Best storage water heaters 2020

Water heater operating rules

Regular operation of a storage water heater implies a permanent connection to the electrical network. So the device will be able to heat the water to the set temperature while cooling down without significant energy consumption. At the same time, the filled tank is less corrosive.

With a constant shutdown of the boiler, savings cannot be achieved, because the equipment spends more energy on heating the liquid. Disconnection is possible with rare use (once a month).

The disconnected device must not be left in an unheated room if the temperature in it drops below + 5⁰ С. When choosing heating equipment for a summer residence, this fact must be taken into account.

When switching on the operating mode, it is necessary to check the presence of water inside the reservoir tank. Otherwise, the water heater will immediately fail.

Flowing

The main feature of this type of heater is the absence of a storage tank, due to which their dimensions are very compact. The instantaneous water heater can be installed anywhere, including hidden under a sink, in a wall cabinet or in a niche.

In a flow heater, a heating unit is intended for heating water, usually it is made of copper - a corrosion-resistant material with excellent thermal conductivity. Heating is switched on using a thermal heater.

The heating elements in the flow heater are turned on only when the water is turned on; for this, the device has a sensor that responds to the flow rate. It can be hydraulic, with a built-in diaphragm and stem, or electronic, with a microprocessor. Water supply and outlet are carried out through the pipes. A mesh filter is provided at the inlet for water purification from solid inclusions and salts.

Instantaneous water heaters are of open or closed type.

The former can provide hot water to only one tap, for example, a sink in the kitchen. Closed models can work on one or two points, for example, a sink and shower.

To heat the required amount of water, it is necessary that the water heater has sufficient power. For most household models, this figure is 3-8 kW, but it can reach 25 kW. Such a water heater must only be connected by a professional electrician.

Pluses of flow models:

• small size and weight;
• easy installation and connection;
• fast, almost instantaneous heating of water;
• energy consumption is less, since there is no need to maintain the water temperature in the storage tank;
• no need to drain water in winter when the temperature drops, which makes it possible to use it in the country;
• the water is heated to a warm or moderately hot state, which eliminates the formation of scale.

Minuses:

• heavy load on the power grid, consultation with an electrician servicing the house is required on the permissible power of the equipment;
• strict requirements for electrical wiring - the high power of flow-through models requires connection to the network with a wire with a large cross-section through a separate circuit breaker;
• the water pressure in the water supply must be sufficient to trigger the flow sensor, otherwise the heater will not turn on;
• if the house has more than two draw-off points, it is better to provide several instantaneous water heaters, the power of one device is not enough to effectively heat a large volume of water.

An instantaneous water heater is a good solution for a country house or summer cottage with a low consumption of hot water and sufficient power of the electrical network.

Assembly and installation

When choosing a model, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the device, while it is better to immediately determine the place of its installation. Compact dimensions usually allow you to install an instantaneous water heater hidden under the sink or above it.

You also need to buy and lay a separate cable to the electrical panel and connect it to a separate machine or RCD. The cross-section of the cable cores and the rated current of the machine must correspond to those indicated in the table.

To ground the water heater case, connect the grounding conductor of the cable to the electrical panel case (6). The phase and neutral wires are connected to the RCD (5).

The pipes of the water heater are connected to the water supply as shown in the figure. A tee is connected to the cold water supply pipe (1), one branch of which is connected to the cold tap of the mixer using a flexible hose or pipe. The second branch is connected to the water heater by cutting a ball valve (3) and a strainer (4) into the pipe.

The outlet pipe from the water heater is connected to the hot tap of the mixer (2) also through the valve (3). Installing valves will allow you to easily remove the water heater for repair or maintenance.

The principle of operation of an instantaneous water heater

A potential buyer should be aware that groovers are divided into two groups, which work slightly differently:

Pressure type

Such a water heater cuts into the water supply system somewhere before the fork, so that hot water can be supplied to several draw-off points. When the taps are closed, it experiences the pressure of the water supply system, from which it is called pressure.

Schematic diagram of the installation of a pressure flow water heater

Free-flow type

In everyday life, they are often called "tap water heaters" or "heated mixers". To connect such a device, a tee is cut into the water supply, to the outlet of which a tap is screwed. The water heater is connected to this tap. Thus, only one hot water draw-off point will be available. It is most convenient to connect to the outlet to the washing machine, to which you just need to screw the tee.

It is even easier to connect to the tap on the mixer, to which the hose with the shower head is screwed. True, this option will not be very convenient to use: a regular shower hose and a water heater connection will have to be alternately screwed on and then unscrewed.

