Choosing an electric instantaneous water heater becomes a top priority for a demanding household during planned outages or frequent supply interruptions hot water. As you know, not all houses and apartments have hot water, not to mention holiday villages. To heat it, various devices are used, in particular instantaneous water heaters.
These options have significant differences. A traditional electric instantaneous water heater is more compact and mobile, making it possible to obtain hot water anywhere, only if electricity is available. The choice of such a device will be discussed in the material below.
The presence of a constant source of hot water is one of the main criteria for comfortable living. Water heating devices flow type designed to meet the needs for hot water in the absence of other methods of obtaining it (centralized supply, gas water heating equipment, and so on).
Electric instantaneous water heaters can satisfy a variety of water needs - from a single kitchen faucet to small production lines. This requires appropriate parameter values electric current. Flow-through EWHs are mainly used to short-term replace a permanent source of hot water supply due to the high cost of heating water with electrical energy.
The design of an electric instantaneous water heater, as a rule, is the same in all models and it looks like this. Built into a metal tank electric heater nal element (heating element). The tank has two threaded pipes - cold water inlet and hot water outlet. Valves are installed on the pipes to allow removal and repair of equipment. Next, the taps are usually connected using flexible hoses to the networks of cold (source) and hot water, respectively.
Perhaps the most expensive and important in the device is the heating element - heating element. Its purpose is to heat the water flowing through the heater. When water pressure is created, the built-in pressure switch in the device is activated. It includes the heating element in its work.
Inside the housing, on the body of the copper flask, there is a thermal cyclic breaker. This is a sensor that ensures the safety of people and the device itself if the maximum permissible water temperature is exceeded. If the temperature reaches a critical value, the breaker will turn off the heating element.
However, the main problem when operating a flow-through EWH is the failure of the heating element due to constant increased thermal and electrical loads. Replacing it is not difficult and does not require special skills, the only negative is that the heating element fails at the most inopportune moment.
You can regulate the temperature of the passing water using a thermostat located on the body of the device. The temperature can also be changed by changing the water pressure if the water heater is not equipped with a water pressure stabilizer (in expensive models).
Water is heated directly when the tap is opened, while the water flow passes through the heating element. Water enters the tank, and then, already heated, it is supplied to the water collection point. As a standard, an electric instantaneous water heater has an automatic operation system. When the water tap opens, the heater starts working, and when the tap is closed, it turns off.
Instantaneous electric water heaters have standard automation. A flow sensor is installed on the hydraulic path. Thus, when water collection begins (opening the mixer), a certain amount of water flow is formed, and the sensor gives a command to turn on the heating element. Accordingly, when the water flow stops, the heating element also turns off (otherwise it will simply burn out).
The entire device is small in size and housed in a decorative plastic case. You can find the use of miniature instantaneous water heaters installed directly on faucets, but due to their fragility and inconvenient location, an instantaneous water heater on a faucet is not widely used.
Most instantaneous water heaters are equipped with mechanisms for regulating the outlet water temperature (either by temperature value or by its range). Electric instantaneous water heaters have metal case increased strength and the most comprehensive safety automation - safety valves, sensors, and so on.
Let us briefly list all the advantages of flow-type heaters:
1. The electric instantaneous water heater can be located anywhere due to its compact size. Even for limited space, you can choose from a huge range of suitable size models.
2. The second plus, a continuation of the first, small dimensions help save space and do not take up usable area in the bathroom or kitchen.
3. Fast water heating. Just open the tap and within a couple of seconds we get warm water. In addition, there is no stagnation of water and the possibility of the development of pathogenic microorganisms is cut off, in particular there are no prerequisites for the emergence of Legionella bacteria.
4. Economical energy consumption due to switching on only after water supply.
5. There are no restrictions on the volume of heated water passing through. Probably this advantage should be put in first place; an electric instantaneous water heater provides comfortable use of warm water without limiting you in terms of time and volume. The water is heated for as long as the whole family needs it.
6. It is possible to change the water temperature.
7. Reasonable cost. Electric instantaneous water heaters are offered in a large assortment, tailored to suit different wallet thicknesses; there are always options available where the price has a symbolic meaning.
Unfortunately, not everything is so rosy and we must talk about the disadvantages that an electric instantaneous water heater has. It is fair to note that the temperature regime is low, usually water heating does not exceed 45 °C. In cold winter, due to the icy incoming water, the flow channel cannot cope and at the exit we will most likely get a barely warm flow. The flow structure usually does not have time to bring cold water to the required temperature.
The second significant disadvantage is the need for high-quality wiring from metering devices with automatic plugs to the connection point of the instantaneous water heater. An electric instantaneous water heater has quite a lot of power, which will cause an increased load on the wires, with their subsequent burnout. The bulk of the modifications available on the store shelves are sold with a power of 8 to 10 kW.
