Instantaneous electric water heater for an apartment. Choosing between instantaneous and storage water heaters

Not everything is that expensive
Which water heater to choose for an apartment? Different water heaters and cost differently. Storage water heaters are more expensive than flow-through water heaters, and then it all depends on the brand, power, configuration, etc.

A low-power instantaneous water heater can be bought from 2000 rubles - at the very least it will fit to replace the hot water system during the summer network maintenance. More expensive models are designed for hidden stationary placement. Therefore, when thinking about how to choose a water heater for an apartment, first of all, look not at the price, but at the technical specifications.

How is the vodka?
With the summer shutdown of water, everything is more or less clear, but how are things going with hot water in your apartment during the rest of the year?
In some Russian houses, the water circulation system is chronically broken - in order to wait for hot water, you have to lower a couple of buckets of cold water. This is uncomfortable and unprofitable: you pay for each consumed liter. In such a situation, an electric water heater for an apartment can be useful all year round. You will beat off expenses for electricity by saving on hot water, because the heater uses cheaper (for Moscow - almost 4 times) cold water - and no surpluses!

It makes sense to plan for the purchase of a heater even if hot water is often turned off due to pipe breaks. This is especially unpleasant when there are small children in the house (pediatrists recommend not only washing babies with water in the summer instead of using sanitary napkins, but also strongly advise daily half-hour swimming in the bath for children under one year old).

Finally, often the water in our taps is colder than the prescribed 60-70 degrees. Of course, for each half-received degree, you can demand a recalculation of utility bills, but this will not make you more comfortable taking a shower.

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And we have gas in the apartment!
According to the type of heating element, all "water heaters" are divided into gas and electric. The choice of the type of heater is due to objective reasons. If your house is connected to the main gas supply, then it is possible to put a gas water heater in the apartment - and then completely forget about turning off hot water.

Often in old houses there is simply no centralized hot water supply, so at least some kind of water heater is needed - gas, storage electric or flowing electric. At the same time, gas will always cost less than electricity (especially according to the meter), although an electric water heater is more attractive and mobile.

If there is a choice - a gas water heater or central water supply - then in the question of which water heater to buy, be guided by consumption. Hot water is more expensive than cold water, and for gas you probably pay a fixed amount according to the standard. In a large family, a column will be financially more profitable than an electric water heater.

Alas, the gas water heater in the apartment is tied to a place, rather bulky, and also has a noticeable pipe leading to the chimney, which does not always decorate the interior.

If the house does not have a chimney, but there is gas, it is theoretically possible to choose a heater model with a closed combustion chamber and a coaxial pipe that leads to the wall of the house. In fact, it is unlikely that it will be possible to obtain permission for such an operation - this option is more likely for a country house or townhouse.

Modern standards for exhaust and air access (natural exhaust, room area of ​​​​at least 6.5-8 sq. M, depending on the burner) leave no choice: in most apartments, a column can only be placed in the kitchen. But in the Khrushchevs there are still heaters in the bathrooms - the owners are in no hurry to remove them.

Think carefully before moving: it will no longer be possible by law to return the column to the bathroom. However, safety is paramount. In any case, it is necessary to move the column (if it is not about 20 cm along one wall) according to the project and by the hands of gas workers. Self-employment is not allowed here.

And one more nuance: it makes no sense to put a gas water heater in an apartment with poor water pressure - the burner will simply go out. Better take a look at the boiler.

Grow the tanks
There are two types of electric water heaters: storage (boilers) and instantaneous. To decide which water heater to choose, you need to know their features. Storage water heaters are noticeably larger, as they have a tank for water heated to a certain temperature. Flowing electric heaters heat water with a powerful heating element - they do not need a storage device. Each technology has its pros and cons, but the main difference is that they are created for fundamentally different living conditions.
In a city bathroom, a flow-through electric water heater is preferable: it is sleeker, more compact than a storage electric water heater, and moreover, it often serves as an addition to the hot water system.

An electric storage water heater is optimal for rooms where there is no hot water in principle: in individual houses, houses of an old housing stock, and also where all water is turned off for a long time and regularly (an electric flow heater will not make a supply of water). A significant advantage of the boiler is that you can immediately use water in the kitchen and bathroom without losing temperature.
The tank heating time depends on the power of the heating element (0.8-2.5 kW) and the storage volume (10-200 l). On average, a 30-liter tank of a storage water heater with a capacity of 1.2 kW heats up to 50 degrees in 1.5 hours, an 80-liter tank in 4 hours. Have you already understood how to choose a storage water heater for an apartment? Now you need to make a choice of a tank.

