How to choose the right water heater: an overview of storage and flow devices, their pros and cons
Not everyone knows how to choose the right water heater: what nuances to pay attention to, whether it is worth taking a more expensive model. We offer you a quick guide: read it before you go to the store. And then you will be fully armed!
It often happens that hot water somehow abruptly and suddenly disappears. You came home from work, turned on the tap, and nothing happened.
And you need to fix yourself. And the fuss with pots and running around with basins begins, a waste of time and energy.
If such situations happen often in your region or home, it's time to get yourself a water heater. In the article, we will answer in detail the question: how to choose a suitable water heater for a house, cottage or apartment.
Types of water heaters, their features, scope and main characteristics
Water heaters (depending on the method of heating liquids) are divided into 2 types: storage and flow.
It is better to give preference to models powered by electricity.
Cumulative
In storage water heaters there is always a tank in which the heated liquid is stored. As boiling water is used, cold water is poured into the container instead and gradually heated to the desired temperature.
The supply is carried out through the mixer, cold can be mixed at the outlet.The volume of the tank can be anything: from very small (10 liters) to huge (150-200 liters).
To speed up the selection, see:
Units up to 100 liters can be attached to the wall, and those that are heavier are safer to install on the floor. Do not rush to grab the largest tank, first calculate: how much hot water is needed for the comfortable existence of your family?
Dad, mom and two children need 80-100 liters per day. 50-80 is enough for three (for a shower and washing dishes). To take a bath, you will have to additionally turn on the heating. A tank with a volume of 150 liters or more allows you to use moisture with virtually no restrictions.
Flowing
The design of flow-throughs is quite simple: the water becomes hotter due to the operation of the heating element. Its power can be different: from 3 to 27 kW.
Units with indicators of 3-8 kW are only suitable for single-phase networks: it is important to remember this! The output of boiling water is from 2 to 6 liters per minute.
Flow, in turn, are divided into pressure and non-pressure. The first ones are built directly into the riser and are able to provide all points of water intake with boiling water. The latter should be placed closer to a specific water intake point.
Firstly, a lot of electricity is spent at the moment of heating, and secondly, since there is no mixing of cold and hot streams, the container often overheats and its operation is blocked.
In addition, such boilers are forbidden to be installed in houses of the old fund, with wiring that is “breathing in its incense”. The maximum allowable power of equipment for such networks is 2.5 kW (and then - if all other consumers are turned off).
To speed up the selection, see:
Heating methods
Boilers can be powered by electricity, gas, or combined, combining both the first and second possibilities.
Electric and gas, approximately equal in build quality, have different price levels. To install a geyser, you need a special project, registration, calling a master, etc.
Indirect - more expensive than the above, it is more difficult to install. But it is more economical (3-10 times), does not require a separate chimney and changes in the gas project, lasts a long time, and is convenient in a private house.
Combined water heaters have a reservoir in which liquid accumulates. Its temperature is maintained, due to which a supply of boiling water is always at your fingertips. They are inexpensive. Such models are usually large-sized, heavy, the supply of water in them is limited, and the installation will have to be strained.
Installation methods, features, in which cases which one is used
The installation method - floor or wall - depends on the model you choose.
If the tank is small, it can be mounted on any wall, but with a significant volume (more than 80 liters), only load-bearing partitions (brick, concrete) can withstand the load.
Suitable places:
- the space above the toilet (by arranging a false wall, you will hide both it and part of the communications, plus rationally use the space);
- above the bath (if its length is more than 160 cm, the tank will not interfere with you);
- under the kitchen sink (only for miniature water heaters up to 15 liters);
- under the ceiling in the hallway or corridor (here it is necessary to lay additional pipes and choose a horizontal boiler model).
Flowing can provide liquid to a specific water supply point, so you can put it either in the bathroom or in the kitchen. It is important to ensure free access to the unit (in case of a breakdown) and to prevent liquid from entering the housing itself.
Tank lining
There are several types of coating, but stainless steel, plastic, glass-ceramic and enamel (including titanium) are considered the most reliable.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is used in the most expensive equipment and fully justifies its cost. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and damage, is not afraid of moving from place to place, shaking, it can be safely transported in any transport.
Temperature fluctuations are also not terrible for her: even in the absence of moisture in the tank and overheating of the equipment, the container itself will not suffer.
The owner will need to replace the heating element, but this part is clearly cheaper than the tank itself.The warranty period for water heaters coated with stainless steel is long - from 7 to 10 years, but this is only a guarantee, and the service life can be calculated in decades!
What to say about the shortcomings?
- First: despite the anti-corrosion properties, in some cases this misfortune cannot be avoided. Namely: the seams can oxidize if old technologies were used in the manufacture of the model.
