Choosing an electric water heater

What to look for when choosing a heater

Tank

What to look for when choosing a storage heater? First of all, on the dimensions, configuration and material of the tank

capacity

The volume of the tank is recommended to be selected depending on the number of users. For one owner, a boiler with a volume of 30 or 40 liters may be suitable, for a family of two or three people it is recommended to choose a tank of 60–80 liters, and for large families it is better to play it safe and buy a boiler with a tank of 100 liters or more. Of course, it all depends on the tastes and individual preferences of the owners. Some people like to take hot baths, while others like a cool shower.

4 capacity options

• 10-15 liters. Water heaters of small volume, designed for short-term use. As a rule, their main scope is the kitchen.
• 30 liters. Water heaters with below average capacity. It is possible to use them in the kitchen and in some cases in the bathroom, if there is only one user (and without any special claims).
• 50–80 liters. Water heaters of average capacity, universal option, can be used everywhere. The bathroom is good with a small number of users.
• 100 liters or more. Large volume water heaters provide a high level of comfort, but it can be difficult to accommodate models of this size.

Dimensions, shape and weight

Too voluminous storage water heater, unfortunately, takes up a lot of space. Let's say a 100-liter boiler with a traditional body shape is a vertically standing cylinder with a diameter of about 0.5 m and a height of about 1 m. The placement of such a water heater can be a serious problem, especially considering that the appliance weighs about 130– 140 kg, not every wall can withstand it.

To simplify the task, manufacturers offer various modifications of devices, in particular, boilers with a flat tank. This form is more difficult to manufacture and therefore more expensive, but the flat body is easier to place in conditions of limited space. In addition, the flat body gives less load on the fasteners, on which the water heater is suspended from the wall. Another option for solving the "problem with placement" is water heaters with the possibility of horizontal mounting (the cylinder or flattened body is mounted so that the axis of symmetry is directed parallel to the ground level).This modification of the boiler can be placed high under the ceiling or, for example, above the front door.

Housing and protective coating material

The inner tank of the water heater can be made of black enameled steel or stainless steel. All internal tanks are non-repairable, so one of the main criteria when choosing a boiler is the reliability of the tank. Unfortunately, it is impossible to independently find out how well the tank is made. Indirectly, this can be estimated by the warranty period of service. Warranty for enamelled tanks is usually from 1 year to 5-7 years (7 years is very rare). The warranty period for a stainless steel tank is 5–7 years.

Other Options

What else should you pay attention to when choosing a storage type electric water heater?

Maximum temperature

Typically, storage water heaters are designed to produce hot water at a temperature of 60 to 85 °C. You should not chase high performance too much: scale is known to form at water temperatures exceeding 60 ° C. Therefore, it is good if the water heater has the option of adjusting the maximum heating temperature: by setting it, say, at 55 ° C, you are guaranteed to protect the tank from scale formation.

Built-in RCD

Serves to prevent electric shock in case of water heater breakdowns. Built-in RCDs are available in many models of Ariston, Electrolux, Ballu, Polaris, Timberk and some other manufacturers.

half power

A mode that provides for the operation of the heater at half the maximum power. This option is useful, for example, in the case of using powerful (about 3 kW) water heaters that create a large load on the network.

Frost protection

A useful option for our climate.If the temperature of the water in the water heater drops below a certain limit (for example, to 6 °C in the Vaillant eloSTOR VEH basis model), automatic frost protection will immediately turn on, which will heat the water to 10 °C.

Dismantling the heating element from the bottom of the water heater.

TEN.

At the bottom of most models are the inlet (blue) and outlet pipes.

The best storage water heaters for 100 liters

Large volume boilers are most often in demand in residential areas where there is no water or supply occurs very rarely, in summer cottages and in country houses. Also, a large device is in demand in families where the number of members is more than 4 people. Any of the 100-liter storage water heaters proposed by experts will allow you to bathe and perform household tasks with hot water without turning it on again.

Zanussi ZWH/S 100 Splendore XP 2.0

A rectangular compact boiler with a large capacity will allow you not to limit yourself in water procedures, while saving electricity and free space in the room. Stainless steel will protect against dirt, damage, corrosion. For comfortable control, the Smart electronic system, display, light indication and thermometer are provided. Power Zanussi ZWH / S 100 Splendore XP 2.0 2000 W, the check valve will withstand pressure up to 6 atmospheres. Protective functions will save the device from running dry, overheating, scale and corrosion. It will be possible to bring water to 75 degrees in an average of 225 minutes.

