If hot water is often turned off in an apartment building, it is worth purchasing a device for its uninterrupted supply. How to choose a water heater for an apartment or your own home, taking into account the needs of your family?
To do this, you need to take into account many characteristics on which the service life of the equipment depends. It must be chosen taking into account the available space in the bathroom or kitchen. In an apartment this issue is especially relevant.
In this article we will outline all the nuances of choosing water heaters, understand the types of heating elements, and the operating principles of various types of equipment.
What is an electric storage boiler?
As the name suggests, the main element of a storage water heater is a container of water heated by heating elements. Depending on the model, containers can be made of stainless or ordinary steel and coated with enamel or glass ceramics.
The next important element is the safety valve. Its purpose is to discharge excess water that has expanded during the heating process.
When planning to purchase a storage boiler, it is worth considering in advance the system for draining water from this valve. The easiest and most reliable way is to prepare a silicone transparent tube of a suitable diameter. One end of it is put on the outlet pipe of the valve, the other is discharged into the sewer.
A transparent tube is necessary to simplify monitoring of the valve's performance. If at some point in time drops of water stop appearing in the wheelhouse, this may mean the valve has failed. It is unacceptable to operate the water heater in this condition.
There is also a control board in the boiler body. In the simplest case, it is a mechanical thermostat; in more expensive models, it is an electronic board that receives information from an electronic thermometer and turns the heating element on and off using a relay.
heating element. The heat-generating electric heating element can be located directly inside the storage tank (open heating element). This design is cheaper; replacing the heating element can be done by yourself.
However, an open heating element is in direct contact with tap water, which is not always characterized by a small amount of dissolved salts, iron impurities and ordinary debris. This leads to its rapid overgrowing with salt deposits, which impede uniform heating. As a result, the heating element quickly becomes unusable.
Closed (dry) heating elements are hidden in a special protective flask. Due to the lack of contact with water, they last much longer, but in case of breakdown they require qualified repairs.
Expert opinion
Torsunov Pavel Maksimovich
To extend the service life of the heating element, it makes sense to retrofit the boiler with a water treatment system. The simplest option is to install a fine mesh oblique filter at the water inlet. However, better protection is provided by a multi-section filter containing cartridges for coarse and fine cleaning, as well as an ion exchange unit for reducing water hardness.
Magnesium anode. It is designed to protect the metal elements of the boiler from corrosion. Magnesium is a more active metal than steel. Accordingly, first of all, corrosion processes develop on its surface, without affecting the surrounding steel elements.
The magnesium anode is a consumable item that must be replaced annually. If it is not replaced with a new one, then when the magnesium is exhausted, corrosion will begin to spread to the water heater components.
In addition, the design of any water heater includes a thermometer. It can be electronic or mechanical.
How to choose an electric water heater: wiring requirements
The standard range of energy consumption for storage water heaters is from 0.9 to 10 kW per hour, depending on the volume. Those that consume 2-4 kW/h do not require special connection conditions - they can be used with any household outlet. But for water heaters with a power of more than 8 kW/h, a connection to a three-phase power supply network, which is provided in houses with electric stoves, is required.
That is, in the question of which water heater to choose for an apartment , it is better to opt for models with consumption from 1.2 to 4 kW/h. For dachas and private homes, it is advisable to take devices designed for single-phase networks. The main criteria for assessing capabilities should be:
- wiring condition;
- general level of load on the power grid;
- quantity and total power of electrical equipment used;
- the presence of protective automation.
For example, if an electric heater, an electric oven, a pump and a powerful water heating tank are operating at the same time in a summer cottage, then without a protection system the aluminum wiring may not be able to cope with the load. For apartments and houses with old wiring, there are two ways to solve the load problem: a dedicated power line or a water heater with two elements that are switched on alternately.
What to look for when choosing a water heater
What are the controls on your electric storage water heater?
MechanicalAutomatic
First of all, you need to decide on the volume of hot water that you will need to have in the boiler for normal housekeeping. This volume will depend on the number of people living.
For washing dishes and washing one person per day, a water heater with a volume of 10-15 liters will be enough. If you need to take a shower, you will need a 50-80 liter model. For a family of three people who regularly use a hot bath, a boiler of at least 10-15 liters is needed.
It must be taken into account that the actual volume of hot water received will be greater than the capacity of the water heater. This is due to the possibility of mixing cold water, which allows you to more rationally use the supply of boiling water in the boiler.
