How to choose a flowing electric water heater: a comparative review of the best models. Which household electric water heaters are better: storage or flow
When consumers have a need for instantaneous heating of water in large volumes - it doesn’t matter for an apartment, a private house or a gym, and the central water supply only supplies cold water, flowing water heaters are used.
Unlike a storage device, heating the liquid in this device will not take more than two seconds.
Types of flow type equipment
Electric water heater
The flowing electric water heater operates by means of mains power - Electric Energy in it it is converted into its thermal form and transmitted with the help of a heating element running water passing through a narrow tube past a heat source.
As heating elements, electric instantaneous water heaters are usually equipped with single-end tubular electric heaters (TEH) with an insulating coating designed for high temperatures.
Since when using ordinary network water, the water heater is exposed to the threat of clogging - the formation of a large amount of scale that can render the device unusable in a matter of months, it is additionally equipped with an anode, which is installed near the heating element and prevents the formation of a hard precipitate of Ca and Mg salts.
The electric instantaneous water heater is ideal for use in a standard apartment or close quarters. country soul, because it does not take up much space, does not require specific work during installation, and also provides uninterrupted supply hot water at any time of the day without the need for a long wait.
Gas water heater (column)
If gas is supplied to the house or a cylinder with compressed propane-butane is used (often used in the country), then it is recommended to install just such a device. This is due to the fact that a gas water heater does its job best of all - it heats water faster than other similar devices to a temperature of 39 degrees at a water heating rate of 11 l / min.
Often consumers familiar with gas appliances back in the days of the USSR, this device was called a flowing boiler for heating water, and it causes unpleasant associations, because its predecessors were unsafe and inconvenient to use.
But these are just stereotypes - modern gas water heaters their work is carried out automatically, both with smooth adjustment and with stepwise adjustment, and the removal of combustion products is carried out through the ventilation system - in a high-rise building, or directly to the street - in a country house.
The choice of instantaneous water heater
For those planning to buy instantaneous water heater, it will be useful to learn about some of the nuances of this device.
Instantaneous water heaters are more advantageous than storage water heaters in some respects: they are smaller in size and also independent of the volume of the tank, because hot water can go all the time.
However, the flow ones are very “gluttonous” - they consume a lot of electricity (at least 8 kW is required to take a shower, which is possible only when connected to a three-phase electrical conductor).
The owners of dwellings of an old building can be content only with low-power water heaters - 3.5-6 kW. In this case, only instantaneous electric water heaters are used for a tap, under which you can only wash your hands and dishes.
Because of this, instantaneous water heaters are limited in use.
It is noteworthy that the amount of heated water provided by an instantaneous water heater depends on the number of water intake points, hot water taps open at the same time.
Pressure water heaters are mounted directly in the riser. Their design assumes the presence of only the entrance and exit of water. Such a water heater is activated automatically at the moment the tap is turned. Provides hot water the whole apartment.
Non-pressure water heater - designed only for taking a shower.
The set also includes a shower head. Such a device is more appropriate in the country.
Low-power water heaters are convenient only in summer - such devices are designed for an initial water temperature of 15 o. IN summer season a low-power water heater heats water up to 40 o, that is, raises its temperature by 25 o. In the winter season, tap water has an initial temperature of 5 o, raising it by 25 o will not provide a comfortable indicator.
If a flowing water heater is still necessary, before choosing it, it is advisable to ask for advice from specialists. Before installing the instantaneous water heater, it is necessary to read the instructions in detail. It is better to entrust it to professionals - so you will avoid unnecessary problems.
The shower head is made with small holes - the heater cannot cope with providing a large amount of water, while a thin jet seems stronger. Due to poor water quality, the nozzle openings can become clogged, causing the water heater to overheat. Therefore, when you notice a decrease in pressure, remove the nozzle and dip it in a solution intended for descaling.
How productive the device is is evidenced by two parameters: the initial water temperature and the power of the device itself. IN central water supply the initial water temperature ranges from +15 o (summer) to +4 o (winter). In wells and wells, water almost does not change the temperature - from +5 to +7 degrees.
Water heaters with a power of less than 5-6 kW are not suitable for domestic regions.
To determine the required performance (liter / minute), it is recommended to take a container of a certain volume (for example, a bucket of 10 liters), turn on the shower in the usual mode and note the time for filling the container. This will allow you to understand what power the water heater is able to meet your needs. Meanwhile, take into account the simultaneous operation of several water intake points (sinks, showers, etc.), as well as “seasonal” fluctuations in the temperature of the incoming water.
