The question of how to fully heat your own house, consisting of several rooms and having a sufficiently large area, confronts every homeowner if central heating or a gas main is not connected to the building. Of course, you can build or install several stoves that will cope with the cold even in the most severe frosts. But will such a solution become economically viable, and will it be comfortable to keep two or three heating facilities in operation, constantly running from one to another?

One way out of this situation can be a fireplace stove with a water heating circuit. By installing this version of the heating structure, you will not have to bring a large amount of firewood into the house and distribute it to all rooms, since all rooms will be heated from one point. The coolant heated in the water circuit will spread the heat and maintain the required temperature over the entire area of ​​​​the building.

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How to choose the right fireplace stove with a water circuit?

Furnaces with a water circuit can be made of cast iron or steel, and also built of brick. Which of the options to install is chosen by the homeowner. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account some features of their design and technical characteristics. So, an important role is played by:

- The total area of ​​​​heated premises of the house.

- The power of the furnace, which will be enough for efficient heating.

- The size of the space that can be allocated for the installation of such a heating device or structure.

— Location of all contour elements.

- Type and quality of foundation. From this factor, as well as from the massiveness of the furnace, it will depend on whether it is necessary to arrange an additional foundation.

- Functions that such an oven should be equipped with.

— Design registration.

Understanding in detail in each of the questions that have arisen, you need to consider them in more detail:

• You don’t have to calculate the size of the heated area - just take the technical passport of the building and see how many square meters the living area of ​​​​the house occupies.
• The power of the furnace is selected depending on the area. In this case, you can rely on this table, or you can calculate it yourself.

• The heat capacity of the furnace itself with a water circuit directly depends on the dimensions of the combustion chamber. The more fuel fits into the furnace, the higher the power will be, and, accordingly, the heat transfer.

Manufacturers of metal stoves-fireplaces in the passport of the combustion chamber indicate three values: maximum, nominal and minimum. Of these values, the rated power is the most acceptable and is determined by the manufacturer himself by experiment.

• To calculate the optimal indicator for heating a specific area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe house, you can take a calculation method that implies that 1 kW of thermal energy must be spent on heating 10 m², with a ceiling height of no more than 3000 mm. Knowing the size of the heated area, it will be easy to calculate how much power the heating device should be designed for.

If the owners love accuracy, have the time and desire to make more thorough calculations, then you can offer them a more advanced technique that takes into account the features of the building - from the region of residence to the number and type of windows in the rooms. The calculation is carried out for each of the heated premises (it is convenient to summarize all this in a table), and the total value will show the total need for heat power.

By the way, the value of the required heat output for each room will also help to correctly select and install the required number of heating radiators.

The calculation itself will not be difficult if you use the proposed calculator below.

A classic fireplace warms the room perfectly, but cannot heat the whole house for a long time, because its heat capacity is low.

Fireplace stove with water circuit - diagram

Only a modified fireplace stove with a water circuit, with connected radiators in all rooms of the house, can cope with this task.

The area that such a circuit can heat depends on the heat output of the fireplace, the number of installed radiators and the total volume of water in the system. How to choose and install a fireplace stove with a water circuit, we will describe in this article, read carefully and follow absolutely all the requirements!

According to its design, a fireplace stove with a water circuit differs little from a traditional fireplace, the only difference is that a heat exchanger with a coil is installed in the upper part of the furnace or in the walls of the furnace, through which the coolant circulates, most often ordinary water. The coil is connected to a closed heating circuit, consisting of radiators and connecting pipes, an expansion tank; if the system is long, a circulation pump is also installed.

The firebox of the fireplace stove can be either open or closed, protected by heat-resistant glass. In the lower part of the firebox there is a grate - a grate, through which the air necessary for burning firewood enters, and also combustion products - ash are discharged. There is an ash pan under the firebox, it also functions as a blower and is protected by a hinged door or is made in the form of a pull-out tray. At the top of the firebox is a smoke box that connects to the chimney. Depending on the model of the fireplace stove, pockets and openings for the convection outlet of heated air, flame cutters and other elements can also be provided.

There are also models in which the internal coolant circuit is not connected to the heating system, and the water circulating in the radiators is heated through a plate heat exchanger. Such furnaces are more convenient for double-circuit systems, which allow you to connect not only heating, but also hot water supply.