In addition, before purchasing a water heater, pay attention to the following points:
- dimensions . The water heater must fit into the existing interior;
- possibility of horizontal installation . This option can be convenient when there is no space to place a boiler with a classic vertical layout;
- presence of RCD . Even if there are already RCDs in the distribution panel, it is highly desirable that the boiler has its own protective device of this type. This will protect you from electric shock if it leaks onto the device body;
- flat or volumetric body . Flat models have a reduced depth due to the use of two small-diameter containers in their design. In addition to reducing overall dimensions, such devices often have a function for accelerated water heating, carried out only in one (output) section of the storage tank. The disadvantages of flat options include a higher cost, as well as a potentially increased risk of leaks (due to the increased number of welded and threaded connections).
- electronic or mechanical control . As a rule, mechanical thermostats show a longer service life. At the same time, electronic control implies precise temperature control and improved ergonomics. Some models may even have the ability to control via Wi-Fi or the Internet. The latter is relevant when it is necessary to remotely monitor the condition of the boiler (for example, when installing it in a country house that is visited only occasionally);
- availability of fastening elements in the kit . A storage water heater, even of a small volume, has a significant mass. Therefore, it is highly desirable that the kit already includes mounting strips and dowels designed for the expected load.
- protecting the tank from corrosion . In the most expensive models, manufacturers offer to solve the problem of storage tank rotting in the most radical way - by making it from stainless steel. This alloy has an almost unlimited service life, however, the durability of a stainless steel boiler also largely depends on the quality of welding. Therefore, you should refuse to buy a very cheap boiler with a stainless steel tank. It is likely that the manufacturer saved on the quality of the metal and welding. If such tanks leak, the cost of repairs may be prohibitive;
In addition to the design features, before purchasing a water heater, it is a good idea to make sure that the service department of the selected brand is available. This will ensure timely maintenance and, if necessary, quick repair of the electric boiler.
Bath or shower
If you have a bathroom, the volume of the heater should be much increased, because if you calculate its water consumption ( read here ), it becomes clear that the small option will not fill it even halfway, then you will have to wait again for it to heat up. For a bathroom, I recommend a volume of 100 or more liters (enough for one person).
For a shower stall, if you use economical plumbing fixtures or linings, you can get by with a smaller option. 50 - 80 liters is enough; with such pads, this volume is enough for 2 people to take a shower.
Best models
According to the rating, compiled on the basis of customer reviews of domestic online stores of household appliances, the following models are the most popular.
Timberk SWH RS1 30 VH
The budget water heater with a volume of 30 liters has compact dimensions and can be installed both vertically and horizontally. The stainless steel tank capacity is enough to take a shower or wash several sets of dishes.
Characteristics:
- volume - 30 l;
- power - 2000 W;
- dimensions - 340x340x530 mm;
- indication - network, heating mode.
- Price - 7500 rub.
Advantages:
- not subject to corrosion;
- has protection against overheating;
- reliable thermostat.
Flaws:
- complex and expensive repair of the tank in case of leakage;
- The thermometer does not have markings in degrees.
Garanterm ES 30V Slim
The narrow (less than 40 cm in width and depth) body of the Garanterm ES 30V Slim boiler greatly simplifies installation in cramped kitchen or bathroom conditions. The model belongs to the budget class of water heaters and is equipped with an enameled storage tank and mechanical controls.
Characteristics:
- volume - 30 l;
- own weight - 13.5 kg;
- overall dimensions - 365x503x375 mm;
- power - 1500 W;
- Heating element - tubular.
- Approximate cost: 5,300 rubles.
Advantages:
- affordable price tag;
- cheap spare parts.
Flaws:
- the volume is insufficient for a family of more than two people;
- Heating to maximum temperature requires more than 1 hour.
Thermex Optima 80 Wi-Fi
The capacity of the Thermex Optima 80 Wi-Fi boiler is enough to meet the hot water needs of a family of several people. You can control the device from your smartphone via Wi-Fi.
Characteristics:
- volume - 80 l;
- power - 2000 W;
- heating element - tubular;
- overall dimensions - 300x570x900 mm;
- weight - 32.52 kg;
- maximum water pressure - 7.4 atm.
- Estimated cost - 14,400 rubles.
Advantages:
- convenient control;
- vertical/horizontal installation;
- ability to connect to the Yandex Smart Home.
Flaws:
- the thermometer indicates the water temperature in 10-degree increments;
- Loud operation of the heating element switching relay.
Ariston ANDRIS R 10
The compact dimensions of the Ariston ANDRIS R 10 electric water heater make it easy to install under a bathroom sink or a kitchen sink.
A volume of 10 liters is enough for sanitary and hygiene procedures, washing a small amount of dishes or taking a short shower. Characteristics:
- volume - 10 l;
- overall dimensions - 298x360x360 mm;
- power - 1200 W;
- protection of the tank from corrosion - enamel.
