The information below is the knowledge I learned while working as a sales representative for Baymak, one of the biggest manufacturers on HVAC industry in Türkiye. The information can be valid only for Turkey, but may be useful for any other location.
Gas Water Heater (geyser);
Always choose airtight (hermetically sealed) ones. They are getting the air for burning from outside through the flue.
Average water consumption: Bath water 9-10 lt/min, Kitchen water 2-4 lt/min. A 13-liter-per-minute water heater is enough for both. While you are showering, someone can wash the dishes in the kitchen without affecting the temperature too much.
The maximum flue length is 3 meters. This is reduced by 0.5 meters at each elbow.
Thermosiphon (bath stove, electrical water heater, storage water heater) ;
15-30 liter tanks are generally not enough for showering.
50-65 liters is considered ideal for a family.
80-100 liters is recommended for families with more than 4 people.
Instantaneous water heater;
The electrical installation must be checked to ensure it is suitable for the kW rating (cable diameter, circuit breaker tripping current, etc.). A circuit breaker must be installed before the electrical connection of the instantaneous water heater.
The temperature of the water coming out varies greatly depending on the temperature of the water coming in. If your water supply is cold in winter, you can only get lukewarm water.
Combi boiler (Central heating boiler);
Always choose airtight (hermetically sealed) ones. They are getting the air for burning from outside through the flue.
Assuming an average house ceiling height of 2.60 – 3.20 m, the capacity of the boiler to be purchased will be;
Q (kcal/h) = (multiplier) x (m² area)
“multiplier” is 150 on an average flat in an average continental climate area. For an insulated, middle-floor, sun-facing flat, 120 is acceptable. For an uninsulated attic house, 180 can be used. The resulting value is rounded up. As an example, let’s say you have an apartment flat around 80 m²;
Q = 150 * 80 = 12000 kcal/h.
In Türkiye, the smallest combi heater is around 20.000 kcal/h (24 kW) on the market. So the smallest combi heater is enough for this example 80 m² flat.
Condensing boilers are not recommended for homes under 120 m². The fuel savings you achieve in these homes will not offset the price difference you pay for a condensing boiler. If you care about the environment and believe that natural gas prices will increase more than boiler prices, you can consider buying one. However, be aware that condensed water, which the boiler will produce, is also harmful to the environment.
The maximum flue length is 5 meters for a standard combi boiler and 10 meters for a condensing combi boiler. This is reduced by 0.5 meters per elbow.
Panel radiator;
In Türkiye, the height is generally 60 cm. Although it varies depending on the radiator’s maker or model, the heat it provides can be found by;
Q (kcal/h)= (length of 60 cm radiator) x (2000)
By combining the formula used in the boiler above, you get the length as;
L (length of 60 cm radiator) = (multiplier) x (m² area) / 2000
For example, the length of a radiator for a single window, 15 m² area room would be;
L = 150 * 15 / 2000 = 1,125 m
So, for that room, 1,2 meter radiator (sold as 600 x 1200) is enough.
Radiators are usually placed to cover the area in front of the window in order to create a thermal curtain. If the areas where cold air can enter the room cannot be covered, a larger radiator should be used (use a bigger multiplier on the calculation).
(Split) air-conditioner;
Assuming an average house ceiling height of 2.60 – 3.20 m, the capacity of the air-conditioner unit to be purchased will be;
Q (BTU) = 1000 x (m² area) / 2
For example, for a 30 m² sitting room;
Q = 1000 * 30 / 2 =15.000 BTU.
In Türkiye, the smallest capacity for a split air-conditioner unit is around 24000 BTU. So the smallest split air-conditioner is enough for this example 30 m² room.
Inverter air conditioners consume less electricity than conventional air conditioners. If possible, choose an energy rating of A or higher. Floor-standing air conditioners, often called “saloon type”, generally require 380V in Türkiye.
When buying an air conditioner, pay attention to the distance between the indoor and outdoor units, and be sure to consider the length of the copper tubing. Some companies even give away 5 meters of copper tubing with the air conditioner.
Air conditioners without an outdoor unit have an exhaust duct that expels hot air. This is usually sold as a flexible tube, 1-3 meters long, with the air conditioner. If you don’t expel this hot air, the overall room temperature will gradually rise.
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