How to choose a water heater in the apartment? There are two main types: cumulative and flow. You should choose according to the principle of work, and also proceed from the number of people in the family. It is worth considering the placement, and how much the tank will fit in your room. Below we will answer all the questions that concern the buyer when choosing a heater.
The best boiler
Everyone has their own understanding of the word “best”: this includes design, spaciousness, technical specifications, cost, durability. For residents of apartments, the issue of hot water raises sharply in the summer, so a boiler is needed a couple of times a year.
It is worth starting from the heating system: there are gas and electric water heaters. Gas is a cheaper type of fuel, so it is more rational to use it. However, the connection of the equipment is complex and requires the installation of a boiler pipe.
Electrical equipment is connected to a power source. If you want, you can turn off the device at night, saving resources. You can install it in a private house where there is no gas pipe.
Which water heater is better to buy: instantaneous or storage? We consider separately their advantages, as well as the most popular models.
Storage boiler
This device is a tank where water accumulates. The case is equipped with thermal protection, which allows you to maintain temperature and save energy. When compared with flowing, the accumulative consumes less electricity due to the principle of operation (only 1.5-2 kW).
It is enough to connect the boiler to a regular outlet to use hot water daily. Upon reaching the set temperature, the heater turns off, and then periodically turns on.
The disadvantage may be that the tank volume is too large for your home. It should be calculated according to the purpose and number of people. For example:
- A volume of 40 liters is enough for washing dishes in the kitchen or for taking a shower by one person.
- For kitchen and shower, two users will need a capacity of 80 liters.
- For three people a boiler for 100 liters is suitable.
- Four people - from 120 liters.
See the table and choose the volume wisely:
Among the shortcomings can be noted the expectation of heating. Also, the device requires constant maintenance by the master or user. It is necessary to check the safety of the magnesium anode, which protects the tank from corrosion. How to clean the water heater, read the previous article.
In addition, the cost of storage technology is higher than flowing.
Which heating element should I prefer?
For heating, a heating element is installed in the storage boiler. It is dry and wet type.
- Dry (closed). The element is enclosed in a flask, therefore, does not come into contact with the liquid.
- Wet (open). Submerged in water.
The closed type consists of a flask. It is made of steatite or magnesium silicate. The element heats the shell, and it transfers heat to the environment.
Benefits:
- The increased term of operation. The element does not come into contact with the liquid, therefore it is not afraid of scale and corrosion.
- Eliminated the possibility of current leakage and breakdown on the housing.
- Low power consumption.
- Easy replacement.
An open (wet) element has its advantages:
- High heating rate.
- Affordable cost.
- Inexpensive service.
Storage Heater Types
Devices also come in two types: open and closed.
Open or non-pressure set to only one point. For example, a sink in the kitchen or a shower in the bathroom. The method of mounting pipes allows you to install the tank both above the sink and below.
The principle of operation is as follows: you open the water supply tap, a cold stream enters the tank, displacing the hot one. When heated, excess fluid flows out. To protect the operation of the equipment, a fuse is connected. This type is easy to operate and install.
Closed They are connected to the water supply and work on the pressure in the tank. For its regulation, a safety valve is installed. A huge advantage of the closed type is the possibility of using a hot stream at several points of the fence.
However, if the pressure in the pipes is less than 6 bar, the equipment will not work.
To reduce the amount of water consumed, it is recommended to adhere to such rules:
- Take a shower in turn, 40 minutes after the previous person.
- Turn off the feed while soaping.
- Today you can find on sale special nozzles - aerators, which save consumption by 30%.
Flow boiler
Due to the lack of a tank, the water heater has a compact size. Many models are equipped with a stylish design, so you can place the device for heating water anywhere.
It also allows you to instantly receive hot water. To determine the bandwidth that is right for your family, do this:
- Put a 10 liter bucket in the bathroom.
- Turn on the normal pressure shower you are washing.
- Note the time of filling the bucket.
- 1 minute - choose a pass of 10 liters per minute.
- 30 seconds - 20 liters.
When installing this type of device, it is important to consider the type of network. If the device power is 12 kW, it is possible to connect to a single-phase network. From 12 to 36 kW - to three-phase.
Flowing devices are also of two types:
- Pressure valves are installed on the riser and turn on automatically as soon as you open the tap. It can provide several points of a fence.
- Pressureless. Comes complete with a shower head. Good for use in the summer, for example, in the country. The temperature reaches 30 degrees. However, the nozzle quickly clogs, so it is not suitable for continuous use.
Mini hand heaters have been developed for washing hands. They are installed on cranes and pass about three liters per minute.
The main advantages of flowing technology:
- Compactness.
- Easy to install.
- Hot water supply instantly.
During operation, the equipment consumes a lot of energy. It will take more than 7 kW to supply hot water for easy washing in the shower.
Model Overview
To make the right choice of a heater, you need to evaluate its technical characteristics. Which company to give preference to, we were prompted by consumer reviews. Let's start the review with storage technology.