That is why, in old house, most likely there will be a need to completely replace the wires with an increase in their cross-section.Calling a master toinstalling a separate line from the meter and equipping it with an automatic plug will entail additional financial expenses.
If there is a large consumption of heated water, it is more advisable to install. About Saving energy resources is out of the question if an electric instantaneous water heater is used for a significant volume of liquid. Use a ductunder conditions of increased preparation of heated water - means a complete lack of benefit.
Choosing an electric instantaneous water heater is a feasible task even for a beginner in matters of water supply. To ensure that the model you choose fully satisfies your needs, attention should be paid to the following device parameters:
Pressure models are installed in houses with several water intake points. They crash into broken water pipes. As a rule, they are distinguished by more substantial dimensions, increased power and high cost. Water heating turns on automatically when any water supply tap is opened.
Non-pressure models are used at individual water intake points. If there are several taps in the house that require hot water, it is recommended to purchase a separate water heater for each of them. Their power usually does not exceed 8 kW. Popular for summer kitchens, country houses, bath
Selecting a model based on this indicator is quite simple. If the structure has one phase, then the device should be purchased single-phase. The power of single-phase devices does not exceed 12 kW.
If there are three phases, focus on three-phase heaters with increased power ratings. Their power is usually 10-36 kW.
The intensity of water heating depends on this characteristic depending on its pressure. We can say that this is the main criterion by which an electric instantaneous water heater is selected for various installation locations. Simple non-pressure models have enough power of about 3 kW. This is exactly what most compact and inexpensive models are designed for. For the dacha and summer kitchen this is quite enough, unless you plan to use maximum water pressure in winter.
Standard city apartment, will require more power and in this case, you should purchase a flow generator with an indicator of up to 8 kW. A power of 4.5-6 kW is already enough to provide a solid pressure of hot water all year round.Of course, for complete relaxation in hot bath it won’t be enough, but washing the dishes and rinsing in the shower is more than enough.
If you still want to relax in a hot bath and enjoy the rich foam, you should check the possibilities of supplying three-phase electrical wiring, and consider the option of installing a 13 kW instantaneous water heater. More powerful devices can be designed to connect several taps.
The control system can be hydraulic or electronic.
It is used in the most simple and inexpensive models. When the user opens the water tap, the first (initial) heating level is turned on. When the pressure increases, the heater switches to the second stage. When the water stops flowing, the rod turns the tap to closed position. The disadvantage of such a control system is that with low water pressure the device may not start working at all.
Used in expensive and powerful models. The operation of the heater is electronically controlled. The water coming out of the tap has a strictly set temperature, regardless of the water pressure. The user sets only its desired temperature. The most advanced models can not only maintain the temperature specified in the settings, but are also able to regulate the water pressure.
Focusing on these basic parameters, you can buy yourself a really high-quality water heater and use it with maximum comfort for a very long time.
The electric instantaneous water heater should be placed so that it does not interfere with operation and splashes do not reach the body of the product. If the purchased model is connected directly to the outlet of the pipeline, you should stock up on a tee and shut-off valves.
The order of installation activities is carried out in the following sequence:
Eyeliner electric cable to the connection point, do not forget about ensuring safety, equip the panel with an additional automatic machine;
Direct installation of the product to the wall. In some cases, the kit includes an installation template (depending on the model);
We shut off the water in the pipeline, make the connection using pre-purchased pipes, fittings and shut-off valves;
Gradually supply cold water and increase the pressure, look at the flow-through heater - there should be no leaks in it;
We plug it into the network and monitor the performance of the heating elements.
Professionals advise that at the inlet of an electric instantaneous water heater, additionally install a filter that traps various types of debris formed in the pipeline as a result of rust or incoming grains of sand. Protection from small specks will help maintain long-term operation of the device without unnecessary breakdowns. heating market specialists
A well-known blogger in a video review will tell you how to mount everything correctly and without errors:
It’s hard to imagine without hot water comfortable conditions residence. There are many different water heaters on the market now. In addition to differences in the resources consumed (gas or electricity), they are divided into flow and storage. From the name it is already clear that some heat water immediately, while others accumulate it. It may seem that it is better to choose a flow-through one, because you do not have to wait for it to heat the water. But is it really so? To answer, you should examine in detail the operating principle of water heaters.
They are usually called dispensers if they are gas powered. Their principle of heating water is simple: water enters the heat exchanger, is heated using a burner, then exits into the right tap or mixer. It takes time for the hot water to reach its end point. It depends on the distance from the mixer and water heater. Almost all are gas. The lower it is, the hotter and slower the water flows. If the pressure is minimal, the column may not start.
Electric instantaneous water heaters consume a lot of electricity; installing them on poor wiring is highly not recommended. Advantage individual models geysers in their energy independence. For operation, piezo ignition or batteries are used.
Electric water heaters benefit from the absence additional elements(chimney) and permits. Instantaneous water heaters have a big drawback - they cannot be used for several mixers at the same time. For example, if you turn on the water in the kitchen, the temperature in the shower will drop.