Make sure your home's electrical wiring can handle the power of this appliance.
What you need to do before buying an instantaneous water heater:
- Check with the housing office, what capabilities the power grid of your home has. Decide on the necessary electrical equipment.
- How much water can the water heater provide with the power you need - just to wash your hands, or for other needs at the same time.
- How difficult is the installation - can you do everything on your own, or will you have to hire craftsmen.
- How long is the guarantee.
- You need to find out if there are any problems with the purchase of parts - if they need to be replaced, and also ask what the cost of components is.
Hot water is necessary in everyday life - this is indisputable, and a hot water supply system (DHW) is necessarily laid in the projects of modern residential buildings.
Apartment buildings are provided with hot water centrally - by connecting the DHW system to the main heating plant, and the owners of cottages, in the absence of such an opportunity, solve this issue by installing water heating devices.
In addition to expensive double-circuit heating boilers, also designed for connection to the DHW system, there are many other types of water heating devices that differ in the type of energy consumed, design and other technical characteristics.
At the same time, ways to meet the needs of housing in hot water are constantly updated with new technologies, and existing heaters for tap water are being improved. Consider the most common types of units used to heat cold water in the plumbing system and water intake points.
The purpose of domestic water heaters and the requirements for them
The hot water units are designed to meet domestic hot water needs and, depending on the type, can be used to fully supply the DHW system or as compact devices mounted on separate water intake points. Some types of water heaters can be used as alternative devices used during periods of repair of the main equipment or main heating plants.
According to the type of energy consumed, water heaters are divided into electric and gas, but the following requirements are imposed on both types of these devices:
- safety - a set of parameters that minimize the likelihood of an explosion or fire in a building, injury to a person or poisoning;
- efficiency - the power of water heating devices should provide the actual demand for hot water, and the costs of operating heaters should be commensurate with the effect;
- aesthetics is a natural condition for the demand for modern household equipment.
Types of water heating devices
According to the mechanics of its heating, household water heaters produced today can be divided into the following groups:
- water-heating devices of flow heating;
- storage water heaters;
- aggregates of flow-accumulative heating.
Let us consider in more detail these groups, represented on the market by both gas and electric appliances.
Flow units
Water heating devices flow type, which, according to the type of energy consumed, are divided into gas and electric, automatically turn on when a water tap is opened and heat the moving water flow through the walls of the water supply. Depending on the type, a flow-through water heater can provide all consumers of the DHW system, some of them, or one point of hot water intake.
Gas water heater
This household water heater, sometimes called the Junkers column after the inventor, has been produced for more than a hundred years, but, thanks to its merits, has not lost its popularity today.
Simplified, the geyser consists of a housing in which a burner, a heater and a security system are mounted. The first models of the device worked according to the following, very simple principle.
The hot water line passed through the gas column heat exchanger, in which the burners were located. On the case there were levers for manually supplying gas to the burners, and next to them there was an ignition device - a constantly burning small nozzle. To supply hot water to the point, a water tap was opened, after which gas was supplied to the burners by manually shifting the lever. The flame of the burners heated the heat exchanger, which transferred heat to the water passing through it. To stop the supply of hot water to the faucet, the gas was also manually shut off, the burners were extinguished, after which the faucet of the water intake point was closed.
As a result of consistent design improvements, a modern gas water heater is a complex water heating equipment with a high degree of operational safety, the design options of which allow you to choose a device in accordance with the style of finishing the room.
Such a water heating unit consists of the following main components:
- metal body;
- burners with an ignition device;
- automatic ignition system;
- heat exchanger with a copper coil;
- a set of devices for automatically stopping the gas supply in case of overheating of the unit, a drop in draft in the chimney, the extinction of burners, excess or insufficient water pressure in the water supply system;
- mechanisms for manually adjusting the intensity of gas combustion and water movement;
- diffuser with outlet for connection to the chimney;
- inlet and outlet fittings for water;
- gas supply fitting.
When the water tap is opened, the geyser turns on automatically - by applying water pressure to the membrane of the water unit, which opens the gas supply to the burners and while turning on the ignition device, which ignites the gas in the heat exchanger. If there is insufficient or excessive water pressure in the system, gas will not be supplied to the burners.
Most gas water heaters on the outside of the housing have regulators for the degree of heating and the intensity of water movement, with the help of which the desired outlet temperature is manually set, which is displayed on the display.
For more complex devices - hot water columns of a modulating design, the adjustment is performed automatically.
