Choosing an electric storage water heater

Hot water in the house - this is one of the main aspects of comfort, without which modern man can not do. Now more and more people are abandoning centralized water supply and prefer cumulative electric water heaters. Such a decision entails the problem of choice, because the market is oversaturated with models and manufacturers.

Special features

Let storage electric water heaters are presented in a large assortment of models, which differ in many parameters, but the main design features are all the same or very similar. If you look inside the water heater, you can see the following picture:

  • inside the tank on its perimeter is a layer of insulating material;
  • a magnesium / titanium anode is also present, which suppresses the development of corrosion;
  • heating element, which can be dry or wet (this question will be opened further);
  • safety valve, which is necessary to reduce the pressure at the time of its growth;
  • the thermostat controls the temperature of the water and keeps it at the same level.

Such features of the device are characteristic of each storage electric water heater.

Principle of operation

    All boilers are arranged according to a single principle. Changes in the design, of course, are present, but the principle of operation remains unchanged. In fact, the storage equipment for water heating is a tank, inside which water is constantly contained. Also inside the tank has a heating element or PETN. The design resembles a thermos, because it retains the heat of heated water.

    When the water temperature has reached a certain point, the heater is turned off and the design retains the heat obtained. When the flow of warm water into the tank enters the cold, the temperature decreases and the heater is activated. By this principle, any storage device for heating water.

    The horizontal boiler works on the same principle, the differences are only in the design.The heating element is located on the side. This makes its own adjustments to the work of the boiler. For example, increases the time of heating water. Although manufacturers are working tirelessly to improve the design of horizontal boilers.

    Separate attention deserve the model with "dry" Teng. The principle of operation of such water heaters does not differ from what was described above. But the heating element is radically different from the wet teng. Such an element is designed as a spiral, which is surrounded by hollow ceramic tubes. Dry scale does not form on dry tannins, they have a large heating area, they serve for a long time, but they cost more.

    Kinds

    Accumulative electric water heater is presented in a large assortment of varieties. To make the choice simple and fast, you need to familiarize yourself with each of them.

    Design features:

    • Vertical models characterized by rapid heating of water due to the lower location of the heating element. Also, hot water is almost not mixed with cold, which ensures efficient flow. Such equipment must not be installed in a horizontal position.
    • In horizontal boilers heating element is located on the side. Water heats up longer. They can not be hung on the wall in an upright position.
    • Combined options can be installed in two positions, which is very convenient for redevelopment.

    When buying a boiler, it is imperative to clarify the presence of such a feature.

    The shape of the structure is another parameter that must be considered when choosing the appropriate model:

    • Round designs - is a classic, they are the most common and affordable. A significant drawback is the large size. But the time of heating water is less than that of the flat variants, and the water consumption is more economical.

    If the size of the room allows you to install a round boiler, then it makes no sense to spend money on expensive flat models. The average diameter of the round boiler is 50 cm.

    • Slim - One of the options for a round design. In this case, the average diameter is about 38 cm. The cost of such boilers is slightly higher, but the water heats up faster.
    • Flat designs - These are more modern options. They look aesthetically pleasing, take up little space and fit into any interior.Modern models are more advanced. The internal structure is divided into two tanks, which are shaped like a cylinder. Between themselves, they are connected by tubes. Due to this design feature, the boiler has an increased depth. They are expensive and have a large number of welds, and even the thickness of the insulating material is small.

    Installation Method:

    • Floor water heater usually available in large quantities, although there are also small models. Heavy roomy designs on the wall can not be hung, because you can face the sad consequences. For an outdoor storage electric water heater, it is not necessary to make holes in the wall, it is easier to install, it is connected to the water supply system through flexible hoses.
    • Wall boiler - This is the most common option, which is selected for residential premises, despite the more complex and time-consuming installation. It is required to make holes in the wall for such constructions and to use very reliable and durable fittings on which the water heater will be hung.

    Tank material:

    • Enameled steel unfairly recognized less durable material than stainless steel. Intergranular corrosion is a problem for both materials.
    • Stainless steel not always a good option, even though it is highly resistant to corrosion. But it costs much more enamelled steel. The reliability and durability of the structure is largely determined by the quality of the seams.

    If you buy a stainless steel boiler, it is exclusively from a reliable manufacturer who provides a long-term guarantee on the internal tank.

