Which is better - a gas water heater or an electric water heater? Comparison of the main parameters

Advantages and disadvantages of gas water heaters

• comparative cheapness of consumed energy resources - heating water with gas is cheaper than electricity;
• unpretentiousness to the quality of heated water - unlike heating elements, scale does not form on the walls of the heat exchanger.

And given the frequent blackouts and power surges that are typical for private homes, the use of electric water heaters becomes impractical. Plus, the discrepancy between current parameters in domestic power systems significantly reduces the efficiency of electrical equipment.

If we consider the disadvantages of gas water heaters, then I want to pay attention to the following features:

• The water pressure in the cold water supply must correspond to the minimum set parameters of 0.25 atmospheres. The use of flow type gas equipment for heating water on the upper floors of a high-rise building is not always possible, perhaps due to low water pressure.
• Due to the production of exhaust gases during the combustion of fuel, a chimney and a high-quality ventilation system are required.
• It is possible to connect to the central gas supply line only if all permits are available.

Indirect heating boiler

In simple terms, an indirect heating water heater is a container into which the heating battery is lowered (my grandfather has had such a system since the time of the union).Well, of course, now a heat-protected special container is being made in which a coil (heat exchanger) is installed. Outside, this tank, like other boilers, is covered with thermal insulation and external plastic / metal cases. But there are also slightly different designs of indirect heating boilers, for example, a “tank in a tank” - a smaller tank is immersed in a larger one (a large liquid is pumped to heat water in a small tank). This design warms up water faster + has less weight.

The advantages of an indirect heating boiler include a fairly high final performance at low operating costs, the ability to connect the device to various heat sources, there is no additional load on the electrical wiring (if you do not have an electric heating boiler installed, it is more efficient to install a separate electric boiler, although it still does not additional lines will have to be laid).

The indirect heating boiler can be connected both to the heating system and to a separate gas boiler office - the so-called double-circuit gas boilers (the heating system is connected to one, the indirect heating water heater to the second - the circuits can operate independently from each other). In this case, a kind of analogue of a conventional storage boiler is obtained.

By the way, indirect heating boilers with a coil are also double-circuit - the coolant from the heating system passes through one, through the second backup (for example, from the same double-circuit boiler) - the coolant is pumped during the shutdown of the main coolant.

Among the shortcomings of indirect heating water heaters, it is necessary to highlight their high cost (in comparison with conventional storage boilers), a relatively long heating process - although some modern models of indirect heating boilers can overtake electric ones in this, if the heating is turned off - no hot water (solved by a double-circuit boiler).

It is also necessary to note such a rather useful system as a recirculation system - it allows you to get hot water immediately after opening the tap (water is constantly pumped from the tap to the boiler in a circle).

Wiring diagram for an indirect heating boiler

Indirect heating boiler with heating element or gas burner - combined boiler

As you probably guessed, in such an indirect heating water heater, an electric heating element or a gas burner is additionally installed - this allows you to get hot water at any time of the year, regardless of the house heating system. The only downside is the cost.

comparison table

Name / Characteristic	Productivity, l/min	Heating temperature, degree	power, kWt	The combustion chamber	Ignition	Average cost, ruble	Rating
Bosch WR 10-2P23	10	60	17,4	open	Piezo ignition	11000	4,9
Zanussi GWH 10 Fonte Glass	10	50	20	open	electric ignition	7000	4,8
Neva 4510T	10	50	17,9	closed	electric ignition	11000	4,8
BaltGaz Comfort 15	15	65	30	open	electric ignition	12000	4,6
Gorenje GWH 10 NNBW	10	75	20	open	electric ignition	8900	4,5
Electrolux GWH 11 PRO Inverter	11	70	22	open	electric ignition	15900	4,5
BAXI SIG-2 11i	10,9	60	19	open	electric ignition	11800	4,4
Bosch WRD 13-2G	13	60	22,6	open	electric ignition	19000	4,3
Ariston Fast Evo 14C	14	65	24	open	electric ignition	19000	4
Beretta Idrabagno Aqua 11	11	60	21,8	open	Piezo ignition	16500	3,8

A geyser is a necessary device for a house, apartment, cottage. Hot water is available every day.Economical compared to electrical counterparts. For safe operation, it is installed by expert organizations. In case of malfunctions, specialists will help to establish the cause, carry out repair actions, restoring the device to working capacity.

