Last update: 04-01-2019
On Yandex market more detailed information in one place: boiler models, sellers, reviews, etc. The main thing is to choose options that are suitable, then it’s easier to look in stores in your city.
Important! You should not trust all the reviews that are written on websites. The best thing to do is look for the negative ones and see if there are details there.
It’s just that laudatory ones don’t say anything at a minimum, and purchased ones at the most.
Comparing water heater options
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Prices for water heaters, of course, vary quite a lot, start at 3,000 rubles and end at almost 30,000 rubles. All that remains is to choose, to do this, put a tick "compare"(under the picture of the model), and on the right side we can then go to the comparison page.
We consistently remove everything that does not fit, leaving a couple of boilers in case we cannot find the selected model in stores.
click on the picture to enlarge
Since during the first purchase there is still a possibility of not making optimal choice, then for myself personally I prefer to buy a cheap model first.
This way you can see what is missing, what is not convenient, and after some time replace it with more suitable option. After all, if you buy an expensive water heater, realize that you are not satisfied with it and end up replacing it with a new one, it is very expensive.
As you can see, choosing a water heater is not such a difficult process.
All that remains is to buy the model you like in one of the stores, and if not, then order it.
Ask your questions in the comments to the article, I will try to answer.
Can you imagine yours? daily life without hot water supply? We think not. The best assistant in this difficult matter, of course, will be a boiler (water heater), designed to provide hot water and heat supply. And a completely reasonable question immediately arises - how, in fact, to do right choice? Let's try to figure it out together for your home.
At choosing a boiler(water heater) you should carefully evaluate the main indicators:
- Boiler type
- Heating element type;
- Power;
- Housing material
Let's start with the main parameter - the type of boiler (water heater).
Type
Currently, boilers are available in three main types:
- cumulative;
- flow-through;
- bulk
Depending on the energy source, boilers can be gas or electric.
Most homes use an electric boiler. Such a device operates from a regular electrical network, without requiring additional connection To power lines power supply It's quite convenient. However, in some regions, in order to save money, they choose gas boilers or, with high performance characteristics, which are not inferior to their electric counterparts. Gas boilers exist with open and closed cameras. Therefore, when choosing this device, you should also take into account the funds that you are willing to spend on buy a boiler.
Since most consumers still prefer electric water heaters, today we will talk about choosing just such devices.
Storage boiler
A storage water heater is a special tank filled with cold water, which is supplied under a certain pressure, for further heating to a set temperature using a heating element. In the device of this type temperature range can range from 45 to 85 C˚. Temperature adjustment is carried out both manually and using an electronic control unit. If the heated water has not been completely used, it gradually cools to room temperature. Storage boilers can be gas or electric. In addition, such devices can be presented in both horizontal and vertical versions. Storage boilers are installed exclusively on the wall.
Advantages
- large volume of water;
- low power consumption;
- no additional wiring required during installation;
Flaws
- impressive tank dimensions;
- slow water heating
A flow-through boiler, unlike its storage counterpart, has small dimensions, providing heating for large volumes of water. Such a device is capable of maintaining a temperature of 60 C˚. Water is heated in instantaneous boilers using a spiral heating element coated with a special insulating coating. Control temperature regime carried out using a control unit. As in the case of a storage boiler, the instantaneous version of the water heater can also be electric or gas. Due to its relatively small dimensions, the instantaneous water heater allows various options installations - in the kitchen (above or under the sink), in the bathroom (above or near it), hidden option (in the wall).
Advantages
- fast and timely heating of large volumes of water;
- reliable tank and ergonomic dimensions (does not take up much space);
Flaws
- excessive power consumption (if used electric version boiler);
This type of water heater is usually installed in homes, in the absence of central system cold water supply - dachas, towns, villages. A bulk boiler is a special tank with a top lid into which cold water is manually poured. As a rule, such a boiler is equipped with a special thermostat on the side, which allows you to set the desired temperature. The bulk boiler can maintain temperatures in the range from 25 to 80 C˚. The heating element of the bulk boiler is located under the tap, which prevents possible way out it is out of order. Bulk boilers can be of two types: kitchen boilers and shower boilers.
