Installing a water heater is a practical solution. Thanks to this device, you will not depend on utilities. When buying, it is important to proceed from the individual needs of each family and the characteristics of the apartment in which the family lives. The choice of device is influenced by factors such as daily hot water consumption, the ability to use electricity or gas, and the amount of space available for installing a water heater. Let's take a closer look at what types of water heaters are currently on the market.
Boiler - electric storage water heater
electric storage water heaterElectric storage water heaters have a very simple design, are inexpensive and can be installed in almost any home. A boiler is a heat exchanger capable of heating water to a temperature of 55 - 75 degrees. The device operates in automatic mode and constantly maintains the set water temperature using a thermostat and a heating element (TEN).
Like other water heaters, the boiler has its own advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of this type of apparatus is its economical energy consumption. The second advantage is the ability to supply hot water to several water intake points at once. In the bathroom and kitchen, it is not necessary to install a separate water heater if a boiler is installed in the house. The third advantage is the ability to maintain the water temperature for a long time.
The main disadvantage of the boiler is the time it takes to heat the water. To heat 80 liters of water to a temperature of 50-75 degrees, the device takes more than an hour. The second drawback is its considerable size. However, now on sale there are compact models of boilers that take up little space.
An electric storage water heater needs regular care and maintenance. Lime deposits form on the heating elements due to the low quality water. In order for the device to work properly, it is required to clean the heating elements and change the magnesium anode, which is designed to protect the internal tank of the boiler from corrosion.
The main criterion when choosing an electric storage water heater is the capacity of the tank. Tanks are considered small, the volume of which ranges from 10 to 15 liters. This amount of water is enough just to wash. For a shower, it is recommended to purchase boilers with a tank volume of more than 50 liters. A complete bathroom water heater should have a tank volume of 80 to 150 liters.
Electric instantaneous water heaters
Electric instantaneous water heatersThe name speaks for itself, these devices heat the water passing through them. The compact size is the main advantage of these devices. The main disadvantage is the relatively low performance, which depends on two factors - the power of the device and the degree of water heating.
Typically, the power of instantaneous heaters ranges from 6 to 27 kilowatts. At the same time, devices for a single-phase network have a power of up to 12 kilowatts, and for a three-phase network - a power of 12 to 27 kilowatts. It should be noted that the instantaneous water heater consumes electricity only when the water is heated.
Gas storage water heaters
Gas-fired storage water heaters are expensive. Despite this, these devices are very economical to operate, and their installation quickly pays for itself. Gas is cheaper than electricity, so it is very profitable to use a gas water heater. However, in Russia, gas devices are in less demand than electric ones. This is largely due to the difficulties that arise during the installation of gas equipment.
There are two types of gas water heaters: devices with a closed combustion chamber and with an open combustion chamber. The first type of water heaters are equipped with a pressurization system that pumps air into the combustion chamber. Forced draft devices can be installed in rooms without a chimney and with no supply air sources. The absence of the need for the manufacture of a chimney allows you to save money when installing a water heater. For the device to work stably, it is enough to install an inexpensive coaxial chimney. Despite all the advantages, forced draft water heaters have a relatively high price.
The main advantage of natural draft gas storage water heaters is the price. The cost of devices with an open combustion chamber is one and a half times lower than the price of forced draft water heaters.
Gas water heaters - gas flowing water heaters
Gas water heaters are simple in design and consist of two blocks. The first block is a gas burner, and the second is the automation required to ensure the normal operation of the device.
Modern gas water heaters are fully automated, which allows better control of the device and more accurate setting of water heating parameters. To make the device work, you need to turn the handle of the hot water tap or press the corresponding button. Gas water heaters are of two types: with electric and piezo ignition. Water heaters equipped with electric ignition have increased efficiency, since there is no igniter with a continuously burning flame in their design. Models with a modulating burner are interesting. They ensure constant heating of the leaving water, regardless of temperature fluctuations.
In apartment buildings, as a rule, an electric storage water heater is installed. Due to the price, ease of installation and relatively low energy consumption (when compared with a flow-through electric water heater), this is the most suitable option.