8 tips for choosing an electric water heater (boiler) for a private house and apartment

For some reason, public utilities are sure that people do not really need hot water in the summer, so they strive to turn off its supply for a long time due to repair work or for another reason. If you do not want to heat the water on the stove and wash in the basin, it's time to think about buying a boiler. Do not do without it, and those who are not connected to the centralized hot water system. A variety of boilers is decent, but often it is a wide range that introduces into a stupor. Let's try to figure out how to choose an electric water heater for the house and apartment, and we will figure out all the nuances of the right purchase.

No. 1. The main types of boilers

Water heaters can be electric and gas. The last people call columns and use less and less due to increased danger. Electric water heaters are commonly called boilers. They are familiar to many of us, they are distinguished by quiet operation, ease of operation, durability and safety, if, of course, the choice was made correctly.

By type of heating, electric water heaters are:

• flowing;
• cumulative.

Instantaneous electric water heaters

Boilers of this type are different compact sizes and allow you to heat water instantly. Tap water, in contact with the heating element, is heated and enters crane already hot, i.e. the process of mixing it with cold water is absent. Water heating occurs instantly, since the power of the heating element is decent. Often, boilers of this type are used in apartments, where there are often interruptions with a centralized supply of hot water. They do an excellent job of heating water for one water intake point. If you turn on hot water at the same time in two places, it may not have time to warm up - it all depends on the power.

Power instantaneous water heaters ranges from 3 to 27 kW. In an apartment with a single-phase voltage of 220 V, it is impossible to use a boiler with an output of 8 kW. A flowing boiler with a capacity of 3-8 kW heats 2-6 liters of water per minute, which is not so little - this will be enough for household and hygienic needs of a small family.

For a private house with a three-phase voltage of 380 V, you can take a boiler and more powerful. Then there will definitely not be problems with a shortage of hot water.

Advantages of instantaneous boilers:

• compactness;
• fast heating of water;
• water is heated only when it is needed. Turned on the tap - warm water flows, turned off the tap - the water does not heat up, which means that electricity is not consumed, which is the competitive advantage over storage boilers;
• hot water does not end suddenly. In storage boilers, if the hot water reserves are used up, it will take a long time to wait for heating.

Minuses:

• high power turns sideways if house wiring not very good (for Khrushchev and other old houses this is a serious problem), and even with the frequent use of such a boiler, electricity bills will not please you. The storage boiler in this regard is more economical;
• the water in the flowing boiler may overheat, as it heats up very quickly, and mixing with cold water does not occur. In this case, the boiler will first drain the hot water, then warm and then cold water will flow from the tap, and only then normal operation will resume. That is why it is very important that there is a heating limiter in the boiler.

Instantaneous water heaters can be of two types:

• non-pressure. Heats water for only one water intake point, therefore it should be located in close proximity to it. For city apartments is not the most convenient option, but for summer cottages such a boiler fits perfectly;
• pressure head. Such a water heater is built into the water riser, so the device allows you to heat water for several points of water intake at once.

On sale, sometimes you can even find hot water faucet, which can be considered the most simplified version of a non-pressure boiler.

Accumulative electric water heaters

In any case, the storage boiler will be larger than the flowing one, since it is equipped with a tank in which already heated water is heated and stored. When someone turns on the faucet, hot water from the boiler is mixed with cold water and supplied through mixer or watering can shower. As the water drains or cools, the appliance turns on the heating again. Tank volume fluctuates from a modest 10-30 liters to 150-200 liters. Such a water heater is installed on the wall or on the floor - it all depends on the size of the tank.

How much storage tank volume is needed? It all depends on the family's need for hot water. To wash, on average, one person spends 40-50 liters of water, but keep in mind that hot water from a water heater is mixed with cold tap water. If you take a shower, less water is left than when recruited bath. When choosing a boiler volume You can focus on the following data:

• boiler volume 50-80 l enough for a small family up to 3 people to wash the dishes and bathe in the shower. In principle, it will turn out to take a bath if you heat the water in the boiler to the maximum;
• 80-100 l - option for a family of 4 people. Such an assembly is not much more expensive than a 50-liter boiler, but a larger tank will warm longer;
• 100-150 l - a boiler for a large family, which consists of 6 people. There is enough water for several washbasins, and for the shower, and to fill the bath;
• volume boilers more than 150 l are used usually in private homesare installed on the floor and spend a decent amount of electricity.

With volume it is important not to miscalculate. If it turns out to be insufficient, there will be constant inconvenience, and if redundant, you will have to overpay and wait too long for heating.

Among the main advantages of storage boilers, we note:

• profitability. The average boiler, suitable for a city apartment, consumes 1.5-3 kW of electricity during heating and can be connected to a conventional 220 V network;
• one boiler, not even the largest one, is enough to fully provide hot water to all the water intake points in the apartment;
• durability.

