How to choose a water heater - flow or storage?

According to the method of execution, there are vertical and horizontal types of water heaters. The first option is designed for use in small rooms. Horizontal analogues are more often operated outside the city, with a volume of 100 to 200 liters. Their installation provides for the operation of an additional safety group to protect against overpressure and hydraulic loads. In addition, when choosing a boiler for a house or apartment, you need to build on the conditions in which you plan to operate the device. By type of power, there are electric and gas water heaters. According to the method of heating water, there are storage boilers and flowing analogs - columns. We offer you to get acquainted with the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

This equipment is used in the presence of a good electrical network, when a small supply of water is needed. The best choice for an apartment. Such products are convenient, practical, low cost. As a rule, the heater is designed to heat water in the range from 55 to 85 degrees. After reaching the selected temperature, it turns off automatically. The disadvantage is the long operating time. If you do not know how to choose an electric water heater, note that the tank volume can vary from 10 to 200 liters. However, the devices can be open and closed. Power can vary from 1.2 to 3 kW. This is quite enough, since storage boilers do not need high performance.

In such devices, water passes through the heater, and electricity is used directly during the use of warm water. The advantage of such devices is the ease of installation, compact size. The problem is that they need high water pressure. Choosing an electric instantaneous water heater, you can count on the possibility of using hot water at several points, that is, from taps located in different rooms. The problem is that they are too powerful and even consume a lot of electricity for a short time.Such equipment is suitable for modern large apartments and houses where good wiring is provided. Pay attention to models that have an automatic water intake system.

Gas boilers are less popular than electrical counterparts, due to overpriced. But, on the territory of the Russian Federation, they eventually pay off. The fact is that for their full-fledged work, much less gas is needed than electricity for their analogues. The principle of operation is that the water is heated in a special container due to a gas burner. Choosing a gas boiler, you can count on the availability of hot water at any time of the day. Like electrical analogues, such devices can be equipped with an open or closed combustion chamber. The advantage of the first type is that it does not need auxiliary air supply, which favorably affects the cost of installation. You can learn more about the choice of gas boilers and columns in the corresponding section of the resource.

If you don’t knowhow to choose a gas column, you can read the detailed manual presented earlier. It is worth noting that such equipment is considered safer than electrical counterparts. Although gas water heaters cost more, they are in the greatest demand, as they allow you to instantly heat the water, and eventually pay off. If you plan to buy a column automatic, pay attention to the type of ignition. The best option is models with electric ignition, which are completely safe for use and operate on the basis of energy generated by the flow of water. That is, they do not depend on the network, regardless of their name.

When choosing a storage water heater, one of the most important parameters is the volume of the tank. Currently, there are even models for 10 and 15 liters. You should understand that such a container is only enough for washing hands, maximum dishes. If you decide to purchase such a compact device, pay attention to the type of water pipes, as they can be installed below or above. Quite often, users lose sight of the moment, focusing only on size. As a result, difficulties arise with the installation of the device. As for the classic options:

• 30 liters - suitable for 1 person;
• from 50 to 80 liters - the best choice for a small family of 2-3 people;
• 100 liters - the most popular volume of the tank, in which there is enough water for taking a shower, washing dishes, you can even distribute it at several points of drawdown;
• 150 liters - such boilers are used in large families, more often installed in homes;
• from 200 to 300 liters - a good option for a cottage or a country house. Note that electric water heaters with such a tank can heat water for up to 6 hours.

It is worth adding that when buying such equipment it is necessary to choose a tank with a margin. If you need 40 liters of hot water per day, buy with a capacity of 50.

Inexperienced users can be confused by the variety of modern models, but not only because of the wide range of characteristics, but also different modifications of the tank. When choosing a boiler for an apartment or a house, it is important to purchase a quality tank, because the life of the equipment depends on it. Some manufacturers use stainless steel, enamel coating, carbon compounds. Let's figure out which is better:

• stainless steel contains chrome, which is responsible for the resistance of the boiler to corrosion. It would seem that such a device is durable, but in practice a different picture. Some models even expensive begin to leak after a year of operation. The problem is that when welding, chrome evaporates. And without this, it is impossible to make a tank;
• tank with enamel coating - a special joint is responsible for corrosion protection.The thicker the protective coating layer, the longer the water tank will last. To achieve maximum strength, enamel should be applied followed by firing up to 850 degrees. Unfortunately, many modern manufacturers do not adhere to this standard. As a result, the device serves less than the stated 5-8 years;
• carbon steel is one of the most expensive types of coatings, which are mainly equipped with premium models. But here it is important that additional corrosion protection is used.

Currently, boilers are sold with dry and wet heating elements. What are their differences, and why is the first option more expensive? Models based on a wet heating element are similar to a boiler, only a tubular copper heater is used inside the tank. Over time, this heating element becomes scaled, and the heated water becomes unusable. In addition, unnecessary elements begin to react with the tank, which is accompanied by the formation of a galvanic pair. In other words, the coating also becomes susceptible to corrosion.

The advantage of a dry heater is that this heating element does not come into contact with the coolant, since it is placed in a special casing, possibly a flask. When choosing a storage water heater for an apartment, it is better to use a dry heater, because it is located at an angle, and allows you to install the boiler in a horizontal position, without affecting its performance. If the model has high power, it is desirable that there are 2 heating elements or 1, but with several operating modes

The shape of the boiler must be selected depending on where the equipment will be installed. There are cylindrical, rectangular, oval models. If you want to choose the right water heater, consider the following:

1. Cylindrical boilers have the lowest price, since they use simple technology to produce them;
2. SLIM boilers differ from their analogues in that their diameter is reduced by 10 centimeters. For the same reason, they heat up a little faster, but cost more;
3. Rectangular analogues are also high-tech, fit well into niches, and have a high-quality thermal insulation layer, so the heat lasts longer.

Accordingly, the shape and type of the water heater affects the consumption of electric energy or gas. Is it worth it to overpay immediately for further savings - you decide!

In addition to the power source, conditionally speakers can be divided into several types. Consider the main ones:

• Pressurized instantaneous water heater - mounted in a riser, equipped with an inlet and outlet for water. No nozzles. It turns on automatically. It is disconnected by means of the crane. Such models are suitable for the whole house;
• Non-pressure instantaneous water heater - has a small capacity. It is mainly used for heating water in the warm season: from spring to autumn. It is desirable that the initial water temperature was not lower than 15 degrees. When choosing a instantaneous water heater, pay attention to the type of heating element. Gas burner, uninsulated spiral, indirect heating or heating element? Determine exactly which consultation with a professional will help, since this issue requires a study of living conditions.

To choose the right column for water, you need to consider the maximum flow rate, type of water supply, power level. If the wiring is old, it is better to immediately give preference to a gas burner. As for performance and power selection, it is necessary to build on needs. For example, a shower of 3.5 liters per minute is enough to take a shower. 1.5 liters per minute is enough for the washbasin.
Finally, I would like to add that the choice of a water heater with a tank for heating water is less complicated.However, before buying a flow-through column, it is better to seek the support of a professional who can study the conditions and give the most relevant recommendation for your safety. Good luck