How to choose a geyser? Main selection criteria
A gas water heater in an apartment is simply an irreplaceable thing. Housing and communal services leave much to be desired, so you always need to have the additional advantage of a high-quality water heater. In our article we will talk about which geyser to choose for a house or apartment and how not to overpay for a low-quality product.
The content of the article
- What is a geyser
- Pros and cons of choosing a geyser for an apartment
- How to choose the right geyser for an apartment is the main thing every buyer needs to look at
- Which geyser to choose based on power and how it affects the productivity of your equipment
- How to choose a gas water heater based on safety indicators
- How to choose a geyser by system type
- How to start the burner
- How will combustion products be eliminated in the equipment?
- What additional options does a gas boiler have?
What is a geyser
Those who have ever thought about installing a water heater in a residential area know that the choice can be made between electric, alternative devices (using third-party energy sources) and gas.
Geysers are devices that operate by heating a copper coil (coolant) using a gas supply and a burner. The devices have some restrictions on the method and location of installation, but the economic benefits of the device greatly exaggerate other products.
The choice of geyser comes down to two types: flow-through or storage.The latter have a reservoir in which the already heated liquid is additionally stored - it is used through mixers as needed. The first ones work with water directly when the tap is turned on.
Structurally, geysers of any size are no different from a standard boiler powered from a 220 or 380 Volt network.
Pros and cons of choosing a geyser for an apartment
Before we get acquainted with the basic indicators that you should pay attention to when purchasing, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of this type of device. This will help you take a closer look at water heating geysers.
What pros has a system:
- A quarter more savings than the electric version.
- There is no need to carry out additional work before installing the device - the system can easily withstand normal loads.
- Installation is possible in areas without a centralized gas supply - simply attach an additional fuel cylinder. It needs to be constantly replaced.
- Good speakers work at several water intake points at once.
However, even without shortcomings You won’t be able to get by with any device:
- Increased fire hazard - using such equipment is highly not recommended if you do not know the rules. It is also prohibited to turn on the device if it is broken.
- If the pressure in gasification is not enough, then there will be no point in installing a column.
- It is strongly recommended not to place the device in a room with a high level of humidity in the atmosphere.
Of course, the use of any column is completely safe - the system has built-in numerical sensors that indicate breakdowns or unusual operation of components. And if there is a fuel leak, the device simply will not turn on.
How to choose the right geyser for an apartment is the main thing every buyer needs to look at
The choice of a particular unit is based on several important characteristics, which we will discuss in more detail below:
- System power
- Safety of use
- Device type
- Burner ignition method
- Method for eliminating gas decomposition products
- Additional options
- Manufacturer
How to choose a geyser for an apartment - let's start with the main point.
Which geyser to choose based on power and how it affects the productivity of your equipment
The first thing an experienced buyer looks at is power. It determines how much and quickly the water will heat up over a period of time. The higher the number, the faster hot liquid will flow from your faucet.
What geysers exist:
- Up to 20 kW (enough for one person to wash dishes or take a warm bath).
- Up to 25 kW (about 15 liters of water will warm up to 40 Celsius in just a minute).
- More than 25 kW (can fully support 3-4 people, work on kitchen faucets and a bathroom at the same time).
How to choose a gas water heater based on safety indicators
Until recently, any gas system could cause a fire or even an explosion with disastrous consequences. This is only if it was used or installed incorrectly. Modern devices are stuffed with dozens of different safety circuits, which should detect a problem and automatically turn off the column when a critical situation is detected. Of course, you shouldn’t forget about the work rules.
For the full operation of the security system and maintaining the device in the required condition, the following sensors are required:
- ionization - is responsible for the fact that when the flame goes out, the gas automatically stops flowing through the burner;
- burning - the sensor will not work as long as the first one works;
- draft - the column does not work until draft appears in the system;
- flow – directs water when the taps are turned on;
- overheating – protects all components from possible breakthrough at too high a temperature;
- low pressure sensor - if there is not enough pressure in the water supply to supply water, the device stops working.
Also, any gas burner must have a safety valve. It is needed to protect the pipes from bursting due to excess pressure.
Without these sensors, reliable protection is impossible. Even if your device costs 5-10 thousand more, but does not have everything listed above, never buy it. Believe me, life and health will cost you much more than some kind of burner.
How to choose a geyser by system type
In this category, all burners are divided into 2 subtypes:
- Semi-automatic – a light is constantly visible in the window, which comes into contact with the fuel only after turning on the cold water tap. Popular among lovers of cheap equipment, but not everyone likes to see a constant fire inside the boiler.
- Automatic – the ignition and gas supply valve are activated only when the liquid has flowed through the pipes. But this column also has some disadvantages. For example, you will have to regularly change the batteries in the igniter if you choose an electronic system.
How to start the burner
According to this classification, there are 3 main and main types:
- Manually – is responsible for the piezo ignition process.In order for the device to start working, you need to separately press the button and start a spark under the burner. The intensity of the device is determined by a special valve that regulates the gas pressure. As soon as the water is heated, the column turns off automatically;
- Based on electric spark. The system starts autonomously. In the device you will not see mechanical start buttons, there is only an ionization sensor. The valve only works when the boiler is running. Requires constant battery changes for the fire starter to function smoothly.
- Based on the action of a hydraulic turbine. The boiler is powered by an electric generator and a separate turbine. Refers to the automatic type of water heaters.
Important! Turbine systems only operate if the water pressure is at least 0.35 atmospheres.
How will combustion products be eliminated in the equipment?
Product removal is an equally important component. Without it, all the fumes, soot and gas residues will remain in the burner. What could this lead to - at least the failure of the entire apparatus. So, how can waste be removed:
- thanks to natural draft from the chimney pipe;
- immediately outside the room, through a separate hole.
Which geyser is right for you? One that will have the proper level of ventilation. A chimneyless system requires much more time for proper installation, drilling the walls and installing a separate ventilation valve. Choose your device wisely.
What additional options does a gas boiler have?
Some who like “non-standard” water heaters should take other parameters into account. These include:
- maintaining water temperature even when the gas supply is turned off for a long time;
- interactive display that displays the equipment status and possible problems;
- A unique look that will make your neighbors swoon with envy.
The manufacturer is selected based on one’s own preferences, the choice of acquaintances, friends or colleagues. Unfortunately, there is no universal “pill” here: each company has both good models and obvious “jambs” that need to be improved. We wish you a good choice and a great mood!