Should you choose an instantaneous or storage water heater?
In this aspect, when choosing a water heater, it is better to proceed from the main difference: do you want to instantly receive hot water, but in small quantities, or do you prefer to wait, but be provided with a continuous flow of really hot water in the right quantity. When you choose a water heater, pay special attention to its power; both the heating intensity and the volume of water passing through the installation depend on it. Flow models have more power—the temperature depends on it and the water pressure; accordingly, they use resources more wastefully. Storage, thanks to the thermal insulation system, significantly saves energy and is therefore more productive. Although their dimensions are often difficult to fit into any interior, and the waiting time for heating can reach from 3 to 5 hours, as in models of the Ariston Pro R or Ariston Velis EVO INOX series with a volume of 100 liters.
Kinds
Equipment for heating water can operate on gas, electricity and is divided among themselves according to various characteristics. Different types of water heaters may have different times and temperatures for heating water, differ in the type of energy source, the way the device is located, and the features of operation and connection.
Cumulative
How to choose an electric storage water heater for your home? This is the most famous type of device that heats water in a tank, inside of which there is a heating element. Cold water is heated as it enters to the desired temperature.
Storage water heaters Source ueni.com
The distinctive features of this type are the use of small capacities and the possibility of connecting several points. The advantage of modifications powered by the network is that they can economically maintain the temperature of heated water, moreover, they do not consume so much electricity and are connected to an ordinary outlet. Gas equipment is used as an energy source for heating water: natural or liquefied gas. The tank size of such devices is at least 50 liters.
Gas and electric
Electric or gas storage water heater, how to choose? The main components of gas and electric appliances are similar, therefore, the selection principles are the same.
Gas and electric water heaters Source vyborok.com
Electric models:
- cost less than gas and are safer;
- water tank from 10 liters;
- There will be no difficulties during installation.
Features of gas water heaters:
- equipment is installed only with the permission of gas services and professional plumbers;
- the energy source has a low cost, which means it saves the budget;
- has great power.
Scheme of a storage gas water heater Source elit-klimat.net
How to choose a boiler? Deciding which water heater is best to install should be based on the needs of the whole family. As for water consumption per person, the need for hot water depends on the size of the family. For large families, it makes no sense to use instantaneous water heaters. The column is suitable for the domestic hot water needs of 1-4 people. Starting from 4 simultaneous residents, the storage unit is more rational to use.
Flow-through
A instantaneous water heater differs significantly from a storage water heater. The advantage of this device is that it very quickly heats running water and supplies it to the shower or kitchen tap. It is a compact unit consisting of a housing, a massive heating element, a pressure switch, shut-off and control valves, a grounding terminal, a switch, and also an inlet and outlet manifold. For their work, i.e. To move water along the route, sufficient pressure is required.
Scheme of instantaneous water heater Source zusakop.tonuzy.ru.net
These products are non-pressure and serve only 1 point and, as a principle, are placed close to it. Pressure pumps, capable of supplying several plumbing fixtures simultaneously due to their enormous power and impressive pressure. Innovative flow-through heating equipment has an elegant appearance and compact configuration.
Advantages of electric flow models:
- use of electricity only for water consumption;
- small size and easy installation;
- no impact of the housing material on performance characteristics;
- constant supply;
- ease of use and wide range.
Minuses:
- dependence of the outlet water temperature on the inlet water temperature;
- high energy consumption;
- the need for additional wiring.
If the power of the unit starts from 3.5...8.0 kW, then wiring with a power of 220 W is sufficient, and a three-phase line (380 W) must be installed separately when the water heater has a power of 27.0 kW or more
Heating control system
All models of water heaters are equipped with a sensor that allows you to obtain reliable values of the degree of water heating. If it is noticed that the boiler begins to heat water longer than expected, this will give a signal to replace the heating element.
In addition to the sensor, devices are often equipped with a thermostat. They allow you to control the heating. This is done to save energy.
Simple mechanical thermostat
In budget models, an ordinary switch is installed, which can be made in the form of a round regulator or buttons. With its help, you can change the heating from 60 degrees to 30. It is impossible to set the exact temperature value; it will be observed with an error of several degrees.
As a rule, these mechanical regulators are interchangeable; you can often find an analogue in the event of a breakdown. Their replacement is simple and does not require the help of service specialists. This is where their advantages end.
Automatic thermostat with advanced functions
Such boilers are equipped with additional features, including programming for a specific period of on or off. It is possible to set the required heating temperature with high accuracy.
The disadvantages of these models include the difficulty of repair if the electronics fail. If the water heater is manufactured by a little-known company, there is always difficulty in ordering parts and microcircuits
If a company leaves the market, spare parts will be impossible to obtain. A minor breakdown in the electronics may lead to the need to buy a new device. It is worth giving preference to trusted manufacturers.
