Electric water heaters for summer cottages: types. Storage, flow and autonomous devices

Do without hot water in a house, apartment or own dacha very difficult. But hot water sources are not everywhere. Because of this, many people suffer, forced to seek alternative ways. The way out of the situation will be a wall-mounted electric water heater. By installing such an electrical appliance in your home, you will receive a full-fledged source of hot water, which can be used for any needs.

When choosing electric water heaters, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the technical characteristics of the equipment. The performance of the chosen technique directly depends on them. We also pay attention to the type of device - flow or storage, there is a third option - flow-through storage water heater, but about it in another review. Let's look at this water heating technique in more detail.

Types of wall-mounted water heaters

Do you want to install an electric wall-mounted water heater in your home? A decent idea if there is no hot water supply. There are two main types of devices to choose from:

• flowing - heat water in real time, when the tap is opened;
• accumulative - they heat water in a special tank with the help of low-power heating elements, giving water as needed.

Instantaneous water heaters

Instantaneous water heaters have one important advantage - small size. The smallest models look like small plastic boxes with two nozzles, to which plumbing and a shower head (or faucet) are connected. The design of the heaters includes step-by-step power regulators and circuit breakers. As soon as we open the faucet, the sensor will record the water pressure and turn on the heating element - hot water will flow from the faucet or shower head.

Flowing electric water heaters are distinguished by their efficiency with occasional use - as long as the tap is in the closed position, the electricity consumption is zero. The main disadvantage is the high power consumption for the most productive models, which is an obstacle for their use in some conditions - you have to make do with storage models.

Connection electrical equipment power over 3 kW is carried out on a separate electrical line coming directly from switchboard or counter, without twists and branches.

Storage water heaters

A storage electric water heater for the home will delight you with the constant availability of hot water, even if the lights turn off unexpectedly. The thing is that the water here accumulates in the internal tank, the volume of which is from ten to several hundred liters. Heating is carried out using small heating elements, the power of which rarely exceeds 1.5-2 kW. As soon as the consumer opens the tap, hot water begins to flow from the heater, pushed out of the tank under the pressure of the water supply.

Storage water heaters have the following advantages:

• stable outlet water temperature (the main difference from accumulative models);
• the possibility of distributing water to several points of water intake at once(in case of using flow heaters would have to choose a very powerful model).

Accumulative electric water heaters operate in automatic mode. As soon as the temperature in the internal tank falls below a certain level, the heating element turns on. It heats the water, and after reaching the set temperature, it automatically turns off. As hot water is consumed, cold water enters the tank, which again leads to the inclusion of the heating element. To compensate for natural cooling, such heaters are equipped with effective thermal insulation.

Which water heater to choose

When choosing an electric water heater for your home, you need to determine:

• frequency of use of the hot water source;
• the number of consumers;
• wiring condition.

If hot water you plan to use a maximum of one or two times a day, for washing your hands or for taking a shower, you can get by with the simplest wall-mounted flow heater. Do not skimp on power, as winter temperatures warm water the exit may not be very comfortable. Such water heaters are good for summer cottages, where people usually appear no more than once a week.

Thanks to this table, you can easily select the volume of water heater you need.

If hot water is needed by a large number of consumers, you should pay attention to storage heaters. The capacity of the tanks is selected depending on the nature of use and the number of those same consumers. For example, for a family of 2-3 people, a tank of 50-80 liters is enough. This is enough for washing hands and dishes, as well as for taking a shower (if you use water as sparingly as possible, you can wash one after another, without interruption for the accumulation of hot water).

With a large number of consumers, you can also use a flowing electric heater for water, but in this case it should be very powerful model, to which it is possible to connect several points of water intake. It is also desirable to have built-in electronics that ensure the stabilization of the water temperature, depending on its pressure in the water supply.

Please note that the use of such devices in buildings with weak walls is not allowed. If the device itself falls, then this is not so bad. But the destruction of part of the wall threatens with much greater losses, up to the collapse of part of the dwelling (relevant for country houses).

What is the price of electric wall mounted water heater? It all depends on the chosen model and its characteristics. The minimum cost of a flow heater is 1650 rubles, and for the cheapest storage water heater you will have to pay 2500 rubles. The indicated prices are valid for July 2016.