Geysers and their features

Today you will not surprise anyone with a gas column. This is a fairly popular equipment that is used everywhere. If in the past it was very large and nondescript, today these devices are relatively small in size, as well as stylish in design.

However, the principle of operation of gas water heaters remained the same as before. What is it?

Cold water entering the heat exchanger is heated by natural gas. The main advantage of this heating technology is that even a very large volume of water can be heated extremely quickly.

To read more about the principle of operation and the device of the column, please follow this link.

Many people cannot imagine even one day of their life without hot water. In order to protect yourself and your loved ones once and for all, it is worth installing a water heater

Another undoubted advantage that made gas water heaters an ideal option for most buyers is the low price of natural gas. The high performance of gas water heaters has allowed them to conquer a large part of the market in recent years.

In the open sale, you can find gas water heaters of both domestic and foreign production, however, those who would like to purchase 100% high-quality equipment should give preference to products of well-known world brands.Among them, equipment from Electrolux, Neva, Oasis, Bosch and Ariston can be noted, although many other manufacturers have also proven themselves well. We talked more about the best gas water heaters in the next rating.

If you live in an old house where there is always no hot water, then the gas water heater is your best friend. It is enough to choose the model you like and agree on the installation with a specialist

Models of speakers that can be found on sale differ in the way they are ignited. Ignition can be either automatic or semi-automatic. With automatic ignition, the device starts working immediately when the mixer tap is opened. To start equipment with semi-automatic ignition, you will have to use manual ignition of the wick.

Modern geysers are equipped with both convenient and fairly informative displays, as well as a variety of indicators. This additional equipment greatly simplifies the process of controlling the gas column.

It is worth noting that columns, like boilers, are atmospheric (chimney) and turbocharged (chimneyless). If the first type of equipment uses a natural influx of air and its removal into the chimney, then in the second, these processes are forced. The turbine is a built-in fan that is used to force air into the combustion chamber as soon as possible. Also, the turbine is also needed for the outflow of combustion products from the chamber.

Comparison of devices by main characteristics

To analyze the technique in detail by the main parameters, we summarize the characteristics in a table:

Index	Flowing	Cumulative
Maximum temperature	+500C	+850C
Dimensions	Light weight and dimensions	Heavy weight (up to 60 kg)
Water consumption	Significant	Acceptable
Energy consumption	The voltage level must be constant, a separate power cable is required for heating elements up to 27 kW. Energy consumption occurs at the time of water intake	Low power: 3-7 kW
Mounting	Easy fastening. For devices with a power of more than 9 kW, a separate electrical wiring is required - a three-phase network 380 V	Wall-mounted devices are mounted on a supporting base using brackets. No additional connection requirements
Heating element care	Clean the heater once every few years	Regular cleaning, replacement of the magnesium anode at least once every 6-12 months
Safety	for gas - an additional chimney is needed and ventilation system; for electrical - observe safety measures during operation	RCD and grounding
Type of heating room	Country house, cottage, city apartment	Apartment, private household
Life time	Up to 5 years	Up to 10 years
Cost, rub	Over 800	From 3000

What to consider when choosing a column

When buying equipment, you need to pay attention to what material it is made of. Do not buy products from thin tin

Their service life is limited to 3 years. The best speakers are made of copper. They have a high cost, which is offset by high efficiency and long service life.

The influence on the productivity of the equipment and the duration of its operation is exerted by the inner diameter of the tubes through which hot and cold water is supplied. Periodically they are cleaned of dirt and scale. Narrow tubes have to be cleaned much more often than wide ones.

Water heater with chimney

Comparison of heating systems among themselves

Let's compare the gas and electric heater in several ways.

Parameter #1 - compactness

On average, the dimensions of the largest gas heater are approximately the size of a 30-liter electric boiler. The volumes of the latter will be enough only for washing dishes, for example. Which is unacceptable even for a small family.

The optimal volume of an electric water heater will be 100-150 liters. Such a device is an impressive design, which is quite difficult to place in a small apartment.

