What determines the life of a gas boiler in a private house: what affects + life extension tips

Buying a gas boiler is not cheap. When making such a purchase, you do not want this equipment to be out of order in just a couple of seasons, right? And such a nuisance can really be avoided if one has knowledge of the factors affecting the life of a gas boiler in a private house. As well as information about the possibility of preventing premature breakdowns.

It is precisely these issues that our article is devoted to, in which we examined in detail the factors that directly affect the life time of gas equipment. The material we have supplemented with visual photographs and useful thematic videos.

What determines the service life?

The life of any gas boiler is traditionally influenced by a number of factors. Which is desirable to consider even before the purchase of equipment.

Consider in more detail the main points that affect durability:

1. Type of gas boiler.
2. Type of gas burner.
3. Efficiency and functionality of electronics.
4. Price category.
5. Terms of Use.
6. Incorrect commissioning.
7. Poor installation of heating systems.
8. Wrong choice of boilers.

In addition, each item contains a lot of significant nuances that should be dealt with in detail.

Gas boilers are always affected by a large number of negative factors that can significantly reduce their service life. And will it become a reality or not depends only on the owner of the equipment

Factor # 1 - heat exchanger material

Modern gas boilers come in wall mounted or outdoor. The first ones are compact, lightweight, so they are convenient to use with limited space. The second category of equipment is massive and overall.

The features listed above are not just the characteristics of boilers, but factors directly affecting the service life.

The reason is that developers achieve lightness, compactness of mounted boilers by reducing the weight, dimensions of such an important structural element as heat exchangers. As a result, the walls of the hinged models' enclosures are thinner and more prone to overheating, have less resistance to corrosion, and are not efficient enough to cope with stresses when the coolant pressure drops.

In order for the gas equipment to serve for a long time, the necessary installation and maintenance work must be carried out by specialists. This will reduce the likelihood of errors, and therefore extend the life of the boiler

In addition, different materials are used for the manufacture of heat exchangers of both types of equipment. For example, for mounted boilers, it is most often used copper - as the lightest metal of all, suitable for these purposes.

And this is the only advantage, because the performance of this material is close to mediocre. As evidenced by his tendency to oxidation and not the best protective qualities against pressure drops and their consequences.

Quite often, floor boilers (less often mounted) are equipped with heat exchangers from of stainless steel. But even with the same manufacturing material, the reliability of the structure is not always the same - the walls of the heat exchangers of ground products are usually much thicker, which extends the service life.

The most reliable metal used for the manufacture of heat exchangers is cast iron. It is resistant to corrosion, and if it is protected from significant pressure drops in the heating system and water hammerarising from this, the indicated metal will provide the longest service life for heating boilers.

When using the boiler, a significant amount of combustion products must always be deposited on the surface of its heat exchanger, which must be removed. Otherwise, they can lead to overheating and breakdowns. A replacement of the specified unit will not always be rational. For example, the cost of a bithermic heat exchanger can be an impressive 50% of the price of the entire gas boiler

These features lead to the fact that the difference in service life can be impressive.

Factor # 2 - type of gas burner

Thermal energy in boilers is generated by the combustion of fuel. To ensure this procedure, gas burner devices are used.

Namely, the following varieties of it:

• atmospheric burner;
• forced-charge burner.

Boilers equipped with equipment of the first type have a lesser resource - atmospheric burner. The reason is inadequate combustion of the air-gas mixture. As a result, a large amount of soot remains, which is deposited on the surface of the heat exchanger, ducts and other structural elements.

And if the boiler is not serviced in a timely manner, then after a while the layer of combustion products becomes sufficient to reduce the energy transfer to the coolant. And the boiler, in order to fulfill the given modes, has to work more. Which leads to accelerated wear and subsequent breakdown.

The photo shows the heat exchanger of the boiler, the owners of which did not take any measures to extend the service life. As a result, the canals were almost completely clogged with dirt. And since heat transfer decreased because of this, the boiler had to work more, which led to overheating of the heat exchanger surfaces

Boilers equipped with supercharged burners. Because much more air is supplied here for the combustion of fuel.

This leads to its complete combustion, that is, a minimal amount of soot is formed.This means that the surfaces of the structural elements remain clean and the boiler does not need to solve the problem of heating the premises at the cost of wear of its own parts.

Factor # 3 - Electronics Functionality

Today, the service life of modern gas boilers used in heating systems depends on their automatics.

Because electronics performs the following functions:

• selects optimal operating modes, which reduces operating hours, loads;
• performs self-diagnosis;
• prevents emergency situations, which often become the cause of breakdowns (for example, overheating);
• protects circulation pumps from blocking.

Automation of a gas boiler allows you to perform several other important tasks. Which, in the end, extend the duration of operation, preventing breakdowns.

The more perfect electronics, the more functions it performs. And the probability of errors and failures leading to negative consequences is lower.

Factor # 4 - boiler price and brand

In the field of gas heating equipment, the well-known rule applies - cheap can't be good. Therefore, with a greater degree of probability, long-term operation without breakdowns will withstand products of famous European and Japanese brands.

