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How to choose a water heater in an apartment? There are two main types: storage and flow. You should choose according to the principle of work, and also proceed from the number of people in the family. It is worth considering the location and how much the tank will fit in your room. Below we will answer all the questions that concern the buyer when choosing a heater.
best boiler
Everyone has their own understanding of the word “best”: this includes design, spaciousness, technical characteristics, cost, durability. For residents of apartments, the issue of hot water is acute in the summer, so a boiler is needed a couple of times a year.
It is worth starting from the heating system: there are gas and electric water heaters. Gas is a cheaper type of fuel, so it is more rational to use it. However, connecting the equipment is complicated and requires the installation of a boiler pipe.
Electrical equipment is connected to a power source. If you want, you can turn off the device for the night, saving resources. You can install it in a private house where a gas pipe is not connected.
Which water heater is better to buy: instantaneous or storage? Consider separately their advantages, as well as the most popular models.
storage boiler
This device is a tank where water accumulates. The case is equipped with thermal protection, which allows you to keep the temperature and save electricity. Compared with the flow one, the storage one consumes less electricity due to the principle of operation (only 1,5-2 kW).
It is enough to plug the boiler into a regular outlet to use hot water daily. When the set temperature is reached, the heater turns off and then periodically turns on.
The disadvantage may be that the volume of the tank is too large for your home. It should be calculated according to the purpose and number of people. For example:
- The volume of 40 liters is enough for washing dishes in the kitchen or for one person to take a shower.
- For the kitchen and shower, two users will need a capacity of 80 liters.
- For three people, a 100-liter boiler is suitable.
- Four people – from 120 liters.
See the table and choose the volume wisely:
Among the shortcomings can be noted the expectation of heating. Also, the device requires constant maintenance by the master or user. It is necessary to check the safety of the magnesium anode, which protects the tank from corrosion. How to clean the water heater, read the previous article.
In addition, the cost of accumulative equipment is higher than that of flow equipment.
Which heating element to prefer
For heating, a heating element is installed in the storage boiler. It comes in both dry and wet types.
- Dry (closed). The element is enclosed in a flask, therefore it does not come into contact with the liquid.
- Wet (open). Immersed in water.
The closed type consists of a flask. It is made of steatite or magnesium silicate. The element heats the shell, and it transfers heat to the environment.
Advantages:
- Increased service life. The element does not come into contact with the liquid, so scale and corrosion are not afraid of it.
- The possibility of current leakage and breakdown on the case is excluded.
- Low energy consumption.
- Easy replacement.
An open (wet) element has its advantages:
- High heating rate.
- Affordable cost.
- Inexpensive service.
Storage heater types
Devices also come in two types: open and closed.
Open or non-pressure set to only one point. For example, a sink in the kitchen or a shower in the bathroom. The method of mounting pipes allows you to install the tank both above the sink and below.
The principle of operation is as follows: you open the water supply valve, a cold stream enters the tank, displacing the hot one. When heated, excess liquid flows out. To protect the operation of the equipment, a fuse is connected. This type is easy to operate and install.
Closed are connected to the water supply and work from the pressure in the tank. For its regulation, a safety valve is installed. A huge advantage of the closed type is the possibility of using a hot stream at several points of the fence.
However, if the pressure in the pipes is less than 6 atm, the equipment will not work.
To reduce the amount of water consumed, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Take turns showering, 40 minutes after the previous person.
- Turn off the supply while lathering.
- Today you can find on sale special nozzles – aerators, which save consumption by 30%.
Flow boiler
Due to the absence of a tank, the water heater has a compact size. Many models are equipped with a stylish design, so you can place the device for heating water anywhere.
It also provides instant hot water. To determine the bandwidth that is suitable for your family, do this:
- Put a bucket of 10 liters in the bathroom.
- Turn on the shower at the usual pressure at which you wash.
- Time the bucket filling.
- 1 minute – choose a pass of 10 liters per minute.
- 30 seconds – 20 liters.
When installing this type of device, it is important to consider the type of network. If the power of the device is 12 kW, it is possible to connect to a single-phase network. From 12 to 36 kW – to three-phase.
Flow devices are also of two types:
- Pressure valves are installed on the riser and turn on automatically as soon as you open the tap. Can provide multiple pickup points.
- Non-pressure. Supplied with a shower head. Good when used in the summer, for example, in the country. The temperature reaches 30 degrees. However, the nozzle clogs quickly, so it is not suitable for permanent use.
Mini-heaters have been developed for washing hands today. They are installed on taps and pass about three liters per minute.
The main advantages of flow technology:
- Compactness.
- Easy to install.
- Hot water supply instantly.
During operation, the equipment consumes a lot of energy. The supply of hot water for simple washing in the shower will require more than 7 kW.
Models overview
To make the right choice of a heater, you need to evaluate its technical characteristics. Which company to give preference to, we were prompted by consumer reviews. Let’s start the review with storage technology.