In common parlance they are called. As for the differences between gas and electric boilers, they are similar to instantaneous water heaters. The difference is that they consume less electricity. But they also take up more space. But you can use several points at the same time. First you have to wait until the boiler heats a certain amount of water. But you can set a timer that turns on the water heater at the right time. By the way, gas boilers heating can be direct or indirect.
The size of the storage water heater depends on the volume of the tank. How more people use hot water, the larger the volume you need to choose. For example, a family from three people you need a tank of 50-100 liters. A smaller volume may not be enough, and a larger one will require additional space. One of the advantages of the boiler is the ability to connect to a heated towel rail. Then it will work even in summer time when the heating is not used.
When choosing an instantaneous water heater, you should pay attention to the principle of its operation and the amount of water consumed by household members. Despite all the advantages of storage devices, sometimes installing instantaneous water heaters is more appropriate. Each room has its own conditions, so you need to choose wisely.
Today we tried to clarify how to choose an instantaneous water heater with acceptable technical parameters forbest water supply option during outages. Now you know which floweroptimally meets your needs and the desires of your household.
The presence of hot water supply is one of the main and integral attributes comfortable life. Its temporary shutdown can bring a lot of inconvenience to modern citizens. In addition, not all holiday villages and villages are supplied with hot water. To eliminate this circumstance, an electric instantaneous water heater (direct-flow, non-pressure) from Electrolux, Ariston, Termex and other manufacturers is often used. Such a boiler operates in automatic mode, the main condition is the presence of a source of water and power supply.
Achievement modern science and equipment - instantaneous electric water heater, which allows you to use hot water for domestic needs all year round, is a small-sized device with a heating element. The latter is a heating element (tubular electric heater) or an open spiral. An open spiral is used in very compact devices in the form of faucet attachments, because... There is simply nowhere to put a heating element there. Heating occurs in a copper flask.
Externally, the device is a relatively small plastic case, which is connected to a source of electricity and a water supply system. There is only one outlet for hot water. Depending on the purpose and performance, such a device can provide water at a constant temperature to one or more water collection points. Moreover, some models are equipped with a mechanical control system, others with an electronic one. An undoubted advantage is the ability to regulate power and water heating, especially with an electronically controlled boiler.
Having decided to install a structure that would provide the opportunity to use a hot shower in any season of the year, first familiarize yourself with the principle of its operation. An electric running water heater comes into operation when the tap is opened, i.e. water flow appears. Next, the water is instantly heated to optimal temperature, after which it is simply maintained at the same level. There are no storage tanks of different sizes in the boiler.
Due to the fact that this type of water heater is a high-power electrical appliance, it requires separate electrical wiring. In addition, the device must be grounded. As a protection system against overheating and burns, special devices are used - limiter regulators. In some models, they are triggered when the water heating temperature exceeds 65-70 degrees.
A flow-through boiler can be either pressure or non-pressure type. The first is otherwise called a water heater closed type- it is connected to the gap water pipe. It has great power and can provide water supply to several water collection points. Connecting a non-pressure (open) water heater is carried out like a simple one household appliances, i.e. by tapping a water pipe or flexible hose. Supplies only one point. The advantage is low cost and low power, which will save on energy consumption. Kinds:
Regardless of the technical characteristics of any instantaneous water heater, including budget model, is a completely economical device in terms of water consumption. The fact is that the user, standing in the bathtub or shower stall, does not have to wait long for the water to flow at the required temperature. The pressure device, ideal for kitchens, is always under mains pressure. One of the popular options for such a heater:
If you are looking for a more powerful device, then take a closer look at one of the Stiebel water heater models:
The non-pressure heater has the same principle of operation as the pressure heater, it’s just that a special mixer acts as a safety group. When closed, it shuts off the water at the inlet, and when heated, it discharges excess water. You can find devices from different manufacturers on sale, so be sure to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option you are interested in. Here is one of the inexpensive models:
Among other non-pressure heaters, pay attention to this type of device:
Purchasing a product such as a instantaneous water heater in St. Petersburg, Moscow or another city in the country is not a problem today; it’s more difficult to decide on suitable option and optimal power. Depending on the build quality and operating conditions, the purchase made can last about 5-7 years. To answer the question of which instantaneous water heater is best to buy for an apartment for showering, check out several popular devices. Compare all parameters, including approximate power consumption. An inexpensive purchase could be:
Another popular and sought-after representative of this category of instantaneous water heaters is:
Correct the operation of the heater, i.e. You can change the degree of water heating using regulators located on a special panel. The control can be mechanical or electronic. The first is often called hydraulic. A nozzle on a faucet for heating water or a separate standard device with such control is always turned on at maximum power - even if there are several heating modes. It is necessary to change the degree of heating manually, i.e. switching modes after switching on. Here's one option:
Check out another option - the Kospel three-phase electric water heater:
Instantaneous water heaters equipped with electronic controls have become quite widespread today. They stand out for their high power and higher cost. This is due to the fact that installations of this type have heating elements with multi-stage power control. In addition, these devices have several sensors and a microprocessor that processes data and regulates the operation of the heaters. A striking example is:
If some of the characteristics do not suit you, then check out another option:
When choosing, first of all, you need to choose the right optimal power installations. In this case, it is easier to focus on the number of taps that should be simultaneously supplied with hot water. If there are three such points in the living space, then the power of the device should be from 13 kW or more, if there are 2 - in the range of 8-12 kW, and if there is 1 - up to 8 kW. Select control type: hydraulic or electronic. The first one is cheaper, the second one has more power and modern “stuffing”.
Pay attention to the performance of the device, i.e. water consumption. The average value for a shower is 5 l/min, a washbasin and sink with mixer is 2-4 l/min, and a bath with a mixer is 3.5 l/min. When choosing, make sure you match both the power and performance values. This is the only way a instantaneous water heater will provide you with water heated to the desired temperature. Otherwise, you will have to make sure that more than one tap is not opened at the same time.
To ensure that your purchase, regardless of cost and high/low power, turns out to be optimal, make a kind of monitoring of prices, promotions, discounts, sales for this or that electric running water heater with a heating element, compare the characteristics of several models, which can be ordered from the catalog in the online store with delivered by mail or purchased at your local hardware store.
Why is there a water heater in the apartment? Perhaps this question did not torment those who travel to distant countries during the traditional summer hot water outages. But the majority of residents of our country who managed to purchase a heater managed to appreciate the benefits of a hot shower at any time of the year and day.
To do this, it’s not enough to go to the store and compare prices. It is worth knowing that the devices operate on gas and electricity, differ in volume, performance, type of installation and position, material and many other parameters. IN modern apartments Gas water heaters, especially large ones, are rarely used. Therefore, we will dwell in detail on popular electric models, defining best options For various conditions. "How does it happen? , You can read in our article.”
Flow devices are compact and inexpensive. This heater fits perfectly in a cabinet under the kitchen sink and does not take up much space on the bathroom wall. Installation takes minimal time. With this “helper” you won’t have to wash dishes and hands in cold water. The jet, passing through the heating element, has an output temperature of 35-40 degrees, sufficient for a comfortable shower.
But along with all the advantages of these silent units, there is a significant drawback - high energy consumption. That's why flow models They are more suitable for economical seasonal use during periods when hot water is turned off and for apartments in which, for various reasons, cold water runs out of the hot water tap at night.
Note! If the wiring in your apartment has not changed since Soviet Union, it is better to refrain from purchasing a instantaneous water heater or make complete replacement electrical cables.
Instantaneous water heaters are produced in two versions - single- and three-phase. The models also differ in the principle of operation - pressure and non-pressure.
Pressure water heaters flow type are very simple and do not require special care/maintenance. They heat the stream of water almost instantly, starting to work as soon as the tap opens. Such products are installed directly into the water riser.
Popular manufacturers of quality water heaters:StiebelEltron,Vaillant,Siemens,AEG,Unitherm,Clage, Timberk.
Non-pressure instantaneous water heaters are installed next to the water source and can be equipped with a shower and spout. The big advantage of a pressureless tank is mobility. Such a device can be quickly installed if necessary and removed when the need for hot water supply disappears. But it is worth knowing that non-pressure water heaters have very low power. Those. the output of heated water will be no more than 1-3 liters per second, or the water will not warm up enough. Another drawback lies in the design - over time, the heat transfer of the heating element may decrease.
To take a shower comfortably, you should purchase a heater with a power of 8 kW or more, but such devices require high-quality wiring and mandatory grounding.
Instructions for Atmor Basic 5 kW
Productivity as the number of heated volumes of water per unit of time is always indicated by manufacturers. However, models with low price category this figure may be underestimated, because the incoming water t = 20°C is taken into account, while in Russian apartments the flow temperature in the pipes rarely rises above 15 degrees. Large companies, on the contrary, underestimate productivity indicators, taking into account minimum temperature incoming water (total 10°C).
Therefore, it is worth purchasing quality products famous brands, avoiding shelves with cheap products, even if the latter have fabulous performance indicators in the description.
Flow-storage devices are perfect for use in apartments. Water heaters are connected to a regular shower hose and a standard 220 V socket. Even a housewife can handle the installation. The power of compact water heaters is small (about 2.5 kW), but in just half an hour a sufficient amount of heated water will accumulate in the tank, which is enough to take a shower.
Popular manufacturers:"Etalon" and "Termex".
Price range: 5-7 thousand rubles.
Table. Characteristics of ETALON MK 15 Combi
Storage water heaters or boilers - devices that not only heat, but also maintain the temperature of water for a long time. You can use heated water even if the heater is unplugged. One water heater is enough to service all the plumbing. appliances in the apartment.
Boilers are much more convenient to use than flow-through devices, but they take up more space, and installation has a lot of important nuances. Such a device cannot simply be removed from the wall and hidden in a closet when the need for an alternative source of hot water disappears.
The tank volume acceptable for an apartment ranges from 50 to 100 liters. This supply of water is enough for a family of two to four adults and small child. If periods of hot water shutdown are short-term and you plan to use hot water only for domestic needs, it is worth installing a more compact 30-liter boiler.
To calculate the approximate daily volume of water consumed, it is best to check the readings of water meters, checking the readings at intervals of 24 hours. The approximate volume of water required for 1 day for 1 person is 230-300 liters. Since the water in the boiler is heated to 75-85 degrees, after which it is diluted with a cold stream, the output is 2 times more warm water, what was heated by the device. Based on this, it will be enough for one user to turn on a 50-liter heater twice a day to provide himself with warm water for the whole day.
| Consumer | Cumulative | Flow-through | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Popular models | Performance | Popular models | |
| 2 adults | 30 liters | ELECTROLUX EWH 30 Centurio Digital H (2000 W, horizontal, RUB 10,600). ELECTROLUX EWH 30 Quantum Slim (1500 W, vertical, 5100 rub.). TIMBERK SWH FSM5 30 V (2000 W, vertical, 12,000 rub.). | 3-4 liters per minute | AEG MP 6 (RUB 16,500, 6 kW). |
| 2 adults + 1 child | 30-50 liters | THERMEX FLAT DIAMOND TOUCH ID 50 V (1300 W, vertical, RUB 12,500). TIMBERK SWH FSM5 50 V (2000 W, vertical, RUB 14,100). | 4 liters per minute | Stiebel Eltron DHC 8 (RUB 18,300, 8 kW). |
| 4 adults | 50-80 liters | GORENJE OTG80SLSIMBB6 (2000 W, vertical, RUB 13,100). BAXI SV 580 (vertical, 1200 W, 7300 rub.). | 5 liters per minute | Stiebel Eltron DHF 12 C1 (12 kW, 27900). |
| 5-6 adults | 100-120 liters | ARISTON ABS PRO R 100 V (1500 W, vertical, 7000 rub.). THERMEX FLAT DIAMOND TOUCH ID 100 V (RUB 18,400, vertical, 1300 W). | 7 liters per minute | Stiebel Eltron DHF 21 C (21 kW, RUB 25,900). |
Boilers are mounted on the wall in a vertical or horizontal position, installed in niches under kitchen sinks or on the floor. The latter type of installation is typical only for large-sized models with a volume of 150 liters and above. Horizontal boilers are more convenient and compact, but are more expensive than vertical ones.
The hidden location of the heater under the sink is very convenient, but most often boilers are hung on the wall in the toilet or bathroom, next to the water supply. This is due to the design of devices that differ in the type of liner (upper or lower).
Boiler tanks are made of steel (including stainless steel), less often - copper (very expensive devices), as well as with coatings of bioglass porcelain, glass ceramics, enamel, titanium enamel. A new product is a coating with silver ions AG+ from the Ariston company, which not only protects the metal from corrosion, but also has a pronounced antibacterial effect.
When purchasing a tank, it is important to pay attention to the quality of its thermal insulation. Best materials– polyurethane and polyurethane foam. The thicker the insulation (optimally 35 mm), the longer the water in the tank will remain hot, the less electricity will be consumed. The low weight of a volumetric device will indicate low quality thermal insulation. Such models are cheap and suitable for rare short-term use in cases of seasonal or emergency power outages. energy.
The low weight of the device will additionally indicate the unsatisfactory quality (small thickness) of the internal tank. A thin layer of enamel will quickly crack. When choosing, you should compare several models of the same displacement, pay attention to their weight and make sure that better-quality products weigh > 10% more.
A heating element is a heating element that is made of carbon or alloy steel, copper, etc. Heating elements can be dry (built into a sealed flask) or wet (in contact with water, heating it). The heating element must have space for attaching the magnesium anode.
Straight heating elements are often installed in vertical boilers, while long curved ones are installed in horizontal ones. It is better to choose a heating element with longest length. Because A short heating element is characterized by a high surface heating temperature and rapid scale formation.
Fastening is carried out either with a ¼ nut or a flange (diameter 42-72 mm, M4, 5, 6 or 8 thread).
Conclusion: for installation in an apartment, it is better to choose a water heater with a 2 kW heating element, a large surface area, made of copper or “dry” (with a steatite flask).
Boilers require periodic maintenance:
Depending on the water quality, maintenance is recommended once every 1-2 years.
We remind you that a water heater is purchased for many years. Take your time with the choice, compare prices and water heaters.