Non-pressure flow pipes are equipped with a spout (this element is also called a gander) and a shower head of a special design, which provide a comfortable water supply at a low flow rate. If you connect an ordinary shower head to the water heater, the water will flow out of it not as a "rain", but in one stream. If you increase the flow rate, "rain" will appear, but the water will become cool.

The spout and watering can supplied with the water heater are not only designed for low consumption, but also have structural elements that allow you to adjust the flow while maintaining the jet parameters. For example, in the Atmor Blue Wave 302-D model, the disc on the showerhead can be turned into 4 different positions by turning.

This will change the flow rate (and with it the temperature), but in any case the water will flow out in the form of "rain". The spout can be adjusted in the same way, only the nozzles for it are replaceable.

An electric water heater is convenient to use in the country, in a private house of permanent residence, when there is no gas main, hot water supply. Reasonable cost (compared to gas) also plays an important role in the purchase and often the preference is given to an electric boiler. At the same time, it must be remembered that the correct operation of the device is the key to long-term uninterrupted service. Consider the main points that determine how to use a storage water heater so that it lasts as long as possible.

Advantages and disadvantages of water heaters

With the fact that there are storage and flow water heaters, with their principle of operation, we figured out

Now we will pay attention separately to the pros and cons of each version of the system, so that you can determine for yourself which one is better to choose a water heater

Additionally, water heaters are classified according to the method of installation - floor and wall models:

• Most often, preference is given to wall models if you need to choose an electric water heater for an apartment.
• Floor standing - more bulky, but also more powerful. They are often chosen to serve a spacious private house with several bathrooms.

Cumulative

You think an electric storage water heater is the best. On the whole, you are right.

This statement is due to the following advantages:

• You can choose any volume based on whether you want to install an electric storage water heater in your country house or apartment. Manufacturers offer models from 10 liters to 10 thousand liters inclusive. So some of them are applicable even for operation in manufacturing plants and offices.
• The ability to connect to a regular 220V outlet.
• The heated water remains hot for about 2-4 hours without additional power consumption.
• Can be used to service multiple water intake points.
• The water pressure in the system does not affect the pressure in any way, only the remainder of the available hot water in the tank.
• A wide range of shapes, sizes, shades - design and dimensions are easy to choose for the conditions of any room.
• Scale in such systems accumulates to a lesser extent than in instantaneous water heaters.

Disadvantages that must be considered when buying:

• Even the most compact models take up useful space, which is not always beneficial, for example, for small apartments, where literally every centimeter counts.
• If you choose a large electric storage water heater, you will have to wait a long time for heating.
• Expect your electricity bills to go up right away, especially if you turn on your equipment frequently and during the day, rather than using the more favorable night rates.
• If you do not control the flow, you can find yourself in a situation when, while taking a shower, the water in the tank runs out, and you will have to continue to be content with exceptionally cold water in order to complete all your hygiene procedures.

Flowing

The performance of an instantaneous water heater can be much higher than a storage water heater, if the characteristics of the system are correctly selected for specific operating conditions.

Pros:

• Compact dimensions. Requires no additional usable space for installation.
• There are no restrictions on the volume of water, as the heating takes place in “real time”.

Minuses:

• High energy consumption.
• The complexity of installation work, since it is necessary to lay a separate cable from the shield.
• Suitable for servicing only 1 water intake point.

Flow-through storage models

These are advanced devices that can operate in 2 modes - an instantaneous and storage water heater.

Pros:

• Compact dimensions.
• Functionality.
• Possibility of uninterrupted supply of hot water with the choice of a more economical mode.

Minuses:

• The storage tanks are usually small.
• The connection includes the same nuances as the installation of an instantaneous water heater.

Features of the storage water heater

When choosing a storage water heater, you need to pay attention to the number of heating elements and their power indicators, as well as the characteristics of the materials used for the manufacture of the tank, the total capacity of the tank, the installation method and additional functions.

Modern storage water heating devices have the following advantages:

• insignificant power indicators of heating elements, due to which the connection of such a device does not require the laying of too powerful electrical wiring and the allocation of a separate line;
• the efficiency and time of preserving thermal energy is ensured by the thermal insulation characteristics of the storage tank, which allows the use of pre-heated water for a long time;
• the stability of the temperature indicators of the outlet water provided by the built-in thermostat;
• providing with hot water supply several points of water analysis at once with the correct choice of the volume of the storage tank.