Parameter #2 - safety in operation

The electrical device is absolutely safe and can be used in any room. You don't need special permissions to install it. A gas-powered device is classified as potentially hazardous. Its functioning is associated with open fire, which dictates the harsh conditions of its installation and operation. To install the device, you will need to collect a package of documents and obtain a special permit.

It is issued only when the room in which the device will be installed is equipped with a working ventilation system and meets fire safety requirements. In addition, the installation of a gas appliance can only be carried out by a specialist, who must also conduct regular preventive inspections of the equipment. Whereas the electric heater can be mounted independently.

Parameter #3 - amount of hot water

An electric water heater has a strictly limited amount of hot water, due to the size of its tank.The water heating time is determined by the power of the device, but in any case, it will take several hours to heat the water for the whole family, after which its temperature will be maintained automatically. The gas heater instantly warms up water, its quantity is unlimited.

Parameter #4 - pressure and water temperature

If we compare the pressure force with several running taps, we can conclude that the gas water heater loses. Under such conditions, the water temperature in different streams will be different, and the water pressure will also decrease slightly. However, the latest models of heaters are equipped with an automatic relay that regulates the burner power depending on the water flow, which solved the problem. Electrical appliances work stably with several open taps.

Parameter #5 - economy and service life

It is quite difficult to compare devices with different power supplies. On average, the boiler consumes about 3 kW / h of energy, while it must always be on. The geyser consumes fuel only during operation and this value is small - about 2.3 cubic meters / h. In any case, given the average price of energy carriers, a gas heater is more economical than an electric one.

In terms of service life and ease of maintenance, gas-powered devices are also in the lead. Storage electrical equipment is extremely sensitive to water quality and requires regular descaling.

Thus, both devices can be operated in apartment buildings. Which one to choose should be decided based on the conditions of a particular apartment.

Geyser or electric water heater

The geyser and instantaneous electric water heater are functionally similar. They are installed in the central DHW circuit. Thanks to their compact size, they can be easily placed in the bathroom without cluttering up the space, or hidden in the closet.

The main differences between the devices are shown in the table.

Parameter	Geyser	Electric water heater
Mounting	Permission required. The wall on which the device will be located is reinforced with heat-resistant insulation, a chimney is laid or access to ventilation is released.	Allowed without special solutions. The device is mounted independently or with the participation of specialists. Requires laying a cable channel for mains power.
Power	Provide hot water for bathrooms and kitchens. Average productivity - 10-15 liters per minute.	Effective for one consumer. They have a small capacity of 3-5 liters per minute.
Price	Material costs amount to 8000-10000 rubles per device.	The price varies widely. There are compact models in the range of 2000-3000 rubles. Powerful devices will cost from 10,000 rubles.

Which option is more economical and efficient?

It is not so easy to determine which type of heater is the most economical, it is important to take into account the characteristics of hot water consumption, intensity, and continuity. It is one thing when you need to take a shower, and several family members use hot water, another thing is when hot water is constantly turned on and off

The fact remains that methane gas is the cheapest type of fuel.

It is also important to take into account that one cubic meter of gas releases 8 kW of thermal energy, and 1 kW of electrical energy is converted into 1 kW of thermal energy.The economic benefit of using a flow gas column would seem to be obvious

However, not all so simple.

In a storage heating boiler, the peak load falls on the first 20 minutes of heating. The thermal insulation provided in the equipment allows to reduce heat losses. With an increase in water consumption, the cost of using the equipment decreases.

As for the gas instantaneous water heater, the peak load occurs at the beginning of work. Despite the fact that one cubic meter of gas releases 8 kW of thermal energy, there are heat losses. A gas electric heater is beneficial if it is used for a long time (for example, for taking a shower), and not turned off and on all the time.

Indirect water heaters

By the way, it is possible to significantly reduce energy consumption by using new type of equipment.

Accumulative water heater of indirect heating NIBE MEGA W-E-150.81

So, which is better, an indirect type boiler or a column:

• An indirect type boiler allows you to reduce energy consumption during the heating season. Its design contains an internal heat exchanger through which the heat carrier circulates from the heating system. It is with its help that the provision of water heating is carried out.
• When the heating is turned off, the boiler operates as a standard device. By the way, there are models with built-in heating elements, and with a gas burner.

