How to choose a water heater for your home

Recommendations for choosing a water heater for an apartment

What parameters should you pay attention to first of all? Below are the main nuances that you may encounter when choosing a water heater. How to choose a boiler (water heater) for an apartment

How to choose a boiler (water heater) for an apartment

Table. The main criteria for a quality water heater.

It is important to choose a boiler with the right capacity

Water heater tank volume

What water heater, and with what volume to choose for the house? Addressing this issue should be a top priority. Many people make the mistake of choosing a large-volume unit when buying, guided by the idea “the more the better”. But, in fact, you will receive an unjustified consumption of electricity, since the device will spend more time heating water than a similar one of a smaller size. In addition, the dimensions of such a device will take up more space, and therefore you should be guided by your needs. The figures below show approximate indicators that should be followed when choosing the size of the unit. They depend on how many people will use hot water.

1. For one person, the choice of a water heater will be sufficient, with a volume of 10 to 30 liters, provided that you have to use one thing: either a sink or a shower.
2. The choice of a boiler for 50-80 liters will satisfy the need for hot water for a married couple.
3. If there are 3 households in the house, then a storage water heater of 80-100 liters will already be required.
4. For four people, it is recommended to purchase a device with a volume of 100 to 120 liters.
5. For a family with 5 or more people, it is necessary to purchase a device with an increased volume - 150 liters or more.

Also, for a large family of 7-8 people, if it is a private house, it would be more rational to choose a water heater (accumulative) for indirect heating. Among the floor models, you can choose a unit with the desired capacity, capable of providing hot water to the whole family. Buying a home indirect heating appliance can decide which is better. choose a water heater for a private house? For a better understanding of how much water is consumed per day, you can use the table below.

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.

Which water heater should be chosen in an apartment - we study the types of devices

The most unpleasant time comes when, due to pipe checks in the house, hot water is turned off for two weeks. At such a time, people dream of hot water, thinking about possible ways to solve the problem. A great option is to buy a boiler that allows you to heat water. We will tell you how to choose water heater for apartment so that it performs its functions qualitatively, consumes little energy and is inexpensive.

Of course, the most economical option in this case is gas-powered equipment. But this option is only suitable for those who live in a private house with a gas main nearby. Therefore, one very good option remains - an electric boiler. Despite the higher cost of operation (gas is cheaper than electricity), this technique is easier to operate and safer.

Having decided which water heater, gas or electric, is better to choose, you can study the parameters and characteristics of electric models. So, they are usually divided into two groups: products of a flow type and storage (capacitive). In appearance, it is very difficult to distinguish them - a small "locker" with a valve on the front. The main difference is in the heating method.

Flow Models

In models of a flow boiler, there is a heating element, consisting of a copper tube, inside it is a nichrome spiral. The heating element is characterized by reliability, durability, and the tube, due to its design, is not afraid of airing. The principle of operation is simple - cold water enters through pipes, where it is heated by a heating element, and comes out already hot.

The main nuance of such models is that the more water you need to warm up, the more powerful the device should be. For example, in order to take a shower without problems, you will have to purchase equipment with a capacity of at least 10 kW or more. You can buy a small device with a maximum power of 8 kW, but not every wiring can withstand such a voltage. Such options are suitable for apartments with electric stoves, where the wiring is designed for the operation of appliances with high power. But if you live in an old Khrushchev building, then problems with the operation of equipment cannot be avoided. This is caused by old wiring, not designed to install such powerful equipment.

storage boiler

Which boiler is better to choose for a house or apartment if you are afraid that the wiring will not “handle” the power? The answer is simple - choose a cumulative model. First of all, let's say a few words about the cost of such equipment. So, on the market you can find models from 170 to 640 dollars. The smallest version with a capacity of 5 liters costs about $ 120, but for the maximum cost you can buy a device with a capacity of up to 150 liters.

The price depends on which brand of water heater you choose. So, a German unit with a capacity of 100 liters will cost about $480, and the exact same model, but only of Italian origin, will cost about $180.

A heating element is installed in the tank of the storage boiler, which heats the water to the required temperature (from + 35 to +85 ° C), after which it will automatically turn off. When the temperature drops below + 35 ° C, the equipment starts up again. If you want to reduce heat loss, be sure to install thermal insulation between the water tank and the outer casing.

