Instantaneous or storage water heater - which is better

Installation Features

The weight of the storage water heater is decent, so you need to make sure that the wall can withstand the load. The flow unit can be fixed even on a plasterboard partition.

In terms of connecting to the mains, a storage device needs an outlet. For flowing, an automatic machine is installed, the connection is made through the switchboard. Water heaters with a capacity of more than 9 kW will be connected to a three-phase network.

Water supply method

According to the method of water supply, heaters are divided into pressure and non-pressure. The first ones crash into the water supply riser and serve several points of the fence at once. The second ones are installed next to the fence point and serve only it. Non-pressure water heaters are equipped with shut-off valves installed in front of the unit.

Service

Storage units will have to be periodically cleaned of scale and sediment in the tank. Water is an aggressive environment, so once a year it is necessary to change the magnesium anode that protects the internal tank. Experts advise installing a filter in front of a storage-type water heater if the quality of tap water is low.

Flowing in this regard is better. If you correctly connect all networks, then during operation you will not have to approach it.

Appearance

Manufacturers make sure that their products have a presentable appearance. Therefore, it is difficult to say which water heater is better in this regard - storage or instantaneous. It makes no sense to compare according to this criterion.

Features of the storage boiler

The device itself is a capacious heat-insulated tank with branch pipes for supplying cold and outputting hot water.Inside the tank there is a heating element for 1-2 kW, a temperature sensor and a magnesium anode that protects the device from scale.

There is another type of storage devices - indirect heating boilers, where the role of the heating element is played by a heat exchanger-coil connected to the heating circuit.

But this option is more often chosen in addition to a single-circuit heating boiler to save energy in the cold season, and in summer it works on the principle of the same electric boiler (of course, provided that the heating element is included in the package).

When turned on, the boiler draws water and heats it up to the programmed temperature (for example, it will take about 2 hours to heat 100 liters with a 2 kW heating element to 60 degrees). When the water heats up, the thermostat kicks in and turns off the heating element.

The rate of water heating in the boiler tank will depend on the power of the heating element, the volume of the internal container, the thickness and materials of the thermal insulation of the body

Boiler Advantages:

• A powerful power line is not needed for connection, even on standard 220 V, the device can easily serve several mixers at the same time.
• The ability to maintain the temperature of the water in the tank for a long time (with a high-quality heat-insulating casing, the heating level will decrease by no more than 1-2 ° C per hour).
• Able to immediately "give out" a large amount of water, for example, to quickly fill the bath.
• The temperature of the supplied water is always the same and will not depend on the season.

And the main disadvantages of the storage heater include a limited hot water limit, a long waiting time for heating “from scratch” and impressive tank dimensions (moreover, the larger the family’s needs, the more cumbersome the device will be).

It should also be noted that if the device is not disconnected from the network, it will consume energy even in standby mode, heating the water to the specified parameters when it cools down.

Brief comparison of storage and instantaneous water heaters

Flowing gas water heater	Instantaneous electric water heater	Accumulative electric water heater
Dimensions and weight of the device	Average	Small	Big
Economy and cost of water heating	Low	high	high
The need for engineering systems	Gas supply required	Need good wiring	No special requirements
Ability to produce the required volume of water at any time of the year	The temperature of the incoming water stream does not greatly affect the heating	The temperature of the incoming water flow greatly affects the heating.	The temperature of the incoming water stream does not greatly affect the heating
Difficulty of installation	Self-installation prohibited	Medium	Medium
Need for service	Only specialists can serve	Maintenance free	Storage tank inspection required

Comparison of water heaters

Which water heater is better flow or storage for an apartment? Most often, a small bathroom in an apartment cannot accommodate a large water heater and you have to make a choice, guided not only by price, but also by its compactness.To choose between two types of heaters, you need to make a comparison between their characteristics, find out about the possibilities of installation, about the electricity or gas consumed, about the heating properties.

Design features of electrical appliances

Consider the design of the units in order to answer the question: instantaneous water heater or storage, which is better?