- Second: cost. A model with stainless steel costs many times more than any of the following.
Glass ceramic and enamel
Glass ceramics and enamel cost less than others. These covers are interns, i.e. many chemicals are not afraid of them (with the exception of the most aggressive).
And they are easy to clean: a few drops of any detergent, sponge or brush - and the job is done. But that's where the benefits end, alas.
The list of "cons", unfortunately, is longer.
- First, there is often the problem of poor adhesion between the metal of the tank and the coating.
- Secondly, due to frequent temperature changes, a simple ceramic coating quickly begins to crack and peel off the walls (the guarantee for such tanks is given for 1 year).
- Thirdly, the fragile ceramic coating is easy to break. And, finally, fourthly, old models, the walls of which are covered with self-leveling enamel (these were produced about 20 years ago), contain particles of hazardous substances (lead and arsenic) that are dangerous to the human body.
Titanium enamel is a light but rare material (you still need to look for models with such a coating). It is resistant to corrosion and chemicals, allowing the tank to operate at very high temperatures.
In this case, there is no danger of delamination or cracking of the coating. However, the welding joints are the most vulnerable, and it is there that corrosion often appears.Titanium-coated water heaters are expensive.
Heating element types, features, pros and cons
Heating is carried out by a heating element: it can be a “dry” heating element (not in direct contact with water) and a “wet” heating element.
Wet heater
"Wet" heating element is also called "open". It is a tube - steel or copper - inside which there is either quartz sand or magnesium oxide.
The base is nichrome wire. This additive conducts heat well. The configuration is classic, the replacement of group parts is quite simple.
According to the type of fastening, they can be flanged (stamped or cast) and nut; or an anode socket, or additional fasteners on the flange; be straight or curved. Such heating elements are easier to maintain, more practical, cheaper.
Dry heater
In a "closed" ("dry") heating element - a ceramic, very durable bulb, inside of which a heating device is hidden. The enamel applied to the flange surface and the inner walls of the tank saves the scale from the device and has anti-corrosion properties.
Advantages
- Such elements have many advantages: they heat water very quickly, they are inexpensive.
- The heating element is very easy to replace, and there is even no need to drain the water from the tank: the flange is unscrewed from the “nest” and a new one is inserted.
- Due to the special coating (vitreous enamel), the risk of scale formation and corrosion is minimized.
Flaws
Disadvantages: the level of security is low, which is alarming. If the water entering the tank is of poor quality, the life of the part will be reduced. In addition, if scale accumulates on the surface of the heating tube, more electricity will be consumed.
Tank (boiler) shape
You can choose a design based solely on your own taste preferences, but you should not forget about the practical side of the issue.
A rectangular (flat) unit is more convenient to put in the kitchen: usually, even without it, it is heavily overloaded with various useful elements - there can be a dishwasher, an extractor hood, a hob, and a microwave oven - so compactness is important here.
It is easy to shove the boiler between the hanging cabinets of the headset, for example. In a private house, there are also more conditions for this form of device, but the communications route will have to be laid anyway.
Round tanks are usually larger in volume - up to 500 liters (flat - no more than 100) and are also placed: taking into account free space.
Mounting Features
Installation also depends on what type of model: horizontal or vertical.
Structurally, they differ significantly from one another, and a vertical boiler cannot be hung horizontally and vice versa!
Liquid enters the horizontal water heater through the lower pipe, and through the upper pipe, boiling water exits under pressure into the hot water tap. With active water intake (due to increased mixing of water with a temperature difference), the temperature of an already heated liquid will drop faster.
The vertical one works a little differently: the contact of cold and hot water is significantly reduced here, the diffusion process is slowed down. The consumer receives more boiling water also due to the divider installed in the lower part, which does not allow cold water to beat up, but directs the jet down, thereby preventing the moisture temperature from dropping quickly.
Boiler control system, features, pros and cons
Control systems 2: hydraulic and electronic.
hydraulic
The scheme of operation of the hydraulic mechanism is simple: there is a block with a rod and a membrane inside. The membrane is displaced, the stem is displaced, the switch is pushed, the power stage is switched on (depending on the pressure). As soon as the faucet closes, the device turns off.
Cons of hydraulic models: there is no protection against air ingress; they cannot keep a certain temperature for a long time.
Electronic
Electronic control is carried out by special sensors and microprocessors: they are responsible for both the heating power and the pressure of the liquid. On sale there are 2 types of models with such control:
- in some models, the required temperature regime can be set and adjusted using indicators and keys;
- other ways not only to independently monitor the temperature, but also to control the flow of water.
Boilers with an electronic control system are suitable for any type of housing. Disadvantages: they are expensive, and if any electronic module breaks down, you will have to change the entire control unit.