A fireplace stove with a water circuit can also be made of bricks. The walls of the furnace in such a furnace are double: the inner wall is made of metal, the outer wall is made of brick, and a coil is placed between them. However, it is not worth taking on the laying of such a furnace without having the appropriate experience - this work requires great accuracy and compliance with dimensions, and it is very difficult to remake the furnace during operation.

It is not advisable to install a fireplace stove with a water circuit as the only source of constant heating in cold climatic zones, since it is impossible to automate the combustion process, and it will not be possible to leave the house for a long time. However, as an additional or backup heating system, a fireplace stove will be very useful, especially during severe cold weather or bad weather.

Choosing a fireplace stove with a water circuit

The choice of a heating unit is a responsible matter, and before giving preference to one or another model, you need to understand the characteristics and capabilities of such furnaces. Let's try to consider the most important of them.

1. Power. Unlike a conventional stove or fireplace, the manufacturer indicates two power values ​​for heaters with a water circuit: the total heat output and the heat exchanger power. What do they mean? The total thermal power is the amount of heat that the stove is able to give off to the surrounding space through infrared radiation through the firebox glass and convection channels and from the heating system. Its integral part is the heat exchanger power, that is, the amount of heat that is supplied to the radiators. For example, the total declared thermal power of the fireplace stove with a water circuit is 11 kW, the heat exchanger power is 4 kW. Considering the power required for heating every 10 m 2 of the area, which is taken equal to 1 kW, such a fireplace stove with a water circuit can heat a house with an area of ​​100-110 m 2. At the same time, keep in mind that the declared power is designed for continuous operation of the stove, which is troublesome for wood-burning heaters, because firewood will have to be constantly added. If you plan to heat the fireplace stove only during the daytime, increase the required power value by 1.5-2 times.

1. Dimensions and weight of the furnace. This characteristic is important if you are experiencing a lack of space and a limitation in the allowable load on the floors. The dimensions of the model you choose must allow it to be installed within fire clearances - these are usually indicated in the instruction manual. The load on the floor can not be considered if the floors in your house are made of monolithic concrete or reinforced concrete slabs, they will allow you to install a metal stove anywhere. For wooden floors, the maximum allowable live load is 150 kg, and with a weight of 100 kg and a furnace base area of ​​\u200b\u200bless than 0.7 m 2 this value will be exceeded. There are two ways out - choose a fireplace stove with a water circuit, which has less weight or redistribute the load, for example, using a podium for the stove. It can be made from a sheet of drywall with a thickness of at least 12 mm, covered with a non-combustible coating, for example, porcelain stoneware.
2. Heat carrier volume. To connect the heat exchanger to the heating system, you will need to know the permissible limits of this value. The volume of the coolant is the sum of the volume of all pipes and radiators and depends on the length of the system and the number of battery sections. The volume of the radiator section can be found in the passport documentation, and the volume of pipes can be calculated from the table by measuring their diameter and total length. The resulting value must be increased by 10% - this is the volume of the expansion tank that is needed for home heating systems.
3. Smoke channel diameter. This parameter is important for the selection of suitable chimney elements. If the purchase of all components takes place in one place, experts will help you choose the right diameter, otherwise you will have to choose the appropriate size elements yourself.
4. Additional functions. These include the possibility of cooking and heating food on the top panel, easy glass cleaning systems, cold handles and other little things that will make the operation of the fireplace stove more convenient and enjoyable. Whether to pay extra money for all these features is up to you.

Installation of a fireplace stove with a water circuit and connection to the heating system

You bought a fireplace stove, radiators, pipes, an expansion tank and other elements of the heating system. It remains to install the furnace and connect it.

1. Level the floor where the fireplace stove is to be installed. It is highly desirable to line it with non-combustible materials - if accidental sparks and coals hit, the floor will not catch fire.
2. Install the fireplace stove and level it using the adjustable feet if necessary.
3. Install a water heating system. For a gravity system, the installation of a circulation pump is not necessary; with a forced circulation system, the pump is placed at the coldest point of the return pipe, that is, before the return pipe enters the heat exchanger. The expansion tank is installed at the highest point in the system. It is better to choose a closed-type tank with a membrane - the less contact of the coolant with air, the longer the radiators and pipes will last you.

