How to choose an electric heater for water: we help to determine the criteria

Prices for water heating boilers - rating of the best for 2019

Consider the rating of such devices, which includes only the best. At the same time, it contains both 30 liter boilers for heating water, and larger ones. But there are also "kids".

A place	Photo	Make and model	Distinctive feature	Price in rub.
The best electric instantaneous water heaters
1		Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital	Popular model	9750
Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital
2		Timberk WHEL-7 OC	The most compact electric water heater	3020
Timberk WHEL-7 OC
3		AEG RMC 75	The best ratio of price and quality	15 100
AEG RMC 75
The best gas instantaneous water heaters
1		Bosch WR 10-2P	German quality	10 600
Bosch WR 10-2P
2		Ariston Fast Evo 11B	Maximum power	11 420
Ariston Fast Evo 11B
3		Zanussi GWH 10 Fonte	Best functionality	6 330
Zanussi GWH 10 Fonte
The best electric storage water heaters
1		Gorenje GBFU 100 E B6	Dry heating element	13 040
Gorenje GBFU 100 E B6
2		Timberk SWH FSM3 50 V	Accelerated heating mode	8 790
Timberk SWH FSM3 50 V
3		Thermex Champion ER 50V	Best price	7 170
Thermex Champion ER 50V
The best indirect heating boilers
1		Gorenje GV 120	The best ratio of price and quality	21 100
Gorenje GV 120
2		Baxi Premier Plus 150	Better heating rate. Coil-in-coil heat exchanger	40 370
Baxi Premier Plus 150

This is how the prices for 50 liter boilers for heating water and containers of a smaller volume are arranged according to the rating categories. But don't forget about the larger tanks. A few words should also be said about them.

For example, the average price of a 100 liter boiler for heating water ranges from 12,000 to 35,000 rubles. Although this is not the limit, the premium options can cost significantly more. For example, devices with a smaller volume may cost more - it all depends on the equipment and the brand. There are 80 liter boilers for heating water, the price of which reaches 70,000 rubles.

Types of boilers

Among the models produced by the industry, there are quite exotic combined options that use a combination of several types of heaters:

• electric and steam
• solar collector and steam heat exchanger
• Heating element and solarium collector

The most widespread in everyday life are gas flowing water heaters, in the old fashioned way called gas water heaters, as well as electric flowing and storage water heaters. Today, in everyday parlance, it is most often customary to call a boiler storage water heaters, often of a pressure type, with an electric heater, a heating element, placed inside a container with water.

Storage type boiler, the most popular among all types of water heaters. It is easy to operate, has a relatively low cost, which does not depend on the parameters so much. Its purpose is still to receive hot water in the local DHW system. In turn, storage boilers can be:

• closed type - storage boilers
• open type - gravity boilers

several points of draw-off.

With the help of an open-type gravity boiler, only one draw-off point can be provided, gravity models with an air valve are good for areas with interruptions in water supply. They make it possible to use hot water in the absence of pressure in the water supply. Boilers of both types have their own purpose.

But the overwhelming distribution was gained by closed pressure boilers. This type of boiler has a special safety group including check and safety valves, plus a special relief valve. Each of them has its own purpose. The check valve prevents hot water from entering the cold water supply line. The spring-loaded valve of the safety valve opens when the pressure in the boiler tank is too high, and excess water goes to the drain through the relief valve. All valves of the group are installed at the cold water inlet to the boiler.

Selection recommendations

Horizontal type boiler

The most important structural element is the tank. The capacity of household models is 5-150 liters. For country houses, volumetric models of 80 liters or more are used, because they are capable of heating a lot of water. The dimensions of houses usually allow the use of such massive boilers, in contrast to apartments.

To choose the right boiler for an apartment, you need to calculate the water consumption in advance and take into account the individual characteristics of the room.