If a family consumes a lot of water, it makes sense to buy a storage electric tank with a volume of more than 80 liters for a water heater, but 50-70 liters is enough for one or two people. In a storage water heater, the tank is usually made of stainless or enameled steel, sometimes glass-ceramic is used. Copper drives are rare and much more expensive. Stainless steel is good for everyone, if not for the seams - in economy models they flow most often. Minus enamel - if a crack appears, then the entire tank must be changed. A magnesium or titanium anode fights corrosion in the water heater tank - the second one will last longer, but will require power supply. Although this function is necessary in any case, because thanks to it the electric storage water heater will last several years longer.

Which water heater to choose? From an aesthetic point of view, the smallest storage water heaters seem to be the most interesting - from 10 to 50 liters. Such models are easy to hide: flat horizontal ones - above the door, under the ceiling, vertical storage water heaters - behind a sliding panel (as in the previous photo) or behind decorative doors (as in this one). Alas, all these manipulations make sense to produce only during the repair. Pulling pipes over Italian tiles means leaving an unhealed scar on a sensitive heart. In addition, you will probably need a new outlet. So for an already renovated room, it is better to choose an electric instantaneous water heater, since it is more mobile.

Advice: The price of a storage water heater largely depends on the thermal insulation of the tank: a good one cannot be less than 4 cm thick. If you use the device constantly, you should not save money: the better the thermal insulation, the longer the heating element may not turn on, and the less electricity you will spend. You can determine the quality of the insulation by putting your hand on the working model: if the sides are hot, there is heat loss.

If you have firmly decided to abandon the centralized hot water supply, it makes sense to choose a large-volume electric storage water heater (from 200 liters). Such a floor boiler can be hidden, for example, in a pantry or other utility room.

There is another type of electric water heater on the market - flow-accumulative. It has a tank (from 30 l), but it is worth turning on an additional heating element - and the device will be able to work as an instantaneous water heater. Such a device is good if guests unexpectedly raided your country house. In an apartment, as a rule, such a unit is not needed. Moreover, it costs more than any non-hybrid counterpart.

Speaking of sockets
Electric "water heater" -
especially instantaneous water heater- this high power device. The more liters per minute it produces, the more electricity it consumes. Therefore, a flowing water heater needs a separate power cable from the shield (at least for powerful stationary models that you will use all the time) and an automatic machine designed for a certain current strength (it is indicated in the instructions). For example, a 3 kW instantaneous water heater will need 16 A, and 8 kW will needalready 40 A. Accumulative models- not so powerful, they may have enough outlet in the bathroom.

Like any electrical appliance in the bathroom, the water heater requires obligatory grounding and connection of the RCD. If there is a possibility that splashes will reach the outlet, then it must be closed (the degree of dust and moisture protection is at least IP-44). Ideally, it is better to remove all the wires into the wall before finishing.

Electric water heater- tohow to install?
The answer to this question depends not only on aesthetic preferences. We need hot water in both the bathroom and the kitchen. At first glance, it is silly to install a heater in each room, but do not rush to conclusions - the choice of a water heater must be thought out. Not all models will be able to work on two points of parsing. So, small flow-type water heaters, designed to make life easier for us during the “summer dehydration”, are attached to the shower faucet. They have a "shower", "tap" or "shower + tap" position and are designed for the bathroom.

Another thing is powerful storage or instantaneous water heaters installed "for centuries": here it makes sense to make plumbing for two rooms. Please note that the shorter the distance from the heater to the tap, the less heat loss in the pipes. A distance of up to 2 m does not affect anything, but if it is more, you can already feel a “cooling”.

Advice: The maximum path from the heating point to the mixer should not exceed 6 m. So place the heater closer to the faucet where you need maximum hot water, and do not turn on both taps at the same time. All this applies to gas boilers. Sometimes two devices are installed in large apartments: a flowing low-power water heater in the kitchen (less pressure is needed there) and a boiler in the bathroom. This choice saves electricity.