TIMBERK SWH FE5 50
Stylish appearance, flat design will take up little space. The case is made of stainless steel, its dimensions are 43,5 × 87,5 × 23,8 cm. The pressure model consumes only 2 kW.
Features:
- The electronic panel is controlled by a microprocessor. Touch buttons and a rotary thermostat provide convenient use.
- The universal Touch Handle allows you not only to turn the device on and off, but also to adjust the temperature.
- LED – display allows you to track readings.
- Turning off the heating is accompanied by a sound signal.
- Built-in diagnostics allows you to quickly determine the breakdown and display the fault code on the screen.
- Panel lock provided. Now children will not be able to accidentally change the settings.
- You can control the equipment using the remote control.
- The Power Proof function allows you to set three temperature settings to save energy.
- 3D Logic security system, which includes: DROP Defense – protection against pressure increase and leakage; SHOCK Defense – RCD is included with the boiler; HOT Defense – protection against overheating.
The capacity of the tank is 50 liters. It can heat water up to 75°C. Weight is 13,4 kg.
The cost is from 11 rubles.
THERMEX FLAT PLUS IF 50V
Excellent technique in terms of price-quality ratio. The Flat Plus series is distinguished by its flat and compact form. Body dimensions: 88,7×43,6×23,5 cm. Tank volume is 50 liters. Can serve multiple locations.
Electronic control includes indication on the panel, as well as a display. The duration of heating is 1 hour 25 minutes. Power consumption – 2 kW. A non-return valve is provided to protect against leaks, and the system is also protected from overheating.
The price is from 9 rubles.
ELECTROLUX EWH 100 ROYAL
This model is the most technologically advanced, according to users. Universal case: vertical and horizontal placement. The inner flask is made of Inox+Technology stainless steel. Dimensions: 49,3x121x29 cm, capacity – 100 liters.
The maximum temperature – 75 degrees – is reached in 234 minutes. For water purification, a special Bacteria-stop technology system is provided. The additional mode “Anti-freezing” provides for maintaining a constant temperature. Protection against inclusion without water and an overheat is provided.
Among the shortcomings, one can single out weak fasteners that come with the kit.
The cost is from 12 rubles.
STIEBEL ELTRON SHZ 100 LCD
This is a premium model. Energy-saving heater with dimensions of 51x105x51 cm. The body is made of stainless steel and covered with branded “Anticor” enamel. Its thickness is 0,4 mm, the enamel does not lose its properties under the influence of temperatures. Volume — 100 l.
Copper heating element does not scale for a long time. A titanium anode is installed nearby. It does not break down, so it does not require replacement and maintenance.
The electronic control panel provides an LCD display, as well as the following functions:
- Night mode.
- boiler function. Heating is performed once (up to 82 degrees), it turns off automatically.
- Check valve and safety valve installed.
The power is 4 kW.
The price is from 89 rubles.
TIME MP 8
One of the most compact flow type heaters. Productivity makes 4,1 l/min. Power – 8 kW, working pressure – from 0,6 to 10 kW. Dimensions: 21,2x36x9,3 cm.
The copper heating element is located in the flask, so it is not afraid of scale. The protective relay reduces power if the heating element suddenly exceeds the temperature. A flow sensor in the housing detects the amount of water, depending on which the heating is regulated. This saves electricity.
The cost is from 19 rubles.
POLARIS Mercury 5.3 From
Interesting design and small body of the model could be ideal for your home. But the boiler can only be used in the summer, since the heating temperature is insufficient for winter. Comes with hose and shower head.
LED indicators on the panel allow you to determine the temperature of the water. Productivity of equipment — 4 l/min. Power – 5,3 kW. From protection the valve and the relay of temperature are provided.
Weight is only 3,1 kg.
The price is from 8 rubles.
ELECTROLUX Smartfix 6.5 T
The model for wall placement is only 13,5x27x10 cm in size. It will fit perfectly into the design of almost any room. The patency is 4 l / min, designed for one point. The built-in protection sensor excludes an overheat of a product. Copper heating element eliminates the formation of scale.
This model is equipped with a crane (T). Pay attention to the letters at the end of the name. For example, S indicates that the set includes a shower, and ST indicates a shower and faucet. The electromechanical panel allows you to select one of three power modes: 3, 3,5 kW, 6,5 kW.
The cost is from 4 rubles.
CLAGE CEX 9 ELECTRONIC
Flow technique of closed type. You can get a hot stream instantly, right after opening the faucet. The LCD displays not only the set parameters, but also error codes, because the system provides self-diagnosis.
- Twin Temperature Control – Adjust readings from 20 to 55 degrees.
- Top and bottom connection – installation is possible even under the sink.
- Thanks to the Multiple Power System function, you can independently regulate the power: 6,6-8,8 kW.
Case dimensions: 18×29,4×11 cm.
The price is from 21 rubles.
After weighing all the pros and cons, you can understand whether you need a boiler. Pay attention to the characteristics, installation method and working principle.