Benefits of using a storage gas water heater. Overview of gas storage water heaters for home and garden

Geyser - instantaneous water heater running on natural gas. If you do not have hot water supply, but gas is supplied, this equipment will increase the comfort of your life. You just open the tap, hot water runs out of it, and its temperature is regulated by you independently. Even if you have a centralized supply of hot water in your house or apartment, but you are not satisfied with the price you have to pay for heating, or perhaps you are not satisfied with the temperature, installing a geyser will also solve these problems. Heating water costs much less than it is provided centrally - that's a significant savings on utility bills. To understand what geyser better, you have to study the structure of the equipment and its types. Then the choice for you will be simple and conscious.

The structure of the gas column

• gas burner and gas exhaust system;
• heat exchanger;
• ignition and control module.

All these nodes have several modifications and their layout gives different models with different characteristics. All this allows you to choose a unit for your own requirements, because you can only say which gas water heater is better by being tied to a specific situation.

Ignition type

In order for the column to start its work, it is necessary to ignite the gas. Old models were lit by hand, bringing a burning match to the igniter. Today, such units are no longer on sale, they are a thing of the past. They were replaced by others that work in automatic or semi-automatic mode.

Piezo ignition

In geysers with a piezoelectric element, ignition occurs in a semi-automatic mode. There are two burners - main and pilot. The pilot burner is a small wick that burns constantly, regardless of whether there is flow. hot water or not. The main burner turns on only when the valve is opened. The rest of the time it is off.

The procedure for starting a gas column with piezo ignition is simple: press the button displayed on the front panel, a spark appears on the candles, which ignites the pilot burner. When a hot water tap is opened, gas is supplied to the main burner, ignition takes place from the pilot burner. While water is flowing, both burners are lit. The valve was closed, the gas supply to the main one stopped, only the pilot one is on fire again.

Piezo ignition device for gas water heaters - a simple and inexpensive device

What are the advantages of geysers with piezoelectric elements? These are the cheapest models, they usually have a mechanical control - a regulator that allows you to change the height of the flame, thereby regulating the temperature of hot water. These models are non-volatile, which can be important for giving.

There are more disadvantages and they are more serious. The wick burns (should burn) constantly while you use the column, and this is gas consumption. Let it be small, but constant, as a result, quite a decent amount accumulates in a month. So this is far from the most economical way to heat water. The second minus is also associated with the burning of the wick. If it goes out, you will not be able to light the column. The wick goes out because it does not have enough oxygen to burn, or because a reverse draft periodically occurs in the chimney, which blows out the flame. Since there is a flame controller, this is not a problem - the gas is automatically shut off, but the need to re-ignite the pilot burner is unpleasant.

Electric ignition

Automatic geysers have electric ignition. This is an electric spark generator that is activated when the tap is opened. The rest of the time the gas does not burn, which significantly saves fuel. There is an electric ignition, powered by batteries, there is - from a 220 V network. Which gas water heater is better for this parameter, you have to choose according to the circumstances.

If you often turn off the light, it makes sense to choose a model that runs on batteries. As you understand, in this case, you have to make sure that they "do not sit down." If there are no problems with electricity or there are backup source power supply, it is better to choose a geyser powered by a 220 V network. Once they plugged the cord into an outlet and forgot about it. Electricity consumption is negligible, so they have almost no effect on the bills.

Gas water heaters have electronic control. A board with a microprocessor is installed in the case, the desired temperature is set from a small control panel (button or touch). A small liquid crystal screen is often placed here, which displays Current state equipment, water temperature, if it is heated. This type of geyser is the best if you value ease of handling.

Disadvantages - higher price and power requirements. Electronics needs a stable voltage of 220 V with slight deviations of the order of 2 * 3 V. We do not maintain such parameters, so in order for the automatic gas water heater to work for a long time, a stabilizer is required, and it is better not a relay, but an electronic one. It not only stabilizes the voltage, but also evens out the shape of the pulses, which is also very important for imported water heaters.

Burner, combustion chamber, chimney

The heating of water in a gas column occurs due to the heat released during the combustion of gas. The combustion itself takes place in the burner, and it is “packed” into the combustion chamber. Unburned gases that remain in the chamber are discharged through the chimney. Let's consider all these devices in more detail.

Burner - main assembly

Burner

The heat source in the gas column is gas-burner. There are three types: single-stage, two-stage, modulated. The first two types have almost never been found recently - they do not allow maintaining the set temperature, therefore it makes no sense to consider them - all columns have a modulated burner.

Modulating burners can be controlled manually - with a special handle mounted on the body - or through a microprocessor that maintains the desired water temperature. Burners are made mainly of galvanized steel, as this material is optimal for the task. It is inexpensive, durable, has a high melting point, and normally tolerates frequent heating.

Types of combustion chamber and chimney

Combustion chambers in gas columns are of two types - open and closed. Their name reflects the essence:

• closed (turbocharged, fan) is a metal box into which a burner with a socket at the top is inserted to install a chimney;
• open (atmospheric) - this is actually the entire body of the column, since there is no isolated space, just a burner is installed at a certain place, there is a cover with a socket on top, to which the chimney is connected.

To different types combustion chamber requires a different chimney. In an open chamber, air is taken from the room, therefore, an effective ventilation system, a normal air supply and an atmospheric chimney leading to the ventilation duct are required. The closed chamber is equipped with a coaxial chimney (two pipes of different diameters inserted one into the other), which is led out through the wall to the street. In this case, the products of combustion are removed forcibly, with the help of a fan along inner tube, and oxygen enters immediately to the burner through the outer.

A geyser with a closed combustion chamber works more stably under normal conditions, but it has disadvantages. The chimney can become frosty in winter, which is why the column goes out (it is extinguished by automation that controls the removal of combustion products). The second point is that with a strong side wind, a flame can be blown out by a stream of air. The gas supply is turned off by the same automation, but the situation is unpleasant. The third circumstance is that not all city authorities allow holes in walls in houses and pipes to be introduced.