Advantages
- ideal for rural areas in the absence of centralized cold water supply;
- ergonomics of the tank;
- low cost
Flaws
- possible overheating of the heating element
Tank shape
The shape of the tank is not an important parameter for choosing a boiler, but we will still consider it. Water heaters come in three basic tank shapes: cylindrical, slim (or slim), and rectangular.
The next parameter considered when choosing a boiler is the tank volume.
Boiler selection by tank volume is a priority, since you can immediately determine intended purpose device. When choosing the volume of the tank, first of all, you should decide on the volume of water that will be required to meet the daily needs of your family.
To correctly calculate the required tank volume, you can use the following data from the table below.
Modern water heaters vary depending on the tank volume: 400, 300, 200, 150, 120, 100, 80, 50, 30, 15, 10, 5. Choosing a boiler, it is worth considering the needs of each family member for the daily use of hot water.
Water heaters with tank volumes from 5 to 15 l can be installed in the bathroom (for washing hands) and kitchens (for washing dishes), from 30 to 100 l - for a bath (shower/tub), from 150 to 400 l - for hot water supply Houses.
Based on the number of family members, experts advise choosing the following tank volumes:
- for 1-2 people – 30 and 50 l;
- for 3 people – 50 and 80 l;
- for 4-5 people – 80 and 100 l;
- for 5-7 people – 120-150 l
Heating element type
Heating elements are designed for heating water in electric boilers. In modern models of devices, the following two types of heating elements can be installed:
- dry heating elements;
- wet heating elements
Dry heating elements are a heating element placed in a protective tube (glass, mineral or ceramic). Such heating elements are more reliable and durable compared to dry heating elements, due to their resistance to corrosion and scale formation. They are also distinguished by their high cost.
Wet heating elements are also called submersible because they are located directly in the water. Externally, such a heating element is very reminiscent of the boiler that we all once used. This type of heating element is prone to corrosion and damage, frequent breakdowns and overheating. However, the cost of such a heater is more attractive compared to a dry heating element.
For guaranteed protection water heater from corrosion processes, manufacturers equip the devices with a special sacrificial anode (promotes oxidation and dissolution of corrosion and salt deposits on the installed heater).
In addition, almost all boiler models are equipped with a thermostat for temperature control and a thermometer with an indicator of the temperature in the tank.
The next no less important parameter boiler selection- this is its power.
Power
The power of the device affects, first of all, the rate of heating of water. This means that the more powerful the boiler, the faster it can heat the required volume of water. For most boiler models, the power is 1.5 kW. At the same time, some manufacturers offer consumers boilers with a capacity of 1.4 kW and 2.0 kW.
Housing material
Before choose a boiler for the home, it is worth carefully studying other characteristics, such as the body material. The boiler body can be made of glass porcelain, titanium alloy or stainless steel. The material plays a fairly important role when choosing, because the degree of protection of the tank from corrosion depends on its quality, and, accordingly, determines the overall service life of the product.
Currently, boilers with internal coating, made of glass porcelain and enamel. Tanks with enameled coating They are much cheaper, however, and the service life of such devices is not long. When exposed to high temperatures, the enamel begins to crack, which means that such a boiler will soon become unusable. Water heaters with a tank made of stainless steel are more reliable and durable, and also more resistant to corrosion. It is also worth noting that in boilers with a tank made of stainless steel, the walls are thinner, susceptible to possible water hammer (pressure drops), which often have a negative impact on the reliability of the entire structure.
At choosing a boiler It wouldn’t hurt to inquire about its thermal insulation layer, which is designed to maintain a high temperature of the water in the tank without additional heating.
As you can see, before buy a boiler, it is worth stocking up on a certain amount of information in order to be able to make the right choice in the future. Remember, the main thing is not appearance, but quality! We sincerely hope that with this article about, we were able to replenish the necessary store of your knowledge so that you can do bargain purchase! Happy searching!
A storage water heater, also known as a boiler, is an electric container for heating water of a certain volume. It's convenient and relatively quick way ensuring constant hot water supply. Consultants of the Plumber Portal resource will tell you how to choose an electric boiler to provide a backup supply of hot water for all family members. To do this, you need to find out the types of heaters, their advantages and disadvantages.