The storage boiler immediately heats the entire volume of water in the tank, so the larger its capacity, the longer it takes to wait (a 30-liter tank will heat up in 1-1.5 hours, and a 120-liter tank will warm up to 4 hours). In addition, for huge water heaters it is still necessary to find a suitable place. Usually the boiler is located in the bathroom or a toilet, so do not forget to take a tape measure before buying and measure what size the equipment can fit in the bathroom, so as not to interfere with free movement. Small-sized water heaters are produced not only in the usual vertical, but also in a horizontal form. Some manufacturers produce embedded modelsthat can be placed in the cabinet under the sink.

Combined Water Heaters

This type of device combines the advantages of storage and flow boilers.Small-sized combined water heaters have a weight of not more than 6 kg, are equipped with a tank with a volume of 10-30 l and can operate in two modes. The selection of such models is not very wide.

No. 2. Type of heating element

Heating elements in the boilers are responsible for heating; less often, spiral heating elements are used (they are more powerful, but if something happens, they are more difficult to repair).

TENY can be of two types:

• “Wet”;
• "Dry."

By the name it’s easy to understand who is who. "Wet" TEN - a copper heating element that is immersed in water and works like a boiler. Such heating elements are characteristic of many storage and almost all flow-through boilers. These are cheap devices, but due to direct contact of the heating element with water, scale quickly forms on it, which has high thermal insulation properties, due to which the ability to heat water at the heating element decreases. You will have to constantly increase the temperature, and this will affect the life of the boiler. It is noteworthy that the higher the heating temperature, the faster the scale forms. In addition, the “wet” heater is subject to electrochemical corrosion. If the apartment is installed water filter, then, in principle, you can take a boiler of this type, it costs less. When working with hard water, prepare to clean the heater every 3-4 months.

"Dry" (steatin) TEN it is protected by a special flask and does not come into contact with water, therefore, scale cannot form here. The heat transfer of such a heating element is much higher, the service life is also, but a boiler with a similar heating element will cost 1.5-2 times more expensive.

Accumulative water heaters can be equipped one or two heating elements. The second heating element is received by all large-volume boilers, as well as models with a quick heating function.

No. 3. Boiler inner cover

The inner surface of the tank of the storage boiler constantly interacts with water, therefore it should be as resistant to corrosion as possible. Today, water heaters are on sale, in which the inner surface of the tank is made of such materials:

• stainless steel;
• enamel coating;
• glass ceramic;
• titanium spraying;
• plastic coating.

Boilers in which the tank has plastic inner coatingare cheaper than everyone, but their reliability is doubtful. Tanks from of stainless steel. Manufacturers give them a 10-year warranty, and some additionally carry out passivation, increasing the warranty period to 12 years. From the point of view of durability and reliability, such tanks are preferable, but they are not cheap. The most expensive boilers get titanium coating, which allows you to extend the life of a few more years.

Bucky with enamel coating not much inferior to the analog of stainless steel. Thanks to the addition of special additives to the enamel, it receives the same expansion coefficients as the steel from which the tank itself is made, therefore, when heated, such a coating will not crack. Enamel coating is being improved day by day. Today you can find water heaters in which enamel gets silver ion sputtering. Due to this, antibacterial and anticorrosion properties increase.

Some experts note that plastic, enamel and glass ceramics can receive mechanical damage from temperature extremes and when interacting with solid particles found in tap water. Nevertheless, enamel and glass-ceramic coating is not the worst option for a boiler, although it can not be compared with stainless steel.

On the other hand, no matter how strong the inner coating of the tank, the weaknesses are the same in all cases. it welding seams that begin to rust first. To prevent corrosion of the tank and the "wet" heating elements in the design of all modern boilers include anode protection. To do this, use a magnesium, titanium or aluminum anode, a tank acts as a cathode. The anode can be called a consumable. It is better to change it every few years, while cleaning the heater and flushing the tank.

Remember that a quality boiler made in accordance with all the rules can not be cheap. The absence of a guarantee or its very short term should also mean that the manufacturer, to put it mildly, is not sure of the quality of its products and wants to quickly relieve itself of responsibility for it.

Number 4. Boiler tank shape

When deciding which boiler to choose, you can be so carried away by studying the data on power, volume and material that you forget about much more obvious things. It's about the shape of the case. There are few options, the case may be:

• round;
• rectangular.

Boilers with round barrel body, as a rule, are cheaper (since they are easier to manufacture), but take up more space. This is the most popular version. Devices with rectangular tank save space because they can be installed in the corner, niche, on the edge of the wall or completely hidden in locker. Moreover, due to their shape, such models are equipped with a thicker layer of thermal insulation. There are also so-called slim modelsin which the diameter or one of the sides is smaller than in standard devices. Before buying, it is very important to determine where the boiler will be located and how much space is available for its installation.

As for colors, then there are few options. The most popular and win-win option is a white shade case. Also in demand are gray and silver models.

No. 5. Vertical and horizontal water heaters

Depending on the installation features, the boilers can be:

• vertical
• horizontal
• universal.

