Choosing a heat exchanger for a geyser

The best models for a single point of consumption

Mora Vega 10

An excellent gas water heater, which is quite enough for an average city apartment.Pressure range from 0.2 to 10 atm. For economy and ease of use, ignition is provided using a piezoelectric element. You don't have to spend money on batteries.

Advantages:

• ease of operation;
• ease of installation;
• modern system of protection against overheating;
• the presence of a temperature limiter;
• profitability;
• good performance;
• compactness;
• copper heat exchanger;
• European build quality.

Flaws:

• rather high cost;
• there are cases of non-operation of electric ignition;
• weak heating of water at low pressure.

Hyundai H-GW2-ARW-UI307

The difference of this model is the most smooth adjustments. The unit is equipped with a modern display, which displays the current water indicators and displays error messages. The productivity is about 10 l / min, it can work efficiently at pressures from 0.15 atm. The geyser is equipped with a copper heat exchanger and a complex sensor system.

Pros:

• high-quality protection system (in the complex);
• good build quality;
• pleasant appearance;
• compact dimensions;
• affordable cost.

Minuses:

• frequent replacement of batteries is necessary;
• cannot run on bottled gas.

Ariston Fast Evo 11B

Compact flow heater fits perfectly on the wall of the kitchen or bathroom. The electric ignition is battery operated, so you don't have to plug it into a power outlet. The unit is able to heat water up to a temperature of 65 C, and overheating is controlled by automation. The combustion chamber is open type, and the wick does not burn constantly.

Advantages:

• overheating protection and flame control system;
• economical gas consumption;
• temperature sensors to control the water temperature;
• simple and convenient management;
• excellent performance;
• silent operation;
• pleasant appearance;
• acceptable cost.

Minuses:

• may not ignite quickly enough;
• Batteries need to be changed periodically.

Vaillant MAG OE 11–0/0 XZ C+

The presented unit is one of the most popular models of this manufacturer. At a relatively low cost, the water heater has a high level of security system. In one minute you can get 11 liters of hot water. The product design is as minimalistic as possible. On the front panel there is only an adjustment knob and a window for controlling the level of the flame. The heat exchanger is made of copper and additionally protected by a special coating.

Advantages:

• smooth power adjustments;
• ignition using a piezoelectric element;
• quick start;
• power adjustment;
• clear and simple control.

Flaws:

• does not work well with low water pressure;
• when operating at maximum power, it may make a little noise;
• the cost is above average.

1 Heat exchanger device and principle of operation

The heat exchanger, or as it is also called the radiator, plays the main role in the design of the gas column. We will analyze the principle of operation. For example, the heat exchanger for the Neva gas column is a metal box structure, into which the thermal energy generated from the gas in the combustion chamber enters, previously.

Around this box there are special pipes through which water circulates when the water tap is turned. It is these two interrelated processes that make cold water hot, which in turn enters our system. The location of the curl pipes and their number is differentiated depending on the model.

The heat exchanger for the Electrolux geyser has spiral tubes, while the heat exchanger for the Bosch geyser has pipes that are made in the form of an oval.

Types of heat exchangers from different manufacturers

Heat exchanger 275 for geysers is the following structural elements:

• A metal box, the walls of which have an optimal thickness so that the device has good heat dissipation, but at the same time, a small degree of wear and tear under constant exposure to temperature;
• Gas column branch pipe, together with a flange, a connecting ring and a nut;
• Thermal energy inlet and cold water inlet;
• Pipes for circulating water through a heat exchanger for a gas water heater, as well as an outlet pipe for discharging thermal water further through the system.

Recently, manufacturers, in order to save money, make the walls of the heat exchanger thinner than usual. According to reviews, the Neva 3208 gas column heat exchanger had such a drawback, as well as the oasis gas column heat exchanger, on 2012 models

Therefore, pay attention to all the opinions of buyers, on the Internet, before buying a water heater

The device of most models, popular manufacturers such as the heat exchanger for the gas column Neva Lux 5514, or the heat exchanger for the gas column AEG have a reliable design.

At the same time, such heat exchangers become clogged over time. This is also due to the influence of the negative impact of chlorine on the walls of the heat exchanger, as well as stagnation in the water device.

