For many of us, a dacha today represents not just a garden plot located in the countryside, but in most cases, a full-fledged home. Gone are the days when country houses were a modest shelter in which it was hardly possible to hide from the rain and wind. Today, for many of us, a dacha is a permanent structure, in which, if desired, you can live year-round, both in summer and winter. Solid fuel boilers for summer cottages can solve this problem. Today these are no longer ordinary, primitive metal barrels of the “potbelly stove” type. Today, at the dacha, you can install a heating unit, which is high-tech equipment.
Solid fuel boiler equipment for a summer residence is the most suitable option. No one will spend a long time at the dacha in winter, but spending a weekend in the countryside, in the lap of nature, is quite acceptable. In this case, running a gas line to your site and connecting a gas boiler is not cost-effective. For temporary heating and creating comfortable conditions inside a country house, a heating device using wood, or any other available type of solid fuel, is quite sufficient.
The principle of operation of heating in the country
You should not confuse concepts such as a residential cottage and a summer house, since the latter building usually serves exclusively as a place of recreation and not permanent residence.
If we talk specifically about heating, a country house has the following features:
- Almost all country houses do not have access to a gas main, which explains the need to install a different type of heating. This is why gas boilers for summer cottages are used much less often than other models;
- If there is electricity at the dacha, then, as a rule, it has a power limited to two phases and the possibility of installing wiring. During the warm season, the building can be heated using an air conditioner, but in cold weather the use of such equipment will not help at all;
It is important to remember that equipment whose power is more than 3.5 kW is strictly prohibited from being connected to a central outlet, since the current is too high for the connection. Devices with power ranging from 3.5 to 7 kW must be connected using a separate cable;
- It is best to heat the dacha not regularly, but with some frequency. Do not forget that a mandatory condition for country heating is that it should not defrost if the temperature drops to 0°. So, in winter the house is unheated most of the time, which explains this need. The inertia indicators of the heating system of a country house should be minimal so that it is possible to heat the entire building as quickly as possible.
Solid fuel boilers
As mentioned earlier, gas heating boilers for summer cottages are installed extremely rarely, which explains the need to install other systems.
One of the popular varieties of this equipment are solid fuel boilers for summer cottages, the operation of which is based on the use of energy obtained during the combustion of wood.
The advantages that such heating boilers for a country house have are the following:
- despite the need to regularly purchase firewood, such fuel will not cost much more when compared with a design such as, for example, a gas boiler for a dacha;
- in order to save as much as possible on heating costs using firewood, in the fall in the nearest forest you can collect a decent amount of dead wood, which can also serve as fuel;
- Wood, as you know, is an environmentally friendly material that can also provide a unique aroma when burned, which will be very useful in a country house.
However, solid fuel boilers for heating a country house also have some negative aspects, which usually include the following:
- the need to frequently replenish the combustion chamber with fuel. Wood burns quickly, so one load of heat should last no more than 6 hours. The exception is boilers operating on the principle of pyrolysis combustion, however, installing them in a small dacha will be extremely unprofitable;
- It is not possible to regulate the temperature in such structures. The only thing you can use is the damper;
- A large stock of firewood requires quite a lot of space for proper storage. In this case, it is especially important to equip a canopy over the fuel so that it does not get wet.
Which heating device is best for a summer house?
The desire to equip your country house with an autonomous heating system is not enough. For this purpose, you will need not only funds, but also technical skill and ingenuity. As a rule, in dachas, the heating problem is often solved by using fireplaces or ordinary stoves for this purpose. This method is quite simple to use, but is ineffective and extremely uneconomical.
Note: when operating a fireplace in a residential building with an area of 30-50 m2, almost 50% of the thermal energy is wasted. A Russian stove is capable of heating a fairly large room, and for a long time, but doubts are raised by the high fuel consumption and dimensions of the structure itself.
* A boiler, a heating device whose task is to specifically heat living spaces in a house, will work much more efficiently. The heating boiler is designed in such a way that the design itself is already oriented towards better using the generated heat to heat the room. Autonomous heating of a dacha using a solid fuel boiler is no different in principle and in essence from similar systems installed in private households. The only condition that you should pay attention to is related to the type of heating device and the dependence of the heating system on other communications.
When choosing a solid fuel boiler for your dacha, consider the following aspects:
- what rate of heating of the room suits you;
- what is the duration of operation of the boiler with a single filling;
- Is it possible to connect a hot water system to the boiler?