The boiler looks like this:

• External case, on which there are special fasteners for mounting.
• Buck inside.
• The layer between the tank and the body is made of heat-insulating material.
• Tubular electric heater.
• Heating temperature control sensor.
• Safety valve.
• Magnesium alloy anode.

You can notice the difference in price even between storage heaters from the same manufacturer - this is due to the fact that the cost of the goods depends on the material from which the inner tank is made and on the electronic support of this equipment.

The electric instantaneous water heater has a simple design: water enters from one side through special channels and enters the chamber, where it is heated, then it also continuously exits from the other side of the column without lingering inside. Therefore, it is called "flow".

Installation and connection to pipelines

First of all, consider the installation of indirect heating boilers. Most often they have a wall mount and special anchors for attaching to the wall. The exception is storage water heaters, the mass of which is more than 100 kg. Then they must be installed on the floor without fail. Connecting them to the water supply is easy.There are two taps in the design: a pipe with cold water is connected to the first, and hot water is supplied from the second. A column may sometimes require permission to install it and reinforced electrical wiring.

Operational safety

The storage unit does not require constant water pressure and power supply

And for columns - this is an important condition. Only gas water heaters can be dangerous to humans, electric ones do not pose any threat if the installation was carried out correctly in accordance with the instructions and wishes of the manufacturer

Ease of use

A boiler can supply hot water to several outlets, such as a kitchen faucet and a bathroom shower. The column will not be as productive, since it can only give constant pressure to one water point, and if you turn on two taps at the same time, then the pressure will be small. But unlike storage equipment, the column provides constantly hot water, and the boiler, when it has used up its volume, again needs to fill the tank.

Instantaneous water heater or indirect heating boiler

A flowing water heater is the best option for installation in places of active use of water. It can be installed in the bathroom and kitchen. You can use one device for both rooms.

An indirect heating boiler is used in the presence of its own heating system. Its installation is simple and convenient. During operation, the costs will be minimal. This option is not suitable where there is central heating. It can be used in combination with an instantaneous water heater. Such a solution will be one of the most economical and functional for any occasion.It is worth using it as a base for active use.

Read also:

Device types

When choosing a dishwashing water heater, it is worth considering how actively you will use it, and how much water you will need to use daily.

Many people approach this issue too recklessly, and decide to buy equipment without answering key questions to themselves. As a result, the operation of the device may not be satisfactory, the amount of water is insufficient, and other negative points also emerge. You probably don't want to experience something like this. This is the case when it is better and preferable to learn from the mistakes of others, and not to make your own. Still, a good water heater is not the cheapest thing, and the price can sometimes exceed 10-15 thousand rubles.

All existing water heaters, depending on their design features, are divided into 4 subcategories. Let's consider them separately.

Electric storage

Objectively, these are the most common types of water heaters, which are often referred to simply as a boiler. The electric heater is based on a special heat-insulated inner tank, the principle of which resembles a thermos. That is, a certain temperature of water is maintained and maintained inside.

The heating itself is carried out using heating elements (heaters). Typically, the maximum temperature in electric boilers reaches 75 degrees Celsius, and can be adjusted depending on the model and at the discretion of the user, usually in the range from 30 to 75 degrees Celsius. When the set temperature is reached, the heating is turned off. When cooling, the water heater periodically turns on to maintain the temperature.

In terms of volume, the choice of boilers is very diverse. There are compact models of literally 10 liters. There are both 500 and 1000 liters. The most popular containers are 50, 80, and 100 liters. The range of Electrolux, Zanussi, Ballu brands includes all the most popular displacements.

To heat water in water heaters, heating elements of the appropriate power are used. Usually it is from 1.2 to 2.5 kW. The more powerful the heating element, the faster the heating. And of course, the heating rate is affected by the amount of water in the tank, its capacity.

Electric flow

A good option for the kitchen and shower, if you need an independent water heater, which will serve precisely for the benefit of one room. There is no storage capacity here, due to which you can place it with your own hands in any convenient place, even under the countertop.