Horizontal storage water heater

The main disadvantages of storage devices for heating water are represented by inertia, impressive dimensions and lack of economic feasibility in conditions of rare exploitation. Even the most modern storage models are characterized by excessive consumption of electrical energy, as well as the inability to work in conditions of disconnection of cold water supply for supply.

Storage water heaters of the new generation are equipped with two heating elements, which ensures fast preparation of hot water, efficiency when operating in a special mode, as well as uninterrupted hot water supply in the event of failure of one of the heating elements.

How does an instantaneous water heater work?

Electric instantaneous water heater of small size, it is mounted on a wall or in a cabinet. Installation of an instantaneous water heater is simple, you just need to correctly and firmly attach it to the wall using dowels. You can install it yourself without inviting a specialist, but you need to take into account that the device needs to be grounded. Controlling a flow-through device is simple, there are models that have a control panel with relays located on it that regulate the pressure and temperature of the water, or models that have a control panel.

An instantaneous water heater for a shower in the country and in a country house is quite suitable, for this there is no need to buy the most powerful device and risk your wiring.

To navigate in which instantaneous water heater is best suited for an apartment or house, the characteristics of the devices on sale help. The main parameter is the power of the device, which requires the appropriate power of the electrical wiring in the house. You also need to balance the capabilities of the water heater and the needs of people using the water. Those who need frequent hot baths should take care of choosing the most powerful water heater. For those who prefer a warm bath or light shower, there is no need to worry about maximum temperatures.

The circuit of an instantaneous water heater is quite simple: it consists of a flask through which heated water passes and a heating element, in electrical appliances it is a heating element. The device should be located in the immediate vicinity of the tapping point and work only at one such point, at one tap or shower. The best instantaneous electric water heaters are produced by well-known world companies such as Bosch, Zanussi, Ariston.

When connecting temporarily used instantaneous water heaters in an apartment, you can simply put a flexible hose on a cold water tap.

People vacationing in suburban areas far from the central water supply use instantaneous water heaters for giving also taking into account all the capabilities of their home - they think over the permissible power of the device, the possibility of its grounding, the degree of water hardness and the need for high temperatures.

Repair of instantaneous water heaters is very rarely required and is only caused by the use of too hard water. To prevent such troubles, it is recommended to immediately install a cleaning filter on the water supplied to the water heater.

Advantages and disadvantages of a flow-through installation

To understand when choosing a water heater, which is better, you should first get acquainted with the advantages that flow-through installations have.

Advantages

Instantaneous water heaters, like storage ones, have their own advantages. The main ones include the following:

• the ability to use hot water without restrictions in terms of both quantity and time. The water will be heated as long as a person needs;
• modern models of instantaneous water heaters are compact in size, which makes it possible to place them in the most convenient place. The device does not have a storage tank (boiler), so it can be installed not only in a bathroom, but also in a room adapted for a water heater - a boiler room. Due to the low weight of these water heaters, they can be fixed to any wall.
• one of the differences between an instantaneous water heater and a storage water heater is that during its operation there is no need to clean the equipment. Maintenance as such for flow-through installations is minimized.

disadvantages

Along with the advantages, this equipment has certain disadvantages.

Increased power. This means high energy costs when using the equipment. Most of the models currently available on the Russian market have a capacity of 8 to 10 kW. In addition, when installing such a drive, a reinforced cable is required. When connecting a water heater of this type, the wiring in the house must correspond to the power of all connected appliances.

So that during the operation of the flowing water heater there are no problems with electricity, experts recommend installing circuit breakers. If the installed water heater has a power of more than 10 kW, then in this case it should be connected to a network with three phases.

Comparison and selection

If you purchase equipment for a summer residence, its operation will be seasonal or intermittent. Accordingly, there is no point in buying an expensive model.

Therefore, the ideal option to use in summer cottages there will be a gravity flow electric heater. Such models do not overheat the water and are supplemented with a tap, shaped like a shower head, which is convenient for operation in a suburban area where there is no gas supply.

For a residential cottage, it is better to choose an indirect heating storage boiler. Such equipment will not only provide hot water supply to any family, but also save costs on summer days.

As for the acquisition of a unit for an apartment, here the ideal option would be either a storage-type electric heater, or a flow-through or storage gas analogue.

Most popular models

Which is better to buy a water heater in terms of a variety of models and additional functions, it is better to decide based on the budget. Here are the most popular examples of flow-through drives:

• Zanussi 3-logic 3.5 S is a powerful enough and inexpensive device for practical owners;
• Hyundai H-IWR1-3P-CS - has an average power and all the necessary protections;
• The Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital is a good, powerful and expensive model.

