Which boiler is better: floor-mounted or wall-mounted?
Which boiler is better: floor-mounted or wall-mounted? This issue is a major concern for most buyers as there are many variations available in the market. They differ not only in cost, but also in the volume of heated area, durability, comfort of use, etc. Gas boilers are an ideal option for heating a home, due to their operational characteristics and ease of control. How to choose the best solution for yourself?
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The main difference between wall-mounted and floor-standing boilers
The models differ in their configuration and internal structure. For example, mounted boilers are immediately ready for installation and operation, since they are equipped with automation, an expansion tank and circulation equipment. Some of them are completely energy independent, as they can generate electricity. In addition, manufacturers have to take into account some factors that are not significant for floor-standing equipment:
- Wall load. The weight of products should be as small as possible, which is achieved by using lighter types of metal.
- Compact sizes.The main task is to fit all the equipment into a small case without compromising functionality.
Steady improvement of models has led to the emergence of boilers with turbocharging and using the condensing principle. Testing of two types of equipment under the same conditions showed that the wall-mounted one consumes almost 15% less gas.
Which boiler is better and more economical?
Fuel consumption is a minor indicator that influences the choice of a particular model. It is necessary to study and compare the characteristics of all types of boilers, reviews of people who use them, and operating features. There are many differences between wall-mounted and floor-mounted devices and they lie in the features of the devices and their configuration.
Advantages and disadvantages of floor-standing boilers
The main feature of floor-standing models is their high power, which is why they also have considerable dimensions and occupy a significant area. This imposes a limitation on houses and apartments with a small area, in which every piece of free space is valued. Advantages of floor-standing boilers:
- equipped with a steel or cast iron heat exchanger;
- resistant to corrosion;
- regardless of electricity;
- increased power due to a special burner.
It is also worth noting durability - the service life of floor-standing devices reaches 50 years. If the area of your home allows, then this solution is the best choice. As for the disadvantages, they include:
- Weight and dimensions. For their installation, it is desirable to have a separate room, which must comply with the requirements of SNiP.
- Impossibility of placement with coaxial chimneys.
- Installation is quite complicated - it will take several hours and test runs.
- High price.
Of course, the disadvantages are significant, as are the advantages. Along with this, floor-standing gas boilers reliably heat a house of any size, if chosen and installed correctly, since they have no power limitations.
Advantages and disadvantages of wall-mounted boilers
Wall-mounted boilers appeared a little later than floor-standing ones, but this in no way affected their high popularity. The mounted boiler, or rather its design, contains all the required components and is directly connected to the radiator, which eliminates the need for additional units. Advantages of wall-mounted devices:
- Compact sizes. Their installation does not require a separate room.
- Convenient remote control, which is equipped with almost all models.
- High speed and ease of installation. The whole process takes no more than 2 hours.
- Affordable price.
Despite such obvious positive qualities, there are also disadvantages:
- modest power, which makes the products suitable for use in homes whose area does not exceed 100 m²;
- need for forced circulation;
- higher susceptibility to breakdowns;
- the average service life is about 20 years.
Having given preference to wall-mounted devices, you should carefully study the automation of a particular model, since it is sensitive and is the most vulnerable point.
Recommendations for selection
It is impossible to confidently call a wall-mounted or floor-standing gas boiler the best, since the choice is made based on the specific needs of each buyer. The area of the house is fundamental, because if it is small, then there will simply be nowhere to install the floor structure.On the contrary, the power of wall-mounted models will not be enough to effectively heat a home with a large area.
The best solution is to seek help from a specialist who will help you study the advantages and disadvantages of a particular model, the materials and components used in it. Remember - a gas boiler is bought for a long time, so haste, as well as savings, are inappropriate.