How to install an exhaust pipe for a geyser - from choosing the size to installation

How do chimneyless geysers work - device, operating rules

Any residential building must have a hot water supply, otherwise there can be no talk of any living comfort. There are several ways to provide residents with hot water, but the most popular option is gas water heaters, which are quite convenient, profitable and functional.

There are two types of gas water heaters - storage and instantaneous. Among them, the most notable is the turbocharged gas water heater, which is not equipped with a chimney. This article will discuss chimneyless geysers, their capabilities and features.

Masking pipes and chimney

Communication pipes and a chimney often spoil the design of a kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building with a gas water heater. There are many ways to disguise them:

1. The chimney pipe is usually hidden in a steel or corrugated sleeve.
2. Water and gas pipes are covered with boxes made of plasterboard or plywood. There are also special sections made of plastic on sale, in which it is convenient to hide wires and narrow pipes. The boxes are painted to match the color of the walls or furniture apron.

For a new gas water heater, you can choose a convenient place located closer to the communications outlet from the wall. If you are planning a major overhaul, you can move the pipes closer to the device if desired. However, any radical movements of the column or its communications must first be legalized.

The principle of operation of a chimneyless column

A gas water heater that is not equipped with a chimney allows water to be heated using the energy generated by gas combustion. The heated water can later be used for any purpose - hot water supply has a lot of functions. To operate the device, you can use both main and bottled gas.

A characteristic feature of chimneyless devices is the method of removing combustion products. The combustion chamber in such water heaters is hermetically sealed, and a coaxial chimney is used to remove exhaust gases, which is vented outside through the wall. Removal of combustion products is carried out by a fan, originally built into the heater. The supply of oxygen necessary for combustion is carried out through the external part of the chimney.

Due to its design, a geyser without a chimney is ideal for rooms that do not have a chimney. To ensure the connection of the device with the atmosphere, you just need to make a hole in the wall and insert a coaxial chimney into it.

A positive aspect associated with the use of flueless heaters is the fact that they do not burn oxygen in the room and do not require forced air intake from the street. In addition, you can save a lot of money on the installation of such devices - a traditional full-fledged chimney is very expensive, and there are many difficulties when installing it.

When choosing a chimneyless gas water heater, you need to pay attention to several characteristics:

• Gas water heater power;
• Correspondence of power to the specific operating conditions of the device;
• Water heater performance;
• Type of burner and ignition;
• Degree of security.

To choose the best water heater option, you need to study each of these parameters and know what they affect.

Installation of a hood for a geyser and the basic rules of SNIP

In principle, there is no need to talk much about the installation itself, everything is relatively simple.

1. Find an acceptable place for the chimney (if the house already has a boiler or fireplace with a ready-made hood, it makes more sense to place the new chimney right there).
2. Calculate the necessary parameters suitable for the removal of combustion products.
3. Determine the diameter of the hood based on the power of the gas boiler, the amount of processed gases removed from the pipe at a given power, the temperature difference between the incoming air and the exhaust gas, as well as the height of the chimney itself.
4. Calculate the ventilation height, taking into account the type of gas equipment.
5. Make a hole where the hood will pass and insert an asbestos pipe, the diameter of which should be more than 12cm.
6. Install the hood at least one meter higher from the roof surface (this will ensure good draft).

And of course, don’t forget about the rules of SNIP. According to them, ventilation is installed inside or outside the room, on walls or partitions that are insulated with special non-flammable material. In the case where such a wall is missing, install a mounting or root pipe.

Remember that each individual heating device must have separate ventilation. An exception can only be when two heating devices are installed on the same floor of the room, and no more than two devices are connected to one chimney.

Also, it is allowed to connect two geysers to one hood, provided that the smoke waste emanating from the devices will enter the ventilation at different levels and be located at a distance of more than 75 cm from each other.

In the article you will learn the types of corrugations for a gas water heater, installation and connection of the corrugations to a gas boiler and the cost.

Power and performance of a chimneyless gas water heater

The power of a gas water heater is the most important indicator that directly affects the efficiency of the device and its capabilities. For example, in flow-through devices, power is required to fully heat the water flow. The power of devices is traditionally measured in watts (kW), regardless of the type of fuel used. However, this article deals only with gas devices.

Performance is also a very important parameter of any water heater. This parameter, always displayed in the documentation for the device, displays the amount of water that an instantaneous gas water heater without a chimney can heat in one minute, depending on the temperature.

