With the rise in the cost of utilities, many people think which is better: a water heater or hot water? How profitable is it to operate a boiler, is it cheaper? Consider in the article all the advantages and disadvantages, we will help to calculate the approximate cost of monthly maintenance.
What is more profitable: a boiler or hot water
Seasonal shutdowns and interruptions in water force the installation of equipment for heating - then there is constant hot water, but you have to spend money on the purchase and installation of the device. Is it profitable to install it instead of centralized hot water?
Pricing Example
We calculate approximately the costs for a family of 3-4 people. Suppose they consume 200 liters of water per day - 6 cubic meters per month. Compare how much this volume will cost with and without a boiler.
Take an average boiler: volume - 50 liters, power - 1.5 kW. How long does it take to fully heat it?
Calculation formula: temperature difference (final - initial, cold) * volume (l) * 4.2 (kJ / kg * degree - water heat capacity coefficient) / power (kW) = time (sec).
According to this formula, the heating time is 50 liters = 115 minutes.
We calculate the power consumption according to the formula: boiler power (kW) * time (h). For 50 liters, it is 2.93 kW / h.For 200 liters (consumption per day) = 11.6 kW = 2.93 * 4.
The cost of electricity per day = 3.5 * 11.6 = 40 rubles per day.
Total:
- 1200 rubles per month for electricity + 90 rubles (6 * 15) for cold water = 1290 rubles;
- 1 cubic meter of water = 215 rubles.
Hot water costs about the same. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the costs of the boiler itself, its installation (fasteners, socket, difavtomat).
Use this formula and calculate according to your tariffs whether it is profitable to use a heater. Below we have collected all the advantages and disadvantages of a boiler and centralized water supply - not just the price.
Pros and cons of a boiler
pros water heater use:
- High efficiency. The storage device spends only 1.5-3 kW per hour, while it does not work continuously. Bringing the water to the set temperature, the heater switches off. The heat insulation of the tank does not allow intensive heat loss. As soon as the temperature drops, the thermostat signals the heating element: it is time to turn on.
- At a low night rate, you can set the heating for the dark. Modern management allows you to set all the parameters.
- Independence from blackouts, repairs. In summer, hot water is often turned off for prevention, sometimes unexpected accidents occur. Here you can’t do without a boiler.
- Saving while you are not at home. At the time of departure, you can turn off the device, you do not have to pay electric bills and water supply.
- When you install a heater, the water will become cleaner. It is known that not the cleanest flow comes from the water supply. Sand, rust, small debris settle on the bottom of the appliances.If a filter is installed in front of the device, the water is cleaned of impurities - read how to choose a filter in a separate article. There are combined models that purify water not only for household needs, but also for drinking.
What is more economical? There are different models of water heaters: some are more profitable, some are not.
Minuses:
- Work from electricity. The voltage disappeared - the hot water disappeared. This is 100% true for flow-through boilers: they do not have a tank for collecting liquid, so it flows through the heater and immediately moves to the mixer. In storage water will keep the temperature for some time.
- The duration of the first heating for drives. Every 10 liters are heated for 30 minutes.
- Limited fluid volume. Even with the correct calculation, the tank volume may not be enough during the arrival of relatives or the gathering of a large company.
- Periodic maintenance. The boiler requires descaling and replacing the magnesium anode at least once a year.
Do I need a boiler in the apartment? Keep in mind that you will have to pay not only for water, but also for electricity.
Pros and Cons of Hot Water
Benefits use of hot water:
- There are no restrictions. By opening the tap, you can get as much water as you need.
- When installing the meter, you will pay strictly for the amount used.
- In case of malfunctions, the Housing Office assumes responsibility.
Disadvantages:
- Annual maintenance creates inconvenience for users.
- Dependence on utilities. Is there a breakdown? We'll have to wait until it is eliminated.
- Cost increase per cubic meter of water.Which is cheaper? It is worth comparing the costs of operation of the heater and domestic hot water.
In general, we can conclude that the costs of maintaining a boiler and the cost of hot water are almost the same. But the impetus for buying a water heater can be not only savings, but also convenience, the need to constantly have hot water (if you have a small child) and other factors. Calculate how much water you use - perhaps in your case the boiler will pay off faster.