How to install a water heater on a wall

When connecting any water heater to the mains, use a separate machine and RCD.

You can install an electric heater for water on the wall yourself. If you chose a flow model, mark holes for plastic dowels with screws, drill holes in the wall, insert dowels into them, tighten the screws and hang the purchased water heater on them. To mount some models, you will have to unscrew the case to secure it with screws. Finally, connect to electric heater hoses. Also follow electrical connection to an outlet or to a separate line through RCDs.

With storage heaters, the situation is more complicated - their large weight affects. And when liquid is collected inside, the weight of the device will increase. For example, the weight of a 50 liter boiler is about 65-70 kg when filled. Therefore, instead of plastic dowels, powerful anchor bolts should be used. Next, we fix the boiler with their help and make the necessary connections.

The presence of hot water is one of the main and integral attributes of a comfortable life. Its temporary shutdown can bring a lot of inconvenience to modern citizens. In addition, not all holiday villages and villages are supplied with hot water. To eliminate this circumstance, an electric instantaneous water heater (on-line, non-pressure) from Electrolux, Ariston, Termex and other manufacturers is often used. Such a boiler works in automatic mode, the main condition is the presence of a source of water and power supply.

What is an instantaneous water heater

Achievement modern science and technicians - a flowing electric water heater that allows you to use hot water for domestic needs all year round, is a small device with a heating element. The latter is a heating element (tubular electric heater) or an open spiral. The open helix is ​​used in very compact devices in the form of nozzles on the faucet, because. there is simply nowhere to put the heating element there. Heating takes place in a copper flask.

Externally, the device is a relatively small plastic case, which is connected to a source of electricity and a water supply system. There is only one outlet for hot water. Depending on the purpose, performance, such a device can provide water with a constant temperature to one or more points of water intake. At the same time, some models are equipped with a mechanical control system, others - with an electronic one. The undoubted advantage is the ability to adjust the power and water heating, especially for an electronically controlled boiler.

How does it work

Having decided to install a structure that would provide the opportunity to use a hot shower in any season of the year, first familiarize yourself with the principle of its operation. The electric hot water heater is switched on when the tap is opened, i.e. appearance of water flow. Further, the water is instantly heated to the optimum temperature, after which it is simply maintained at the same level. There are no storage tanks of different sizes in the boiler.

Due to the fact that this type of water heater is a high power electrical appliance, it requires separate electrical wiring. In addition, the device must be grounded. As a system of protection against overheating and burns, special devices are used - regulators-limiters. In some models, they work when the water heating temperature exceeds 65-70 degrees.

Types of instantaneous water heaters

Flow boiler happens pressure type and pressureless. The first one is called a water heater in a different way. closed type- it is connected to the gap water pipe. Possesses big power and can supply water to multiple taps. The connection of a non-pressure (open) water heater is carried out as with simple household appliances, i.e. by diverting a water pipe or flexible hose. Supplies only one point. The advantage is low cost and low power, which will save on electricity consumption. Kinds:

• nozzle on the kitchen faucet;
• faucet with electric water heating;
• a separate device, fixed next to the shower / sink.

pressure head

Regardless specifications any instantaneous type water heater, including budget model, is a very economical device in terms of water consumption. The fact is that the user, standing in the bathtub or in the shower, does not have to wait long for the water to reach the required temperature. A pressure appliance, great for kitchens, is always under mains pressure. One of the popular options for such a heater:

• model name: Thermex System 800;
• price: 3330 rubles;
• characteristics: mechanical control, power consumption 8 kW (220 V), dimensions (WxHxD) 270x170x95 mm;
• pluses: it is cheap;
• minuses: low quality assembly and materials.

If you are looking for a more powerful device, then take a look at one of the Stiebel water heater models:

• model name: Stiebel Eltron DHC-E 12;
• price: 25878 rubles;
• characteristics: productivity 5 liters of water per minute, mechanical control, power consumption 10 kW (220 V), dimensions (WxHxD) 200x360x104 mm;
• pluses: there is a system of protection against overheating;
• cons: it's expensive.