• TIMBERK SWH FE5 50 - a flat, neat device with a powerful heating element and all the necessary panels and settings;
• THERMEX FLAT PLUS IF 50V - the best ratio of cost and quality, durability;
• ELECTROLUX EWH 100 ROYAL is a safe boiler with a variety of electronic filling and all kinds of protections.

Flowing or storage: pros and cons

Any equipment has positive and negative sides. This also applies to water heaters. We'll cover them in this section.

Instantaneous water heaters

Pros:

• Small size and weight;
• Can be equipped with a mixer or shower;
• Hot water is supplied immediately.

Minuses:

• For electrical ones, you need to lay reinforced wiring;
• There is no water supply in case of a shutdown;
• Large resource consumption when turned on.

Peculiarities:

To install an electric instantaneous water heater, you need to lay a separate cable or change the wiring. Its power consumption is in the range of 2.5-6.5 kW / h. It depends on the flow rate, water pressure and inlet and outlet temperatures.

Important!
In multi-storey buildings, the wiring is designed for no more than 5 kW. Many models of hot water flowers have a high maximum power.

If the power consumption is exceeded, the automatic machine at the entrance to the apartment may turn off.

Older houses built during the Soviet era used lower bandwidth wiring. It does not exceed 3.5 kW.

Before installing an instantaneous water heater, be sure to do the following:

• Find out the throughput of the electrical wiring in the apartment;
• Look at the machines (RCD, UDT) and meters - will they withstand the additional load;
• Specify how many kW the cables are designed to run to the meter or machines;
• Coordinate the installation of the protochnik with the ZhEK, ZhK or the management company;
• If necessary, replace the electrical wiring, machines and meter.

Please also note that the total power consumption must be added up. For example, you can have an electric kettle (1.5 kW), a microwave oven (1 kW), a refrigerator (1 kW) and an instantaneous water heater (5.5 kW) at the same time. The sum will be:

1.5 + 1 + 1 + 5.5 = 9 kW

Leave a margin of 1 kilowatt for the additional device and get a final value of 10 kW. If the cables connected to the apartment are not designed for such consumption, you should think about buying a storage boiler.

When connecting a gas instantaneous water heater, it is necessary to supply gas. And this is a very crucial moment. You cannot trust such work to just anyone. And the cost of connection is significant.

Storage boilers

Pros:

• There is a supply of water;
• Low resource consumption;
• No need for a powerful cable (for electrical).

Minuses:

• Large dimensions and weight;
• A small overrun of resources to maintain the temperature;
• When turned on, you need to wait an hour or two until the water heats up;

Peculiarities:

When installing a storage water heater, its weight and wall strength must be taken into account. as a rule, the boiler itself weighs 20-25% of its capacity. That is, if you have a water heater with a 100 liter tank, then its weight with water will be 120-125 kg. Not every wall can withstand such a load.

As in the case of a flow pipe, to connect a gas water heater, you need to crash into the system. It is categorically impossible to do this on your own, it is better to pay a normal specialist. You can find a good plumber using the service for finding craftsmen

Gas boilers are often installed in the bathroom. Accordingly, it will be necessary to equip the chimney. This may require making holes in the walls.

An electric storage water heater needs to be periodically prevented. Depending on the quality of the water, clean the heating elements. Over time, you will have to change the magnesium anode.

Important!
Cheap models often have very poor thermal insulation levels. In some cases, heat loss will be 30% or more.

Alternatively, you can make additional thermal insulation. But it is better to immediately choose a quality boiler.

Gas water heaters of flow and storage type: which is better?

Consider storage and flow-through gas water heaters.

Storage type gas boiler

This is a device in which water is heated by the combustion of gas.

The complete set of gas storage water heaters includes:

• gas combustion system in the form of a burner;
• water tank.

The tank is equipped with thermal insulation, which allows you to save gas consumption by half. The heat-insulating pad is multi-layered, so the water stays at a temperature for up to seven days. Tanks in storage type gas boilers come in different sizes. For a family of two, a tank with a capacity of up to 80 liters is sufficient. If the family is large, then you often have to use the bathroom, in this case it is advisable to use a tank with a volume of up to 100 liters.

There are also boilers for work in production, the size of such a tank reaches 200 liters, for example, the Ariston gas boiler.

The advantage is that storage boilers work regardless of power, even with a weak gas flow, they heat the water and keep the temperature for a long time.

