At the time of the arrival of cold weather, warm summers and hot suns are more and more often recalled, when fleeing the heat, we rushed to the air conditioner or took a cold shower. Hot water in taps helps us fight the cold, which, alas, appears either at the height of the heating season or does not appear at all.
In some cities, problems with hot water can be all year round, so the best solution in such cases would be a water heater or a different boiler (boiler). The difference between these concepts is not so significant, the main thing is that this equipment performs its function and does not allow us to freeze in the winter.
In this article, we will try to figure out how to choose a water heater, what to look for, get acquainted with the features of its purchase for urban and private homes.
Today, a huge assortment of all kinds of heating devices is presented in stores, so we will consider the most popular and optimal option for the Russian market (in terms of price and quality) - the Ariston line of water heaters / boilers.
In total, two types of water heaters can be identified - flow and storage. Therefore, to begin with, we will determine what type we need and consider both options.
Instantaneous water heater
The main difference between such units is that they heat the water at the moment when it passes through the heating elements. One of the most significant advantages is its more or less compact dimensions due to the lack of its own tank and the heating rate.
If we talk about the cons, then, perhaps, one of the main ones is the colossal energy consumption of flowing devices. "Ariston" - water heaters, the instruction to which says that they can consume from 5 to 30 kW, depending on the model. Therefore, it is worth paying special attention to wiring and control of energy consumption.
For some consumers, in the context of austerity, such “requests” are an unacceptable luxury, so in stores this type of heater is not in good demand. Even almost instantaneous heating of water (7 liters per minute) is incomparable with energy consumption. In addition to all, manufacturers recommend installing such equipment only if there is a good pressure of water.
The price policy of flowing heaters depends on the selected power and the availability of additional electronics, therefore, in some cases, a flowing device may cost a little more than the Ariston storage unit.
Water heaters, the price of which varies between 2000-4000 r. (Ariston Bravo, Ariston Slim), are equipped with a standard set of electronics and are perfect for the average family, and models are more expensive than 5000 rubles. (Ariston Fast Evo, Ariston Professional) have more advanced sensors, controllers and other useful functionality. They found their application in large families and at special enterprises.
Accumulative water heater
Accumulative water heaters are precisely those units that are popularly called "boilers". In terms of energy consumption, they are strikingly different from the type described above and their power varies from 1.5 to 3 kW. Accordingly, the higher this indicator, the faster the water in the tank will heat up. A striking representative of the storage type is the Ariston Pro Eco water heater (Ariston Pro Eco PW 15-120, Ariston Pro Eco Slim P 15-80, Ariston Pro Eco ABS V 20-120).
The principle of operation of such heaters is much simpler than flow. Cold water enters the large tank mounted on the wall, then it heats up to the indicated temperature, and at the exit you get hot water.
The heater for the Ariston water heater is located inside the tank, and depending on the model, it (heater) can be “dry” or “wet”.
"Dry" TEN
In this case, the element is positioned in such a way that during operation it does not touch water, and this significantly increases its service life, protection against scale and practically eliminates electric shock.
The only negative is the high cost of the “dry” heating element (1.5-2 times more expensive than the “wet”), and accordingly the amount for its repair also increases.
"Wet" TEN
The “wet” element, as you might guess by its name, is located in the water, which means that the problem with scale for it becomes first. This is fraught with the fact that after the formation of scale, the thermal conductivity of the heating element decreases, and the time for heating increases along with energy consumption.
A model with such an element is inexpensive, so it always finds its consumer, especially since any owner of a boiler can afford the repair of Ariston water heaters with a "wet" heater.
Another important detail of any storage heater is a magnesium anode, which reduces the negative effect of incoming water on the heater and the walls of the water heater.
Magnesium anode
The anode is like a simple metal pin. Its main functional advantage is a magnesium alloy uniformly applied to the element. The layer thickness ranges from 20-30 mm for the Ariston models. Water heaters, the instructions for which clearly indicate the location of the magnesium anode, due to this element are largely protected from the formation of corrosion deposits on the inside of the tank.
If the anode is not installed in your boiler or requires replacement, it is highly recommended that you invite a specialist to mount / disassemble the element, which can also check its degree of wear and carry out the related replacement or repair procedures.