- what is the fuel consumption;
- Is it convenient and practical to operate the equipment in country living conditions?
As a rule, the most common boiler connection schemes are used, with forced and natural circulation.
*
Most modern models produced by domestic and foreign companies are compact and economical products. The units are specially designed for quick heating of residential premises in field conditions, if you can say so about a dacha. In terms of price-quality ratio, foreign models look preferable to domestic products. In terms of functionality, solid fuel boilers for dachas can vary greatly, depending on the chosen model.
We recommend that you read: how to make heating in a dacha?
Liquid fuel boilers
A diesel boiler for a summer residence is very popular, the main type of fuel in which, as it becomes clear, is diesel fuel, as well as waste oil, and the latter option is very cheap.
It is worth noting that the main reason for the popularity of these boilers is not their efficiency (while diesel fuel is significantly more expensive than used oil), but the ease of their operation.
The advantages of such a heating element are:
- the equipment is equipped with a temperature control function, while in simpler designs it is possible to control only the heating of the coolant, then in advanced models it becomes possible to also change the air temperature in the room;
- the operation of the diesel boiler is fully automated, so there is no need to regularly load fuel manually;
- modern development technologies offer a completely new, innovative option for turning on the boiler - via SMS. This means that the equipment can be turned on remotely, for example, a few hours before arriving at the dacha, but in this case the boiler must be equipped with an automatic ignition function.
Among the disadvantages that diesel boilers have, the most obvious are:
- the cost of solar oil is very expensive;
- if the temperature is low, the boiler burner simply will not be able to ignite properly, and the fuel will become viscous. However, this problem can be solved by using so-called winter diesel fuel as the main fuel. Moreover, if you have electricity at your dacha, you can always preheat the room before turning on the main heating equipment;
- During operation, diesel boilers create quite loud and unpleasant noise, so there is often an inevitable need to place the structure in a separate room.
The best solid fuel boilers with a water circuit
Lemax Forward-12.5 13 kW
A distinctive feature of the model is the presence of a steel heat exchanger with a long service life . A single-circuit boiler is designed for heating residential buildings, cottages, and administrative buildings.
It does not require power from the electrical network.
The type of water heating system does not prevent the device from functioning normally.
Characteristics:
- power - 13 kW;
- combustion chamber type - open, control - mechanical, installation - floor;
- Efficiency - 75%;
- fuel - coal, firewood, coke;
- Max. heat exchanger temperature - 95 degrees, water pressure - 2 bar;
- presence of a thermometer;
- type of fuel loading - vertical;
- chimney diameter - 14 cm;
- dimensions - 37x90x58 cm;
- weight - 70 kg;
- warranty - 3 years.
Advantages:
- high level of safety and environmental friendliness;
- impact-resistant heat exchanger, additionally protected by heat-insulating materials;
- the body is made of 4 mm thick steel, which guarantees its strength and reliability;
- easy connection of the unit to the chimney;
- affordable price - from 14,900 rubles.
Flaws:
- there is no system for cleaning the boiler;
- poor ash pan adjustment.
Lemax Forward-20
Single-circuit boiler with vertical fuel loading . Thanks to its high power, it quickly warms up rooms and maintains the set temperature for a long time.
Attractive appearance allows you to install the device in any place and adapt it to the overall interior.
It is also possible to connect to a water heating system with natural circulation.
Characteristics:
- power - 20 kW;
- does not require electricity to operate;
- combustion chamber type - open, control - mechanical, installation - floor;
- Efficiency - 75%;
- heat exchanger material - steel, max. temperature - 95 degrees;
- fuel - coal, firewood, coke;
- Max. water pressure - 2 bar;
- equipped with a thermometer;
- chimney diameter - 15 cm;
- dimensions - 41x90x58 cm;
- weight - 78 kg;
- warranty - 3 years.
Advantages:
- steel thickness is 4 mm, which affects the durability of the structure;
- convenient download method;
- efficient and fast heating of large rooms, the area of which exceeds 200 square meters. m;
- environmental friendliness of fuel;
- ease of installation and operation;
- affordable price - from 18,900 rubles.
Flaws:
- not detected.
ZOTA Topol M 20 20 kW
Non-volatile single-circuit boiler with front loading of fuel . It is equipped with combustion doors that open horizontally and vertically and are closed with a lock.
