If you do not know what to choose – a geyser or a water heater, carefully read our article. It is important to take into account all the nuances so that in the future there will be no problems with operation. We will figure out how profitable and convenient it is to connect your own water heater.
What are heaters
Boilers are divided into two main types: flow and storage. The latter are equipped with a tank of different volumes with thermal insulation. Water accumulates in the tank and is constantly heated using a heating element.
Flow devices are equipped dry heater. Water flows through them, instantly reaching the desired temperature. This technique has a lot of power.
Boilers can operate from different energy sources:
- natural gas;
- electricity;
- solid fuel (indirect heating).
The most popular are gas columns and electric heaters. What is better to choose? To understand the issue, you need to understand the principle of their work, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages.
Gas columns heat water quickly with a burner. They work on the principle of a protochnik, so you will get a hot stream at any time, you just have to open the tap. Gas heaters cannot be called a new invention, but today they are especially popular. Their body is compact, has a nice design. In addition, gas is cheaper than electricity.
Electric storage devices are most often found in apartments, houses, and enterprises. They are designed for a power of 1,5-3 kW. The manufacturer took care of efficiency: between the two layers of the tank, polyurethane foam is hidden, which retains heat. Special sensors allow you to bring water to a certain temperature and constantly maintain it.
Recently they began to produce hybrids – storage gas boilers. So far they are not very popular.
In fact, a geyser is the same flow heater. So what is the best buy?
Pros and cons of water heaters
Let’s start the comparison with electric boilers. When the temperature in the tank reaches a certain level, a large amount of hot water is immediately available to you.
If you have chosen a tank according to the needs of the family, then it will provide water for everyone.
The main advantages:
- Ease of installation. You can do the installation yourself according to the instructions. This does not require a gas supply system, only reliable wiring and an outlet of suitable power.
The boiler does not require special documentation and permission for installation.
- Ease of use. Provides multiple sampling points. In this case, the flow force depends on the power of the crane, and not the pressure force in the system.
- Connection does not require laying a separate pipeline and ventilation outlet.
- Long service life. Some models are equipped with dry heating elements. The spiral is in a protective flask and is not exposed to scale, corrosion.
- High efficiency – 99%.
- Safe to use when properly installed.
- Quiet work. Tubular heater works almost silently.
The disadvantages of the storage boiler in the limited volume of the heated liquid. If you have used up the resource, you will have to wait at least half an hour until the next portion is ready.
There can be two scenarios for the development of events with the wrong choice of tank volume:
- The equipment chosen was too large. Then the contents take longer to heat up, energy is spent to maintain the temperature, and in fact all the contents are not used.
- Insufficient volume will result in a constant expectation of water heating.
Since the equipment is powered by electricity, when it is turned off, the contents will cool down.
Another disadvantage is the weight and size of the tank. For a family of 3-4 people, you need at least 80 liters. In small rooms, the placement of such a case becomes a problem. Installation must be carried out on a solid brick wall.
The device requires constant cleaning. Hard water causes scale and corrosion. Need to replace magnesium anode, clean the heating element and walls from plaque, use filters.
How to clean a water heater, read in a separate article.
Gas columns also have their adherents. Their main advantages:
- Instant water heating. It is worth opening the tap, as the ignition is triggered and heating occurs. Moreover, the flow enters in unlimited quantities until the mixer closes.
- Work does not depend on the availability of electricity.
- Efficiency: gas is cheaper than electricity.
- Turbocharged models are equipped with mechanical turn signals. With their help, you can adjust the power of the burner.
- The compact body does not take up much space. Often has a modern and unusual design.
- The geyser does not have problems with scale from low-quality water, but it still requires periodic maintenance.
Although the column efficiency is less than 90%, in practice this is imperceptible.
- Some models can be used for hot water and heating.
It turns out that the operation of the column is cheaper, more convenient, more economical and more profitable. Why, then, is the main advantage of electrical engineering?
Cons:
- The product passport indicates the volumes that the dispenser provides users with. But it performs heating to a certain temperature, so it is important to consider the temperature of the liquid at the inlet. For example, the model provides 11 liters per minute with heating up to 25 degrees. If the input was 10 degrees, then the output will be 35 ° C. This will be enough for summer use. Otherwise, you need to choose a product of greater power.
- Difficulty of installation. It is not enough just to buy and connect the device. First, a project is prepared, which is agreed with the municipal institution. Permission is obtained, documentation is drawn up. Installation is carried out only by a specialist.
- Organization of the chimney and ventilation. Combustion products must be removed to the street.
- Pressure dependence. If the pressure in the pipes decreases, the burner may not fire. Ease of use is in question when the second point is turned on. For example, you are taking a shower and the faucet in the kitchen is turned on. Then the water temperature will drop.
Installation of a gas installation is possible only in the kitchen. According to the rules not allowed in the bathroom.
We looked at the advantages and disadvantages of the technique. What to choose?
Which water heater to choose
In the selection process, the question of price arises: for someone, cost is of great importance. Since the principle of operation of the devices is different, you can start from their provision with hot water.
See table:
In terms of cost, equipment on gas wins.
You need to take into account the complexity and cost of installation. Let’s compare them in the table:
| Boiler on electricity | Gas water heater |
| It is not easy to choose the place of installation, because the design is large. | The compact dimensions of the case will easily fit into the kitchen. |
| The weight of the filled tank is very large. We need strong fasteners and a brick wall. | The column weighs little. During installation, fire safety must be taken into account. |
| No need to organize a chimney. | To remove combustion products, a chimney and ventilation are required. |
| Connecting to the network can be done by hand. However, with high power, you will have to lay a thick cable. | Connecting the gas line requires accompanying documentation and the presence of a specialist. |
| You can start using after connecting. | Commissioning and authorization required. |
Having compared all the factors “for” and “against”, you will make the right choice. The column has advantages in a house where it is impossible to connect another heater. But if you take into account the cost of food, then its operation will be cheaper.