Main types of water heaters
All heaters in the apartment or private house are divided into two large groups: electric (boilers) and gas (heaters). Electric water heaters are classified into several other types, which differ in design and method of heating the liquid.
Main types of water heater for home:
- accumulative;
- flow-through;
- flow-storage;
- liquid
What water heaters are best to buy for an apartment?
In a village where there is no direct water supply, the best solution will be the use of liquid electric boiler.
Flow-through household heaters are either pressure or non-pressure. A non-pressure device requires installation directly next to the water point, which it will serve.
The pressure device is installed in water riser and serves several water points at once. It is most advisable to install a flow-through system in the apartment pressure water heater, and for a garage, private house or cottage it is more logical to install a non-pressure one.
Storage or instantaneous water heater – great solution to ensure hot water houses or apartments. Which device is better?
When choosing an electric water heater, first of all, you need to decide on the type of device you need. fits better total - storage or flow, and only then select the required power and capacity.
Features of a storage water heater
Electric water heaters (boilers) heat water to 55-750C, after which the temperature is maintained automatically. Since the water heats up gradually, the device does not require high power power supply and can easily be connected to a household outlet.
Even boilers with a volume of 150 liters consume only 1.5-2 kW. Due to the relatively low power consumption, which makes it possible to install an electric storage water heater in any room, it makes it so popular on the market. It is also worth considering that the amount of hot water is limited by the volume of the boiler tank and you will have to wait some time to heat the next “portion”.
For storage water heaters for apartments, the tank volume ranges from 10 to 500 liters. Before choosing a boiler of the required volume, you need to consider that for one person to take a shower, about 30 liters of hot water are required. If you consider that two people will take turns taking a shower, you should purchase a boiler with a volume of at least 50 liters.
If there are three people, then you should either increase the volume of the storage tank, or wait until the water heats up in a small water heater. In a 30-liter boiler, it takes about one hour to heat water from cold to hot.
To take a shower the best option A boiler of 10 liters is considered. This is the deepest misconception. For shower minimum 4 liters warm water per minute. Based on this, it follows that a 10 liter boiler will give about 20 liters of warm water, which will last for a maximum of 5 minutes, then you will have to wash with cold water. That is why electric water heaters of this volume are used only for washing hands, washing, or washing dishes.
Many people believe that an electric storage water heater requires a lot of space, but this is not entirely true. There are quite compact models that can even be installed under the sink. Well, if you don’t want to part with comfort and take a shower or bath at any time, you will need a really large boiler, at least 100 liters in volume, to heat water in such volumes you will need about 3.5-4.5 hours.
Cooling of water in storage units occurs very slowly, like in a thermos. U quality models The temperature drop occurs approximately 0.25-0.5 0C per hour. Therefore, for city residents who have a preferential nightly tariff for electricity, it is best to heat water at night.
There are models that operate from multiple power sources. This model will be extremely useful in a country house or in a country house where there is an autonomous or centralized heating system. IN heating season the water will be heated from a coil connected to heating system, and in warm time from electricity.
Operating principle of water heaters
Before choosing water heaters accumulative type, it is necessary to study the principle of its operation. This device It is a tank protected from the outside by thermal insulation and a decorative casing, and in the lower part there is a heating element - a heating element. The structure can be mounted on the wall in a vertical or horizontal position.
When choosing which storage water heater is best, keep in mind that best models equipped with a thermostat and valves for pressure regulation. Modern boilers are electronically controlled, equipped with two thermoelements, a magnesium anode and an antibacterial protection function.
Operating principle of electric flow unit is as follows: the water heater is connected to the mixer, and when hot water is released from the tank, the temperature in the device decreases and the heating element turns on. Once the water in the tank has heated to the set temperature, the thermostat turns off the heating element, and the insulation retains the heat.
It is worth noting that recently entered the market new type electric boilers with the so-called “dry” heating element. In such devices, the heating element is placed in a protective flask, which prevents the heating element from coming into contact with the liquid, which prevents scale from accumulating on it. This system has a greater degree of safety and durability, but you have to pay extra for such advantages.
Cumulative or flow-through?