The heat exchanger is combined with a removable damper, which makes the flue two-way.
Therefore, there is a significant increase in the heating area with prolonged heat transfer.
Characteristics:
- power - 20 kW;
- combustion chamber type - open, control - mechanical, installation - floor;
- Efficiency - 75%;
- type of heating elements - optional, their max. temperature - 95 degrees;
- fuel - firewood, coal;
- Max. water pressure - 3 bar;
- presence of a thermometer;
- chimney diameter - 15 cm;
- dimensions - 44x84.5x97.5 cm;
- weight - 140 kg;
- warranty - 1 year.
Advantages:
- good value for money - the buyer receives a powerful unit for more than 30 thousand rubles;
- easy to use, easy to download;
- the ability to install a gas burner in place of the screw door;
- quick cleaning of the chamber and chimney due to its simple design.
Flaws:
- the need to call a technician if you decide to add other functions to the unit;
- fast fuel consumption: anthracite - 1.3 kg/h, coal - 2.5 kg/h, firewood - 3.3 kg/h.
Carbon 20 20 kW
Single-circuit model with top loading . Capable of heating rooms up to 200 square meters. m. Does not require connection to the electrical network.
Has a spacious fuel tank, autonomous loading system.
If you use the device correctly, you will be pleased with its functionality and durability.
Characteristics:
- power - 7-20 kW;
- combustion chamber type - open, control - mechanical, installation - floor;
- Efficiency - 80%;
- heat exchanger material - steel, type - optional, temperature - 65-95 degrees;
- fuel - coal, consumption - 5.6 kg/h;
- Max. water pressure - 3 bar;
- presence of a thermometer and pressure gauge;
- chimney diameter - 15 cm;
- dimensions - 46.5x97x105 cm;
- weight - 176 kg.
Advantages:
- long and stable combustion;
- easy cleaning of the boiler;
- a single load of coal is 24 kg, and it lasts for 4-6 hours;
- each structural part is made of durable steel, which determines its service life;
- environmental friendliness and safety.
Flaws:
- requires a certain type of fuel - fine coal;
- the internal part of the structure is affected by corrosion over time due to the formation of sulfuric acid condensate;
- high cost - from 40,000 rubles.
Protherm Beaver 20 DLO 19 kW
A single-circuit boiler is characterized by high productivity, the ability to heat a larger area, the presence of a two-pass cast iron heat exchanger, and low demands on electricity.
The presence of 4 sections allows you to change the performance and complete the device to the optimal option.
Characteristics:
- power - 19 kW;
- combustion chamber type - open, control - mechanical, installation - floor;
- Efficiency - 90.2%;
- fuel - coal, firewood;
- heat exchanger temperature - 30-85 degrees;
- Max. water pressure - 4 bar;
- equipped with a thermometer and pressure gauge;
- chimney diameter - 15 cm;
- dimensions - 44x93.5x64 cm;
- weight - 230 kg;
- warranty - 2 years.
Advantages:
- simple durable design made of cast iron;
- the presence of a spacious combustion chamber;
- after prolonged use, the unit retains its appearance and performance;
- fast heating of rooms, maintaining the set temperature for a long time.
Flaws:
- the massiveness of the boiler, making it difficult to move and install;
- high cost - from 60,000 rubles.
Kentatsu ELEGANT-04 27 kW
The floor-standing single-circuit boiler is suitable for installation in rooms with any circulating heating system . Does not require connection to the electrical network, can act as an independent heat source or as an addition to another type of boiler.
All structural elements are made of cast iron, with the exception of control levers.
The model is worthy of attention and has good value for money.
Characteristics:
- power - 27 kW;
- combustion chamber type - open, control - mechanical, installation - floor;
- fuel - coal, firewood;
- coolant temperature - 90 degrees;
- Max. water pressure - 4 bar;
- presence of a thermometer;
- chimney diameter - 18 cm;
- dimensions - 45x94.7x70.9 cm;
- weight - 198 kg;
- warranty - 2 years.
Advantages:
- easy operation and cleaning of the chamber and chimney;
- ease of temperature adjustment;
- fast heating, efficient heat transfer;
- supplied assembled;
- affordable price - from 38,000 rubles.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Buderus Logano S111-2-16 16 kW
Single-circuit boiler with top-loading fuel that does not require electricity to operate . The structure is made of impact-resistant steel, effectively maintaining heat in all rooms.