Advantages

• Compactness and light weight;
• Clear management;
• Water sanitation system;
• Timer;
• Safety.

Flaws

Price.

Maximum heating accuracy down to a degree ensures uninterrupted stable operation.Good thermal insulation and anti-freeze preserve the integrity of the body, and this guarantees a long service life. The manufacturer notes that inside the tank the water is disinfected. Inside the Zanussi ZWH / S 100 Splendore XP 2.0, a good check valve and RCD are installed.

Ariston ABS VLS EVO PW 100

This model demonstrates impeccable aesthetics and concise design. The steel snow-white body in the shape of a rectangle does not take up as much space as round boilers with greater depth. The increased power of 2500 W guarantees heating up to 80 degrees much faster than expected. Mounting can be either vertical or horizontal. For clear control, there is a light indication, an electronic display with information and an accelerated work option. Safety is ensured by a temperature limiter, overheating protection, non-return valve, auto-off. Unlike other nominees, there is a self-diagnosis here.

Advantages

• Convenient form factor;
• 2 anodes and heating element with silver for water disinfection;
• Increased power and fast heating;
• Display for control;
• Good security options;
• Exposure to 8 atmospheres of water pressure.

Flaws

• There is no fasteners in the kit;
• Unreliable display electronics.

In terms of quality and functions, this is an impeccable device for home use, which is confirmed by numerous reviews. The control system is not so durable, after some time it can issue inaccurate information. But this does not affect the performance and safety of the Ariston ABS VLS EVO PW 100 boiler.

Stiebel Eltron PSH 100 Classic

The device guarantees a high level of performance, classic design and quality.With a volume of 100 liters, it can operate at a power of 1800 W, heating water in the range of 7-70 degrees, the user sets the desired option. The heating element is made of copper, resistant to mechanical stress, corrosion. The water pressure should not exceed 6 atmospheres. The device is equipped with protective elements and systems against corrosion, scale, freezing, overheating, there is a thermometer, mounting bracket.

Advantages

• Low heat loss;
• service life;
• High security;
• Easy installation;
• Convenient management;
• Ability to set the optimum temperature.

Flaws

• No built-in RCD;
• A relief valve may be required.

Unlike many nominees in this device, you can set the water heating mode up to 7 degrees. The boiler consumes not so much electricity, withstanding heat longer due to the polyurethane coating. The inlet pipe inside the structure provides 90% of the unmixed water in the tank, which also protects the water from rapid cooling.

Choosing a boiler

The easiest purchase option is to come to the store, tell the seller all your wishes and indicate financial possibilities, and he, in turn, will select the best solution for you. Only in our reality it looks a little more complicated.

A good half of sellers in stores are interested in selling mediocre or, conversely, premium models. It often happens that the best option - here it is, is not far away, but first of all, the consultant will offer the so-called stale goods, which do not go well. Many common chain stores will easily sell a powerful outdoor electric boiler to a pensioner in a small apartment, which is able to provide hot water for almost the entire floor.Branded and specialized points of sale suffer from this case much less often, but there are still precedents.

As for the buyers themselves, consumer awareness plays a big role here. A person savvy in this matter, even without a consultant, will point to the option he needs after getting acquainted with the assortment. So it doesn't hurt to get familiar with the theory first.

So, let's figure out what to look for when buying an electric boiler for heating water.

tank material

Here we have only two options - stainless steel and enamelled surface. The latter solution is more affordable, but not the most durable. Cunning marketers convince us of the presence of silver ions on such a coating and, accordingly, disinfection of the liquid, but independent expert groups have not revealed any useful properties, as well as harmful ones.

Electric boilers for heating water, the tank of which is made of stainless steel, are traditionally reliable and durable. Their cost is noticeably higher than enameled analogues, but there will be more practicality points here. The service life alone is worth it.

Varieties of water heaters

Depending on the tasks, choose the type of water heater. There are two main types:

1. flowing;
2. cumulative.