   Scheme of installing a fireplace stove with a water circuit

4. Connect the heat exchanger to the heating system according to the selected scheme. Fireplace stoves with a water circuit can work both independently and connected to the heating system from the boiler as additional heating.
5. Fill the water heating system with water or other heat transfer medium. Check all joints for leaks, test the operation of the circulation pump.
6. Install the chimney and connect it to the flue of the stove. All joints must be coated with a heat-resistant sealant, and penetrations through the floors must be insulated with non-combustible materials.
7. Carry out a trial firing of the stove. When burning, an unpleasant odor may appear - this is a consequence of the sintering of heat-resistant paint, which is used to paint the elements of the body. There will be no further smell.
8. Check the heating of the coolant in the system and adjust the circulation rate, balance the system using the valves on the radiators.

After all these measures, the furnace can be operated normally. Do not forget to check the coolant level in the system. In case of a long absence, drain the water from the system; if it freezes accidentally, pipes and radiators may be damaged, which will lead to ruptures and leaks.

A fireplace stove with a water circuit is especially convenient for two-story country houses with a living room and several bedrooms: the living room is heated by the warmth of the fireplace, and radiators are installed in the bedrooms with the ability to control their heating. Such a system allows you to heat only the necessary rooms without installing a gas or electric boiler, and a live fire in the fireplace creates a romantic mood and provides you with a great holiday.

Can a fireplace stove with a water circuit explode - video answer

Space heating is probably the main characteristic that gives a sense of comfort to residents. Different heating systems are designed to heat the home in the most comfortable and harmless way, while maintaining the comfort and beauty of the interior. One of the popular options is a water fireplace.

Wood-fired water fireplaces have every chance of being used as the main or backup heating equipment. In the case where the fireplace is considered the main heater, a special heating system is being developed, which can, in addition to heating buildings with an area of ​​400 square meters, supply it with hot water for traditional needs or underfloor heating systems. A water fireplace can also act as an additional source of heat in an already installed heating system. In this case, if the fireplace melts, the automation will turn off the remaining heat sources, which is achieved by monitoring the temperature of the coolant in the system with special sensors. In the warm season, when the need for heating disappears, a water fireplace can be used exclusively for hot water. A water fireplace allows you to significantly increase the efficiency of using the heat generated by burning fuel. At the same time, the water fireplace remains a fireplace and allows you to enjoy the view of an open flame. A considerable advantage of such devices is that it does not require the burning of special fuel, but allows the use of traditional firewood.

There is a metal firebox in the fireplace device, in which fuel is burned. Flue gases are washed by heat exchange tubes, inside which water circulates. This water is heated by hot gases, which in turn are cooled. To ensure the normal circulation of the coolant in the heating system, the necessary pipeline elements are connected to the heat exchange tubes of the fireplace to supply hot water to the heating system. The appearance of the fireplace is complemented by a special portal, the external decoration of which is selected so that the fireplace becomes a worthy element of the interior of the room in which it will be installed. The power of the fireplace is adjusted by regulating the air flow through the fireplace blower.

Water fireplace and its advantages

1. A water fireplace is a more affordable device than traditional heating boilers;

2. Installation of a water fireplace will not require alteration of the existing heating system;

3. The types of fuel used in the fireplace are cheap and readily available;

4. The power of the fireplace is enough to heat a large area, but at the same time it will have an attractive appearance;

5. A cast-iron water fireplace can be installed in rooms where only the most basic fire safety rules will be observed;

6. Convective circulation of hot water in the heating system eliminates the consumption of electricity or other types of energy by the fireplace;

7. The water fireplace is an autonomous device with the simplest operation algorithm.

Do not forget about the auxiliary elements that can be equipped with a water fireplace, which will significantly expand its capabilities. So one of the main auxiliary elements in the delivery of the boiler is a grill, thanks to which the fireplace not only becomes an element of the heating system, but also an object on which you can cook delicious food. And for those who like to admire the flames, but at the same time are very worried about safety, the fireplace can be equipped with special transparent screens that allow you to admire the fire and at the same time greatly reduce the likelihood of fires.

