Tired of interruptions in hot water? Then install an instantaneous water heater. If this problem concerns the residents of apartments only in the summer, then for a private house and a summer residence it is permanent. In the article we will talk about the features of the choice, give examples of models and customer reviews.
How the heater works
Flow type boilers are perfect for those who have limited space in the room. The compact case will fit into any corner, unlike bulky storage models.
The principle of operation and the device are simple. Inside the case there is a flow heating element in a flask. The flow passes through the heater, instantly reaching the desired temperature. You will always get hot water in any quantity.
The equipment can be designed for one or more points of the fence. Today they produce small water heaters with a shower hose or faucet, which are perfect for summer cottages.
Advantages and disadvantages of technology
Household heaters for the home have the following advantages:
- Compact body.
- Electricity consumption occurs only when the device is turned on. Accumulators constantly consume electricity to maintain the temperature.
- Water consumption does not depend on the volume of the tank.
- Lower cost compared to storage.
Among the shortcomings, a large energy consumption is distinguished: from 3 to 24 kW. Not all wiring is ready to withstand such an installation, so sometimes a thick section of cable is required.
The quality of heating depends on the service points. If you run several at the same time (for example, on a tap and on a shower), the water will not have time to warm up normally or will flow in a thin stream.
Low-power models will work normally only in the warm season, since they will be able to heat the water by 25 degrees as much as possible. Therefore, they are recommended to be used in the country or in a country house.
Types of flow boilers
In order to choose the best device for an apartment, you need to understand the features of the work. Protochniks are divided into:
- Pressure. They are installed on several intake points, cut into hot and cold pipelines. The quality of work depends on the pressure in the line. The equipment is designed for 3-12 kW and is connected to a single-phase network. At 3-30 kW – in three-phase.
- Non-pressure. They operate not from the pressure and strength of running water, but from a connected tap. These are usually small devices that are locally connected to a sampling point. All you have to do is plug it in and set the temperature. As soon as you open the faucet, work will begin. Close – stop.
Also, the technique differs in the type of power supply: electric and gas. The former are considered safer and easier to install: you can connect them without the help of specialists.
Gas can not be installed independently: Pit will require the organization of the boiler pipe, ventilation. The advantage of gas is only in low cost.
Features of choice
Before you go shopping, you need to decide:
- How many points will be served by the technician.
- How much water will you use.
- What indicators should the boiler have in order to provide sufficient heating.
In the store, check with the seller for the following details:
- Difficulty of installation. Can I connect myself, or do I need the help of a specialist?
- If the installation is performed by a store employee, is the service free? Maybe there is a discount.
- Warranty conditions.
Arrange in advance the procedure for carrying out warranty repairs. Sometimes a ticket is issued as expected, but as soon as you ask for help, it turns out that the service is located in another city or there are no spare parts available.
Calculation of the power of the flow-storage heater
To determine the indicators, you need to understand how much your family accounts for.
The power determines how much hot water the heater can provide per unit of time. You can find this out using the formula:
P = Q×(t1 – t2)×0,073
R – this is the capacity of the boiler specified by the manufacturer.
Q — desired fluid flow.
t1 — required heating temperature.
t2 — inlet water temperature.
0,073 – correction factor.
Consider the costs not only for the purchase of equipment, but also for its maintenance. The more power, the more energy the device will consume. You can do without formulas and diagrams: the instruction manual always indicates the purpose of the water heater.
For example:
- Appliances with a consumption of 8 kW or more are recommended for summer cottages. They provide heating up to 40-50 degrees.
- At least 20 kilowatts will be needed for the full maintenance of the house and apartment in several places of the fence.
- 3-4 kW are designed for use in the summer, since the incoming water must be at least 15 degrees.
If you want to constantly use the boiler, choose a device from 6 kW or more.
Type of control, modes, options
By type of control instantaneous water heaters are:
- Hydraulic — the same as mechanical control. These are inexpensive models. However, they cannot maintain a constant temperature and may not turn on at low pressure.
- Electronic. Allow you to set the desired mode, in accordance with it, adjust the pressure, save electricity.
Electronically controlled devices are much more expensive than mechanical ones. But for them it is worth overpaying, because they will provide ease of use for many years.
Of the additional options, the heater may have:
- Mode adjustment.
- Indication during operation and when turned off.
- Protection against overheating (thermal protection), corrosion and scale (magnesium anode), high pressure (safety valve).
More expensive models can be connected to solar panels, have a lock from accidental pressing, and a choice of shower mode.