A household instantaneous water heater does not require a special storage capacity. The principle of its operation is that the required amount of thermal energy is imparted to the water flow during the short period while it passes through the device.
The last of these options is extremely rare; one of the first two is much more often used.
In order to choose the right instantaneous water heater for an apartment, you need to consistently answer a number of questions:
1. Energy source: gas or electricity? If there are chimney ducts in your house and the housing office allows the installation of gas equipment, then the most preferable option would be to install a gas water heater.
The power of a standard gas burner is even enough to heat water for a shower in winter period. If your house is not equipped with chimneys, you will have to install an electric water heater.
Its maximum power depends on the type of existing wiring.
For example, in old houses, in the panels of which fuses are installed, designed for a maximum current of 16 amperes, you can install water heaters with a power of no more than 3.5 kW.
During the construction of houses in a later period, electrical networks were laid, designed for 32 and even 40 amps.
This wiring will withstand a heater with a power up to 8 kW. If you want to install a more powerful unit, you must agree with the electricity supplier about laying a separate power cable.
It should be taken into account that instantaneous water heaters with a capacity from 8 kW are designed for three-phase voltage.
Thus, in apartment buildings powerful “flow-throughs” are used quite rarely; this option is more suitable for individual construction.
Video - types and types of electric instantaneous water heaters:
2. Type of water heater: pressure or non-pressure? To supply hot water to the entire apartment, you will have to install a pressure water heater, which runs directly into the cold water supply riser.
Such equipment is capable of providing hot water to several water points. If you just want to shower comfortably during summer hot water outages, choose a gravity heater.
As a rule, such devices have low power and are equipped with shower heads. However, it must be taken into account that they are suitable for heating water in the summer.
In winter, when the water temperature in the pipes drops to 5 degrees, there will be little use from a low-power, non-pressure “flow tank”.
3. What size water heater do I need? It will be much easier for you to determine not so much the power as the water flow rate at known incoming and outgoing temperatures.
It is this parameter that the manufacturer indicates in the passport of its equipment. Open the water as usual and note how long it takes to fill, say, a bucket of water with a capacity of 10 liters.
Convert the received data into consumption per minute and feel free to go to the store. Now you can definitely choose the most suitable instantaneous water heater.
Beware of buying dubious products or outright fakes, even if the seller promises you a significant discount.
Poor quality electrical or gas equipment will not only add trouble to you with repairs, but also may cause fires or explosions, the consequences of which will be much more expensive.
When purchasing equipment, ask the seller to show quality certificate, and also ask what warranty period is provided for this equipment.
As already mentioned, using a powerful instantaneous water heater in an apartment is associated with great difficulties.
Therefore, in this review we will only talk about low-power devices that occupy leading positions in sales volumes. The following brands have proven themselves well in our country:
1. “Atmor Summer” (power - 3.5 kW, flow rate - up to 3 l/min). Inexpensive budget heater. Capable of “giving out” a temperature of 40 degrees, provided that at the entrance it is not lower than 18. Approximate cost - 800-1500 rubles.
2. “Polaris Vega T 5.5” (power - 5.5 kW, flow rate - up to 4.4 l/min). Compact device with slightly more power.
It can be easily and conveniently installed under a bathtub or washbasin, with absolutely no claim on the free space of the bathroom. Supplied with a faucet or shower head (depending on the installation location).
3. “Proton” PEVN 5.0-220 (power – 5.0 kW, flow – 5 l/min). The approximate cost of this Russian model is 2500 rubles.
This device, like others of domestic production, is good because its creators tried to take into account the low quality of water in our water supply networks. Thanks to this, it is characterized increased service life.
4. “Stiebel Eltron DHC 3” (power – 3.0 kW, flow – up to 3 l/min). This manufacturer can safely be classified as a premium class, which, of course, was reflected in the cost of the model: 8000 rubles.
But for this money you get, as motorists like to say, “full stuffing”: double protection against overheating, protection against water ingress (IP24), trouble-free German automation, as well as a convenient and informative indicator system.
5. “AEG MP 8” (power - 5.0 kW, flow rate - up to 4.4 l/min). Another reputable brand, the cost of one model varies within 7500-8000 rubles.
A reliable and unpretentious device, the relatively high price is justified by the quality and functionality.
Any water heater requires periodic replacement of the heating element. Read all about heaters for water heaters in this article:
, find out how to choose, replace, where is the best place to buy.
This type of instantaneous water heater is better known as geyser. As already mentioned, the installation of such equipment requires coordination with gas services, and also requires the presence of a chimney. Exists two ways to ignite a gas burner:
1. Ignition using a wick. Such a column has a small gas wick, which is ignited once, for example, in the morning and burns throughout the day.
It is from the wick that the gas burner ignites when the water tap is opened. This ignition system is cheaper, but is characterized by inefficient use of gas.
2. Piezoelectric. A similar principle is often used in stove lighters. This system runs on batteries and sparks automatically when the tap is opened.