Therefore, if you notice that the water temperature or its pressure is decreasing, pay attention to the cleaning procedure, or contact a specialist for help.

Heat exchanger for geyser

Geyser selection options

Power

The main indicator of a flowing gas water heater is the power on which the performance depends.

It is customary to divide devices into 3 categories according to this parameter:

1. 16…20 kW - ≤ 11 l/min. - used to provide 1 point at the same time;

2. 21…25 kW – 12…15 l/min. - used to simultaneously provide 2 plumbing fixtures;

3. 26…31 kW – ≥ 16 l/min. — provides parallel operation of 3 parsing points.

Since speakers from different companies have their own characteristics, it is recommended to look at the performance in the passport first of all, as well as the temperature difference during heating.

Ignition

To turn on the water heater, use:

1. Piezo ignition;

2. Electric ignition (from batteries or from a 220 V network);

3. Expensive models also use the impulse that is caused by the operation of the hydraulic turbine. This option is possible at a water pressure of 0.35 bar.

The combustion chamber

The flow apparatus can have different combustion chambers:

1. Open - for operation, an atmospheric burner and a vertical chimney are required, through which the exhaust gas is discharged.

2. Closed - a turbocharged burner and a coaxial pipe are used. If there is no vertical chimney in an apartment building, installing an open model has no legal basis.

Burner type

Burners are divided not only into atmospheric and turbine ones - according to the features of their functioning, they are:

1. Constant power;

2. Variable power.

Variable power burners, also called modulating burners, are much more progressive than constant power burners, since they independently adjust the water temperature depending on the initial heating and pressure changes - both liquid and gas.

heat exchanger

Heat exchangers are made of stainless steel, which has anti-corrosion characteristics, and highly purified copper, which, in addition to not rusting, also has a high heat transfer.

It is not recommended to choose a container made of ordinary copper, because due to impurities it bursts over time - even coated with heat-resistant paint.

Safety

High-quality speakers are equipped with a variety of safety devices.

These sensors include:

1. Emergency pressure reduction;

2. Combustion (ionization and thermal);

3. Chimney draft as well as flow;

4. Temperature;

5. Overheating;

6. The level of water pressure.

materials

Most often, steel (different types) and copper are used for the manufacture of heat exchangers.

The steel heat exchanger has the following features:

• It costs less than copper.
• The material is very plastic, therefore it tolerates heat well without changing its physical properties.
• It is characterized by relatively low weight, which has a positive effect on the efficiency of heat transfer.
• It is more resistant to corrosion than aluminum and copper.

The copper heat exchanger has the following properties:

• Due to the high heat transfer coefficient, it heats the water much faster.
• The less impurities, the more expensive such a metal will cost.
• Due to the presence of impurities in a poor-quality copper heat exchanger, the walls will heat up unevenly, which will eventually lead to their destruction.
• Copper has a high resistance to corrosion.
• To reduce the cost of the part, many manufacturers resort to smaller wall thicknesses and small tube cross-sections.
• The copper heat exchanger weighs approximately 3-3.5 kg.

Overview of popular models

The rating of heaters today includes 10 models, which are characterized by high quality and a significant degree of reliability.

Mora Vega 10

The first place in the top is occupied by Mora Vega 10 gas heating equipment, as this model is compact and easy to use, which makes it attractive to the general public. It belongs to the automatic type, as it turns off and on depending on the water supply. Such a device is perfect for a city apartment.

Pros:

• work stability guarantee;
• significant degree of reliability;
• the presence of an effective security system.

Minuses:

• belongs to the premium segment;
• during the cold season, you may encounter an insufficient degree of water heating.

Roda JSD20-T1

This is a high-quality German water heater that has conquered Russian consumers. It has a closed combustion chamber, which makes it even more attractive.

Pros:

• the degree of safety meets the standards;
• the ability to change the temperature;
• middle price segment.

In general, no significant shortcomings were identified.

Zanussi GWH 10 Fonte

This model of the Italian manufacturer has all the qualities that buyers appreciate.

Pros:

• low price segment;
• small size;
• economical gas consumption.

Minus - there is no way to control the heating when the temperature changes.

Mora Vega 13

The Mora Vega 13 gas stove is not inferior to the leader in terms of functional characteristics.