Important! Adjusting the water temperature by diluting it with cold water using a mixer at the point of consumption harms the operation of the automation and leads to premature failure of the heating device.
Gas water heaters are produced with several types of ignition devices - powered by a 220 V household network, hydro generator, batteries or piezoelectric.
Of these types, the least reliable is a battery-powered device due to the unpredictability of their resource.
For emergency shutdown of the water heater, a special key is provided on the geyser.
Gas combustion products are discharged from the chamber through the outlet pipe into the chimney in compliance with safety rules.
The most common in everyday life are atmospheric geysers - equipped with combustion chambers open type, oxygen in which comes with air from the room.
More advanced, but complex, are water-heating devices with a closed combustion chamber using outside air, which is pumped by an additional fan through coaxial chimney- a double-acting pipe with opposite gas flows. However, such units have a significant drawback - electrical dependence, since the fan is powered by a household power supply.
How to choose a geyser
When buying this water heater, it is difficult to focus on its power, so you need to choose a column according to performance - it is indicated in the product passport and is measured in l / min (liter per minute) when the water is heated by 25 degrees. The higher this indicator, the more points of water intake with a working column will be able to work simultaneously. For example, a device with a capacity of 10 l / min is able to provide one consumer.
With a limited budget and frequent power outages, it would be advisable to choose an atmospheric water heater with a non-volatile ignition system powered by batteries or a piezoelectric element. High-quality batteries, such as Energizer or Duracell, will ensure the operation of the speaker for 2-3 months.
If the apartment does not have a chimney shaft, the chimney of the device can be brought out through the wall or transom of the window sash. With an open-type combustion chamber, the pipe can be ordinary, with closed chamber- coaxial, and the column - turbocharged, with a fan.
Important! In the absence of a chimney channel, it is forbidden to remove smoke into the ventilation shaft!
When the water supply networks are worn out, the purchase of a gas column with an ignition device from a hydrogenerator is not advisable due to its vulnerability to water hammer.
To neutralize this factor, you will have to additionally install a gearbox.
Important! A constantly burning igniter of outdated models of dispensers after several months of operation gives a significant increase in fuel consumption and, in addition, destroys the front wall of the heat exchanger. Therefore, the purchase of such gas water heaters should be abandoned.
Electric water heater
The stationary flow-through electric heating unit consists of a tank, in which, depending on the volume, one or more powerful heating elements are mounted. The heating of water occurs from its contact with the heater during the passage of this tank.
The performance of most of these devices is from two to four liters per minute, therefore, they provide an average temperature of water to the tap of one consumer, for example, a sink or a shower spray.
But electric instantaneous heaters are produced with a higher power, consuming a current of 380 V and capable of providing several consumer points with hot water.
Stationary flow type electric water heaters are convenient due to their compactness and ease of use, but heating elements of 3-10 kW require an individual line to be connected and cause increased energy consumption of these heaters.
Electric instantaneous water heater-faucet
A variety of electric flow-type water heaters are water heaters that combine a water tap and a device for heating water.
Such a device is mounted on a sink and connected to the water supply. The water heater is powered by 220 V.
The principle of operation is based on heating water while passing through the body of the water heater, in which the heating element is located. The heater turns on automatically when the tap is opened and, due to the small internal volume of the body and the high power of the heating element, the water heats up almost instantly - after 3-4 seconds after turning it on, it is already warm at the outlet.
The water temperature is regulated by the intensity of its passage through the device, the adjustment range is 40-60 degrees.
Such devices are also popular due to their compactness and ease of use, but a powerful heating element (3-3.5 kW) requires a separate electrical wiring line.
Storage water heating devices
Water-heating units of the accumulative principle of operation differ from flow-through ones by the presence in the body of a container of a certain volume, in which there is hot water, which is heated as it cools down or cold water arrives instead of hot water consumed. To slow down the cooling of water, the tank is equipped with thermal insulation, which saves fuel and the life of the heater. In addition to the water tank, the housing contains a heating device and security devices.
Accumulative water heating devices are produced by gas and electric.
Gas storage units
The device, also called a boiler, consists of a tank with a capacity of 50-300 liters with a built-in heat exchanger in which gas is burned. The products of fuel combustion are removed from the heat exchanger through the gas outlet pipe.
Filling the boiler with water occurs automatically, as it is consumed. The supply of cold water to the tank turns on the flow of gas to the burners, the gas supply to the burners and their ignition are turned on. The heat flow from gas combustion is directed to a turbulator - a pipe element of a special design, through the walls of which water is heated as a by-product. After heating the water to the pressure set on the temperature controller, the temperature sensor cuts off the gas supply, and the burners go out.
