The modern home appliance market is rich in water heaters of various types. This allows each property owner to choose the best option for the existing conditions in the home.
Such devices differ in many ways. They use various energy resources in the process of heating water. Therefore, each owner, when choosing this technique, is interested in the question of the cost of operating the equipment. The device of the water heater should be examined before purchase. This will make it easier to make the right choice. An optimal heater will be durable and efficient.
Power source
Presented devices work when using different types of fuel. Most often it is gas or electricity. Much less common are devices that use liquid or solid fuels.
Gas equipment is considered the most economical in operation. Speakers are now installed in most "Khrushchev" and other buildings. The device of the gas water heater has not changed for manyyears. Only some details and internal systems are improved. But not every dwelling has a centrally connected gas supply.
Buying this source of energy in cylinders is pretty expensive. Many owners choose electric water heating as an alternative. Such devices perform their functions thanks to a special element. It is called TEN. Electric water heaters come in different capacities. Thanks to this parameter, the device can dispense different amounts of water.
Storage and flow heater
Electric water heaters are either instantaneous or storage type. In the first case, water passes through the heating element and at the outlet receives the required temperature. These are very powerful devices. To connect them to the network, it is necessary to ensure good quality wiring (sufficient conductor cross-section, grounding, RCD).
The instantaneous water heater device is quite simple. A heating element is placed in a small container. Many manufacturers include various additional security systems in the scheme. They break the circuit when overheated, and also prevent the equipment from working without a ground loop.
Storage water heaters are also called boilers. Such devices have a capacity with a certain displacement. The heater in such devices is less powerful, which allows the installation of a boiler in any house or apartment.
Advantages and disadvantages of the flow device
Before purchasing this or that kind of equipmentbe sure to weigh all its advantages and disadvantages. The flow type electric water heater device gives it a number of advantages.
The device is very compact, so there are no problems with installation. The device dispenses hot water immediately. It is possible to control the outlet temperature (not in all models). Also, the advantage of flow-through varieties is the lack of the need for frequent maintenance.
But there are also disadvantages to the presented varieties of household appliances. A flow device requires a sufficiently powerful wiring. The smallest water heater of this type consumes 3 kW per hour. To take a shower, bath and direct water to several points of water intake, power up to 27 kW is required. With low water pressure in the system, these devices do not work. If a limiter is not provided in the circuit, under such conditions the heating element may burn out.
Types of instantaneous water heaters
A flow-type water heater device can be pressure and non-pressure. In the first case, the device is installed at the inlet of the water supply system. It provides several water intake points with heated liquid. The device turns on when water passes through it under pressure. These are powerful devices from 8 kW.
Non-pressure varieties are installed on one water intake point. They give out much less hot water. But their power will be less. This is ideal for a country house. Their design is simpler. They usually come withshower or faucet attachment.
Power selection
When studying the device of a flow-type water heater, it is necessary to delve into the issue of choosing its power. To wash your hands or dishes, you will need a device with a heating element of 3-5 kW. Wanting to take a shower, they prefer equipment with a capacity of 5-10 kW. To provide hot water to the entire apartment or house, you will need a device with a capacity of 10 to 27 kW.
To correctly select this parameter, a special formula is applied:
M=P(T1 - T2)0.073, where P is the water flow (l / min), T1 is the temperature at the outlet of the device, T2 is the temperature at the inlet.
For example, to fully take a shower, a flow of 5 l / min is required. At the same time, the water should warm up to at least 35 ºС. In winter, the flow temperature in the main line is 5ºС. You can make a calculation:
M=5(35 -5)0.073=10.95 kW
In other words, in such conditions, a device of 10-11 kW of power is needed. If you want to apply it to several points, the resulting value is multiplied by two.
User reviews
The modern market offers the consumer a large number of presented devices of foreign and domestic production. User reviews will help form an opinion about each of the popular brands.
The Termex water heater device (Russia) with a capacity of 3.5 kW is noted as quite high quality at a relatively low cost. Among the shortcomings, users call the noise of the device.
Device from Electrolux (Sweden) Smartfix (5.5 kW)suitable for one water intake point. Users note in some cases the insufficient quality of components. But the generated amount of warm water is enough to meet household needs.
Stiebel Eltron (Germany) is one of the most expensive devices. Its power of 8 kW is enough to create an autonomous water heating system in the summer. In winter, the device is used for showering.
Storage water heater
The boiler, unlike the previous device, has an overall capacity. The tank is made of steel or stainless steel. The inner surface is most often treated with various materials that extend the life of the device.
The water intake pipe inside the tank has a certain configuration. This determines whether the boiler can be mounted vertically or horizontally.
The storage water heater requires a special element for water softening. It is called magnesium anode. It needs to be replaced every 1-2 years.
TEN can be "dry" or "wet". The latter option involves direct contact of the heating element with water. "Dry" heating element is in the flask and is considered more durable.
Advantages and disadvantages
The water heater device of the presented type is characterized by a number of advantages and disadvantages. The positive qualities include a relatively small load on the wiring. The heating element usually has a power of 1.5-2 kW. Therefore, whenthe operation of the boiler, it is quite possible to operate other electrical appliances.
Different tank sizes make it possible to fully provide hot water even to a large family. It is possible to regulate the heating temperature from 35 to 80 ºС. Therefore, the boiler is equally efficient in summer and winter.
Of the shortcomings, reviews highlight large dimensions, the need for regular maintenance (cleaning the tank, replacing the magnesium anode). During inactivity, some heat loss of the device is determined.
Owner Reviews
According to user reviews, there are several popular models of the presented equipment. Each of the boilers has its own characteristics.
The device of the water heater "Ariston ABS PRO 80" (Italy) is characterized by low power of the heating element. Thanks to this, the boiler is used even in a room with old wiring. The downside is the slight heating noise and the need for annual cleaning.
The domestic product "Thermex Flat Plus 50" has an internal stainless steel tank. This is a "flat" boiler. Its design allows you to harmoniously fit the water heater into the interior of a small bathroom. This model requires mandatory grounding. Otherwise, stray currents will quickly destroy the tank when heated.
Gorenje produces devices that are economical in operation. Their insulation class is one of the highest. Therefore, they consume less electricity during operation.
Gas water heaters
Gas flowa water heater, the device of which is characterized by compactness and safety, is not suitable for every home. The fact is that the operation of the column requires a full-fledged chimney (not to be confused with ventilation).
The house must initially be built according to the project that meets all the requirements. Also, gas water heaters cannot be installed above the 5th floor. Therefore, in multi-storey high-rise buildings, only electrical equipment is used.
But if you can install a gas column, the cost of paying for energy resources will be much less. Modern devices of this type have a multi-level protection system. In the event of an unexpected breakdown, the column turns off by itself. Therefore, their use is safe and very comfortable.
After reviewing the main types of water heaters and their device, you can choose the best option for yourself. User reviews allow us to conclude about the quality of popular models. Based on this information, you can choose the best water heater that will last as long as possible.