Pros:

• guarantee of safety of use;
• profitability;
• fast, powerful and stable water heating.

In general, no significant disadvantages were found.

Halsen WM 10

This gas water heater is from a Russian company, but some of its parts are made by the Chinese side.

Pros:

• modern and stylish design;
• low cost.

No significant cons were found.

Gorenje GWH 10 NNBW

This is a flow heating technique that has won the trust of customers.

Pros:

• ease of installation;
• safety and convenient adjustment;
• good performance at low pressure.

Minus - the work can be accompanied by significant noise.

Bosch WR 10-2P

This model is designed for a capacity of more than 10 liters per minute, and also has a piezo ignition.

Pros:

• economy fuel consumption;
• security according to the latest standards;
• the ability to work on reduced gas.

Minus - can leak after several years of operation.

Hyundai H-GW2-ARW-UI307

This is a geyser of a well-known Korean brand.

Pros:

• convenient size and stylish design;
• low price.

Minus - the battery is characterized by fragility.

Bosch W 10 KB

The model is characterized by high performance.

Pros:

• the ability to work from cylinders;
• budget price.

Minus - can be noisy during operation.

Bosch WRD 13-2G

This model is distinguished by the presence of a hydrogenerator for automatic ignition. It belongs to the type of turbocharged heating techniques.

Plus - rapid heating and simple operation.

Minus - can be noisy during operation.

Note that this rating does not include models that belong to the semi-automatic type.

Repair of a geyser heat exchanger in case of scale formation

A clogged heat exchanger is the most common reason why a gas water heater does not heat water well, which is not of the best quality in our systems.

It is possible to determine that the heat exchanger needs to be cleaned only when the column is turned on: due to the low water pressure, the unit will immediately turn off or not turn on at all. Next, the procedure is as follows:

1. Disassemble the water heater.
2. Shut off the liquid supply and open the hot water faucet.
3. Remove the supply tube from the assembly and drain about 1 liter of liquid from it, then reinstall the tube.
4. Pour the cleaning liquid with decalcifier inside using a funnel and leave for 2 hours.
5. After 1-2 hours, resume the water supply and see what composition comes out of the hose. If necessary, you need to repeat everything.

2 Types of heat exchangers depending on the type of column

On water heaters that are on the market today, there are two main types of heat exchanger, depending on the metal used:

Copper heat exchanger for a geyser. Such a heat exchanger is used most often, for example, a heat exchanger for a gas column Neva Lux, as well as a heat exchanger for a gas column Neva 4513. Although such a heat exchanger has a slightly higher cost, it has a number of positive characteristics.

Among them: fast heating of circulating water (due to high heat transfer), good resistance to corrosive processes. At the same time, there is also the main drawback - a large weight (from 2.5 to 4 kg), which of course reduces the transportability of the entire water heater.

It is also important to note the fact that in the presence of a percentage of impurities of other cheap metals, the degree of uniformity of heating the walls of the heat exchanger proportionally worsens (different metals have different levels of heat transfer). Which in turn becomes the main cause of structural failure;

Unsuccessful heat exchanger repair

Steel heat exchanger for a geyser. It is also a fairly common variety, among the representatives there is a heat exchanger for the Neva 4510 geyser, and a heat exchanger for the Vaillant geyser.

The radiator made from steel has a lower cost, higher heat resistance and light weight. Among the disadvantages are low heat transfer, and worse corrosion resistance (especially if the heat exchanger walls are thinner than necessary).

Also, when choosing a duct heater for a geyser, you should pay attention to the soldering technique used by the manufacturer. Most heat exchangers (especially domestic ones) are soldered using hard copper-phosphorus solder, while on expensive models progressive ultrasonic soldering is used. Thanks to the latter, the service life of the radiator is increased many times, due to the optimal heating of all parts, to the same extent.

2.1 Prices for heat exchangers

Before you buy a radiator for a geyser, you should analyze the cost and take into account the possibility of repairing a problematic heat exchanger, take into account the price of a new device, as well as the price of a new geyser.

The cost of the heat exchanger directly depends on the country of manufacture, and the material of the spare part. You can buy a heat exchanger for the Neva gas column in the region of 2500 - 4 thousand rubles.