Criterias of choice
The choice of water heater depends on many parameters. The most important criteria that need to be taken into account are presented in the list.
Power
How to choose an electric storage water heater? Power consumption is a parameter on which performance depends. The efficiency of the heating component may vary, but the general principle is true for absolutely all devices - the greater the power, the faster the water heats up.
Determining the power of a water heater Source ruceta.nacypote.ru.net
For instantaneous and storage water heaters, the power ranges are significantly different. Flow-through systems - due to their distinctive features, systems consume more electricity than storage systems. The power of small devices with a water flow rate of up to 3 liters per minute can be from 3 to 5 kW. When taking a shower, we use approximately 7-9 liters of water per minute, and at the stated maximum of 65 degrees, 3 liters will result in slightly warm water. Models with a power of 8 kW are ready to heat up to 6 liters of water in 20 seconds. The most powerful ones require a three-phase connection with a power of 380 volts. As a principle, the threshold for electrical appliances is 30 kW.
Water heater power Source luxpl.com
Cumulative - from 1 to 6 kW. Such devices will heat water up to 40 degrees. Large storage water heaters are often supplied with gas heating systems. Such devices can have the highest power up to 78 kW.
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in insulating country houses.
Tank size
The first thing you need to decide is the size of the tank. It depends on how many people will use it and what the water heater will be used for. In addition, a very important aspect of the choice is the place of bathing - shower or bathroom. If the device is needed only for washing dishes, then you can choose a 10 or 15 liter modification, which will be absolutely enough. If space allows, for bathing you must choose a water heater of at least 80 liters in size if you have a bathtub and 60 liters for a shower. For example, for a family of four, choose a 60 liter water heater, but in this case you will need to wait until the water heats up after each person bathes.
Water heater tank size Source sanliga.ru
We advise you to focus on the following values:
- for the daily needs of one person, 50 liters is enough;
- for three people – 80 l.;
- 4 and more – 120 l.
There are water heaters up to 300 liters in size, but the cost of such modifications is quite high. A more common value is a 100-liter tank, which is purchased both for a private building and for a summer residence.
Inner coating
The anti-corrosion layer is made from components that are resistant to hostile environmental influences, including:
- Titanium coating,
- Stainless steel,
- Fiberglass.
Internal coating of a water heater Source www.dg-dom.ru
Coating directly has a great influence on the formation of cost. Modifications coated with an enamel composition are in high demand among residents, since their working period exceeds 10 years or more, while porcelain glass products work for approximately a year. With sudden temperature spikes exceeding 60, microcracks may appear on the walls.
The best types are rightfully those with a titanium shell, which stand out for their high price. The weak point of expensive modifications is the welded joint zone and the poor impact on the quality of water, which, according to users, acquires a steely taste after contact, although studies have not proven this fact.
The presence of a magnesium anode increases the degree of protection, but it will require periodic replacement, 1-2 times every year.
No. 3. Boiler inner lining
The inner surface of the storage boiler tank constantly interacts with water, so it must be as resistant to corrosion as possible. Today, water heaters are available for sale in which the inner surface of the tank is made of the following materials:
- stainless steel;
- enamel coating;
- glass ceramics;
- titanium coating;
- plastic covering.
Boilers in which the tank has a plastic inner coating are the cheapest, but their reliability is questionable. Stainless steel tanks performed best . Manufacturers give them a 10-year guarantee, and some additionally carry out passivation, increasing the warranty period to 12 years. From the point of view of durability and reliability, such tanks are preferable, but they are not cheap. The most expensive boilers receive titanium coating , which allows you to extend their service life for several more years.
Tanks with an enamel coating are not much inferior to their stainless steel counterparts. Thanks to the addition of special additives to the enamel, it receives the same expansion coefficients as the steel from which the tank itself is made, so this coating will not crack when heated. The enamel coating is being improved day by day. Today you can find water heaters in which the enamel is coated with silver ions . Due to this, antibacterial and anti-corrosion properties are increased.
Some experts note that plastic, enamel and glass ceramics can suffer mechanical damage from temperature changes and when interacting with solid particles found in tap water. Still, enamel and glass-ceramic coatings are not the worst option for a boiler, although they are incomparable to stainless steel.
On the other hand, no matter how strong the inner coating of the tank is, the weak points are still the same in all cases. These are the welds that begin to rust first. To prevent corrosion of the tank and “wet” heating element, the design of all modern boilers includes anodic protection . For this, a magnesium, titanium or aluminum anode is used, and a tank acts as a cathode. The anode can be called a consumable material. It is better to change it every few years, while simultaneously cleaning the heating element and flushing the tank.