To understand how to choose a water heater, you need to compare these electrical devices with each other.
- Storage boilers consume little electricity and are therefore quite economical. Moreover, some models have an energy-saving night mode.
- On average, a storage boiler requires a power of about 2 kW (although there are also those that require higher power), which means that you don’t have to worry about wiring during installation.
- A device with a storage tank can serve several points at once, that is, you can take a shower and wash dishes in the kitchen at the same time.
- The instantaneous heater is always ready to produce hot water. Storage unit must be turned on in advance.
- Limited tank volume storage device requires waiting for the next portion of water to heat up - you should take this into account if you are choosing a boiler for a large family.
- To maintain constant temperature The reserve volume of water in the boiler requires unnecessary electrical consumption.
- Storage devices require periodic maintenance: cleaning heating elements from scale, washing the inner surface of the storage tank, replacing the magnesium anode.
Regarding which storage or instantaneous water heater is better in terms of installation, by and large it does not matter, since the devices are installed in any room in the same way, no permits are required. The only requirement is the availability of cold water supply and proper electrical wiring.
It is only worth noting that when installing an electric water heater in an apartment, you need to take into account the dimensions of the unit, since not all bathrooms and kitchens can accommodate a large boiler of 100-120 liters. In a private house or country house, you can easily install a water heater of the largest volume in any convenient location, where there is a connection to cold water.
Instantaneous water heaters differ from storage water heaters in that they do not have a large storage tank, and the water is heated directly as it passes through a narrow tube - the heating tank. However, such a liquid heater, as evidenced by reviews, consumes significantly more electricity and cannot simultaneously serve several water points.
Therefore, thrifty and prudent consumers buy good storage heater, preferring it to flowing gas analogues.
Rating of the best boilers 2019
When compiling the rating, consumer reviews, expert opinions and the popularity of models in stores were taken into account. Places on the list are allocated based on tank volume, not quality of construction. All models presented in the ratings have high quality characteristics and technical parameters.
Top 10 best storage electric water heaters with tank volume from 10 to 150 liters:
- Thermex N 10 O (10 l). A compact Thermex boiler with a power of 2000 W is capable of quickly heating small volumes of liquid to supply hot water to the washbasin. Price 4,000 – 6,200 rub. Production: Russia;
- Atlantic Vertigo 30 (25 l.) Reliable, economical and efficient design with dry heating element and two tanks. Excellent external data. Power 1 kW. Price 4,700 – 9,800 rub. Production: Egypt-France;
- NeoClima EWH 30 (30 l.) Excellent quality affordable price. Reliable seams, fast heating, long-term heat retention. Power 2,000 W. Cost 4,400 – 8,700 rub. Manufacture: Taiwan;
- Gorenje OTG50SLB6 (50 l.). Reliable and economical device with titanium enamel. Equipped with a safety valve, thermometer, frost protection. Power 2 kW. Price 8,200 – 12,400 rub. Production: Slovenia;
- Zanussi Smalto ZWH/S 50 (50 l.). Quality device with two independent heating elements. Can be installed both vertically and horizontally. Power 2 kW. Cost 9,400 – 13,500 rub. Manufacture: China;
- Electrolux EWH 80 Royal Flash Silver (80 l.). A powerful, productive and easy-to-use unit with a tank made of high-quality stainless steel. Equipped with a timer, Wi-Fi function, automation, overheating protection and RCD. Power 2,000 W. Price 15,100 – 24,800 rub. Production: Sweden;
- Ariston ABS VLS Evo PW 100 (100 l.). The Ariston device is powerful and reliable with protection systems: RCD, overheating, operation without water, safety valve. Equipped with a display, power and heating indicator, thermometer, accelerated heating function. Power 2.5 kW. Cost 15,900 – 20,590 rub. Production: Russia;
- Stiebel Eltron SHZ 100 LCD (100 l.) Expensive design with a tubular heating element made of copper and a power of 4 kW. Maximum water heating 82 °C. Electronic control, all levels of protection, self-diagnosis. Price 115,000 – 130,000 rub. Manufacture: Germany;
- Willer Elegance IVB DR 120 (120 l). The 1,600 W device is equipped with two dry heating elements that operate alternately and a convenient control unit. Heating elements made of stainless steel. Price 19,600 – 24,300 rub. Production: Serbia;
- AEG EWH 150 Comfort EL (150 l.) Durable device of excellent quality on average price segment. Dry tubular heating element provides fast heating. Convenient control panel. Power 2.4 kW. Cost 52,700 – 69,000 rub. Manufacture: Germany.