It is worth paying attention to:
- On the heating device. It is desirable that it be in a protective flask that will save it from scale. The rest of the parts must be copper or brass.
- Body material. Experts recommend giving preference to enameled, copper and polypropylene. They are the most resistant to corrosion and durable.
- Complete set. Includes mains lead with plug, shower head (depending on model), fittings.
Most often, buyers prefer the Termex, Electrolux, Ariston, Zanussi brands with low power, because they are easy to use. Those who consume a lot of water every day install storage boilers. During operation, they are cheaper. But if you decide to buy a protochnik, we have compiled a list of popular models.
Rating of flow heaters
Pay attention to price, specifications, features and installation method.
Electrolux NP6 Aquatronic
Flowing electrical device “Electrolux”. The body is made of durable plastic. Thanks to its compact dimensions (191x141x85 mm) and top water connection, the device can be installed in a cupboard or under a sink. The NP6 Aquatronic is a pressure type, so it can provide multiple sampling points.
The heating element is made of stainless steel. Its power is 5,7 kW. The capacity of the water heater is 2,8 l/min. Built-in overheating protection, weight – only 1,42 kg.
The price is from 5 rubles.
Andrei
I decided to install a heater with the approaching seasonal shutdowns. Since space in the bathroom is limited, the choice fell on the Electrolux NP6 Aquatronic. I only use it during the summer shutdowns. The device itself is the size of half an A4 sheet, the case is durable, but the connection cord is short. I am satisfied with the work of the equipment, there is always hot water. When the faucet is opened, the heater turns on, when it is closed, it turns off. Very comfortably.
Thermex Tip 350 (combi) Prime
The model comes with a faucet and a shower head. Suitable for intermittent use as the flow is less in cold weather. Maximum performance: +60 degrees. Non-pressure type, can serve one point.
Features:
- Two-stage protection system. The pressure switch does not allow you to start the equipment without water, and thermal protection protects against overheating.
- The heat exchanger is made of copper.
- The case is made of heat-resistant plastic (corrosion is definitely not a threat to it).
Consumption is 3,5 kilowatts. Case dimensions: 19x30x10 cm.
The cost is from 4 rubles.
Jury
Great option for temporary use. Used to replace during a power outage. It heats up normally, the connection is easy, I did it in a few minutes. In the presence of all gaskets, fasteners are clamped by hand. Fully justifies its cost.
Bosch Tronic Heat 3000/3500
The technique can be used as a full-fledged boiler for heating, so the cost of the device is quite high. But Trronic Heat fully justifies it:
- Compact and stylish case with dimensions of 41,6 x 71,2 x 30 cm.
- If you choose model 3000, you will receive a device without tank and pump. It will serve to heat water point by point.
- By choosing the 3500 option, you get a complete heat source. Equipped with a tank (7 liters) and a pump with three speeds.
There is a possibility of regulation from 4 to 24 kW. The maximum heating reaches 85°С. Equipped with a self-diagnosis system. Electronic control with display.
The price is from 47 rubles.
Atmor In-Line 5 3.5
Pressure device “Atmor” with a capacity of 5 kilowatts and a capacity of 4 liters per minute. Housing dimensions: 31,7 × 30,5 × 12,5 cm. The equipment can be installed in a cabinet, a hidden niche, a cabinet. Easy to use: you do not need to constantly turn the device on and off. It is enough to open the tap – heating will begin, close – it will stop. The rest of the time, electricity is not wasted.
Built-in protection against switching on without pressure, as well as against overheating. The two heating elements can be turned on in turn. The maximum performance is 65 degrees.
The cost is from 3 rubles.
Victor
Worked without problems for 4 years. When installing, I had to lay a separate wiring, it’s a pity that Atmor does not release less powerful models. It is very convenient to use, it is not scary to leave it on and go on business. There is a possibility of blocking the water at the entrance. I recommend to buy.
EVAN EPVN
These are high-speed heaters that can be used in everyday life and in production. This technique belongs to the class “Standard-Economy”. Consumes 7,5 kW, productivity is 3 liters per minute. Mechanical control.
EVAN EPVN provides:
- Instant heating.
- Significant volumes for multiple sampling points.
- Stable operation even with a network deviation of 10%.
- Economical energy consumption, since it consumes it only when turned on.
Case dimensions: 64,5x25x18 cm.
The price is from 11 rubles.
Anatoly
If possible, I would buy more power, but only such models are produced for domestic purposes. Heats normally, but not as good as expected. To take a shower, you need to adjust the pressure and temperature. In the process, you have to gradually add pressure so that the stream does not become cold. After about seven minutes the water is barely warm. The time you leave the bathroom is long enough for the water to heat up for the next person. More suitable for installation in the kitchen.