Remember that a high-quality boiler, manufactured according to all the rules, cannot be cheap. The absence of a warranty or a very short period should also indicate that the manufacturer, to put it mildly, is not confident in the quality of its products and wants to quickly relieve itself of responsibility for it.
The best manufacturers
We have selected companies that are considered leading in the field of water heater manufacturing.
- Ariston
Particular attention in the development is paid to the material and protective coating of the tanks inside. The issue of rust is solved by using stainless steel or steel coated with titanium or enamel. In certain modifications, the coating includes silver ions, which disinfect water. For example, this is equipment of the Silver series, abs Silver Power.
Ariston water heaters Source otoplenie-gid.ru
The strength of the storage tank is guaranteed due to reliable welds using Micro Plazma Tig technology - air bubbles are eliminated in the joint areas, which prevents corrosion. The manufacturer offers storage water heaters with tank sizes from 10 to 200 liters; the highest heating temperature for many models is 80 C. Some of them are equipped with a Nanomix mode to ensure performance.
- Electro lux
The main difference between the famous Swedish brand is that home equipment produced under this brand is highly valued all over the world and in the domestic market in particular. Corporate style is the constant improvement of our own products, the creation and introduction of the most daring innovations.
Electrolux water heaters Source gazeta.a42.ru
Technological and neat in appearance, the products are made in various versions. Indirect heating boilers from 100 to 1500 l. Electric instantaneous water heaters from the most common and cheap non-pressure ones to ultra-technological and powerful system ones, controlled by high-precision electronics.
- Bosch
Many buyers immediately associate this brand with durability and excellent quality.
Bosch water heaters Source kyttemaailm.ee
No. 2. Heating element type
Heating elements are responsible for heating in boilers; spiral heating elements are used less often (they are more powerful, but if something happens, they are more difficult to repair).
Heating elements can be of two types:
- "wet";
- "dry".
From the name it's easy to understand who is who. “Wet” heating element is a copper heating element that is immersed in water and operates like a boiler. Such heating elements are typical for many storage and almost all instantaneous boilers. These are cheap devices, but due to direct contact of the heating element with water, scale quickly forms on it, which has high thermal insulation properties, due to which the heating element’s ability to heat water is reduced. You will have to constantly increase the temperature, and this will affect the service life of the boiler. It is noteworthy that the higher the heating temperature, the faster scale forms. In addition, a “wet” heating element is susceptible to electrochemical corrosion. If your apartment has a water filter installed, then in principle you can use a boiler of this type; it costs less. When working with hard water, be prepared to clean the heating element once every 3-4 months.
The “dry” (steatine) heating element is protected by a special flask and does not come into contact with water, so scale cannot form here. The heat transfer of such a heating element is much higher, and so is the service life, but a boiler with a similar heating element will cost 1.5-2 times more.
Atlantic boilers
A good example of a water heater with a “dry” heating element is the French Atlantic. Atlantic factories are located all over the world. Except China - that’s why Atlantic is often called the most “NON-Chinese” water heaters. Atlantic boilers are equipped with a proprietary soapstone heating element with a service life of up to 20 years. This is ten times longer than conventional inexpensive “wet” heating elements.
Due to the coating of the tank with proprietary enamel with titanium dioxide and a magnesium anode, scale practically does not settle in Atlantic boilers and rust does not appear. Therefore, Atlantic are also the quietest, most economical and reliable water heaters of all that are sold in Russia.
Atlantic work with all types of water and are provided with a maximum warranty on tanks - 7-8 years. And Atlantic does not need to be serviced annually, like most conventional Chinese manufacturers. And once every 2-3 years.
Storage water heaters can be equipped with one or two heating elements . All large-volume boilers, as well as models with a fast heating function, receive a second heating element.
Popular models
All models presented. The best water heaters are in great demand among consumers, have unique design features and are of excellent quality.
For the pool
In order to enjoy the ease of using the pool, its water must be heated, and the optimal temperature for the human body is from 22 to 24 degrees. A pool with a diameter of 3 meters warms up in approximately 2 hours. Today, electrical equipment is especially famous. Inside there is a heating element designed for heating water, covered with several protective layers in order to protect the components from rust.
Each of the models has a pump with a filter, as a result of which the water is not only heated, but also cleaned.
- Pahlen
The Swedish manufacturer offers excellent equipment, the power of which reaches 18 kW, this is considered a high indicator and it requires a voltage of 380V. These indicators allow you to heat the water to a temperature of 40 degrees.
Pahlen pool water heater Source poolcorner.de
Magnesium anode
If you choose a model with submersible ones, then make sure that they have a magnesium anode in their design.