Warming up of water happens instantly at opening of the crane. And immediately warm water comes out of it. The degree of heating is controlled by changing the pressure applied to the tap.

Features of the storage water heater

When choosing a storage water heater, you need to pay attention to the number of heating elements and their power indicators, as well as the characteristics of the materials used to manufacture the tank, the total tank capacity, installation method and additional functions.

Modern storage water heaters have the following advantages:

• insignificant power indicators of heating elements, due to which the connection of such a device does not require the installation of too powerful electrical wiring and the allocation of a separate line;
• the efficiency and time of saving thermal energy is provided by the thermal insulation characteristics of the storage tank, which allows the use of pre-heated water for a long time;
• the stability of the temperature indicators of the water at the outlet, provided by the built-in thermostat;
• providing hot water supply to several points of water analysis at once with the right choice of the volume of the storage tank.

Accumulative water heater horizontal

The main disadvantages of storage devices for heating water are inertia, impressive dimensions and lack of economic feasibility in conditions of rare operation. Even the most modern storage models are characterized by excessive consumption of electrical energy, as well as the impossibility of working in conditions of shutting off cold water supply.

Storage water heaters of the new generation are equipped with two heating elements, which ensures fast preparation of hot water, efficiency when operating in a special mode, as well as uninterrupted hot water supply in case of failure of one of the heating elements.

Principles of operation of instantaneous and storage water heaters

The principle of operation of instantaneous water heater

The device works according to a simple scheme - water is heated by passing through a device in which a heating element (heater) is located. The temperature of a liquid is mainly influenced by two factors:

• heating element power;
• water flow rate.

The action of each of the factors is obvious: the higher the power of the heating element, the faster and stronger the heating occurs; the faster the water moves, the less it heats up.

Flowing water heaters can be gas and electric. The latter are much more popular, which is understandable. For the installation of a gas heater (previously, such devices were often called gas water heaters and are still installed in many residential buildings of an old building), in addition to the gas source, a mandatory chimney device is also required. To use an electric instantaneous water heater, only electricity is needed.

It should be noted that the installation of a gas instantaneous water heater is advisable for new construction, when it is initially laid down in the project of an apartment or country house and is used for both hot water supply and heating. Then the advantages of using gas as the cheapest energy carrier and design features that guarantee efficient and safe operation can fully affect. Therefore, the more popular and versatile electric instantaneous water heaters will be mainly considered below.

The principle of operation of the storage water heater

In fact, this type of heater most of all resembles an electric kettle - after heating the water in the container to a certain temperature, it can be used. Based on the principle of operation, the features of devices of this type become quite obvious. For more or less comfortable use of the heater, its capacity must be at least 50 liters, for taking a bath - 80 liters. Obviously, the dimensions of such a device on the scale of an apartment or even a private house are quite noticeable.

Comparative analysis

It is necessary to compare both types of device not only in terms of technical characteristics, but also in terms of ease of use, appearance and other criteria.

Storage water heater in the apartment.

Economy and ease of use

The efficiency of the operation of the units depends on their power. If a flow device is installed, tied to two points (sink-bath), its power should not be less than 4 kW.

Accumulative consumes little electric current, but for a long time. Its power varies in the range of 1.5-2.5 kW. In storage-type devices, manufacturers install programmable devices to adjust the water temperature and heating time. You can set the device so that the water in it heats up only at night, when electricity tariffs are reduced.

The main parameter that determines comfortable operating conditions is the outlet water temperature. In instantaneous water heaters - + 70 ° С, in storage + 90 ° С. In the first case, the indicator will be affected by the temperature of the incoming water. The lower it is (in winter), the lower the outlet water temperature.

Dimensions and weight

The absence of a tank in the instantaneous water heater indicates its small size. These are compact devices that can be installed anywhere. The cumulative view has large dimensions. Manufacturers offer boilers 10-200 liters. 10-15 liter appliances are installed under the sink. In their design, the water supply connection is located at the top.

