What is a gas double-circuit boiler Navien (Navien) + technical characteristics and user reviews

For owners of private houses, the issue of heating and hot water supply is especially acute.

The housing area is large, the cost of paying for network resources is quite high.

If there is no connection to central heating and hot water supply, there is a need to create an autonomous heating system.

A successful solution to the issue is to install a Navien gas boiler, which can solve all problems at once and create a cozy and comfortable environment in the house.

Let's take a closer look at this option.

Double-circuit boilers from Navien

KyungDong NAVIEN is a well-known industrial concern from South Korea. The company specializes in the development and production of heating systems, equipment for heat and water supply to private homes.

The company's product range includes various types of heating units using all existing types of fuel.

Navien double-circuit gas boilers are capable of heating a home and at the same time providing it with hot water.

The equipment requires certain conditions to operate:

• Gas supply (natural or liquefied).
• Coolant and water supply.
• Connection to the electricity network.

The main feature of Navien boilers, which played a decisive role in their spread throughout Russia, is the adaptation of the units to difficult operating conditions. They calmly tolerate changes or low values ​​of water and gas pressure, and are able to independently compensate for fluctuations in mains voltage within 30% of the nominal value (230 V) .

The climatic features of Russia are taken into account - when the coolant temperature drops to 10°, the circulation mode switches on automatically, when the coolant begins to actively move through the system.

This prevents the liquid from cooling and freezing.

NOTE!

Navien boilers are 2 times cheaper than European equipment of the same class and power. Considering this circumstance, the popularity of the Korean company’s products is understandable.

Description of the series

Stable frost protection system

When the room temperature drops, the boiler's anti-freeze system is automatically activated. If the heating water temperature drops below 10°C, the circulation pump automatically starts, ensuring constant circulation of the coolant in the heating system. When the heating water temperature drops below 6°C, the burner automatically turns on and warms up the coolant to 21°C.

Safe and stable operation of the boiler during frequent voltage fluctuations in the electrical network

When the mains voltage fluctuates +/-30% from 230 V, the SMPS (Switched-Mode Power Supply) protection chip on the microprocessor is triggered. At the same time, the boiler operates without failures or stops, thereby extending its service life and preventing breakdowns.

Possibility to use heating and hot water at low inlet gas pressure in the gas pipeline system

The boiler operates stably and safely at a gas pressure of 4 mbar (40 mm water column).

Ability to use hot water with low incoming water pressure in the water supply system

The boiler operates stably when the incoming water pressure drops to 0.1 bar, making it possible to use it in residential areas with low water pressure in the water supply system, as well as with frequent pressure changes in the water supply system.

Remote control panel INCLUDED WITH THE BOILER!!!

The Russified remote control panel allows you not only to save fuel and reduce heating costs, but also to constantly maintain a comfortable temperature, taking into account the characteristics of the room and set the optimal heating mode for domestic water. The remote control is equipped with a liquid crystal display with built-in backlight.

Modulated turbocharging system

The turbocharger fan installed in Navien Deluxe/Navien Deluxe Coaxial boilers under the combustion chamber measures the rotation speed based on a signal received from the APS (Air Pressure System) air pressure sensor. Thus, the combustion chamber of the boiler is supplied with air in an amount proportional to the amount of gas supplied. It was precisely this system of operation of the Navien Deluxe/Navien Deluxe Coaxial boilers, by installing a fan under the combustion chamber and using an APS sensor, that made it possible to ensure the most complete combustion of gas and minimize heat loss associated with smoke removal. The performance of Navien Deluxe/Navien Deluxe Coaxial boilers has increased without increasing the amount of gas consumed, and the efficiency of Navien Deluxe/Navien Deluxe Coaxial boilers with a stainless steel heat exchanger has become the same as that of boilers with a copper heat exchanger.

Stainless steel heat exchanger

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of Navien double-circuit boilers are:

• The ability to simultaneously provide hot water supply and heating to the house.
• Automation of processes, allowing to obtain optimal results with minimal human intervention.
• Environmentally safe operation of equipment.
• Long period of operation, not accompanied by service checks.
• Simplicity and efficiency of system management.
• Relatively inexpensive components and spare parts.

The disadvantages of Navien boilers are:

• Dependence on the availability of electricity, gas and water.
• High noise level.
• Possibility of using components only from this manufacturer.

The disadvantages of the units are due to the design features and, with a competent approach, are fully compensated by the creation of optimal conditions.

Kinds

There are two types of Navien boilers:

• Floor-standing.
• Wall-mounted.

Floor structures are more massive and easier to install. Wall samples are compact, do not fill the room, and fit harmoniously into the interior.

In terms of functionality and design, they differ little from each other, representing only different placement options.