Additional important functionality
- A layer of thermal insulation for storage models is not a whim, but a necessity. It helps the water stay warm longer. The instructions indicate: what kind of insulation and what thickness was used by the manufacturer. The more expensive the unit, the greater its thickness: 40-50 mm versus 10-20.
- On high-quality units, protection against overheating is always installed. When approaching a critical point, special sensors turn off the boiler.
- The timer is necessary for programming the time for turning on and off the water heating. It will help you warm up the liquid for your awakening.
- IP stands for Ingress Protection Rating and means the degree of security of the device. It is written in the characteristics of the device in the form of two numbers - two degrees. The first shows the user the degree of protection against dust ingress, the second - water. The degree is indicated from 0 to 8, where 0 is no protection, and 8 is the strongest protection (in which even a long stay of the device in water will not harm it).
Popular manufacturers
- Zanussi is an Italian brand, a leader in the field of inexpensive models. It produces both flow-through and storage boilers (electric, few gas). There are practically no complaints about the quality, the devices serve for a long time, are economical, well assembled.
- Ariston - another one of the world leaders, this time Italian (sales are made to 150 countries). A wide range of both gas and electric models of different sizes. Thermal insulation is one of the best. Silver ions are actively used to protect water. But there are no "dry" heating elements.
- Thermex - an international corporation that produces electric models. The range is wide: there is a choice of power, tank volume, and type. Lots of innovation, long warranty period, easy installation and operation. Magnesium anode and biological glass porcelain are used. However, users often complain about leaks.
- Slovenian company Gorenje produces not only stoves, but also electric storage water heaters, gas water heaters and indirect heating devices. Stylishly designed and compact models are popular in 90 countries around the world. Thermal insulation at height, there is frost protection. Savings in person.
- About the manufacturer Bosch everyone heard. The model range is wide, various installation options are provided, the ideal ratio of price and quality. Convenient and very nice externally, water heaters fit into any interior, serve flawlessly and for a long time. There is one “but”: the build quality in Russia and China is noticeably “lame”.
- Baxi - Italian classic. There are both flow and storage models. A wide choice of performance, design, shape, volume. New items are released regularly. The equipment is affordable, assembled from quality materials. But management is not for everyone.
- In addition, there are several more popular companies (the links provide ratings of models of these manufacturers):
Useful video
The video shows how to choose a water heater:
Conclusion
In our article, we tried to tell you about all the nuances of modern water heaters.
When choosing, pay attention to;
- volume of the tank;
- ease of management;
- power;
- heating method.
Enjoy the shopping!
Thanks for the info on water heaters. Just the old one is outdated. Need to change to a new one. With the help of your article, we decided to take Bosch anyway. There is one caveat, you can tell about the cleaning of water heaters. Do they need to be cleaned and how many times a year?
Depending on the hardness of the water, the tank needs to be cleaned on average once every 1-2 years. If the water is of increased hardness, you need to clean it more often, once every 6-9 months.
Hello! It was necessary to install an instantaneous water heater. The store recommended an Ariston water heater. We bought Ariston Aures 3.5 kV shower + faucet. I can't say that I was satisfied with it. It heats very weakly (although they assured the opposite), and with a family of 2 people, the heater failed on the 9th day of use. I read your article and thought about buying Electrolux.
I had to deal with instantaneous water heaters, really a lot of trouble. We ourselves have been using the Gorenje storage water heater for more than 10 years. It is great that its capacity (up to 100 liters) allows you to keep it hanging on the wall, it is very convenient and practical, as it hangs in the toilet. Heats up well and fast enough, consumes electricity sparingly. Even if it is disconnected from the power supply, then after a few days the water from it will still be supplied warm.
If you choose between instantaneous and storage water heaters, then you should really think about the practicality of the acquisition. At first we had an instantaneous water heater, but it was very disappointing. Maybe the voltage is weak or other reasons, but it did not heat well.We installed an Atlantic storage water heater and had no problems. There is always hot water. The management is simple and safe. The conclusion is unambiguous for me, storage heaters are more practical.
We have such interruptions with cold and hot water that there was simply no alternative. Only cumulative. The advantage was, of course, the level of security. An important role in the choice was played by the volume of the tank. We were satisfied with the 80-liter. Well, in order not to look bulky on the wall, we bought a flat one. The locksmith set it up so that hot water can also be used in the kitchen.
Both for the apartment and for the house, I chose storage water heaters and have never regretted it. In my opinion, they are more convenient and practical. In my 80 l boiler, the water remains warm for 2-3 days. This is enough to wash the dishes and not heat the water endlessly. We clean the boiler every 2-3 years, although our water is quite hard.