Instantaneous water heaters are designed to temporarily solve problems associated with the lack of hot water. It makes sense to use them if it is possible to reduce the amount of hot water consumption. An instantaneous water heater is a compact device that quickly heats water passing through a heating element at high speed.

The main disadvantages of flow models are:

• The impossibility of obtaining temperatures above 60 degrees.
• High level of electricity consumption.
• Difficulty in obtaining large volumes of hot water.

Storage water heaters do not have such disadvantages. We will consider them in more detail.

The main types of water heaters

All heaters in an apartment or a private house are divided into two large groups: electric (boilers) and gas (columns). An electric water heater is classified by several more varieties that differ in design and method of heating the liquid.

The main types of water heater for the home:

• accumulative;
• flowing;
• flow-accumulative;
• bulk.

What water heaters are better to buy in an apartment?

In a village where there is no direct water supply, the best solution would be to use a bulk electric boiler.

Flowing household heaters are pressure and non-pressure. A non-pressure device requires installation directly next to the draw-off point, which it will serve.

The pressure device is installed in the water riser and serves several water points at once. It is most expedient to install a flowing pressure water heater in an apartment, and for a garage, a private house or a summer house, it is more logical to install a non-pressure water heater.

A storage or instantaneous water heater is an excellent solution for providing hot water to a house or apartment. Which device is better?

When choosing an electric water heater, first of all, you need to decide on the type of device that suits you best - storage or instantaneous, and only then select the desired power and capacity.

Advantages and disadvantages

The strong qualities of indirect water heaters can be safely considered:

1. Significant volumes of hot water and uninterrupted supply of hot, not warm water.
2. Simultaneous provision of several sources of hot water consumption of the required temperature.
3. During the heated period of the year, the cost of heated water is the lowest in terms of costs. Since heating occurs due to the heat already received from another carrier (heating system).
4. Water heating, unlike flow heaters, occurs without an inert delay. Opened the faucet and hot water came out.
5. Depending on the availability of heat sources, several energy options can be applied, including solar energy.

Weaknesses include:

1. Additional financial investments are required. The water boiler works in conjunction with other equipment.
2. It will take a long time for the boiler to heat up initially. During this heating period, the heating temperature of the house may decrease.
3. The boiler must be installed in the same room as the heating system. The volume of the room must provide a complete installation of both the heating system and the boiler.

Main characteristics of all types of boilers

you need to correctly calculate the need for a hot water boiler of 50 liters

The water in the tanks is heated by a heating element, the heating element is also an important characteristic of any water heater. They come in two main types - "wet" and "dry"

It is quite clear that the "wet" are constantly in contact with water. The thermal element is very similar to a large boiler, which heats the water. "Dry" heating element is different in that it does not come into contact with water, being in a special sealed flask-tube. They are more profitable and they have a longer service life, as well as safer, but tank models with such a heating element are more expensive.

The rate of water heating will depend on the power of the water heater, most often in the models presented, the power goes from 1.3 to 3 kW. Tanks with such power are the most optimal, since they can be called an economical option, because they allow you to quickly heat water and not spend a lot of money on electricity.

The durability of the tank is determined by such an indicator as the material from which it is made. Water is constantly in the boiler, and this can significantly affect its service life.

Glass porcelain is the most inexpensive material, so the life of a tank with such material will be no more than 1 year. It reacts sharply to temperature changes and the impact of microorganisms in the water. Its advantage can be called that it is resistant to corrosion.

Tanks with titanium coating can last about 7 years, the material is not afraid of microorganisms and high temperatures.

According to experts, quality-made stainless steel tanks can last 20 years. The material is resistant to corrosion, the water in such a tank is clean.

Copper is the most profitable and durable material. Products made from this material are considered the best, as they are durable and hygienic.

Copper tends to keep the temperature of hot water for a long time, which is very important

Water heaters can have equal kinds of shapes, there are three main ones.

Cylindrical - this form is the most common, the tank resembles a barrel.

"Thin" or spam boilers differ from standard models in their elongated shape in length, but they are smaller in diameter. And rectangular electric boilers.

Before choosing a water heater, you need to immediately decide where it will be located, so its shape and dimensions are important to make it convenient to place it. The device will be in one place for more than one day and you need to install it correctly and reliably.

What water heater to choose?

Which option to choose - flow or storage? The choice largely depends on a number of factors and your personal preferences.