Original imported parts made of copper (heat exchanger for Ariston gas column) are differentiated in the range from 3000 to 6000 rubles. It is also necessary to take into account the cost of replacing the old heat exchanger with a new one, usually from 1000 rubles.

We clean the heat exchanger for the geyser

On the other hand, the possibility of restoring an old heat exchanger depends on the degree of damage. Often people buy a new radiator without understanding it, but in the end it turns out that it was enough to clean it. Therefore, the heat exchanger for the Electrolux geyser should be disassembled and checked.

As a rule, minimal leakage means that radiator repair can extend its life from perhaps 1 month to several years. And given the fact that the price of the original analogue of the heat exchanger is equal to a third, and sometimes half the price of a new gas column, its repair becomes a mandatory step.

An important question is also where to buy a heat exchanger for a geyser. You should choose an official representative of the manufacturer, or certified points of sale, so you protect yourself from buying a low-quality fake. Remember also that when making a deal, first inspect the radiator for traces of dirty soldering, as sometimes sellers pass off a repaired product as a new one.

The best columns for one point of water supply

This rating includes models with a price of up to 20,000 rubles. All models are equipped with a gas leakage protection function.Also, in addition, they have a frost protection mode, which prevents damage to the device during a long absence of heating.

Low power unit - Mora Vega 10

The model has a low power and is designed for installation in an apartment. The heat exchanger is made of copper, with sufficient wall thickness. European build quality guarantees a long service life.

When a breakdown occurs, it is difficult to get spare parts, but they rarely occur. The device operates at a pressure of 0.20. The power of this model is 17.3 kW

Ignition occurs automatically from batteries. Adjustment of the gas supply is carried out mechanically, until the desired temperature is obtained. Chimney diameter - 110 mm. The model is made in the Czech Republic.

Small family equipment Bosch W 10 KB

The water heater has a small capacity and is designed for installation in an apartment. The heat exchanger is made of copper, with sufficient wall thickness.

Recently, the company has been reducing the cost of production, which affects the quality of parts. The device operates at a pressure of 0.20. The power of this model is 17.4 kW

Ignition occurs automatically from batteries. Adjustment of the gas supply is carried out mechanically, until the desired temperature is obtained. Chimney diameter - 110 mm. The model is made in Portugal.

The undisputed leader - Gorenje GWH 10 NNBW

This model has low power and is designed for installation in an apartment. The heat exchanger is made of copper, with sufficient wall thickness.

Recently, the company has been reducing the cost of production, which affects the quality of parts. The heat exchanger tubes have a small diameter, so it is necessary to install filtration at the water inlet to the column

The device operates at a pressure of 0.20. The power of this model is 20 kW. Ignition occurs automatically from batteries. Adjustment of the gas supply is carried out mechanically, until the desired temperature regime is obtained on the screen. Chimney diameter 110 mm. The model is made in Portugal.

Basic selection options

To consider which gas burner to choose for a room, let's get acquainted with the main distinguishing features of heating appliances. They differ in appearance, type of combustion chamber, power, type of ignition, gas pressure in the system, different removal of combustion products and additional functional characteristics.

Types of combustion chambers

The geyser can have an open and closed combustion chamber. In the first types of equipment, the flame burns out with the air that comes from the room. For this, a fence is provided below. Combustion products are removed through a special chimney, which is in any apartment.

Columns with closed chambers use oxygen from the street to support the fire. A coaxial chimney is mounted with a water heater. As a result, the products of combustion are removed using the built-in fan. The devices are complex and expensive.

Water heater power

The next important parameter that the user should pay attention to when choosing a gas water heater is power. It depends on the performance of the device.

This characteristic shows the amount of water that the device can heat in a certain period of time.

There are three categories of units with power:

• low - 17-17 kW;
• medium - 22-24 kW;
• high - 28-31 kW.

Depending on the tasks that the device must solve, the technical characteristics of the water heating device are selected. A powerful geyser will be needed to operate several water points, models with low power, as a rule, provide hot water for a sink in the kitchen or a shower room.

Ignition type

Depending on the way the gas column is turned on, there is electronic, manual ignition and piezo ignition. Gone are the days when the wick was lit with matches. Now you can light the burners automatically or using the buttons. Let's consider each of the options.

