Water heater device: description, types, characteristics and reviews

The modern home appliance market is rich in water heaters of various types. This allows each property owner to choose the best option for existing conditions in the home.

Such devices differ in many parameters. They use various energy resources in the process of heating water. Therefore, each owner when choosing this technique is interested in the cost of operating the equipment. The device of the water heater should be studied before purchasing. So it will be easier to make the right choice. The optimum heater will be durable and efficient.

Power source

The presented devices work with the use of various types of fuel. Most often this is gas or electricity. Much less often there are devices that use liquid or solid fuel.

The most economical in operation is the gas equipment. The columns are now installed in most "Khrushchev" and other buildings. The device of the gas water heater has not changed for many years. Only some details and internal systems are being improved. But far from every dwelling there is a centrally supplied gas supply.

To get this source of energy in cylinders is quite expensive. Many owners as an alternative choose electric water heating. Their functions are performed by such devices due to a special element. It is called TEN. Electric water heaters come in different capacities. Due to this parameter, the device can produce a different amount of water.

Cumulative and instantaneous heater

Electric water heaters are flowing or storage type. In the first case, water passes through the TEN and at the output it receives the required temperature. These are very powerful devices. To connect them to the network, it is necessary to ensure a good quality of the wiring (sufficient conductor section, ground, RCD).

The arrangement of the instantaneous water heater is quite simple. In a small capacity is placed TEN. Many manufacturers in the scheme include various additional security systems. They break the circuit during overheating, and also do not allow the equipment to operate without a ground loop.

Storage water heaters are also called boilers. Such devices have a capacity with a certain capacity. The heater in these devices is less powerful, which makes it possible to install a boiler in any house or apartment.

Advantages and disadvantages of a flow device

Before buying this or that kind of equipment, you must weigh all its advantages and disadvantages. The device of an electric water heater of flow type gives him a number of advantages.

The device is very compact, so there is no problem with the installation. The device immediately gives out heated water. It is possible to control the temperature at the output (not in all models). Also, the advantage of flowing varieties is the lack of the need for frequent maintenance.

But there are disadvantages in the presented varieties of household appliances. A flowing device requires a fairly powerful wiring. The smallest water heater of this type consumes 3 kW per hour. To take a shower, bath and send water to several points of water intake, power is required up to 27 kW. With low water pressure in the system, these devices do not work. If the limiter is not provided in the scheme, in such conditions the heater may burn.

Types of instantaneous water heaters

The device of the water heater of the flow type can be pressure and non-pressure. In the first case, the device is installed at the inlet of the water supply system. It provides several points of water heated by the liquid. The device turns on when water flows under the head through it. These are powerful devices from 8 kW.

Non-pressure varieties are installed on a single water intake point. They produce much less hot water. But their power will be less. This is an ideal option for a holiday house. Their design is simpler. In the delivery set they usually have a shower or a nozzle for a crane.

Power selection

When studying the flow-through type of water heater, it is necessary to understand the choice of its capacity. To wash your hands or dishes, you will need a device with a TEC 3-5 kW. Wishing to take a shower, they prefer equipment with a capacity of 5-10 kW. To provide hot water for the whole apartment or house, you need a device with a capacity of 10 to 27 kW.

To properly select this parameter, a special formula is used:

M = П (Т1 - Т2) * 0,073, where П - water flow (l / min), Т1 - temperature at the output of the device, Т2 - inlet temperature.

For example, to fully take a shower, you need a flow of 5 liters per minute. The water must be heated to at least 35 ° C. In winter, the flow temperature in the main road is 5 ° C. You can calculate:

M = 5 (35 -5) * 0.073 = 10.95 kW

In other words, in such conditions, a device of 10-11 kW of power is needed. Wishing to apply it for several points, the obtained value is multiplied by two.

User Reviews

The modern market offers the consumer a large number of presented instruments of foreign and domestic production. Feedback from users will help to add opinions about each of the popular brands.

The device of the water heater "Termex" (Russia) with a capacity of 3.5 kW is marked as rather qualitative at a relatively low cost. Among the shortcomings, users call the device noise.

The device from Electrolux (Sweden) Smartfix (5.5 kW) is suitable for one water intake point. Users note in some cases the lack of quality of components. But the amount of warm water that is created is sufficient to satisfy household needs.

Stiebel Eltron (Germany) is one of the most expensive devices. Its capacity of 8 kW is enough to create an autonomous heating system in the summer. In winter, the device is used for showering.

Storage water heater

The boiler, unlike the previous device, has a large capacity. The tank is made of steel or stainless steel. The internal surface is often treated with various materials that extend the life of the device.

The water intake pipe inside the tank has a certain configuration. It depends on this whether it is possible to mount the boiler vertically or horizontally.

The device of the storage water heater assumes the presence of a special element for water softening. It is called the magnesium anode. It requires replacement every 1-2 years.

The heater can be "dry" or "wet". The latter option involves direct contact of the heating element with water. "Dry" TEN is in a flask and is considered more durable.

Advantages and disadvantages

The arrangement of the water heater of the presented type is characterized by a number of advantages and disadvantages. Positive qualities include a relatively small load on wiring. The heater usually has a power of 1.5-2 kW. Therefore, when operating the boiler, it is also possible to operate other electrical appliances.

Different volumes of the tank make it possible to provide even a large family with hot water. It is possible to adjust the heating temperature from 35 to 80 ° C. Therefore, the boiler is equally effective in summer and winter.

Of the shortcomings, reviews highlight large dimensions, the need for regular maintenance (tank cleaning, replacement of the magnesium anode). In the process of inactivity, some heat loss of the device is determined.

Owner feedback

According to user feedback, there are several popular models of the presented technology. Each of the boilers has its own characteristics.

The device of the Ariston ABS PRO 80 water heater (Italy) is characterized by low power of the heater. Thanks to this boiler is used even in a room with old wiring. The disadvantage is the insignificant heating noise and the need for annual cleaning.

Domestic product "Termex Flat Plus 50" has an internal tank made of stainless steel. This is a "flat" boiler. Its design allows you to harmoniously fit the water heater into the interior of a small bathroom. This model requires a mandatory grounding. Otherwise, the stray currents rapidly destroy the tank when heated.

Gorenje produces devices that are economical in operation. Their insulation class is one of the highest. Therefore, they consume less electricity during operation.

Gas columns

A gas flow-through water heater, the device of which is characterized by its compactness and safety, is not suitable for every home. The fact is that a full flue is required to operate the column (it should not be confused with ventilation).

The house should initially be built according to the project's requirements. Also, gas water heaters can not be installed above 5 floors. Therefore, in multi-storey high-rise buildings only electrical equipment is used.

But if possible, to install a gas column, the cost of paying for energy resources will be much less. Modern devices of this type have a multi-level protection system. If there is an unforeseen breakdown, the column switches itself off. Therefore, their use is safe and very comfortable.

Having become acquainted with the main types of water heaters and their device, you can choose the best option for yourself. User feedback allows you to draw a conclusion about the quality of popular models. Based on this information, you can choose the best water heater, which will last as long as possible.