Tips for choosing a storage-type electric water heater device:

The first step is to determine the theoretical flow rate. Average consumption per minute is about 3-6 liters. Half of this volume is produced from the tank. If the water heating device serves several sources, all costs must be added up.
Determination of the use time of the sink and shower faucet. One shower session consumes 10-40 liters of water. Half - hot water, that is, from the heater tank

It is important to take into account the pressure of the shower, as well as the time spent in it.

All data obtained should be corrected taking into account the individual habits of the people living in the house. You also need to take into account that the absence of dishwashers increases water consumption. The maximum consumption is observed in the morning and in the evening.

Power must be taken into account. If a lot of hot water is required, and the size of the room does not allow the use of a large tank, a model with a higher capacity should be chosen. This will quickly heat up to the required temperature. Power data can be found in the description of the device or on the packaging.

2 Advantages and disadvantages of boilers

It is storage water heaters that are used in the absence of a centralized hot water supply system. It is so convenient to use them that they are often installed even for short-term operation during periods of shutdown of hot water supply. This is facilitated by a significant number of advantages:

• The ability to heat large volumes of water.
• The ability to provide water to several points of water intake. One boiler can be used to supply multiple bathrooms and washbasins. This property is extremely useful for holiday homes.
• The functioning of the device does not depend on the water pressure. This is the main feature of storage water heaters. In flow-through models, the heating temperature is regulated precisely by changing the speed of water passing through the heater.
• Possibility of heating liquid to high temperatures. If necessary, a temperature of up to 85 degrees can be obtained at the outlet of the device.
• High-quality thermal insulation of the tank makes it possible to maintain the temperature for a long time. This property allows you to achieve significant savings and makes the operation of the water heater more convenient.

Of course, like any other device, water heaters have their drawbacks. However, it is easy to get used to the peculiarities of the operation of such devices. Among the disadvantages are the following:

• A fully filled tank takes a long time to warm up initially.
• With a low water consumption, constant maintenance of the required temperature is associated with additional energy consumption for heating.
• Placement of the container requires sufficient free space. If the area is limited, you will have to give preference to the compact model.
• High price. Instantaneous heating devices are much cheaper, but not suitable for permanent use.
• If there is a prolonged absence of the intake, the water quality may decrease. During breaks in operation, it is recommended to drain the liquid from the tank.

Boiler heating elements

An electric heater or heating element heats the water in the tank. There are two types of such elements: wet and dry heaters. A normal open heater is susceptible to lime scale deposits.Over time, there can be so much of it that the heating capacity of the element decreases. The special design of the heater in a steel tube with an enamel coating, called "dry heating element", excludes contact with water and reduces the formation of scale. These heaters are much more durable.

The number of heaters in the tank varies from one to six. Already with two heating elements, it is possible to use the device in the mode of an economical heating system called PowerProf. It allows you to select one of the heating modes - economical about 800 W, optimal 1200 W or maximum - 2000 W, with a boiler power of 2 kW. To reduce corrosion of the tank and elements inside it, a special magnesium anode is installed next to the heater. It is also called "sacrificial", which explains the purpose of this element.

Boiler thermostats can be electronic or mechanical. The latter are a bimetallic plate that mechanically opens the electrical circuit when a predetermined temperature is reached. A more advanced and expensive electronic thermostat can save up to 10% of consumed electricity only by increasing the accuracy of the operation. The time for heating water in the boiler depends on the power of the heating elements, their number and the volume of the storage tank. For a larger volume, it increases.

The boiler is also supplied with backflow and pressure protection valves in the tank and hinged holder brackets.

The advantages of closed-type storage boilers are:

• low power consumption (5-27 kW);
• work in thermos mode;
• the presence of an electric heater;
• protection with a magnesium anode;
• thermostat automation circuits;

How the boiler works.

By the principle of operation, drives are divided into two types:

1. Devices included in the general water supply system
2. Devices not included in the general network. The owner himself monitors the filling of this type of boilers. There is some kind of reservoir from which water is supplied to the boiler.

