Everyone needs to create the most comfortable living conditions. However, without basic amenities such as 24/7 access to hot water, this is not even a question. A flow-type water heater is capable of providing the latter. Let's see what are the main points worth considering when choosing equipment for this plan.
Design
Structurally, flow-type gas water heaters consist of the following elements:
- Detectors for thrust and system overheating.
- Fuel flow regulator.
- Gas burner.
- Inlet and outlet pipes for water supply.
- Exit to the chimney.
- Combustion chamber.
- Heat exchanger.
Compared to other common systems, any flow type water heater has a fairly modest size, due to the lack of a hot water tank and the use of a gas burner of small size. Successful installation of such units is possible withoutproblems to produce in small rooms that have natural ventilation.
Performance
This parameter is usually indicated in the technical documentation of the equipment in units of l / min or in kW. The calculation of the number of water intake points allows you to determine the required indicator. In other words, mixer outlets.
It is generally accepted that one water supply faucet passes about 6-7 liters of liquid per minute. When choosing a Polaris flow-type water heater or another popular model in an apartment where one faucet is installed in the kitchen and in the bathroom, it is enough to use a simple calculation. To freely use hot water in both rooms, you will need to install a unit with a capacity of no more than 13 l / minute.
Based on this example, you can quickly choose an efficient flow-type water heater, based on the power parameters marked in the table on the body.
Water pressure
If we talk about the selection of a gas heater according to this criterion, attention should be paid to several points: the maximum water pressure for which the heat exchanger is designed, and the minimum pressure that is required to turn on the device.
The first indicator is important only for the reason that sharp drops often occur in centralized water supply systems. The latter can cause water hammer, which haveimpact on the design of the water heater. The choice of a unit with an insufficiently strong heat exchanger is fraught with its rupture and damage to the elements that act as conductors of the coolant. A sufficient level of maximum pressure is considered to be about 11-12 bar.
When choosing a flow type water heater, it is important to correlate the indicators of stable pressure in the centralized water supply system with its minimum level necessary to activate the unit. It is especially important to attach importance to this moment to the owners of apartments in houses of old buildings, where they often have to put up with worn-out communications. In this case, it would be best if the instantaneous gas water heater tends to start at a pressure not higher than 0.15 bar.
Ignition type
Individual models of flow-type gas water heaters differ in different burner ignition options:
- Budget units - usually have manual ignition, which is done by bringing a burning match to the palnik. This method is very convenient, given the fact that operating a device with a wick lit around the clock cannot be called economical.
- Piezo ignition - is provided by the activation of the electromechanical burner integrated into the system. Such a solution does not provide any obvious advantages over the previous option. However, in this case, the burner ignites faster. And for this, just pressing a button is enough.
- The most advanced models have the function of electric ignition. Non-volatile and volatile components are used here. In the latter case, when the room is de-energized, the Termex flow-type water heater or any other unit operating according to the specified principle will simply stop working.
Power modulation
This set of gas water heaters is used to automatically control the intensity of flame burning, based on the pressure of water entering the unit. A very convenient feature that makes it possible to enjoy the operation of the device, regardless of the pressure drop in the centralized water system with an increase in the number of users.
By installing an Electrolux flow-type water heater, which has this structural element, you can significantly reduce gas consumption and significantly increase the level of comfort during operation of the unit, without looking back at the number of active water intake points in the room.
Heat exchanger type
Classify the heat exchangers of domestic water heaters according to the material of manufacture:
- Steel structures are corrosion resistant. However, they have a rather high price. Steel parts are heavy, but also more reliable.
- Heat exchangers made of highly purified copper - have the qualities characteristic of steel counterparts. At the same time, the level of heat transfer here is much higher. Therefore, copper structures have increased efficiency.
- Ordinary copper - the presence of impurities in the structure of the metal leads to uneven heating of the surfaces, which causes the appearance of small cracks. To avoid a quick failure, manufacturers of budget category units cover the heat exchanger elements with heat-resistant compounds. However, such a solution does not bring tangible benefits. After all, parts still burn through for several years of continuous operation.
Method of removal of combustion products
Depending on the implementation of certain solutions for the removal of carbon monoxide, there are several options for flow-type water heaters.
The first is traditional, with a chimney. It looks unacceptable for implementation in city apartments. Since in most cases there is no way to bring the chimney to the roof.
The second one is parapet, where the removal of carbon monoxide from the system occurs through a pipe, the end of which is taken out through a specially prepared hole in the wall. In addition to the increased cost, this type of equipment is dependent on electricity, since the exhaust gases are removed due to the operation of the fan built into the body of the water heater.
Security elements
If a water heater "EVPZ-15" of a flow type or another high-performance model is installed, the presence of the following components is considered a prerequisite for the safe operation of the system:
- Ionization detector - automatically turns off the unit when the flame suddenly goes out.
- Pressure relief valve - relieves excess gas in case of exceeding the allowable pressure in the pipes.
- Draught level controller - blocks the water heater in case of insufficient draft in the smoke channel.
- Low Water Pressure Detector - Prevents the system from activating when the fluid pressure in the plumbing system is low.
- Overheating sensor - turns off the water heater when the water is heated to the limit value.
Installing an instantaneous water heater
Installation of such systems needs preparation. To begin with, it is worth developing and agreeing on an appropriate project. Then provide a gas pipe connection to the installation site. In conclusion, you need to take care of the installation of a gas meter.
The Polaris flow-type water heater is installed, like other popular models, in several successive stages:
- The locations for drilling holes for fasteners are marked.
- The design is hung on hooks planted on plastic dowels.
- The water heater is connected to the chimney using a special corrugated pipe.
- The unit is connected to the gas supply network with a certified hose. All connections are tested for leaks.
- Hot and cold water supply. Pipes are connected to the contacts with the corresponding red and blue markings.
- The faucets open andconnection is being tested.
- The operation of the unit is being adjusted according to the recommendations from the attached instructions.
Advantages and disadvantages
What makes the consumer prefer flow-type gas water heaters? In the first place are the small dimensions of devices in this category. Other arguments in favor of such systems are round-the-clock access to hot water, affordable cost, ease of transportation, assembly, installation and maintenance.
The only drawback of such water heaters can be considered the need for appropriate conditions for smoke removal.
In the end
Flow-type water heaters look extremely attractive to the domestic consumer, as they allow eliminating numerous discomfort factors that are typical for the operation of other common systems.
When going shopping, it is extremely important to know the possibilities of communications available in the house. It is also worth asking about the power that the selected water heater consumes, and then find out the approximate amount of water that the unit can provide for individual needs or for all at the same time.
The difficulty of installing equipment in existing conditions is of some importance. Sometimes you can handle the installation yourself, thus reducing overall costs. However, in most cases, you have to resort to the help of specialists.
The main criteria that you should rely on when choosing such units: reliability and durability, affordablecost, functionality and ease of management, as well as an increased level of safety during operation.
