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Brick fireplaces with solid fuel boiler. We make a fireplace with a water heating circuit with our own hands

The question of how to fully heat your own house, consisting of several rooms and having a sufficiently large area, confronts every homeowner if there is no supply to the building. central heating or gas line. 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:

— total area heated rooms at home.

- 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 much square meters occupies the living area of ​​the house.
  • 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, expansion tank, with a large length of the system, 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 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.

Install a fireplace stove with a water circuit as the only source of constant heating in cold climatic zones it is impractical, since it is impossible to automate the heating 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

Choice heating unit- 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, on heaters with a water circuit, the manufacturer indicates two power values: total thermal power and power of the heat exchanger. 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, please note 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 limited permissible 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 may not be considered if the floors in your house are made of cast concrete or reinforced concrete slabs, they will allow you to install a metal fireplace stove anywhere. For wooden floors the maximum permissible live load is 150 kg, and with a weight of 100 kg and a furnace footprint of less 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 veneer it non-combustible materials- if accidental sparks and coals hit, the floor will not light up.
  2. Install the fireplace stove and level it using the adjustable feet if necessary.
  3. Install a water heating system. For gravity system installation circulation pump not needed, 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 a fireplace, and radiators are installed in the bedrooms with the ability to regulate 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

It is represented by an improved solid fuel boiler, which looks like a regular fireplace. Every year, the popularity of thermofireplaces is growing, they can often be found in apartments and houses. The fireplace stove is safe, convenient and stylish novelty domestic market.

Differences between a fireplace with a water circuit and a conventional one

After the fireplace with an open firebox is kindled, it instantly gives off heat to the room, however, its heat transfer is low due to the openness of the furnace space. Therefore, such stoves are not installed as the main means of heating, but as an aesthetic decoration of the interior. Fireplaces with a closed firebox are more efficient - their efficiency reaches 85 percent. Closing of the furnace space is carried out by shutters, which are made of refractory glass or glass-ceramic.

The furnace of the water device is classified as a closed type, but it is equipped with double metal walls, and inside there are coil heat exchangers that are connected to the heating system of the house. This makes it possible for the oven to be not only additional, but also independent device for heating the whole house, at the same time, also as a water heater in the house.

Deciduous and coniferous trees act as fuel, but sawdust briquettes are considered the most efficient type of fuel, which leave little ash behind.

Fireplace device with water circuit

Installed in the furnace pipe coil, which refers to the general water heating system of the building. The water heated in the heat exchanger enters the heating system, and then to the radiators. The water circuit fireplace stove can operate independently or it can complement another heating device.

What is a water circuit?

For the manufacture of the body of the thermofireplace, 4-5 mm boiler steel or cast iron is used, the thickness of which is not more than 8 mm. FROM outside the body is covered with fire-resistant paint. In the space between the walls, otherwise it is also called a water jacket, holds up to 40 liters of water. The lining of the inside of the firebox is made of heat-resistant tiles. To maintain combustion, air channels located between the walls of the furnace are used. The air that is heated in the channels goes into the room, and the heated water in the coils is removed to the heating system of the house and, if necessary, to the water supply system.

Water circuit connection

During installation, the heat exchanger is connected to heating batteries installed in series. The far radiator of the system is connected to the heat exchanger line, after which the closest battery to the furnace connected to the hydraulic accumulator.

Parallel to the main line, a hydraulic tank crashes into the system, which should be separated by a crane. The circulation pump is installed in front of the battery. If the heating system is short, then the pump can not be installed. The system should be installed taking into account the fact that the room in which the structure itself will be located is heated with a fireplace.

The following two factors influence the volume of the coolant:

  • Heating area, which is determined by the number of batteries and the length of heating networks;
  • system contour. Single-circuit - only for space heating, double-circuit - for heating and water heating.

Brick fireplaces with a water circuit

Such structures are made of refractory bricks or stone, the shirt is made of metal sheets through which the water coil passes. For the production of brick water ovens are required big financial expenses, and also it is technically difficult, so it is not easy to meet such a furnace.