Another advantage of such a boiler is that you do not have to worry about what kind of wiring is laid in your apartment. The average power of models of this type is approximately 2-3 kW

The most important thing is to choose the right model for the water tank. For example, choosing a water heater with a capacity of 50 liters and a power of up to 2 kW, you will have to wait about two hours until the water in it heats up to the highest temperature.

But this model allows you to save energy consumption.

Design and principle of operation

The device of a flowing water heater is not difficult: a small water tank is enclosed in a metal or plastic case, equipped with heating elements or a spiral.

In budget devices, most often there are 1-2 heating elements, which have a weak point: the heating elements quickly “overgrow” with scale. The good news is that they are easy to replace.

Less scale is formed in appliances with a spiral enclosed inside a copper tube. The disadvantage of such a device is a negative reaction to bubbles and air pockets. If the equipment fails, replacement will be expensive.

The principle of heating is simple: cold water enters the tank, comes into contact with hot elements, heats up and exits outside already with the desired temperature parameters (on average from + 40 ° C to + 60 ° C).

For installation of compact equipment, a mounting kit, water supply and electrical cable are required.

Schematic representation of a household flow electrical device with an electronic control unit, the water in which is heated using a copper heating element

Powerful equipment for multiple water points, requires good flow and high pressure. Non-pressure devices operating at low pressure can adequately serve only one tap.

For this reason, they are initially equipped with "custom" devices - a gander or a flexible hose with a diffuser.

The heating process takes place instantly, so there is no need to wait for a certain amount of hot water to accumulate. Electricity is only used when the device is running.

Unlike the storage counterpart, the instantaneous water heater takes up a minimum of space. Usually it is fixed on the wall near the tapping point (sink or shower) in a vertical position

If we compare flow models with storage models, we can distinguish the following advantages:

saving space, compact dimensions (important for rooms with a shortage of free space);
the possibility of installation both near the tap (minimization of heat loss), and in a separate room (for powerful appliances);
the amount of water consumed is not limited;
interval electricity consumption (only during the active period);
beautiful laconic design;
low cost.

The disadvantages include regular electricity costs: the more often the water heater is turned on (respectively, the larger the family), the higher the electricity bill.

Installation diagram of one device for two mixers.When choosing, you should focus on the power indicator of the device. If it is not enough, the device can serve only one tap at a time (maximum - a tap and a shower)

Another minus concerns the installation conditions. For water heaters with a capacity of 7-8 kW and above, a reliable three-phase electrical network, high-quality copper wiring and appropriate protection are required.

The presence of built-in furniture in the room makes it possible to hide the wall groover in one of the wall cabinets. A prerequisite is easy access to the housing, control unit and significant maintenance nodes

Storage water heaters: scope

A boiler is appropriate if water is consumed moderately, that is, in short cycles. This is a more common option: two to four people live in an apartment and hot water is needed occasionally to rinse a plate, wash your face or take a short 10-minute shower.

At the same time, mixers can be used simultaneously in the bathroom and in the kitchen. True, if someone takes a shower, it is again better to refrain from using the kitchen tap, otherwise a 10-minute shower will turn into a 5-minute one.

Horizontal storage water heater

For houses with weak wiring that cannot withstand high power, the boiler is the only option: the most productive representatives of this family consume no more than 3 kW of electricity.

Device and principle of operation

The accumulator is a tank with double walls, the inner space of which is filled with a heat insulator, for example, polyurethane foam. The tank is equipped with two nozzles: the inlet for cold water is located at the bottom, the outlet is at the top.A heating element and a magnesium anode are installed inside the tank (prevents the deposition of salts on the heating element).

Turning on and off the heating element is carried out automatically by means of a thermostat, on which the user sets the desired temperature. During the operation of the water supply system, heated water is supplied to the mixer, which, in accordance with the laws of physics, is supplied from above, and in the meantime, cold water enters from below, which is heated.

What to consider when choosing a storage boiler?

It is important to choose the correct volume of the device. If it turns out to be insufficient, you will often have to pause while waiting for the water to warm up.

An unreasonably large volume is also bad: the time for heating water and heat loss increase.

The value of the latter should also be taken into account when choosing a model. The most economical water heaters lose from 0.7 to 1.6 kWh of heat per day (at a water temperature of 65 degrees).

Installation

Boilers up to 150 liters are most often wall-mounted and hung on special brackets.

More voluminous models are simply installed on the floor.

The device is turned on in a regular outlet, but it is still better to connect the wire for it separately by connecting it through the RCD.