A couple of examples are worth considering:

1. The documentation states that the productivity of the device at a temperature of 25 degrees is 13 liters per minute. This means that such a water heater heats 13 liters of water in one minute to a temperature exceeding the input temperature by 25 degrees, i.e. If the water initially had a temperature of 10 degrees, then in the heater it will heat up to 35 degrees.
2. If the consumption of hot water at 50 degrees is 6 liters per minute, then the calculation looks exactly the same as in the previous case. The relationship between these parameters is very simple and clear, so there are no special problems with them.

To calculate the required power of a water heater, you can use a very simple method - just divide the power of the device in half. As a result of this calculation, you can find out the approximate water consumption when its temperature increases by 25-30 degrees. To select a more or less suitable gas water heater without a chimney, we can assume that each ordinary consumer consumes about 5.4 liters of water per minute.

Flueless column combustion product removal system

As mentioned above, coaxial geysers are equipped with closed combustion chambers. To take in air and remove combustion products, a coaxial chimney is used, consisting of two pipes, one of which is located in the other. This chimney is vented outside through a hole in the wall.

The good thing about a chimneyless gas water heater is that it can be used in combination with a variety of modifications of chimney systems - this provides interesting opportunities when arranging hot water supply. The gas exhaust system can be made in horizontal or vertical form.

Features of creating an air duct in Khrushchev buildings

There are certain nuances when connecting the air duct of a gas water heater in Khrushchev-era buildings. Air exchange in such houses is carried out due to natural air flows. There are no channels for ventilation in the bathroom. There was a window in the wall between the rooms that acted as an air duct.

The ventilation duct of the Khrushchev building is very sensitive. Any changes in air flow can seriously affect the quality of draft in the duct. Most often, violations result from:

• installation of metal-plastic windows;
• covering the ventilation duct with any structure to enhance air movement.

Note! The simultaneous operation of a hood and a gas water heater in a Khrushchev building is unacceptable.

Ignition of a chimneyless gas water heater

An important component of a gas water heater is the boiler ignition system. This element affects not only the ease of use of the device, but also the degree of its safety.

Three types of ignition can be installed in chimneyless gas water heaters:

• Electronic;
• Piezo ignition;
• Ignition from a hydraulic turbine.

Devices equipped with an electronic ignition system have one important feature - they do not have to be in standby mode all the time. If it is necessary to ignite the device, a spark is created, the energy for which is taken from the batteries. Ignition is carried out every time the tap is opened, and the rest of the time the system is in an inactive state.

Piezo ignition works due to the piezoelectric effect, i.e. the applied mechanical forces create a spark. Unlike the previous design, the piezoelectric ignition requires a constantly burning pilot light, which ensures the operation of the water heater.

A hydrodynamic generator (turbine) is the most modern ignition system used in gas water heaters. By and large, such a system is a smaller copy of a hydroelectric power station, and some manufacturers install them in their own products. The key feature of this type of ignition is that there is no need for electricity - and at the same time, the device combines all the advantages of electronic systems.

Features of ventilation pipe installation

The height of the chimney has a great influence on the draft force. The required traction force can be achieved by raising the exhaust pipe above the roof surface by more than one meter.

The safest place is considered to be the location of the speaker high above the floor, directly under the ventilation duct. In addition, this protects the device from children. First, mark the location of the fasteners, then drill holes for them.

Next, insert plugs into the holes for self-tapping screws. The water heater is fixed to the wall, and a corrugated pipe for the gas water heater is used to connect to the chimney.

Burners for flueless water heaters

Two types of burners are installed in flueless gas water heaters:

• Variables with automatic power adjustment;
• Constants in which the power changes in steps.

A stepped burner makes it possible to adjust the fire power, which ultimately affects the temperature regime of the water heater. This solution may seem convenient, but only at first glance. In practice, it often turns out that the temperature of water heating during the operation of the column fluctuates within a fairly wide range.

The degree of heating can be affected by changes in gas pressure, air pressure or inlet water temperature. The last factor often occurs if the heater was set up with warmer water, and then colder water from the street began to enter the system.

When the required power level is set, the water temperature can be changed by the degree of opening of the tap. However, excessive efforts in this case will not lead to the desired result - if you tighten the tap too tightly in an attempt to get extremely hot water, you can simply get a completely cold stream. Trying to change the outlet water temperature by adding cold water from the tap is strongly discouraged.