Devices of this type can significantly reduce the cost of providing hot water, however, such boilers are quite expensive.

We also recommend seeing:

• The design of the chimney for the gas column
• How to choose the best water heater for a bath?
• Choosing the best circulation pump for heating systems
• Types and tips for choosing infrared wall heaters

The device and mechanism of operation of flow heaters

This type of water heater is a complex structure without a water tank. The temperature of the liquid rises a few seconds after turning on the equipment. Popular manufacturers of flow type heaters include: Ariston, Electrolux, Garanterm, Gorenje, Thermex and others.

The device is a small rectangular panel with a tubular electric heater - a heating element.

The main components of the device:

• electric heating elements;
• water inlet/outlet pipe;
• electronic control unit;
• Remote Control.

Budget models are equipped with a thermostat, with which you can regulate the heating of the heating element. Premium appliances are equipped with a digital control panel. As a result, control is easier and visually clear.

Scheme of an electric instantaneous water heater

The instantaneous water heater has the following mechanism of operation:

• a special flask contains a high-power heating element;
• when starting the water pressure, the flowing liquid passes through the heating element;
• if the pressure power is higher, then the water temperature is lower;
• When the faucet is turned off, the appliance will automatically turn off.

Depending on the energy source that is used, flow heating technology is divided into:

• electrical;
• gas.

Familiarization with the features of each type will help you choose a flow heater.

powered by electricity

This type of equipment is valued for its small size when heating large volumes of liquid. The model is popular for elementary installation.There are 2 ways to control:

• regulation of increase / decrease in water pressure by means of a mixer;
• by adjusting the power of the tubular heating element (three-level regulator).

Electric heaters are divided into 2 types according to the principle of operation.

1. Pressure. This type of instantaneous water heater is an interconnected part of the plumbing system. The pressure in the structure is not more than 6 bar. They are installed near the riser and, at the required power, heat water at several points in the house. Water heaters are not completed with additional equipment (nozzles or mixers). The device is mounted under the washbasin. The advantages include an electronic control system: after heating, the temperature of the liquid is kept at a certain level. The disadvantages are significant cost and energy consumption.

   Electric instantaneous pressure water heater

2. Non-pressure. Devices of this variety are installed autonomously at some elevation. Cold water is supplied manually or with a pump. The water intake process is carried out under pressure and is located at one point. The kit includes a mixer or nozzle, with their help, the liquid is blocked at the inlet. The advantages include easy installation, simple replacement of the heating element. In addition, the device can function in the absence of electricity, central water supply. This modification is most often installed in city apartments.

   Electric instantaneous non-pressure water heater

Gas powered

This type of technique uses household gas as an energy source. As a result of combustion, a large amount of heat is released to heat the liquid.The device has a burner that maintains a high temperature at the outlet. With electric ignition, the gas heater starts automatically - you just need to open the mixer with hot water.

The power of the devices can be small (from 17 to 19 kW), medium (from 22 to 24 kW), maximum (from 28 to 30 kW). Flow type gas heaters are more economical than electric ones. If water is needed for a shower, a water heater should be selected with medium and low power. To use in the kitchen and in the bathroom, gas appliances with a power of more than 24 kW are used.

Electric water heater (boiler)

Electric boilers are the most common due to the ease of installation and connection + they are often the most economical (it all depends on the region of residence).

The best options are like this:

• 30 liters - a heating element with a power of 1-1.5 kW;
• 50-80 liters - heater for 1.5-2 kW;
• 100-150 liters - about 2.5 kW and above.

Please note that most sockets and wiring installed in the apartment will not be able to give you more than 2-2.5 kW of electricity without harming yourself and your home, so you need to lay a separate wire for heaters with more power.

It is also necessary to especially note the water heaters endowed with two heating elements - when the liquid is heated, both are turned on, and later one low-power one is used - such a system makes it possible to lighten the load on the electrical wiring.

Heating element power and type (wet VS dry heater)

Here (power) it all depends on your needs for rapid heating of the entire volume of the purchased boiler. To simplify, a table comparing power / volume / heating time is duplicated below.But in general, the greater the power of the heating element, the better.