Almost all modern models of heaters are connected to a common water supply system and provide full automation of the water heating process. In the event of a complete depletion of the water tank, the boiler enters the mode of water accumulation and warming up. Thus, the process of boiler operation is a vicious circle. The rate of water heating in the boiler will depend on the volume of the tank and the capacity of the storage tank.

Average prices for water heating boilers

The cost of water heaters directly depends on the manufacturer, the volume of the internal tank, the technologies used, power and much more. Consider the most popular models of equipment of various capacities and their prices.

Models	Internal tank volumes, l.
15	30	50	80	100
Electrolux	EWH 15S	EWH 30	Axiomatic slim	EWH Digital	EWH Magnum Slim
RUB 5,375	from 5000 rubles	from 8,000 rubles	from 11,000 rubles.	from 8,000 rubles
Gorenje	GT 15 UV6	TGR30NGB6	TGR 50 NGB6	TGU 80 NGB6	TG 100 NGB6
RUB 6,990	RUB 6,130	RUB 7,700	RUB 8,180	RUB 9,100
Termex	Hit 15 U	Flat Plus IF 30 V	Ultra Slim IU 50 V	Flat Plus IF 80 V	Flat Plus IF 100 V
RUB 5,500	RUB 11,000	RUB 8,900	RUB 15 120	18 370 rub.
AEG	EWH 15 mini	EWH 30 Trend	EWH 50 Trend	EWH 80 Comfort EL	DEM 100 Basis
RUB 17,900	RUB 18,500	RUB 23,500	RUB 41,700	RUB 52,600
Ariston	ABS Andris Lux 15 UR	ABS Andris Lux 30	ABS PRO R 50 V Slim	ABS VLS Evo INOX QH 80	ABS PRO R 100 V
RUB 6 550	RUB 7,200	RUB 7,910	RUB 22,300	RUB 9,750

Boiler rating.

At the moment, the stores offer a huge variety of different models of drives from foreign and domestic companies. From the most complex and expensive devices from Europe to simpler and cheaper ones from China and Russia.

The following brands of boilers are considered the most popular and durable:

• AEG is considered one of the best drives and therefore one of the most expensive. Most of the models of this company are assembled in Europe. They are distinguished by a wide variety of model range. The company regularly introduces new technological developments in devices.
• ELECTROLUX. Boilers of the Swedish company. These models are distinguished by austere design, durability and good quality for year-round use.
• ARISTON. Boilers of the Italian company.One of the most popular models among Russians, due to the ratio of cost and quality. The service network is widespread throughout Russia.
• BOSCH. The products of this German company are of excellent quality and the ability to choose a model among different price categories.

Before deciding to buy a drive, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of buying it. It is also worth considering carefully the choice of this or that boiler model, depending on the conditions of its use.

How much electricity does the boiler consume: water heating time.

For the necessary independent calculations, the following device characteristics will be required:

• Boiler tank volume
• The power of the device is spelled out in its passport documentation.
• The time during which the water in the tank is heated
• In most cases, for modern boilers, the indicators of electricity consumption per day are already registered in the passport.

For example, let's calculate the water heating time for a 50 liter boiler.
V - 50 HP
T2 - 70 degrees
T1 - 10 degrees
Power (for example) - 2 kW

Substitute the values ​​into the formula T = 0.00116 * 50 * (70 - 10) / 2 = 1.74 hours or 104 minutes. (In order to convert hundredths to minutes (in our case, 0.74), 60 minutes are required * 74% / 100% = 44.4 minutes.)
The next step is to multiply the resulting time and the power of the heating element 2 * 1.74 = 3.48 kW * h. Thus, we received an electricity consumption for a one-time heating of 50 liters. water. (3.48 kWh)

Further calculations will depend on how many liters of hot water per day are consumed by residents. For example, 3 tenants spend on average 200 liters. hot water per day. Therefore, if for warming up 50 liters. water is consumed 3.48 kW * h, then 200 liters are consumed for heating. water will be consumed 3.48 * 4 = 13.92 kW * h per day.
To calculate the consumption in rubles, you need to multiply the energy consumption per day with the cost of 1 kW of energy.