Based on the principle of operation, the following designs are distinguished::

• Atmospheric . These are open burner boilers. They need active ventilation of the room in which they are located. Cheaper compared to other models, they have a relatively low efficiency, which is partially compensated by the use of a copper heat exchanger.
• Turbocharged . These are designs with a closed combustion chamber. The process is supported by the supply of fresh air (turbocharging), as a result of which the efficiency of the installations significantly increases and reaches 91.7%. This design is somewhat more expensive, but more convenient for use in a residential building, which is why turbocharged boilers are most popular.
• Condensation . This category of installations has an additional heat exchanger that uses steam energy from the exhaust smoke. The addition allows you to obtain about 30% more thermal energy, which significantly increases the efficiency of the boilers. At the same time, the cost of condensing units is much higher, which limits demand.

In addition, boilers differ in the type of chimney.

Exist:

• Coaxial type . The “pipe-in-pipe” principle, popular in Europe, is used, where the outer circuit provides air supply for turbocharging, and the inner circuit serves as a chimney. The technology is convenient in that the pipe is brought out through the wall, without requiring complex passages through the floors or roof.
• Korean (separate) chimney . The air supply and the chimney are two separate pipes. Often the chimney is connected to the common chimney of the house, and air is taken in by leading the pipeline through the outer wall.

Despite the presence of various design options, any unit from Korean manufacturers demonstrates high performance and quality.

Model range and their characteristics

Currently, the presented company offers 3 types of wall heating devices:

• atmospheric;
• turbocharged;
• condensation

Atmospheric gas boilers Navien

Atmospheric units with an open combustion chamber are represented by the Navien Atmo modification. It is designed to work in harsh conditions with differences in gas pressure (in the range of 8 -17 mbar) and water in the pipeline (from 0.6 to 8 bar). The power of such boilers ranges from 13 to 24 kW. The coolant can heat up to 80°C, and hot water up to 60°C with a production of 10 liters per minute. To remove combustion products, gas boilers are equipped with classic chimneys. The heating circuit is made of copper, the heat exchanger for supplying hot water is made of stainless steel.

… Note! Only double-circuit units, both wall-mounted and floor-mounted, are supplied to Russia and the CIS countries. A gas boiler with an open combustion chamber is controlled using a remote control

Also, Navien Atmo heating devices have a protection system against freezing of the coolant. The efficiency of boilers of this series is 86%

A gas boiler with an open combustion chamber is controlled using a remote control. Also, Navien Atmo heating devices have a protection system against freezing of the coolant. The efficiency of boilers of this series is 86%.

Turbocharged Navien units

The line of devices with a closed combustion chamber consists of 3 series:

• Prime includes devices with a power of 13-35 kW;
• Deluxe consists of heat generators from 13 to 40 kW;
• Smart TOK includes models from 13-35 kW.

Air is forced into the closed combustion chamber of a gas boiler from the street using a fan through a coaxial pipe. A chimney of this type has compact dimensions and is easier to install than a classic one. Thanks to this air supply system, units with a closed combustion chamber provide a high efficiency of 93%.

Navien Deluxe gas boilers are able to withstand voltage drops in the electrical network of ±30 V from the nominal 220 V. At the same time, the units operate without stops or failures, which significantly extends their service life. They are equipped with a frost protection system that works as follows:

• when the coolant cools down to 6°C, heating is automatically turned on until its temperature reaches 20°C;
• If the water in the heating circuit is cooled to 9°C, the circulation pump starts, which forces the liquid to circulate in the system.

Note! Gas boilers that come with a coaxial pipe are labeled Deluxe Coaxial. Heat generators of the Prime line are distinguished by the presence of an additional weather-dependent module that controls the operation of the boiler depending on the weather conditions outside

The SmartTOK series has maximum automation - these boilers can be controlled using a mobile application on a smartphone

Heat generators of the Prime line are distinguished by the presence of an additional weather-dependent module that controls the operation of the boiler depending on the weather conditions outside. The SmartTOK series has maximum automation - these boilers can be controlled using a mobile application on a smartphone.

Condensing boilers

Navien condensing wall-mounted gas boilers are represented by the NCN and NCB series. Their efficiency is much higher due to the use of heat from condensate and amounts to 99-108%. The heat exchangers of the units are made of stainless steel.

The configuration of condensing boilers is similar to turbocharged ones, but the controller has an increased number of functions, for example, the ability to set a certain indoor climate for a week in advance.

The Navien NCN series includes 4 units with a capacity from 22 to 40 kW, and the Navien NCB series includes 4 boilers with a capacity from 24 to 40 kW.

In condensing boilers, hot water is heated to 65°C, and the coolant is heated to 90°C. The presented heating devices can withstand water pressure up to 10 Bar. Air supply occurs using both a coaxial and a conventional chimney. But do not forget that in the second case, the gas boiler will take air from the room and will require a separate furnace.

