electricity inexpensively, you need to check various thematic data. It will be useful to study the reputation of manufacturers, model ranges, and official warranties. A thorough preliminary research will prevent annoying mistakes and unnecessary expenses.

Galan

This company (Russia) was founded in the early 90s of the last century. Since the beginning of activity, the main specialization has been the development and subsequent production of heating equipment. Electrode models were created as a worthy alternative to similar gas and solid fuel boilers.

The company focuses the attention of potential buyers on the following advantages of its products:

Energy efficiency indicators of electrode models improved by 20±5% compared to standard heating element analogues.
Possibility of maintaining the set temperature in the room with high accuracy ±0.2°C.
Long time (week) programming of the operating mode taking into account the special needs of users.
Smooth switching on of heaters, extending the service life of an energy-saving electric heating boiler. This also prevents unnecessary loads on other equipment connected to the network.

In its current range, GALAN offers electric energy-saving boilers with a power from 3 to 50 kW. To control power loads, you can purchase a specialized “Navigator” unit. Temperature control is carried out using units of the “Comfrot” series. This manufacturer sells a coolant that does not freeze down to -35°C with a chemical composition that is optimal for electrode technology.

From electric heaters of this brand you can assemble a heating installation of the required power

SAVITR

This domestic company produces a wide range of equipment of this type. Below are the features that will be useful to users for a comprehensive assessment:

The current catalog includes electric boilers with power from 2 to 240 W, controllers, remote control and alarm panels. Using these products, you can successfully solve complex autonomous heating problems.
To create its own products, it uses components and blocks from well-known manufacturers: CEWAL, CAMPINI, ABB, OMRON. Careful selection of partners and control of work processes ensure high quality in each product batch.
In addition to sales, the domestic company pays sufficient attention to the maintenance of electric energy-saving boilers. Specialized centers and certified service companies provide qualified assistance throughout the Russian Federation.

In addition to boilers, SAVITR offers supplies of control automation in accordance with the parameters of certain technical specifications

EVAN

Since 2008, this Russian enterprise has become part of the international specialized concern NIBE. Currently, the company occupies a leading position in the market. In the electric boiler sector, EVAN's share exceeds 30%. The brand's products are offered in thousands of stores in Russia and abroad.

The “Professional” series includes equipment with a power of up to 240 kW, which is capable of heating rooms with a total area of up to 2400 sq. m. In the VIP category you can find an electric energy-saving boiler for heating and hot water supply of a property with improved consumer characteristics.

Even powerful professional-grade equipment takes up little space

This energy-saving electric heating boiler “EVAN” is equipped as standard with a temperature controller (from +30°C to +85°C). A built-in limiter cuts off the power when the heat rises above the maximum level. If one heating element fails, the working elements continue to perform their functions as usual.

Instead of an afterword

When purchasing equipment for your home heating system, you should not grab the first offer you come across. Even if it seems that nothing better can be found. It is worth approaching the choice as carefully and thoughtfully as possible. Only in this case will the electric boiler work for a long time, giving comfort and warmth to you and your loved ones.

Electric boilers made of stainless steel are considered the most durable

We hope that the information presented today was useful to our dear reader. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them in the discussions for this article. And finally, a short video on today's topic:

Features of installation of electric boilers

Connection diagram for an electric energy-saving boiler
The figure shows the main functional elements:

This model of electric energy-saving boiler (1) can be installed in different heating systems, since only a heater and a control device with automatic protection are installed in the housing.
A safety group (2) is designed to control and relieve excess pressure.
Via standard regulators (3, 4) the following are connected: radiators (4), heat exchanger (5) DHW.
The tank (6) with a flexible partition compensates for the expansion of the coolant when heated.
A separate group (7) is installed to adjust the heated floor (8).
Coarse filters (9) prevent mechanical impurities from entering the energy-saving electric heating boiler.
Valves (10) prevent the coolant from moving in the opposite direction.
Pumps circulate fluid through the working circuits.

For your information! When connecting an electric energy-saving boiler, use the manufacturer's official instructions. Pay special attention to following safety regulations. Connect powerful equipment using grounding and other protective circuits and devices.