Storage boilers, like gas water heaters, differ in the type of combustion chamber (open, closed) and the power source of the automatic ignition device (batteries, piezoelectric element, household power supply). Advantages and disadvantages regarding these components on geysers, are also relevant for boilers.
Most models of boilers, due to their significant dimensions and weight, are made in the floor version. But devices with a relatively small capacity (50-100 l) installed on walls are quite heavy and require a sufficient margin of safety from the base.
How to choose a gas boiler
When choosing a storage-type water heater, you need to know the average daily consumption of hot water per family. Statistics and analysis show that the daily consumption of hot water by one person is in the range of 50 to 70 liters. Multiplying this value by the number of family members, they get the total daily consumption, taking into account the fact that hot water, depending on the season and destination, in varying degrees diluted cold upon use.
In practice, the optimal volume of the boiler for installation in own house should be 150-200 liters, if a large family with small children lives - and more than two hundred.
The power of gas hot water boilers starts from 4 kW, a device with a tank volume of 150 liters is equipped with burners with a power of 7 kW - based on heating the full tank for an hour.
The ideal tank material is stainless steel, but these models are expensive. The price of boilers with a black steel tank with an internal protective coating (enamel, glass porcelain, titanium) is lower, but, unfortunately, their quality cannot be tested. Hence the conclusion - you need to buy a boiler from a well-known manufacturer, and it will be useful to get the opinion of the repairmen of these units in your city.
Electric storage water heaters
The unit, like a gas device, is a steel tank placed in a housing slightly bigger size. Thermal insulation is arranged between the walls of the tank and the body, like a thermos. A heating element with a thermostat and two pipes are installed in the lower part of the tank - an inlet for cold water and an outlet for hot.
The device is connected to the water supply by flexible hoses with threaded connections at the ends and filled with water by opening a hot water tap on the sink mixer. When the heater is connected to the network, the water in it is heated by the heating element to the temperature set manually on the thermostat - 50-85 degrees, after which the temperature sensor turns off the heating. The operation of the heating element will automatically resume after the start of hot water consumption, when cold water enters the tank instead, or after the temperature in the tank drops by 2 degrees.
According to the method of water supply, electric storage boilers divided into pressure and non-pressure.
A pressure-type boiler cuts into the DHW system in such a way that when a hot water tap is opened on the mixer, cold water begins to flow into the tank. The reservoir of the pressure boiler is sealed, so the pressure of cold water in the system squeezes hot water out of the tank and is fed to the tap - hot water is taken from the upper layers in such devices.
The advantage of pressure-type water-heating units is the ability to use one device to provide hot water to all points of the DHW system, albeit not at the same time - if you open several taps, the water in them will not be warm enough at the outlet.
Disadvantages of pressure boilers:
- the accumulation of sediment in the tank and the need for periodic cleaning of the tank, the sediment not only worsens the quality of the water, but also aggravates the deposition of scale on the heating element;
- the water in the tank of the pressurized water heater is locked between the sink mixer and the non-return valve, which prevents hot water from leaving the riser, and therefore is under pressure; when water is shut off in the central water supply system, the boiler tank is partially emptied (up to 20% of the volume), and a vacuum will be created inside it - these pressure drops cause cracking on the internal protective coating tank;
- the non-return valve has a bypass device in its design, which gives off hot water to the riser with a dangerous increase in pressure from heating - part of the electricity is wasted;
- a more time-consuming procedure for replacing the magnesium anode, which prevents corrosion of the tank.
Non-pressure boiler
The device of non-pressure type water heaters is much simpler. In fact, this is a container with a lid, equipped with a float-type valve, in which a heating element with a thermostat is also mounted - water is heated to a temperature previously set on the thermostat manually. The tank is most often made of polypropylene, the tank capacity can be from 5 to 100 liters or more.
The tank of a non-pressure heater is not sealed from above, the water in it is not under pressure, and therefore, for it to enter the system, the device must be located on a hill. With a sufficient volume of the water tank, a non-pressure unit can also serve 2-3 water intake points.
Non-pressure devices are an outdated type of housing equipment with a hot water supply system, but as a source of hot water for a summer residence or just for a shower in an apartment, it is quite suitable.
The use of these devices is also justified in water supply systems with water supply by pumps that turn on when the tap is opened.
Advantages of non-pressure units:
- tank durability;
- availability of the price range;
- ease of installation.