Non-pressure

A non-pressure heater has the same principle of operation as a pressure heater, just a special mixer acts as a safety group. In the closed state, it blocks the water at the inlet, and when heated, it discharges excess water. On sale you can find devices from different manufacturers, so be sure to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option you are interested in. Here is one of inexpensive models:

• model name: Timberk WHE 3.5 XTR H1;
• price: 2354 rubles;
• characteristics: mechanical control, power consumption 3.5 kW (220 V), dimensions (WxHxD) 124x210x82 mm, productivity 2.45 l/min., weight 800 g;
• pluses: it is cheap, there is an overheating protection system;
• cons: low performance.

Among other non-pressure heaters, pay attention to this type of device:

• model name: Electrolux NP4 Aquatronic;
• price: 5166 rubles;
• characteristics: power consumption 4 kW (220 V), dimensions (WxHxD) 191x141x85 mm, output 2 l/min, weight 1.42 kg;
• pros: reasonable size, good value for money.
• cons: low power.

For shower

It is not a problem to purchase such a product as a flow-type water heater in St. Petersburg, Moscow or another city in the country today, it is more difficult to decide on suitable option and optimum power. Depending on the build quality and operating conditions, the purchase made can last about 5-7 years. To answer the question of which instantaneous water heater is better to buy in an apartment for taking a shower, check out a few popular appliances. Compare all parameters including approximate consumption electricity. An inexpensive purchase can be:

• model name: Atmor Basic 5;
• price: 1778 rubles;
• characteristics: mechanical control, power consumption 5 kW (220 V), productivity 3 l / min., set consists of a shower head, a plug for an outlet, a hose;
• pros: low cost, compactness;
• cons: a small length of the shower hose.

Another popular and sought-after representative of this category of instantaneous water heaters is:

• model name: Delsot PEVN 5;
• price: 2541 rubles;
• characteristics: power consumption 5 kW (220 V), productivity 3 l/min., set consists of a shower head, hose, dimensions (WxHxD) 206x307x65 mm;
• pluses: low cost, ease of connection;
• cons: poorly heats water.

mechanically controlled

Correct the operation of the heater, i.e. You can change the degree of water heating using the regulators, which are located on a special panel. The control may be mechanical or electronic. The first is often called hydraulic. An attachment to a tap for heating water or a separate standard appliance with this control is always switched on with maximum power- even if there are several heating modes. It is necessary to change the degree of heating manually, i.e. switching modes after power on. Here is one option:

• model name: AEG DDLT 24 PinControl;
• price: 37100 rubles;
• characteristics: power consumption 24 kW (380 V), productivity 12.3 l / min., Maximum temperature water heating +60°C, dimensions (WxHxD) 226x485x93 mm, weight 3.3 kg;
• pluses: big power;
• cons: high cost.

Check out another option - a three-phase Kospel electric water heater:

• model name: Kospel KDH 21 Luxus;
• price: 11354 rubles;
• characteristics: power consumption 21 kW (380 V), productivity 10.1 l / min., dimensions (WxHxD) 245x440x120 mm, weight 5.1 kg;
• pluses: big power;
• cons: high cost.

Electronically controlled

Electronically controlled instantaneous water heaters have gained considerable popularity today. They are distinguished by high power and more high cost. This is due to the fact that installations of this type have heating elements with multi-stage power control. In addition, these devices have several sensors and a microprocessor that processes data and regulates the operation of the heaters. A prime example serves:

• model name: Stiebel Eltron HDB-E 12 Si;
• price: 19285 rubles;
• characteristics: power consumption 11 kW (380 V), productivity 5.4 l / min., dimensions (WxHxD) 225x470x117 mm, weight 3.6 kg, there is an overheating protection system;
• pluses: good power, pressure;
• cons: high cost.

If some of the characteristics did not suit you, then check out another option:

• model name: Stiebel Eltron DHC-E 8;
• price: 25838 rubles;
• characteristics: power consumption 6 kW (380 V), productivity 3 l / min., dimensions (WxHxD) 200x362x105 mm, there is an overheating protection system;
• pluses: temperature limit to 60 ° C;
• cons: high cost.