So in this case, it is difficult to say exactly which gas column is better - it depends on many factors.

heat exchanger

Water is heated while it flows through the heat exchanger. He is metal pipe installed above the burner. The shape of the heat exchanger in the geyser is special - a pipe with fins is serpentine in the lower part, then a sheet of metal is installed around it, over which the pipe is wound in a spiral. Flowing along this long path, the water is heated by the heated metal.

They make heat exchangers from galvanized steel (the most a budget option), stainless steel and copper. The best in terms of efficient heat transfer are copper. They are the most economical, but also expensive. The most durable are stainless, but they have a much worse situation with heat transfer. Which gas column is better in this case is up to you. Choose the quality that is more important to you.

If you decide to buy a gas water heater with a copper heat exchanger, do not try to find a cheap model. In order to reduce the price, manufacturers use low-quality copper, and even tubes are made with thin walls. Such a heat exchanger will serve guarantee period, and then problems begin - a leak will appear.

If you remove the casing, you will see fistulas in the tubes through which water drips. They are located mostly in outside pipes, just in the place where condensation forms. With a normal pipe thickness, this is not scary, but thin walls quickly corrode. Such a leaky heat exchanger does not have to be changed (it costs about 1/3 of the total price), it can be soldered. You will need refractory solder with a melting point of about 200 ° C, a powerful soldering iron and soldering flux. The technology of work is usual - clean the damaged area to bare metal, degrease, tin, solder.

How to determine power

First of all, you need to decide on the power or performance of the gas column. These are two interrelated characteristics, simply reflecting different characteristics unit. Productivity is how many liters of water a column can heat per minute, and power is how much heat it can release. Some manufacturers indicate power, others indicate performance, so you need to understand exactly what you need.

Let's first figure out what kind of performance you need a geyser. It depends on the number of consumers that need to be provided. warm water. There are consumption rates for equipment of different types:

If you are connected to hot water kitchen sink, shower and washbasin, so that all three points work simultaneously and the water temperature does not fall, a performance of 4 + 4 + 10 = 18 l / min is required. This is a lot, the price tag will be solid. If you think about it, you will understand that all three devices almost never turn on at the same time. There are situations when the shower and one of the taps work together. To provide them with hot water, the productivity should be 14 l / min. This is a little more modest, but quite enough for comfortable living. Find the value found in technical specifications, it should not be less.

Now let's deal with power. Geysers can allocate from 6 kW to 40 kW of heat for heating water. Here the division is:

• a geyser with a power of up to 19 kW is suitable for heating water for one point of water intake;
• at two points, the power should be from 20 kW to 28 kW;
• three require more than 29 kW.

Now, you can definitely say which geyser is better in terms of power in relation to your needs.

What else to look for when choosing

There are a few more lines in the technical characteristics of gas water heaters that you should pay attention to. First, see the minimum water and gas pressure that can work this model. Imported geysers of European manufacturers are more capricious in this regard - they are designed for stable pressure, they do not tolerate drops. But under normal conditions, they work stably and without breakdowns.

Some manufacturers, in order to adapt their equipment to our conditions, install gearboxes that compensate for jumps. If there is no such device in the model you like, and your water and / or gas pressure jumps, you can install the reducer on in front of the column entrance. This device is simply placed in a pipe break, installation is standard. At the same time, other consumers will be protected.

It is also useful to study the list of service programs and protection levels. The safety and comfort of the equipment depends on them. It is highly desirable to have the following functionality:

• Gas control. Monitors the presence of a flame on the burner, if it goes out, shuts off the gas supply.
• Traction control. The presence of draft in the chimney is controlled. If the combustion products are not removed, the gas supply is shut off.
• flow control or hydraulic valve. Turns off the column if the water pressure is too weak or not at all.
• Overheat protection. The temperature sensor controls the temperature of the water in the heat exchanger; when it approaches a critical point (boiling), it turns off the column. This prolongs the life of the equipment (when boiling, the heat exchanger can break, like pipes).

These features are required for safe work gas column. It's practically standard set, which is in all good gas water heaters. All others are optional. They, as a rule, are no longer so critical (for example, the remote control).

Sizes of gas water heaters and prices

The overall dimensions of gas water heaters are small - they are commensurate with a small hanging kitchen cabinet. Average height - 550-650 mm, width 300-400 mm, depth 200-300 mm. But if you wish, you can find models wide and flat, or vice versa, narrow and deep. Which gas water heater is better for this parameter can only be said by being tied to the installation site, so there is no definite answer here either.

Prices for geysers vary widely. Simple Models with piezo ignition and a galvanized burner cost from $110. Equipment with electric ignition and a bunch of service functions - up to $ 450. So there is somewhere to roam.

Technological progress does not stand still, the latest engineering solutions are constantly introduced into all types of household appliances. They did not bypass flow gas heaters either, the result of recent improvements in this area was a turbocharged gas water heater without a chimney. This fully automatic water heater has a number of design features that distinguish it from conventional heaters. This article aims to review new technical solutions, introduced into the design of the supercharged column, and what advantages have appeared as a result.

Features of turbocharged geysers

We note right away that the units of this type still have a chimney. The term "flueless column" is used in the sense that a gas-using installation does not need a traditional natural draft chimney. This is one of the many features that distinguish gas water heaters with a closed combustion chamber. Natural draft is not needed, because the device has its own, forced, provided by a fan. A special double-walled (coaxial) chimney is used to supply air and exhaust gases.

Now let's collect all the technical solutions implemented in the turbocharged water heater into one list, and then consider each of them separately:

• automatic ignition system using electricity;
• forced deletion flue gases and suction of combustion air from the outside by means of a turbine;
• sealed combustion chamber;
• modulating burner;
• electronic control unit;
• system preventing defrosting of the heat exchanger.

Since turbocharged geysers are always connected to the house electrical network, the ignition system in them is electrical. On many Internet resources, you can find information that piezo ignition or sparking from batteries is used in supercharged units. These data are not true, there is no point in embedding batteries in a device connected to a 220 V network. Not to mention manual piezo ignition, which is absolutely incompatible with the operation of automation equipment.

A fan installed in a turbocharged geyser performs 2 tasks: it pushes combustion products into the coaxial chimney and draws air from the street into the chamber, bypassing the room. In heater circuits from various manufacturers The turbine can be implemented in different ways:

• as a blower - the fan is located at the beginning of the gas-air path, in front of the burner and blows air into the closed chamber;
• as a smoke exhauster - the turbine is located before the exit of flue gases, behind the heat exchanger, and operates in suction mode.

The combustion chambers of turbocharged columns are airtight only conditionally. This means that they are separated from air environment premises, but communicate with the street, so significant overpressure does not happen in them. The bottom line is that the fan supplies exactly the amount of air that is required for combustion in one mode or another. The performance of the blower (or smoke exhauster) is controlled by the controller.

In tandem with the fan, the gas burner of the apparatus functions. According to the principle of operation, it is modulating, that is, it is capable of automatically changing the intensity of combustion in automatic mode. In this case, the gas burner device is guided by changes in water pressure that occur due to an increase or decrease in water intake.

All processes in the heater from the beginning to the end are controlled by an electronic unit - the controller. Focusing on the sensor signals, the latter regulates the burner power and fan performance, and in the event of an emergency, it gives a command to shut off the gas. However, the circuit is designed in such a way that in the event of a serious accident, the gas valve itself will turn off the fuel supply, without a command from the controller.

And the last innovation is a system that protects the heat exchanger from defrosting when the room temperature drops below 0 ºС. The anti-freeze geyser is equipped with a special electric heater that automatically turns on at a temperature of 0 ºС or lower in standby mode, when the water in the heat exchanger tubes does not move.

Operating principle

A turbocharged instantaneous water heater operates on the same principle as a conventional gas water heater, only it has a more advanced device with a high level of automation. When a hot water tap is opened and a certain flow occurs in the DHW network, the device turns on the main burner and fan, after closing the valve it turns off.

But the principle of operation of a modulating burner in tandem with a supercharger is fundamentally different from combustion in an open chamber of traditional units. There, the air supply is not limited by anything, because of which the efficiency of fuel combustion suffers. In a turbocharged apparatus, the air flow is clearly dosed depending on the burner's needs, which leads to a higher heater efficiency - up to 92-94%.

After opening the hot water tap, the processes inside the gas column occur in the following order. The water unit opens the gas supply to the igniter and closes the sensor contacts. As a result, a spark occurs on the candle and the wick is ignited. After that, the fuel supply to the main burner is opened, which is ignited by the igniter, which immediately goes out. The unit operates in the main mode and heats the water until the tap closes or one of the emergency situations occurs:

• actuation of the traction sensor;
• pressure drop in the water pipe;
• attenuation of the main burner;
• operation of the overheating sensor;
• gas pressure drop;
• power outage.

Advantages and disadvantages

For apartments where there are no chimney channels, there was previously only one solution for preparing water for the needs of domestic hot water - an electric storage water heater. With the advent of forced-air flow heaters, residents of such apartments have an alternative. This is one of the main advantages of columns with a closed combustion chamber. And here are the rest:

• there is no need to organize the flow of air for combustion into the house, a simple one is enough supply and exhaust ventilation required in accordance with the regulations;
• high efficiency of work, and therefore - profitability;
• gas water heaters without a chimney are fully automated and create additional comfort during operation;
• tandem fan - burner successfully smooth out water temperature drops when several taps are opened within the available power;
• the entry of various combustion products into the room is practically excluded.

Like any other water heater, a closed-type chimney column has some disadvantages. One of them - high price products compared to conventional flow units. The reason is the presence in the design of additional expensive elements and parts. But look at the problem from a different angle in this situation: the installation of a heater is planned at the stage of building a house. And consider what will be cheaper: installing a traditional chimney and buying a regular column or installing coaxial pipe and the purchase of a turbocharged unit.

The heater, which uses a closed combustion chamber and a fan, creates some noise during operation. In addition, the device is completely dependent on the availability of electricity, so it cannot be used in areas with frequent blackouts. Or you will need an alternative source of electricity, such as a gasoline or diesel generator.

Due to the complexity of the design, do-it-yourself maintenance and cleaning of the water heater is excluded. If you decide to install a turbocharged column, be prepared to contact the service departments for troubleshooting. More information about the products can be found by watching the video:

Conclusion

The advantages of high-tech pressurized water heaters are undeniable and worthy of attention. Thanks to this, they continue to confidently conquer the market. Therefore, before choosing a column of a certain type, weigh the pros and cons so that its further operation brings you joy and comfort.

Hot water, flowing from the tap without interruption, is one of the signs of the comfort of any room. However, the Russian reality is such that not always people can use hot water all year round.

It will help to solve household inconveniences by installing an economical gas water heater.

A gas water heater is a device for heating water from a water supply system due to the energy of gas combustion. At the same time, both natural and bottled (liquefied) gas can act as a "supplier" of this energy.

Depending on the principle of water heating, gas water heaters are of two types: storage and flow

1. Accumulative gas water heater (gas boiler).

This type of gas water heater is a container (reservoir), from which hot water diverges through pipes to water points - taps.

The tank of the storage gas water heater, depending on the model, has a volume of 10 to 500 liters and is made either of steel coated with enamel or glass porcelain, or of of stainless steel with titanium coating.

One of the main advantages of Baxi storage gas water heaters is the ability to use a large number of hot water even during a complete shutdown of the water supply system. At the same time, access to the water accumulated by the water heater is carried out without any time delays.

Unfortunately, like any technological device, the storage water heater has a drawback due to the fact that the hot water remaining in the pipes between the tank and the tap cools down over time. For this reason, many users storage water heaters forced, by opening the tap, to wait until the cooled water “goes down”.

The solution to this problem is the installation of a circulation system, which consists of a small pump connected by a small diameter pipe to a system of pipes through which water from the tank enters the taps. The pump pumps the water remaining in the pipes, but not used by the consumer, back into the tank, thereby preventing it from cooling.

2. Flowing gas water heater (geyser).

In fact, flowing gas water heaters are high-speed heat exchangers in the form of copper spirals or stainless steel plates. The principle of their operation is as follows: a cold water flow from the water supply system enters the geyser housing, inside which, due to heating, the water temperature rises. The water temperature is set by the consumer using a manual regulator, the water heating period is from 3 seconds to 2 minutes. Depending on the model, the flowing gas water heater delivers to the consumer from 10 to 27 liters of hot water per minute.

The main advantage of a flowing gas water heater is the ability to provide hot water in a volume not limited by the tank. Also, unlike storage gas water heaters, flow-through water heaters are relatively small and, as a rule, do not require specially equipped premises.

However, when operating instantaneous water heaters, it is necessary to pay attention to pressure drops in the water supply system. Insufficient amount of water can lead to overheating of the heat exchanger and, accordingly, the activation of protection and blocking of the burner. Thus, until the pressure in the water supply is normal, it will be very difficult to heat the water.

Instantaneous water heaters consume fuel only during use, that is, direct heating, of hot water, which makes them more economical than storage water heaters.

Gas combustion chambers in a water heater

Gas water heaters, regardless of the principle of water heating, are equipped with combustion chambers, which, according to the nature of the fuel waste output, are of two types - closed and open. In open-type combustion chambers, the combustion process of fuel occurs under the action of natural draft, which entails the need to ensure a continuous supply of fresh air to the room where the gas water heater is located.

The main disadvantage of a water heater with open cam combustion is that after its installation in living quarters that are not equipped with additional ventilation, there may be a lack of air, a feeling of stuffiness and accumulation carbon monoxide. For this reason, it is necessary to allocate a separate room for such equipment.

In gas water heaters using a closed combustion chamber, air is supplied outdoors using the so-called coaxial chimney, which is the simplest design"pipe within a pipe".

During operation in such a chimney, the products of combustion of gas are ejected through an inner, narrower tube, while the air for the operation of the chamber goes through the outer pipe. The movement of combustion products of fuel and air is carried out using a small electric fan.

Ignition of gas in a water heater

Gas water heaters use different kinds gas ignition in the burner, which, in general, can be divided into 2 groups:

1. Ignition of gas with an on-duty wick.

In water heaters with a pilot wick, a semi-automatic system (piezo ignition and electric ignition) is used to ignite the gas. Ignition in this case is carried out at the touch of a button.

Water heaters with this type of ignition consume more fuel, some of which burns in the pilot wick.

2. Ignition of gas without a wick.

In this case, ignition occurs automatically using hydrodynamic or electronic ignition. In this case, the signal to turn on and start heating water will be just the opening of a tap by the consumer.

In general, ignition without a wick is the most convenient and beneficial for the consumer, since it provides gas savings of up to 15%.

Automation.

Gas water heaters various types equipped with control and protection automation different levels difficulties.

Protective devices, as a rule, are automatic valves that instantly cut off the fuel supply to the main burner. Protection is enabled automatically in the following cases:

- stopping the flow of water through the heat exchanger or lowering the pressure in the water supply system;

- failure or malfunction in the gas ignition system;

- absence or weakening of draft in the chimney.

In addition to protective automation, experts recommend installing stabilizers on gas water heaters that help control the power of the water flow, maintain the temperature set by the consumer, and also, to a large extent, the noise level of the equipment.

Control automatics, which are installed on water heaters, include thermostats and controllers. Thermostats are designed to control the temperature of hot water and are usually an additional control panel on the body of the water heater. But in some models of gas water heaters, thermostats look like a remote control with a moisture-repellent coating.

The controllers allow the consumer to set the temperature for predetermined periods of time and completely turn off the water heater when hot water is not required. These devices are usually installed only on storage water heaters.

Features of placement, installation and maintenance of gas water heaters

When purchasing a gas water heater, the consumer is faced with the need to prepare the point where the system will be installed. Depending on the type and dimensions of the water heater, it can be a separate room or a specially equipped place (part of a wall, corner, etc.).

The room intended for the installation of the water heater must have a ceiling height of at least 2.2 m, and a volume of at least 8 m3 for equipment with an open combustion chamber and at least 6.5 m3 for a system with a closed chamber.

Regardless of the type of combustion chamber, next to the place for installing a gas water heater should be located ventilation duct, extending outside the room, or at least an indirect opening for air inflow (gap between the floor and the door, grille, etc.).

The room in which the water heater will be installed must be heated and protected from frost. Otherwise, the water in the draw-off pipes and the tank will freeze, causing damage to the equipment.

The wall on which the water heater will be mounted must have a non-combustible coating so that heating does not lead to a fire.

In general, it should be noted that most optimal location to accommodate small gas water heaters - this is a kitchen or a room next to water points. For storage water heaters of large volume, basements and semi-basements are best suited.

Manufacturers and suppliers of gas water heaters often require that the installation of the equipment be carried out exclusively by their service department. It should be noted that such a requirement is quite reasonable, since employees familiar with the company's water heater models can perform a high-quality and safe installation of the system.

Most of the work when installing a gas water heater is to connect gas to the equipment and cold water, as well as in the installation and adjustment of automation. Gas is supplied to the system using copper or steel pipes equipped with gas cocks and mechanical filters against pollution. On the pipe through which cold water enters, in without fail a shut-off valve is installed that shuts off during an equipment failure. In addition, a check valve is installed on the gas water heater system, which prevents the return of heated water to the water supply system.

The number and configuration of equipment that can be additionally installed on a gas water heater depends on its type, type of combustion system and fuel characteristics (natural or liquefied gas).

Gas water heaters, like any complex technical devices, require periodic inspections to provide them effective work. After-sales service can be carried out both by the seller's specialists and by employees of the company providing this kind of service.

The frequency of technical inspections depends on the complexity of the equipment, but can not be less than 1 time per year.

Summing up this article, it is worth saying that gas water heaters are ideal for providing hot water on an ongoing basis and compare favorably with others in their efficiency, convenience, durability and independence from electrical network. Gas water heaters are equally successfully used for both household and for economic needs in the presence of natural or liquefied (balloon) gas.

On the Russian market presented a wide range of equipment of domestic and foreign manufacturers with a wide range of models.

It is necessary to purchase gas water heaters only in a new condition, checking that the seller has all certificates and permits. Installation of equipment should also be entrusted exclusively to qualified specialists who have licenses and work permits.

Everything is clear with flow heaters - gas water heaters work much more efficiently than electric counterparts.

Flow, storage and combined boilers - the choice and features of work

And from the point of view of paying bills, "gas" hot water supply looks more attractive than the "electric" option. Any homeowner will agree with this opinion.

However, in the case of storage heaters - boilers - such a unity of judgments is not observed. Therefore, in this article we will try to find out which is better: a gas or electric boiler.

Gas water heaters

Round One - Design Review

Any boiler consists of the same nodes:

• Storage tank where cold water is poured. Moreover, the supply of cold water and the removal of hot liquid is carried out using special fittings.
• A heating element that raises the temperature of the water in the tank.
• Thermostat - a control and regulating element that turns on the heater at a minimum temperature and turns it off when it reaches the specified degrees.
• Control panel with which you can calibrate the thermostat by raising or lowering the set temperature in the tank.

At the same time, a gas boiler differs from an electric storage water heater only in the design of the heating element. The electrical appliance uses a heating element as a heater - a tubular conductor with high resistance, which heats up when connected to the network.

The gas appliance heater is more complicated. It consists of a gas burner built into a cylindrical combustion chamber, which is “in combination” also a gas duct - a pipe that discharges combustion products outside the body. At the same time, the gas duct is built into the storage tank - it penetrates it through and through, like a samovar pipe. That is, the burning gas heats the air in the flue, which, in turn, transfers the temperature to the water in the tank.

Scheme of the internal structure of a gas water heater

As you can see: a heating element an electric boiler is simpler than a similar gas appliance assembly. However, a gas burner works for years without burning out or rusting from water. And the surface area of ​​the flue is much larger than the similar parameter of the heating element.

As a result, a gas boiler works more efficiently than an electric counterpart. While the heating element heats up a couple of liters, the gas burner can boil 3-4 times more liquid.

So this round is left to the gas boiler.

Round two - comparison of installation processes

The dimensions and weight of an electric and gas boiler, designed to serve the same volume of liquid in the tank, are approximately equal. Therefore, the process of mounting the boiler on the supporting surface will be absolutely identical in both the "gas" and "electric" cases.

The boiler is connected to the hot and cold water supply network according to standard scheme, common for both gas and electric storage water heaters.

Installation of a gas water heater

But the connection of the "energy line" is implemented according to completely different schemes.

An electric boiler is simply “plugged in” without asking permission from the power company. The gas boiler is connected to the gas pipeline, with the support of the relevant service.

Moreover, both connection schemes are equally simple - even a novice electrician or gas worker will master them. However, due to excessive bureaucracy, installing a gas boiler will be much more difficult than installing an electric water heater.

Therefore, gas storage boiler loses this round "outright".

Round three - safety

The electric boiler may shock or explode due to failure safety valve bleed off superheated steam. The gas storage tank may catch fire or explode due to a gas leak. So with the same bad luck, both the owners of electrical appliances and the owners of gas analogues will have problems.

Therefore, in the third round we have a clear draw. Moreover, a gas leak from the burner is as unlikely as a "breakdown" of electricity on the tank body.

Round four - the price of models

Electric boiler Vaillant VEH 200/6

with a tank volume of up to 200 liters and a heat output of 8.5 kW.

Electric boiler Vaillant VEH 200-6

It costs almost 80,000 rubles.

Gas storage boiler Vaillant VGH 220/5 XZU

Vaillant VGH 220-5XZU

With a tank volume of 220 liters and a heat output of 8.5 kW.

It costs 90 thousand rubles.

That is, taking into account the 10% excess of the volume of a gas heater over an electric analogue, the difference in price is almost imperceptible.

However, on small volumes, the difference in price is still noticeable. For example, a 150 liter boiler

Ariston ABS PRO ECO PW 150V

Ariston ABS PRO ECO PW 150V

costs no more than 20 thousand rubles.

Ariston SGA 150 R

Ariston SGA 150 R

will cost 35 thousand rubles.

The difference in cost is obvious. However, almost all "small" boilers - up to 150 liters - work not only as water heaters, but also as heating boilers.

Boiler boiler gas Baxi NUVOLA 3 Comfort 280Fi

Wall-mounted boiler BAXI NUVOLA-3 Comfort 280 i

not only heats a room up to 280 "squares", but also stores a supply of water up to 60 liters.

Given this nuance, the price is 66 thousand rubles

it no longer seems sky-high, because for 40-50 thousand (the balance minus the cost of a 60-liter boiler) you can’t buy a decent boiler with a thermal power of up to 28 kW.

Consequently, after a stubborn struggle, having received unexpected reinforcements from manufacturers, the gas boiler snatches the lead from electric heaters.

Round five - cost of operation

It's time to build on your success. Gas water heaters go on the offensive and knock out electric water heaters! Judge for yourself: the already mentioned Ariston ABS PRO ECO PW 150V spends 4.5 hours to heat up a 150-liter tank to 45 degrees Celsius, consuming 11.2 kW of electricity. That is, the cost of heating, taking into account the tariffs of 2015, will be 55 rubles.

And the more expensive Ariston SGA 150 R spends a little more than an hour (71 minutes) on heating the same 150-liter tank to the same temperature, consuming no more than 720 grams liquefied gas or 0.8 cubic meters main fuel. That is, the cost of heating will be only 25 rubles.

As a result, the Ariston SGA 150 R gas boiler simply knocks out the Ariston ABS PRO ECO PW 150V electric water heater, leveling the difference in cost for 600 hours of operation.

Break: summarizing

At the end of five rounds, the gas boiler leads the score. It's more efficient electric heater(water heating rate reaches 20 liters per minute), but more difficult to install (requires official permission gas service). But in terms of safety, there is no advantage for any model. At a price, with a slight stretch - the trick of the manufacturers who combined the heating boiler and the boiler - the gas appliance wins.

In terms of operating costs, electric water heaters turned out to be a clear loser - a gas boiler costs half as much, and it heats water four times faster. In the end, the gas storage heaters beat the electric counterparts by an “economical” knockout in the fifth round after leading the overall standings for the entire “match.”

Storage type gas water heater - floor standing

Gas non-volatile storage water heater, does not require connection to electricity. The ability to work at low water and gas pressure, the device has no restrictions on the minimum water pressure, has low hydraulic resistance, the pressure at the draw-off point is almost equal to the pressure at the inlet. The ability to connect a recirculation line allows you to reduce the time for supplying hot water to remote points of water intake. Capacitive design of the water heater (large heat exchange surface) reduces the process of scale formation, allows without preventive maintenance long time operate the device. The presence of a flame is controlled by a thermocouple, which cuts off the gas when the flame goes out. The device is adapted to work with poor quality water.

• Non-volatile, does not require connection to electricity;
• Piezo ignition - simplifies the ignition of the pilot burner without the use of matches;
• Ability to work at low gas pressure;
• Has no restrictions on the minimum water pressure;
• Possesses low hydraulic resistance;
• Increased heat exchange surface, reduces heating time;
• Magnesium anode provides tank protection;
• Lime Fighter® technology, with the help of turbulence of the water at the inlet, allows to reduce the deposition of scale;
• The updated Honeywell combustion automation and control system provides an increased service life and greater accuracy in control (only in the G61 models 151 and 189 liters);
• The LED indicator provides information about the current operation of the water heater and malfunctions (only in the models "G61" 151 and 189 liters);
• Safety valve with thermostatic insert (10.5 bar; 98°C).
• Possibility cascade connection several water heaters;
• Possibility to connect a recirculation line;
• Convenient water connection from above and from the side.
• Steel tank with multilayer enamel coating;
• magnesium anode;
• High density polyurethane foam insulation;
• Steel casing;
• Flue gas deflectors;
• Traction stabilizer;
• Gas valve with built-in DHW thermostat;
• Piezo element with pilot burner;
• Stainless steel burner;
• Safety valve with thermostatic insert (10.5 bar; 98°C);
• Drainage faucet.

Among gas heating equipment, the most famous South Korean manufacturer has been successfully offering its product line for a long time. Consider gas boilers Daewoo, we will study what are their features, how they are connected, what problems they have.

1. Two common models
2. Daewoo DGB-100MSC
3. Daewoo DGB-250MSС
4. Comparison of two models plus problems

Of course, like everything that is done under the Daewoo brand, boiler equipment of this brand is also produced on highest level. The following advanced technologies are used in the design of Daewoo units.

• reinforced, diversified system emergency control;
• power is regulated by infrared sensors;
• there is an electronic adjustment of the burner;
• applied various technologies to reduce the noise of work;
• there is protection against wind blowing into the chimney;
• the gas supply is stabilized by a special valve.

All these advantages provide additional comfort to consumers and simplify the rules for operating Daewoo gas boilers. Among the units of the described Korean brand, such families are common as:

To finally make sure how high-quality, multifunctional and safe equipment Daewoo produces, we will analyze in detail two specific brands of boiler equipment.

Two common models

We selected for study two popular wall-mounted models with two heating circuits. That is, these devices are installed on the wall, they have two circuits - for heating and for hot water supply.

1. Daewoo DGB-100MSC with a power of about 11 kW, the prefix "DGB" indicates the full name of the corporation "Daewoo Gasboiler".
2. Daewoo DGB-250MSC with power over 25 kW.

Consider the intricacies of operating these two copies of the brand, and at the same time we will analyze typical faults similar gas double-circuit boilers Daewoo. First of all, it should be noted that the models that we have selected are the most frequently sold among all the modifications of the described Korean brand.

Daewoo DGB-100MSC

This Daewoo gas double-circuit boiler is mounted on the wall, it provides for heating hot water, its power is 11.6 kW, and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room that it is able to embrace with heat is 130 square meters. m.

Let's see what the main qualities are inherent in him.

• speed heat exchanger for DHW plate type;
• when the gas pressure decreases, the unit operates stably;
• built-in power supply protects the equipment from power surges;
• There is a remote control, LCD display.

These advantages indicate that the Daewoo equipment is really multifunctional and comfortable to operate.

A detailed instruction for the described Daewoo gas boiler contains all the necessary operating information.

The main provisions of the instructions are as follows.

1. Installation is carried out in accordance with the recommendations and sketches.
2. Before operation, the heating system is filled with water.
3. At the first start, the air is gradually etched out. If the heating medium pressure drops and the temperature of the heating circuit rises, water must be added.
4. The indicator panel uses a system of conventions.
5. The boiler is activated by the control panel.

There are also several innovations applied in this model.

1. The circulation pump has a dry rotor and a magnetic coupling, which ensures its durability.
2. The gas burner is regulated by a patented mechanism.

It is clear that all these advantages cannot but affect the price, the cost of such equipment is also not small, but we will talk about this later.

Daewoo DGB-250MSС

It is also a wall-mounted double-circuit apparatus with a closed gas combustion chamber, the power here is higher - 29.1 kW.

Accordingly, the room can also be heated with a larger area, namely, up to 290 sq. m.

The advantages of this device, in principle, repeat those inherent in the previous model.

1. There is also a built-in power supply.
2. Also, the unit is set to reduced gas pressure.
3. The only thing that distinguishes the heat generator of this brand is that, despite its extraordinary compactness, it is very powerful.

The instructions for use for this Daewoo gas boiler, in fact, repeat the instructions for the previous model.

Here are the main features.

1. After filling the system with coolant, a test run is made.
2. The boiler is controlled by a remote control using buttons, the indication is carried out by conventional icons.
3. Codes possible errors listed in the detailed guide.

These codes indicate typical malfunctions. gas boiler Daewoo, in which gas combustion is most often blocked:

• smoke exhaust system problems;
• lack of water;
• pump failure.

Comparison of two models plus problems

Now let's summarize the information received on two Daewoo units in the following table. Here she is.