Flaws:
- limited performance and pressure;
- the presence of an overflow factor in case of failure of the float device.
Water heaters of flow-accumulative type
Flow-accumulative water heating units are essentially a combination of flow-through heating devices and storage devices. The unit is based on a container of a certain volume and a high-power heating element, contacting with which the moving stream of water entering the tank quickly heats up.
In the simplest models of electric heaters of this type, a non-pressure circuit is used, in more complex models, a standard pressure circuit is used.
The main advantage of the units of the flow-accumulative design is the presence in them of water heated already when it enters the tank, that is, the high performance of the device.
The capacity of most of these water heaters is 10-50 liters, some models are equipped with mixers, but more powerful devices are also produced, for example, units of the Gorenje GBK line with a capacity of 80 to 200 liters.
Advantages of flow-accumulative water heaters:
- the combination of the advantages of the two water-heating devices taken as the basis neutralizes their shortcomings;
- compactness of most models;
- turning on the flow mode when the water in the tank cools quickly brings the device into operation;
- with non-pressure execution - good option for a shower room or cottage.
Flaws:
- higher cost;
- the complexity of models with several heating elements in the design;
- the dependence of the outlet water temperature on its parameters in the water supply system.
Conclusion
The choice of a water heater depends on many factors. great importance has a degree of compliance with the functionality of the device operating conditions. The choice of expensive equipment in a certain situation may turn out to be a wrong decision, therefore, when buying, you must first of all proceed from the characteristics of the water heater, but without discounting the reputation of the manufacturer.
The main essence of the article
- Fresh water heaters are household appliances that justify their use even in homes with centralized system DHW.
- For right choice the water heater, you need to know all the requirements for this equipment, since the gas or electricity they consume are factors of increased danger.
- The variety of types and models of household water heating equipment only then provides the possibility of maximum rationality of the purchase when known specifications proposed devices and their potential.
- When choosing a water heater for a home, it is necessary to take into account not only its advantages, but also its disadvantages, which in some cases can play a decisive role.
- The cost factor of water heaters is not a priority when choosing - the functionality of individual expensive models in a certain situation may not be in demand.
Naturally, almost everyone modern man dreams of the most comfortable environment in his own living space. That is why such unforeseen circumstances as turning off hot or cold water do not suit any of the residents living in high-rise urban new buildings. The most optimal and correct solution in this case is the purchase and installation of a device called a wall-mounted electric water heater.
The choice of water heaters on the market is as wide and varied as possible. And the demand for them is quite stable. And this is no accident, since for most buyers a wall-mounted electric water heater is equipment endowed with much big amount advantages over gas and liquid fuel devices, which, by the way, can not be installed in every apartment.
The main advantages of this type of heater are:
1. One hundred percent security;
2. Easy direct installation;
3. Easy to operate and manage;
4. Low price;
5. Energy saving design.
Types of electric heaters
Electric heaters are divided into two main types:
1. Storage device (heats a container with water);
2. Flow equipment (heats running water).
A flow-through water heater has the ability to heat water as quickly as possible, while water passes through a powerful heating element called a heating element - plate or tubular. The main advantages of the device are:
1. The indisputable ability to provide users with hot water at any time and, of course, in unlimited quantities;
2. Maintenance is not required regularly;
3. Compact, does not occupy a large area.
The disadvantages of the device include:
1. Requires centralized cold water supply;
2. Requires a stable voltage in electrical networks;
3. Requires a stable pressure in the water supply;
4. Large energy costs are required - an instantaneous water heater requires a large allocated power for an apartment;
5. Provides hot water usually with only one draw-off point.
The accumulative water heater in its structure resembles a thermos, endowed with the function of heating and further heating the water. It initially accumulates water, then heats it up, and subsequently retains set temperature. The main advantages of this technique are:
1. Work even with not the best pressure in the central water supply networks;
2. The ability to heat water up to approximately eighty degrees, while expending a minimum amount of energy. Savings occur due to the slow heating of water;
3. A unique opportunity to produce hot water at the same time with several water points.
The disadvantages of a storage water heater include:
1. The need for regular maintenance- 1 time in six months;
2. The presence in the line of heaters of sufficiently large dimensions, unsuitable for each interior in a residential area;
3. Sufficiently long waiting for water heating;
4. The ability to heat a limited amount of liquid - exactly the volume of the heater.
Heating water with electricity
In order to answer the question of how long it will take for high-quality heating of water, it is necessary to understand some of the nuances. The time spent depends on several components:
1. Volumes of water tanks;
2. The power of the electric heating element.
In order to significantly reduce heat loss, it is required to use water heaters with an increased coefficient of thermal insulation. That is, they should work on the principle of thermoses. If the heater is well insulated, then the temperature of the already heated water will drop at a minimum rate.