Note! All spare parts for wall-mounted gas boilers navien are produced only by this company, unlike European heat generators, whose components are from different manufacturers.

What series and models of Navien boilers are double-circuit

Double-circuit designs of Navien boilers are wall-mounted series:

• Deluxe.
• Deluxe Plus.
• Deluxe Coaxial.
• Atmo.
• Navien NCN and NCB.

Floor-standing double-circuit boilers:

• Navien GA
• Navien GST

IMPORTANT!

The Navien boiler range is constantly being modernized and expanded, so the list of double-circuit boilers is not exhaustive and remains open.

Installation Features

Consumer reviews also show what features the installation of Navien boilers has. Installation of double-circuit wall-mounted models is a fairly simple and uncomplicated procedure, because the manufacturer includes instructions for such equipment. You can install the boiler yourself.

As reviews show, we should not forget that the installation of navien gas heating equipment requires a number of works carried out only by specialists who control gas consumption. Even with proper installation, the presence of gas company workers is mandatory. This is also necessary to conclude an agreement allowing the installation of a navien boiler, and to obtain permission to operate such equipment.

Specifications

For convenience of consideration, we present the technical characteristics in the form of a table:

Where are they used?

Navien double-circuit boilers are designed for use in private homes or offices of the appropriate size. They are optimally designed to serve such premises, have the necessary power reserves and other capabilities.

The use of such equipment in production workshops or public buildings is difficult due to the large volumes, which reduce the efficiency of the equipment.

In addition, the supply of hot water is relevant specifically in residential buildings, which somewhat limits the scope of use, but allows us to confidently classify these units as household heating devices.

What's included

Navien double-circuit boilers have:

• Two heat exchangers (primary and secondary).
• Circulation pump.
• Three-way valve.
• Expansion tank.
• Fan.
• A burner with a combustion chamber connected to a primary heat exchanger.
• Set of sensors, control board, connecting pipes, etc.

All components, without exception, are manufactured by Navien, which makes them authentic and eliminates the possibility of replacement with parts from boilers from other manufacturers.

About the manufacturer

KD Navien Co., Ltd. has been producing heating equipment for more than 30 years and has established itself as a manufacturer of optimal technical characteristics and multifunctional equipment. It is present on the Russian market in the form of the official representative office of NAVIEN RUS LLC. The service structure is extremely developed and covers all regions of the country, not only the Moscow region.

Gas boilers of this brand have a fairly standard, simple but effective device with an average efficiency of 90-92%, depending on the model. First of all, the emphasis is on lower cost; in comparison with analogues, Navien boilers are always at least 5-10% cheaper. Therefore, even in the middle price segment, the manufacturer saves significantly on materials. The heat exchangers are steel, not copper, the pipes are also usually steel, the circulation pumps are quite noisy, like all switches, there is no thermal insulation. However, at an affordable price, this is more of a post than significant disadvantages.

Device using Navien DELUXE ONE as an example. Standard efficient layout, steel pipes, plastic hydraulic group. There is no thermal or noise insulation layer.

What else the manufacturer’s gas boilers are known for is their wide automation functionality. Even the most budget models costing 30-35 thousand rubles have a programmer that allows you to set the boiler operation settings for the next day or week. More expensive models already have a remote control (room thermostat) and external temperature sensors as standard. The controls and menus themselves are quite clear and convenient.

However, despite all the advantages, the reliability of heating boilers, especially mounted ones, raises questions. According to the statistics of service requests, products are not the leader in the number of breakdowns, but the opinion that Korean equipment is unreliable is not prejudice. Most often, the boiler displays errors 02 and 03, associated with circulation or ignition problems, respectively. Almost all existing components fail, most often these are: a three-way valve, a circulation pump, a turbine.

In recent years, models 8-10 years old often have problems with heat exchangers, which in general is practically the norm for steel structures when using hard, contaminated coolant.

There are many cases of problem-free operation over many years; it would be more correct to say that they are the majority. However, statistics of service calls show that the manufacturer’s wall-mounted gas boilers are among the least reliable in the price segment, along with Italian Ferroli and others. It is worth noting that floor-standing models are almost completely problem-free.

His device

A double-circuit boiler performs two functions simultaneously:

• Heating of the coolant (OC).
• Preparation of hot water (DHW).

A primary heat exchanger is used to heat the heating agent. When the OM enters it, it is heated to the highest possible temperature.

Leaving the heat exchanger, the hot flow passes through a three-way valve, which mixes in a cooler return flow to obtain the desired temperature.

The coolant is moved by a circulation pump. The combustion of gas is supported by a flow of fresh air supplied by a fan.

DHW is heated in a secondary plate heat exchanger. Hot water has a temperature inversely proportional to the parsing activity - the lower the pressure in the tap, the hotter the water will be.