From this table it is easy to understand that the cost of the described equipment is not so high when compared with the price of equipment from other famous brands, in particular, of German or Italian origin.

Now let's talk about typical malfunctions Daewoo gas boilers.

Gas storage water heaters

What is more common, and how to deal with it.
Most cases of contacting repairmen, as shown by the years of operation of this equipment, are associated with an incorrect first start. Therefore, this stage during installation must be given Special attention. It is necessary to follow each letter of the instructions attached to the technique.

Although there are few common failures.

1. There are cases of failure of the circulation pump, but this is more often associated with untimely cleaning of heat exchangers.
2. crashes electronic system controls are possible, but occur quite rarely, judging by the reviews.

The gas instantaneous water heater allows you to organize reliable and efficient preparation of hot water. Gas supply today is available in almost every house, and the columns themselves are installed in many houses and apartments. Of course, the columns have a number of disadvantages, but in terms of their efficiency they are ready to compete with many other water heating equipment. How to choose a gas instantaneous water heater and what to pay attention to when buying it?

Modern industry has presented a variety of geysers to the choice of buyers, differing in their properties and functionality. They also have different characteristics and performance. Our review will help you understand all this. In it we will tell:

• On the advantages and disadvantages of gas water heaters;
• About the types of combustion chambers;
• On the choice of column performance;
• About flame modulation and temperature control;
• About types of ignition;
• About security systems;
• About the most popular types of water heaters.

Using the information presented in the review, you can quickly choose the most optimal model for yourself.

Advantages and disadvantages of gas instantaneous water heaters

As we have already said, gas instantaneous water heaters have a number of advantages and disadvantages. In some ways, their use is quite justified, and in some cases it is desirable to use electrical equipment. Key advantages:

• Profitability - the use of gas water heaters allows you to spend less money on preparing hot water. Most of all, the savings are noticeable with intensive use;
• Powerful electrical wiring is not needed - electric instantaneous water heaters, if normal performance is needed, will require a separate supply line. You also need good grounding;
• They can work in non-gasified premises - for this you need to purchase a model with the ability to be powered by a gas cylinder.

There are also a number of disadvantages:

• Difficulty in installation and connection it is desirable that this be done by a specialist;
• The need for regular maintenance - you have to pay for this separately;
• Possible gas leaks - the high explosive nature of natural gas requires careful monitoring gas equipment. For example, a piezo ignition column must be extinguished when no one is at home;
• It takes time to heat the water - the same electric storage water heaters supply hot water almost immediately.

Despite certain shortcomings, it is customary to install gas instantaneous water heaters in gasified houses - they are economical and able to provide several points of water intake with hot water at once.

The disadvantage of gas instantaneous water heaters is that their operation in some buildings is simply prohibited. Also, they cannot be installed in modern new buildings where there is no gas supply.

Types of combustion chambers

Water heaters with a closed combustion chamber, unlike gas water heaters with an open combustion chamber, use oxygen from the street to maintain a fire and do not need ventilated rooms.

The gas instantaneous water heater may have an open or closed combustion chamber. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Columns with an open combustion chamber are simple in operation and in their design. In them, the flame burns with mixing atmospheric air from the room - it is taken from below, after which the products of combustion are removed through the chimney. Columns with open combustion chambers are quite cheap, and do not require the use of special chimneys - the chimney that most apartments already have is enough.

Geysers with a closed combustion chamber can work without a house chimney. They also do not need ventilated rooms. They take air for their work from the street, and they also throw out combustion products there - coaxial chimneys are used here, which are a “pipe in a pipe”. The coaxial chimney can be brought out directly behind the wall on which the water heater is mounted. The only requirement is that the nearest windows should be at least a meter away.

Such columns are safe, since combustion products are removed forcibly, using a built-in fan.

Columns with closed combustion chambers are more complex in design. Therefore, they are more expensive. Also, for their operation, it is necessary to connect to a 220 Volt network - the fan installed inside requires a separate power supply. Another drawback creeps out of all this - if the electricity is turned off in the house, then you will be left not only without light, but also without hot water.

Performance and Power

To correctly select the power of a flowing gas water heater, determine the type and number of water intake points.

These two characteristics are the most important, since they directly determine how much hot water the selected water heater can produce. Performance directly depends on the power of the selected unit. For example, a 23-24 kW column is capable of providing water treatment up to 14 l / min with heating by 25 degrees. Such performance is enough for the simultaneous showering and washing dishes.

Want more economical option? Then take a closer look at low-power models, from 16 to 19 kW. They will provide preparation up to 9-10 l / min, this is enough for a washbasin with a kitchen sink or for a comfortable shower at any temperature. Want to provide hot water large quantity consumers? Then you need to look at gas water heaters with a capacity of 28 kW and above.

When choosing a geyser, you need to remember that their characteristics prescribe performance when water is heated by 25 degrees. If you need to increase the heating temperature by reducing the pressure, then the performance will be completely different. However, it is almost never necessary to heat water above +40 degrees - there is no need to force the water heater to work at the limit of its capabilities.

Temperature control and flame modulation

A gas instantaneous water heater should be easy to operate. That is, not only the level of gas supply, but also the pressure should be regulated here. Thus, it is possible to ensure the operation of the column even with reduced water pressure in the tap. It is also desirable to have a liquid crystal display that will display the water temperature at the outlet of the instantaneous water heater. In the absence of a display, the heating level will have to be adjusted “by touch”, which is fraught with burns.

Temperature control is present in all gas instantaneous water heaters. But flame modulation is not available everywhere. What is this option for? It will allow you to maintain the temperature of the water at the outlet of the gas column when the pressure of water and gas changes. For example, conventional speakers change the outlet water temperature when the toilet is flushed or when a nearby faucet is opened with cold water. The presence of flame modulation will allow you to keep the temperature at a given level.

Flame modulation works rather slowly, so it may not immediately respond to a sharp change in water pressure. Fortunately, this almost never happens. Also, columns with flame modulation are characterized by some slowness when temperature is set. But this is better than getting burned from excessive hot water when starting a conventional column. Therefore, our choice for the presence of flame modulation is a really useful thing.