The power of the unit is sufficient for heating private and country houses, apartments, offices, and service premises.
Characteristics:
- power - 16 kW;
- combustion chamber type - open, control - mechanical, installation - floor;
- Efficiency - 76%;
- fuel - coal (recommended by the manufacturer), coal and wood briquettes, firewood, coke;
- fuel consumption - 6.4 kg/h;
- coolant temperature - 65-95 degrees;
- water pressure - 3 bar;
- equipped with a thermometer and pressure gauge;
- chimney diameter - 14.5 cm;
- dimensions - 60x87.5x73 cm;
- weight - 160 kg;
- cost - from 54,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- duration of the combustion process;
- easy access to the fuel supply chamber;
- durable design that is not subject to any damage;
- easy installation, delivered assembled.
Flaws:
- not detected.
EVAN WARMOS TK-12 12 kW
A single-circuit steel boiler is designed for heating small spaces . A distinctive feature is the cylindrical shape of the body, which ensures the greatest strength of the unit.
The firebox is equipped with a wide door, making it easy to load fuel and then clean it.
Characteristics:
- power - 5-12 kW;
- combustion chamber type - open (capacity 50 l), controls - mechanical, installation - floor;
- heated area - 80 sq. m;
- Efficiency - 70%;
- fuel - coal, firewood, peat, max. firewood length - 55 cm;
- coolant temperature - 95 degrees;
- water pressure - 2.5 bar;
- equipped with a thermometer;
- chimney diameter - 11.4 cm;
- dimensions - 44x62x93 cm;
- weight - 59 kg;
- warranty - 1 year.
Advantages:
- high level of strength and durability;
- rapid heating of the room, with long-term maintenance of the set temperature;
- good value for money - the buyer purchases high-performance equipment at a very reasonable price (from 15,600 rubles);
- ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Teplodar Cooper Praktik 20
The single-circuit steel model is designed for heating rooms with an area of up to 200 square meters. m . The steel heat exchanger is designed for a long service life and maximum heat transfer.
The main difference is the simple design with an attractive design.
Characteristics:
- power - 20 kW;
- combustion chamber type - open, control - mechanical, installation - floor;
- type of heating element - preinstalled, power - 6 kW, temperature - 50-95 degrees;
- fuel - coal, firewood, peat briquettes;
- water pressure - 1 bar;
- equipped with a thermometer;
- chimney diameter - 15 cm;
- dimensions - 49x69x69 cm;
- weight - 82 kg;
- warranty - 3 years.
Advantages:
- low price - from 18,000 rubles;
- spacious firebox;
- fast heating;
- the ability to install a draft regulator;
- it is permissible to insulate the side walls;
- high build quality, durability and strength.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Teplodar Kupper Praktik 14 14 kW
The single-circuit boiler has become famous for its durability and low electrical requirements . The model differs from the previous one in terms of power and maximum heating area - up to 140 sq. m.
The attractive appearance allows you to install the structure anywhere in the room.
Characteristics:
- power - 14 kW;
- chamber type - open, control - mechanical, installation - floor;
- type of heating element - preinstalled,
- material - steel,
- power - 6 kW,
- temperature - 50-95 degrees;
- fuel - coal, firewood, peat briquettes;
- water pressure - 1 bar;
- presence of a thermometer;
- chimney diameter - 11.5 cm;
- dimensions - 42x65.5x63 cm;
- weight - 68 kg.
Advantages:
- affordable price - from 15,000 rubles;
- excellent for heating private and country houses;
- simple use, easy installation;
- quick cleaning of the chamber and chimney;
- maintaining cleanliness in the room.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Coal and peat heating of the dacha
Most often, these energy sources are used in combination boilers, which are capable of operating not on one, but on several types of fuel (more details: “Which combination boiler is better for heating a private house - types, differences, advantages”).
But there may be some division: there are models in which the firebox for two heat sources is common (for example, for coal and wood, for gas and diesel fuel), and there are models in which the combustion chambers are arranged separately. Of course, the first option will be more economical.
When installing heating in a dacha, it is important to remember that the comfort of living in the house will depend on the quality of its implementation.
Therefore, in order not to spoil your holiday with low temperatures in the house, it is recommended to study in advance various photos of heating boiler options and determine which one is suitable for a particular structure. Video tips for choosing heating boilers for your dacha:
