Hot water for modern man is not a luxury at all. He feels an urgent need for it. In this regard, many apartment owners who centralized system water supply cannot ensure the supply of hot water around the clock and throughout the year, sooner or later they begin to think about purchasing a device such as a water heater.
Modern market household appliances offers many models. However, not everyone can answer the question of which water heater is best to buy for an apartment. Let's try to figure it out.
Electricity or gas?
Which water heater is better to buy for an apartment? Reviews from experts and consumers confirm that when choosing, it is necessary to determine which energy source will be used during operation. of this device. Depending on what will be supplied to heat the water, the units are divided into two types. They can be gas or electric.
Which water heater is better to buy for an apartment? Consumer reviews indicate that gas appliances are cheaper to operate. At first glance, it may seem that this option would be the most acceptable for apartment owners. However, this is not entirely true. The cheaper type will bring the water to the set temperature very slowly. In addition, to install this device, you will need to attract the help of specialists from the gas service. They will charge a fee for laying additional pipes and ventilation ducts. The end result is a pretty decent amount.
Gas boilers that heat an impressive volume of water are also quite expensive. Besides similar units there is no point in placing it in a small apartment.
As for electric water heaters, all models of this type of device operate from the network:
220 volts (single-phase);
- (three-phase).
Which water heater is better to buy for an apartment? User reviews indicate that the most powerful devices are connected to a 380 volt network. Similar devices They heat water very quickly, but at the same time their cost is quite high. In addition, such units will require powerful wiring, and three-phase networks are not available everywhere. In addition, for old city apartments it is not recommended to choose a water heater that consumes more than 5 kW. Otherwise, the network will simply be overloaded.
If the apartment is located in a new building, then the owner is given the opportunity to choose more powerful device. How many kilowatts to count on can be determined according to the existing project.
Which water heater is better to buy for an apartment? Reviews from many people who have decided to purchase this useful device indicate that they are afraid of a sharp increase in electricity bills. But there is no need to worry about this. Electric water heaters, which have average volume and power indicators, cost their owners no more than a couple of hundred rubles per month if they are constantly running.
Installation location
Which water heater is best to buy for an apartment must be decided not only based on the type of energy it consumes. Users note that if the project does not initially provide for the place in which the device should be installed, find free space quite difficult. In addition, the entire structure, together with water, has an impressive weight, which makes it difficult to attach it to non-permanent walls. All this is taken into account by modern manufacturers who produce wall-mounted and floor-mounted devices.
If you decide to purchase a water heater for your apartment, which of these two types is better? Wall mounted appliances allow you to save space. Floor-standing water heaters are securely installed on the floor and do not pose the risk of collapse even with large volumes of water in them.
When choosing a wall-mounted option, before purchasing, you will need to measure the width and height of the free space with a tape measure. This will allow you to find out the permissible dimensions of the water heater and how best to position it.
Wall-mounted units are mounted either horizontally or vertically. At the same time, the manufacturer produces universal devices that can be positioned depending on the available space, as well as special models with one or another configuration.
Today, the manufacturer also offers water heaters that can be installed directly under the sink. However, their main disadvantage is limited quantity heated liquid.
Volume
This is one of the important parameters that should also be taken into account when choosing a water heater. In order to determine the required tank volume, you will need to take into account the required dimensions of the unit, the number of connection points, as well as the number of family members. For those owners who purchase a water heater only for washing dishes, a tank volume of 10-30 liters is sufficient. But to take a shower you will need more water (from 50 to 100 liters). If family members are used to taking a bath, then the maximum volume of the tank is required (up to 150 l).
Device type
Water heaters are of the following types:
Cumulative;
- flow-through;
- cumulative indirect heating.
Let's take a closer look at them.
Storage water heaters
Units of this type are the most popular. In such devices, the entire volume of water in the tank is heated. Storage water heaters bring the temperature of the liquid to a certain limit, and then maintain it at a given level. In this regard, such units are the most economical.
Which storage water heater is better to buy for an apartment? One that will allow you to use the required volume of water, because if it is completely consumed, you will have to wait again for the heating of a new portion of the liquid. In this regard, when choosing a model, it is necessary to calculate the size of the tank.
Instantaneous water heater
As for this type of heater, it is smaller in size. However, it is worth keeping in mind that this device does not allow the water to warm up enough and be very hot. Moreover, such units have more than storage units. However, if you consider that heating occurs only at those moments when the owners go to the shower or wash dishes, then the costs will not be very high.
But for apartments with old wiring, it is better not to buy instantaneous water heaters. After all, previously designed networks will not be able to withstand the installation of units, average power which exceeds the value of 6 kW.
Which instantaneous water heater is better to buy for an apartment? To select a device, you will need to evaluate the load that will be placed on the unit.
What power water heater is best to buy for an apartment? In the case where up to three people will use the water, it should be approximately 12 kW. This power will allow you to keep the performance parameter at a level of up to three liters of hot water for one minute. At the same time maximum temperature the feed will be at least fifty degrees.
How to determine which ones are better for an apartment?
The choice of such a unit is also based on the available parameters of its power supply. As a rule, water heaters of this type have it at 220 V with a frequency of 20 to 30 Hz. However, in cases where homes have problems in the form of power surges, the 30 Hz model should be purchased.
Storage water heaters with indirect heating
According to user reviews, such units are the most economical. The fact is that their work is carried out while simultaneously turning on a single-circuit heating boiler. IN winter period Such water heaters use the same energy that is intended for heating.
The main disadvantage of such a device is its difficult installation, which requires insertion into the heating system. But if we consider the advantages of using this unit, it is worth noting that there is no need to connect it to the electrical network.
Indirect heating devices are installed, as a rule, in urban private or country houses that have an autonomous heating system.
Performance and Power
Which electric water heater is better to buy for an apartment? To choose the optimal version of the device, you need to look in the instructions at its performance, which directly depends on the power.
The most strong addiction These indicators are observed in instantaneous water heaters, as mentioned above. In such units, for comfortable consumption of hot water, the power must be above 12 kW. IN storage devices A power of 2 kW is sufficient. The performance of this type of device will be at a sufficient level.
heating elements
When deciding on choosing a heater, you also need to pay attention to this parameter. Manufacturers offer models that have either one or two heating elements.
In the first case, water heaters use energy, which is controlled automatically. At the same time, to maintain the set temperature level, the device switches on the economy mode. After complete use of water in such units, further heating is carried out slowly.
Which water heater is better to buy for an apartment? For high hot water flows, models with two heating elements are the most preferable option.
Other selection criteria
Modern water heating devices are characterized by low heat loss. This indicator is only a few degrees during the day. This becomes possible thanks to the good thermal insulation of the tanks, for which polyurethane foam, fiberglass or polystyrene foam are used.
When choosing a water heater, you can compare heat loss rates for various models. To do this, you need to clarify this parameter in the instructions supplied with the device.
Equally important is the service life of the device. On average, it is 5 years, but in the best case, the manufacturer will indicate a period of up to 7 years. This parameter characterizes the reliability of the water heater. After all, the service life will directly depend on the material used for the tank, as well as on the quality of the anti-corrosion coating applied.
When buying a water heater, you need to focus on its price. It will be directly dependent on all the above parameters, as well as the mark of the device.
Manufacturers
Which brand of water heater is best to buy for an apartment? Inexpensive, but at the same time reliable devices are offered to consumers by Ariston. Units produced by the Swedish company Electrolux are affordable. This manufacturer is considered a leader in the gas water heating appliances segment. Electrical units Electrolux companies bark high quality, and at the same time as expensive as Bosh brand products.
Cheap, but at the same time quite high-quality heaters offered by Thermex are becoming increasingly popular on the market. Devices from manufacturers such as Drazice and Gorenje also receive good user reviews. What brand of water heater is better to buy for an apartment if you need to install a compact device? In this segment, the leader among manufacturers is AEG. Below are the most popular water heater models.
Ariston ABS BLU R 80V
This water heater stands out among other models due to its minimal heat loss. The device is very convenient to use everyday use thanks to the lower water supply provided in its design. The main material for the manufacture of the device tank is hardened steel. At the same time, the manufacturer reliably protected the device body from heat loss by covering it with an aluminum plate.
Users note that the water in such a unit reaches the maximum heating temperature in almost 3-4 hours. Consumers are also pleased with the spacious tank of 80 liters, which can be easily mounted on the wall. During operation, it is convenient for owners to monitor the temperature of the water in the tank, which is displayed on a special thermometer.
AEG RMC 75
According to user reviews, this instantaneous water heater is very easy to install. In addition, the device is characterized by productivity and practicality of use.
The instantaneous water heater of this model is capable of bringing 4-5 liters of water to the desired temperature in just one minute, while consuming 7.5 kW. According to user reviews, the model is perfect for simultaneous connection to several water intake points.
The design of the device provides for the installation of a copper heating element. It has an operation indication and mechanics. Users note that the model has reliable protection against overheating, as well as against water getting into it
This high-quality device receives many positive reviews due to its compactness, as well as stability and durability.
Timberk SWH RS1 80 V
This model, according to consumer reviews, is quite productive, protected and stylish. The manufacturer offers users a device with excellent performance parameters and a pleasant design. The tank volume of this model is 80 liters. It heats up the water in just two hours. In this case, the device consumes 2 kW.
Both a sudden shutdown of hot water in an apartment and its absence in suburban housing negatively affects our quality of life. Installing a water heater will help solve the utility issue. But which water heater to choose so that this device does not create additional problems later?
The article we presented describes in detail the types of water heaters and classification characteristics that influence the choice. Recommendations are given that must be followed for safe operation of the equipment. To help the buyer, information about the leading manufacturers in the segment is provided.
All household water heaters, based on the heating method, are divided into 2 types: storage and instantaneous.
Depending on the type of fuel used for heating, these devices can be powered by electricity or gas. They have different prices, designs, sizes and operating principles.
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Specifics of storage water heaters
A structure consisting of a tank with a heating element inside, which gradually heats the entire volume of water in the container, is called a storage water heater.
If we consider more detailed diagram, then it contains the following elements:
- Frame. All internal parts of the device are hidden under it. For its manufacture, both expensive and cheaper materials are used. The most high price for models with an aluminum body, this is followed by stainless steel, and the most cheap option- plastic.
- Thermal insulation. Prevents heat loss. The thicker its layer, the longer it is maintained optimal temperature water inside, the device performs the function of a thermos more efficiently, and its operation is cheaper.
- Internal capacity of the water heater. It is made of metal, having a protective layer in the form of an enamel coating or a higher quality glass porcelain coating.
- Pipe for collecting heated water. Its layer, in accordance with the laws of physics, is located above the cold layer. For this reason, the sampling point is located at the top.
- Supply pipe. Through it, cold water from the system enters the tank.
- Anode. The material from which it is made contains a high percentage of magnesium. Designed to protect the heating element by attracting scale to itself; it settles not on the heating element, but on its surface.
- Heater. Includes 2 elements - heating element and thermostat. The first can be open or closed and is designed to heat water, and the second to control its temperature.
- Thermostat. Can automatically turn on and off the heating element when the set temperature is reached.
- Water heating sensor. Electronic or pointer. The latter shows only the approximate temperature, and the former, which is distinguished by great accuracy, is equipped with more expensive models.
- Lid. Protects the user from injury electric shock.
Electric storage water heaters are effective devices for independently providing a home with hot water. They have high efficiency and consume a small amount of electricity. Thanks to your success, you will always have a supply of hot water.
Electric water heaters have a wide range, including models of different shapes and design volumes. There are many additional functions that make their operation economical
In garages and country houses where there is no running water, tankless water heaters powered by the electrical network are used. They are equipped with a thermal limiter, light indication, and temperature regulator. They are suitable for installation in rooms where the temperature is not lower than +1 degrees C and not higher than +40.
Tank inner lining
It is traditionally believed that a stainless steel tank is more reliable than a regular steel one. This is true, it’s not for nothing that manufacturers give a 10-year guarantee on them. You should know that these containers have a weak point - a seam that is susceptible to corrosion. In many models it is covered with a protective layer.
A good alternative to stainless steel is the enamel coating of a steel tank. Additives are added to the enamel to improve its properties. In elite models, glass-ceramic coating is used, silver and titanium ions are sprayed.
To apply these enamels, complex, expensive technology is used. Which of the listed water heater options will be better, everyone decides for themselves.
In Europe, only enameled tanks are mainly used, considering them more environmentally friendly than containers made of stainless steel and less allergenic
The silver-containing coating disinfects water, prevents corrosion, and prevents the formation of microcracks. Increased stability A heat-resistant coating in the form of titanium spraying, obtained by nitriding titanium at temperatures above 1 thousand degrees C, is resistant to strong heating.
Most enamels used by manufacturers tend to repel scale.
Submersible and steatite heating elements in comparison
Heating elements for storage boilers come in 2 types - submersible or “wet” and steatite or “dry”. Units with the second type of heating elements are more reliable.
There is no contact of heating elements with water here, because they are placed in a special flask filled with quartz sand or oil. The steatite element has a longer service life, but also almost doubles the cost of the water heater.
A “wet” copper heating element is something like a boiler; it quickly becomes covered with scale, which reduces its thermal conductivity.
The “sacrificial” magnesium anode facilitates the fight against calcium salts deposited on the surface of the heating element. It works on the principle of galvanic interaction of conductors. More electronegative magnesium accepts oxygen ions, thereby preventing the destruction of iron.
Magnesium anode does not protect heating element from scale in literally. It simply simplifies the fight against it, taking the brunt of the blow, as a result of which it oxidizes and breaks down, therefore it must be periodically replaced
The scale deposited on the heating element, consisting of magnesium salts, has lower carbonate hardness and is distinguished by a looser structure. This sediment can be removed mechanically. The service life of the electrode and tank body is reduced not only by scale, but also by suspended particles that scratch their surface. Installation will save you from these risks.
The tank can contain either 1 heating element or more, up to 6 pieces. If you already have 2 heating elements, the boiler can be operated in economical heating mode - PowerProf. If the boiler has a power of 2 kW, there is a choice between an economical mode with a consumption of approximately 800 W, an average - 1.2 kW or a maximum - all 2000 W.
The design of electric heating equipment provides a possibility that you can handle yourself, strictly following the instructions.
Advantages and disadvantages of the accumulative type
A storage water heater or boiler has such a significant advantage as low energy consumption. Its consumer powers are in the range of 0.9-6 kW.
The boiler works from single-phase network, it is possible to connect the unit both in a city apartment and in a rural house. The main thing is that there is a 220-230 V outlet. Water can be supplied to several points at once.
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The boiler can store a large volume of water heated to 65-85 degrees C, periodically heating it. There is a large range of models with tanks capable of holding from 10 to 300 liters. When consumed, hot water enters the mixer, and if necessary, it is brought to the desired temperature by diluting it with cold water.
The thermal insulation layer allows for minimal heat loss. Usually they do not exceed 0.5 degrees C in 1 hour. In models in which as thermal insulation material polyurethane foam is used, placed between the tank body and a layer of anti-corrosion coating, the temperature per day decreases by only 10 degrees.
The thermal insulation layer made of foamed polyurethane is environmentally friendly and has low thermal conductivity. It has good moisture permeability and does not lose its properties throughout the entire operational period
If the electrical wiring is of high quality, then as an option you can connect several devices with a power of 3 to 8 kW. In old-type houses, connecting such devices is problematic. Here it is better to use a storage boiler that does not create a large load on the electrical network.
Instantaneous water heaters, like storage water heaters, are divided into 2 types: non-pressure and pressure. Devices of the second type are embedded into hot and cold water pipelines, then warm water will flow from any tap in the house.
An excellent solution for apartment owners not connected to centralized hot water networks is. He cooks quickly sanitary water for sinks in kitchens and bathrooms. The devices turn on and off automatically, reacting to the pressure of the liquid.
When you decide to purchase an instantaneous water heater, decide for what purpose you need it. Based on this, choose a device according to the required performance and power
Non-pressure flow devices have a maximum power of 8 kW. They can provide warm water only 1 point at a time. If you need hot water to flow from each tap, then it will have to flow from each of them.
Although these models are cheaper than pressure ones, but for big house or apartments, it’s not worth buying them, but for a dacha, where people live only in the summer, they work well.
The disadvantage of portable flow-through water heating devices is that they work at only one point. But required quantity water heats up quickly without turning on the central network. The temperature is adjusted by increasing or decreasing the pressure
Criteria for choosing gas instantaneous water heaters will be presented, the contents of which we recommend that you familiarize yourself with.
Safe operation of equipment
The main element that guarantees the safe operation of a storage water heater is a thermocouple. It automatically turns off the heating element after heating the water to the set temperature. A thermocouple consists of 2 conductors having different resistances.
If the thermocouple stops functioning for some reason, the safety valve comes into operation. It is installed at the inlet and includes a valve with a spring, which is in a relaxed state at a pressure in the system of up to 7 atm.
As soon as the pressure reaches a critical value, the spring compresses under its action and opens drain hole. Some of the hot water flows out, the pressure inside the tank decreases.
When choosing a water heater, you need to pay attention to its protection class, especially if water shutdowns occur frequently. The best choice in this case would be closed-type water heaters with protection class IP 24, IP 25.
In a instantaneous water heater, a pressure sensor is responsible for safety. It turns off the heating elements automatically when the pressure in the water supply drops when the tap is closed.
You can learn how to use a water heater correctly. Compliance with operating rules significantly extends the operating life of the equipment.
Criteria for comparing water heaters
Manufacturers are constantly upgrading their products and releasing improved models. Comfort in your home will depend on how well you can choose a water heater. To a large extent, the reliability of equipment is determined by which company produced it.
An important question facing the buyer is whether the water heater is suitable for you in all respects. To make an error-free choice, you need to know the main evaluation criteria.
To objectively evaluate the advantages of a storage water heater model, you need to compare according to the following parameters:
- Volume. Tank capacity may vary. Nai in great demand units with an average storage volume of 30-100 liters are used.
- Power. For high-quality models it is far from small.
- Type of heating element. It can be in the form of a spiral or heating element.
- The presence of a “sacrificial” anode.
- Electrical protection class.
- Manufacturer popularity.
The price of the unit is not in last place, but in pursuit of cheapness, do not forget about quality. Excessive savings can result in many problems during operation.
Overview of manufacturers of storage-type units
Manufacturers that have long earned the trust of consumers include, first of all, Ariston. Storage water heaters at a very affordable price differ stylish design, have an impressive list of additional functions, high degree security.
An auto shut-off mechanism protects against electric shock if the tank breaks down; there is a special valve that is triggered when the pressure is high.
New model Ariston water heater VELIS PLUS INOX attracts with its elegant design. It is equipped with two stainless steel tanks with individual heating elements and a touch screen.
The European manufacturer Thermex also occupies a leading place; in particular, the ID 50 V model is in great demand. It has compact dimensions, good design, low power. There are reverse and safety valves. This model has a serious drawback - the tank is susceptible to corrosion, because... he has a weak anti-corrosion coating.
Name from Bosch Many people associate it with the concept of reliability. Its products always top the water heater rating tables in the global market. Devices from this manufacturer are distinguished by durability, convenient settings, optimal power and an appropriate price justified by high quality.
Products from a Czech manufacturer storage water heaters Drazice also has positive reviews. They are designed to heat water up to 95 degrees C in large volumes - at least 90 liters at a time. The models have high-quality corrosion protection and low heat loss.
DRAZICE has released a new line of OKHE SMART water heaters. Their main feature- presence of a “smart” thermostat
The Swedish company Electrolux also produces water heaters with excellent performance characteristics. Particularly popular is the CENTURIO EWH 80 model, equipped with a spacious stainless steel tank (80 l) and a tubular heater. It is distinguished by excellent thermal insulation and stylish design.
This model only lacks an anode, which protects the tank and heater from corrosion. Having chosen Electrolux models, you should make sure that they are not collected in China.
Manufacturers of instantaneous water heaters
For owners of small apartments, heaters manufactured by AEG are a good choice, but on the condition that the electrical wiring is new. All parts of the device that can be exposed to water splashes have an anti-corrosion coating; the material of the tank has shock-proof properties.
For individual consumers, the disadvantage is the high energy consumption and high cost.
Electric flow AEG water heaters will fit even into limited space. There is a temperature regulator on its front panel
Electrolux, in addition to storage water heaters, also produces flow-through models. Their advantage is safety, a clear interface, and ease of installation. Based on some reviews, the heating elements are not durable.
Polaris Mercury has a streamlined shape that allows you to install the device anywhere. Heats up water very quickly. Some inexpensive models have low efficiency, the limit for them is 40 degrees C.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
You will hear advice from professionals on choosing a water heater, depending on the material and tank, when watching this video:
It is difficult to make a choice with such a variety of water heaters. But the guideline should be your own needs and the reliability of the electrical wiring. If you need truly reliable, high-quality equipment, do not skimp on the price.
Would you like to talk about how you chose a water heater for installation in an apartment, cottage or country house? Eat useful information for site visitors or have any questions while reading the material? Please write comments in the block below, share your opinion, leave photos on the topic of the article.
Among huge amount models of boilers on the market, it is quite difficult to decide on the choice of a suitable unit. How to choose the right water heater among this variety?
Before choosing a boiler, you need to decide on your needs and think about what needs the unit will be used for. All devices are divided into several types:
- electrical, flow type;
- electric storage type;
- flow gas;
- storage gas;
- indirect type devices.
Electric flow units
A distinctive feature of flow-through electric heaters water is theirs compact and easy to install. This ideal option For country house. Also, such a unit can be easily placed in the bathroom, in a kitchen cabinet or under the sink.
The water in this device is heated by a built-in powerful heating element located in a small tank through which the liquid passes. When water comes into contact with the heating element, it quickly heats up and goes to the place of consumption. The only drawback of such boilers is that they have more power up to 8 kW and above: not every wiring in the house can withstand such a load. Therefore, for the flow unit it is necessary to pull a separate cable from electrical panel, and select the wire cross-section taking into account the load in a specific situation.
Disadvantages also include high electricity consumption.
Electric storage boilers
This is the most common and popular type of device. Choosing such a water heater for an apartment can be considered the best option. An electric storage water heater not only heats the liquid to the required temperature, but also keeps the water hot for a long time, like in a thermos. Heat is retained by thick thermal insulation between the tank and the external tank of the device. The heated water is enough for use at several points at the same time. The unit uses a heating element (tubular electric heater) as a heat source. Warm water rises and exits to the consumer through drain pipe, the fence of which is located in the upper part.
For storage devices, there are several recommendations on how to choose the right boiler based on design features:
- tank material;
- types of heating elements – “wet” and “dry”.
Inner tank material
Modern boilers are equipped with an internal tank with glass ceramic coating. This coating protects the tank from corrosion, but is very sensitive to temperature changes, as a result of which microcracks can form. But there are also devices with containers made from stainless steel, or from it, but covered with a layer of titanium enamel. Since water is constantly in the tank, corrosion of the welds is inevitable over time. To extend the service life of internal tanks, units are equipped with magnesium anodes(metal rods coated with magnesium). Therefore, before choosing a water heater, pay attention to the material of the tank and its internal coating.
Considering that models with stainless steel tanks are guaranteed for 7-10 years, then choosing such a water heater for an apartment is preferable.
Types of heating elements
“Wet” heating element looks like a regular boiler. It consists of a copper tube into which a nichrome spiral is embedded, filled with a dielectric.
During operation of the heater, as in the case of a boiler, scale accumulation is inevitable. And if the water in the line has increased hardness, then the surface of the tube will very quickly become overgrown with plaque, as a result of which heat transfer will be lost. The heating element will begin to overheat and eventually burn out. Consequently, in areas where water has high hardness levels, it is not recommended to install boilers with open heaters. Therefore, before choosing an electric boiler for an apartment, you should take into account the chemical composition of the water. In addition, the open parts of the heater enter into a galvanic reaction with the internal tank, causing it to undergo electrochemical destruction.
“Dry” heating elements have no contact with the liquid in the tank. They can be different in design, but what they have in common is that the heaters are installed in special tubes soldered to the flange, or a protective flask, also installed on the flange, which is hermetically attached to the bottom of the tank.
As a result, boilers with “dry” heaters have a longer service life, provided they work with hard water. Although scale also collects on protective covers, it takes more time compared to open heating elements. Therefore, preventive maintenance and descaling must be carried out once every 2 years. Also due to reduction of electrochemical corrosion, the internal tanks of the devices are in working condition longer, provided that the magnesium anode has not depleted (requires checking during maintenance).
Flow gas
Gas heaters of flow type ( geysers), most often used in the private sector, where there is a gas and water supply and the house has a chimney. But before you choose a boiler for your home, in this case a gas one, you should take into account that you will have to contact the gas service for obtaining permission and then to connect the device. It will also be necessary to make wiring for water.
The liquid in such a device is heated by passing it through a heat exchanger located in the body of the gas water heater. In turn, the heat exchanger is heated by the gas burning in the chamber.
Storage gas
As an alternative to a gas water heater for a private home, you can purchase a storage gas unit. The only difference between them is that the water heater (storage) has a container for liquid. The water in the tank is also heated by the combustion of gas. Heating temperature thermostat controls, which turns off the gas supply if the liquid has heated to the desired temperature.
The advantage of such a device over a flow-through device is that heated water is constantly present in the system, and there is no need to turn on the heating column every time, which ensures more economical gas consumption.
Indirect heating units
The indirect heating device does not have built-in heat sources. The water in the tank is heated from external sources . Most often, liquid from heating system, which, passing through a heat exchanger (coil), gives energy to the water in the tank.
Due to the use of external coolants, choosing an indirect heating boiler for your home will be an economical option, since gas and electricity are not consumed. But it should be noted that this type of device has a high cost. And their volume can reach up to 1000 liters. It is rational to use an indirect heating boiler in big houses(if the number of household members is more than 6 people), institutions, cafes, canteens and restaurants, where considerable consumption of hot water is expected.
In an indirect unit, it is possible to install a heating element, after which it turns into a storage electrical device.
Unit power
The time it takes to heat the liquid in the tank to the required levels depends on the power of the heater used in the device. Before choosing an electric water heater, you should know what the leaders are in this matter devices gas heating . They tend to heat water 2 times faster than analogues with heating elements. Not to mention indirect water heaters, the liquid in which heats up even more slowly.
An electric storage water heater is often equipped with 2 heating elements of lower power to increase the speed of operation, or one, but powerful one. The total recommended power should be 2 kW. On average, it takes from 2 to 4 hours to heat water to 50 degrees, depending on the volume of the tank. This means that low-power devices should be purchased if the need for hot water is not high.
Water heater tank volume
Which water heater and with what volume should I choose for my home? Resolving this issue should be a priority. Many people make the mistake of choosing a large-volume unit when purchasing, guided by the thought “the bigger, the better.” But, in fact, you will receive unjustified energy consumption, since the device will spend more time heating water than a similar device of a smaller size. In addition, the dimensions of such a device will take up more space, and therefore you should be guided by your needs. The figures below show approximate indicators that should be used to select the volume of the unit. They depend on how many people will use hot water.
Also for big family 7-8 people if this private house, it would be more rational to choose a (storage) indirect heating water heater. Among floor models you can select a unit with the required capacity that can provide hot water to the entire family. Purchase home device indirect heating can solve the question of which better water heater choose for a private home? To better understand how much water is consumed per day, you can use the table below.
Water heater shape
By shape storage boilers There are: cylindrical and square (flat).
Cylindrical
Most buyers, when choosing a water heater for an apartment, opt for cylindrical models for vertical placement. They have the following advantages:
- the devices are compact and do not take up much space;
- the cylindrical shape has the maximum contact area.
There are also narrow devices in the shape of a cylinder, the so-called slim water heaters(from English “slim” - thin). They differ in diameter (from 38 cm and less) from standard units with a circumference of 45-52 cm. Moreover, in order to increase capacity, the manufacturer increased their height.
The slim unit is very convenient in small apartments old building, which have very cramped bathrooms and limited space in the kitchen. This parameter is convincing to choose an electric water heater of small diameter for such housing. However, it can handle the same power as the standard one and has the same capacity due to the conversion usable space in height.
The disadvantage of slim units is that some manufacturers, in order to increase the volume of the internal tank without increasing the outer diameter, reduce the thermal insulation layer. Because of this, the liquid in the container cools faster, and the device is forced to turn on more often.
Flat
Flat models are no different from slim models in their parameters. The flat-shaped storage water heater takes up little space, has a nice design, and fits well into the interior. Since such devices hide in lockers in the kitchen or bathroom, you can easily select the thickness of the device required for this.
There are also models for horizontal placement. But the cost of such devices is higher than vertical ones. This placement allows you to make maximum use of the free space, especially if it is limited to a small room.
When choosing the right unit for home use, it is important to find a compromise based on rationality, so as not to damage convenience and financial savings.
Today, storage electric water heaters are used increased popularity as among the owners country houses and dachas, as well as among city residents who want to make their water supply independent and uninterrupted.
In this article we will look at the top ten at the moment storage water heaters with a volume from 30 to 100 liters, which is the best option for installation in an apartment or country house.
What parameters to pay attention to when choosing a storage water heater
Tank volume
The most compact models up to 30 liters are perfect for a summer house, small kitchen or bathroom. It’s difficult to think about taking a shower, but doing the dishes and washing your face is no problem.
50-liter water heaters are already capable of providing quite comfortable single-handed washing, but the next user may have to wait the allotted time for reheating.
For a family of 2-3 people, an 80-liter boiler is perfect. However, if there is an irresistible desire to take a bath or the social unit consists of 4 or more active users, it makes sense to think about buying a model with a capacity of 100 or even 120 liters.
There are water heaters with a larger volume, up to 300 liters, but these are rather industrial rather than household devices.
Power
Everything is clear here. The more, the faster the heating. Typically varies in the range from 1 to 2.5 kW. You just need to decide on the capabilities of your network.
Heater type
Heating elements can be:
- Classic submersible, in direct contact with water;
- “Dry”, placed in a special capsule.
The first option is simpler and cheaper, the second is reliable, durable and eliminates scale fouling.
Tank material
There are two main options - enameled or stainless steel.
- High-quality enamel has anti-corrosion properties and may contain silver ions for disinfection, but you are unlikely to feel it in any way (this is more like marketing).
- “Stainless steel” is traditionally strong and reliable, but it is also more expensive. Manufacturers often give the same warranty for tanks made of both materials, then the difference is leveled out.
Anti-corrosion anode
Protects the tank from leaks and extends its “life”. The material of the tank does not necessarily matter, because the problem area is often the welds, and “stainless steel” comes in different varieties.
To solve the problem of hot water in an apartment or private house, in the country you can heat water using electric water heaters. There are several types, and in order to decide which water heater is best for your situation, you need to know their advantages, disadvantages and operating features of each type of water heating equipment.
What types of household water heaters are there and how do they differ?
- flow type - heat the water passing through the device;
- storage type - the water in the heater tank is heated;
- flow-storage - have two operating modes;
- liquid
It’s difficult to say which water heater is better. If we talk about appearance, then the main external difference- this is the size. Cumulative models large, flow-through - small. But size is not all that is needed to understand what is best for you. You need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each type of equipment.
Cumulative models
A storage water heater (also known as a boiler) has a capacity of considerable size - from 30 to 200 liters. Inside there is a heating element - heating element. It may be one or several. The heating elements can be switched on in parallel (they always work simultaneously) or in cascades (they are switched on as needed). When switched on in cascade, there are several heating modes for more efficient energy consumption.
Many more models contain a thermometer to conveniently control the water temperature and a thermostat to maintain the set temperature. The desired temperature is set by turning the thermostat control knob to a certain position.
A storage water heater constantly contains a certain volume of water. It is heated using electric heaters. There are two types:
- heating element ( T ribbed E lectro N heater). Inexpensive classic solution. They are quickly and easily changed; any specialized store has them in stock. wide range. Disadvantage - it takes a long time to heat the water.
- Spiral heating element. More powerful heaters that quickly heat large volumes of water allow you to accurately maintain the desired temperature. But they are more expensive (affects the price of the water heater), and their replacement is also more difficult.
Operating principle
Regardless of the type of heater installed, the principle of operation of a storage water heater is the same. When the set temperature is reached, the thermostat turns off the power supply and heating stops. Further, the temperature is maintained automatically. When the water cools by 1 degree or cold is added to the tank during consumption, the heating is turned on. As soon as the set temperature is reached (or rather, a degree higher than the set one), heating stops. This is how automatic storage water heaters work. They are convenient because they do not overheat (if the automation is working properly) and you always have hot water available, which is heated the way you wanted. Such equipment usually has two operating modes - with temperature maintenance or without - in manual mode.
To keep the water temperature as long as possible, insulation is used. It is placed between the walls of the tank and the body. With good thermal insulation, even with hot water, the body remains cold, maybe a little warm. It is clear that if the temperature lasts a long time, the costs of maintaining it are small. Even if you turn off the keep warm function, the water will be hot even after 24 hours.
There are very simple electric water heaters that do not have a thermostat. They are turned on/off by a toggle switch - manually. As you understand, in this case there is a possibility that the water heater will boil and fail (if you forget to turn it off).
There is one more nuance - stepwise activation of heating elements. There are usually two or more of them installed in a housing, and several heating modes are also available. One is more powerful, in which all heaters are turned on, the rest are softer - one or two heating elements can work, depending on their total number. What is this for? In summer you can use heating in a gentle mode - the water will heat up quickly, in winter they usually use all heaters - wait less. In general, you can regulate the heating rate of the boiler in this way. They let it all down hot water and we need the next batch quickly - turned it on full power, there is no such need - you can avoid overloading the network by turning it on at half power.
What materials are tanks made of and features of their maintenance?
Storage water heater tanks are made of stainless and ordinary steel. Regular steel is covered with protective layers of enamel; stainless steel does not need them. From this point of view, it is easy to say which water heater is better - with a stainless steel tank. But it is also more expensive. But the service life of such equipment is much longer - the enamel, even the highest quality, flakes off over time.
To extend the service life of the enameled coating, magnesium anodes are installed in storage steel water heaters. They require periodic replacement - they “melt” during operation, and their condition is monitored by a special sensor with an indicator displayed on the front panel. The status of the indicator monitors the need to replace the anode.
How to choose and which one is better
In most cases, storage water heaters are installed in private houses or apartments multi-storey buildings where there is no centralized supply of hot water. Equipment is selected according to tank volume. If you don’t like restrictions, you can calculate it at the rate of 50 liters of hot water per family member. This should be enough. In the tank it heats up to, say, 70°. It is unrealistic to use this, you will dilute it. As a result, there will be 100-150 liters of warm water per person (depending on the temperature of the water in the water supply). This does not take into account the fact that during consumption the water is also heated.
Everything is clear about the material of the tanks: if it is possible, it is better to take a storage electric water heater with a stainless steel tank. The number of operating modes is not so critical, but it is also a good option, although such models, due to their more complex circuitry, are more expensive.
| Name | Tank capacity | Power | Dimensions (W*D*H) | Heating time | Tank | Min/max pressure | Control | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrolux EWH 50 Centurio DL | 50 l | 433*255*860 mm | 70 min | stainless steel | 0.7-6 Bar | electronic | 190$ | |
| Ariston ABS VLS Evo PW 100 | 100 l | 2.5 kW | 506*275*1250 mm | 91 min | stainless steel | 0.2-6 Bar | electronic | 185$ |
| Atlantic Vertigo 30 | 30 l | 1 kW | 490*290*601 mm | 46 min | enamel | 0.5-6 Bar | mechanical | 240$ |
| Thermex Flat Plus IF 80 V | 80 l | 1.3 kW | 493*270*1025 mm | 80 min | stainless steel | electronic | 300$ | |
| Zanussi Smalto ZWH/S 50 | 50 l | 2 kW | 470*250*860 mm | 95 min | enamel | 0.75-6 Bar | mechanical | 180$ |
| Gorenje OTG50SLB6 | 50 l | 2 kW | 420*445*690 mm | 115 min | enamel | 0.75-6 Bar | electronic | 155$ |
About which company is better to choose. No one can objectively tell you which water heater is better - people have different needs and requests. But we can draw some conclusions from operating experience. People speak well of storage heaters companies:
- Termex. If we talk about prices for water heaters with a stainless steel tank, then this company has no competitors in terms of price. It’s hard to say about the quality, reviews vary.
- Real. Good storage boilers, the main thing is that you have the consumables in your city.
- OSO. Very good, but expensive.
- Electrolux (AEG). Famous company with stable quality.
Instantaneous water heaters
The instantaneous water heater has more modest dimensions. This is a small box that is attached to the wall. Inside there is also a tank with a heating element, but their dimensions are very miniature, and heating elements usually have the form of a spiral - in order to better heat the passing water.
One of necessary elements flow sensor. It monitors the appearance of water movement in the device (the tap is opened) and sends a command to turn on the heating element. When the tap closes, the flow sensor turns off the power supply.
There is also a thermostat that sets the water temperature. Could he be rotary type with a scale, there are models with an electronic display with push-button or touch controls.
Pressure and non-pressure instantaneous water heaters, their connection
There are two options for instantaneous water heaters - system and individual. System ones cut into cold and hot water risers, also called pressure ones. Several points can be provided at once - for example, a shower, sink and washbasin. There are 220 V system instantaneous water heaters with relatively low power consumption (about 8-9 kW), but they can heat a small amount of water. There are very powerful units - up to 32 kW, but they are three-phase - 380 V.
There are two broad classes of pressure flowers.
Individual instantaneous water heaters - non-pressure - are connected to cold water. At their exit flexible hose with a nozzle or, as an option, a faucet - for washing. These devices are good for periods when the hot water supply is turned off or as a solution to the problem of hot water in the country.
Please note that the shut-off valve is only for supply and you can only turn off hot water using it. Connecting shut-off valves at the outlet will sooner or later lead to a rupture of the tank in which the water is heated. This happens when the automatic water shutoff does not work. But it is not intended to track water consumption, but only monitors its appearance/disappearance at the inlet. So sooner or later a failure occurs.
When connecting pressure and non-pressure options, grounding is required. In general, it is advisable to run the power supply to such connections using a separate line - high power consumption, the combination of water and electricity is an unsafe combination. Conventional wiring may not hold up. Therefore, a separate line is needed from the one on which the machine and the RCD are located.
Control type
There are two types of control for instantaneous water heaters:
- Hydraulic. When there is a flow sensor at the input (the first photo in the section), the signal from which turns the heating element on/off. The disadvantage of such a system is that it always turns on at the same power. Some models have several power modes, but they must be changed forcibly each time (by pressing buttons).
- Electronic. The operation is controlled by a microprocessor that monitors the state of the device using several sensors. These systems allow you to maintain the required temperature.
Tankless type water heaters with hydraulic controls can only add a certain number of degrees to the water temperature. What exactly depends on the power of the heating element, but on average it is about 20-25°C. This means that in the summer you will get quite warm water- about +40°C, and in winter it will be only slightly warmer than +20°C, since the incoming one is very cold and heat the device to more high temperatures I just can't.
More powerful models - system ones, with the Sistem prefix - have electronic control and can cope with the task of maintaining the set temperature. Their disadvantage is that they require more power and are expensive. But if you have such an opportunity, the automation will maintain a constant (set by you) temperature at any time of the year. The installation rarely operates at full power, but it is still necessary to pull the power supply line along maximum power and use it to calculate the machine and the RCD.
What are flow heaters made of?
The internal filling can be:
- Made of copper. These models have very good characteristics - they quickly heat the water. Copper has high thermal conductivity and quickly transfers heat.
- Made of stainless steel. Not a bad option, durable (if the water is not hard).
- Made of plastic. The cheapest and not the most durable. Although special plastic is used, it is better not to buy such flow-through devices.
The choice of instantaneous water heater based on this criterion is obvious. If possible, buy one with a copper “filling,” but stainless steel ones also work well.
They draw power with a copper wire with a cross-section of at least 3.5 mm (with a power consumption of up to 7 kW) and 4 mm - up to 12 kW. The machine is selected based on the current consumed; the RCD is taken one step higher with a leakage current of 10 mA. With this connection method and properly functioning grounding there will be no problems.
Features of choice
When choosing an instantaneous water heater, you need to focus on several indicators:
All these parameters should be in the description. Having selected several models, you can then, based on reviews, or based on technical characteristics, decide which water heater is better. If we talk about companies, then German and Italian devices are better in quality. With Chinese ones, it depends on your luck, although many companies have moved production to China. And now most of household appliances has dual “citizenship” - usually written - the homeland of the brand and the place of production. Most of this equipment works reliably, as companies value their name and introduce strict control over product quality.
| Name | Power | Dimensions | Performance | Number of points | Control type | Working pressure | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermex System 800 | 8 kW | 270*95*170 mm | 6 l/min | 1-3 | hydraulic | 0.5-6 Bar | 73$ |
| Electrolux Smartfix 2.0 TS (6.5 kW) | 6.5 kW | 270*135*100 mm | 3.7 l/min | 1 | hydraulic | 0.7-6 Bar | 45$ |
| AEG RMC 75 | 7.5 kW | 200*106*360 mm | 1-3 | electronic | 0.5-10 BAR | 230$ | |
| Stiebel Eltron DHM 3 | 3 kW | 190*82*143 mm | 3.7 l/min | 1-3 | hydraulic | 6 Bar | 290$ |
| Evan B1 - 9.45 | 9.45 kW | 260*190*705 mm | 3.83 l/min | 1 | mechanical | 0.49-5.88 Bar | 240$ |
| Electrolux NPX 8 Flow Active | 8.8 kW | 226*88*370 mm | 4.2 l/min | 1-3 | electronic | 0.7-6 Bar | 220$ |
Specific models
There are instantaneous water heaters of non-standard format. The most common is a faucet with an instantaneous water heater. This interesting option for a dacha, for example, but it’s difficult to say how things stand with maintainability - there are not very many users of such devices yet and the operating experience is very small.
Which water heater is better: instantaneous or storage?
Deciding which water heater to buy - a boiler (storage) or a flow tank - is, in principle, not difficult. First of all, the limiting factor is the power consumption: for storage water heaters the maximum is 3-4 kW, for instantaneous water heaters it is pointless to take less than 7-8 kW - they can only heat a very small volume of water. Not everyone has the opportunity to install such powerful equipment.
Secondly, you need to look at whether you will use the electric water heater constantly or only periodically. With occasional use, especially in summer period Instantaneous water heaters are convenient, so open type(individual, which are installed next to the sink). For example this great way heat the water to a comfortable temperature if the sun cannot cope with this task. This is also a way to solve problems in apartments when the hot water supply is turned off for repairs.
For constant and regular use, storage water heaters are more economical and convenient. Modern models They “keep” the temperature for more than a day, so the electricity consumption here will be less rather than more.
Flow-through storage water heaters
This is a combination of the two devices described earlier. They work in two modes. If the water consumption is small, water is supplied from the storage tank; if it increases, flow-through heating is also connected. The equipment is very convenient, but expensive. There aren't many options. This is Stiebel Eltron SHD for 30 liters and 100 liters. Price - $1500-1750.
Bulk water heaters
An excellent solution for a summer cottage or if there is no running water in the house. A tank water heater is a container with a lid in which a heating element is mounted. The container can be made of stainless steel, plastic, ordinary steel coated with enamel. The temperature is regulated by a thermostat. A shower hose is attached to the body.
There are two types of such devices - gravity and with pressure created by a small built-in pump (Alvin EVBO). Gravity-flow tankless water heaters must be hung above your head. You can take a shower, but the water flow will be weak. Models with a pump have more pressure, but the tank capacity must be decent and such a model cannot be called a camping one.
The functions here could be:
Bulk water heaters are an original Russian invention and all manufacturers are Russian. There are similar electric water heaters of the following brands:
- Success;
- Alvin Evbo;
- Aquarius;
- Elbeth;
- Mr. Heath Summer Resident;
- Fairy tale.
The devices operate from a 220 V network, the power is about 1-2 kW, the price is from $20 to $100, depending on the functionality and material of the tank. Which water heater is best in this category? Stainless steel with pressure, but these are just the most expensive models.