The unit in question can be connected to the most common electrical outlet, since a conventional heater has a power of 1000-2000 watts. The capacity of the heater tank affects only the time during which the water will be heated, but not the temperature to which this water will be heated.
This is the main difference between storage and flow heaters. If you take a flow heater of insufficient power for your needs, then you will receive slightly warm water. But instantly.
If you take a storage heater for 100 and 200 liters, then you will end up with 100 and 200 liters of water with a temperature of 80 degrees. But in the first case it will be after 4 hours, and in the second - after 6 hours.
The presence of warm water in the country is required for taking a shower, washing dishes, washing and other activities that we are used to in a city apartment. Quite often, the problem of heating water in a summer cottage is solved by purchasing an electric water heater. Such devices have many advantages, however, before purchasing such a heater, you should familiarize yourself with its varieties and other nuances in more detail.
pros
- Thanks to the installation of a heating device in the country, there will always be access to hot water, which will provide a certain comfort of living in a summer cottage.
- Electric water heaters are chosen more often for summer cottages, since not all areas have access to natural gas.
- Models of water heaters for cottages do not consume much energy.
- The range of water heating devices is quite extensive. They are represented by devices with different volume and different power.
- There are options for heaters that can be filled with water manually, that is, they do not require plumbing or installation of a pump in the well.
Mounting small heating devices, often chosen for summer cottages, is quite simple.
Kinds
When choosing a water heater for a summer cottage, powered by an electrical network, you can find different options.
Storage heaters
Such devices are most in demand for heating water in private homes. They are also called boilers. Since the storage device must be connected to the water supply, it is chosen for cottages with centralized water supply or for areas with an automatic pumping station.
Water enters the boiler through the security system and is heated inside from the heating element, which is connected to the thermostat. When the water inside the tank cools down a little, the heating element turns on and the temperature rises to the set temperature. The disadvantages of this type of electric heater for summer cottages include high energy consumption, relatively high price and the dependence of functioning on the pressure in the water supply.
Flow heaters
They are chosen for summer cottages on which the storage device cannot be installed. The flow device is installed near the draw-off point, connecting a pipe to the heater through which cold water will flow. This water, after entering the heating device, will move through the tubes and be heated from the heating elements to desired temperature. The heating is regulated either by a special valve or by means of a control panel.
It is very convenient to use such devices for heating water, because warm water comes from the tap almost immediately after opening it, however, there are some limitations for their operation. They concern both the pressure of water (if it is insufficient at your dacha, a pump must be installed), and the load on the wiring (it will be significant at the peak of heating), and the performance of the apparatus (it is small).
Autonomous heaters
Such devices are in demand for cottages with a lack of water supply. They are similar to washstands and are a container in which the top cover opens to fill this container with water manually.
A heating element is installed inside the tank, and a tap is located below. Some models have several tanks - in one the water is heated, in the other there is cold water, and the tap functions as a mixer. Installing such a heater is very simple, and it will help out in an area with a well that does not have a pump. In addition, the cost of such devices is low, and their operation is quite economical.
Such a portable water heating device is installed directly on the faucet and heats the water passing through it thanks to the built-in heating element. It is chosen if it is required to heat water at one point. The main advantage of this device is its compact size.
The disadvantage of this type of heater is rather low productivity and high electricity consumption.
Manufacturers and prices
Accumulative heating devices powered by the mains are produced by many manufacturers.
- In our market, boilers from Termex, Electrolux, Ariston, Timberk, Ferolli and other brands are especially in demand. Their cost depends on the volume of the device and its other characteristics. For example, a device for 10 liters can be purchased for 4000-6000 rubles, a boiler for 30 liters will cost 6000-8000 rubles, and for a device with a volume of 80 liters you have to pay an average of 7000-12000 rubles.
- When buying a flowing electric heater, most often they choose devices from Electrolux, AEG, Termex and other brands. You can buy such a device, depending on its power, both for 2000 rubles and for 7-8 thousand rubles or more.
- Flow heaters on the crane are produced by Aquaterm and Delimano. Models from Aquatherm consume up to 3.5 kW, are protected from low temperature and power surges, allow you to adjust the water temperature and are presented in different design. These heaters serve long time and cost between 3-5 thousand rubles.