- Approximate cost: 4,700 rubles.
Advantages:
- there are modifications for both lower and upper connections of the water supply line;
- possibility of embedding into furniture;
- complete RCD.
Flaw:
- lack of thermometer.
Zanussi ZWH/S 100 Lorica
The tank's capacity of 100 liters of hot water will allow it to be used without significant restrictions.
There will be enough for family members to wash dishes and take a hot bath. The boiler is equipped with simple mechanical controls, which is convenient and reliable.
The power consumption of the device is 1500 W, dimensions are 450x916x468 mm, heating time to maximum temperature (75 C) is 319 minutes.
Corrosion protection - high-strength enamel. Price - 11900 rub.
Advantages:
- simple and reliable design;
- inexpensive spare parts;
- dry start protection;
- small load on the electrical network.
Flaw:
- long heating.
Electrolux EWH 80 Gladius 2.0
The tank capacity of this model (80 l) will be enough to provide hot water to a family of 2-3 people.
Power consumption - 2000 W, maximum water temperature - 75 C (heating time for the full volume - 154 minutes).
Dimensions - 555x890x350 mm.
Approximate cost: 16,900 rubles.
Advantages:
- possibility of vertical and horizontal installation;
- flat body;
- protection against freezing and overheating.
Flaws:
- small display;
- enamel coating of the tank.
Ariston BLU1 ECO ABS PW 50 V
The drive has a 50 liter steel tank covered with titanium protection. Management is electronic, with a visual presentation of information. Dimensions - 450x553x470 mm, power - 2500 W. Estimated cost - 9300 rubles.
Advantages:
- durability;
- accelerated heating function;
- protection against switching on without water.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Tank
Another distinctive feature of storage water heaters is the tank. It can be made from 3 main types of material:
- stainless steel
- metal coated with enamel or glass enamel
- plastic
The main advantage of plastic tanks is that there is no chemical interaction with water. This means that oxidation and corrosion of the walls should not occur.
The main disadvantage is fragility. In most cases, such a boiler is not suitable for hanging on a wall. It is better to install it in some niche.
If the tank is made of high-quality stainless steel, with a high chromium content (more than 30%), and the wall thickness is the same as that of an enamel tank, its cost will be prohibitive.
Also, keep in mind that enamel and steel have different expansion characteristics at high temperatures. As a result, the enamel can peel off in the most vulnerable places after just a couple of years of use.
Some manufacturers use high-carbon, cold-rolled steel and coat it with enamel. Cold rolling, unlike hot rolling, has two big advantages:
- it allows you to create metal sheets of the required thickness with an accuracy of several microns
- such products will be of higher quality in all respects: dimensional accuracy, surface finish, physical and mechanical properties
With wet enameling technology, the entire inner surface of the tank is covered. The raw material for enamel is frit - ground glass with the addition of quartz.
The tank is doused with suspension. It is then dried and baked in an oven at 850 degrees.
In this way, the glass is sintered on the metal surface, forming a solid layer that is resistant to corrosion.
The average enamel thickness should be at least 500 microns.
Questions and answers
What is the benefit of having an economy mode?
Operating the boiler in economical mode means a reduction in power consumption and a slight decrease in temperature. This increases the heating time, but increases the life of the boiler. The load on electrical wiring is also reduced.
What safety requirements apply to electrical wiring for connecting an electric storage water heater?
Grounding and RCD are required. The minimum wiring cross-section is 2.5 sq. mm. It is advisable to connect the boiler via a separate line in the house wiring.
What are the consequences of failure of the safety valve?
When heating water in a boiler with a faulty relief valve, in the best case, the tightness of the storage tank will be broken, and leaks that are difficult to repair will appear. In the worst case, explosive destruction of the device is possible.
Installation methods
There are several mounting methods suitable for instantaneous water heaters. Their pressure representatives can be built into a water riser that usually runs in a sanitary area, providing several household areas with warm water. Non-pressure flow models are recommended to be located in close proximity to a water point, which is convenient in suburban dacha conditions.
Wall-mounted storage devices (volume ≤ 150 l) are equipped with a bracket located on the body. It is enough to make precise markings on the wall, drive in hooks and hang water heating equipment on them.
If the technical data sheet indicates that this is a vertical model, then it is prohibited to mount it horizontally.
More capacious (volume more than 150 liters) floor storage devices are placed on a solid base, which must be perfectly level. This is enough for stability and no additional fasteners are required. Such units are connected to the water supply using a flexible connection. They are connected to the network after they are completely filled with water.