We can definitely say that the most practical option is a drive with a volume of about 50-80 liters, powered by electricity. Firstly, this source of energy is now almost everywhere, and the effect of a thermos will allow you to get water during the day with almost no heating and constant switching on. In addition, such a heater can be connected so that it supplies both the bathroom and the kitchen with water at once. We remember the disadvantages - it takes a long time to heat the water if it has cooled down or the tank has been refilled.

A gas heater is also a good option. And, perhaps, it is worth choosing it if you have gas connected to your house. The device is easy to maintain, inexpensive and economical, the water heats up quickly. The main thing is to ensure that the room with the installed heater is well ventilated with an exhaust hood.

Flowing gas water heater in the kitchen

An important parameter is performance. It depends on it how much water and for how long the heater is able to heat. Think about how much water you spend per day and, based on this, choose a device according to performance and power. If we talk about the drive, then everything is simple: it will heat up any volumes, you just need to wait. But the flow model heats the water right there, but the greater the pressure and water flow, the higher the power of the device should be.You can also mention ease of use here: think about which device, given their heating rates, it will be easier for you to use.

By the way, a lot depends on the desired level of water heating. Maybe you don't want boiling water coming out of a faucet. The main thing is to be aware of the power limits and check the condition of your wiring before you buy a very powerful protochnik.

Volumes matter too. So, for a large house, you need a heater-accumulator of 100 liters or more. But for a summer residence or a family of 1-2 people who live in a small apartment, a device of 30-50 liters is enough. There are capacious tanks for 200 liters - they are usually mounted on the floor, and not mounted on vertical surfaces.

Water heater takes up a lot of space

And how to calculate the optimal performance indicators of the protochnik? Estimate it by the flow rate, which can be calculated using the formula: V = 14.3 * (W / T2 - T1). T1 is the water temperature in the pipe, T2 is the selected liquid heating temperature, W is the heater power, V is the flow rate. Also, the speed of water in the pipes can be calculated by turning on the water and filling the container with it for one minute. Next, you just need to measure the amount of water that managed to flow out during this time. Now you can see which heaters manufacturers recommend for a particular flow rate.

Another nuance is the installation features. They also need to be taken into account. If you choose a drive, then keep in mind that you need to fix it on a solid, preferably load-bearing wall. Remember that it is very heavy - add the weight of water to the mass of the heater when it is full. Such devices should not be placed on plasterboard or wood walls. Well, remember about the availability of free space.Storage heaters take up a lot of space and cannot be installed in a room that is modest in size.

Another thing is the protagonist. It is light and small, and it can be placed in absolutely any room and on any wall. The main thing is to be able to connect it in principle because of its power.

Any heater needs to be serviced so that it serves for a long time and without complaints. Let's see what features the owners of drives and protochniks will have to face in this case. So, the drive should be regularly inspected and cleaned.

It is important to check the condition of the magnesium anode and even change it occasionally. In such a heater, scale may appear, which must also be removed.

If we neglect all this, then the service life of the device will not exceed five years in most cases. But with the protochnik, things are easier. It is only necessary to clean the heater sometimes, and that's it. And the service life of such a device is more than 10 years.

Replacing a heating element for a boiler

And a few more words about service. So, gas appliances in any case need to be checked every year. Still, you are dealing with gas, and its leakage can lead to tragic consequences.

Summing up

For a private house, a storage boiler will be the best purchase. You will have to choose between gas and electric models, based on the presence of a gas pipeline and the possibility of paying impressive amounts for electricity.

How to choose a boiler

The volume of the boiler is better to choose at least 150-180 liters. Such a supply of hot water is enough to wash dishes, take a shower, do wet cleaning, etc. during the day.

How to choose a boiler

It is advisable to pay attention to quality products of popular manufacturers.A long warranty period will indicate the quality of the product

It is also worth clarifying the location of the nearest service centers, issues of warranty and post-warranty service, the cost of spare parts and accessories for installation. Not always the most expensive model of the heater is suitable, but you should not save too much, because the water heater, as a rule, is purchased for more than one year.