When choosing a boiler, you should pay attention not only to the cost of the unit, but also to energy consumption. Ariston, AEG and Electrolux are brands related to energy-saving modifications, since most devices from these manufacturers have a function that allows the heater to operate at half its power.
Criteria for choosing a water heater
When choosing a water heater in a store, the convenient control panel resource recommends paying attention to the following parameters:
- Maximum heating. Storage boiler capable of heating water to a maximum of 900C, this is more than enough for domestic and economic needs. When the set temperature is reached, the boiler will maintain it. U flow models maximum heating is reduced to 600C. But this is on the condition that the temperature of the water in the system will be the same as indicated in the instructions; in winter, when the temperature of the water in the system will be much lower, it is unlikely to heat it to the maximum.
- Pressure. This point is especially relevant for models flow type– if the pressure in the water supply system is low, the device may simply deteriorate, the water may boil, since the heat will be removed too slowly and the water heater will simply burn out. There are always pressure tolerances in accompanying documents to the device.
- Storage tank volume. Storage boilers have different capacities from 10 to 150 liters. Which one is right for you depends on the water consumption in your family and how much space it will take up. So, for use in the kitchen, an electric boiler for heating water of 15 liters is quite enough, but a storage water heater is usually used for water procedures. Then you need a larger unit - 50-80 liters, and if the family is large, then you will need a boiler for 100-120 liters.
- Types of fastening of a storage boiler. All of them are attached to the wall, there are vertical, horizontal and universal mounting. The most convenient models in this regard are those with universal mounts, since they can be mounted both vertically and horizontally.
- Heating power. The higher this parameter, the faster the water heats up. For storage boilers, the power directly depends on the volume of the tank: the larger its volume, the higher the power of the boiler. There are: up to 1 kW, from 1 to 2 kW, from 2 to 3 kW and from 3 to 4 kW. Regarding instantaneous boilers, then their power is very high, from 4.5 kW or more. Such power requires additional special work to connect to the network. The higher the power of this type of boiler, the greater the volume of water it can heat in a minute.
- Performance. The higher the power, the higher the boiler’s performance (the ability to supply a certain amount of heated water over a certain period of time). For the most part, this applies to instantaneous boilers. Models with power up to 5 kW produce about 3 liters of warm water per minute. If you increase the pressure, the temperature will drop significantly.
- Inner surface of the tank. The storage boiler tank requires special protection against corrosion. Therefore, manufacturers specially cover inner surface tank protective layer. The most common and relatively cheap option- This is a plastic covering. Also, the inner surface is sometimes covered with glass ceramics or enamel. The most the best coverage titanium enamel or stainless steel is considered; these materials are characterized by high strength and resistance to high temperatures and aquatic environment and will provide reliable protection for a long time.
- Magnesium anode. This element is present in the design of most storage boilers. It provides additional protection against corrosion. Magnesium neutralizes the aggressive environment, thereby slowing down oxidation processes. This part is made in the form of a rod; over time, this part requires replacement at intervals of 5-7 years depending on chemical composition water and operating conditions.
- Also one of important elements are a check valve and a safety valve. Without water in the tank, the heating element may fail, since not all models have automatic shutdown when there is no water. In this case, the problem is solved with the help of a check valve: if there is pressure, it opens, as soon as the water supply stops, the valve closes and protects the tank from being left without water. Safety valve protects the boiler from excessive pressure that occurs when heating water.
- Dry heating elements in storage boilers. Some boiler models are equipped with a heating element, which is hidden in a special flask and does not come into contact with the aquatic environment so that scale does not settle on it. In addition, replacing such a heating element is much simpler due to the fact that there is no need to drain the water from the tank.