Cons of fireplaces with a water circuit

But with all the advantages of water fireplaces, these devices are not without some drawbacks. In particular, their efficiency is not high enough to provide a decent level of space heating in the far north. However, the use of a water fireplace in conjunction with other heating methods can reduce fuel consumption by 40%. To increase the efficiency of the fireplace, the flue gas recovery system is designed, which can be equipped with fireplaces at the request of the customer. In this case, due to the heat of the flue gases, the combustion air is heated.

An additional disadvantage of a water fireplace is completely manual control. This aspect greatly limits the use of water fireplaces as the main sources of heat, but allows them to be widely used as backup sources of heating.

Traditionally, the choice of a fireplace should be carried out taking into account the required power, which will be supplied for heating. It is believed that for heating 10 square meters of a room, the height of which is 2.5 m, it is necessary to spend 1 kW of energy. Knowing this and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, it is easy to set the required power of the fireplace. Moreover, this value must coincide with the rated power of the heating device. In addition to the nominal power, the fireplace passport also indicates the maximum and minimum power that the fireplace is capable of delivering for a short time during a strong cold snap or thaw, but in order for the fireplace to have as much service life as possible, these operating modes must be avoided.

Where to buy a water fireplace?

The Fahrenheit 900 online store offers you an assortment of all water fireplaces currently existing in Russia. In other words, all water fireplaces with reviews in one place. The price of a fireplace with a water circuit on the pages of our store is minimal due to direct deliveries, our own warehouse and optimal logistics. We give a guarantee of a low price for a water fireplace and if you find a lower price, we will offer you an additional discount.

You might think that the fireplace and the autonomous heating system of the house belong to different eras. At the beginning of the twentieth century, low efficiency and high fuel consumption led to the almost complete disappearance of such an element of heating as a fireplace. But the attractiveness of a live flame and the chic appearance of an old fireplace did not allow people to forget about it, so manufacturers thought about improving the design and began to invent additional elements to increase its heat transfer. Such work on the combination of functional and decorative possibilities of fireplaces has led to the appearance of a fireplace with a water circuit.

Design features

In the modern world, many people would like to have an old fireplace in their home, not only as a designer's find that enlivens the interior, but also as an excellent additional means of heating. This is a fireplace with a built-in heat exchanger.

The original duty of the fireplace has always been to heat the room in which it was installed. Over time, open fireplaces evolved into closed-type stoves, which allowed them to be used in almost any room, although they required constant maintenance and cleaning. The next step in improving the autonomous heating system at home was the appearance of solid fuel boilers that supply hot water to the radiator system. In the modern world, designers are increasingly paying attention not only to decorative qualities, but also to the functionality of a certain element of the interior. A solid fuel boiler does not look as elegant as a fireplace. That is why fireplaces equipped with a water heat exchanger turned out to be very popular and in demand.

In fact, such a fireplace is a familiar solid fuel boiler, because it has a firebox for burning fuel. But it fits perfectly into the interior, especially when its lower part is made in the form of a classic fireplace. Thus, for an uninitiated person, the fact remains absolutely incomprehensible that a beautiful element of the luxurious design of a country house performs the function of heating it. The main feature of this device is that it can be a source of hot water and home heating, or supplement the heating of the cottage with an electric boiler or even solar panels.

The industrially manufactured fireplace includes double walls, the distance between which is about 4 cm. It is this space that is the water circuit. It is called a heat exchanger in which water is heated. The heat from the burning wood in the fireplace stove heats the water through a heat exchanger and is then transferred to the water or other heat transfer medium to heat the house. In this case, the fireplace works in exactly the same way as a boiler for heating with gas or electric heating.

After one portion of the water is heated and exits the heat exchanger, the cooled water from the lower pipe (“return”) rises to the heat exchanger for heating. In this case, the water circulates in portions as it heats up, this heating method is called natural circulation. The operation of the heating system in this case depends only on the timely supply of fuel. This method of water circulation is called open, since it requires an open water tank installed at the highest point of the system and responsible for the presence of water column pressure in it.

Another option for supplying water is to connect a pump to the heating system that provides continuous circulation of water. This method is called closed, since in this case water immediately enters the pipes and radiators of the heating system. This method of heating is less safe, since if the pump stops due to a power outage, the heat exchanger may overheat and cause an accident. To avoid trouble, in this case, the country house must be equipped with an electric generator (diesel or gasoline).