How to choose an instantaneous water heater

When choosing, first of all, you need to choose the right optimal power installation. In this case, it is easier to focus on the number of taps that must be simultaneously supplied with hot water. If there are three such points in the living space, then the power of the device should be from 13 kW and more, if 2 - within 8-12 kW, and if 1 - up to 8 kW. Choose the type of control: hydraulic or electronic. The first is cheaper, the second has more power and modern "stuffing".

Pay attention to the performance of the device, i.e. water consumption. The average value for a shower is 5 l/min, for a washbasin and a sink with a mixer it is 2-4 l/min, and for a bathtub with a mixer it is 3.5 l/min. When choosing, make sure that you have the same value for both power and performance. Only in this way will the instantaneous water heater provide you with water heated to the set temperature. Otherwise, you will have to ensure that more than one tap does not open at the same time.

To make the purchase, regardless of the cost and high / low power, turn out to be optimal, make a kind of monitoring of prices, promotions, discounts, sales for one or another electric heater of running water with a heating element, compare the characteristics of several models that can be ordered from the catalog in the online store with delivery by mail or by purchasing at the nearest hardware store.

Video

Many urban residents are familiar with the age-old problem of seasonal shutdown of hot water supply. And it’s good if the temporary discomfort lasts only a couple of weeks. It happens that this period is calculated in months. For country estates, you will have to take care of heating the water on your own for the entire season or even a year. In such situations, one of optimal solutions- use of electric water heaters. The best instantaneous electric water heaters are in our today's rating.

Criteria for choosing an instantaneous electric water heater

The list of relevant parameters is not particularly large, but each of them is of no small importance. Competent selection of characteristics is the key to the efficiency of the water heater, its reliability and makes operation truly comfortable.

Device type

There are two main types of flow models:

• Non-pressure. Simple and compact devices designed for only one point. They are convenient to use with low or unstable pressure in the plumbing system. Best and inexpensive option a water heater for summer cottages or as a temporary source of heating when hot water is turned off in summer;
• Pressure. Often they are also called systemic. They are connected to the water supply, work under pressure and can be used to service one or more points of water intake.

Power

The heating capacity of the device and its performance directly depend on this parameter. The optimal value can be determined by the formula:

P=Q x (T1-T2) x 0.073.

Q is the volume of water passed in l / min., and T1 and T2 are the inlet and outlet temperatures, respectively.

There is a simpler method: to get water heated to about 35 ° C, you need to multiply its planned consumption per minute by 2.

Type of heating control system

Few options:

• hydraulic. The temperature is controlled by the pressure of the water;
• Electronic. The required parameters are set on the display and controlled by the control unit by adjusting the power when the pressure changes.

Equipment

The characteristic is more relevant for inexpensive non-pressure water heaters. Nozzle options: faucet only, hose with shower head, faucet + shower. Models up to 3.5 kW are equipped with an electrical cord with a plug having a grounding contact. For more powerful varieties, the cable is usually not provided in the kit.

Many are accustomed to the fact that the centralized supply of hot water can be stopped for more than one day. So why endure it if you can become absolutely independent by installing a storage water heater? In this article, you can learn in detail about the different types of electric water heaters, their device, the principle of operation, as well as understand all the pros and cons.

This information will be useful to absolutely everyone, especially if the municipal authorities are not able to supply hot water to your area. But to complete the overall picture, I will also tell you about instantaneous electric water heaters, which serve as an alternative to storage water heaters.

The main device and principle of operation of electric heaters

Several types of electric heaters fall into this category, which we will discuss separately. Each of them has a unique heating device, although they all have a common goal. Many of us are used to calling everything boilers, but this is wrong. In fact, a boiler is only a generalizing meaning, and translated from English means “boiler”.

Therefore, it is necessary to correctly classify electric water heaters as follows:

1. Cumulative electric heaters.
2. Running water heaters.
3. Boilers of indirect heating.

Looking at their structure and principle of operation, it is already possible to form a definite opinion, namely, the size and cost of the structure. Most buyers of such devices want them not only to do their job, but also to have compact size. Well, now you will see everything.

Electric boiler device

This device is one of the cheapest, most popular and widespread. They have appeared on our market for a very long time, so many saw them clearly. This storage electric water heater has a very simple device, consisting of several key elements. In appearance, this is an ordinary enameled tank, equipped with a sensor and a device for connecting pipes. But inside it is a very efficient heating system. In the diagram below, you can see the basic principle of most storage boilers.

