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Electric water heaters are an excellent solution for apartments, cottages and private houses. Boilers can be selected in any size, depending on consumption, choose the design that suits you. The main thing is that they are safe to use, unlike gas ones. After reading our article, you will find out: what types of boilers are, how they work, what are their advantages over the rest.
Varieties of water heaters
Water heaters can be powered by electricity or gas. The advantages of the former are in ease of operation and installation. If the gas heater requires special communications, permission for installation, calling the master, then the electric one can be installed anywhere. It is suitable for bathroom, kitchen.
There are several types:
- Flowing.
- Cumulative.
- Flow-accumulative.
Combined devices for indirect heating can also be attributed to this category. They can be used for heating in conjunction with a boiler. And the inclusion with a heating element allows you to operate the device in the summer. How to choose an indirect heating boiler, read in a separate article.
The design and principle of operation of all heaters are different. Therefore, before buying, you need to accurately determine the installation location, the amount of water consumed, as well as the power that the wiring can withstand.
Flow boiler
It is a metal case, inside of which a heating element is hidden. The water flow passes through the heater and is discharged to the mixer. The device provides instant heating of water, it is compact and easy.
It is worth considering that:
- Flowers are high-powered and consume a large amount of energy. Often new wiring is required to install them.
- Water heating directly depends on the temperature of the liquid at the inlet. The passport may indicate heating by 25 degrees. If the input is 15, the flow will warm up to 40°C.
- Problems with pressure in the system affect the operation of the equipment. He may not turn on.
Flowing water heaters are divided into pressure and non-pressure.
- Pressure can provide several intake points.
- Non-pressure are installed directly on the shower or sink. They are placed above the intake point so that the water flow is normal.
How to choose a flow boilerread the previous article.
Electrical diagram of the device:
Storage water heater
It is a storage tank in which water is collected. The tank itself is made of stainless materials. A layer of thermal insulation is laid between it and the body, which allows you to maintain the temperature of the water when the device is turned off.
Inside are a heating element and a magnesium anode, which protects the walls and parts from corrosion. The storage capacity can be 5, 10, 50, 100 liters. For a family of three, structures up to 150 liters are installed.
According to the type of placement, bulk products are:
- floor;
- wall-mounted;
- horizontal;
- vertical;
- cylindrical and flat shape;
- corner placement.
Such devices are convenient to operate, since the principle of accumulation allows you to get hot water even when the electricity is turned off. Not without drawbacks:
- A large body requires a lot of space. On the other hand, you can choose a vertical model and place it under the ceiling so that it does not interfere. The large weight of the device must be taken into account. Installation can only be carried out on a brick, solid wall.
- When you turn it on for the first time, you will have to wait several hours until all the liquid warms up.
- Equipment requires constant maintenance. The magnesium anode needs to be replaced every six months or a year. It is required to clean the tank from scale and carry out the prevention of breakdowns.
Despite this, the storage boiler is convenient for families with children, since hot water can be obtained at any time.
Flow-accumulative boiler
A rare group of goods that combines the advantages of both types. They have two heating elements that function separately. These water heaters are of high power, so they require thick wiring and a special outlet.
You can use the products in the accumulation mode (usually the tank is not more than 30 liters), and also run as a flow. But the cost of equipment is too high: the price of some models is 100 rubles.
There are “pseudo” flow-storage devices. They work on the principle of a flow, but the water immediately passes into the tank (no more than 10 liters). They do not differ in special functionality, because their cost is from 5 rubles.
Parameters and characteristics of water heaters
How to choose the best device? It is necessary to correctly compare your needs with the capabilities of technology.
Volume and performance
What to consider when choosing a tank capacity:
- The number of people living.
- Water consumption.
- Having small children.
- Permanent or temporary use.
It is also worth considering the size of the room, the number of intake points. For example, for a family of 3-4 people, a 100-150 liter boiler is suitable. If you want to install in the country, then choose a capacity of 50-80 liters. For one intake point, for example, in the kitchen, 15-30 liters will suffice.
When choosing a protochnik, consider its productivity per minute. So:
- Two liters per minute is enough for using the sink: washing, washing dishes.
- Performance from 3,5 liters is enough for taking a shower.
- 7-10 liters is enough to provide several points.
Power
It is especially important for flow products: the higher this parameter, the more sampling points can be provided. To find out how much energy a technique consumes, take a look at the documentation.
Management type
There are two of them:
- Hydraulic. The control is carried out by a flow sensor. As soon as the mixer opens, heating occurs. Closing – work stops. This is not very convenient since you cannot control the temperature.
- Electronic control allows you to manage all processes. The set temperature is monitored on the display, the parameters are maintained and stored even when the power is turned off.
A heating element
According to the type of design, heating elements are tubular and spiral. Tubular heats up the flow faster, and is also less prone to scale. Whereas the spiral one heats up longer and becomes overgrown with deposits.