- Models from Delimano attract with their design (they are made in white), durability, instantaneous heating of water, ease of controlling the heating level, and ease of operation. In appearance, such a heater is similar to a conventional mixer. It is made of plastic and metal, and the inside is lined with ceramic insulation for greater safety. Such a device costs an average of 5,000 rubles.
- The most famous manufacturers offering bulk water heaters are Ariston, Bosch, Alvin, Atlantic, Atmore. The average cost of such equipment is 1500-2500 rubles.
Reviews
After evaluating customer reviews, it is noticeable that most often for the dacha where they live in summer period, pick up storage water heater. Dacha owners note that such devices are quite economical, easy to use and regularly heat water to the required temperature. Flow devices are less in demand due to their significant power and low productivity.
About the flowing electric taps-heaters, the reviews are mostly good. They are purchased for heating water in one place. At the same time, users emphasize that such a portable device is very reliable and heats water quickly enough.
As for bulk models, summer residents are very pleased with them, in areas where there is no main water supply. They are glad that they can pour water into such a device manually and get hot water even in such cramped conditions.
- First of all, pay attention to the power of the heating element in the selected water heater. In most cases, the buyer needs the device to be economical, and the suburban wiring to withstand the load from its operation.
- If in the country you will heat water only at one point (for example, only in the kitchen), then you can look at a portable heater mounted on a faucet. If there is a need to provide hot water to several points, such heaters will not work and you should opt for a more powerful flow device or a storage model.
- Decide on the volume of the tank. At the same time, keep in mind that heating a significant amount of water at once, although it will be longer, will come in handy if you want to take a shower, especially if the whole family lives in the country during the summer.
- Pay close attention safe work heating device. Make sure that the model you buy has reliable protection against short circuits and fire.
Choose a heater from a well-known manufacturer with a long warranty on the device. It is better to buy a reliable device right away than to spend money on its maintenance and repair in the future (especially if the cottage is far enough from the city).
Connection and installation
Having chosen and bought the necessary water heating device, it is transported to the country house, after which a place for installation is chosen.
Regardless of which type of water heater you have purchased, installing it is quite simple. To begin with, the load from the apparatus to the surface is determined in order to select fasteners. To do this, add up the mass of the device itself and the maximum volume of water that can be in it. It is advised to install the device on a solid wall, picking up fasteners with some margin.
The reality is that even today, despite the age of progressive technologies, the problem of hot water is faced not only by residents of villages and country houses, but also most major regional centers. Crazy pace modern life does not allow us to waste our precious time on heating water with the help of stoves and buckets familiar to us. Plus, it's completely inconvenient. And why such painful chores? Indeed, today it is enough to purchase a high-quality heating device that will satisfy the needs of even the most demanding customers.
The industrial market is so large that it offers a huge number of various types and types of water heaters: gas and electric heaters, storage and flow systems, powerful enough and economical to use, horizontal and vertical, wall and floor.
How to choose a good electric heater?
The choice is so great that focusing on your financial condition and consumer requests, easy to choose quality electric heater water and enjoy cleanliness, comfort and a lot of free time, and not run around with buckets of boiling water, blaming the housing department for your difficult life. At the peak of popularity among consumers, electric water heaters. They are faithful helpers, both during seasonal shutdowns of hot water supply, and in suburban private houses, being an integral part of an autonomous water supply. In turn, electric water heaters are of two main types:
- flow,
- cumulative.
Therefore, when going shopping, you must clearly determine your needs in hot water, as well as the requirements for a water heater. Indeed, not only the comfort of its use depends on the correct choice of the device, but also the ability to significantly reduce the amount of the bill for the use of electricity.
So, in the case when hot water supply is needed country house, where the owners come to relax for a couple of days from time to time, it would be more economical to install an instantaneous water heater. What can not be said about an apartment in a high-rise building, where a large family lives permanently. In this case, the expediency of installing an electric storage heating device is obvious.
Features of storage water heater
The main feature that distinguishes a storage water heater from a flow one is its operating principle. So, the principle of operation of the latter is truly simple and lies in the fact that water coming directly from the water supply passes through a special chamber where a heat transfer device is installed. Most often, such a device is a heating element, a spiral or a plate electric heater.
There, the liquid is heated to a certain temperature, after which it exits hot through mounted faucet. At the same time, it is obvious that such a device does not have a separate container for accumulating water (in some cases it can be quite small in size - up to three liters). And this, of course, affects the size electric heater water, making it quite compact. Of course, this is a big plus in case of a lack of usable space in the room.