The heating elements for the Ariston water heater and the magnesium anode have a specific shelf life, depending on the load and the environment, but it is recommended to change the elements and clean the internal walls of the boiler at least once every 14-18 months. Otherwise, the risk of destruction of the heater walls by rust from the inside is great, and one day the tank may simply burst.
But not always replacing a magnesium anode can solve the problem of increasing shelf life. It is all about our water and its quality, which leaves much to be desired. There are frequent cases when boiler elements simply cannot cope with poorly filtered water and then you have to change the entire water heater. The average life of the boiler varies between 5-7 years of continuous operation, provided that all necessary repair procedures have been made during use.
Water heater capacity
It is very difficult to advise something specific here, because everything entirely depends on the type and size of the room where the boiler will be installed. The main factors are the number of people who will use the device and how much you are willing to spend on electricity per month. For example, an Ariston water heater of 15 liters (Ariston ABS Pro R 15, Ariston Slim Eco PW 15) is quite suitable for 1-2 people, subject to infrequent use.
An extra element in your heater will be a special regulator responsible for heating the water. In standard models, it looks like a “wheel”, and in the rulers, the keys are used more expensively along with a display showing the current state of the unit. Any consultant of the Ariston network will help to find out the equipment of the model.
Water heaters, the instruction to which strongly recommends equipping your unit with the ability to turn off (if none), will not turn on in this case at the slightest change in temperature, which will greatly help save you electricity and extend the life of the device.
You can make such a switch yourself, just have a little knowledge in this area and acquire an automatic machine (bag).
During a long departure or absence, it is best to drain the water from the boiler in order to avoid damage or flooding of the neighbors. It is not difficult to do this, the Ariston water heater 15 liters (Ariston INOX PW 15, Ariston VLS QH 15) and larger models are equipped with a special hole in the tap.
Boiler displacement
With regard to the specific volume of the tank, not all customers imagine what kind of volume they need. On the one hand, it seems that the larger the apartment, the greater should be the volume, but on the other hand, this can only partially be agreed. Choosing the maximum displacement, you will rarely use it to the maximum, especially since such a volume is significant and difficult to maintain.
The best option for simple apartments would be an Ariston water heater of 80 liters (Ariston INOX PW 80, Ariston VLS QH 80, Ariston ABS Slim 80). Its volume is more than enough to dial the bathroom, while receiving a quite acceptable temperature.
And if we are talking only about the soul, then 4 family members will be able to use hot water without any problems. Moreover, a 120-liter boiler will cost almost twice as much as an 80-liter one, and not every room is suitable for installing a tank of such a volume.
Water heater power
On the shelves of company stores most often there are models with a capacity of 1.5–2 kW. Such consumption is optimal for standard wiring, regardless of which model you are using - an Ariston gas water heater or an electric one.
But in order to avoid any problems, before buying a unit, you should consult a specialist, who, in turn, will check your rated voltage and the wiring itself. The average heating rate (80 liters) is about 3 hours to a maximum temperature. A smaller volume (15-20 liters) is perfect for the kitchen and heats up in 1 hour.
Inner coating
Electric water heater "Ariston" is equipped with two types of coatings - enameled and stainless. Both types have advantages as well as disadvantages. "Stainless steel" seems to be more serious, but the quality of the welds always leaves much to be desired, and the enamel coating is subject to increased wear at high temperatures, so it is not recommended to heat such a boiler above 60 degrees.
Location type
The question regarding the location of the boiler arises in rooms where space is very limited. The most popular units are models with a vertical type of arrangement, occupying the space of the room along the wall. Another advantage of such models is an increase in efficiency due to the longer time for cooling water.
The horizontal type of boilers is less common. For example, take "Ariston" (water heaters). The instruction to them directly says that these units are inferior to vertical ones in the efficiency of maintaining the temperature of heated water. They cost a little cheaper and have a very specific installation process.
Installation of a water heater
In most cases, boilers are placed either in the bathroom or in the toilet. Since the weight of the heater can reach 30 kg, the wall, like the fasteners, should be selected wisely. Repair of water heaters "Ariston" involves the removal of the unit, therefore, both installation and dismantling are strongly recommended to entrust to specialists.
The most difficult thing in the installation process is the wiring, which sometimes has to be additionally extended, since the standard cable is almost always short. Otherwise, everything goes quite quickly and at no additional cost.