When using burners that automatically regulate power, all these negative factors do not arise. For normal operation of the water heater, it is enough to adjust the burner correctly once, and the water temperature will remain at the same level all the time, without changing even under the influence of external factors. Due to this quality, burners with automatic adjustment are considered preferable.

Geyser without chimney

The presence of heated water in a house or apartment has become the norm for people. The only question is which device will be most effective for heating water for apartments in urban areas or houses located outside the city. A gas water heater without a chimney must be easy to use and meet the heated water needs of all residents who will use it. In some cases, a gas water heater with a storage system will be an effective option, while in others, instantaneous water heaters will work great.

Geyser without chimney

A practical and convenient solution, especially for apartments located in multi-storey buildings, would be a gas heater that runs on gas and does not require a chimney pipe - it is also often called turbocharged.

Installation of a chimneyless gas water heater

Such a column works due to the released energy of combustion gas, which heats the water, and does not require the construction of an additional chimney. It can use natural or liquefied gas from the in-house network or from cylinders.

General diagram of the speaker device

Such a column does not require the usual vertical chimney pipe - it differs in the principle of removing combustion products. The combustion chamber of this water heating device is hermetically sealed, and to allow the gases to escape, a coaxial type of chimney is installed, which is immediately discharged through the wall to the street. A hole is made in one of the walls immediately when installing a chimneyless column. A special fan is built into the column, which directs combustion products in the desired direction.

Approximate diagram of combustion product output

The coaxial pipe is designed in such a way that exhaust gases are discharged outside through its internal part, and clean air necessary for the combustion process is supplied through the external channel.

Coaxial flue pipe

The convenience of such a device also lies in the fact that the column does not dry out the air in the room, and it does not require additional air flow to support combustion. Due to the fact that there is no need to make a separate vertical chimney, there is the possibility of significant monetary savings on the purchase of materials and installation work.

Video review - the device of a modern geyser

Selena SE 3 can also run on propane, but to do this you need to spend a little more money and equip the dispenser with special technical devices that will make it “omnivorous” and especially unpretentious to the quality of gas!

Water heater parameters

Approximate diagram of the operation of a gas water heater

When choosing a chimneyless water heater, you need to take into account some characteristics, such as power, performance of the device, level of safety, types of ignition and types of burners. The point of horizontal or vertical placement of the device is also important, since combustion product removal systems are arranged differently in the columns.

Its performance will depend on the correctly selected power of the water heater. Power can easily be called the main parameter that needs to be taken into account when purchasing a water heater. A high power level makes it possible to obtain a larger volume of water heated in flow-through heating mode.

The performance of the device must be indicated on the packaging or in the instructions for use, i.e. the volume of hot water produced by an instantaneous water heater per minute of operation, taking into account a certain rise in water temperature.

For example, the instructions indicate that by setting the temperature to 25 degrees, the consumer will receive 14 liters of hot water in one minute. If at the entrance to the heating column the water has a temperature of 8 degrees, then it rises by another 25 degrees due to the operation of the device, i.e. at the exit it will be warmed to 33 degrees.

If you wish, you can make the calculation yourself - to do this, the power indicated by the manufacturer is divided by two. The result of a fairly accurate calculation will be the amount of water produced by the column, heated by 26 - 32 degrees. For example, a water heater designed to supply 14 liters per minute will have a power of 28 - 30 kW.

When choosing a water heating device, you need to take into account that for taking a shower, washing your face or washing dishes, 5.5 - 6 liters, dispensed in one minute for each used water sampling point, is quite enough.

Ignition of a chimneyless water heater

On modern water heaters that operate without a traditional chimney, three types of ignition systems are installed - piezo ignition, electric ignition and hydroturbine ignition. They ensure ease of use of the column and its safety.

• Hydroturbine ignition occurs from a hydrodynamic generator. Some modern gas water heaters are equipped with mini-hydroelectric power plants, the generator of which is built into the water heater piping. When water is supplied, it passes through the turbine, rotates its blades, and the generator generates the required electrical potential for the igniter. These water heaters do not require additional energy sources for ignition.
• Piezo ignition has a special element that produces electrical potential from mechanical action, which produces a spark that ignites the burner. With such ignition, there is one inconvenience that will not allow you to save on gas fuel - the igniter must be in a burning state in advance so that when the water is turned on, the main burner will light up.
• Electric ignition requires connecting the column to an electrical outlet or installing batteries (batteries or accumulators). The water pressure sensor is triggered when the tap is opened and gives the command to ignite the igniter due to the spark gap.

