The household equipment market offers many alternative means to ensure the autonomy of the communication supply at home. For example, boiler plants make it possible to create an optimal microclimate in rooms without centralized heating, and modern pumping stations effectively solve water supply problems. But meeting the demand for hot water requires another unit. For such needs, a storage indirect water heater is used, which helps to solve household problems. For example, if you choose equipment with a tank of a suitable size, then household chores in the form of washing, washing dishes and cleaning will be performed independently of the main supply of hot water.
Water heater device
Structurally, any water heating unit is a storage tank, that is, a boiler. In it, water is heated using a heat exchanger. The system also organizes the infrastructure of pipes that form a closed loop. Most modern models are indirect electric water heaters, which are distinguished by efficient operation and convenient operation. As a material for the tank, manufacturers usually use stainless steel, and the surface is covered with a special enamel protection against the effects of aggressive environments. A magnesium anode is also provided inside, due to which the electric potential in the boiler is controlled.
The outer surface of the tank also has a heat-insulating coating. As a rule, polyurethane acts as a heater, which is practical, affordable and resistant to long-term operation. In the upper part, indirect household water heaters contain flanges with sleeves. This is a very important area, as it contains thermostat sensors, thermometers and an anode holder.
Features of indirect heating
Usually, electric or gas water heaters are used in a single complex with boiler equipment. In this case, they receive the necessary amount of heat from third-party equipment, so this mode of operation is called indirect. Despite the dependence on the heating boiler, such a boiler is able to provide hot water for several points in the house at the same time. At the same time, it should be noted that domestic indirect water heaters do not consume either electricity or gas. They are powered by the heat generated by the boiler. The operation of the equipment is automatic. Special devices determine the amount of heat required to supply the storage. The water heated in the tank can later be used not only for domestic needs, but also in the systemheating.
Key Features
One of the key characteristics is the volume of the built-in tank, which on average varies from 80 to 150 liters. Usually, a 50-70 liter tank is enough to service a one-story house. But for a larger family, you should buy a model whose tank holds at least 100 liters. Next, you need to decide on the power, the average range of which is limited to 150-300 kW. This indicator directly affects the heating rate. An efficient indirect water heater has optimal power and pressure indicators. By the way, the standard pressure level is 6 bar. Equally important is the availability of automatic controls for the unit. For modern models, the presence of a thermostat has long been a prerequisite for the configuration, but there are also versions with ergonomic displays, timers and controllers.
Installation requirements for the unit
It is desirable to install a water heater near the boiler, so this possibility should be provided at the design stage of the boiler room. The installation method is determined by the design of the unit, for example, there are floor, wall and suspension units. At the same time, there are some nuances of installation, depending on the power. So, models up to 150 kW can be installed in rooms where the ceiling height should be at least 2.5 m, and the total amount of space should be at least 15 m3. Also, an indirect water heater should be placed in the technical room only if there is a supply and exhaust system,sewer or drainage receiver.
There are also recommendations for wall decoration - it is desirable to plaster or tile them. If you plan to install a hinged model, then you should make sure that the fasteners in the wall or on the ceiling can withstand it, subject to the maximum load. When installing on the floor, also ensure that the flooring is non-slip.
Connecting the boiler
First, the organization of the posting is done. All water supply circuits are distributed throughout the house in accordance with the project, after which you can proceed to part of the electrical work. This step connects the drive to the network. It is important to consider that the system must be powered for corrosion protection ACI systems to function. Direct connection of an indirect water heater is carried out through a wired socket, which eliminates errors in the phase connections. The use of all kinds of extension cords and tees is excluded. Then the water is filled with subsequent airing. During the first heating, check for leaks in the tank and adjacent wiring of the unit.
Maintenance
Usually, manufacturers indicate in the instructions the need for annual equipment control. During this event, a complete check of the drive itself, as well as the heating system as a whole, is carried out. Individual components of the boiler are also subject to revisions, including protective devices, connecting devices and a tank, whichmust be free of scale.
Without fail, the indirect water heater must be dry cleaned. This operation can be performed with a vacuum cleaner without using the washing mode. If during the test of equipment with an open tap an increased flow of water is noted, then in the future it may be necessary to control the pressure in the heating system or use a pressure reducing valve.
Producers and prices
In the initial segment, quite high-quality models are offered by Protherm. Units with a capacity of 100 liters and 200 liters with a power of up to 30 W can be bought for 15-20 thousand rubles. In the middle price segment, drives worthy of their characteristics are represented by the Gorenje brand. In particular, for 25 thousand rubles. you can purchase an indirect water heater with a heating element power of 2000 watts. If you need not only a powerful, but also a reliable unit, then you should refer to the Baxi line. For 50 thousand rubles. the manufacturer sells the Premier Plus model, which has a 100-liter tank with a capacity of 300 kW and a pressure of 7 bar.
Conclusion
Equipment of this type is unique in terms of the lack of a worthy alternative. Of course, other schemes for performing water heating with its subsequent distribution along the circuits in the house can be envisaged, but any of them will be much more complicated in its configuration than indirect water heaters with their compactness and ease of operation. Of course, they are not without flaws. Users, for example, note inaccuracies in the operation of automatic control systems, poor pressure control, problems in the water supply, etc. But most of these shortcomings are typical only for models from the lower price tier.