- Fast heating. Some models provide such an option; if you activate it, the heating element starts working in full power, reducing heating time. In some boilers, the design provides two heating elements: one works constantly, the other turns on only when the fast heating function is activated.
- Boiler control type. Modern models are equipped electronically controlled. A special electronic built-in unit automatically measures operating parameters, regulates the power needed to heat water to a given temperature and then maintain it. Models with this type of control usually have two power levels for operation in colder and warmer seasons. Boilers with hydraulic type controls are cheaper than with electronic ones; the quality of the heated water in them depends on such conditions as the power of the device, the temperature of the incoming water and the flow strength.
- Overheat protection. This option automatically turns off the heater when the water temperature reaches the set maximum. This prevents damage to the device.
Thus, the storage water heater wins by most criteria. However, the instant heating of water when using a flow-through storage tank often forces you to make a choice in its favor.
How to choose an electric storage water heater in 2017. The advantage of models operating from the network is that they can maintain the temperature of heated water in an economical mode; moreover, they do not consume much electricity and are connected to a regular outlet. With all this, the cost of electric boilers for home use does not exceed 20 thousand rubles ( average price about 10-12 thousand). Next we will provide the most important tips to choose a storage water heater for your home, apartment or cottage.
Selection criteria
Tank volume
The first thing you need to decide is what volume of electric boiler to choose. It depends on how many people are in the family and what the water heater will be used for. First, let's talk about the purpose of the water heating tank.
If you need to choose a device for your apartment so that there will be hot water when the heating season ends, first of all focus on the free space in the room (kitchen or bathroom). If space allows, for bathing you need to select a boiler with a volume of at least 80 liters if a bathtub is installed and 60 liters for a shower stall. Again, this still depends on the number of people who need an electric water heater, but more on that below. If you are choosing a storage tank for washing dishes, you can choose a 10 or 15 liter model, which will be quite enough.
As for the number of people living in an apartment or house, everything here is also ambiguous and depends on several factors. For example, you can even choose an electric boiler with a capacity of 60 liters for a family of 4 people, but in this case you will have to wait until the water heats up after each person bathes. Moreover, very important criterion The choice is where to bathe - shower or bath. It is clear that using a shower is much more economical; you can spend about 15-20 liters of hot water, while a bathroom will require at least 50 liters per person. Based on these nuances, you should choose a suitable storage water heater. As for averages, we recommend focusing on the following figures:
- it is enough for one person to select a tank with a volume of no more than 50 liters;
- for a family of two or three, choose an 80-liter device;
- If there are 4 or more people in a family, the volume of the storage electric boiler must be at least 120 liters.
Just so you know, there are water heaters with a capacity of up to 300 liters, but the price of such models is quite high. The most popular value is considered to be a 100-liter tank, which is purchased both for a private home and for a summer residence.
Power
The next criterion for choosing a boiler is the power of the heating element. In 2017 this characteristic can take values from 1 to 6 kW, and can be connected to a single-phase or three-phase network. To choose the right power for an electric water heater, you first need to focus on the electrical wiring in the house. If the wiring is new and can withstand a load of 6 kW, then the power is selected only based on needs (the more powerful the heating elements, the faster the water is heated, but the energy consumption is greater). If the electrical wiring in a house or apartment is old, the most you can count on is a 2.5 kW model.
We draw your attention to the fact that the most optimal value is a power of 2 kW. In this case, the water will heat up for about 3 hours before maximum temperature, which is not that long.
Inner coating
Everything is simple here - cheap water heaters are produced with glass-ceramic or enamel coating. More expensive electric water heaters use stainless steel or titanium coating. Decide for yourself which boiler design option is best to choose, but keep in mind the following features:
- The warranty period for storage tanks made of stainless steel is longer.
- There are negative reviews on thematic forums, saying that stainless steel negatively affects the taste and smell of heated water, but this issue is very controversial.
- Steel tanks have a weld that may leak over time. The question is also ambiguous, because warranty period longer for such models.
Still, everything is modern storage water heaters are made of steel, so we recommend that you choose this option for your home, apartment or cottage! By the way, you can determine the quality of a boiler by weight - the heavier the tank, the thicker its walls, and accordingly, the better the corrosion resistance.