Flueless dispenser control system

Burners can be open or closed type

The flame control of the burners of these water heaters can be variable (automatic) or constant with stepped power.

• Columns with automatically controlled burners will operate stably after setting the temperature, producing water at a specific outlet temperature, regardless of external influences. As a rule, this is an electronic push-button system with a digital display.
• Water heaters with burners with stepped power make it possible to regulate the burner flame, and therefore the water temperature, independently. But once the installation has been completed, it does not give confidence that the column will continue to operate in this mode, since heating of water can be affected by gas pressure, the temperature of the incoming cold water, and even changes in atmospheric pressure.

The temperature is adjusted by turning the tap handle to one side or the other. Do not tighten the knob too much, otherwise you may get the opposite effect - the water heater may turn off completely. With such an adjustment, it is extremely undesirable to mix water heated using a column and cold tap water.

Safety of chimneyless water heaters

Most consumers consider chimneyless speakers to be completely safe during operation, but is this true? Any appliances running on gas fuel require caution and rules for their safe use.

If one of the elements of the water heater system fails or the coolant overheats, the column automatically turns off. This argument can speak for the increased safety of the device, provided that it is properly installed in a qualified manner.

However, if a chimneyless water heater is installed in a high-rise apartment, and there are several more floors above this apartment, then the coaxial pipe that removes combustion products from the water heater can become dangerous for residents of the upper floors. Carbon monoxide, after leaving the chimney, rises upward, and the movement of air can easily throw it into an open window or even into the window of an upper apartment, and this can cause serious consequences.

This is what the output of a coaxial pipe looks like on the street

WHAT CORRUPTION IS USED FOR CHIMNEYS

Installation of a corrugated chimney is recommended when connecting to heating equipment operating on any type of fuel, subject to the emission of low and high temperature flue gases.
The strength of the material is ensured by the following design:

• The body is made in the form of a cylindrical pipe twisted into a spiral. The strips are connected to each other with a special locking seam.
• Wire is used as a reinforcing layer, which gives the body resistance to mechanical damage, but at the same time the pipe retains its elasticity and flexibility.

The consumer is offered two types of pipes made of stainless steel and aluminum.

Particular attention should be paid to connecting the column to the chimney. Safe removal of combustion products, carried out in accordance with all fire safety standards, is an important factor in the design of an instantaneous water heater system. Often, a corrugation for a gas water heater is used to connect the device pipe to the chimney opening. Let's consider how feasible it is to use such a channel for smoke removal.

The use of corrugations for extracting a gas water heater has its pros and cons. The advantages are as follows:

1. The flexibility of the pipe makes it convenient to lay it around some structures. It is possible to stretch the pipe with any bend at various angles.
2. Ease of installation - if you have basic skills, you can install it without the involvement of specialists.
3. Low cost.

The disadvantages include:

1. Short service life - the pipe quickly burns out.
2. Accumulation of soot and soot on the embossed surfaces of the corrugation, which negatively affects the air flow.

Varieties of corrugation

There are many different corrugated pipes on sale, but not all of them are suitable for a chimney. Only channels made of aluminum or stainless steel are suitable.

Previously, aluminum foil pipe with a radius of 50-75 mm was mainly used due to ease of installation, good flexibility and affordable price. Aluminum pipes consist of corrugation and steel wire, which is used to give the product a rigid shape. When folded, it has a length of 70 cm and can stretch up to 3 m, which allows you to change the length of the pipe as desired. However, aluminum is prone to burning out quickly, and such a pipe will not last long.

Stainless steel pipe is more resistant to high temperatures and is of higher quality. This material also has good resistance to acidic environments. The thickness of the steel corrugation is 0.2-1 mm. It is recommended to buy only heat-resistant material. The standard corrugation diameter for a geyser is 110-130 mm.

According to SNiP, corrugated and other pipes used to remove smoke from a gas water heater must meet the following requirements:

• have minimal surface roughness - SP 60.13330.2012;
• have class B tightness;
• be resistant to corrosion;
• have a length of up to 3 m;
• withstand temperatures of 200-350°C;
• have less than 3 turns;
• do not pass through residential premises;
• have no sagging.

