If you don’t want to heat water on the stove and wash your face in a basin, it’s time to think about purchasing a boiler. Professional plumbers told us how to choose a water heater that can solve the problem of warm water in an apartment or private home. They come in several types and you need to know their advantages, disadvantages and characteristic features of each type of equipment. A water heater is literally the only option that provides everyone living in the home with hot water every day without any hassle.
How to choose a water heater Source renovationettravaux.fr
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 element type
The water is heated thanks to the heating element. Manufacturers most often use well-known heating elements.
They are:
- Wet . It is located in water and functions on the principle of a boiler. This is what your water heater will most likely have if you choose a budget electric one. A wet heating element is cheap, but its disadvantage is the rapid appearance of scale, which causes the water to heat up worse. Over time, you will need to constantly raise the temperature, but at the same time the scale will grow even more, and the boiler will wear out. Such a water heater pays off if the water is purified through a filter. Or are you ready to clean your heater every couple of months?
- Dry . The dry heating element is in a flask, so it does not come into contact with water and scale does not appear on it. It has a higher heat output and lasts longer, but if you choose such a good water heater, you will have to pay more. About 2 times.
When choosing a storage water heater for a cottage or apartment, it may have two heating elements if the tank has a large volume. Manufacturers also install a second heater when they want to improve the heating speed.
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.
Bulk water heaters
An excellent solution for a summer cottage or if there is no running water in the house. A tank water heater is a container with a lid in which a heating element is mounted. The container can be made of stainless steel, plastic, ordinary steel coated with enamel. The temperature is regulated by a thermostat. A shower hose is attached to the body.
There are two types of such devices - gravity and with pressure created by a small built-in pump (Alvin EVBO). Gravity-flow tankless water heaters must be hung above your head. You can take a shower, but the water flow will be weak. Models with a pump have more pressure, but the tank capacity must be decent and such a model cannot be called a camping one.
The functions here could be:
- maintaining the set temperature;
- automatic shutdown after heating;
- the presence of an accumulator and a pump to create pressure;
- status indicators.
Bulk water heater device
Bulk water heaters are an original Russian invention and all manufacturers are Russian. There are similar electric water heaters of the following brands:
- Success;
- Alvin Evbo;
- Aquarius;
- Elbeth;
- Mr. Heath Summer Resident;
- Fairy tale.
The devices operate on a 220 V network, the power is about 1-2 kW, the price is from $20 to $100, depending on the functionality and material of the tank. Which water heater is best in this category? Stainless steel with pressure, but these are just the most expensive models.
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
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
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
Equipment, additional functions
Even if you have chosen a good water heater for your apartment, you need to additionally buy pipes, fasteners, and so on. And if the water in the house is bad, then a purification filter will not hurt.
As for additional functions, the boiler may have:
- Another layer of thermal insulation . This way the water stays warm longer. And energy costs are lower, since the heating does not turn on as often if it is storage.
- Overheat protection . A useful option so as not to get burned and not have to wait for the temperature to return to normal if it is running.
- Timer . With it you can turn on the heating at night, when you need to pay less for electricity.
- Moisture protection . Since it is increased in the bathroom, this is not an unnecessary function to extend the life of the device.
- Power cable, valve, brackets . These are additional parts that can be purchased separately, but it’s nice when they are included in the kit. The valve maintains normal pressure, and brackets are needed for installation.
It is necessary not only to choose the right water heater, but also to carry out the installation. It’s better to trust the master with this. Otherwise, if you do everything yourself and something goes wrong, you will not be able to take advantage of the equipment warranty. The technician will carry out grounding, check the functionality of the water supply system and carry out the installation correctly.
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.
What types of household water heaters are there and how do they differ?
First of all, water heaters differ in their operating principle. They are:
- flow type - heat the water passing through the device;
- storage type - the water in the heater tank is heated;
- flow-storage - have two operating modes;
- liquid
It’s difficult to say which water heater is better. If we talk about appearance, the main external difference is the size. Cumulative models are large, flow-through models are small. But size is not all that is needed to understand what is best for you. You need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each type of equipment.
Types of electric heaters for home and garden