TIME MP 8
Pressure device designed for several points. Provides performance up to 4,1 liters per minute. Power – 8 kW. The heating element and its flask are made of copper. Switching on / off occurs when adjusting the mixer. The stronger the flow, the less heat.
The safety valve, thermal protection is provided. Bottom eyeliner. The size of the device is 21,2x36x9,3 cm. Guarantee for a period of 6 years.
The cost is from 17 rubles.
Valentine
Do not listen to those who claim that such a protochnik can be used in winter. It’s all a marketing ploy. At an inlet temperature of +15 degrees, the device will bring it to +40. This is normal during the summer. If in the cold season the indicator is +3 at the entrance, it is unlikely that you will be satisfied with washing at + 28 ° C. Therefore, I recommend only for occasional use. My AEG has been serving me for 10 years.
Stiebel AND 18/21/24 Sli
The closed model is equipped with a microprocessor. Electronic controls and panel display make it easy to use. Indicators are regulated from +20 to +60 degrees. Supports preset settings. You can set the “Contrast shower” mode. Protection against air jams is provided.
Throughput – 12,3 l / min. Requires connection to a three-phase network 380 V (24 kilowatts). Pressure – from 1 to 10 atm. Dimensions – 20x47x13,8 cm.
The price is from 60 rubles.
Timberk WHE XTL
The device is connected to a three-phase network 380 V. Power – 12 kW. The heating element consists of five spirals, which are switched on alternately, in a stepped way. Built-in automatic protection against overheating and high pressure.
The throughput is 8 liters per minute. Electronic control with display. Dimensions: 26x46x12,8 cm.
The cost is from 14 rubles.
Catherine
Powerful device, allows you to quickly heat the water. The pressure is enough to wash normally. You can use it from two points at once – in the bathroom and kitchen, it works fine. Satisfied with the choice.
Polaris ORION 3.5 S
The Polaris heater is suitable for use during a hot water shutdown. Allows you to instantly heat the cold to +60 degrees. Shower head included. Quartz heating element has a high efficiency – 98%, he is not afraid of scale.
The mechanical regulator allows you to set three modes: 1, 2,5, 3,5 kW. Thermal protection turns off the operation of the heating element if the indicators exceed the norm. You will not be able to mistakenly start the technique without water, it is blocked.
The price is from 2000 rubles.
Oasis Glass 20VG
Gas flow device “Oasis”. Thermal power – 20 kilowatts. The flow rate is 10 liters per minute. The stylish design of the case will decorate your kitchen or bathroom.
Features:
- Works independently of electricity.
- The display shows the set parameters as well as the heating.
- Ignition electronic when opening the mixer.
- The switch “winter-summer” allows to reduce fuel consumption.
- A special control cuts off the gas supply when the flame is extinguished.
- The heat exchanger is protected from overheating.
- If there is poor draft in the chimney, the sensor turns off the appliance.
Dimensions: 34x59x14,5 cm. Professional installation required.
Cost from – 5 000 rubles.
Alexandra
Liked the design and the price. Bought. During installation, the gasman sighed heavily. Outside everything is in order, but inside the stuffing is of poor quality. Naughty when turned on: it turns on, then it doesn’t. Heating is fast, but replacement parts are hard to find.
CLAGE CEX 9
The closed water heater of the German production. The power of the device can be adjusted from 6,6 to 8,8 kW. This means that you will need reliable wiring for installation. Thanks to its large capacity, Clage Cex 9 delivers high outputs up to 5 l/min. You can comfortably shower while the other person does the dishes.
The boiler turns on automatically, just open the mixer. With the help of electronic control with display, you can set the temperature from 20°C to 55°C. Indicators are fixed in a given position. The spiral heating element is resistant to the formation of limescale.
Additional option: remote control. Case dimensions: 18 × 29,4 × 11 cm. Weight – 2,7 kg.
The cost is from 21 rubles.
Paul
Before that, there was a drive, but it was taken to the country. I thought about buying a new device for a long time, I wanted to save space. German Clage equipment is more expensive than other heaters, but I have never regretted buying it. The German assembly is immediately visible: everything is firmly and reliably assembled. Even the installer was satisfied, he quickly completed the installation. The instructions describe the settings in detail, energy is consumed only during operation. The main thing is that now no one beats their head against the body, it takes up a minimum of space.
After reading our recommendations, you will be able to make the right choice for your home and family.