Corrugated or other pipe should not come into contact with the wall material. It is necessary to maintain a safe distance from the pipe to the wall made of fireproof material - 5 cm, from combustible material - 25 cm. The free gap is filled with a layer of thermal insulation.

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The nuances of installing a geyser in a private house

Installation stages

To install a corrugated pipe for a geyser, you will need the following components:

• corrugated pipe;
• a passage pipe that provides insulation of the pipe from the wall of the building;
• brackets for mounting to the wall;
• clamps installed at pipe junctions;
• hole for monitoring channel condition;
• collection for condensate.

The installation process is quite simple and includes the following steps:

• A corrugated pipe is put on the outlet pipe of the column and secured with a clamp; at this place the vertical section should not be less than 25 cm;
• a chimney pipe is mounted on the outer wall;
• the corrugation is stretched to the inlet of the pipe and put on it, then similarly fixed with clamps;
• if necessary, brackets are installed along the length of the pipe to hold the structure;
• the corrugation should not sag;
• a protective umbrella or deflector is placed on the head of the chimney;
• an inspection window is cut into the vertical section of the channel to check the presence of fire;
• After completion of installation, it is necessary to check the draft.

When installing a chimney, it is important to ensure maximum tightness of all connections. To do this, they are additionally coated with heat-resistant sealant.

Note! It is forbidden to combine the hood of a gas stove and a water heater into one channel.

If it is planned to place two or more speakers in a house or apartment, then they must have a separate smoke exhaust channel or be connected to one pipe at a distance of at least 75 cm from each other.

Differences and advantages of turbocharged geysers with a closed combustion chamber

Centralized hot water supply (DHW) of residential buildings is becoming a thing of the past; its place is taken by individual water heaters, including natural gas ones. For an apartment or private house that does not have a free chimney, a turbocharged gas water heater is suitable. This new generation water heating device is called “flueless”; it does not require a traditional chimney to remove combustion products. Since flow-through turbo columns are of interest to many users, let us consider the features of these household appliances.

Documentation

In order to install a gas water heater in an apartment or private house, you will need the following documents:

1. Technical passport of the purchased dispenser or indication of the model in case of subsequent purchase of the unit.
2. A report on the technical condition of the hood or chimney, drawn up by the exhaust and chimney duct inspection service.
3. Project for placing new water heating equipment and connecting it to the gas and water mains in accordance with the technical specifications.
4. An application submitted by the owner for the reconstruction of a premises with a water pump must additionally provide proof of ownership and a technical passport for the apartment.
5. An application for installation work sent to the gas supply organization (Gorgaz) with a project attached.

The company engaged in the maintenance of the purchased gas water heater or specialists from the gas supply organization are required to perform the following actions when installing the equipment:

1. Make a connection into the gas pipeline with the installation of metering devices and a shut-off valve.
2. Hang the column with the flammable surface of the wall lined with insulating materials (tin in combination with asbestos or basalt sheets), connect a flexible gas supply to the unit.
3. Connect the column to the chimney or exhaust system using a pipeline.
4. Connect flexible hoses from the unit to the cold water main and hot water supply pipes.
5. Upon completion of the work, the Gorgaz specialist must set up and start the dispenser, seal the gas meter and draw up a report on putting the unit into operation.

The cost of installing a gas water heater at home by private specialists will cost about 3,000 rubles; gas supply companies, depending on the region, carry out the connection at their own prices.

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How does a turbocharged column differ from a regular one?

An important difference between the new type of geyser is the closed combustion chamber, into which street air is forced by a fan or drawn in by a smoke exhauster. Hence the names of the household appliance - turbocharged, supercharged, smokeless. In atmospheric flow-through heaters, air flows to the burner directly from the room naturally, through an open lower opening.

A double-wall pipe can also be installed vertically, the operating principle remains unchanged

Any gas-using installation emits combustion products that must be vented outside. The turbo column is no exception, only in this case, instead of traditional channels for the exit of flue gases, a horizontal pipe is provided, leading out directly through the wall.

A gas water heater equipped with a closed chamber has other features:

• the air for gas combustion is sucked in by a fan from the street through a double-walled (or double-circuit) coaxial chimney, through which combustion products come out;
• the design of the instantaneous water heater provides for the use of multi-stage and modulating burners capable of changing the power and intensity of heating;
• there is no constantly burning igniter, piezo ignition button or batteries;
• turbo - the heater operates in automatic mode from ignition to shutdown;
• air and fuel consumption is controlled by an electronic unit (controller), choosing their optimal ratio and suitable heating mode;
• turbocharged geysers are powered from the electrical network.