TIMBERK SWH FE5 50
Stylish appearance, flat design takes up little space. The case is made of stainless steel, its dimensions are 43.5 × 87.5 × 23.8 cm. The pressure model consumes only 2 kW.
Features:
- The electronic panel is microprocessor controlled. Touch buttons and a rotary temperature regulator provide convenient use.
- The universal Touch Handle allows you to not only turn the device on and off, but also to regulate the temperature.
- LED - display allows you to track readings.
- Turning off the heating is accompanied by a sound signal.
- Built-in diagnostics allow you to quickly identify a breakdown and display a fault code on the screen.
- Panel lock is provided. Now children will not be able to accidentally change settings.
- You can control the equipment using the remote control.
- The Power Proof function allows you to set three temperature settings to save energy.
- 3D Logic security system, which includes: DROP Defense - protection against increased pressure and leakage; SHOCK Defense - RCD is bundled with a boiler; HOT Defense - overheat protection.
The capacity of the tank is 50 liters. The maximum can heat water to 75 ° C. Weight is 13.4 kg.
The cost is from 11,000 rubles.
THERMEX FLAT PLUS IF 50V
Excellent equipment in terms of price and quality. The Flat Plus series is flat and compact. Case dimensions: 88.7x43.6x23.5 cm. The tank volume is 50 liters. It can serve several points.
Electronic control includes an indication on the panel, as well as a display. Duration of heating - 1 hour 25 minutes. Power consumption - 2 kW. To prevent leakage, a check valve is provided, and the system is also protected from overheating.
Price - from 9 000 rubles.
ELECTROLUX EWH 100 ROYAL
This model is the most technological, according to users. Universal case: vertical and horizontal placement. Inner flask made of Inox + Technology stainless steel. Dimensions: 49.3x121x29 cm, capacity - 100 liters.
The maximum temperature - 75 degrees - is reached in 234 minutes. A special Bacteria-stop technology system is provided for water purification. The additional mode "Anti-freezing" provides for maintaining a constant temperature. Protection against inclusion without water and overheating is provided.
Among the shortcomings, we can highlight the weak mounts that come with the kit.
The cost is from 12,000 rubles.
STIEBEL ELTRON SHZ 100 LCD
This is a premium model. Energy-saving heater with dimensions of 51x105x51 cm. The case is made of stainless steel and coated with Anticor brand enamel. Its thickness is 0.4 mm, the enamel does not lose its properties under the influence of temperatures. Volume - 100 L
Copper heating element for a long time is not covered with scale. A titanium anode is installed nearby. It does not collapse, therefore it does not require replacement and maintenance.
The electronic control panel provides an LCD display, as well as such functions:
- Night mode.
- Boiler function. It is heated once (up to 82 degrees), it turns off automatically.
- The backpressure and safety valve are installed.
Power is 4 kW.
Price - from 89 000 rubles.
AEG MP 8
One of the most compact flow type heaters. Productivity is 4.1 l / min. Power - 8 kW, working pressure - from 0.6 to 10 kW. Dimensions: 21.2 x 36 x 9.3 cm.
The copper heater is in the flask, so it is not afraid of scum. The protective relay reduces power if the heater suddenly exceeds the temperature. The flow sensor in the housing indicates the amount of water, depending on which the heating is regulated. This saves energy.
Cost - from 19 000 rubles.
POLARIS Mercury 5.3 Od
An interesting design and a small case of the model could be ideal for your home. But it is mono to use a boiler in the summer season, since the heating temperature is insufficient for winter. Comes with a hose and shower head.
LED indicators on the panel allow you to determine the temperature of the water. Productivity - 4 l / min. Power - 5.3 kW. From protection, a valve and a temperature switch are provided.
Weight is only 3.1 kg.
Price - from 8 000 rubles.
ELECTROLUX Smartfix 6.5 T
The model for wall placement is only 13.5x27x10 cm in size. It fits perfectly into the design of almost any room. Patency is 4 l / min, designed for one point. The built-in protection sensor eliminates overheating of the product. Copper heating element eliminates scale formation.
This model is equipped with a crane (T). Pay attention to the letters at the end of the name. For example, S indicates that the shower is in the kit, while ST indicates a shower and faucet. The electromechanical panel allows you to select one of three power modes: 3, 3.5 kW, 6.5 kW.
Cost - from 4 000 rubles.
CLAGE CEX 9 ELECTRONIC
Closed flow technology. You can get a hot stream instantly, immediately after opening the tap. The LCD displays not only the set parameters, but also error codes, because the system provides self-diagnosis.
- Management Twin Temperature Control - adjust the reading from 20 to 55 degrees.
- Top and bottom connection - installation is possible even under the sink.
- Thanks to the Multiple Power System function, you can independently adjust the power: 6.6-8.8 kW.
Case dimensions: 18 × 29.4 × 11 cm.
Price - from 21 000 rubles.
After weighing all the pros and cons, you can understand: do you need a boiler. Pay attention to the specifications, installation method and principle of operation.