    Varieties of heaters:

    • Wet tan it is in direct contact with water, because it oxidizes faster, becomes overgrown with scale and deteriorates under the influence of an aggressive environment. But it is much cheaper than dry teng. In principle, if the water is purified and not hard, then you can safely choose just such a heating element. Only in this case it will serve for a long time.

    Such heating elements are covered with electrochemical corrosion, which significantly affects the duration of the entire water heater.

    • Dry tan costs more, but it serves much longer in conditions of using hard water without a filter.In regions with poor water, only such water heaters should be installed. Ceramics, stainless or enameled steel can be used as protection for the heater. Only the first option is characterized by slow cooling and silent operation. Maintenance and replacement of such a heating element can be done without the need to drain water from the tank. Some manufacturers install two dry heaters in their water heaters.

    In this case, if one of them breaks, it is possible to heat the water at the expense of the other until the defective component is replaced. Although such heating elements are more expensive, the choice is increasingly falling on them.

    Management Type:

    • Mechanics are gradually giving way to electronic devices. Despite this, many users still choose mechanics. It is more reliable and easy to operate, maintain and repair. Its condition is not affected by the drops in the network. The basis of the work is a capillary thermostat, which is driven by a rotary regulator. Deviation in accuracy of work does not exceed 5 degrees. The rotary knob is usually located under the cover or on the bottomwater heater.
    • The electronics consist of a thermostat, a control module, a power board, a temperature sensor, and a board from the display.. Here the maximum accuracy, without deviations. The boiler with automatics will work without breakdowns, in case of presence of a protective device against power surges in the network. Such a mechanism is not in every model, so when choosing, you need to clarify this point.

    Believe me, it is better to immediately pay for a stabilizer than to repair electronics in the future or buy a new water heater.

    Volume underlies the most extensive category. Here are a large number of options from which you can choose a boiler for any situation. Small constructions hold 5, 10, or 15 liters of water. Such models are often installed in the kitchen and used for washing dishes and household needs. A boiler of 20, 30 or 50 liters is enough to supply one person with water.

    A volume of 80 and 100 liters should be chosen for a family of about three people. It depends on the flow of water. If a boiler of 150 or 200 liters is required, this should be a floor-standing option. Such a large weight can cause irreparable harm to the wall and the house as a whole.

    The power of household water storage devices is most often represented by two parameters: 1.5 kW and 2 kW. There are other options, but they are less common.

    The power rating determines the rate of water heating. Setting the model to 2 kW requires the creation of special conditions, which is not always possible.

    How to choose?

    The choice of an accumulative electric water heater for an apartment or house is based on many criteria. It is necessary to take into account a number of factors, weigh the pros and cons, assess the advantages and disadvantages. To facilitate this task, we picked up important questions that need to be answered before a trip to the store is planned.

    If a boiler with a smaller displacement than the daily demand for hot water requires, you will have to periodically wait for the water to heat up. And this, you see, is completely inconvenient when, for example, after a hard day’s work, you want to wash yourself and go to rest. But do not wait for the water to reach the desired temperature. Under the sink are often installed separate household water heaters of a small volume.

    The choice of capacity is largely determined by the condition of the wiring in the house.For a 1.5 kW boiler, an ordinary high-quality outlet will suffice. For 2 kW, it is already necessary to rebuild the existing network and install a separate fuse. Such powerful equipment can create network overloads. In some cases, a model with two low power heaters turns out to be better than a boiler with one but powerful heating element.

    High-quality and thick insulation - a characteristic on which you can not save. Otherwise, the water will cool down quickly, which will entail an excessive consumption of electricity.

    The material of the inner tank determines its resistance to aggressive media and the durability of the equipment. The best option is anti-corrosion coating, which shows high resistance to aggressive effects. Still, the quality of seams is most important.

    The location of the boiler must be thought out in advance. It is easier to choose the unit to the existing conditions than vice versa. Moreover, the product range allows it to do.

    The type of control is mechanical and electronic. Do not want to overpay - stay on the first option.Appreciate comfort and choose innovations - then the second type will be preferable. Remember, electronics will quickly fail if power surges and network problems are frequent.

    The choice of manufacturer is better to stop at a well-known company, which is dominated by positive reviews. Let it be necessary to overpay a little for the brand, but you will get quality and reliability.

    A water heater from an unknown manufacturer is like buying a cat in a bag. In addition, such companies rarely provide a long warranty.