Ignition type

How to choose a gas instantaneous water heater for this characteristic? To begin with, it should be understood that there are three types of ignition:

• Electric;
• Piezoelectric;
• Hydrodynamic.

Electric ignition is economical. It runs on batteries and generates a spark using a small electronic high voltage circuit. Columns with such ignition are safe, since they do not have a constantly burning igniter. Also, there is no additional gas consumption. But there are also disadvantages - you need to change the batteries regularly, since the reduced ignition supply voltage causes a start with a bang.

For normal operation gas instantaneous water heaters with electric ignition, it is desirable to use powerful alkaline (alkaline) batteries.

Piezoelectric ignition allows you to get rid of buying expensive batteries - and this is a definite plus. In addition, it ignites the gas in the burner instantly, since there is a constantly lit igniter above it. But the igniter wastes gas, and leaving it lit in the absence of household members is unsafe. It also causes additional gas consumption.

Hydrodynamic ignition uses an electric generator to operate, which supplies electricity different strength, depending on the pressure of the water.

Hydrodynamic ignition is the safest and most economical. Inside the columns with this type of ignition, a small generator is placed, driven by water. When the faucet is opened, water begins to flow through the blades of the generator, as a result of which it generates the current necessary to generate a spark. There is no additional gas consumption, you don’t need to buy batteries - solid pluses. The increased cost of the column with hydrodynamic ignition and the reduced reliability of the system are disadvantages.

Security systems

Everyone knows very well that natural gas is explosive. And its presence in the air adversely affects human health. Therefore, a good geyser should have the following security systems:

• Control of presence of a flame;
• Traction control;
• Heating limitation;
• Pressure meter.

The flame detection system works on the basis of a thermocouple. The most advanced speakers are equipped with ionization control, which has a higher speed. If the flame goes out for some reason, the protection system will shut off the gas supply. It is also desirable to have a draft control system, which will prevent a gas explosion and leakage of combustion products into the room.

The heat limit prevents the heat exchanger from overheating due to incorrect settings. If the column has a water pressure sensor, it will not allow the column to continue to work in case of damage to the heat exchanger or leakage.

Most Popular Models

This column of the Russian company Neva received quite high user ratings. The device has a capacity of 11 l / min and a power of 21 kW. The column is equipped with an open combustion chamber, an electric ignition system, power and heating indicators, and a thermometer. Gas control is also provided. For its operation, the column requires batteries, from which the ignition system operates. The design of the device is very simple, and the price will please every buyer.

The water heater has received many user reviews, both positive and negative. The number of positive reviews exceeds the number of negative ones, which is already a big plus. Among the advantages we can include the undoubted simplicity of the model, the ease of adjusting the temperature and the presence of a thermometer. Of the minuses - a rather weak heat exchanger and poor performance at low water pressure. But in general, this is a worthy device from the budget segment.

This is one of the best geysers from a renowned manufacturer. Her reviews are mostly positive - you can safely regard her as the best choice. Buyers praise the device for stable operation at reduced water pressure and ease of settings. Users also note the presence of such a useful option as monitoring the condition of the batteries. Pleases and appearance device - it is immediately clear that this is a completely modern gas instantaneous water heater.

The Electrolux GWH 265 ERN Nano Plus column has a power of 20 kW and a capacity of 10 l / min. It is equipped with an open combustion chamber, a pleasant control panel with an informative display, a thermometer, as well as numerous security systems. Also implemented support for the heating temperature at a given level. The ignition system is electric, battery operated. The minimum inlet pressure is 0.15 atm.

The best geyser from Bosch according to users. Anyway, she is very popular. If we compare it with other models, then we can note the efficiency of the device - with a capacity of 10 l / min, its power is 17.4 kW. There is no electric ignition here, but there is a simple piezoelectric ignition. It instantly ignites the burner, saving users from loud pops when the batteries are dead. There is no flame modulation on board, so households will have to periodically adjust the heating temperature.

To organize the supply of hot water at home, or a small manufacturing enterprise, it is necessary to install some kind of water heater. On the market you can find various options, differing from each other mainly in the way of heating water (flowing, accumulative) and the resource with which the heating itself is carried out directly (electric, gas and boilers indirect heating). Of course, an instantaneous water heater is very convenient, as it allows you to get an endless amount of hot water, unlike storage options. In this category of devices, of course, the gas instantaneous water heater, called a geyser, is in the lead. The geyser is able to quickly and efficiently heat water, while consuming a minimum amount of gas. manufacturing options and technical capabilities There are a lot of geysers, but the main difference between them is still the type of combustion chamber.

Advantages of geysers with a closed combustion chamber

A unit with an open combustion chamber that takes combustion air from the room and can cause various troubles in the event of a malfunction of the ventilation or chimney ducts is, to put it mildly, imperfect. In geysers with a closed type of combustion chamber, air intake and exhaust exhaust gases from combustion products is carried out forcibly, with the help of built-in fans. There are models of columns with a complete set with a coaxial chimney, which is able to provide high-quality air supply and exhaust. This type of column is much safer, because the ingress of toxic carbon monoxide fumes into the room is practically impossible, you just need to take the pipe out into the street, without additional installation and installation of a special chimney.

The principle of operation of gas water heaters with closed combustion

A turbocharged geyser can be ignited:

• From piezo ignition - a spark occurs that ignites the burner when the button of the piezoelectric element is pressed;
• Hydroturbine ignition - a turbine mini generator is built into the unit, water, rotating the turbine blades, generates electricity, with which the burner is ignited. The most important advantage of this type is complete independence from additional power sources.
• Electricity - powered by electricity or batteries.

An important advantage of these devices is the ability to adjust the heating temperature and the ability to set the preferred one. Temperature control is usually due to a decrease or increase in the burner flame. Options for columns that allow you to adjust the temperature can be with an automatic control unit (the user simply sets the desired temperature displayed on the screen using the buttons) and mechanically(less perfect version).

To operate a gas column with a closed combustion chamber, only correct installation and setting, and you will be provided with the volume of hot water you need at any time of the day, and the reasonable price for these devices will please every customer!