Wiring diagram of a storage boiler for water heating

Usually, a specialist is invited to connect the boiler in order to eliminate installation errors and for trouble-free operation of the equipment. However, some people prefer to connect the storage water heater on their own, especially since the installation diagram can be found in the instructions for use or on the Internet.

In apartments, the boiler is mainly installed in bathrooms and bathrooms.

Before connecting, you need to prepare the appropriate tool and materials, namely:

• hammer drill or hammer drill;
• appropriate drills;
• anchor bolts for fastening;
• keys;
• water filter;
• drainage tube;
• flexible pipes for supplying cold and removing hot water;
• safety valve;
• electric wire;
• residual current device;
• gas hose and pressure reducer (for gas water heaters).

General scheme for connecting a storage water heater

The video shows how to turn on the boiler for heating water in detail

Features of the choice of a water heater

When opting for this type of water heater, you should be aware that there are a number of limitations for its use, which exclude the possibility of installation.

The first thing that can interfere is low pressure in the water supply network. A closed type boiler works normally at a pressure of at least 6 atmospheres.

The second factor in the refusal to use such a water heater is the high level of water pollution. In this case, it is necessary to use a water filter in the entrance to the storage tank, otherwise a quick failure is inevitable.

When determining the required volume of the tank, one should be guided by the fact that a family of 3 people needs about 90-130 liters of hot water per day. In addition, it may be important to choose a location for placing the boiler.

However, the variety of shapes allows you to choose a medium boiler that can be placed in any bathroom.There are models with a horizontal shape, they are easy to place under the ceiling or in a niche on the floor. Boilers with a capacity of up to 15 liters can easily fit even under the kitchen sink, and can provide at least 60 liters of hot (80 degrees Celsius) water per hour. With the condition of real water use, 60 liters of water must be diluted with cold water in a 1: 2 ratio. That is, a boiler with a minimum volume can easily provide about 120 liters of hot water per hour.

The real daily consumption of hot water for a family of three is 18-50 liters for washing, 60-90 liters for washing dishes, 150-270 liters for a shower, 450-540 liters for washing in the bathroom.

In addition to the consumption rates, at least three draw-off points should be taken into account. That is, for such a family, a boiler of 80-100 liters is required. When buying a water heater, you need to know that the safest ones have protection class IP 24 and IP 25. Such boilers are not afraid of water shutdown.

Finally, it is necessary to take into account that a storage boiler that does not require a high power of a single-phase 220 Volt supply network and is always ready to issue the next portion of hot water is the best choice in a city apartment.

Indirect heating boiler - what is it

To heat water, indirect heating boilers use heat from the home's heating system.

A little higher, we considered the design of an electric water heater. Now we will talk about indirect heating boilers. What is it and how do they differ from electrical models? Indirect heating boilers operate from heating systems, taking some of the heat from them. Coils are located inside them, characterized by a large area - they provide rapid heating of water. There are also thermostats and thermometers.

Indirect heating boilers are distinguished by high efficiency and productivity, since the area of ​​the heating elements (coils) is large enough, and heating is carried out throughout the entire volume. How can you get hot water in the warm season, when the heating systems are no longer working? To do this, you need to purchase or make an indirect heating boiler with a built-in heating element - it will provide water heating when there is not enough heat from the heating system.

Some water heaters of indirect heating do not have complete heating elements, but are equipped with flanges for their installation. The heating elements themselves are purchased separately.

Domestic boilers with indirect heating are highly economical, since in the winter season they do not consume electricity, but are powered by heating systems. At the same time, their connection to heating does not lead to tangible gas consumption, which is a big plus.