Video - How to choose a water heater for a private house

Table. How to choose a water heater for a private house

Model	Description	price, rub.
Gas instantaneous water heater Vaillant atmoMAG exclusiv 14-0 RXI	Power 24.4 kW. Ignition type electronic. Water consumption 4.6-14 l/min. Height 680 mm. Width 350 mm. Depth 269 mm. Weight 14 kg. Mounting type vertical. Chimney diameter 130 mm.	20500
Geyser Vektor JSD 11-N	Power 11 kW. Ignition type - battery. Height 370 mm. Width 270 mm. Depth 140 mm. Weight 4.5 kg. Mounting type vertical. A chimney is not required. Works on liquefied gas. Productivity up to 5 liters per minute.	5600
CatalogWater heatersGas instantaneous water heaters (geysers)BoschGas instantaneous water heater Bosch WR 10-2P (GWH 10 — 2 CO P)	Power 17.4 kW. Ignition type - piezo. Height 580 mm. Width 310 mm. Depth 220 mm. Weight 11 kg. Mounting type vertical. Chimney diameter 112.5 mm. Water consumption 4.0-11.0 l/min. Stainless steel burner. Copper heat exchanger with a service life of 15 years.	8100
Stiebel Eltron DHE 18/21/24 Sli	Power up to 24 kW, voltage 380 V, size 470 x 200 x 140 mm, suitable for providing several water points at once, electronic remote control, water and electricity saving function, security system, heats water up to 65 degrees. The heating element is an uninsulated spiral in a copper flask.	63500
THERMEX 500 Stream	Weight 1.52 kg. Power 5.2 kW.	2290
Electric instantaneous water heater Timberk WHEL-3 OSC shower+faucet	Power 2.2 - 5.6 kW. Water consumption 4 liters per minute. Dimensions 159 x 272 x 112 mm. Weight 1.19 kg. Waterproof case. Suitable for one tap. Copper heating element. Outlet water temperature 18 degrees.	2314
Storage water heater Ariston Platinum SI 300 T	Volume 300 l, power 6 kW, dimensions 1503 x 635 x 758 mm, weight 63 kg, installation type floor, voltage 380 V, mechanical control, internal tank material stainless steel.	50550
Storage water heater Ariston Platinum SI 200 M	Volume 200 l, weight 34.1 kg, power 3.2 kW, vertical mounting, voltage 220 V, inner tank material stainless steel, mechanical control. Dimensions 1058 x 35 x 758 mm.	36700
Accumulative water heater Vaillant VEH 200/6	Volume 200 l, power 2-7.5 kW, dimensions 1265 x 605 x 605, floor standing, voltage 220-380 V, Enameled container with anti-corrosion anode. Robust stainless steel heating element. Possibility of using the night tariff of electricity.	63928

General catalog BAXI 2015-2016. Download file

THERMEX ER 300V, 300 liters

Instantaneous storage water heaters

Electric instantaneous water heater

Electric storage water heaters Ariston

Comparative table of water heaters Ariston

Instantaneous electric water heater

Instantaneous electric water heaters

Flowing gas water heaters

Accumulative water heater Ariston ABS VLS PREMIUM PW 80

Accumulative gas water heater

Hajdu gas storage water heaters

hajdu GB120.2 gas storage water heater without chimney

Gas heaters Bradford White

Geyser

Water heater Termeks (Thermex) ROUND PLUS IR 150 V (vertical) 150 l. 2,0 kW stainless steel.

Gas storage water heater device

How to choose a boiler

How to choose a boiler

How to choose a water heater for a private house

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

We offer a selection of useful video instructions, thanks to which you can better understand the features of choosing electric boilers.

Video #1 Useful tips for choosing the right boiler model:

Video #2 The main guidelines that determine the choice of model of heating equipment:

Video #3 A detailed explanation of the principles of operation of dry and wet heating elements:

Video #4 Video review of Atlantic models:

Video #5 Recommendations for economical operation of the Ariston boiler:

Ideally, an electric boiler should be selected and installed during the bathroom renovation process. If this is done later, extra pipes and cables will appear that will be difficult to disguise.

If there are no options and the water heater was purchased after the repair work was completed, then it is better to mount it closer to the water points. This will help save on materials and have less impact on the interior of the bathroom.

Tell us about how you selected a storage water heater for your own apartment / cottage / country house. Share the criteria that influenced your choice.Please write comments in the block below, ask questions, post photos on the topic of the article.