Disadvantages:

• Storage-type gas heaters are large, so they look ugly in a living room. They try to install such boilers either in the attic or in the basement so as not to spoil the interior of the bathroom. Hot water is not always available. As soon as the liquid in the tank runs out, you have to wait until the next portion heats up, this takes at least an hour.
• Power regulators are installed in gas boilers. They control the temperature of water heating. Additionally, you can see how much hot water has already been consumed and how much remains in the tank. If water is consumed for a certain time without stopping, then the heater automatically turns on, begins to replenish the boiler and heat up to the set temperature. After the flow of water stops, the heater does not turn off immediately, it heats the water to the desired temperature and switches to its preservation mode.

Storage gas water heater

Flow type gas boiler

A gas boiler of direct heating is commonly called a gas water heater. The water flows through the pipe and heats up at the same time. The operation of the geyser is affected by the water pressure: when the tap is opened, the column turns on.

Gas water heater

Advantages:

• Outwardly, the speakers are compact, they are placed both in the kitchen and in the bathroom, they do not spoil the interior of the room.
• The products are equipped with a power thermostat, so it is possible to set the desired outlet water temperature.

The disadvantage is that a gas pressure of at least 12 mbar is required for the operation of a flow-through gas heater.

Geysers are produced in various configurations, the power regulator is of two types:

• looks like a handle and is mechanically adjustable;
• automatic, in this case the stronger the water pressure, the larger the flame of the gas burner.

When choosing, you also need to take into account the net power. For example, with a power of 12 kW, the boiler will supply about 10 liters of water heated to 50 degrees.

It can be concluded that an instantaneous heater is necessary in rooms in which hot water with good pressure is constantly required. In modern models, a second heating element is installed to accelerate the heating of the liquid. For a city apartment, it is preferable to install a flow-through water heater, for a summer residence - the best option would be a pressureless one.

Advantages of water heaters

Previously, it was quite simple to choose, only domestic-made gas water heaters were sold on the market. Now the assortment has significantly increased, in addition to the columns, flow and storage water heaters have appeared.

You should not rush into the purchase, it is better to first study the information about each type of equipment, learn about the principles of operation and the advantages of installing these devices. Surely, there are also drawbacks, about which there is information in customer reviews.This will help you make the right choice during your own boiler.

An electric water heater can be placed in any home

The advantages of such equipment:

1. Water heaters are used both in apartment buildings and in private ones, including suburban ones.
2. There are no difficulties in installing and connecting these devices, so they are in demand. It is easy to install such equipment on your own without involving a specialist.
3. The device can be purchased at an affordable cost.
4. No project documentation is required to install a water heater.

Storage water heaters - principle of operation, device and characteristics

When choosing between an instantaneous water heater and a storage boiler, the following circumstances must be taken into account:

• capacity;
• power consumption;
• type of heater;
• method of fixing the device;
• case cover;
• number of additional functions.

Let's consider in more detail the points.

Storage boiler volume

This indicator is determined based on the planned use of the water heater. If it is needed only for washing dishes, then a capacity and 15 liters is enough.

It should be noted that the size of the room is also a limiting factor in an apartment. When installing the device in a spacious country house, its volume can reach up to 200 liters.

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Heaters and power

The possibility of creating a stock of hot water in a storage boiler directly depends on its capacity. Depending on the volume, one or more heating elements are installed in the device. The heater is a nichrome coil sealed in a copper or brass tube.

For a small tank with a capacity of up to 15 liters, a power of 1 kW is sufficient, but for a storage boiler of 30-50 liters, a power of 1.5 kW is required. A capacity of more than 80 liters provides for the installation of a heater from 2.5 kW. It should be borne in mind that the heating time for large tanks can be quite significant - up to 5 hours.

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The use of heaters located directly in the water (wet) leads to the gradual deposition of lime scale on them, reducing the heating efficiency. Forced cleaning or replacement of heating elements is carried out at least once a year.

Installation and assembly

Installation of a storage boiler in a floor-standing version does not pose any problems - you just need to set the unit in the horizon.

But the quality of the wall for such a boiler is important, because the total weight of a device filled with water can reach hundreds of kilograms. It is problematic to install such a unit on a partition

In this case, you need to make a supporting frame from a steel corner with a size of at least 30 x 30 millimeters.

It is problematic to install such a unit on a partition. In this case, you need to make a supporting frame from a steel corner with a size of at least 30 x 30 millimeters.

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