Solid fuel boiler selection

Solid fuel boilers are one of the most common. As the name implies, they use the energy of solid fuels released during combustion. New models are not only very effective, but also fit perfectly into the home interior. However, an inexperienced buyer to make a choice is not easy. This article will help you navigate and make the right choice of a solid fuel boiler, which most closely matches the heated room in terms of its characteristics.

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Types of fuel

The most important selection criterion is the type of fuel used. These are familiar firewood with coal, as well as less common types of fuel - briquettes, pellets or peat.

Important! According to buyers and specialists, combined options with the ability to load alternative modern fuels deserve the most attention.

Coal fired boilers

This is a great option if there are no conditions for long-term storage of firewood. The performance of coal-fired appliances is high, and their installation is not too expensive.

Important! The main advantages are versatility of use, low costs for consumables, as well as the possibility of battery life. Efficiency varies on average about 50-70%.

Pellet and wood burning appliances

Here, firewood and pellets (artificial fuel pellets) are used as a heat source. The power of these devices is quite high (200 kW). At the same time, boilers are quite economical and can be installed in any room.

Important! Pellets and wood have a long burning time, their efficiency is about 90%.

Pyrolysis Boilers

Their work is based on the use of special technology for burning wood pulp. When fuel is burned, pyrolysis gas is formed, which ensures efficient heat transfer.

Important! The efficiency of the pyrolysis boiler is 85-92%.

If the room does not have access to the mains, it is most advisable to give preference to a solid fuel boiler, which works offline, but with manual loading. This makes it possible to adjust the operation of the boiler in such a way that during its operation there are no unpleasant surprises and unforeseen problems.

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Criterias of choice

Before giving preference to a particular model, it is necessary to take into account such factors that affect the choice of a solid fuel boiler:

• The area of ​​construction. This is a decisive factor when choosing the power of the device, as well as in the selection of fuel.
• The height of the floor in the room.
• The amount of heat loss. This indicator is affected by the materials of which the house is made, as well as the thickness of the ceilings and walls.
• The climate of the region. The main emphasis is on indicators of air temperature in the cold season.

Important! The best option is to entrust the calculation to a qualified professional who is well versed in the types and brands of equipment.

Important! It should be noted that for a solid fuel boiler it is necessary to equip a chimney. Planning to do it yourself? Find out in our article detailed information abouthow to make a chimney do it yourself.

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The choice of a solid fuel heater according to technical characteristics

How to choose a solid fuel boiler for long burning for a home? The main selection criteria are:

• Type of fuel used.
• Combustion chamber capacity. This factor determines the performance of the device and the number of fuel loads for a certain period.
• Automation of the device.
• Product Safety. Important options are: automatic shutdown function and alarm.
• Power Options. Most solid fuel boilers are non-volatile. However, there are models for which access to a source of electricity is mandatory.
• Cost. Here it is impossible to unequivocally state that cheap models are the best option. As a rule, in terms of their performance, they are far from ideal. But in general, you can find an option at the best price for each consumer.

Manual download or automatic?

When choosing a solid fuel boiler, this issue cannot be ignored.

When loading automatically:

• The boiler is equipped with a special hopper for placing fuel. If coal is used in this capacity, the particle sizes should not be more than 25 mm. As for pellets, they do not exceed this parameter unambiguously.
• For stable operation of the device, one load is enough for about 3-5 days, which makes boiler maintenance as simple as possible.
• Hopper sizes may vary. It all depends on the individual preferences of the owners.
• The fuel supply can be auger or piston.

Important! The automated supply of coal or pellets not only simplifies equipment maintenance, but also makes its operation as efficient and stable as possible.

Manual download is considered traditional:

• The boiler chamber is manually filled with fuel.
• Such devices are popular in rural homes or cottages.
• Maintenance of these devices cannot be called convenient, they are not economical enough.
• In addition, they differ in large dimensions.

Important! Such equipment is more suitable for heating public buildings, where it is possible to place the boiler in a separate room.

Heat exchanger material

The most popular materials for heat exchangers are steel and cast iron:

• Cast iron units are characterized by a high rate of performance when working on coal. If you use firewood as fuel, then the device loses significantly in power.

Important! The advantages of cast iron appliances include: good maintainability and low price. Disadvantages - low efficiency (65-75%), as well as the need for regular cleaning of the heat exchanger.

• Steel boilers use briquettes or firewood as fuel. The life of steel units at 1 fuel load is 4-8 hours.

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How to choose a long-burning boiler: TOP-3 of the best solid fuel boilers for the home

The rating is based on customer reviews. All models are united by the optimal balance between quality and price, ease of operation and beautiful modern design.

Teplodar Kupper PRO 22

Combined device for heating areas up to 200 square meters. It features a high level of heat transfer. It is possible to install a burner (not included). The temperature of the coolant ranges between 50 and 90 degrees. The boiler quickly ignites and holds the temperature well.

Benefits:

• The presence of a built-in heater in 9 kW power.
• The possibility of using different types of fuel (from solid varieties to gas).

Disadvantages:

• Burner not included.
• The hole for laying firewood is small.

Buderus Logano G221-20

Cast iron solid fuel boiler with an open combustion chamber. As fuel, you can use wood, coke or coal. An important point is the reliability of the device. Experts say that he can get bored, but breaking down is unlikely.

Benefits:

• Easy to install.
• The thought-over design providing durability of the device.
• Large dimensions of the loading door - large logs can be used.

Important! The disadvantage is the price. It can’t be called too high, but there are cheaper options.

ZOTA Pellet 25A

Single-circuit boiler for space heating up to 250 square meters. The device is equipped with an automated fuel supply function. There is an automated control system. It is possible to connect to “warm floors”. An external temperature sensor makes it possible to adjust the air temperature in the rooms.

Important! The device works on wood, pellets or briquettes.

Benefits:

• Automated fuel supply.
• Existence of protection against an overheat.
• Control panel with sensors.

Minuses:

• High price (comfort fee!).
• High fuel consumption when using pellets.

Important! For those who plan to independently install the selected model of solid fuel boiler, we have collected all the useful tips. Read about them in our separate post. “Installation of a solid fuel boiler in a private house”.

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Stock footage

Knowing the basic criteria, you can now make the choice of solid fuel boiler more objectively and consciously. So - the heating system in your home will be safe, efficient and energy-saving, without compromising your personal comfort.