Now let's take a closer look at each element involved in the workflow.

1. Water supply device. As you may have guessed from the title, this device designed to provide water access to the boiler tank. There is a valve inside it, and as soon as the filling sensor is triggered, the water supply automatically stops.
2. A heating element or a tubular electric heater is the main heating device made in the form of a metal tube. Inside it is a nichrome thread that has a certain degree of resistance, depending on the required power. It is surrounded by a heat-conducting insulator, so it is not afraid of external influences, and the mode temperature does not drop quickly.

1. magnesium anode. It is a kind of "lightning rod" that protects not from lightning, but from corrosion. The vast majority of storage electric boilers are made of metal, which is susceptible to corrosion. As soon as the water inside the tank begins to heat up, oxygen will be released, which will start the process of metal oxidation.
   The magnesium anode has a more active degree of exposure to oxygen, therefore, the released air will primarily interact with it without touching the walls of the tank.

Having bought an electric boiler, be sure to pay attention to the condition of the magnesium anode during operation. If it becomes completely covered with rust, but try to replace it soon. Without a magnesium anode, the life of the boiler will be significantly reduced. Approximate replacement time is 1 time in 2-3 years.

1. Enameled tank. Designed to store warm water, it can be made of enameled steel, plastic or just stainless steel. Despite all the protective layers internal coating susceptible to corrosion. Everything will depend on the time of operation, as well as the quality of the water. In the photo you can see a great example of such a tank:

1. Water intake tube. It is intended for selection of hot water from the upper part, concentrating cold water in the lower part near the heater.
2. Thermal insulation. Allows you to keep the temperature of heated water for a long time.
3. Water heater body. It has decorative properties and can be absolutely anything, depending on the manufacturer.

The general principle of operation and the device of this type of water heater are quite easy to describe. Cold water heated in the lower part to 75°C, and then, thanks to the water intake, it is supplied to upper part. If there is no water intake, the heater continues to maintain this temperature. You can open the faucet at any time and get access to the hot water that has warmed up during this time.

But you can not keep the boiler on all the time, you need to turn it off from time to time. This will help you not only save money, but also extend its life.

The device has protective system, which prevents the temperature from heating above 85 °. If this happens, the boiler will automatically turn off. But basically optimal mode 55°C is considered to work.

Indirect heating device system

I'll tell you about indirect heating only partially, as an introduction, since it is not electrical system as such. By itself, such a system does not have an independent heating device at all. This is just one of the elements of hot water supply using a boiler.

Basically, the system is designed to a large number consumers, as well as heating rooms. Therefore, it is used in private homes, or in enterprises.

The principle of operation is based on heat exchange between the temperature difference of different containers. But in order for the temperature to be stable, such a boiler must heat it above the required level. The boiler itself serves only as a kind of “support”, which is its device:

As you can see for yourself, a boiler is basically more capacity than a full-fledged heating device. All the main functions are performed by other devices, up to the circulation of water.

Instantaneous electric water heaters

Flowing electric heaters radically differ from accumulative not only in appearance, but also in the principle of operation. They are designed to quickly heat running water and do not have any containers for storing it. Main principle operation is based on a powerful heating element (thermal electric heater) installed in the device, which is capable of instantly heating the supplied water.

The device of an electric instantaneous water heater consists of:

• switch relay;
• valves and water connection systems;
• regulators;
• TEN and breaker.

It is able to maintain the set temperature for a long time, while there is a flow. Also, the device is equipped with safety elements designed to work in case of malfunctions. General form You can see the entire system in this diagram:

Due to the high consumption of electricity, the water heating system copes with the task in a matter of seconds. She appeared much later than other heating devices, but quickly gained her fans. However, not everything is as “smooth” with her as it seems, and further on I will tell you why.

Advantages and disadvantages of different types of electric heaters

As I said above, each of these devices has its own advantages and disadvantages. Many of them are not only obvious, but also hidden, so inexperienced buyers can make mistakes when choosing.

Pros and cons of storage heaters

The electric storage heater used to be really considered one of the best devices for heating water. It is quite economical, does not take up much space, and most importantly - has an affordable price.

I suggest you look at all the advantages:

1. Easy mounting method compared to other devices.
2. Moderate price.
3. Ease and convenience in use.
4. Security.
5. Small consumption of electricity.

But despite this series good benefits, not without serious shortcomings:

1. Lack of heating capacity. Often, if a family consumes a large number of water, then the boiler must be constantly heated, since there is simply not enough hot water for everyone.
2. "Floating" service life. Of course, this term mainly depends on the manufacturer, but water quality and user service also play a big role. If the anode is not replaced in time and the water quality is too low, the boiler will not last long.
3. Dimensions. This term is a little controversial since it all depends on the chosen capacity. But anyway, the boiler takes large area, in comparison with geysers and other devices.
4. Expectation. Before using it, you need to wait for the water to heat up.

In general, most of the shortcomings rest on the volume of the tank and the guaranteed quality of the manufacturer. Therefore, we can safely say that this device is worth your attention.

Pros and cons of instantaneous water heater

Instantaneous water heater is one of the most modern devices for heating water.

Thanks to a powerful electric heating element, you get hot water almost in a matter of seconds, but its advantages do not end there:

1. Compact dimensions. Instantaneous water heaters occupy the smallest area and are the smallest water heating devices.
2. Easy installation. If you are familiar with connecting electrical devices and holding the power cable, then you can connect the device with your own hands.
3. Convenient adjustment. You can adjust the water temperature almost instantly, and the switch is often located on the device itself.

Now let's move on to the disadvantages, since these devices are also not without them:

1. For use, it is necessary to install a circuit breaker, as well as to run a separate electrical cable.
2. They are not the most economical device because they consume a lot of electrics. Devices with a power of 2 kW are often not able to heat more than 2 liters of hot water per minute. For stable operation, it is best to install devices with a power of 5 kW.
3. Price. As I said, their cost is relatively higher than the cost of ordinary boilers.

If you are satisfied with all these conventions, then you can safely be interested in instantaneous water heaters.

How to choose the right storage heater

If you decide to choose storage water heaters, then you definitely need to find out a few useful tips by their choice. First of all, you need to calculate the amount of water consumed. We will build on this indicator when choosing the capacity of the boiler. Naturally, the larger the capacity, the more hot water we will get. However, it should not be forgotten that what more water- the longer it will heat up.

Having decided on the capacity, find the place where the boiler will be installed and mark it. Consider the volume of the tank, the approximate type of construction, as well as the conduct for connecting water.

Now the last point remains - the choice of the manufacturer and the material of the tank. In this case, it all depends on your Money. Read reviews about manufacturers, as well as the guarantees they give on this product. plastic tanks they are not subject to corrosion, however, unlike enameled ones, they have poor interaction with thermal insulation.

Such is simple instruction will help you in the future to avoid the troubles associated with both the purchase and operation of boilers.

Grand total

After reading the article, have you already convinced that storage electric heaters are one of the most economical devices for heating water? Not only do they have a comparatively low price, but they are also very easy to install. The main thing is to do right choice and calculate all parameters according to your requirements. And the video in this article will help you delve even deeper into this topic. If you have any questions, you can leave them in the comments below the article.

Residents of apartment buildings often experience interruptions in the supply of hot water. Scheduled repairs in the summer, which are carried out by public utilities, sometimes last for more than one week. During such periods, people have to experience a number of inconveniences. For those who are not ready to put up with the lack of hot water, a water heater will be the solution to the problem. There are many types of water heaters on the market today. It's important not to make a mistake choosing a water heater for an apartment, because hot water should be enough for everything household needs. Most often, people choose between flow and storage devices. To understand which water heater is best suited for your apartment, you need to study and compare all the strengths and weak sides models of each type.

Algorithm for choosing a water heater

First of all, you need to clearly define what exactly you need:

- uninterrupted supply of hot water for the kitchen;

A device capable of providing a family with hot water for the period of scheduled outages of centralized water supply;

- a constant source of hot water in the apartment.

After analyzing the needs, it is easier to make the right choice.

It is important to pay Special attention the choice of the type of water heater, as it will depend on the availability of one or another type of energy carrier, as well as its cost. It is necessary to select the desired volume of the device (the larger the volume, the longer the service life).

