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The Astra gas water heater has long been heard by the Russian consumer. These inexpensive and functional devices that heat water in the homes of Russians effectively convert an inexpensive energy resource into heat. Preferring a gas water heater to a boiler, homeowners rely on the efficiency of blue fuel, so it is not surprising that Astra, simple in design and affordable, is a success.
About the company “Teploobmennik”
The manufacturer of Astra gas water heaters is the Russian company Teploobmennik. This powerful enterprise is located in Nizhny Novgorod, and has been engaged in high-tech production for 60 years. More than 50% of its products belong to the aviation industry, and water heaters make up only a fifth of the products manufactured by this giant. The columns produced by the plant operate only on natural gas. The products of combustion are removed through the chimney. The company previously produced KG water heaters, today they are obsolete, and the plant offers Russian consumers more modern versions – economical, high efficiency, durable and safe.
Why are gas water heaters popular?
It’s good when hot water flows from the tap “by itself” in an apartment, but some residents of apartment buildings can only dream of this. The deplorable state of housing and communal services networks forces Russians to independently solve the problem of hot water supply, choosing between a boiler and a column. If gas is not supplied to the house, there are no questions – you have to buy a boiler, if there is blue fuel, a gas apparatus turns out to be a more profitable option. The offered models differ in power and performance. The maximum value is 20 kW. By moderately consuming gas, they save money for their owners. The average price is 9 rubles. Chimney diameter – up to 000 cm.
Why are Astra Group of Companies good?
The Nizhny Novgorod enterprise offers not one or two modifications of gas-fired water heaters, but a whole range of models, which includes columns of different power and performance. All gas heaters can be divided into two groups:
- Flowing. They heat water constantly. They are more compact, they can be placed in tight spaces.
- Cumulative. They heat a certain volume of water – 50-500 liters. This option is selected based on the needs of the family.
Advantages of Astra products:
- Made in Russia. They are therefore inexpensive, and they can really be repaired. If it breaks, you can always find a suitable spare part and fix it.
- The heating tank has a heat-insulating layer, so the heated water does not cool down for a long time – resources are saved.
- Simple design – you can easily understand everything. Reliable device – tested by consumers. Easy to figure out how to use the device.
- There is nothing superfluous, no “functionality”, it just heats the water. This has a positive effect on the price.
- Good performance – up to 12 liters per minute. This is enough for two points of water intake.
- Safety. The machine turns off the device in the absence of traction, when the water supply is interrupted and in the absence of a flame.
Models overview
Astra 8910-00.02
Ignited by hand. Open type combustion chamber. Specifications:
- Power up to 21 kW.
- Heats 12 liters of water per minute.
- Gas consumption 2,3 mXNUMX/h.
- Water pressure – 0,5-0,6 bar, these are the minimum and maximum values, respectively.
- D chimney – 12 cm.
- Dimensions 70×37,2×23 cm.
- Weight – 15 kg.
To what temperature is the water heated? Within 35-60 °C. For the column to work, it must be properly connected, gas supplied and water connected. Gas is connected through pipes ¾ inch. Water connection – through pipes ½ inch.
You can independently adjust the traction. The thermostat is located below. Very strong frame – can withstand any load. The power supply is protected by a special system. The fitting is adjustable with screws. A pressure regulator is provided. It is easy to check the presence of traction. Rapid removal of combustion products. Compared to analogues of other companies, Astra Group of Companies are distinguished by reliability and safety.
VPG 8910-08.02
Differs from the previous modification:
- Lower power – 18 kW.
- Less productivity – 10 l / min.
- Lower fuel consumption – 2 mXNUMX/h.
All other parameters are the same as for 8910-00.02. The design is also similar – an open chamber, manual ignition, etc.
VPG 8910-15
The device with a power of 18 kW differs from previous models in electronic ignition – it is made from batteries. This is a more comfortable solution, eliminating the need for the owner to have matches or a lighter on hand. The parameters repeat the previous model 8910-08.02. It differs only in the large diameter of the chimney – it is 13,5 cm. Warranty – 2 years.
VPG 8910-16
Power – 21 kW. It is ignited by electric ignition. Heats water with a speed of 12 l/hour. Gas consumption 2,3 m13,5/h. Chimney D 15 cm. Water heater weighs XNUMX kg.
Astra 15
This is a modification of low power – only 13 kW. Heats up 12 liters per minute. Open type combustion chamber. Fired up by hand. The minimum maintained temperature is 35 degrees. Consumes 2,2 cubic meters of gas per hour. Pipe 1,2 inches – for cold water. 12 cm – d chimney. Weighs 15 kg. The device has received mostly positive reviews. Attracts reliability – affects the high quality of the parts used, and high productivity. The system can withstand a pressure of 7 bar. There is a thermostat – it is at the bottom of the device. Estimated cost 8 500 rubles.