By installation, the heating element can be dry and wet. Dry heater is not immersed in water. It is in a protective flask, therefore it lasts much longer. A conventional element is constantly in contact with water, needs to be cleaned and periodically replaced.
Anti-corrosion coating
Since the tank is constantly filled with water, it is important to pay attention to its protective coating.
- Glassware. Manufacturers give a guarantee for the product for no more than a year. The material is not subject to corrosion, but is sensitive to bacteria and temperature changes.
- Titanium enamel finish. Resistant to corrosion and microorganisms. The service life is up to 7 years.
- Stainless steel can last up to 20 years.
- Copper. It has good heat dissipation, hygiene and long service life.
The tank cannot be replaced, so the choice must be taken responsibly.
Popular models rating
Which boiler to buy? We have studied customer reviews and are ready to present the most interesting models of water heaters.
Timberk SWH SE1 15 VO
Wall mounted water heater with 15 liter tank. Due to its compact dimensions – 39x39x39,5 cm – it can be installed under the sink. The power is 2 kW, which allows you to quickly heat the water and not create a load on the wiring.
The mechanical regulator allows you to set the temperature, including in Comfort mode. The maximum indicators reach +70 degrees. The product received protection against excessive pressure, switching on without water, overheating. The wall covering is glass-ceramic. The heater is made of copper, has a long service life. Weight – 8 kg.
The cost is from 5 rubles.
Irina
I chose small appliances, because the bathroom is very small. SWH SE1 15 VO liked the interesting design. Performs heating quickly, enough capacity for one person. The installation went without a hitch, now I happily take a shower and am not afraid of constant blackouts.
Thermex Light MS 30
Model “Termeks” flow-accumulative type. It has the advantages of a protochnik:
- Ease of installation.
- Compact size: 40x58x27,5 cm.
- Fast heating with a powerful heating element up to 2,5 kW.
The storage tank holds 30 liters. It belongs to non-pressure types, so a shower head is included in the kit. Connection is made to one intake point. On the panel, a mechanical lever regulates the temperature. The tank is made of plastic. Protection against overheating, high pressure is provided.
In flow mode, the heating time is 30 minutes.
The price is from 6 rubles.
Catherine
Bought for an apartment for the period of seasonal shutdowns. In general, the operation is satisfied, but there are comments. The instructions are unclear and very short. It is not clear how to connect the device. Self installed on the shower yet. Also, the mounts are not suitable for mounting to a concrete wall, you bought them yourself. Good for occasional use.
Electrolux EWH 80 Formax
Despite the good capacity of the storage tank – 80 liters, the size of 45,4 × 72,9 × 46,9 cm and the rectangular shape of the body allow you to place equipment in a small room. There are two adjustment knobs on the panel: one is responsible for turning on, the other for adjusting the temperature up to 75 ° C. You can set the ECO mode (heating up to 55 ° C).
“Electrolux” EWH 80 Formax is equipped with two dry heating elements, the power of which is 2 kW. Provides multiple points. The inner walls are covered with enamel, thermal protection from polyurethane foam. Comes with automatic RCD, safety valve.
The cost is from 9 rubles.
Victor
The EWH 80 Formax heater suited us in terms of size and functionality. Installed in a horizontal position. I am glad that there are two heating elements inside. If one breaks, the other will replace. In the daytime, we set the ECO mode, so that there is always hot water. Haven’t found any cons yet, installation went smoothly.
Ariston ABS BLUE EVO RS
Inexpensive electric boiler “Ariston” in the shape of a cube. Small dimensions of 44,7×44,7×38,9 cm significantly save space. A convenient adjustment knob allows you to set comfortable indicators up to + 75 ° С. A safety shutdown protects the user from electric shock.
Features:
- Nanomix technology allows you to quickly heat water (+15%).
- Protective coating of the AG+ tank made of enamel with a warranty period of up to 5 years.
- The capacity is 30 liters.
Weight – 12,8 kg.
The price is from 4 rubles.
Michael
I did the connection myself, nothing complicated. The heater has a modern design. Consumes less electricity than an electric kettle, so it does not create a load on the wiring. What I did not like is that the adjusting wheel does not accurately set the temperature.
Gorenje GBFU 100 SIMB6/SIMBB6
A reliable and inexpensive model from the Simplicity design series. Comes in white and black colors. The volume is 100 liters. Universal wall mount: vertical and horizontal. The inner walls are covered with protective enamel, a magnesium anode is installed.
There are two dry heating elements with a total capacity of 2 kW. Mechanical regulator (+15-75 degrees). There is an “ECO” mode, as well as frost protection. Thermal insulation is 17 mm.
Dimensions: 45,4 × 94,8 × 46,1 cm, weight – 34 kg.
The cost is from 9 rubles.
Maksim
I bought the model on the advice of a friend and was satisfied. Installed the case horizontally to save space. The assembly is good, Serbian. Two heating elements are located in protective flanges, they work economically. Highly recommended if you are looking for durable equipment.
Compare your needs and the features of the room to choose the right boiler for your home or apartment.