When choosing a water heater, it is better to give preference to trusted manufacturers with a good reputation and a fairly long warranty period.

It is worth considering immediately where and how the water heater will be installed, taking into account its dimensions and technical requirements for installation (there are various modifications: horizontal, vertical, floor, etc.).

You also need to think about the installation of the device will be carried out on your own or it is better to leave this occupation to specialists.

Classification of water heaters

On the modern market a huge range of models and corresponding types of domestic class water heaters are presented.

According to the type of energy source for heating water, they are:

Gas;

Electrical.

Electric water heaters according to the principle of operation are distinguished:

Flow-through;

Cumulative;

Flow-accumulative.

According to the installation method, water heaters are divided into:

Horizontal;

vertical;

Floor.

Gas equipment for heating water is more suitable for the private sector than for installation in modern apartments (house wiring ventilation ducts does not provide for high-quality disposal of waste flue gases from incineration gas fuel). That is why in apartments multi-storey buildings, most often install electric boilers to provide the family with the necessary amount of hot water for domestic purposes.

Let's take a closer look at electric water heaters. By outward signs All water heaters are the same. Often, these devices have a rectangular or cylindrical shape. On the front surface there is a knob for temperature control. Storage water heaters differ from the rest, mainly in their impressive size (especially in cases where the model is designed for a large amount of water). Flow-accumulating heaters are endowed with the advantages of both types of water heating equipment.

Electric water heaters

An electric water heater is equipped with a heating element - a heating element that heats up when the device is connected to the mains. Most often, it represents copper tube, in which a nichrome spiral is mounted. Next, we will consider in more detail the types of electric heaters according to the principle of operation.

Flowing electric heaters

Instantaneous water heater- This is a compact device that can instantly (from 30 seconds to several minutes) heat water in unlimited quantities. The high performance of such a device is determined by the principle of its operation. Cold water, entering the water heater, instantly heats up to 45-60 ° C, passing through the flask and the heating element built into the device - heating element. Fast heating is facilitated by the high power of the copper heating element, which is installed in the compact body of the device. A tankless water heater copes well with the task of providing hot water in the case of operation of only one draw-off point (otherwise, the water flowing through the device will not have time to warm up to the desired temperature). It is advisable to install such heaters in new houses in which reliable wiring is installed.

This equipment does not require frequent thorough maintenance and can last for several years. That's why flow models are good decision the issue of short-term lack of hot water supply in houses and apartments.

Storage (capacitive) water heaters

Storage boilers - best option for those who like to take a shower or relax in a warm bath. Storage (capacitive) water heaters are best used in cases where the load on the power grid should be limited. The advantage of such equipment against the background of "protochnik" is that all models can operate from a conventional outlet with a voltage of 220 volts (at the same time, the power of household appliances is only 2-3 kW, which is comparable to the power of conventional electric kettles that are used in almost every home ). It is important to emphasize that low power consumption does not affect the performance of the water heater.

Externally, electric water heaters have identical rectangular or cylindrical shapes. Boilers of small volume are installed horizontally or vertically, large - on the floor. Models for 10, 30, 50, 80 liters for an apartment take up little space. 150 or 300 liter water heaters are used for private houses and require more space for installation.

In the tank, which is filled with water, there is a heating element (installed in an internally equipped tank), which heats the water to a predetermined temperature (35-85ºС), after which it automatically turns off. Water heated to the maximum set temperature of 85 degrees, retains its parameters for three hours. The time for heating water to 60 degrees is about an hour (depending on the power of the heating element). With a gradual cooling by 0.5 ° C, the water heater turns on again and, in a gentle mode, heats the water again to the required temperature. This mode of operation of the device allows you to save energy. The time it takes to heat up depends on the power. heating element and tank volume.

! To reduce heat loss between the tank and the outer casing, thermal insulation is laid.

It is worth emphasizing that the storage water heater simultaneously provides hot water to all water points that are in the apartment. Household appliances with large tanks will allow not only to wash the dishes, but also to soak in the bath for all family members.

What should be considered when choosing a storage boiler?

