Water heater: types and selection criteria

Most often in the summer, many city residents face such a problem as turning off hot water. The issue of this inconvenience can close the water heaters. Boilers allow owners to live easily and comfortably, to use heated water at any time convenient for them. Today, the market for such products has a large selection of various models, so everyone can buy something individual for their home. The main task in this matter is to take into account all the nuances in order to make an unmistakable choice.

A water heater is a special device that can continuously heat water. The principle of operation is quite simple: for heating a liquid, fuel, electric power and heat carrier from an external source of energy are used. With proper care, water heaters can last for a long time.

Most often, they have a guarantee, and yet, before choosing the perfect water heater, you should consider all the features of various types of devices, their pros and cons.

• In some devices, the water tank is missing, and therefore it is compact and convenient, it can be installed in the wall of a bathroom or kitchen.
• If the house is large, you will need several water heaters, which can lead to additional costs (increase the length of the chimney).
• Many devices do not require a chimney.
• Quite energy-intensive, since the water that flows through the heat exchanger must be heated quickly. In this regard, a high power heating element is used.

• Most often roomy.
• It can be installed only in non-residential premises (basement, attic, boiler room).
• Can consume little energy.
• They are quite large in size and weight.
• Have effective thermal insulation of the tank.

If a person needs to buy a water heater, you should first understand what the devices are. Two types of instruments are used: flow and accumulative.

They can also be divided into some types according to the principle of operation.

• Electric storage water heaters are extremely convenient and reliable. Installation of the device is easily performed independently. To install this water heater, do not need any special conditions. The device has a thermostat that makes it easier for the owner. It is only necessary to set the temperature to which the water must be heated. The thermostat will allow you to maintain a constant temperature of the fluid in the tank.

• Instantaneous electric water heaters are able to heat water extremely quickly and are of medium size. They are an excellent option for the kitchen. Devices have different power. To use this type of boiler you need to change the wiring and the meter. Their compactness allows you to install devices under the sink. It is extremely convenient to use.

• Gas instantaneous water heater is a great option for apartments, heating of which is carried out using the central heating system (there is no hot water, but there is gas).If you buy a gas device, a person will have to pay only for gas, as it works with the help of powerful energy released when it is burned. The chimney in this case is extremely simple (metal tube).

• Indirect water heaters operate with powerful heating elements and water from a central heating system. They are large tanks within which there is a container. In the smaller tank there is water needed for heating. It is heated by circulating hot water in the gap between the tanks.

• Gas storage water heater is not too popular. Water in this type of heaters is heated with gas, but boilers are rarely installed in apartments, because their boilers are too large and take up a large amount of space.

• A combined water heater is an economical option. It is the same electric boiler, but during the heating seasons (when the main boiler is running), it does not consume electricity. In these seasons, the coolant from the heating boiler passes through the coil and releases the heat of the liquid that has accumulated in the tank.During periods when the boiler is not working, the water in the heater tank is heated by heating elements.
• Most often wood burning water heater is called "titanium". The device heats the water with the help of the heat that is generated when wood is burned. This adaptation is most popular among summer residents. Such water heaters are extremely durable and reliable, easy to operate and have a fairly long service life.

To choose a high-quality water heater, which will last a long time, you should pay attention to the material manufacturing the internal tank. First of all, it is worth remembering that it must be protected from corrosion, as it is constantly in contact with water.

There are several types:

• plastic tanks;
• enameled tanks or glass ceramics;
• titanium tanks or stainless steel.

Plastic tanks are the most affordable options, since plastic is an extremely cheap material. But they will not serve for a long time, since the high temperature of the water contributes to their deformation.

Enameled coating tanks are produced by the best manufacturers in various price categories of such equipment. But they have a drawback - microcracks, which can subsequently be formed by continuous operation of equipment at high temperatures of heating water.

The most durable and convenient water heaters with titanium tanks or stainless steel tanks. They have a high price, but also a long service life. This type is not afraid of high temperature and corrosion.