Inexpensive models of gas “flowers” have hydraulic control. This means that the water flow simply turns on gas burner without adjusting its power.
More expensive models are equipped with “smart” electronics that analyze the power of water flow, the temperature at the inlet and outlet of the device.
In accordance with the data received, the valve on the burner is controlled, so that the unit always operates in optimal mode.
An important requirement: in the room where gas water heating equipment is installed, the window must be slightly open.
This is done to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
1. Connecting the heater to the water supply system. It is believed that the most common low-power instantaneous water heaters serve exclusively in the summer, when the hot water supply is turned off for preventive purposes.
Therefore, there is no need to make major changes to install such a device. It is most rational to connect the outlet pipe to the shower pipe, and the input pipe through a tee to the cold water supply system.
More powerful pressure water heaters, like boilers, are connected according to the return scheme.
2. Electrical connection. Even if the water heater has an average power - approximately 6 kW - there is still no need to connect it it is necessary to extend a separate wire from the shield.
This has to be done for the reason that most meters are not designed for such a current load (approximately 27 amperes).
Wire cross-section and type of circuit breaker (in in this case you need to install an RCD) are selected according to special tables. Remember that the outlet into which the water heater is plugged in must have a grounding wire.
3. Connection to the gas main.
It is prohibited to make such a connection yourself!
After gas water heater installed and connected to the water supply system, you must invite a representative of the gas service, who will connect the equipment to the gas supply system.
A short video about the pros and cons of instantaneous water heaters:
Such heaters perform one important function- heating the water. It is difficult to overestimate the need for devices for this purpose, because the problem with the availability of hot water is strongly felt in city apartments throughout the summer. It is even more difficult for residents of private houses; they simply do not have a centralized supply of warm water. But modern technologies help solve this problem with just one device, and there is no need to light a fire or heat water on a gas stove.
Today, manufacturers offer many options for water heating equipment; the equipment differs from each other in operating principles and design features. The most popular options are gas and electric water heaters. Experts advise making your choice in favor of electric models, and in areas where there is no gas supply, there is simply no alternative to such water heaters. Among electrical appliances, by the way, there is also plenty to choose from; there are both storage and flow models.
Now there are problems with the availability of gas only in some villages, but all cities are supplied with this fuel. Therefore, apartment owners are faced with a choice between gas and electricity. The first thing worth mentioning is that the cost of electricity is higher than the cost of gas, so electric instantaneous heaters are less economical than gas ones. But electrical equipment has its own important advantages: they do not require a chimney, which is very convenient, and electrical equipment also operates without fire, so it is safer.
In general, gas is easily flammable and even explodes, so the use of such fuel is very dangerous. Certainly, modern devices made of better quality, but gas is still not the safest substance. There are also some nuances in the use of electrical equipment; its housing must be sealed so that water does not get inside. Also, to avoid electric shock, it is better to use grounding.
The fact that the device actually heats water is clear, but how exactly does it all work? There is a special heating part in the body - a tube; liquid passes through it and its temperature rises to the required value.
The power of such a part can be different; the temperature of the water you get at the outlet depends on this characteristic. The more powerful the device, the warmer the water.
There are models on the market with power from 3 to 27 kW. The numbers don’t say much, so it’s worth saying which device is best used in which case. So, for shower procedures, a 6-8 kW device is quite enough; it can heat the water up to 40 degrees. But in winter, this may not be enough, because the liquid supplied is a little colder, and you will need a device with a power rating of 12-15 kW. If you need not only a shower, but hot water throughout the house, then you need to focus on a water heater power of 15-20 kW. But it is worth considering that the amount of electricity consumption and, accordingly, utility bills depend on the power. The functions of the heating part can be performed by a heating element or an insulated spiral. The main advantage of the second option is that scale from all kinds of salts does not settle on the element. But the spiral also has disadvantages; it is very afraid air jams
and when they occur, it can simply burn out. To eliminate this phenomenon, it is necessary to provide the element with protection against dry running. Connecting a device is not an easy task, and it is better to entrust it to the experts. You can find specialists in a store that sells such equipment; they know all the features of water heaters and have experience in performing similar work. By the way, the installation process is also quite expensive, because you will have to buy various Consumables
Each device has its own positive and negative sides, and electric instantaneous water heaters are no exception. But it’s worth noting right away that the advantages of equipment of this type are much greater than the disadvantages. Unlike storage devices, the owner of a flow-through heater immediately receives water, rather than waiting for it to heat up. Accordingly, electricity is consumed only when the water is turned on, and in storage systems electricity is constantly spent to maintain the temperature.
The main advantages of a flow-through device for heating water:
Therefore, flow-through models are used even in small apartments;
When describing flow-through devices for heating water, it is worth mentioning the disadvantages that may sway you towards choosing storage models. So, the main disadvantages of the devices:
If we take into account all the disadvantages of this type of equipment, we can conclude that instantaneous water heaters are better suited for small apartments with low hot water consumption. For a private house in which several families live, there is no point in buying such equipment; it is better to purchase a storage model with an optimal capacity. There is a choice among vertical and horizontal devices. Floor models They will better highlight the interior of the room, but they will constantly mix heated and cold water, and this will further increase the electricity consumption.
Flow devices, in turn, are divided into two more subtypes:
An important characteristic of the devices is their type of control; there are also two options for water heaters:
After studying the main characteristics of instantaneous water heaters, you will be able to determine whether you need such equipment or not. Of course, choosing a device is difficult, you will have to spend money on it, and electricity costs will increase, but constant availability hot water in the tap completely covers these shortcomings.
First of all, you need to pay attention to the performance of the heating element installed in the device. The fact is that small heating elements must heat water to a temperature of 40 degrees in one minute. During this time, approximately 2-3 liters of water passes through the device. To do this, the minimum power of the device must be 3 kW. True, it is better not to buy the weakest devices, they do their job poorly, the best option There will be an instantaneous water heater with a heating element of 7-10 kW.
When choosing heating equipment, you also need to pay attention to the body of the device. It is usually produced on the basis sheet metal. In most cases, a water heating device is installed on the wall, and during use the device is exposed to high temperatures and other factors external environment. For an apartment, it is best to buy a device with protective coating enamel. Such material will not be afraid of working in aggressive conditions; even household chemicals will not damage the surface.
Expensive versions of devices are also equipped with all sorts of protective systems for the heating part, in particular, protection against scale is installed. This function is performed by the anode, which, even when working with hard water, will protect the element for 6-7 years. When this period has passed, a special sensor will light up on the control panel, indicating the need to replace the anode.
There are many devices on the market that differ in design, functionality and other features, but they all have the following details:
The procedure for installing and connecting equipment occurs in several stages:
The device must be mounted in such a place that it is convenient to use and maintain later. There is one rule for installation: the water heater must be installed on the wall above the level of an adult’s head. If the device is installed below the water flow rate from central system, then the water heater will simply fill with liquid, overheat and fail. Also, the device must be installed perpendicular to the plane flooring. If the water heater is installed incorrectly, its service life will be very short. To do everything accurately, experts advise marking the wall before installation.
After the instantaneous water heater is mounted on the wall, it must be connected to the water supply system. To do this, a water supply tap is mounted on the pipe. To eliminate leaks that may appear when the water supply system breaks, a pipe supply tap is installed on the device. This element must also be installed on the outlet pipe of the product. After the water supply to the heater is ensured, all that remains is to connect it to a 220 V household network.
Flow-through devices are convenient in that they can supply water in unlimited quantities. To get warm water, just turn on the tap and wait a minute. True, most of these water heaters work with one intake point, so drawing a bath and washing dishes at the same time will not work. It is also worth considering that with high pressure the temperature of the liquid will not be the highest.
Installation of flow equipment is a very complex and responsible task, because the device has high power, and it is necessary to lay separate electrical wiring for it. Installation that is carried out without taking into account the recommendations can lead to loss of light in the apartment or even in the whole house. Therefore, it is still better to entrust the installation to specialists and familiarize yourself with the nuances of operating the equipment.
In order for the equipment to work for a long time and efficiently, you need to pay attention to the following points:
The equipment startup procedure also occurs in several stages:
Most models are equipped with an automatic system, and the first settings are saved; the second time you just need to turn on the tap.
During operation, salt deposits appear inside the device, so experts recommend washing the filters under running water from time to time. If the contamination is too strong, you will have to use special products.
This instantaneous water heater is the most affordable option. Despite the low cost, users do not complain about the quality and efficiency of the device. The heater is equipped with two heating elements of 2 kW and 3 kW, and two keys for adjusting the indicators. With a total power of 5 kW, the device passes up to 3 liters of water per minute. There are special models for the kitchen or shower, and there are also universal option. Such a device weighs only 2 kilograms and costs 2,500 rubles.
This model is capable of supplying heated liquid to only one water intake point and is equipped with an electronic control system. Most parts that come into direct contact with water are made of copper High Quality. There is a regulator on the front panel that helps you set the water temperature. The weight of the model is a little more than 2 kilograms, and the cost is within 6,500 rubles.
This version of the device can serve only one water intake point, but is also equipped with electronic control. The temperature of the supplied liquid is controlled by a built-in microprocessor. The heating element is protected by a heat-resistant plastic flask. The weight of the device reaches 2.4 kilograms, and such a water heater costs about 8,500 rubles.
The design of this water heater has its own characteristics; it can supply water to one or several water intake points at once. When you need a little hot water, the water heater works as a storage heater with a power of 3.5 kW. When the water flow is high, the device operates as a flow-through device with a power rating of 21 kW. The water heater weighs about 40 kilograms, and its purchase will cost 100,000 rubles.
