The modern market for household appliances is rich in water heaters of various types. This allows each property owner to choose the best option for existing conditions in the home.
Such devices differ in many ways. They use various energy resources in the process of water heating. Therefore, each owner when choosing this equipment is interested in the question of the cost of operating the equipment. The water heater should be examined before purchase. So it will be easier to make the right choice. An optimal heater will be durable and efficient.
Source of energy
The presented devices work when using various types of fuel. Most often it is gas or electricity. Much less common are devices that use liquid or solid fuels.
The most economical in operation is gas equipment. Columns are now installed in most "Khrushchev" and in other buildings. The device of a gas water heater has not changed for many years. Only some details and internal systems are improved. But not every home has a centrally supplied gas supply.
To get this source of energy in cylinders is quite expensive. Many owners as an alternative choose electric water heating. Such devices perform their functions thanks to a special element. It is called a heating element. Electric water heaters come in different capacities. Thanks to this parameter, the device can dispense a different amount of water.
Storage and flow heater
Electric water heaters are flowing 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 appliances. To connect them to the network, it is necessary to ensure good wiring quality (sufficient conductor cross-section, grounding, RCD).
The instantaneous water heater device is quite simple. In a small capacity placed TEN. Many manufacturers include various additional security systems in the circuit. They break the circuit when overheating, and also do not allow the equipment to work without an earthing circuit.
Accumulative 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 a flow device
Before purchasing this or that kind of equipment, you must definitely weigh all its advantages and disadvantages. A flow-type electric water heater gives it a number of advantages.
The device is very compact, so there are no installation problems. The device immediately dispenses heated water. It is possible to control the outlet temperature (not on all models). Also an advantage of flowing varieties is the absence of the need for frequent maintenance.
But there are also disadvantages of the presented varieties of household appliances. A flowing device requires 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. At low water pressure in the system, these devices do not work. If the limiter is not provided in the circuit, under such conditions the heater can burn out.
Types of instantaneous water heaters
The 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 heated liquid with several water intake points. The device turns on when water flows through it under pressure. These are powerful devices from 8 kW.
Non-pressure varieties are installed on one water intake point. They produce much less hot water. But then their power will be less. This is ideal for a country house. Their design is simpler. They usually have a shower or a nozzle for the tap in the delivery set.
Power selection
Studying a flow-type water heater device , 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 heater 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 select this parameter correctly, a special formula is used:
M = P (T1 - T2) * 0.073, where P is the water flow (l / min), T1 is the outlet temperature of the device, T2 is the inlet temperature.
For example, to fully take a shower, a flow of 5 l / min is required. At the same time, water should be heated to at least 35 º. In winter, the flow temperature in the highway is 5º. You can calculate:
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. Wanting to apply it for 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 to form an opinion about each of the popular brands.
The device of a water heater "Termex" (Russia) with a capacity of 3.5 kW was noted as quite high-quality at a relatively low cost. Of the shortcomings, users call the noise of the device.
The device from Electrolux (Sweden) Smartfix (5.5 kW) is suitable for one water intake point. Users note in some cases the insufficient quality of components. But the amount of warm water created 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 showers.
Accumulative 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 intake pipe located inside the tank has a specific configuration. It depends on whether the boiler can be mounted vertically or horizontally.
The storage water heater requires a special element to soften the water. It is called a magnesium anode. It requires replacement every 1-2 years.
TEN can be "dry" or "wet". The latter option involves direct contact of the heating element with water. A “dry” heater is located in a flask and is considered more durable.
Advantages and disadvantages
The device of the water heater of the type presented is characterized by a number of advantages and disadvantages. The positive qualities include a relatively small load on the wiring. TEN usually has a power of 1.5-2 kW. Therefore, when the boiler is operating, it is quite possible to operate other electrical appliances.
Different volumes of the tank make it possible to fully provide hot water even to a large family. It is possible to adjust the heating temperature from 35 to 80 º. Therefore, the boiler is equally effective in summer and winter.
Of the shortcomings, the reviews highlight the large dimensions, the need for regular maintenance (cleaning the tank, replacing the magnesium anode). In the process of inaction, some heat losses of the device are 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 a water heater "Ariston ABS PRO 80" (Italy) differs in low power of TENA. Thanks to this, the boiler is used even in a room with old wiring. The disadvantage is a slight noise during heating and the need for annual cleaning.
Domestic product "Termex 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 needs to be grounded. Otherwise, stray currents when heated quickly destroy the tank.
Gorenje produces devices that are cost-effective in operation. Their insulation class is one of the highest. Therefore, they consume less power during operation.
Geysers
A gas instantaneous water heater, the device of which is characterized by compactness and safety, is not suitable for every home. The fact is that for the operation of the column, a full-fledged chimney is required (do not confuse with ventilation).
The house should initially be built according to all the requirements of the project. Also, gas water heaters cannot be installed above the 5th floor. Therefore, in multi-story high-rise buildings, only electrical equipment is used.
But if it is possible to install a gas column, the cost of paying for energy will be much less. Modern devices of this type have a multi-level security system. If an unexpected breakdown occurs, the column will turn itself off. Therefore, their use is safe and very comfortable.
Having familiarized yourself with the main varieties of water heaters and their device, you can choose the best option for yourself. User reviews allow us to conclude on the quality of popular models. Based on this information, you can choose the best water heater that will last as long as possible.