    Manufacturers

    On the market are different models of electric storage water heaters from a large number of manufacturers. To freely navigate in this diversity, it is necessary to at least a little study the rating of firms that produce high-quality products.

    Ariston and Hotpoint are brands owned by Indesit, which is located in Italy. These trademarks are in an affordable price segment, and are characterized by quality above average. The manufacturer does not equip the products of these brands with sophisticated electronics and a wide range of functions. Yes, they are not needed here.The simpler the equipment, the easier it is to repair and maintain.

    Electrolux is already a more expensive brand. Such water heaters are better than the previous version only due to the presence of complex electronics. There are such models, of course, more. There are in the assortment of the Swedish company and the available models with mechanical control, but they can not boast with a large capacity.

    If you have already set a goal to buy a water heater of such a company, then you should fork out for a good model.

    Hyundai, as it turned out, produces not only cars, but also storage devices for heating water. And very high quality and reliable. The problem with this firm is that there are several companies that have the right to a trademark. The highest quality models are produced by a company that also specializes in cars.

    Thermex is a well-known Russian company in the market of water heaters. Its products are of high quality and reliable, it’s not for nothing that the manufacturer provides a 2-year warranty, and the warranty on the internal tank lasts 5 years. Budget models do not belong here, they will not be able to work so long.But water heaters with a price above the average will work for many years without creating problems for the user.

    Timberk is a company from Finland whose history began about 20 years ago. Although the production of water heaters was launched recently. The company is mainly focused on the production of climate equipment, which in Europe is in high demand. The success of the water heaters was not long in coming.

    When you need to buy an inexpensive water heater, for example, to give, many users pay attention to the company "Moidodyr". The line of equipment consists of small units (maximum 30 liters), which are convenient to use for domestic needs and personal hygiene. Products are inexpensive, with an average quality level.

    Tips and tricks

    It is worth knowing the following:

    • Ask about the maximum temperature to which water can heat up.
    • Inside the boiler often develop pests, to get rid of which is difficult. Antibacterial protection does not allow such a situation.
    • Be sure to check for the presence of magnesium or titanium anodes.They are installed on almost every model, even on an economy version, but still there are exceptions. Magnesium / titanium anodes prevent the formation of corrosion on the internal elements of the water heater. A boiler without an internal anode cannot be bought.
    • Although electronic control is more expensive than the mechanical version, it is very convenient. Especially when you need to set a certain water temperature.
    • The warranty is provided by each manufacturer who is confident in the reliability of their products. The longer the warranty, the better for the user.
    • Accelerated heating is convenient, especially with a high consumption of hot water. Heating time is reduced by about two times, which is a worthy indicator.
    • Tan is one of the most vulnerable elements of any boiler. A dry heating element lasts longer, is safer and more efficient than a wet heater.
    • Floor and wall-mounted water heaters have similar designs, so it is immediately difficult to determine which category the model of interest belongs to. This point should be immediately checked with the seller so that in the future there will be no problems.
    • The low price serves as a reason to doubt as a boiler.None of the manufacturers will operate at a loss. Price reduction is due to savings on materials and components. You need to really look at things and not expect from an inexpensive high-tech boiler and material reliability. At the expiration of the warranty period, there will definitely be problems that you will have to cope with yourself.
    • The massiveness of the design indicates the thickness of the walls of the inner tank and the strength of the welds. A light water heater with a large capacity will be quickly damaged by the effects of corrosion.
    • A small warranty period indicates the manufacturer’s uncertainty about its products. The manufacturer is reinsured from solving numerous problems that may appear during operation. If a company produces high-quality goods, then it has nothing to fear and it is ready to provide its consumers with a long-term guarantee.
    • Designer models look attractive and stylish. Of course, for such beauty will have to pay, but the interior of the room will not suffer. Round white volume water heaters look, to put it mildly, not very attractive.But a flat boiler in an elegant case, painted in an unusual color, or even decorated with a design pattern, is another matter. Similar models are available from many well-known manufacturers, for example, Ariston, Thermex or Bosch. Often, such water heaters provide for horizontal installation.

    The boiler, installed under the ceiling, will not be evident at all and occupy a useful area. If the budget allows, then it is worth considering designer models.

    The question of choosing an accumulative electric water heater will not be difficult if you follow these recommendations. How to choose a water heater, see the next video.

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    Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

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