We have a Gorenje GBF 80 water heater. And this is the best alternative to central hot water supply. Despite the fact that the tank is large, it is very easy to mount on the wall and takes up almost no space. Quiet operation, water heats up quickly. Holds temperature very well for a long time.
As usual in the summer we turn off the hot water. Therefore, there was a need to choose a high-quality, safe and affordable water heater. Thanks to your article, the choice fell on Ariston. Thank you for the detailed description of all the nuances. A huge help for people who don't understand this.
Of course, for a large family, a storage water heater would be preferable. This is what our family uses. At any time in the tank there is heated water for any household needs. As they say - take it and use it ... And in the absence of a central hot water supply, as in our house. it's just a lifesaver...
The article is very useful if you are preparing to buy a water heater. We bought a storage water heater for a new apartment, since the installation site was limited, we chose a flat one for 80 liters (the optimal volume is not a family of 4 people). The water heater comes with 2 heating elements, this is convenient, if water is not needed urgently, then we turn off 1 heating element, the power grid is significantly unloaded. Be sure to connect through the stabilizer.
My husband and I thought about purchasing an electric water heater for a summer residence, because. We live there from April to October. Cold drinking water is brought into the house, and the shower is only summer, with a heating element. In the spring and autumn, it is cold to wash in it, and the water for washing dishes has to be heated separately. We just can't choose. Wherever we come for a consultation - in all stores there are different opinions of sellers that they just got confused already. I showed this article to my husband. Now we know for sure that we will purchase a storage water heater. We think 80 liters is enough for us. But the manufacturer, we think, Gorenje will suit us. I bribed the fact that it has frost protection. And this is important, because in winter the cottage is empty and the house freezes through.
For a lonely person, it is better to install an electric storage water heater. I have an apartment in an old house. Cold water only.I installed this tank. Just invited the master. Compared to paying for hot water in other houses, I have a big savings. For electricity per month I have a payment of 450-500kv. And in another house only hot water for 800-1000 rubles. With the same living.
After the birth of our first child, we got an Ariston ABS Pro Eco 50 V Slim water heater and I will say that it greatly simplifies our life during hot water outages. We use our water heater all year round. I like that it does not take up much space, it is also quite simple to install and configure. Heats up water fairly quickly. It is also easy to operate. There is nothing superfluous.
After our family and our relatives got the Ariston ABS Pro Eco 50 V Slim water heater, life became easier. We use the water heater all year round. It never undermined the mind that it broke. Works like clockwork.
Hello. According to your recommendations, we installed a Gorenje water heater in the country. Everyone in the family is very satisfied, the volume of water is enough, it works silently, does not take up much space and fits beautifully into our interior. Definitely recommend to everyone. Thanks for the info.
According to your recommendations, we installed a gorenje water heater in the country. Everyone in the family is happy. The volume of water is enough, it works silently, does not require any special cleaning, and of course our interior fits beautifully. Definitely recommend this company.
Immediately upon moving into a new apartment 5 years ago, I wondered about buying a water heater. The store advised me to buy a Thermex storage water heater for 80 liters with a stainless steel tank, flat.I never regretted my choice - it looks stylish, it works silently, it heats water very quickly, it keeps the water temperature for a long time, it turns on and off simply, there is even a control panel, and the water pressure is excellent. It is important that it is installed with high quality, do not take the time to find a good master. My sister still can’t make a choice, I’ll throw her a link to your article, perhaps)
My husband and I recently discussed the issue of acquiring a water heater in a country cottage. The lack of hot running water makes staying there uncomfortable. And so I came across this article and found out that, it turns out, there are still different types of water heaters. I have never delved into this problem, but here it even became interesting. After all, the issue of acquisition is acute. I gave the article to my husband. With his masculine logic, he decided to search for and purchase a water heater for the country house. We found a friend who advised us, depending on our budget and desire, a certain type of water heater, namely, the Termex storage water heater.
We have Ariston, so far there are no complaints) Heats the water quickly if we suddenly turn it off. It is easy to operate, you can adjust the bottom. We immediately set the temperature to medium, and it is so warm, or rather the water in it. It saves us in the fall, because in our city they have taken the fashion to turn off hot water for the middle of autumn.
In our apartment, hot water is turned off every year in July, for almost a month. What kind of work is being done there. So we decided to install a water heater. They didn’t bother with the choice, they took the well-known Ariston. Water heats up quickly (80 liters), we have enough for 1.5 days.No one is at home during the day, so we turn it on as needed. We set it to maximum heat, and then turn it off. The three of us have enough to wash, and the warm water lasts the next day. We've been using it for two years now and have no complaints. But thanks to your article, I found out that Ariston does not have dry heating elements. I never thought that shadows are divided into dry and wet. It turns out there are many nuances when choosing a water heater.