Also, the heating elements of electric boilers are divided according to design features:

• Dry heating element - the heating element does not come into contact with water because it is located in a special heat-conducting flask. The heat transfer zone in such a design is higher, the heater is protected from oxides and scale, so water heaters endowed with a dry heater last much longer - but they also cost 1.5-2 times more.
• Wet heater - the heating element is in direct contact with the liquid (like a conventional boiler). This design is less reliable, but cheaper.

Features of instantaneous electric water heaters

For instant heating of the liquid, quite a lot of energy is needed; therefore, such boilers consume a lot of energy during operation - up to 27 kW. And if even up to 8 kW can be connected to a conventional network (!!! it is necessary to draw a separate cable from the meter, ordinary wiring will not withstand this - the cross section of the copper wire should be 6 mm2 (for 8 kW)). Water heaters with a higher power (from 8 kW) are usually made for an industrial voltage of 380 watts.

Advantages and disadvantages of gas water heaters

The advantages of gas water heaters include:

1. Independence from power supply.
2. Models with a closed firebox are energy efficient and economical.
3. The gas water heater is compact, it is convenient to place it even in a small kitchen.
4. Fast water heating.

The disadvantages of devices include:

• low efficiency;
• if it is necessary to obtain hotter water, then with an increase in temperature, its production will decrease;
• the geyser cannot be connected and installed independently, it is necessary to contact specialists;
• the presence of a combustion process implies the need for a chimney and special ventilation systems;
• sensitivity to the level of pressure of water and gas.

Technical features of geysers

What are gas appliances? These are compact flow type devices. Inside them is a gas burner with a copper heat exchanger. Cold water entering the apparatus is quickly heated to the desired temperature.

• compactness;
• instant heating of water;
• no limit on the amount of hot liquid;
• low cost of natural gas.

The disadvantages include the mandatory presence of gas supply, although some consumers connect liquefied gas cylinders to such water heaters. This is possible, but inconvenient, since the gas tank must be stored in special conditions, and the cost of such fuel is quite high. In addition, the room where the gas water heater is installed must be equipped with a chimney.

The gas water heater is compact, which allows you to place it even in a small kitchen and, if desired, hide it in a furniture set

What to look for when choosing such a technique

There are many manufacturers of such units - among them there are many worthy and reliable options.

It is important to focus on the following indicators:

• equipment power;
• ignition type;
• burner type;
• safety.

The power characteristic affects its overall performance. In fact, it determines the amount of water that the device can handle in a certain period of time. Power can be low (from 17 to 19 kW), medium (22-24 kW), high (from 28 to 31 kW).When choosing power, it is necessary to focus on the estimated number of water intake points in the dwelling. If there are several of them (and their simultaneous operation is assumed), then it is better to stop at a unit with medium and high power.

The type of ignition is also relevant. Previously, a lighter and matches were used for this. Modern models suggest a semi-automatic or completely improved fully automatic system. In automatic machines, a turbine or a battery will provide a spark, and to start it is enough just to open a tap with hot water. There is also a piezo ignition (semi-automatic version), which involves pressing a button intended for this. The bad thing here is that this method increases fuel consumption (the wick will burn even after the ignition is completed).

It is worth paying attention to the type of burner. You should not take one that has a constant power - you will have to regulate it, adjusting it to the water pressure in the system

The best idea of ​​the developers is if the power is modulating. Such an element is independently able to adjust to the jet, then the temperature will be relevant.

Finally, in the matter of reliability of work, it is worth paying attention to safety. Modern models of geysers are equipped with three levels of protection, which manifests itself in various incidents - an accidental cessation of the flame, a sudden appearance of reverse thrust

Special hydraulic valves are also provided to help avoid overheating.

Types of heating devices

Heating units are of two types: storage and flow. The principle of operation of the former is that they first collect water, then heat it for a certain time and distribute it through pipes.The latter heat the circulating water directly during operation.

Depending on which energy carrier they operate with, these types, in turn, are divided into electric or gas water heaters.

In general, the following types of devices that heat water can be distinguished:

• electric storage heater or boiler;
• flow gas heater or gas column;
• flowing electric heater;
• storage gas heater.

Initially, the boiler draws water, which is heated by a water heating element - a heating element built into the unit.

The principle of operation of the geyser is that the water is heated due to the action of the flame of the burner in the process of its movement in the heat exchanger.