With a lack of space in the apartment, the buyer can choose a horizontal model that can be placed under the ceiling or in a niche. True, in terms of ease of use, such devices are much inferior to vertical ones.

How to economically use the boiler?

You need to save money with the water heater on during its operation, and not choose the most budget model. Users give a lot of advice on how to really save electricity consumption on a domestic boiler. Below is the TOP of the most effective.

Installation and connection for economical operation

There are some simple tricks:

• selection of a suitable mounting location. The large length of the pipe from the bathroom to the sink leads to heat dissipation. In this case, more kilowatts are spent;
• activity setting. You can choose the periods of activity and restart of the heating element. You won't save much, but it's a good start;
• preventive cleaning of the heater. After descaling, the heating element will generate a sufficient amount of heat with minimal energy consumption;
• one temperature level. The maximum mode provides fast heating, but increases energy consumption. By choosing a heating program, you can reduce the amount of energy consumed.

Important! Older models of boilers in heating mode lose efficiency and consume more energy

Reducing hot water consumption

Is it only a matter of energy? You won't understand how to use it sparingly household boiler, if you do not calculate the cost of water. To increase the temperature of 1 liter of water, 0.001 kWh of heater power is needed. But it's easy to save money too.

Scheduled activation

It is worth starting the boiler only when hot water is really needed. It is better to wait for the device to heat up than to pay huge bills. The switching schedule depends on the volume of the tank:

• water heaters with a capacity of up to 50 liters can be turned off before leaving the house, and turned on upon returning. The device spends 1-1.5 hours on heating, then it simply keeps the water hot;
• boilers of 80-100 liters take longer to heat up, consume a large amount of energy. It is enough to set the temperature to a minimum and turn on the standby mode.

Advice! Buy and install a timer - it will turn on the heating 2 times a day at the selected time.

preheating

How can you save on a running boiler in winter? When the water temperature in the communications of the central type is 6-10 degrees, more energy is required for heating. To reduce costs, you need to fill a container of 50-100 liters with warm water and put it in the boiler room. It will heat up in 8-10 hours.

Important! The method is suitable only for residents of private houses and involves the use of alternative heat sources

shower heads

Users who have learned how to best save wasted electricity on a domestic boiler are advised to choose the right shower heads. They consume 10 liters of water per minute and are:

• classic, creating a water plume;
• with a soft jet type, suitable for rooms with high humidity.

Outdated nozzles that consume about 20 liters of water per minute must be replaced. First you need to note the time for which the three-liter jar is filled. If it exceeds 20 seconds, buy a new nozzle.

Aerators and water flow restrictors

Aerators are made in the form of a special nozzle. A kitchen element consumes 8 liters of water per minute, and designed for a bathroom - from 5 to 15 liters per minute. If you put a flow limiter, you can spend no more than 40-75% of hot water, or 3 liters per minute.

Interesting to know! A minimum of 100 liters of water is spent on a bathroom set, and no more than 30 liters on a 5-minute shower.

Disconnecting the boiler from the mains

How to use an electric boiler correctly and safely, but while saving? Turn it off from the network with the button at night. The device works like a thermos, so the water will cool slowly.Disconnecting from the socket is necessary if you leave home for a long time.

Rating of the best manufacturers of water heaters

How to choose the right water heater for an apartment or cottage? Below is a rating of the most popular models in three price categories.

Budget models

Middle price segment

Premium Models

This is interesting: Features of repairing an apartment in a new building

Device and principle of operation of technology

To rationally reduce energy costs, it is worth understanding the design of the water heater. It is executed as a tank made of stainless steel or steel with a layer of thermal insulation. Magnesium anodes are built into the steel tank to prevent corrosion and electrochemical reactions. A tubular heater with a thermostat is built into the tank. At the bottom of the tank are pipes that supply and release water. The thermostat and thermometer are displayed on the front or bottom panel.

The device works as follows:

1. Cold water is poured into the container through a hose with valves - safety and reverse.
2. The heating element turns on automatically and heats the water.
3. When the contents of the tank reach the required temperature, the heater is switched off by means of a thermostat.
4. In models without water intake, the heating level is maintained in auto mode - the heating element turns on and off after a certain time.
5. Upon opening the hot water tap on the mixer, water is taken from the upper part through a special tube.

Boiler deviceImportant! If the magnesium anode or heating element breaks down, electricity consumption may increase.