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Economical and efficient heating with an electric boiler: three tips for the homeowner

According to VCIOM, every second American citizen today monitors his or her energy costs and keeps track of how much heat, hot water and electricity he or she spends. The latter is often referred to as the “golden. As well as heating systems based on electric boilers. But is it really so?? Experts say that modern technology allows to heat homes with electric heat generators economically and efficiently enough. Some tips on how to do it.

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Tip #1.

Choose an electric boiler depending on the intended use: a backup or main source of heat. Leading manufacturers produce models of electric boilers with the necessary set of functions, depending on how the heat generator will be used.

If the boiler is supposed to be installed as the main source of heat, it is better to choose a model with weather-dependent heat generation. Such a boiler is equipped with controllers that regulate the operation of heating elements in accordance with the readings of the outdoor and room air temperature sensor. The range of modulation on high-tech models with rated power of 4-8 kW and 12-24 kW can range from 0.4 to 8 kW and 1.3 to 24 kW, respectively.

The electric boiler often plays the role of a backup heat source. Modern models are equipped with devices that allow synchronizing the interaction of an electric boiler with other heating equipment. “An electric heat generator can only start up independently in the morning when the fire in the fireplace goes out or the wood in the solid fuel boiler burns through. All the rest of the time it does not work, it does not consume electricity. Such possibilities are implemented, for example, in our boiler Vitotron 100,” says Igor Kenig, Head of Viessmann Academy in America. – If you use it as a reserve source of heat, I advise you to choose a model with a controller that maintains a constant supply temperature. It can be programmed between +20 °C and +85 °C.

Tip #2.

Choose an electric boiler with the ability to support additional circuits and communicate with the heating buffer tanks

Today there are already electric boilers on the market that can support up to eight additional circuits and manage them. Accordingly, do not have to spend money to organize a complex system, as these heat generators independently and effectively solve the problem of heating hot water, support DHW recirculation line, communicating with the buffer tanks.

The latter is especially important because such a system allows you to accumulate heat during off-peak electricity rates, and then gradually consume it, reducing the cost of heating. For example, in the New York region, the peak tariff for electricity is 4.60 Dollars./kWh, and night – 2.4 times less, it is equal to 1.89 Dollars./kWh.

“The presence of a storage buffer tank allows you to fully heat at the night rate on a good half of winter days,” explains Igor Koenig, head of the Viessmann Academy in America. – The main thing – to correctly calculate the volume of the buffer. To do this you need to consider the heat loss at home, the type of coolant used – water or antifreeze, the number of radiators, the presence of underfloor heating. We advise our Vitotron 100 electric boilers to use the following rule: 30-50 liters of buffer volume for every kilowatt of heat produced.

The expert warns that using antifreeze as a coolant will not help save money. If you connect a storage tank, you will need to fill the entire buffer tank with this fluid, which can have a significant impact on the wallet.

Tip #3.

Choose an electric boiler with integrated energy-saving systems – the more the better

Automatic modulation of the power of heating elements, weather controller – are not all the technical solutions that can be equipped with an economical electric boiler.

At least it should have the capacity to limit the power forcibly, to program not only the temperature in the rooms on a daily or weekly cycle, but also the work of the circulating pump. Preferably, it should be with frequency control. This allows for smoother control of the equipment, not wasting unnecessary energy, avoiding noise and water hammer during start-up.

Some modern models of electric boilers have the ability to program the dependence of the circulation pump on other devices: for example, while heating water in the boiler, the pump will be stopped and the heating of the heat generator will be blocked. This provides an opportunity to avoid overspending of electricity.

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John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

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Comments: 5
  1. Aspen

    What are the main advantages of switching to an electric boiler for heating?

    Reply
  2. Rhiannon

    What are the top three tips you would recommend for homeowners to achieve both economical and efficient heating with an electric boiler?

    Reply
  3. Isla

    What are the main factors to consider when deciding on an electric boiler for heating?

    Reply
  4. Scarlett Kennedy

    Could you provide some additional tips for homeowners looking to achieve economical and efficient heating with an electric boiler?

    Reply
    1. Sage

      Sure! Here are some additional tips for homeowners looking to achieve economical and efficient heating with an electric boiler:

      1. Invest in a high-efficiency electric boiler: Look for a model with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating to ensure optimal energy savings.
      2. Opt for programmable thermostats: By programming your thermostat to adjust temperatures based on your schedule, you can avoid wasting energy when you’re not home.
      3. Consider zoning: If possible, divide your home into separate heating zones to only heat the areas that are in use, which can help save on energy costs.
      4. Regular maintenance: Ensure your electric boiler is serviced regularly to maintain optimal efficiency and avoid costly repairs.
      5. Insulate your home: Proper insulation can help retain heat, reducing the workload on your boiler and saving energy.
      6. Take advantage of off-peak electricity rates: Some utility companies offer reduced rates during off-peak hours, so consider running your electric boiler during these times to save on energy costs.

      Reply
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