Gas storage water heaters are often installed by residents of private households in order to provide their home with an uninterrupted supply of hot water. Despite the fact that the design itself is more expensive and more difficult to install, it pays for itself during the operation period, since gas is cheaper than electricity. Consider the types and features of such devices, as well as how to install them.
Device
The heating process in a gas storage water heater is carried out directly in a volumetric tank (from 50 to 300 liters). The required temperature is created using a heat exchanger, and the remains of the combustion products are discharged through a special pipe. The device of the unit assumes the presence of indicators that provide control over the operation of various components and parameters, including the ignition system, and the supply of cold and hot water.
Design features
The gas boiler is automatically filled with liquid. Cold water entering the tank activates the gas supply to the burner. In this case, a heat flow is generated, which is transported through a turbulent pipe, synchronously heating the required volume of liquid. After reaching the set temperature, the sensor deactivates the gas, turning off the heating.
The difference between this unit and the gas column is that the storage system allows you to heat the existing volume of water gradually, with the possibility of using it after reaching the specified temperature. The column, however, operates on the principle of a flowing gas heater, instantly heating the liquid in small quantities. The common feature of these devices is the use of gas as a source of heating.
Varieties
Accumulative gas water heaters are divided into several types:
- With open or closed combustion chamber.
- With ignition from the mains or pyezovogo element.
- Installation is made on the wall or floor.
Let us consider in more detail each type of aggregate.
Devices with an open combustion chamber
An open-type gas storage water heater is equipped with a corresponding combustion compartment. It works by supplying oxygen for ignition directly from the room in which the boiler is located. Residual products are eliminated through the chimney. Its installation must be foreseen in advance. The price of such devices is lower than their closed counterparts, however, the arrangement of an exhaust gas exhaust system will require a lot of time and money, which does not always appeal to users.
Accumulative closed gas water heaters
Such devices use forced traction during operation, which is considered more economical to place the device in a private house. The closed working compartment is equipped with a special waste disposal system (a powerful pump is used for this). It is worth noting that this design does not require the creation of a separate ventilation unit, and this often becomes a priority when choosing.
Models with electric arson and piezoelectric element
Recent modifications of gas storage water heaters are equipped with an innovative automatic start system. It turns on independently when the tap is opened. Such variations are economical and most convenient to use. The active element is powered by the mains or suitable batteries.
Other models are not so "advanced". However, no lighter or matches are required to activate them. Inclusion is carried out by means of a piezo mounted element. The popularity of such boilers is due to their low price.
Floor or wall option?
Cumulative floor gas water heaters are mounted on the floor due to their large size and considerable capacity (from 100 to 300 liters of water). Before buying such an unit, a special place should be equipped for it. It is desirable that this be a separate room into which gas can be supplied without problems. Such devices are focused on large private houses and cottages; they provide the family with hot water all year round. In an apartment, such an apparatus is not entirely appropriate.
The second popular modification is placed on the wall. Usually devices are hung in the bathroom over the toilet or sink. Such placement allows you to save useful space and use it as efficiently as possible. Boilers of this type are designed for small volume, can be mounted in almost any living room.
Mounting
Installation of a gas storage water heater should be carried out with the participation of a specialist, subject to appropriate approvals and authorization documents. The main recommendations for the installation of the device:
- The boiler must be installed in such a way that there is a gap between the product and the wall, which allows checking and servicing external parts.
- The cold stream is connected to the right, and hot water to the left, using a pipe with a cross section of at least ¾ inch.
- To avoid overheating of the device, a safety valve must be installed.
- The water used must be checked for impurities and the installation of an additional filter.
- When working with a gas storage water heater, the pressure in the system must not exceed 8 bar. Otherwise, a reduction gear is required.
- To drain the water dripping from the hydraulic valve, you will need the equipment of a special hose in the form of an elastic tube with a drain into the sewer.
- If in winter the unit is left unattended, it is necessary to completely drain the water in order to prevent the heater from malfunctioning.