Water heater device

The design of the water heater includes:

1. Outer casing (casing).
2. Thermal insulation layer.
3. Storage tank of the water heater.
4. Cold water inlet with a divider on its inside.
5. Heated water outlet.
6. Heater (TEN).
7. Thermal sensor and magnesium anode.

Considering each element in more detail, it should be noted that the external tank protection, including the casing and thermal insulation, is at least 5 centimeters for boilers with a volume of up to 200 liters. If the volume of the tank is larger, the total thickness will be at least 10 centimeters. This allows the heater to keep the water warm for up to 2 days after switching off.

Traditional materials for non-removable thermal insulation are rigid foamed polyurethane or foam rubber, for removable - soft. The storage tank of the boiler, covered with thermal insulation, is made of metal and very rarely of plastic. Some manufacturers make stainless steel storage tanks. This is the most reliable, but also expensive option. In addition, the presence of alloying additives can be incompatible with sanitary requirements. For metal tanks, high-quality cold-rolled steel is often used.

The surfaces of the container are covered with glass porcelain, organosilicon compounds, special bioglass enamels interspersed with silver or titanium. The thickness of such a coating reaches 2 millimeters.

Great attention is paid to the quality of the tank materials and the protective enamel. Their coefficients of thermal expansion are the same, which is a must to ensure the durability of the tank and cover.

The quality and durability of such tanks is beyond doubt.

high level of environmental safety

Depending on the shape of the storage boiler, the number of tanks can be more than one. For example, for a flat shape, a combined connection of 2 small tanks is often used. In this way, the shallow depth of the shape of the flat boiler is ensured.

A standard cylindrical tank is simple and affordable in manufacturing technology.

Water heaters with an extended tank have a shallower depth, but due to their greater height and smaller diameter, they retain a large volume. It is convenient to place them in the corners of the premises.

On the outside of the cold water inlet, a threaded nipple provides water connections. The inner part of this pipe is located at the bottom of the tank, which optimizes the intake of hot water. In addition, a special divider is installed on this part, which ensures the flow of cold water only into the lower part of the tank and prevents the passage upward into the heated layers of water. The hot water outlet also has a threaded connection on the outside for connecting the internal water supply network. The inner part of the nozzle is located in the upper part of the tank, providing an optimal intake of heated water.

How such equipment is connected

Let's try to consider step by step how the water heater is being installed.

Photo example	Action being performed
	This is where we will place our boiler.
	If a tile is laid on the wall, it is necessary to drill it using such a diamond drill.
	After the boiler is installed in place, we screw adapters for polypropylene pipes to its inlet and outlet. Although, if desired, everything can be done with flexible hoses. It will turn out easier, but not so aesthetically pleasing.
	We measure the distance to the input from the wall ...
	... and between I / O for a neat design.
	We start assembling the highways.
	Taps will come in handy to bring out the lines beautifully under the connection points.
	Everything should match perfectly here.
	Installing an emergency crane ...
	... and on it the valve that comes with the boiler.
	Now all that remains is to complete the assembly of the input line.
	As a result, it should look something like this.

And one more important note! Before turning on the water heating boiler, it must be filled. To do this, open the feed and hot water tap

When water flows out of it, this means that the boiler is full.

The boiler connection can also be made with flexible hoses ...

Successful examples and options

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

• A gravity water heater, which is extremely easy to operate, has an affordable price and a power from 2 to 8 kW.
• A boiler that requires a lot of space. Most often, such water heaters are used in separate rooms intended for boilers. The barrel shape of the device helps to retain heat and allows you to consume a small amount of electricity. This option is optimal from the point of view of comfort and economy.

• Flat water heater with a remote control. It is extremely compact and will easily fit into any design. Installing such a boiler is quite simple. Most often, this option is used to wash dishes in the country.
• An option that allows you to heat water in summer cottages without any problems. Can be a decoration for any design.

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

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

For information on how to choose a water heater, see the next video.