All functions are constantly monitored by sensors that display an error on the display if any failures occur.

Possible malfunctions and repairs

Korean Navien boilers, according to experts, rarely fail. Moreover, they notice that most faults are easily fixed by users themselves. This is partly achieved due to the fact that boilers from this manufacturer are capable of producing an error code, which makes it easy to determine what went wrong. Problems often occur if the boiler is turned off incorrectly for the summer. And sometimes it’s enough just to turn the device off and on for it to work correctly.

The most common types of faults are:

• the device overheats and turns off;
• the flame signal disappears;
• there is an open circuit in the temperature sensor;
• fan malfunctions;
• a short circuit occurs in the flow sensor;
• the system does not work correctly;
• The control board is faulty.

Navien boilers have basic error codes that make it easy to identify and troubleshoot problems. Of course, in order not to lose the warranty on the device, it is best to immediately contact a service center if there is a problem. Quite often the number “01” appears on the display, which indicates that the pressure has decreased or a blockage has occurred. This error may also mean that the circulation pump is faulty.

To eliminate this error, you need to start by checking the filter that is in the heating system. There should be no air pockets in it. If they are, then the bleeding procedure should be done. It can be done on the radiators themselves. The next point is to check the serviceability of the circulation pump. Also important is the coil resistance. The impeller, which is located in the pump, must function fully and be without damage. Moreover, it is better to entrust everything related to the pump to a specialist rather than take risks, since gas equipment does not tolerate amateurishness.

Another common mistake is the combination of numbers “02”. It may indicate a failure of the pump impeller, air pockets in the heating system, or a decrease in water pressure. When this error occurs, the water from a hot tap may flow warm at first, and then cold again. This happens if the flow pressure is not enough for the burner.

Also, the maximum temperature value may be displayed on the remote control, but the water from the tap will flow cold. Moreover, this may not affect the heating. In this case, the problem may be insufficient water flow or air pockets.

Sometimes it happens that with this code the pump works, but at low speeds. This may indicate that the impeller has suffered mechanical damage. In addition, the flow sensor may not yet be working and the distribution valve may be in the closed position.

To eliminate the error, you must first bleed the air and adjust the pressure. After this, it is worth conducting an analysis of the coil resistance, and also checking the impeller for damage. It would also be useful to check the normal operation of the flow sensor. If it does not work correctly, it must be disassembled and the flag cleaned.

For more information on the causes and method of eliminating error code “02”, see the following video.

Code “10” is displayed if the fan does not work. For example, it may be bent or the problem may arise due to incorrect connection of the tubes from the air pressure sensor. These tubes should be connected to the fan volutes. Also, this error may appear when the chimney is clogged or even simply during strong gusts of wind.

Ways to solve the problem most often come down to replacing the fan. Sometimes you just need to clean your chimney. You also need to check the correct connection of the tubes to the fan volutes. In the latter case, if everything is done correctly, there should be an inflection point.

It happens that the boiler often turns on with noise, but the error does not appear on the display. In this case, the pressure in the heating circuit reaches 1.5 atmospheres. To correct the problem, you can install a higher quality coolant, which will allow the heat exchanger to be operational longer. At a minimum, if such a problem occurs, the heat exchanger should be removed and cleaned. However, it must be taken into account that after 5 years of using the boiler, it is impossible to clean the heat exchanger.

Code “011” appears if the coolant is filled with low-quality water. Most often, this error occurs with Navien Ace boilers.

Installation technology and connection instructions

Installing the boiler is not difficult. Floor samples are simply installed in a designated place, and wall samples are hung on a durable surface using elastic noise-absorbing pads.

It is prohibited to hang boilers on fragile partitions made of plasterboard or other similar material.

The boiler is connected by connecting all necessary communications and power supplies . It is necessary to be careful and carefully monitor the correct connection of the pipelines.

Main attention should be paid to gas pipe connections. Using a soap solution, check for leaks.

There are usually no significant problems with the connection, but representatives of service centers insist on involving their specialists in the installation. It is believed that this option allows for proper connection of equipment and eliminates the possibility of errors.

Download instructions

You can read the instructions in this file.

Price range

The cost of a specific Navien boiler model depends on the power and series of the unit. Basically, prices are in the region of 30-33 thousand rubles. Somewhat cheaper are boilers with an open burner (Atmo series), which can be purchased for 26 thousand rubles.

When calculating the cost, it is necessary to take into account the cost of delivery and installation. In addition, you need to conclude a warranty service agreement, which also costs money. Usually service centers insist on this. so that the installation and connection of the equipment is carried out by their specialists, otherwise the warranty will be denied.

NOTE!

The warranty service agreement is concluded not with the store, but with the service center. Some stores are authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the SC, others only carry out sales and do not provide a guarantee. In such situations, you must independently conclude an agreement with the SC.