1. Battery ignition. It turns on automatically after the tap opens. Batteries are the source of energy. Their resource is enough for 3-4 months.
2. Ignition from a hydraulic turbine. This type of igniter is used in expensive models. The source of energy is an electric generator. This option is suitable for those whose water pressure is more than 0.35-0.5 bar.
3. Piezo ignition. With the help of a special button with a piezoelectric element, the wick is lit. Since the location of the button is inconveniently located, it is difficult for owners to use the pier ignition.

Geyser with battery ignition

Device management

A gas water heater should be not only functional, but also convenient to use. It can be regulated, in addition to the level of gas supply, its pressure. In this case, the column will work at reduced water pressure in the tap. The presence of a liquid crystal display will make it possible to see the main parameters of the device:

• outlet water temperature;
• flame modulation;
• error codes in case of device malfunction and other parameters.

Column safety

Despite technological progress, this parameter must be taken into account when buying a geyser. How to choose a gas water heater that is safe to use? Some mandatory requirements apply to the device:

• in the event of interruptions in the supply of gas or water, the unit should automatically turn off;
• if the gas supply is resumed, there should be no leakage;
• in case of weak draft, the unit is automatically switched off.

To meet these requirements, manufacturers equip the device with special sensors.

1. Ionization sensor. If the flame goes out, the system itself turns off the gas supply.
2. Flame sensor. It performs the same functions as the previous device, if the ionization sensor does not work.
3. The relief safety valve is designed to control the pressure of water through the pipes.
4. Flow sensor. The purpose of this function is to automatically turn off the device if the tap is closed and vice versa.
5. Traction sensor. Prevents people from carbon monoxide poisoning in the absence of traction.
6. Low pressure sensor. Thanks to this protection system, the column will not turn on if the water pressure is low.
7. Overheat sensor. The main task is to control the temperature of the water: if it rises, the equipment turns off. This additional safety feature prevents pipes from bursting.

When buying, consider the presence of all these sensors. If any of the listed devices is not present, then the column cannot be called safe.

Which gas column is better to buy

The choice of a heater depends on the number of water points to be served by the column, and the required volume of hot water, taking into account the needs of the family

But there are a number of other technical characteristics that you should also pay attention to when buying.

The power of the geyser determines how much hot water and how many points it can supply:

• Up to 20 kW - one consumer, 11 l / min;
• From 21 to 25 kW - two points, up to 15 l / min;
• From 26 to 31 kW - three points, more than 16 l / min.

type of combustion chamber. Low-cost models use open-type cameras. In them, the burning of the flame supports the air coming directly from the room, and the products of combustion are removed through the chimney.

When choosing such a technique, you will need to organize forced ventilation (or simply keep the window in the kitchen ajar).

Closed-chamber water heaters use outside air to support the flame. Soot and smoke are also removed there. You can install such speakers even in enclosed spaces without windows.

The geyser should be equipped to the maximum with all available security systems. At a minimum, she will need protection against overheating and automatic shutdown of gas in the absence of water or an extinguished burner.

You can learn about other options for choosing gas columns from our article. And now let's look at the best models of water heating equipment that has recently entered the market.

Device and principle of operation

The heat exchanger device is a simple rectangular design. Inside - a metal pipe, which is located above the burner. The ends of the pipe are on the right and left sides. One is responsible for receiving water, the other in turn gives off heated water.

The following materials are often used as manufacturing materials:

• copper;
• steel;
• aluminum, etc.

In terms of heat transfer, copper is in first place. Another advantage is its low weight. Also, the advantages of copper include a high rate of heating water.

However, it was not without its downsides. Firstly, it is, of course, the high cost of the material. Secondly, the low wall thickness, which does not allow the device to be operated for a long time without constant leak repair. Thirdly, a small cross section of the tubes.

Another popular material for a gas column heat exchanger is steel. And it is popular because its cost is relatively low. At the same time, at high temperatures, the steel does not change its shape. The disadvantages are high susceptibility to corrosion and high weight.

Rating of the most popular companies

A gas water heater is a high-risk equipment. Therefore, choosing a reliable company is already half the success. Not only the availability of hot water in the house will depend on how high-quality model you prefer. The main advantage you can get is security. And not only yours, but also all your household members.