An example of installing a water heater with all communications embedded in the wall, pipes and electrical wires are not visible

Reference. As a rule, superchargers are equipped with an electric ignition system with several spark electrodes. But in some models, sparking is organized using a mechanical hydrogenerator that generates electricity from the movement of water flow (Hydropower technology).

Thanks to the listed features of such units, they implement many functions that increase comfort and safety during operation. They will be discussed further below.

Operating principle of a supercharged heater

If we talk about the principle of operation in general, then all gas instantaneous water heaters work the same way: when the corresponding tap on the mixer is opened, the burner in the unit is ignited by the pressure of the flow and begins to heat the water passing through the heat exchanger. Another thing is how this is implemented in a gas instantaneous water heater with forced air injection.

Functional diagram of a water heater equipped with a turbine

Unlike other types of water heating devices, a gas water heater with a closed combustion chamber operates according to the following algorithm:

1. In standby mode, the household appliance is connected to the electrical network. Nothing burns in the chamber because there is no igniter there.
2. When the user opens a hot water tap, the flow sensor and the membrane of the water unit are activated. The latter mechanically opens the gas valve and fuel flows to the gas burner device.
3. At the command of the controller, a spark discharge occurs on the electrodes located near the burner, igniting the gas. The flame sensor detects the appearance of fire, informs the control unit about this, after which sparking stops. At the same time, the fan is turned on, pumping air.
4. The flame, controlled by the controller, heats the water to the temperature set by the user, which is monitored by a separate sensor. When it is reached, the burner power is reduced by reducing the flame (modulation) or turning off 1-2 burner stages.
5. After closing the DHW tap, the gas supply is shut off, the burner goes out and the water heating process is completed.

Modulating (left) and stepped burner (photo on the right)
Thanks to a more advanced design, the efficiency of turbocharged columns is higher than that of conventional atmospheric ones (88-90% versus 84%). Efficiency is achieved in the following ways:

• precise dosing of the amount of natural gas and air required for combustion;
• Maintaining the set temperature helps save fuel, since gas is not consumed for excessive heating;
• preheating the air flow in a coaxial chimney.

The last feature is the most effective, since it makes it possible to recover some of the heat carried away with the flue gases. Cold air from the street, passing through a coaxial pipe next to the combustion products, takes away their thermal energy through the steel wall.

Details about the design of coaxial chimneys are shown in the video:

Closed chimneyless dispensers are equipped with several safety levels that are triggered for the following reasons:

• disappearance of draft in the chimney due to the fan turning off after a power outage;
• spontaneous extinguishing of the burner (flame control);
• too low or high gas inlet pressure (automatic gas valve);
• the pressure in the water supply exceeds 10 Bar (water safety valve);
• overheating of the heat exchanger, which can cause a pressure surge and depressurization of connections;
• very low water consumption;
• controller failure.

Note. When the device is turned off by a signal from the heat exchanger overheating sensor, some models provide rapid cooling with a fan that continues to operate after the burner goes out.

Any of the above reasons entails the operation of the gas valve and the cutting off of the fuel supply. Moreover, after a power outage, burner extinguishment and pressure surge in the gas pipe, the valve operates independently, without controller intervention.

To appreciate all the delights of using turbocharged gas water heaters and find out their weaknesses, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with their advantages and disadvantages.

Chimney selection parameters

Among the chimneys presented to consumers for a geyser installed in an apartment or private house, models with a closed combustion chamber are in particular demand. This is ensured by their high functionality: the design of the device consists of pipes of different diameters inserted into one another. Harmful combustion products come out through an inner pipe of smaller diameter, and through the free space formed between the inner and outer pipes, clean air from the street enters in the required quantity.

In general, the choice of chimney depends on the type of gas heater, its volume, the specifics of the room and other parameters.

Advantages of chimneyless water heaters

As we have already found out above, there is no gas water heater without a chimney, and in the case of turbocharged units it is structurally simplified. This is the main advantage of forced-air water heaters, thanks to which they can be installed in any private house or apartment. It is enough just to lay the chimney horizontally along the shortest path from the apparatus to the outer wall and take it outside by making a hole.