Also, for greater safety, when installing the heating system of a country house, it is necessary to include both principles of operation in the heating circuit, that is, take into account both the presence of the pump and its possible stop, and combine the closed heating system with the open one. As practice shows, it is the combination of closed and open systems that gives the best result.

Designers of modern fireplaces designed to work with heating systems have improved the conditions for burning fuel in order to increase the efficiency of the fireplace and facilitate its maintenance.

Usually, the fuel in the fireplace does not burn out completely, this is due to the fact that in the pipes of simple fireplaces there has always been direct air draft, which literally pulled up up to 80% of the fuel that did not have time to burn out. Hence the attitude to the fireplace, as a luxury item, available only to the rich.

In our time, a metal wood-burning “clean burning stove” has been developed, which looks like a fireplace with a door made of transparent heat-resistant glass. Thanks to the door, it became possible to implement the principle of re-burning, in which a special device for slowing down draft, the so-called “tooth”, is built into the fireplace structure, which, in combination with additional air supply, leads to the re-ignition of unburned fuel particles. Thus, the fuel burns out more completely, the heating of the water in the fireplace circuit increases and its productivity increases.

Thus, the effectiveness of fire increases by 20%. It also reduces fouling and oxidation of the chimney (soot), which increases its durability. Cleaning and cleaning the fireplace becomes easier, and the amount of smoke is also reduced several times. It is impossible to install such an afterburning system in a brick oven or in a fireplace without a door, since in such ovens there are no ways to control the movement of air flows.

Long burning mode. This option was invented by hunters who spend the night in the forest, and is currently used in fireplaces. In this case, the air flow is reduced, so that the firewood no longer burns, but smolders. One tab of firewood is enough for almost 8 hours. Thus, the temperature is maintained longer and the fireplace does not require a constant supply of firewood.

Not all stoves and chimneys are designed for a slow combustion cycle. These are furnaces - fireplaces, manufactured in an industrial way, equipped with pipes, and indicating in the characteristics, in addition to fire modes, additional functions: smoldering or slow mode, which increases the combustion cycle.

A brick fireplace that is built to run for 2 or 3 hours continuously cannot be converted to run for 8 hours.

Advantages and disadvantages

In a situation where it is impossible to provide gas or electric heating of a country house, it is possible to use a stove - a fireplace with a water heat exchanger.

The advantages of such a heating system are enough:

1. Work on a cheap and affordable type of fuel;
2. Possibility of combination with other types of heating systems;
3. The ability to provide the house with hot water for bathing and washing dishes (in the case of installing a double-circuit heat exchanger, both circuits in which are absolutely independent);
4. The presence in the interior of a beautiful, romantic fireplace, around which you can gather on a cold evening;
5. For some models - the presence of a hob for cooking (oven - fireplace with stove).

Some owners may be repelled by the presence of disadvantages inherent in any type of fireplaces, namely:

1. In winter, such a fireplace should work constantly, respectively, it should not be left unattended;
2. A fireplace with a water circuit requires fuel to be supplied in “manual mode” (an exception is an automatic fireplace operating on wood pellets);
3. An extinguished fireplace cools down quickly enough, causing the radiators to cool down and the temperature in the room to drop;
4. There are certain power limitations of the device that you need to be aware of when purchasing a fireplace.

How to DIY

If you intend to independently equip your country house with a stove - a fireplace with a water circuit, then carefully evaluate your capabilities and abilities.

There are quite a few ready-made devices of this type that can be bought assembled, installed in a convenient place, connected to a chimney and connected to a water heating system. Be sure to install such a design, it is necessary to prepare a special foundation: a foundation and a tiled near the fireplace area. The latter is especially necessary if the floor in the house is wooden, since small coals falling out of the fireplace insert can cause a fire.

The stove - the fireplace heats up when burning, so you should not place it near other interior items, or close to wooden walls. The advantage is that when heated, such a stove warms up the room in which it is installed.

Typically, such furnaces have a transparent door made of heat-resistant glass, through which you can admire the burning flames. If necessary, such a device can be relocated to a new location without losing its performance.

You can also build an open fireplace with a brick water circuit with your own hands, which will last you a lifetime.

First you need to decide on the size of the fireplace and its permanent location, because it will be impossible to transfer a brick fireplace with a heat exchanger to a new location. The size of the fireplace should be commensurate with the height of the ceilings and the surrounding interior. There should be enough space around the fireplace to accommodate all the guests of the house.