There are horizontal storage water heaters on the market that can be installed under the ceiling. These are devices with a diameter of 30 cm (they are narrow, but long), they can be fixed in the corner of the room or in niches where the water and sewer risers pass.

Scheme of connecting the storage water heater.

What devices are more economical?

Types of flow models

Having considered all the pros and cons, you can come to a decision which water heater is more profitable from the economic point of view. If we consider the price, then flow devices that do not have many additional functions and with a power of up to 6 kW are inexpensive, and in comparison with storage units, in this case, they win. But if you choose powerful devices with all the functionality, then their cost will exceed the price of storage analogues.

The price of storage water heaters largely depends on the material of manufacture of the tank, its displacement, the material for coating the internal surfaces of the tank and on the design of the device.

In terms of the amount of energy consumed, both devices consume it, approximately, in the same volumes. There is an opinion that the electricity consumption of a flow device is greater than that of a storage device, given that more powerful heating elements are installed in such units. However, in order to establish the truth, one should remember the laws of physics, which no one has canceled yet.

To heat, for example, 50 liters of water to a temperature of 45 degrees, it is necessary to use the same amount of kW both in the flow device and in the storage device. The fact is that in flow-through heating devices, water is heated instantly, and electricity consumption stops as soon as the hot water tap closes. In storage units, heating occurs for a longer time, but with less power of heating elements. But at the same time it is possible to use hot water for a long time.However, given that the storage water heater continues to heat water, whether it is needed or not, we can say that flow devices are still more economical.

Dimensions of the device and ways of its placement

Another important criterion is the size of the heater, which is usually installed in a bathroom or bathroom. The area of ​​​​such premises is small, and the question of how much space the device will take up always remains relevant.

This is especially important for storage models, the average volume of which is about 80 liters - they are usually hung in a corner at a high height. For a room with low ceilings, choose a horizontal model, the large side of which will be parallel to the ceiling

For smaller boilers, from 10 to 30 liters, there is no such problem. They easily fit on the wall, taking up no more space than a cabinet for hygiene items. And the largest tanks from 150 liters, usually used in private homes, can be installed on the floor. Sometimes, if possible, even in a separate room (for example, in a boiler room).

Virtually no space-consuming instantaneous water heaters can be installed in any convenient place: in the faucet, under the sink or in the cabinet above the sink. Flow-type heaters are also mounted above the bath, or, if there is not enough space, above the toilet bowl of the combined bathroom.

Advantages of instantaneous and storage water heaters - which type is better?

Advantages of instantaneous water heater

ease of operation and maintenance. The device automatically turns on when water is supplied, turning off when the tap is closed.With proper operation, it practically does not need any maintenance or constant maintenance due to the reliability and simplicity of the design;

device compactness. Typically, the heater body has overall dimensions not exceeding 30 * 20 cm. It can be discreetly placed almost anywhere, and the small mass of the product does not require serious fastening;

the amount of hot water supplied by the device is unlimited. Moreover, its supply begins almost immediately after turning on the water (heating takes from 25 seconds to 1.5 minutes);

the cost of a flow heater, as well as the price of installation work, is significantly lower than that of storage analogues;

does not affect the quality of water, since there is no need for long-term storage in any container.

Advantages of a storage water heater

the power of the device, as a rule, does not exceed 2 kW, which allows its use on almost any electrical wiring;

the ability to connect several points of water intake without compromising the water temperature (of course, until the capacity of the heater is exhausted);

practically does not depend on the pressure level in the supply pipeline; for efficient operation, the minimum water pressure is sufficient;

the possibility of providing water with a constant temperature, the level of which is set by the consumer;

low heat loss achieved by using modern heat-insulating materials in the manufacture of containers. As a result, the number of inclusions of the heating element and the time of its operation are reduced;

significant service life, exceeding one and a half to two times the operating time of flow analogs.

