Characteristics of universal heating boilers for a private house. Universal heating boilers for a private house: an overview of the best models and reviews Universal electric boilers for a private house

Boilers that heat water using thermal energy from the combustion of various types of fuel, namely gas or diesel fuel, or solid fuel, are called universal.

The main advantage of universal boilers is their versatility, that is, the ability to burn different fuels in one boiler. This possibility exists because fuel is burned not in the boiler, but in the burner installed on it. The boiler, in this case, performs exclusively the function of a heat exchanger. Depending on what type of fuel is supposed to be used, such a burner is installed on the boiler: gas, diesel, fuel oil or combined.

There are boilers on which, in addition to diesel or gas, you can install a pellet burner. True, these are initially solid fuel boilers, however, they can also be called universal. For example, Lamborghini WBL boilers run on wood, coal, pellets and diesel fuel. The power of such boilers is 20-60 kW.

In what cases is a universal boiler required? For example, if the main gas was not initially supplied to the heating object, then a diesel burner is installed on the boiler, which in the future, in the case of gasification of the object, can be replaced with a gas burner.

The universal boiler in the diesel version also has an undeniable advantage - full automation and autonomy of the heating system. The disadvantages of diesel heating, first of all, include its high cost, as well as the need for a fuel storage device.


What are universal heating boilers for a private house? Traditional boilers for heating a private house work on the principle of creating a high temperature in the combustion chamber when the heat exchanger is heated, which is filled with water or other coolant.

When expanding, the liquid moves along the heat main and thereby heats the necessary premises in the house. These types of boilers are designed to use only one type of fuel. And they justify themselves only if the resources for them are always delivered on time and without interruptions. Guaranteed constant maintenance of a comfortable microclimate in the house, even in the event of a disruption in the supply of resources, is carried out by universal heating boilers.

Advantages of universal heating boilers

The design of universal boilers may include:

  • combustion chamber for gaseous or liquid fuels;
  • solid fuel combustion chamber;
  • heating element (TEH).

Advantages of universal heating units:

  1. The possibility of using various energy carriers as a fuel resource. With minor changes in the installed design and its parameters, it is possible to switch the heating boiler from one type of fuel resource to another.
  2. The possibility of operation not only in residential buildings, but also in industrial premises. To do this, you need to calculate the required power, draw up a technical plan for heat supply and coordinate it with the regulatory authority.
  3. The device does not require preventive cleaning.
  4. Simple operating conditions for any kind of device.
  5. When switching from one type of resource to another, it is possible to minimize the level of atmospheric pollution.
  6. The ability to choose an individual type of construction based on the capabilities of the user and the characteristics of the region.


Heating devices with a multi-fuel type of design have one significant drawback that distinguishes them from mono-fuel ones - this is a high price for the device.

Multi-fuel boilers come in various models. Their difference lies in the level of performance and the type of energy resources.

The performance value is based on the area of ​​the building and the variation of the regional climate zone. The combination of resources depends on their availability within the region, the availability of natural gas and diesel fuel.

The universal boiler is equipped with one combustion chamber suitable for both diesel and gas combustion.

Universal heating boilers of this type are easy to operate, any person, having read the detailed step-by-step instructions, can easily use the device.

This combination of resources is not very popular among users, however, it is beneficial when it is planned to connect to a centralized gas supply line in the near future. For a certain period before connecting to the mains, the multi-fuel boiler will operate on diesel fuel, and then switch to gas. At the same time, no significant changes will occur with the settings and design, you just need to change the burner.



The quality of the heat exchanger directly affects the life of the device. In its manufacture, steel or cast iron is used.

Steel heat exchangers are distinguished by a better strength indicator, while cast iron ones are more resistant to corrosive processes.

What are universal heating boilers

  1. Combination of natural gas and solid fuel. Heating boilers with this combination are most preferred when placed in a region where coal or wood is an inexpensive resource. The main inconvenience is that it is necessary to systematically fill a special container with firewood or coal, and this takes a small amount of time. In the absence of solid resources in the boiler, space heating and maintaining the required temperature can be carried out through the use of gas.
  2. Combination of electricity and solid fuel.
    A heating boiler with such a combination is in great demand among summer residents or residents of country cottages. While staying within the house, a person can use solid fuel, whether it is coal, coke, briquettes, lumber waste or firewood, thereby reducing the cost of electricity consumption. By setting automatic power supply to the device, the user can maintain the required temperature according to the set parameters at the time of weaning from home for a long time.
  3. Combination of natural gas, electricity, diesel and solid fuels. This is what can rightfully be called a universal boiler. Its multi-component nature allows its use in any, even the most extreme areas. The user of such a device has the ability to turn any resource available to him into heat.