Positive properties of electrical appliances
Among other positive features of the operation of flow devices, it should be noted that the liquid heats up almost instantly, which eliminates the dependence of hot water consumption on the volume of the tank capacity. Electric water heaters have enough power to instantly heat water. One has only to open the faucet, as hot water immediately flows out of it. Such a seemingly obvious plus of a flow device for many consumers is a significant minus. It's all about the power of the heater. To instantly heat cold water to comfortable temperature at least 36 degrees C at a flow rate of 2-3 liters per minute, it is necessary minimum power 3-5 kW.
Therefore, the power consumption is quite high, which, in turn, requires good electrical wiring in the room, capable of withstanding high loads. Do not give preference to electric water heaters of this type and those who like to take hot bath. After all, the power of the device is unlikely to allow him to cope with his task. Of course, you can purchase a heavy-duty model with a consumption of 20-27 kW, but such a device already requires connection to three-phase network and is by no means cheap, which is not at all affordable for the average consumer.
Varieties of electrical appliances
Flow type electric heaters are enough easy to install by yourself, which can significantly save on the services of electricians and plumbers. But still, it is worth considering certain features of their installation, so that later you can freely enjoy the comfortable use of hot water. So, in order to avoid unpleasant moments associated with a power surge protection circuit breaker, it would be better to install a separate circuit breaker for the water heater.
It is not uncommon for a purchased heating device to exceed the capabilities of an existing one. installed counter. In this case, his recommended to replace. Most often this is necessary in the premises and houses of the old building. And additional wires will help create grounding devices. In any case, if you have already decided to install an electric water heater on your own, you will need to be careful in work and, of course, comply with all safety standards.
Storage-type electric water heaters are better known to the average consumer as a boiler. The main design element of such a device is a special container - a tank, which can be, as standard sizes 30-60 liters, and very impressive up to 500 and even 1000 liters. However, electric heating devices of such a volume already have the value not of domestic, but of industrial ones. Features of the operation of an electric storage-type heating device can be compared with the well-known thermos.
So, the heating elements located inside the tank provide water heating to a predetermined temperature, the range of which is 7 - 85 degrees C, and then with the help of a thermostat keeps it at a given level. Naturally, with this principle of operation, in order to reduce the cost of consumed electricity, thermal insulation of the tank is of great importance. The thicker the insulating material, the less electricity is needed to maintain a certain liquid temperature.
Electric heaters - modern models
Modern models electric water heaters have a night heating mode, since developed countries have long been practicing the establishment of preferential tariffs for the population at night. Also, storage water heaters perfect solution for high-rise buildings with electric stoves, because there is an opportunity save on fare. Since such houses are equipped with more powerful wiring, it is most likely not necessary to lay a separate one for the boiler.
Many consumers rightly refer to the main requirement for an electric heater of storage type is the presence of a high-quality anti-corrosion coating inside the tank. Every day, the storage capacity of the boiler is adversely affected high pressure as well as sudden changes in temperature. In addition, tap water has various aggressive substances that have a destructive effect. All these factors can significantly reduce the life of the device.
Manufacturers of expensive models use a special anti-corrosion titanium enamel, it is much better than cheap aluminum or galvanized steel. Another problem faced by residents small apartments is the lack of space to accommodate a large boiler tank. The choice will help to partially cope with this problem. correct form tank. Today, manufacturers of storage-type electric water heaters produce the following models:
- round or cylindrical
- rectangular tank,
- tank, the so-called slim-form.
The latest model is different much less thick, and the volume is preserved due to the greater height of the device. This form is often the only possible solution. With the correct organization of the space in the room where the boiler will be installed, you should also take into account the method of installing the electric heater, since some models require horizontal installation, others - vertical, and there are boilers that can be installed in one way or another.
All electric storage heaters can be divided into the following types:
- to open, so-called non-pressure,
- and closed or which are also called pressure.
And, like any technique, both have its advantages and disadvantages. Non-pressure (open) are installed only at one draw-off point or speaking plain language- one faucet. This is largely due to their small tank volume, only 5-50 liters. Such compactness and ease of installation allow you to install the boiler even under the sink.
However, the small volume and high consumption of electricity consumed are a significant drawback of this type of storage water heater. Pressure (closed) water heaters have a larger tank volume and can simultaneously serve a pair of water points. When installing such a cold water heater, the installation of the so-called three valves: non-return, safety and pressure reducing valves is mandatory.