Flow heaters

Internal structure and principle of operation

The flow type water heater is small and is characterized by the ability to heat water almost instantly without volume limitation. A high level of performance is achieved due to the features of the device. The flow of cold water, upon entering the device, moves through the flask, where it is subjected to intense heating with the help of a tubular electric heater (TEH). The heating rate is provided by the characteristics of the heating element, which is made of copper. A significant indicator of the power of a copper element placed in a small-sized case stands out from them.

One unit of instantaneous water heater serves only a single point of water intake. The use of this device for several points will not give the desired effect.

Compact device

This device does not require complex maintenance. The use of flow heaters is advisable if there is a need to organize an emergency supply of warm water for a short time.

Recommendations for choosing a unit

The main characteristic of flow-through water heating equipment is the power indicator. It is high for devices of this type, the minimum value is 3 kW, and the maximum value is 27 kW. Reliable electrical wiring is required for trouble-free operation of the equipment.

So, in the process of choosing a water heater, attention should be paid mainly to the power

Equipment with a power of up to 8 kW is allowed to be connected to a single-phase network with a voltage of 220 V.

Devices with greater power are included in three-phase networks with a voltage of 380 V.
Another characteristic of the device is the amount of water that it heats per unit of time.Units with a power of 3 to 8 kW are capable of heating 2-6 l / min. This job takes less than 20 seconds. Equipment with such performance is able to 100% satisfy household water needs.

Based on your hot water needs and electrical wiring, decide whether to purchase a tankless water heater. When it comes to choosing a brand of device, rely on consumer reviews and sales ratings.

Method of installation of instantaneous water heater

The compactness and low weight of these devices expand the choice of mounting location. As already mentioned, there are wiring requirements due to the high power of electrical equipment. The cross section of the wire should be within 4-6 square meters. mm. In addition, the passage of currents through the circuit necessitates the installation of a meter rated for at least 40 A and appropriate circuit breakers.

Instantaneous water heater

Connection of instantaneous water heaters is carried out in two ways:

• Stationary. In this case, in the water supply system, the processes of intake and supply of heated water occur in parallel. To connect in this way, tees are cut in and valves are mounted in the corresponding pipes that supply cold and hot water. After that, the pipe with cold water is connected to the inlet of the device, and at the outlet the hose or pipe is equipped with shutoff valves. After checking for leaks in the connections of plumbing fixtures, the electrical part of the equipment is launched.
• Temporarily. With this method of connecting the heating device, a shower hose is used. At the right time, it is easily blocked and transferred to the main hot water supply line.Connecting the equipment consists in inserting a tee into a pipe with cold water, to which a tap is mounted, and connected to a flexible hose at the outlet of the heater. To start the equipment, open the water and turn it on to the electrical network.

Advantages and disadvantages of flow equipment

The advantages of a flow type water heater are obvious:

• compactness;
• ease of installation;
• average cost.

The disadvantages of this equipment include:

• electricity consumption is large;
• it is necessary to have a constant high pressure of water supply;
• the use of the device is limited in the case of installation of equipment on the top floors of multi-storey buildings for the reason described above.

Flow boiler

These shortcomings can be avoided by using storage-type water heaters.

Conclusion

The choice in favor of one or another type of heater should always be determined by the parameters of the external conditions in which it is supposed to be operated. First, the existing limitations should be considered: whether a three-phase 380 V electrical network is available, whether the wiring can withstand a large level of electric current. Secondly, is there a place in the shield for the corresponding machine gun? Thirdly, will the allocated power be enough?

If the answer to at least one of these questions is negative, then it is not advisable to consider the option of an instantaneous water heater, especially if it is necessary to provide a large number of consumers with hot water.

On the other hand, if there are no problems with the electrical network, but there are significant restrictions on the space where the device can be installed, or the installation of a boiler requires time-consuming and expensive work to lay water pipes to the location of the comb, it makes sense to consider installing a flow heater.

In the absence of any of the physical limitations, it is necessary to be guided by the parameters that must be provided by the devices: the amount of water consumed at the same time or the duration of the withdrawal and its maximum temperature.