If you are an experienced builder, you do not need to limit yourself in choosing a design.

The main elements of an open fireplace with a water circuit:

1. A solid foundation, which is poured from a concrete solution, or laid out from a brick;
2. Firebox with water heating circuit;
3. A portal with a recess for the firebox (which is then covered with stone or tile lining);
4. Chimney;
5. Elements of the portal lining;
6. Heating connection system.

Most designs use brick, which is the most economical material for building both the foundation and the skeleton of the fireplace.

The firebox for the fireplace is selected with the calculation of its approximate performance and based on the size of the room. It is advisable to purchase a more powerful device, with a margin of approximately 25-30% of the required consumption.

The design of the firebox and its type are important. There are corner and built-in fireboxes - inserts, but they all require competent installation and subsequent cladding.

All fireplace inserts with a water circuit provide heating not only of the coolant, but also of the surrounding space. This fact must be taken into account during installation and a portal must be built for the fireplace stove in strict accordance with the drawings indicated in the documentation.

When creating a brick portal, the use of refractory ceramic bricks is mandatory. Another option is to use foam blocks, which are laid on fire-resistant glue and reinforced with reinforcement.

The arrangement of the chimney must comply with fire safety standards, for which it is necessary to invite a specialist and obtain the necessary permits from the fire supervision service.

To give the fireplace an attractive appearance and create a romantic atmosphere, the surface of the portal is lined with natural or artificial stone, tiles or tiles.

You need to connect a home-made fireplace with a built-in water circuit very competently, since the efficiency of its work will largely depend on this.

Important conditions due to which the water circuit will be protected from overheating:

1. The creation of a so-called "security group" when connecting, which is necessary so that in the event of an emergency increase in pressure in the system, it can be urgently lowered;
2. Installation of a "mixing unit" with a control valve to redirect part of the hot water to another circuit, for example, to the "warm floor" system;
3. Installing an expansion tank. In the case when a closed heating system is installed, a membrane tank is installed to prevent oxygen from entering the pipes. For open heating systems, an option is provided in the form of a tank built into the highest point of the system;
4. The use of metal pipes when connecting elements of the heating system. Since water heating can reach its boiling point, metal-plastic or PVC pipes may become unusable. Metal pipes are the best choice. Copper pipes are an excellent choice, as they are durable and do not form internal deposits (rust). However, in this case, it is mandatory to use brass adapters and copper radiators, since it is unacceptable to mix copper and aluminum products during the installation of one system, this can cause an accident.

In most cases, when choosing a fireplace with a heating circuit, buyers pay attention to price and design. At the same time, the real criteria for choosing such a fireplace should be:

1. Its strength, power and safety;
2. burning time;
3. Additional functions (for example, the function of slow combustion of fuel);
4. Design and opportunity to save on price.

Both stand-alone stoves - fireplaces, and fireboxes - inserts can be made either from steel or cast iron. Steel products are not sensitive to temperature extremes and are not as heavy as cast iron. It should be remembered that cast iron is a rather fragile material that requires careful handling during installation and cannot be reinstalled. Cast iron stoves - fireplaces are better than steel, retain heat and are more durable, respectively, higher in price.

A well-known brand can be a guarantee of the reliability of the device, since a manufacturer with a good reputation is necessarily interested in a high level of technical characteristics, as well as the safety of its products, and gives a longer warranty. In most cases, such firms also carry out post-warranty maintenance of their products.

The power calculation is indicated in the product data sheet. It is always necessary to purchase heaters with some power reserve.

Fireplaces equipped with a heat-resistant glass door are more economical and safer.

An additional advantage that can greatly simplify the maintenance of the stove - fireplace during the cold period is the presence of a long burning function, which must be indicated in the accompanying documentation.

Ready-made devices often have a built-in oven and hob, but such a device can no longer be placed in the living room precisely because of the pronounced “kitchen” design.

A firebox - an insert will cost less than a finished fireplace with a water heat exchanger, but it will require the cost of installing a portal for it and subsequent cladding.

A fireplace with a built-in insert will undoubtedly look much more spectacular, bring the comfort and magic of a real antique fireplace into the house. Such fireplaces look luxurious and do not betray the utilitarian features of their device.