For small spaces there are horizontal water heaters. Narrow models that have a flat shape can also save some of the space. Vertical water heaters are wider due to the large number of options.

Floor heaters can be of various sizes and shapes. There are barrel-shaped options that allow you to save water heat, with the help of which they save energy.

Most often, water heaters are white, gray or silver. But also it is possible to meet various colors, such as blue, black.

Most often boilers are made in a classic style so as not to stand out too much in the interior: rectangular shapes, neutral colors. But there are also more original options that can become a highlight for any design.

Quite often you can see the original and interesting option - the boiler in the assembly with a sink. He looks extremely creative. Often, such a device is installed at the cottage, since it is its design that is suitable for country interiors and landscape designs.

To choose the best water heater for the kitchen, you need to take into account various criteria. It is worth starting with how much heated water is required.

Comparing the flow and storage types of water heaters, you can see that the decisive factor for the latter is the continued operation of the device with a sharp decrease in water pressure.This is extremely important if the person lives in the countryside, where such a problem is very common.

Accumulative type has an advantage in the form of the ability to do wiring and supply water to several points, for example, you can wash dishes and type a bath at the same time.

When comparing electric models, it is important to consider that storage water heaters maintain the temperature automatically only after it reaches operating performance. This allows the device to be more economical, as it consumes a small amount of energy. Flow heaters do not heat the water too much.

When purchasing a water heater for a bath, you should pay attention to its resistance to corrosion, as there is usually a large amount of water vapor in the baths, which can harm the device, provided it is not properly treated. That is why corrosion resistance should be demonstrated not only by the storage tank or heat exchanger tank, but also by the device body, as well as other external and internal metal parts.

Also, the water heater will need a convenient drain for the waste liquid that will remain in the pipes. Most often, the bath is not heated regularly, so in the winter time, the remaining water in the pipes or the tank can freeze and contribute to the blasting of the tank or heat exchanger.

The water heater must be safe. Its design should be made of materials that do not burn well, and energy supply lines need to be strengthened with additional fuses (safety devices, systems controlling the flame). Conventional fire detectors are not able to operate in a steam room or a rest room.

The performance of the water heater must meet the needs of the owner. A heater whose power is too high will consume energy and money a lot more. Low-power device is not able to "serve" all the needs of the owner.

There is a fairly wide range of different water heaters, so to choose the best option, you should be familiar with the characteristics of a variety of manufacturers.There are many companies that manufacture water heaters.

The company is one of the most popular manufacturers of low-cost and high-quality water heaters. In its assortment there are devices with affordable prices and good quality. The company is located in Italy and is popular throughout the world, including in Russia. Boilers manufactured by the manufacturer are quality and functional.

The manufacturer produces inexpensive electric water heaters of various types, capacities, volumes and purposes. Models are extremely easy to install and operate. The most popular and popular water heaters are models from 10 to 300 liters. The designs of the latter include stainless steel tanks and protected from corrosion. It is also quite often that the tanks are covered with bioglass, which prevents corrosion from arising.

The company from Slovenia has the fame of one of the best European manufacturers of household appliances. Here you can choose a water heater from a huge range, in which there are three categories: small, medium and large liters. Internal tanks are made of stainless steel or enameled steel. In both cases, manufacturers guarantee excellent quality and a long leakage warranty. The design of the devices is classic round or compact flat.

Worthy and high-quality nonsense offers a large number of water-heating equipment of various capacities, volumes and configuration.The functionality of the products and the quality of the materials are not inferior to the analogues created by leading brands.

The company provides customers with a huge list of water heaters of various types (gas boilers and columns, electric flow heaters, electrical storage devices, indirectly heated boilers).

German manufacturer of high quality equipment. The devices manufactured by this manufacturer have a stylish and rigorous design, high performance and durability.

The manufacturer manufactures water heaters with tanks coated with zinc-plated, which has an increased resistance to corrosion. Devices can be installed even in those rooms where there is high humidity. Most often, the body is made of steel tanks, in which tubular heaters are installed, and sensors for emergency disconnection of heating elements.

The front side of the water heater has a tap to drain the water and a thermostat knob to help set the desired water temperature. There is also a wire for connection to a single-phase network with euro plug. There is a stopper in the tank to drain excess fluid. The manufacturer guarantees the quality and comfort in operation.

A large number of excellent water heaters of worthy brands can be found in the DNS store, which offers a large assortment of digital and high quality home appliances.

After the device has been turned on for the first time, it is necessary to allow it to warm the water to the maximum temperature. Then it is necessary to open the tap located on the mixer and make sure that hot water flows from there, and then carefully examine if there are any leaks.If everything is normal, you can proceed to operation.

After switching on the unit, set the required water temperature. Most often on the devices you can see three positions: 35, 55-57 and 75 degrees. There are models that have a position called "anti-freezing", which allows you to maintain a temperature of 10 degrees.

In order for the device to serve for a long time, it is necessary to be guided by some recommendations:

• It is impossible to turn on the water heater when the tank is empty, as this contributes to the failure of the heater. There is a safety valve located at the entrance. It has a check valve. The efficiency of this system should be checked once a year.
• It is important to include adjustment of the boiler temperature to a maximum of once every two weeks and maintain this mode for two hours. It is necessary to get rid of harmful bacteria living in a warm liquid.
• It should be remembered that at the input of cold water into the room you need to put a strainer. With hard water it is necessary to organize additional cleaning and desalting. This will help the boiler to serve longer.

• Flush the tank once every two years. This will help to avoid scaling. It is also important to check the status of the protective magnesium anode and change it if necessary.
• When purchasing a storage type boiler, you should carefully inspect the treatment of the inner surface of the water tank. Most often, the walls are treated with the necessary compounds that can prevent corrosive processes.
• Typically, these boilers are hung on the walls, but if the internal tank has a volume in excess of 100 liters, it is better to install the device on the floor.

To save energy and extend the life without overpaying, you should take advantage of useful tips.

• If hot water is used daily, it is not necessary to disconnect the device from yourself. In this case, to maintain the temperature, you will not need a large amount of electricity. Heating from scratch (especially in winter, when very cold water enters the boiler) may require a lot of energy.
• The boiler must be turned off if hot water is used once a day or less. In this situation, the heating will take less electricity than on maintenance.
• You can install a programmable controller that is programmable to prepare water at a specific time. Thus there is a decent energy savings.
• Simple boilers have economical modes of regulators, which are most often denoted by the letter "E" or in some other way. If possible, use it.
• If a person uses a heater for running water, do not allow its aimless flow during a variety of procedures. Heating can occur quite quickly, and constantly closing the tap for a few minutes the owner will be able to save a large amount of electricity.

• Decent electric wall type water heater, which fits perfectly into the design of the room and is not only a functional device, but also an interesting decoration of the design. It does not take up much space and looks extremely organic.
• The stylish flowing heater of water which is capable to fit into any interior and to become the irreplaceable device for many years.

• The free-flow water heater, which is extremely easy to operate, has an affordable price and power from 2 to 8 kW.
• Boiler, which requires a large amount of space. Most often, such water heaters are used in separate rooms designed for boilers. The barrel-shaped device contributes to the retention of heat and allows you to spend a small amount of electricity. This option is optimal in terms of comfort and economy.

• Flat water heater having a remote. It is extremely compact and easy to fit into any design. Installing such a boiler is quite simple. Most often, this option is used to wash the dishes in the country.
• The option that allows you to heat the water in the suburban areas without any problems. Can be a decoration for any design.

• Original boiler assembled with a sink. Often used in country houses, emphasizes the style of the interior, is extremely convenient to use.
• Stylish and original boiler that is installed in the bathroom.

• Such a flat water heater can be a decoration for any bathroom.
• Compact water heater "Termeks", does not spoil the look of the interior and fits well into the design of the room.The diminutiveness of the device and the attractive appearance allow it to become part of the room design.

How to choose a water heater, see the next video.