Astra 16
18 kW – power. High productivity – 14 liters per minute. 11 cm – diameter of the chimney. 5 bar is the maximum pressure the system can withstand. Consumes 2,1 m3/hour. Weight – 14 kg. Manual ignition. Open combustion chamber. This modification also deserved a lot of positive feedback. Consumers note the high performance of the device. The disadvantage is the increased gas consumption. But the system quickly catches up with the temperature. Cons – limited pressure parameters that the valve can withstand. There are burner failures.
What are the most popular models?
Consumers are happy to express their emotions about domestic technology, mentally accustomed to scolding everything that is made in Russia. When discussing Nizhny Novgorod gas water heaters, one must be objective and take into account the realities of domestic consumption. Any equipment is prone to wear and cannot work at full capacity for a long time: breakdowns and malfunctions are a common thing for equipment that deals with various types of resources. Among consumers, the GK models received the greatest recognition:
- Astra 8910-10 – has become the No. 1 choice for extreme simplicity and low cost. Estimated cost is 5 rubles.
- JSD20-10A. Consumers are attracted by electronic ignition and the absence of an ever-burning wick.
If the water heater is broken
Before starting the repair of gas water heaters – regardless of the type of breakdown, you need to block the gas supply. The device itself can not be removed – all structural details are accessible without dismantling. But the “facade” – the front cover of the heater, must be removed by unscrewing the side bolts with a screwdriver. First you need to inspect the heat exchanger – it is located behind the electrode, fixed with four bolts. Unscrewing the heat exchanger is not recommended.
When repairing the components of the device, the main thing is not to touch the fitting – this element is needed to measure the water pressure. If you inadvertently damage the fitting, you will need to replace the head. The main malfunctions of gas water heaters:
- Contact contamination. Contacts that have become unusable must be replaced with new ones.
- Damaged heat exchanger. Correction of the situation – replacement.
If the column does not light up
The most common trouble that happens with a gas water heater is that the column does not light up. The cause of the problem may be a lack of traction. Before turning on the column, you need to check the draft in the vent – light a match and bring it to the chimney outlet. If everything is in order, then the flame seems to be drawn into the hole – there is a draft, and you can turn on the device. If the flame does not draw out, the chimney needs to be cleaned. This can be done on your own, but in the absence of skills, it is better to entrust a specialist.
Another common problem that happens with gas-fired water heaters is attenuation after ignition. If the wick goes out, you need to adjust the cold water supply.
Typical breakdowns
It happens that in the considered devices the hydraulic unit breaks down. It dismantles easily, but is difficult to put back into place. Having disconnected the hydraulic group, it is necessary to immediately check the valves – they must be securely fastened. Should the valves move, or the tightness of the connection will be broken, they must be changed immediately. When buying elements of a hydraulic unit, it is important to know the modification of the Civil Code.
Also in the GK, a breakdown of the solenoid valve may occur. This is a small problem, but if not addressed in a timely manner, the consequences can be very serious. The valve may deteriorate due to clogging with combustion products – it is urgent to clean it of soot, otherwise there is a threat of an explosion.
How much do spare parts cost?
The advantage of Astra heaters is the availability of spare parts. Since the devices are made in Russia, there is no problem with spare parts. The main thing is to order and pay. How much do spare parts cost? Approximately:
- gas unit price – 1500 rubles;
- water price – 1600 rubles;
- the cost of a magnetic plug is 200 rubles;
- repair kit for the water part – 150 rubles.
What tools are needed?
To connect, configure, repair or service the device, one screwdriver is not enough, you need a set of tools:
- Adjustable wrench – 2 types.
- Pipe wrench.
- Gaskets – paronite and rubber.
- Screwdrivers – Phillips and flat.
- 1-2 inch rubber hose and metal clamp.
- Special composition – to remove scale.
- Bucket – drain water.
Reviews
Irina T., Veliky Ustyug
For six years of use, our Astra 8910-10 has never broken down. The price is reasonable, but in simplicity it resembles old speakers. It heats water very well – you can make it very hot. For control – two knobs that almost never have to be turned, only in winter – when the water is colder and you need to add temperature. Fires up well – no pops. The fuse burns constantly, so there is no need to spend money on batteries – they cost more than the gas burns out in a year in an igniter. Cons: Quite loud.
Vitaly B., Luza
I thought that we had already learned how to make water heaters. But no – I bought Astra JSD24-12B and realized what is the difference between it and normal equipment from Ariston or Bosch. The price is low, but you can’t produce such nonsense – they say it was discontinued, but I managed to get to know each other. It is worth adding cold water to the mixer – it immediately goes out. I cannot set the desired temperature with the adjustment knobs. There is no electronic scoreboard at all – just some kind of dinosaur. But the instructions say – it has auto temperature maintenance. Maybe it was, but it probably broke. And it constantly flows, something always drips. Looks beautiful, inside is poor quality.
When choosing a domestic water heater, you need to be doubly careful. The simple design and low price are a plus, but you may encounter obvious flaws and frankly low quality. Cheapness is a sure sign of the use of low-grade materials. In order not to regularly encounter banal breakdowns – leaks, burner attenuation, etc., choose models of the middle or high price segment. The purchase decision must be made based on needs, taking into account the technical parameters of the model. The pursuit of cheapness is obviously a losing option.