Often it is quite difficult for buyers when choosing the volume of the boiler. It is important here to calculate the need for hot water as accurately as possible so as not to experience a shortage of it and at the same time not to force the device to idle, heating an excess volume of liquid. It should also be taken into account that the rate of water heating depends on the volume of the tank (for example, in a 10-liter container, water will heat up to 45 ° C in 10 minutes, and in a 100-liter container, in 4 hours). Based on the number of water points that are available in the house, you can roughly calculate the water consumption per person. The result obtained must be multiplied by the number of family members, and you will get the approximate volume of the water heater tank.

In addition, when choosing a water heater, consider the availability of free space in the bathroom or toilet (most often these are placed there). Appliances). For savings usable space of these premises, you can pay attention to the models of horizontal placement, which are installed under the ceiling. Choose a boiler with a body, appearance which will successfully fit into the interior of the room (this, of course, is not paramount, but also important).

Instantaneous storage water heaters

Flow-accumulative water heaters are universal water heaters that combine all best performance both those and other devices. Such water heaters are capable of operating in two modes, and their compactness and low weight (no more than 6 kg), ease of installation attract many buyers who need water heating equipment for summer cottages and private houses. The size of the tanks in such devices ranges from 10 to 30 liters, which is quite enough for vacationers outside the city.

Water heater operation parameters

Before making a choice in favor of a particular water heater for an apartment, you should carefully study its three main parameters:

Heating element power;

The volume of the internal tank;

The value of heat loss values.

Heating element power

The power of the heating element is directly related to the rate of water heating.

Here it is worth explaining that a boiler with a heating element power of less than 2 kW heats water for a long time in its internal volume.

A short PETN tube reduces the heat transfer area, and thereby increases the heating temperature of its surface. This fact contributes to the formation of scale on the heating element, which worsens the overall heat transfer and increases the heating time of the same volume of water.

Optimal for showering and kitchen needs will be a boiler with a power of up to 8 kW and a volume of 80 - 100 liters. In this case, during installation, it will be necessary to bring a separate machine to the shield and provide a grounding system.

For those who like to lie in hot tub, it is better to opt for tanks with a volume of 150 - 300 liters with a power of 13 to 27 kW. At the same time, accordingly, certain conditions must be observed.

The combination of volume, weight, quality of the water heater

The volume of internal storage tanks of boilers can be different: 10, 30, 50, 80, 100, 150, 300, 500, 1000 liters. Their quality directly depends on the ratio of weight and cost parameters.

The thicker the metal walls of the inner tank of the boiler, the longer it will last (with an increase in the pressure of the flow of incoming water into the inner tank, the internal expansion of the walls decreases) . Therefore, the only conclusion here is that the heavier the boiler, the better it is.

As for the cost, it can be emphasized here that cheap water heaters are designed for periodic and short-term use (rather for safety net at times of shutdown centralized system hot water supply). They conscientiously work out their warranty resource, but nothing more. Inexpensive water heaters cool quickly, consume more electricity and accumulate more scale.

Heat loss

Heat loss during operation of an electric water heater depends on the thickness of its internal heat-insulating layer. In quality storage water heaters this layer is made of 35 mm high performance polyurethane foam. This material keeps the optimum temperature of 55 - 60 degrees well for a long time. Therefore, based on this factor, it is logical to emphasize that with a sufficiently large heat-insulating layer, the water in the boiler cools down more slowly and heats up faster.

One can, as a conclusion, single out

The main advantages and disadvantages of each type of electric water heaters

flowing electric water heater

Instant water heating;

Compact dimensions (they can be easily installed and moved to a new location);

Uneconomical (high power consumption);

They have high power from 3 to 24 kW (this creates a significant additional load on the power grid);

You need a separate electrical cable and a circuit breaker on the electrical panel.

Accumulative electric water heater

Profitability (small energy consumption);

Large supply of hot water;

Ease of installation (no additional wiring);

It takes time to heat the water (the boiler must be turned on in advance);

Sufficiently large dimensions (it is necessary to accurately determine and measure the installation site).

As you can see, the choice of water heaters is quite large. Having studied necessary information about existing types water heating equipment, it will be easier to make the right choice of boiler for your apartment. Finally, I would like to recommend paying attention to trusted manufacturers with a good reputation and warranty.