Metal water fireplaces

This is a worthy alternative to brick fireplaces. Produced from metal in specialized conditions. Easy to install and connect to the heating system of the room.

All types of furnaces are divided into two types:

  1. Open type.
  2. closed type.

Open fireplace stoves with water circuit

In an open furnace, where the heating of the heat carrier is indirect, the water passes through a serpentine heat exchanger, which is located in an open furnace. Previously installed in furnaces cast iron radiators. When the burning of the fuel ended, at night, the house was heated using electricity or the heat of the stove accumulated during the period of operation.

In an open fireplace system, the expansion tank is installed at the highest point, often in the attic. Due to gravity, the coolant circulates. This heating scheme was very popular in small houses in Soviet times. To date, open water fireplaces are rare and, as a rule, they are equipped with an auxiliary heat exchanger.

Closed fireplace stoves with water circuit

In a closed fireplace system, the heat carrier is heated directly. Such fireplaces, unlike open stoves, work under pressure.

With the help of a circulation pump, water heated up to 90 degrees Celsius, is fed into the storage boiler. Cooled water (60-65 degrees Celsius) passes through the return pipe to the furnace, where it is heated. At the same time, the line is equipped with a membrane-type expansion tank.

Pros and cons of water fireplaces

The advantages include:

The disadvantages include:

  • Low efficiency factor. Manufacturers most often indicate an efficiency of 80 percent, but, given the opinion of most experts, these figures are overestimated;
  • The system works in manual mode. Throwing fuel and melting the stove can only be done manually. The only control parameter can be the coolant temperature, however, it is quite difficult to correct it promptly;
  • It is not possible to use a water fireplace as the main heating system in those regions where winters are very cold. At the same time, its parallel use gives up to 35 percent fuel savings.

Choosing a water fireplace

As economic calculations show, the use of furnaces with a water circuit is advisable only in some cases. If we compare the total cost of installing an average fireplace with installing electric boiler with similar power, then the cost of the fireplace will be higher. Payback time for price difference at permanent residence- five years, with periodic - much more.

Houses where periodic residence, have small areas, or only the first floor is heated, and are operated only on weekends, holidays, should be equipped with electric convectors to prevent defrosting of the heating system in standby mode. With the help of convectors, a temperature of +5 degrees Celsius is provided.

The choice of a fireplace with a water circuit is justified when it is necessary to heat big house, with the second floor with a limited indicator of power capacity - no more than 3 kW.

Conditions for choosing the power of the fireplace

The main characteristic of a fireplace with a water circuit, which determines its power, is the volume of the combustion space. Therefore, the more fuel is placed in the combustion chamber, the more heat the furnace generates, respectively, it is possible to heat a larger volume.

The passport of any fireplace has data on the nominal, minimum and maximum power. When choosing a fireplace, you should pay attention to the rated power indicators, which are determined experimentally over a period of time using the stove. For example, for a room with an area of ​​​​10 sq.m. and a height of 2.5 meters, for heating the volume of 25 cubic meters. a power of 1 kW is required.

Operation of the fireplace at maximum power for a long time is not recommended, as the working life is significantly reduced. Therefore, when choosing, the furnace power should be 15 percent higher than the calculated power. When the oven is installed in new house, it is necessary to correctly distribute the heating system among the rooms for uniform heat supply.

However, the power of the water fireplace is selected after the final decision on the installation of this particular heating system has been made. The decision should be based on the following factors:

  • The need for heating a large house;
  • Limited electrical power;
  • Permanent operation of the house;
  • The constant presence of a person to service the fireplace.

The lineup

Build quality affects the safety and durability of the fireplace. Fireplace stoves with a water heating circuit are produced by the following leading manufacturers: Meta, Ecofireplace and the Italian brand Edilkamin.

06.07.2017
4023
Pechnik (Moscow)

A fireplace boiler with a water circuit, which many people call a thermofireplace or a water heating unit, is a design that looks like standard hearths. Such boilers operate on a classic solid fuel(firewood), which, if necessary, can be replaced with purchased eurofirewood or briquettes.