Overview of popular modifications
In the domestic market there are many different models of this type. Among them, the following devices can be distinguished:
- Gas storage water heater Baxi. Modification from the Italian manufacturer under the index 100 has a volume of 100 liters, the time for heating the liquid is no more than one hour. The device is equipped with a built-in temperature sensor, which allows you to adjust the mode from 40 to 97 degrees. The boiler is completely independent of regular electricity, equipped with an open combustion compartment and a pilot burner. The device can be mounted both on the floor and on the wall. The body part is made of stainless steel, corrosion protection is achieved using a magnesium anode. A feature of the unit is the possibility of its functioning on liquefied gas. At the same time, the device operates stably at low pressure, without loss of optimal performance and fuel consumption.
- Accumulative gas water heater of 200 liters ("Baksi"). This model differs from its predecessor in the capacity of the main tank. The heating time of the liquid is about 70 minutes; ignition is provided by means of a piezo element. The work is regulated automatically, the case is made of enameled steel, the additional protection is a magnesium anode.
- Accumulative gas water heaters "Ariston". The SGA model is popular. It has an enamelled steel case, pyezovy ignition, capacity - 150 liters. A thermocouple is provided for controlling the burning of the flame; the heating process does not take more than one hour. There is an automatic temperature controller. The functioning of the device is independent of the power grid and pressure; it is used for operation in residential and industrial premises. Natural and liquefied gas are suitable for operation, a variety of control sensors are provided.
Criterias of choice
When buying the device in question, a number of factors should be taken into account, namely:
- The volume of the main tank. For an average family living in a private house outside the city, a capacity of at least 150 liters is recommended. This will ensure that all the needs of adults and children in terms of hygiene. If there are several children, it is better to opt for a 200 liter model.
- Power at face value. This indicator depends on the volume of the tank and is 4-7 kW. In this case, the heating of the liquid to the desired temperature is carried out in 45-60 minutes. Along with the cheapness of gas, this factor clearly indicates in favor of gas boilers, since electrical modifications spend at least 2 hours on this process.
- The material of manufacture. As a rule, ordinary steel with a special coating or stainless steel enameled is used for the production of tanks. The second option is more resistant to rust, but has a higher cost. Different types of coatings also differ in their ability to heat and corrosion. The cheapest ones are prone to chips and cracking with frequent use.
- Anode. This device is available on almost all modern boilers. Mostly it is made of magnesium or zinc, is a rod. It gradually oxidizes, while protecting the inside of the tank from corrosion. Depending on the case material and water quality, it is necessary to replace the element with a new analogue (approximately 1 time per year).
Security
Any product used in residential and industrial premises must comply with safety rules and regulations. Gas water heaters are also equipped with several devices responsible for monitoring various parameters and the safety of the device.
Among these devices, the following variations are distinguished:
- Traction indicator. He is responsible for the operation of the chimney, in case of violations, immediately turns off the gas supply.
- The valve is hydraulic. The device operates in the absence of water, blocking the supply of fuel, in order to avoid overheating of the equipment.
- Flame sensor. The unit is a standard thermocouple (can be supplemented by an ion corrector). In case of flame attenuation, the gas flow is blocked, preventing its unwanted leakage.
- Exhaust hood. It is provided for in any products of this category; it serves to prevent the return of combustion products into the room where the water heater is installed. All harmful substances are removed promptly and safely.
Recommendations
Choosing between a gas storage boiler and its electric counterpart, many users prefer the first option. This is due to the independence of the unit from the mains and the lower cost of gas. In addition, the performance of the devices does not depend on the pressure and flow rate of the liquid in the system. The main thing when choosing the right to calculate the tank volume and power (taking into account the frequency of use of the device and the number of people living in the house).
As for flow and storage models, each of them has its pros and cons. The first modifications are convenient in that they instantly heat water, while consuming more energy. Cumulative versions provide stable heating of a certain volume of liquid over a specific period of time. Large tanks of this type are able to serve several consumer points at the same time.