It is necessary to be very thoughtful when installing a fireplace with a water heating circuit, as there are important details that you need to know and be sure to take into account, since this device is primarily a heating device and requires safety precautions.

SchmiD Ekko fireplaces are considered super-elite, the company provides an opportunity to order a fireplace insert according to individual sizes, all the wishes of the customer are taken into account, thus each owner is given room for imagination in creating an individual fireplace.

In user reviews, special emphasis is placed on the rotary function of the smoke collectors of this German company, which makes it possible to connect to the chimney at the most convenient angle.

All fireplace inserts are equipped with facing material from the German company Camina, as well as marble portals made by Arriaga.

EdilKamin offers a fireplace device compatible with the underfloor heating system, equipped with a hob and, in addition to everything, providing the opportunity to cook food on the grill. Reviews about this model are the most impressive.

There are also fireboxes on the market - liners from such Russian manufacturers as Termofor or META.

In terms of ease of installation and functionality, the firebox META Elba Aqua 800Sh suits even non-professionals and does not require too much time. The design of these stoves - fireplaces with a water circuit is quite attractive, they are equipped with wide doors made of heat-resistant glass. According to customer reviews, such a fireplace resembles a "big TV with fire and warmth."

Recently, another one has been added to the list of heating devices for a water heating system - a fireplace stove with a water heating circuit. And if earlier fireplaces were not considered as the main source of heating, then in the last ten years it has become a reality.

Possibilities of use

It is good when the suburban area is gasified. The choice of heating is unambiguous. In connection with the increase in energy prices, for many, the problem of finding alternative heating becomes relevant. The situation is not critical if you use stove fireplaces for heating. They are used in steam, water or air heating. The capacity of the device and the selected system will determine the degree of integration of the water heater.

As the main source of heating

Classic fireplaces and stoves are good for small houses and cottages. What should owners of townhouses and cottages expect? Solid fuel fireplaces with a water circuit will come to the rescue.

The water heating system is the most popular because of its functional simplicity, practicality and availability of materials. In addition, it can be completely autonomous with a device with natural circulation of the coolant. By connecting a fireplace with a heating circuit to the water system, uniform heating of a residential building is ensured.

The option of using a water fireplace as the main water heater in the heating system requires certain conditions:

1. Daily work - to maintain a fire, permanent residence in the house is necessary.
2. The ratio of power and area (volume) of premises. The larger the area, the more powerful the heating unit is required for operation. The condition is 1 kW per 25 cubic meters. m of premises.
3. Business needs. In addition to heating, you need to get hot water and cook food.
4. Type of fuel - for more efficient use, it is possible to use coal or pellets.
5. Choice of equipment (furnace), wiring, wiring diagrams. Since the water heating system has various arrangement options - open or closed; single-circuit, double-circuit or three-pipe, the equipment is selected according to the selected scheme.

The heating system is designed individually for each house based on its features.

Supporting Role

• saving energy resources;
• preservation of decorative function;
• increase the efficiency of the heating system;
• maintaining a microclimate - does not dry the air.

Merging options can be different: the main sources are gas or electric heat generators, solid fuel boilers. At the same time, the operation of the main unit can be interrupted automatically or manually when an additional one is connected. Although they can work at the same time, say, in severe frosts. A successful combination is the operation of the fireplace during the day, and at night - an electric or gas boiler.

The device of fireplaces with a water circuit

The different design of stoves and fireplaces also implies different designs of the built-in water circuit (heat exchanger).

Fireplace stoves

The optimal solid fuel apparatus for heating a house using water heating can be a fireplace stove. Let it be less efficient than a boiler, but more presentable and functional. In addition, it is quite possible to build it with your own hands.

We are talking about the construction of a brick fireplace stove, in which the heat exchanger is also prepared independently (or with the help of a welder). The shape and size of the water circuit may vary. The installation location is also different: directly in the firebox, behind it or on the side.

The design of the heat exchanger must meet the functional purpose of the unit and ensure rapid and uniform heating of the coolant. Tubular models cope with this best of all - a coil and a register. Of course, it is easier to make capacitive circuits from steel sheets.

If the heat exchanger is installed in the combustion chamber, then the thickness and grade of steel matters, since it will be exposed to open fire. For these purposes, it is better to use boiler steel with a thickness of 4 mm.