Without its use, scale formation occurs many times faster. And this in turn:
- increases heating time
- reduces efficiency
- causes greater energy consumption
It is optimal if the magnesium anode is located at the top of the water heater. This will provide better protection of the tank from corrosion.
Also, this arrangement allows you to comfortably control the flow rate and change the anode in a timely manner without draining the water.
Always read the terms of the warranty carefully.
In beautiful large letters on the tank it can be written - 5-7 YEARS WARRANTY! And in small print it is added to the instructions - only on condition of regular, within two years, replacement of the anode.
Buy a boiler, after 2.5 years it will rust and leak, and they will refuse to replace it under warranty.
Since there was no timely replacement of the anode in the service class=”aligncenter” width=”720″ height=”290″[/img]
Video description
In the video, a review and installation of a water heater under the sink in a country kitchen:
For shower
As an example, instantaneous water heater Proffi PH9028. Using the unit is simple and comfortable: it is possible to adjust the temperature, and the selected options are reflected on the LED display. The set includes a shower head. The device is thoroughly protected from rust, it is not afraid of splashes, and its moisture resistance class meets the IPX4 standard. In case of pressure surges in the pipes, a safety valve is taken into account.
Water heater Proffi PH9028 Source yandex.by
For the dacha
The electric water heater is of a bulk type and has a power of 2 kW and a heating rate of 60 minutes. up to 40 degrees.
Tank volume 110 liters. In a suburban area, such a device can significantly simplify life, especially when there is a lack of running water. You simply need to pour water into the tank, heat it and use it for personal needs.
Electric water heater for a summer residence Source homediz.info
For bathroom
Pressure devices are considered the most comfortable and universally suitable. Instantaneous water heaters for showers can be connected either to one point or to a riser. This makes it possible to use hot water not only in the bathroom, but in absolutely the entire home.
Thermex Chief stands out for its unique design and great functionality. Equipped with a completely copper heating element and a flask that provides rapid and uninterrupted heating of water due to high heat transfer. Efficiency 2.9 l/min of water, temperature 35C. It has intuitive electronic controls and a beautiful LCD display with stand.
Thermex Chief water heater Source wildberries.ru
What volume of water heater to choose
The volume of water heating tanks can range from 5-550 liters. It should be taken into account that not only the capacity of the water heater, but also its overall dimensions depend on the volume, so it is not advisable to buy a bulky multi-liter tank for a small apartment or a small country house.
How to calculate what volume of water heater to choose:
- up to 15 liters - usually intended for kitchen needs, can be installed in country houses;
- up to 30 liters - such water heaters are enough to provide hot water to one person;
- up to 50 liters - the capacity of such a tank is enough to service a shower and kitchen sink;
- up to 80 liters - this volume is enough for a shower and kitchen if there are 2 people living in a family;
- up to 100 liters - a quite capacious water heater for the needs of a small family with a child;
- from 100 liters or more - suitable for large families, country houses and even private hotels.
Electric water heaters of large volumes are heavy, so it is preferable for them to be installed on the floor or mounted to the main wall of a building.
Conclusions and advice from professionals
If you still have questions about which water heater to choose, then use the brief advice of professionals.
Low-power instantaneous water heaters are chosen for consuming water in small quantities in the kitchen. They are perfect for washing dishes or washing hands. For families and for those who like to lie in the bathtub and steam, a storage electric heater measuring 100-500 liters is suitable.
A bulk boiler is the only possible solution for those who do not have the opportunity to create at least some semblance of a water supply system on their plot.
Indirect heating water heater Source iobogrev.ru
Indirect heating boilers differ from all other sources of warm water in that this system does not have its own heating component. Heating of water, in this kind of concept, is carried out due to the influence of external heating devices. This could be a boiler, central heating or solar panels. An indirect heating water heater, as a rule, is placed next to the heating boiler, and this “duet” covers a fairly large area, especially if both devices are floor-standing. The design of the indirect heating water heater allows you to connect a heating element.
No. 4. Boiler tank shape
When deciding which boiler to choose, you can get so carried away by studying data on power, volume and material that you forget about much more obvious things. We are talking about the shape of the body. There are few options here, the body can be:
- round;
- rectangular.
Round barrel boilers tend to cost less (as they are easier to manufacture) but take up more space. This is the most popular version. Devices with a rectangular tank will save space, since they can be installed in a corner, niche, on the edge of a wall, or even hidden in a cabinet. Moreover, due to their shape, such models are equipped with a thicker layer of thermal insulation. There are also so-called slim models , in which the diameter or one of the sides is smaller than in standard devices. Before purchasing, it is very important to decide exactly where the boiler will be located and how much space is available for its installation.
As for color , there are few options. The most popular and win-win option is a white body. Gray and silver models are also in demand.