Vertical and horizontal boilers differ in design features and the location of the heater, which can be attached to the bottom plate or side surface of the tank. It is not recommended to mount vertical water heaters horizontally - their performance may decrease, and vice versa.

If bare space in the bathroom, it is better to stay on a horizontal model. Such a boiler is mounted under the very ceiling, takes up a minimum of space and is not striking. On the other hand, a horizontal boiler costs a little more expensive, more difficult to install and maintain.

Universal boilers impress with the fact that they can be mounted as you like without losing functionality and performance.

No. 6. Boiler control system

You can set the necessary operation parameters and control the heating of water in the boiler in one of two ways:

• mechanical control. The easiest, cheapest and most practical option. The degree of water heating is set by a rotary lever, which is located on the bottom of the boiler. On the boiler itself there is a small window with an arrow, with which you can control the current temperature of the water in the tank. Everything is extremely simple - there is practically nothing to break here. The downside is that it is difficult to precisely adjust the temperature of the water, as, in principle, to determine the current degree of heating;
• electronic control. It is represented by a display and physical or touch buttons. The user gets the opportunity not only to set the desired heating temperature accurate to a degree, but also to memorize the heating modes, carry out diagnostics, start the economy mode, etc. Such boilers are more expensive and, moreover, sensitive to power surges.

Number 7. Additional functions, equipment, installation

When choosing an electric water heater, it does not hurt to pay attention to its configuration and additional options:

• important for the storage boiler thermal insulation layer. It must be at least 35 mm so that the water in the tank remains warm for a long time, saving the family budget. Foamed polyurethane surpasses foam rubber by an order of magnitude and will be the preferred material;
• function overheat protection - an important component of your safety. If the boiler will be operated in the country, then it is worth watching the model with the anti-freeze mode;
• timer will allow heating at night, when electricity is cheaper. Such models are not much more expensive than usual and are useful to those who have a two-tariff counter;
• each boiler has a certain degree moisture protection. If the device will be operated in a bathroom, it is better to take a model with IP44, in other cases a minimum level of protection IP23 will be sufficient;
• As a rule, normal manufacturers supply their boilers with a power cable and a blasting valve. The latter is installed at the point of entry of the water pipe into the boiler and prevents overpressure. Also, the presence of factory brackets will help, due to which the boiler will be fixed;
• it is worth taking care of the presence of a sleeve for isolation of stray currents.

Most likely, water pipes, valves, connecting fittings, and sometimes fasteners will have to be purchased. If the water in the region is saturated with salts, it will not hurt to install a filter.

Boiler installation must be handled by a professional who is able to accurately follow the instructions and the requirements specified therein. Otherwise, there may be problems with the warranty repair of the equipment. It is important to ensure proper grounding and to check whether the pressure in water supply boiler operating pressure: if cold water is supplied with a higher pressure than it should, a pressure reducer will have to be installed. Finally, note that there should be enough free space in front of the boiler.

Number 8. The best manufacturers of electric water heaters

The topic of water heater manufacturers needs a separate review.. Now we select only the largest companies that produce boilers:

• Ariston, Italy - reliable equipment with low energy consumption indicators. Most models get an accelerated heating function. Boilers of the manufacturer are quite simple to install and durable, they are distinguished by excellent indicators of the ratio of price and functionality;
• Gorenje, Slovenia - boilers distributed all over the world, which have proved themselves to be unpretentious, with a wide variety and reasonable prices. The company constantly introduces innovative technologies and improves equipment safety. There are models with horizontal installation;
• Thermex, Italy - a large company with offices around the world, produces boilers of different capacities and volumes. The tanks receive a stainless steel coating with bio-glass porcelain, a multi-stage security system and a magnesium anode. The assortment has slim models;
• Bosch, Germany - The giant also produces water heaters. The assortment is wide, the quality is German, the prices are appropriate, but it is better to pay once and not know any problems for the next few years;
• Electrolux, Sweden - a company with a worldwide reputation, constantly improving products, introducing innovations. Here with responsibility they approach the design of equipment, as well as safety. The assortment is sufficient, many models receive “dry” heating elements;
• Aeg, Germany - manufactures premium-level flow and storage type boilers. Flowing ones have a power from 3.5 to 27 kW, accumulative ones differ in volume from 5 to 400 l;
• ZANUSSI, Italy - reliable and durable boilers, there are vertical and horizontal models, everyone gets a magnesium anode and a protective shutdown function. In terms of safety and efficiency, this is an excellent solution, but it is difficult to call the company's boilers cheap;
• Stiebel eltron, Germany - expensive flow and storage boilers, which are distinguished by a pleasant design, functionality and practicality;
• ELDOM, Bulgaria - very good boilers of vertical and horizontal mounting. The assortment is wide in scope, prices are affordable, the tank cover in most models is enameled;
• from domestic companies can be noted Real Madrid and Halothat produce good boilers and give them a long guarantee.

An incorrectly selected boiler can cause big problems, for example, large-scale leakage. In order not to put yourself at risk, it is better not to go too far with the savings and buy a quality model with a multi-year warranty.