So which gas water heater is better for an apartment, cottage or country house? Such equipment is produced by many companies. The most popular are:

Ariston

The equipment of this brand is able to maintain the specified parameters and has a fairly high performance. The main components of most models are made of composite materials. This ensures their high reliability and durability.

Vaillant

This German manufacturing company began its work two centuries ago.Already in the 19th century, water-heating equipment from the Veilant company was distinguished by quality and reliability. The ease of use of this equipment appeals to many users. The company is distinguished by affordable service and a wide range of spare parts.

Electrolux

Another popular manufacturer offering the best combination of quality and cost of products. Models from Electrolux attract with thoughtful functionality and a rather attractive design. In addition, the company produces equipment of different price categories, so that everyone can choose a model to their liking.

Bosch

Many consumers prefer Bosch appliances. This is a reliable and proven manufacturer offering its customers excellent German quality at very affordable prices. The specialists of this particular company received many patents for various modern technologies, including in the field of water heating equipment. Bosch products are distinguished by quality factor and simultaneous functionality.

Mora Top

The Mora Top manufacturing company has its own production facilities located in the Czech Republic. These are quite simple and at the same time high-tech units for arranging hot water supply systems. Mora Top products are characterized by high efficiency and productivity. Water heating units operate almost silently, which allows them to be installed even in very small rooms.

NEVA

A distinctive feature of hot water equipment from the manufacturer "Neva" is that it is able to work even with very low water pressure. For the Russian consumer, this is an important argument.Geysers NEVA are simple and safe to use, which makes them welcome "guests" in every home.

Ladogaz

Another very popular domestic brand. "Water heaters" of this company first saw the light in 2005 and very quickly gained well-deserved popularity. The models are easy to use and maximally adapted to the difficult Russian conditions. The outer circuit is made of high-tech steel, and the inner circuit is made of brass and copper, which greatly increases the anti-corrosion resistance of the device.

Gorenje

Excellent manufacturer from Slovenia. Gorenje products have been pleasing their customers for over 50 years. Ease of use, minimalist design and quite affordable prices - this is not a complete list of the positive qualities of the Burning technique.

Hyundai

Of course, this manufacturing company is best known for its cars. But, in addition to this, it successfully produces household chemicals and a variety of household appliances. The model range of gas water heaters from Hyundai attracts with a variety of power.

Thermex

The company producing home appliances has been on the market for about 60 years. Its main specialization is precisely hot water equipment, as well as accessories for it. Heaters from the Termeks company are not only high quality products, but also quite reasonable prices. This is not the case when you have to overpay for the brand.

What elements to pay attention to

When choosing a column, preference should be given to models with a copper heat exchanger. It may be covered with solder, but should not be made of thin sheet metal. Most often, models of Chinese manufacturers have tin heat exchangers.The service life of such columns does not exceed three years.

The low cost is achieved due to the cheap quality of the metal, which burns out over time. This leads to the need to purchase a new gas column.

It looks like a low-quality heat exchanger, which is installed on cheap models of instantaneous water heaters. Inside you can see that the metal is not made of copper and is an alloy of unknown origin.

It looks like a quality heat exchanger that will last more than five years. It can be visually seen that it is made of copper and has sufficient thickness. Some manufacturers cover this element with solder or other coating.

Another important characteristic of the heat exchanger is the inner diameter of the tubes. The wider the tube, the less often it is necessary to clean the heat exchanger from scale and small debris from old water pipes

Also an important detail is the water block of the column. This element must be made of metal

There are models made of plastic. Since the block contains a membrane and a mesh filter that must be changed, frequent unscrewing spoils the plastic thread and leads to the need for a complete replacement of the water block.

Principle of operation

The essence of the operation of a gas water heater is that gas is supplied through one pipe, which is a source of energy for heating, cold water enters through the second pipe. Gas is supplied to the burners, due to the open fire, the water in the heat exchanger is heated to the specified temperature values.

Gas combustion is possible only in the presence of oxygen, and harmful gases are formed during the processing of raw materials.The ventilation system is responsible for these processes, which must comply with the requirements of SNiP and SanPin. All combustion products are eventually discharged through the chimney.