This is what a coaxial chimney looks like when laid through an external wall

For reference. If necessary, a coaxial pipe can also be installed on the roof of a private house by laying it vertically inside a finished shaft or directly through ceilings lined with non-combustible materials. Details about connecting chimney pipes to geysers are presented in this article.

Now we list other advantages of “flueless” gas heaters:

FLEXIBLE STAINLESS STEEL CHIMNEYS

Stainless steel corrugation for a chimney is the most acceptable option when connecting to equipment with high flue gas temperatures: wood stoves, fireplaces, pellet boilers. Without loss of sealing, stainless steel corrugation can withstand heating up to 900°C.

A corrugated stainless steel chimney has the following advantages:

• Steel thickness is from 0.12 to 1 mm.
• Ability to compress and stretch.
• Flexibility.
• Resistant to high temperatures and acidic environments.

The corrugation for a stainless steel chimney has one undeniable advantage, which is the ability to install the chimney without the use of adapters, corners, adapters and other fittings. The pipe bends in the desired direction without loss of integrity.

___________________________________Hi all!__________________________________

There are many articles and questions on the Internet about whether gas workers’ demand to replace “soft” corrugation with metal is legitimate. Gorgaz in my city has also not lagged behind the general mass in Russia, and for several years now they have been gently reminding me to replace the corrugation on the gas water heater. At the same time, they scared me with some kind of “prescription” that would be written out in my name, but they didn’t write it out..

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About the negative aspects

An important disadvantage of forced-air instantaneous water heaters is their energy dependence. That is, after a power outage you will be left without hot water. You will need an electric generator or a reliable uninterruptible power supply. The remaining disadvantages of these units are not so critical:

1. Buying a turbocharged gas water heater will cost twice as much as an atmospheric one. But if we compare the purchase and installation as a whole, then in the absence of a chimney duct, a coaxial pipe will cost much less than building a brick chimney or laying an insulated sandwich.
2. Fans on models from some manufacturers are noticeably noisy.
3. A modern forced-air heater is a complex device; its maintenance and cleaning is best left to trained service personnel. Without knowledge and skills, it is not recommended to delve inside the column yourself to find faults.

Gas dispenser display and touch control buttons

Note. In the event of a breakdown, the electronic display of the water heater will display an error code, which can be used to determine the malfunction without resorting to disassembly.

Since we are not comparing a gas water heater with an electric storage water heater, we do not mention obtaining permits from gas services to connect water heating equipment. The procedure for registration and connection to the main line is mandatory for any gas-using installations.

But problems with installing a coaxial pipe on the façade of an apartment building are quite real. Having made a hole without authorization (even in the place required by the standards, observing all the indentations), you may encounter claims from local services, motivated by damage to the facade, drilling of the supporting structure of the house and lack of design documentation.

Advice. First of all, before purchasing such a speaker, obtain the written consent of all neighbors, since troubles usually begin with their complaints about the “stench and suffocation from the pipe.”

You can learn more about water heaters with a closed combustion chamber by watching the video:

Types of chimney

The selection of a suitable pipe depends on the operating principle of the column. They are divided into two types:

• With open firebox (atmospheric). Combustion is supported by natural air pressure taken from the room. Because of this, ventilation is important here.
• With a closed camera. These are chimneyless models in which the air is forced by a fan.

The newest models are closed. They are comfortable to install both in residential areas and in personal homes. Such a device can be called turbocharged, since it requires the connection of the same type of channel - coaxial. The design includes 2 pipes, which are inserted one into the other.

The coaxial channel must be the same diameter as the output section of the column pipe, no less. There are similar selection parameters for closed-type equipment, only in this option the choice of materials and designs is greater:

• Steel smoke exhaust duct . Consists of stainless steel pipes no more than 1.5 meters long. Used to organize a outlet in the middle of the house. Involves no more than three bends when assembling;

• Double-loop sandwich . The design consists of two stainless steel pipes, which are located one inside the other. An insulating layer is placed between them. Perfect for organizing in a cold room when you need to avoid freezing. Also prevents the occurrence of condensation;

• Brick, asbestos-cement, ceramic shafts , which are inserted into the inner part of the wall;

• Wavy leads made of foil on an aluminum base or stainless steel - exhaust pipes for connection to the shaft.

Currently, you can find steel structures on the market that are coated with fire-resistant white enamel. This is an excellent solution for the internal improvement of a chimney. It looks more beautiful when compared to galvanized.