Chimneys must be checked annually before the start of the heating season. But many owners, as well as inspectors, approach this requirement formally. The result of inaction can be seen in the photo, which shows the chimney pipe is almost completely clogged.

The reason is that the products of these manufacturers are designed to meet the stringent requirements of domestic markets. And in the manufacture of high-quality materials. In addition, companies with a good reputation have established quality control, which reduces the number of non-conforming boilers outside the factory.

Factor # 5 - equipment operating conditions

A significant influence on the service life is exerted by the quality of the coolant. So, if the water is hard, with high acidity and contains various impurities, foreign particles, then there is no doubt that after a few years the heat exchanger channels will be clogged or corroded by corrosion. Which will lead to the early exit of the heating boiler from the system.

An equally important point for ensuring durability is the quantity and quality of air that is used to burn gas. The reasons for this we examined in detail above, in the paragraph "Type of gas burner".

The main way to extend the service life is regular maintenance of the boilers. Such a procedure requires special skills and tools, so not everyone will be able to perform the necessary work on their own. Desirable conclude a maintenance contract with a gas company.

Despite the extra costs (payment for the services of the master servicing the boiler), you should not save on maintenance, since it is the service that can not only extend the service life, but also guarantee the safety of those living in the house

The following points can also lead to early wear:

• high humidity in the room where the heating boiler is installed;
• high / low temperatures, their differences.

Moreover, all of the above factors actively influence durability, both during operation in the cold season and after the end of the heating season.

Factor # 6 - system installation errors

Poor installation of boilers leads to the fact that they do not work in optimal conditions. Often air enters the channels of the heat exchanger, and dust collects on the surfaces of the burners. Which leads to increased wear.

A common cause of boiler failures is the improper installation of radiators and other products with which the heating equipment works.

For example:

• The heaters mounted at the wrong angle lead to heavy loads on the boilers. In addition, air appears in their channels, the presence of which leads to corrosion.
• Installed in the wrong place air vent will not work correctly. Which leads to the airing of the system, and, consequently, to a decrease in its resource.

As a result, no matter how expensive and troublesome, the shortcomings made when installing radiators and pipelines should be eliminated.

Factor # 7 - the wrong boiler choice

Lack of performance leads to increased loads on the heat exchanger, burner, pumps, which, in turn, leads to their subsequent wear.

The durability of gas boilers largely depends on their structural reliability. The stock of which can only be provided by well-known manufacturers with a good reputation

No less problem is excess power. Because of which the boilers often turn on / off. And unsteady modes of operation is a direct path to early wear.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with selection criteria the best gas boiler.

Life Extension Recommendations

In order for the standard operating life of domestic gas boilers established by the manufacturer to not be significantly reduced, due to the problems listed in the article, a number of operations must be performed.

Firstly, even before purchasing the unit should determine its optimal power. The stock of which should be 10-15%. That is, if a heating capacity of 13 kW is enough for heating, it is more advisable to buy a boiler with the specified parameter in the region of 15 kW.

Secondly, before connecting the unit, it is desirable perform an electrical check and heating systems. And, if deficiencies in the form of pressure drops, voltage are detected, then they should be eliminated. In addition, it is necessary to flush radiators, pipelines. And also take care of availability grounding.

Replacing an old product with a new one may not solve all the problems with heating. Therefore, before installation, you need to take care of a quality check of smoke removal systems, heating, electricity, and the identified shortcomings

Thirdly, it is mandatory to fulfill coolant check. And, if the water is hard, it contains impurities, then care must be taken to install filters in the system with a sufficient degree of purification, which can be coarse, fine. Often you have to use both types of equipment. Magnetic filters effectively cope with metal particles.

Fourth, do not save on boiler installationIt must be performed by qualified specialists. From the moment of the test run of the unit, use it for protection Voltage regulator.

And it is also desirable to apply:

• uninterruptable power source - in the event of a blackout, this device will make it possible to eliminate a malfunction in the system;
• dielectric inserts - they will exclude the interaction of electric current with gas and the consequences of this.

Fifth, boilers are desirable use regularly. That is, do not turn them off when leaving for work and even a long absence.

The life of the boiler will be extended and its use in the off-season. Why you need to choose the most economical mode.

Sixth, do not neglect boiler maintenance - This is the most important measure to extend their resource. According to the guidelines, it must be carried out before the start of each heating season. But it is better if the owners carry out the necessary procedures 2, or even 3 times a year.

And not formally, but with cleaning the channels of boilers, pipelines, radiators, surfaces of heat exchangers, burners. As well as replacing filters, checking the performance of mechanics, electronics units.

Seventh, should promptly respond to any warning signals electronics during operation.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The first video will help you understand how the owner of the boiler can affect the duration of its life:

The following video will provide an opportunity to learn more about what contributes to the durability of the heating unit:

A lot of things affect the life expectancy of boilers, including proper operation and regular maintenance.

Fighting all the factors is not always easy, but often expensive. But you should remember the result - with proper use and care gas equipment will serve for a long time and safely.

And what methods do you use to extend the life of your gas boiler? Share personal operating secrets and useful observations with other users - leave your comments in the block under the article.

If you have questions about extending the life of gas equipment, ask them in the feedback form - our experts and other visitors to the site will try to help you.