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With the rising cost of utilities, many are wondering what is better: a water heater or hot water? How profitable is it to operate a boiler, is it cheaper? Consider in the article all the advantages and disadvantages, we will help you calculate the approximate cost of monthly maintenance.
What is more profitable: a boiler or hot water
Seasonal shutdowns and water interruptions force the installation of heating equipment – then there is always hot water, but you have to spend money on buying and installing the device. Is it profitable to put it instead of centralized hot water?
Cost Calculation Example
Let’s calculate the approximate cost for a family of 3-4 people. Let’s say they consume 200 liters of water per day – 6 cubic meters per month. Let’s compare how much such a volume will cost with and without a boiler.
Let’s take an average boiler: volume – 50 liters, power – 1,5 kW. How long does it take to fully heat it up?
Calculation formula: temperature difference (final – initial, cold) * volume (l) * 4,2 (kJ / kg * degree – heat capacity coefficient of water) / power (kW) = time (sec).
According to this formula, the heating time of 50 liters = 115 minutes.
Calculate the power consumption according to the formula: boiler power (kW) * time (h). For 50 liters, it is equal to 2,93 kW / h. For 200 liters (consumption per day) = 11,6 kW = 2,93 * 4.
The cost of electricity per day = 3,5 * 11,6 = 40 rubles per day.
Total:
- 1200 rubles per month for electricity + 90 rubles (6 * 15) for cold water = 1290 rubles;
- 1 cubic meter of water = 215 rubles.
Hot water costs about the same. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the costs of the boiler itself, its installation (mounts, socket, difavtomat).
Use this formula and calculate according to your tariffs whether it is profitable to use a heater. Below we have collected all the advantages and disadvantages of a boiler and centralized water supply – not only the price.
Boiler pros and cons
Pros water heater use:
- High efficiency. The storage device consumes only 1,5-3 kW per hour, while it does not work constantly. When the water reaches the set temperature, the heating element turns off. The thermal insulation of the tank does not allow intense heat loss. As soon as the temperature drops, the thermostat signals the heating element: it’s time to turn on.
- With a low night tariff, heating can be set at night. Modern control allows you to set all the parameters.
- Independence from rolling blackouts, repairs. In summer, hot water supply is often turned off for prevention, sometimes unexpected accidents happen. Here you can not do without a boiler.
- Save money while you’re away. At the time of departure, you can turn off the device, you do not have to pay bills for electricity and water supply.
- When installing a heater, the water will become cleaner. It is known that not the cleanest flow comes from the water supply. Sand, rust, small debris settle on the bottom of the devices. If a filter is installed in front of the device, the water is purified from impurities – read how to choose a filter, in a separate article. There are combined models that purify water not only for household needs, but also for drinking.
What is more economical? There are different models of water heaters: some are more profitable, some are not.
Cons:
- Work from electricity. Lost power – gone hot water. This applies 100% to flow boilers: they do not have a tank for collecting liquid, so it flows through the heating element and immediately moves to the mixer. In storage water for some time will maintain the temperature.
- The duration of the first heating for drives. Every 10 liters are heated for 30 minutes.
- Limited volume of liquid. Even with the correct calculation of the volume of the tank, it may not be enough during the arrival of relatives or the gathering of a large company.
- Periodic maintenance. The boiler needs to be cleaned of scale and magnesium anode replacement at least once a year.
Do you need a boiler in the apartment? Keep in mind that you will have to pay not only for water, but also for electricity.
Pros and cons of hot water
Advantages hot water use:
- There are no restrictions. By opening the tap, you can get as much water as you need.
- When installing a meter, you will pay strictly for the amount used.
- In case of malfunctions, the Housing Office takes responsibility.
Disadvantages:
- Annual maintenance creates inconvenience for users.
- Dependence on utilities. Has there been a breakdown? Will have to wait until it is removed.
- Increase in cost per cubic meter of water. What is cheaper? It is worth comparing the costs of operating the heater and hot water.
In general, it can be concluded that the cost of maintaining a boiler and the cost of hot water supply are almost the same. But the impetus for buying a water heater can be not only savings, but also convenience, the need to constantly have hot water (if you have a small child) and other factors. Calculate how much water you use – perhaps in your case the boiler will pay off faster.