The water circuit can also be located in the furnace in different ways. If the fireplace stove is equipped with a hob, then the heat exchanger should not interfere with cooking.

Fireplaces

A fireplace with a heating system will work ` fireplace inserts in which a water circuit is installed. As in fireplace stoves, it can be tubular, capacitive or combined, but with some features.

• A specially bent spiral of copper tube is placed around the smoke box. The selected form allows you to quickly heat the coolant and maintain its parameters in the system. Circulation can occur by gravity or forced.

• Another type of pipe circuit is a "snake", a curved pipe in several places, like a heated towel rail. It is located behind the wall of the smoke box.
• The combined version consists of two containers located on the sides of the smoke collector and connected by pipes. Since there is direct contact with flue gases, boiler steel is used. Very effective option, but not wear-resistant.

• The simplest type is capacitive, also called a “water jacket”, since the coolant is filled between the double walls of the housing. It heats up from the casing of the firebox, therefore it is the most inert.

Basically, fireplace inserts with a water circuit are made closed, but there are also open ones. In addition, fireplace inserts differ in appearance, power and connection scheme.

Pellet fireplaces

A solid fuel fireplace on pellets stands apart in this category; it also began to be produced with a water circuit. Almost all of these units are of the same type: a closed furnace with a burner, a capacitive heat exchanger located behind the furnace, a pellet hopper, and a control unit.

The fuel supply is carried out automatically by means of a screw drive, the air is moved by one or two fans. An ash pan is also provided. Connection to the heating main, as in all fireplaces. Manufacturers pay attention to the use of stainless pipes as a chimney, including stainless steel chimneys, which are made by hand.

A big plus of pellet fireplaces is the automation of the work process. 15-20 kg of pellets can be loaded into the bunker and this is enough for one and a half to two days of burning in a moderate mode. When operating at maximum power, the consumption will double.

Two fat minuses spoil the reputation of these devices. Firstly, for functioning, electricity cannot be dispensed with, as is the case with conventional electric fireplaces. Secondly, it is necessary to regularly clean the burner, and if low-quality pellets are poured in (a fairly common occurrence), then it may stop working altogether.

DIY fireplace

The fireplaces discussed above are factory-made models. Is it possible to make a fireplace with water heating with your own hands? A lot of people have already done it - due respect to them.

A description of how to build a brick fireplace yourself can be found in the article “Do-it-yourself fireplace: notes at the portal”. You can order a heat exchanger from a welder. Most likely, it will be a register of several rows of tubes spaced apart. The heat exchanger must be checked for the quality of the welds. To do this, water is poured, preferably under pressure.

It should be noted that such a fireplace is unprofitable for heating, but it will cope with the task of hot water supply.

Water heating

Fireplaces effectively work in systems of water and air heating. Fireplaces with steam heating are theoretically possible, but practically it is difficult to implement. Since it requires heating water + 95 degrees for a short period of time in a volume of at least 100 liters.

outdoor view

As already noted, fireplaces with water heating function quite successfully. Design features benefited them: they did not lose aesthetically, they added efficiency and increased usefulness.

Since the water heating system is operated in two forms - open and closed; from a safety point of view, the former is preferable for fireplaces. An open system assumes gravity circulation of the coolant and the presence of an open expansion tank. In the event of a critical expansion of the volume of water (antifreeze), it will drain into the sewer (sump).

For normal operation, the installation of a fireplace heating system must be carried out in compliance with certain requirements:

1. connecting an open-type expansion tank above the fireplace;
2. the correct slope of the wiring pipes - supply towards the radiators, return towards the fireplace;
3. the fireplace heat exchanger must be located below the center of the radiators.

Although it is possible to organize forced circulation in an open system, but then it will become volatile.

closed view

Such conventions are deprived of water systems for fireplace heating of a closed type. In them, the circulation of the coolant is carried out forcibly with the help of a pump, and the expansion is compensated by a membrane-type tank. On the other hand, a closed system needs additional security measures - the installation of thermal protection and a safety (blast) valve.

An important point is the possibility of combining open and closed systems, when the fireplace acts as an additional source of heating. Then a plate heat exchanger is used for connection, in which heat transfer occurs between the fireplace circuit and the heating circuit.