Why do we need universal heating boilers for a private house, what justifies their use, why is it worth buying them? In what situation is it better to buy just such a boiler and why?

Let's consider several situations when universal heating boilers for a private house can come in handy:

  1. In case you do not currently have mains gas, but it is expected in the near future.
  2. In case you would like to constantly change the fuel in the process of heating the house.
  3. If you need to take a break in the approaches to the solid fuel boiler.
  4. If you would like to reserve the main source of fuel / energy carrier.

Let's consider each of these situations in more detail.

Someday there will be main gas in the village

So, you think or know that in the future there will be main gas in your village. If this happened in 3-6 months exactly, then you would have already bought a wall-mounted or floor-standing gas boiler and would not have thought about buying a combined boiler.

However, if there is no exact certainty about the timing of the supply of main gas, then it is quite reasonable to buy a combined gas / solid fuel or gas / liquid fuel boiler.

With this approach, until the moment of connection to the main gas, it is possible to use liquid fuel (diesel fuel, mining or fuel oil), and when the main is connected, switch the boiler to main natural gas.

If you need to change the fuel

The second moment is when you have the opportunity to get some type of fuel at a good price from time to time.

It can be liquefied gas, it can be diesel fuel or pellets, as well as coal and firewood.

At the moment when you bought a fuel that is more convenient in terms of heating, you transfer your boiler to it. The rest of the time, use the fuel that is the cheapest in your area.

For example, you can supply a combined gas/solid fuel boiler. When you manage to buy liquefied gas at a good price, you burn yourself with gas. When this is not possible, use firewood to heat the house.

Heating at night

Also, universal heating boilers for a private house allow you to take a break in heating with any type of fuel.

For example, if you have a combined wood/electricity boiler, then during the day you heat it with wood, and at night you heat the water in the heating system with electricity at the night rate.

For this purpose, an electric heating element of suitable power crashes into the water jacket of the solid fuel boiler and the universal boiler is ready.

Many models of solid fuel boilers already come with installed heating elements from the manufacturer, which by default makes such boilers combined.

Naturally, if you have three heating elements of 3 kW each embedded in the boiler, then you should have a dedicated power of 10 kW for the house to operate this boiler at night.

If there is a power outage or gas

In the case when you need to reserve the main heat generator, you can not install an additional boiler.

You can immediately buy a combined boiler that will combine two types of fuel.

For example, in the event of a power outage, a universal boiler can be fired with wood. And when, for example, liquefied gas from your gas tank runs out, you can power the universal boiler from a container with diesel fuel until the tanker arrives.
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  • What are the advantages of combined heating boilers - wood / electricity? In what situations are they best used? What can burn...
  • Universal boilers have always interested the consumer. Depending on one type of fuel is inconvenient, and choosing from several options is usually cheaper. Combined boilers combine up to four types of fuel: electricity, gas, solid and diesel fuel. It is not difficult to switch from one type of fuel to another if the boiler has several fireboxes. When changing fuel, they switch to another furnace or (if there is only one furnace) they change the burner. The burner must be changed by a specialist - it is not recommended to do it yourself.

    Of these types of fuel, diesel fuel is used less frequently than others due to the high cost and inconvenience with delivery and storage. Universal gas-firewood-electricity heating boilers are more convenient for a private house. Such boilers can have two circuits:

    1. single-circuit boilers are used for space heating;
    2. double-circuit - for heating and hot water supply.

    Combined boilers usually have several fireboxes for different fuels - one can be for firewood and coal, the second burns gas and diesel fuel. A boiler with several furnaces is convenient in that several circuits with different temperatures can be connected to it. There are several options for separation: floor heating, separation of "batteries - underfloor heating", etc. When buying boilers with separate heating, you need to pay attention to the design containing different heat exchangers.