Additional options
I would also like to highlight a few separate points useful tips for choosing a high-quality electric water heater:
- Storage water heaters can be equipped with wet or dry heating elements. The advantage of the latter option is that it prevents contact with water (and, accordingly, the formation of scale), and reduces the risk of electric shock (the heater is located in a sealed flask).
- Pay attention to the thermal insulation layer of the tank. The thicker it is, the longer the boiler will retain heat. If you want to wisely choose a high-quality electric water heater for home use, consider models with an insulation thickness of at least 35 mm. As for the thermal insulation itself, it is better that it be represented by foamed polyurethane, which is an order of magnitude superior to foam rubber.
- When choosing a device, know that it must have a magnesium anode, an accelerated heating function, a power indicator and, most importantly, overheating protection. Also, modern models can be equipped with a freeze prevention mode, which will be a good addition when purchasing an electric storage water heater for a summer residence.
- There is a special one that displays how protected the electrical appliance is from moisture and dust. So, the water heater must have an IP index of at least 23. For bathrooms and saunas, it is better to choose a model with a degree of protection IP44.
By the way, did you know that a boiler can even be used for heating? We talked a little about this issue in our article -.
A situation where there is no hot water supply is possible in apartment buildings. The issue of organizing the supply of hot water is also relevant for private housing construction, when the owners must independently arrange communications. Therefore, the question arises of choosing a water heating device.
Types of heaters and their features
When starting to choose an electric boiler, you should decide on the type of device that will suit you in specific conditions. Water heaters are:
- flow-through;
- accumulative;
- combined (flow-storage).
Visually they are similar. The shape of boilers can be rectangular or cylindrical. The size of the devices depends on the displacement of the container located in it.
Flow heaters
Internal structure and principle of operation
The instantaneous water heater is small and is characterized by the ability to heat water almost instantly without limiting the volume. High level productivity is achieved due to the features of the device. Flow cold water upon entering the device, it moves through the flask, where it is subjected to intense heating using a tubular electric heater (TEN). The heating rate is ensured by the characteristics of the heating element, which is made of copper. A significant power indicator stands out from them copper element, placed in a small-sized housing.
One unit of instantaneous water heater serves only a single water intake point. Using this device for several points will not give the desired effect.
Compact device
This device does not require complicated technical care. Usage flow heaters appropriate if there is a need to organize emergency supplies warm water for a short time.
The main characteristic of instantaneous water heating equipment is the power indicator. It is high for devices of this type, the minimum value is 3 kW, and the maximum is 27 kW. For trouble-free operation of the equipment, reliable electrical wiring is required. So, in the process of choosing a water heating device, you should pay attention mainly to power.
Equipment with a power of up to 8 kW can be connected to single-phase network with voltage 220 V.
Devices with greater power include three-phase networks with voltage 380 V.
Another characteristic of the device is the amount of water it heats per unit time. Units with a power from 3 to 8 kW are capable of heating 2-6 l/min. This work requires less than 20 seconds. Equipment with such performance qualities capable of 100% satisfying domestic water needs.
Based the decision to purchase a particular instantaneous water heater on the need for hot water and characteristics electrical wiring. When it comes to choosing a device brand, rely on consumer reviews and sales ratings.
Installation method for instantaneous water heater
The compactness and low weight of these devices expand the choice of installation location. As already stated, there are wiring requirements due to the high power of electrical equipment. The wire cross-section should be within 4-6 square meters. mm. In addition, the passage of currents through the circuit necessitates the installation of a meter rated at least 40 A and corresponding circuit breakers.
Instantaneous water heater Connection instantaneous water heaters done in two ways:
- Stationary. In this case, in the water supply system, the processes of taking and supplying heated water occur in parallel. To connect in this way, tees are cut in and valves are installed in the corresponding pipes supplying cold and hot water. After this, a pipe with cold water is connected to the inlet of the device, and at the outlet a hose or pipe is equipped shut-off valves. After checking the connections of plumbing fixtures for tightness, the electrical part of the equipment is started.
- Temporarily. With this method of connecting the heating device, a shower hose is used. IN right time it can be easily shut off and transferred to the main hot water supply line. Connecting the equipment involves inserting a tee into a pipe with cold water, to which a faucet is mounted, and connecting it to a flexible hose at the outlet of the heater. To start the equipment, open the water and turn it on electrical network.