Fireplace boiler with water circuit can be installed in a private or country house, as well as in some apartments, in which there are accompanying conditions and the possibility of installing not only the main part of the structure, but also all additional elements, such as a chimney.

Basic structural elements

A fireplace with a water heating boiler should contain a list of all the main structural elements. Only in the presence of each of them is it possible to perform safe and high-quality installation, with subsequent full functioning.

The main components of any thermofireplace are the following elements:

Main components

Descriptions and explanations

heat exchanger

Solid fuel fireplaces heating boilers consist of a heat exchanger, which is represented by a coil. It is located between the metal or cast iron double walls of the structure.

Such a heat exchanger, if necessary, can be connected to the general water system of the house. This, in turn, will allow not only uniform, fast and high-quality heating of a house with any area and number of storeys, but also always have hot water on hand for cooking and washing.

combustion chamber

The combustion chambers are the main element of any fireplace, in which the process of initial heating and burning of firewood takes place. It is in this part that the laying and adjustment of the level and power of combustion is carried out. The price of such foci depends on the functionality and materials of manufacture of the chosen model.

Furnaces with an open firebox have low efficiency and are a decorative decoration, an addition to the interior of the room. They can heat a maximum of one room with a small area of ​​​​up to 20 square meters.

Closed foci have a maximum high efficiency 80 to 90 percent. This makes them not only effective, but also safe, since during operation and combustion, the likelihood of sparks falling on furniture and other coatings is practically reduced to zero.

The portal is both a decoration and a support for any hearth. If necessary, such frames can be bought complete with the selected hearth model, picked up separately or made by hand.

The frame and surface cladding of the portal is made exclusively with heat-resistant materials that have an environmentally friendly composition, low expansion coefficient and high heat transfer.

The chimney is an integral part of any solid fuel construction. This element is represented by a sealed pipe having both vertical and horizontal elements.

A properly installed and conducted chimney is the key to the successful and safe functioning of both the hearth itself and the traction mechanism.

For full-fledged work, the chimney pipe sneaks exclusively heat-resistant materials, all floors of the house and the inside of the pipes must be insulated with heat-insulating materials.

Important: in addition to the main structural elements,solid fuel fireplace boilerdue to work on wood or briquettes, it must necessarily include a smoke collector, grate, ash pan. Each of these elements contributes to the operation of the heating unit, improves internal processes, work and facilitates cleaning.

It is interesting to know: the heat in such fireplaces is formed not only from the fuel burning in the hearth, but also from the heated walls. Closed models have an equally spectacular appearance due to the presence of special doors or flaps made of transparent quartz heat-resistant glass or ceramics.

For heating, you can use both pre-harvested and dried logs of coniferous and deciduous types, as well as purchased briquettes, eurofirewood, which do not contain resins and other harmful substances that can cause heavy smoke and bad smell. Purchased fuel is based on sawdust processed and compressed at the plant.

Manufacturing features

In order to buy or make such a hearth with your own hands, you must first familiarize yourself with detailed specifications and design features.

Instruction: selection criteria:

  • The body itself is based on special high-strength and high-quality boiler steel. The wall thickness should be about 3-6 millimeters. If steel is replaced by cast iron, its thickness should be between 8 and 10 millimeters. Fireproof and heat-resistant paint is used as additional protection;
  • The combustion chamber must be additionally lined with heat-resistant materials such as tiles, bricks or natural stone;
  • The water jacket itself (the space between the two walls of the oven can hold 30 to 50 liters of water). The power of the model and the rate of space heating depend on this criterion;
  • The inner part is represented by heat exchangers and also has a free space designed to allow the circulation of air masses (contributes to better fuel combustion);
  • When heated, part of the heat is given off by channels into the walls and then into the space of the room. The main part of the heat comes from the built-in heat exchanger connected to the general heating system.

You can learn more about models with a water circuit by viewing the photo in this article.