    In the photo, a diagram of the combined boiler device

    Advantages of gas-firewood-electricity boilers

    Technological features of modern combined boilers:

    • Built-in heating elements allow you to work on any fuel and electricity.
    • The universal burner is used for gas and diesel fuel. Transfer from one type of fuel to another is made by a switch.
    • Heat accumulators allow you to "conserve" excess heat and spend it with a lack of heat from the boiler.

    What you need to know when choosing a universal boiler

    With all the versatility, one type of fuel should be the main one, and the boiler should be selected according to the type of main fuel. When buying an imported boiler, please note that the nominal power is indicated as a passport, and not the maximum, as for Russian ones. Sellers usually also call the maximum power. On each type of fuel, a universal boiler will have a different power.

    Some examples of combined boilers.

    Single-circuit universal boiler Zota Dymok KOTV-20M (Russia)

    The copper is intended for work in systems of water heating of inhabited and industrial premises.

    Main characteristics:

    1. fuel wood/electricity;
    2. power 20 kW;
    3. circuit 1;
    4. type of installation outdoor;
    5. heating area 140 sq. m;
    6. steel heat exchanger;
    7. Efficiency 70%;
    8. chimney 150 mm;
    9. weight 108 kg;
    10. dimensions 750x400x705 mm.

    The cost of the boiler is 25,000 rubles.

    According to reviews, inexpensive and reliable. Ideal for a country house and small production. The main advantages are simplicity, reliability and low price.



    In the photo, the universal boiler Zota Dymok KOTV-20M

    Single-circuit universal boiler Protherm Bizon 30 NL (Slovakia)

    1. power for gas and diesel fuel 27.1 kW;
    2. fuel - natural and liquefied gas, diesel fuel and fuel oil;
    3. chamber open;
    4. cast iron heat exchanger;
    5. number of sections - 2;
    6. connection of a DHW boiler is possible;
    7. chimney diameter 150 mm;
    8. weight 121 kg;
    9. dimensions 870x450x385 mm.

    The cost of the boiler is 41,300 rubles.

    Reviews about the unit are positive. Customers like the efficiency of the boiler. Heats up quickly and holds heat well. Some customers note difficulties with the selection of a burner for this model.



    In the photo, the universal boiler Protherm Bizon 30 NL

    Combined boiler Ferroli Atlas 32 (Italy)

    Designed to heat water below the boiling point at atmospheric pressure. Digital interface, microprocessor. Frost protection, remote control, room thermostat.

    Characteristics:

    • fuel natural gas, diesel fuel;
    • gas power 30 kW;
    • diesel power 30 kW;
    • cast iron heat exchanger;
    • open combustion chamber;
    • connection of a DHW boiler;
    • flue 100 mm;
    • weight 127 kg;
    • dimensions 850x500x400 mm.

    The cost is 54,100 rubles.

    According to customer reviews, the boiler is very efficient. Fuel consumption is small, water heats up quickly. Excellent design, modern control and monitoring system. Disadvantage: high cost.



    In the photo, the Ferroli Atlas 32 universal boiler

    Conclusions - which combined boiler is better

    When choosing, the type of main fuel should be taken into account - when operating on this fuel, the boiler must produce maximum power. The type of reserve fuel determines the final choice of model. The final decision is made based on the financial capabilities and desires of the buyer. For a country house, cheaper and more reliable, domestic models are preferred.

    • The most massive and overall boilers are those that can use the maximum number of fuel types. This does not apply to boilers for electricity and wood, the dimensions of which almost do not change. The heating element in such boilers turns on when the combustion in the furnace stops and the coolant temperature drops below a critical level.
    • The cost of wood-electricity boilers, as well as coal-electricity boilers, is almost the same as for wood-fired boilers. The dimensions of the boilers are also the same, since they differ only in that the electric boiler has a small heater. Electric heating gives only a third of the boiler's power. Full heating of the house on electricity is impossible, but the temperature will be enough to prevent the system from defrosting.
    • A coal-fired boiler can be fired with wood, because. The burning temperature of charcoal is much higher than that of firewood. The volume of the firebox of a coal boiler is small, so it will be inconvenient to constantly use it for firewood. It is absolutely impossible to put coal into the furnace of a wood-burning boiler - high temperatures can destroy the unit.

    Boilers such as universal ones are devices designed for heating residential and non-residential premises, which simultaneously work with many types of fuel. There are several types of boilers (universal): combined and multi-fuel, these types of boilers differ only in the heater, which can combine work with several types of fuel.