Advantages and disadvantages of flow equipment
The advantages of a flow-type water heater are obvious:
- compactness;
- ease of installation;
- average cost.
The disadvantages of this equipment include:
- electricity consumption is high;
- it is necessary to have a constant high pressure water supply;
- The use of the device is limited if the equipment is installed on top floors multi-storey buildings for the reason described above.
Instantaneous boiler These disadvantages can be avoided by using storage-type water heating devices.
Storage water heaters
Scope of application of such boilers
The autonomy of the water supply system is ensured by the installation of flow-type heaters. However, a problem arises related to determining the device model for DHW.
Volume of some savings models heating devices is 500 l. For domestic needs, such a volume of water is not required, so the most in demand are devices with a capacity of 10-150 liters. In accordance with this indicator, the equipment can be floor or wall mounted.
Design and principle of operation
An electric storage boiler consists of a round or cylindrical, in which the heating element is installed. The structure is placed in a housing, and between it and the tank there is a layer of thermal insulation. The heating element is designed to heat water in the temperature range of 35-85 degrees Celsius. Due to the heat insulator, the set water temperature is maintained for 2-3 hours. When the temperature of the water in the tank drops to the value set by the system, heating is switched on automatically. When the water temperature reaches the required level, the heating element also automatically turns off. Operating the device in this mode saves energy consumption.
Operating principle A device for controlling the temperature in a water heater tank is called a thermostat. It is included in the design of any boiler. Additionally electric heaters have the following options:
- accelerated heating;
- antibacterial treatment of containers;
- control in different modes.
The electrical types of these devices operate at a standard voltage of 220 V and do not require special equipment or special network characteristics. Moreover, the devices have a power of 2-3 kW, which is comparable to an electric kettle. Such characteristics are an indisputable advantage of the units.
Low energy consumption does not affect the performance of the water heater. The device is capable of providing hot water supply to all water intake points in the house simultaneously.
What to consider when choosing a storage boiler?
Before choosing a boiler, it is important to determine the tank volume. The calculations should take into account the need for hot water, but also prevent unproductive operation of the unit. In addition, you need to understand that an increase in the volume of the container leads to a proportional increase in the duration of its heating. If it takes about 10 minutes for water to reach a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius in a ten-liter device, then 100 liters will heat up to this temperature in 4 hours.
Water consumption is determined based on the number of water intake points in the house and the number of people living in it. By multiplying these two quantities, the volume of the boiler is calculated.
The choice of a water heating device is influenced by the location of its intended location.
The dimensions of the device require free space. Depending on the design of the cold water supply system, it is determined optimal place installation and connection to it. In order to save space, options for models with horizontal placement, which are mounted at ceiling level, can be considered. Manufacturers of heating devices make the body with such a design that it easily fits into the interior of the room.
Boiler under the sink How to install a storage water heater
Installation of a storage electric boiler is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- Mark the mounting points of the water heater depending on their design. Next, holes are made into which the dowels are inserted. The latter are necessary for reliable fastening of hooks in the wall. When marking, take into account a certain amount of space that will be needed when putting the device on the hooks.
- After making sure that the fastening is secure, proceed to connecting the device to the water supply system. This requires pipes or flexible hoses, which will connect the water supply at the inlet and outlet with the water intake points. It is recommended to use flexible hoses as they modern models able to withstand high pressure and are easy to install and do not require additional sealing. It must be installed on the cold water supply to the boiler check valve, which is included in the equipment delivery package. No connection between the boiler and the hot water tap additional devices does not require.
- Having completed the installation of water supply lines, it is necessary to open the hot and cold water taps to remove air. An indicator of its absence in the system is a stable flow of water. At the same time, the described procedure serves to control the tightness of the connections.
- If tests have shown the reliability of the system, then it is allowed to connect the power supply using an individual circuit breaker or by plugging the plug into a socket. At correct connection the corresponding indicator lights up in the electrical network. Next, the required water temperature is adjusted as indicated in the instructions supplied with the boiler.
Connection diagram