Chimney system design

Construction components that you will need during installation:

• Umbrella - upper protection against penetration of third-party components into the hole;
• Chimney pipe;
• The pipe section is an insulating component;
• Brackets for fastening;
• Connection elements - clamps;
• Tee - allows you to move from the column body to the hood;
• Monitoring window (hatch) - allows you to monitor the condition of the mine;
• Collection for condensate.

What is better to choose

Most apartment residents choose the most inexpensive option - corrugated aluminum pipe. They are easy to install and bend in any direction. At the same time, they are very dangerous. Aluminum can always burn out, and carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to death.

Connecting a stainless steel outlet is safer. Purchase and assembly are more expensive than corrugated ones, but you will sleep peacefully, because such a design is considered durable and reliable.

During the construction of a private house, a chimney is immediately installed. The shaft is laid with bricks so that there is no concentration of condensate in the middle, an asbestos-cement pipe is installed. Moreover, some smoke removal systems are suggested for the column and boiler.

Another option for the home is an external steel chimney. It is insulated in the middle, easy to install and productive. If you bought a house without an exhaust system and a good shaft, then this will suit you.

The structure, which is located on the outside, is equipped with a pocket with a steel tap for collecting condensate.

Things to take into account:

• The height of the drainage channel must be at least 4.5 meters. It is important that the entire hole is of the same diameter, without narrowing, otherwise there will be poor traction;
• The standard diameter is 11–13 centimeters. It is selected individually, it all depends on the model of the device;
• Climate conditions. The choice of design and materials that will be resistant to cold and heat depends on this criterion;
• The smoke exhaust duct must rise above the roof of the house by at least 1 meter.

Reviews from real users

There is a good tradition: before choosing a turbocharged speaker, it doesn’t hurt to read the user reviews left on thematic forms. We have made a selection of statements from real people about water heaters from different manufacturers:

1. Nikolay, Vladimir, Russian Federation. Six months ago I installed an Ariston MARCO POLO GI7S 11L FFI turbo dispenser. The general conclusion is that the device is worthy and has never let you down. Definitely an A for appearance. But there is one strange thing: heating a given amount of water. I don’t understand this function - either the heating should turn off when the bath is full, or it should turn it off by a signal. I was a little mistaken about the power, in my case I had to take Ariston GI7S 16L, otherwise 11 liters per minute is sometimes not enough.
2. Sergey, Moscow, Russian Federation. I made a mistake by buying a Bosch WTD15 AME speaker with a turbine. I didn’t like it already during the installation and connection process. Some of the pipes are flimsy, it’s scary to tighten the nuts. The first time I opened the water, the connection leaked, I had to unscrew it and change the rubber ring. I don’t know how to use it yet, I haven’t turned it on yet.
3. Alexey, Dnepr, Ukraine. We haven’t had hot water in our city for a long time, most people installed boilers, but I solved the boiler. It was forbidden to connect a chimney to the ventilation, so I took a Junkers chimneyless unit (German brand, Portuguese assembly). Although I ran around for all sorts of permits, I’m generally satisfied; I don’t have to wait for the water in the tank to heat up. I live on the top floor, there were no problems with the chimney. The gas workers said that it would be more problematic to remove the pipe on other floors.
4. Mikhail, Kursk, Russian Federation. Proton exchanged his ancient speaker for a Roda JSD20-T1, a neighbor installed one and praised it. Everything would be fine, but our pressure jumps in the pipe, as soon as I open two mixers at once, the heater turns off, and then lights up again. The gas workers came twice, checked and said that everything was fine with the device. Now we are trying to get the hang of opening the taps one at a time, but otherwise there are no questions, the water heats up normally.

Colorfully designed water heaters look impressive.
In general, reviews of turbocharged gas water heaters are positive, although there are many small nuances that cause inconvenience. Much less negativity is expressed, and most of these reviews are related to the fact that they did not like the product initially or that the equipment could not be installed and connected independently. The latter is quite natural, because in addition to having plumbing skills, you need to be familiar with electrical engineering and know that many imported household appliances are sensitive to incorrect phase connections.

Apartment owners who have used gas water heaters before sometimes do not like turbocharged water heaters, the reason is that the flame is not visible. This gives rise to some psychological discomfort and groundless prejudice towards such products. Good news: you can find turbochargers with a viewing window on sale, for example, the Chinese water heater Selena SWH 20 SE1.