How to choose a water heater

A water heater is an alternative to centralized hot water supply and a good opportunity to save money. A water heater is something like a thermos that stores and heats water inside.

Choosing a water heater for an apartment, cottage, house: main criteria

When choosing a water heater, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• volume;
• a heating element;
• electricity consumption and thermal insulation;
• anti-corrosion coating;
• power;
• tank shape, color;
• vertical or horizontal;
• control system;
• add. functions, installation and configuration.

Volume

The most popular sizes of water heaters are: 50l, 80l, 100l, 150l. On average, a water heater with a volume of 50-80 liters is enough for a family of three people.A 100-liter boiler is a good option for a family of 4 or more people. Due to the larger tank volume, the water heating time increases.

A heating element

The boiler heats the water using a heating element. A heating element is a tubular heating element. They are divided into two types: wet and dry. The first type, that is, wet, uses the principle of a boiler when operating, namely, it heats water through direct contact with it. The second is isolated from water thanks to a metal or ceramic sleeve. The latest water heaters are more expensive, but more practical.

Electricity consumption and thermal insulation

Electricity consumption and thermal insulation are directly related. When choosing a boiler, pay attention to high-quality and modern thermal insulation. This way it will maintain the water temperature longer, allowing you to save money on electricity. You can find out about the energy consumption of the boiler in its technical characteristics when purchasing.

Anti-corrosion coating

Metal corrosion is a common phenomenon in water heaters. Since water is constantly stored inside the boiler, its walls can become damaged. This directly depends on the material from which they are made. Titanium or stainless steel is considered to be the highest quality material.

To prevent corrosion, many modern water heaters use anodic protection. Since welding seams are the first to begin to rust, an anode made of aluminum or titanium is used. The cathode is the tank itself. Since the anode is a consumable item, it needs to be replaced after a couple of years of use. Along with replacement, it is recommended to clean the heating element and rinse the tank.

Power

The larger the volume, the greater the power of the water heater. But power consumption also depends on power. As an option, buy a boiler with two heating elements. This will allow you to insure yourself in case one of them breaks down. Also, if there is an urgent need, you can quickly heat the water, and when you have time, use only one heating element.

Water heater tank shape and color

Boiler tank shapes are divided into two types:

1. Round.
2. Rectangular.

Round or barrel-shaped boilers are quite simple to manufacture, which is why their cost is lower. At the same time, they take up much more space. A rectangular tank can be installed in a corner, which will save space in the bathroom. Also, rectangular models are often equipped with a thicker layer of thermal insulation. Before purchasing, consider the location where the water heater will be installed. Also, almost all water heaters come in white with different shades (silver or gray).

Vertical or horizontal

Any water heater is divided into the two types above; there are also universal models.

Each type has its own differences and location of the heating element. It is usually attached to the side of the tank or to the bottom plate.

It is strongly recommended not to use vertical water heaters in a horizontal position and vice versa, as this reduces their performance.

IMPORTANT! It is better to purchase a horizontal boiler if there is little space in the bathroom. You can fix it right under the ceiling, which will not affect the free space in any way.

At the same time, horizontal water heaters are more expensive, more difficult to install and require special maintenance.

Universal boilers are designed for both types of installation; this does not affect their performance in any way.

Control system

There are two types of controls for controlling water heating:

1. Mechanical control.
2. Electronic control.

The first option is the cheapest and most practical. It is possible to regulate water heating using a lever located at the bottom of the boiler. You can find out the current temperature by looking at the window with an arrow, which is located in the center of the barrel. Management downtime is mastered and nothing breaks. However, the downside is that it is quite difficult to determine the exact temperature and change the degree of heating.

Electronic control is on the display with touch buttons. With this type of control you can easily specify the exact desired water temperature. You have the opportunity to turn on the economy mode or run diagnostics. The advantage is accuracy up to 1 degree, and the disadvantage is the higher cost.

Additional functions, installation and configuration of the boiler

The owner of two tariff meters has such a function as a timer. With its help you can heat water at the exact time of day. Models with a timer will not cost much more.

Overheating protection will allow you to safely operate the water heater. If the boiler will be used in the country, a function such as frost protection will be required.

The thermal insulation layer should not be less than 35 mm. The best material is polyurethane foam, but if you want to save money, foam rubber is also suitable.

It is necessary to take care of installing the bushing, which serves as insulation from currents.

IMPORTANT! As additional equipment, you will have to purchase pipes, connecting and fastening elements, and, if possible, a pressure reducer.If the region has particularly dirty water, you will also need to purchase a filter.

Types of water heaters

There are different types of water heaters. Therefore, when choosing, you need to decide which type is suitable for a particular room.

Flow-through

Such water heaters are small in size and easy to install. They require constant and high water pressure in the tap. Consists of the following:

1. Frame.
2. A heating element.
3. Sensors
4. Circuit breakers.

This type of water heater does not require a separately installed mixer. Consumes quite a lot of electricity.

Cumulative

Used when large amounts of water are needed. Useful when a tankless water heater has problems with wiring load.

The cost of such equipment is slightly higher than the previous one. Takes up a lot of space due to its large volume. It is able to deliver water to several points at once, while maintaining the desired temperature.

The load on the network is minimal and does not require a special connection.

Combined

Rarely used, most often in private homes. The water is heated using a heat exchanger, which is connected to the heating system. It is possible to connect the boiler to a separate boiler.

In the summer, when the heating is turned off, the water is heated using a heating element.

Uses a lot of electricity, which is why it is rarely used in apartment buildings.

A spiral is installed in the boiler of the boiler storage tank. It is into this that the coolant flows from the heating system.

Due to electric heating, electricity consumption increases in the summer.

There is a control panel that allows you to change winter and summer modes.

Liquid

Bulk water heaters are especially popular among summer residents. Well suited for those who do not have running water. The equipment is reminiscent of a washbasin and includes a water tank and a tap. The tank is equipped with a heating element.

Liquids come in different volumes, usually no more than 20 liters.

Features and accessories may vary depending on model and manufacturer. Such water heaters serve for a long time and rarely break down.

Consumes little power and plugs directly into an outlet.

Advantages and disadvantages

Which water heater is better: gas or electric?

Gas ones work on the principle: water enters the gas burner installed in the apparatus, equipped with copper heat exchangers, and instantly heats up

Such a unit can only be installed if gas is available. If this is not possible, consider purchasing an autonomous cylinder for your apartment or house.

Unlike gas units, electric units operate autonomously.They can turn on and off periodically, thereby saving energy. However, electricity consumption still remains high.

IMPORTANT! Electric units have a volume limit, unlike those that run on gas and heat water quickly. The volume depends on the size of the tank, which in turn affects the cost of the boiler.

Which boiler to choose: stainless steel or enamel?

Coverage also plays an important role. This criterion must also be relied upon when choosing a water heater.

Enamel coating

The fact that enamel coatings quickly rust is just a myth. Experts say that such heaters can last longer than stainless steel units.

If you choose a high-quality unit, no problems should arise with it. The purchase often comes with a warranty of five to eight years.

Enamel has its advantages: low cost and long service life.

Stainless steel coating

The very word “stainless steel” instills much more confidence before purchasing.

Not everyone knows that stainless steel contains chromium, particles of which begin to evaporate at high temperatures. This starts to happen with welding seams.

Due to the evaporation of chromium particles, which is used as an anti-corrosion coating, some areas of the surface begin to rust, which is why the tank soon begins to leak.

Both of these boilers can become unusable, so the choice must be made by the consumer independently, based on the room in which the unit is needed. There are no special differences between them. Protection is provided in both options, but in different ways.