    Gas and diesel fuel

    Manufacturers decided to combine cheap fuel (fuel) with the most expensive, this combination made them go to extremes.

    A feature of gas and diesel boilers is not very significant differences in the burner. The universal heating boiler operates both on liquefied gas and on the main one, and can also heat on diesel fuel. With the help of the minimum sets of settings, transition and change of some parts of the burner are carried out. With such tasks, a representative, a service specialist - will cope very easily. And the most important thing is that none of the above types of fuel has practically no effect on the thermal output of the boiler, because in the same spirit it continues to effectively heat the room. This type of boiler, as a universal one, is a combined boiler for heating, which is intended for heating large rooms.

    Gas, diesel and solid fuels

    In the 21st century, many foreign organizations say that the wood firebox has already gone out of fashion and is considered undignified. But this fact does not mean that such boilers should be forgotten. This type of boiler can combine operation with several types of fuel (fuel): on liquefied or main gas. As we all know, this boiler can also heat on: coal, coke, wood, wood and peat briquettes. It is for these reasons that you can use additional types of fuel for the boiler, which from a combined boiler makes it versatile.

    Initially, this device is solid fuel, which implies safety and automation (minimum) of processes. In addition, burners that run on gas and diesel fuel are attachments (this type of boiler should not be considered as a device for heating water). In almost all parameters (functions): power, as well as safety and efficiency, this boiler loses in terms of ease of use. Such a heating boiler, as a universal one - an inexpensive unit, it will suit small rooms, small houses or summer cottages.

    Gas, diesel and electricity

    No one is forcing you to produce the process of heating your living space with electricity when the "diesel oil is running out". The strength, power of the boiler is enough for quite a long time, and there are also “spare” resources. If your reserves run out, then from the main fuel (fuel) consumption, the burner switches to the minimum use of fuel, in order to save it.

    Gas, diesel, solid fuels and electricity

    This unit allows the use of firewood and is popular among those people who are used to keeping track of expenses and counting money for the use of fuel. The boiler is able to combine work with many types of fuel (fuel), due to this fact, it is considered the most versatile.

    Types of universal boilers and their features

    Universal boiler for heating residential premises by type of supply, installation and fuel burned.

    1. Boilers that run on gas.

    Universal heating boilers that use gas as a heating resource are among the most popular on the market. Such a boiler happens - wall and floor.

    Wall-mounted - most suitable for use in small (small rooms), as they occupy a small area. This type of boiler works mainly for heating the system coolant, two circuits guarantee water heating in the residential water supply. A more expensive option is boilers that are placed on the floor. Such boilers, according to operational rules, should be located in separate rooms.

    2. Diesel heating boilers.

    These diesel boilers are constructive. You can replace the fuel in the heating pad. The process of ignition and combustion in a diesel boiler occurs and takes place in a special, open combustion chamber. This type of boiler should only be placed on the floor. The diesel boiler has one circuit.

    3. Solid fuel boilers, this is the type of cat that does not depend on the power grid. For this reason, they are completely autonomous.

    4. Electric heating boilers

    Designed for heating small spaces, this type of boiler is used as a spare.

    5.Universal boilers

    In such boilers, you can use various types of fuel (fuel), they are:

    • boiler with a compartment for the fuel liquefaction process;
    • boiler with burners that can be changed;
    • wood-generator.

    Peculiarities:

    • material from which they are made: made of steel or cast iron;
    • installation methods, types of fastening: on the floor, wall (floor, wall);
    • number of circuits: one circuit, two circuits;
    • non-volatile;
    • neutralization and removal of gases that have worked out: forced, natural.

    The best manufacturers of universal heating boilers (overview)

    • Ariston from 35 to 400 thousand rubles - Italy
    • BAXI from 17 to 800 thousand rubles - Italy
    • Beretta from 30 to 100 thousand rubles - Italy
    • Bosch from 20 to 300 thousand rubles - Germany
    • Buderus from 20 to 3 million rubles - Germany
    • Daewoo from 20 to 50 thousand rubles - Korea
    • Ferroli from 20 to 700 thousand rubles - Italy
    • ZhMZ from 10 to 40 thousand rubles - Russia
    • Conord from 10 to 40 thousand rubles - Russia