Making a connection

If necessary, such a hearth can be installed in rooms with any area, both on the first or second floor, and in the basement.

Placement and connection:

  1. A water tank or a hydraulic accumulator should be installed hidden, it is often placed in technical and basements. This tank must be equipped with an additional coil;
  2. Installation can be either open or closed. This applies to radiators (elements into which water already heated in the accumulator enters);
  3. Open systems are represented by an expansion tank, which is located at the top of the house. In this case, all excess water remains or is pumped back into the first tank. This option is not very effective, and open systems are not able to heat large and multi-storey buildings and act as a source of additional heating, since during operation the water loses its specific gravity and the pipe resistance increases greatly. However, the installation of such a system does not require the installation of additional sensors and elements, which makes it simple and not expensive (the coolant is located in the coil);
  4. Closed systems are more efficient and powerful. In this case, the coolant has a membrane type and structure, thereby water enters its completely closed structure. Water is able to warm up to 100 degrees, after which it begins to move into the storage boiler (by means of a pump) and enters the water supply system of the house. In order for the water in such a system not to boil and fail, it is necessary to initially provide for the installation of an additional coil, into which, in the event of a malfunction, it will be supplied cold water;
  5. The internal contents of the water circuit include special sensors capable of monitoring temperature regime and, if necessary, perform an emergency shutdown.


Scheme indicating the direction of the flows of cold...

Uniform heating is achieved through...


Some models can be lined with various refractory materials...

For a visual introduction to design features such fireplaces and installation rules, we recommend watching the video in this article.

Pros and cons of using

Before buying such a model, it is very important to familiarize yourself in detail with all the pros and cons of such combustion chambers:

  • Possibility of simple connection to an existing heating system. In some cases, this option can be a worthy replacement or alternative to a simple source of heating;
  • Suitable for connection to hot water heating systems. The models have a unique and stylish design, shape, finish and cladding. They can be designed for both wall, corner or island, as well as suspended and built-in arrangement;
  • High efficiency and the possibility of uniform distribution of heat throughout the premises, makes it possible to use for heating houses with an area of ​​up to 200-260 square meters;
  • Due to the presence of a built-in pump and the ability to drain hot and heated water, metal walls and other structural elements do not overheat, which makes such a hearth as durable as possible;
  • Closed combustion chambers meet all requirements and standards fire safety, while open systems do not require additional connection to the electrical network;


Sectional view of a fireplace with a water circuit

  • Price solid fuel and various analogues (briquettes, eurofirewood) are available, and self-harvesting is also possible;
  • All processes work only in manual mode. For the operation of such a heating unit, it is necessary to constantly throw up fuel, monitor the operation of the installation;
  • To achieve maximum efficiency and high-quality heating, it is necessary to make a mandatory connection of the fireplace to the water supply system of the house.

    • A fireplace boiler with a water circuit has a high efficiency compared to similar electric and gas installations. However, its installation, connection, installation are quite complex and expensive.

    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 flow fuels led to the almost complete disappearance of such a heating element 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 modern world many people would like to have an old fireplace in their house, not only as a find of designers, enlivening 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 to improve the system autonomous heating At home, there was the appearance of solid fuel boilers supplying 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 it is Bottom part made in the form of a classic fireplace. Thus, for an uninitiated person, the fact remains absolutely incomprehensible that a beautiful element of luxurious design country house performs the heating function. main feature this device is that it can be a source hot water and heating the house, or supplement the heating of the cottage with an electric boiler or even solar panels.

    Made industrial way the 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 in highest point 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 Vacation home must be equipped with an electric generator (diesel or petrol).

    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. Install such an afterburning system in brick oven or in a fireplace without a door is impossible, since in such furnaces there are no ways to control the movement of air flows.

    Mode long burning. 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 not possible to provide gas or electric heating country house, you can 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. Can be combined with other types 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 platform. 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 to create 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 make the fireplace attractive appearance and creating 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. The best choice are metal pipes. 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 device reliability, since a manufacturer with a good reputation is necessarily interested in a high level specifications, 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 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 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."