The first two types have proven themselves best and are most widespread. Therefore, the problem usually lies in choosing between these two options.

Removal of combustion products

There are two types of geysers, depending on the method of removing carbon monoxide.

The first type is classic, with a chimney. In most apartments that are being converted to use gas heaters, it is not acceptable, since there is simply no technical possibility of installing a chimney and bringing it to the roof.

The second type is chimneyless (parapet). A hole for the removal of combustion products is made in the wall of the building. This type of equipment is somewhat more expensive and is volatile, since the output is forced by a fan installed in the column case. The room in which the chimney-free geyser is installed must have good natural or forced ventilation.The removal is carried out forcibly with the help of a turbine or a fan built into the removal pipe.

Particular attention should be paid to rooms with installed plastic windows. Lack of air access can affect the operation of the device

Provided that there are appropriate detectors, the column simply will not turn on. If they are not, the result can be the most deplorable. A ventilation valve that can be cut into the plastic part of the window with your own hands will help solve the problem. valve designs are quite complex with multi-stage filters and the simplest and cheapest.

Installing a geyser in an apartment with your own hands: step by step instructions

The installation of gas equipment in an apartment building must be coordinated with the management company and the relevant services. This procedure was introduced to ensure the safety of residential housing construction.

Step 1. Choose a place to install equipment. It should be located in a place inaccessible to children, next to the water supply and gas network.

Drawing markings for mounting the boiler on the wall

Step 2. We hang the water heater on the prepared mounts.

Fixing the water heater to the wall

Step 3. We arrange a hood for equipment from a corrugated sleeve. We bring it to the common house chimney.

Corrugated chimney

Step 4. We connect the equipment to networks using pipes.

We connect the column to the networks

Step 5. We check the operation of the system.

Testing column performance

Varieties of geysers and their device

Modern manufacturers provide the widest choice of devices with various technical and operational characteristics. All gas water heaters can be divided into two types:

• flowing;
• cumulative.

Flowing geyser (schematic diagram).

1. Traction detector; 2. Overheating detector;3. Gas burner; 4. Gas supply regulator; 5. hot water outlet;

6. Chimney outlet; 7. Collector for combustion products; 8. Heat exchanger; 9. Gas pipe; 10. Regulator of water intake; 11. Cold water outlet.

The flow geyser has a compact size due to the small gas burner and the lack of a hot water tank. It can be installed in a small room with good natural ventilation. However, such devices have a low capacity; to connect several points of hot water intake to the DHW system, you need to purchase a high-power device. These speakers are best suited for city apartments.

Accumulative gas water heaters (principal diagram)

1. Gas check valve; 2. Gas supply adjustment knob; 3. Adjustment of water temperature; 4. Gas burner; 5. Igniter gas wick; 6. Thermocouple; 7. Nozzle of the main gas burner; 8. Internal protective coating; 9. Thermal insulation of the water tank; 10. External protective casing; 11. damper;

12. Anode to prevent scale and corrosion; 13. Drain cock; 14. Cable from the draft detector; 15. Chimney base; 16. Divider; 17. Cold water supply pipe; 18. Swirl of water streams to intensify mixing; 19. Emergency relief valve socket; 20. Outlet pipe for hot water; 21. Traction stabilizer.

Storage devices are large. The volume of the tank ranges from 50-500 liters. To use hot water, it is not necessary to turn on the device every time.Effective thermal insulation of the container allows you to keep warm for a long period. The heat exchangers of the apparatus are more efficient.

Of the main disadvantages, significant dimensions should be noted, which force the installation of devices in special boiler rooms, basements or attics. In addition, the significant weight of large-volume water tanks requires additional reinforcement of floors and preparation of a concrete base. It is advisable to use such gas water heaters in cottages and private houses, where there are many points of use.

Conclusion

In order not to make a mistake in choosing a water heater, the main question that needs to be answered is for which room it will be used. For the home, both gas water heaters and flow and storage boilers will be equally effective. However, if a water heater is needed for a business that is visited by many people every day, then an electric storage boiler with a large tank capacity is best suited.

The article described all the main issues related to water heaters and this information is enough for the buyer to decide which is more profitable: a gas water heater or a boiler.

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