Liters and minutes
There are a lot of flow-type water heaters on the market, but inside they are all similar: under the body you will find a heating element, two water connections, a compressor, terminals, a switch and a temperature controller. It is better to choose a flowing water heater according to the power of the heating element: the pressure of hot water depends on it. So, for washing dishes, 3-4 l / min (3-5 W) is enough to comfortably take a shower - about 7 l (8-10 kW). But this does not mean that a device that produces 5 l / min of hot water is not suitable for a shower: usually a low-power flow-through electric heater is equipped with a shower head with a thin hose, due to which the pressure is doubled.

Advice: How to choose the right flow device? In practice, it is difficult to imagine what 10 or 5 liters per minute is - is it a lot or a little. An easy way to figure it out is to track how much time you spend in the shower. And then let the water out of the watering can into the substituted bucket for a minute. By multiplying the number of liters gained (this is the speed of your shower) and the minutes spent in the shower, you will find out how much water you spend per procedure.

degrees
So which water heater should you choose? After all, not all devices, in principle, can heat water above 40 degrees. And even if such a temperature is indicated on the box, carefully read the instructions: there will surely be a remark like “at a temperature at the entry point of at least 20 degrees”. In our latitudes, cold water does not warm up so much even in summer, so feel free to “throw off” 10 degrees from the declared maximum (most models with a power of up to 4 kW will be able to heat water in winter to only 25-30 degrees). In other words, the water will be warm rather than hot. For a shower, this is a small problem, but you can’t do a bath anymore (the optimum temperature for it is 40 degrees). Yes, and to wash the dishes is not enough. If we take the optimal 50 degrees in everyday life, then in order to give out 5 l / min in winter, the device must already consume about 19 kW / h.

Connection
Manufacturers offer instantaneous water heaters of different capacities - from 3 to 27 kW. It is believed that appliances consuming up to 8 kW / h are suitable as an additional hot water supply system, more than 8 - for a complete replacement of hot water. There is one but: most apartments in old houses - for example, in Khrushchev - are designed for a small power consumption by today's standards: about 3-5 kW / h. Of course, powerful three-phase water heaters (they are even designed for 380 volts) simply cannot be installed in such apartments. Even if you replace the wiring to the meter, it will most likely "knock out" the machine in the general electrical panel. In new houses, the energy limit is limited to 10 kW / h, and more powerful models can be installed here.

Advice: Pay attention to the water connection: it can be open and hidden, upper and lower. In addition, instantaneous water heaters are pressure - with adjustable water pressure - and non-pressure. The latter, as a rule, are installed above the sink or at the level of the head of a person standing in the bathroom. Pressure models look sleeker and are usually installed under the sink or in technical cabinets.

Protochnik vs Kettle
Of course, the more powerful the water heater, the higher the electricity costs.
So calculate in advance how much hot water you spend per day and take into account the power (multiply the total energy consumption by the desired amount). Do not forget about the cost of water - in this case, cold.

For example, a family of two that consumes 90 liters of water per day uses a 6.5 kW water heater that produces an average of 3 liters per minute (at a temperature of 45 degrees). The total operating time of the device per day is 30 minutes. We multiply 0.5 hours by 6.5 kW / h, we get 3.25 kW. By Moscow standards (we take the maximum 4.68 rubles per kW / h), it comes out 15 rubles. 20 kop. per day, or 456.3 rubles. per month (30 days).

90 liters is 0.09 cubic meters of water. We multiply 0.09 by 30 (days) and by 29.16 (rubles per 1 cubic meter). Total - 78.70 rubles. for cold water.
According to the same system, we will add the cost of wastewater disposal (20.69 rubles per cubic meter) - 55.9 rubles. The total amount of expenses for a communal apartment thanks to a water heater is 591 rubles. per month. The average cost of the device is 3.5 thousand rubles. In general, if the kettle is cheaper, then only by itself.

The majority of urban residents are faced with the lack and interruptions of hot water, preventive and repair work of the heating network. Do you want to forget about this problem forever? To do this, you need to buy a good instantaneous electric water heater. Water heaters are divided into flow and storage. The former are compact in size and heat water instantly, while it passes through the internal elements of the device. This method of heating is more efficient, but more energy intensive. As for storage water heaters, they have a large capacious tank in which water of the required temperature is located. Which water heater is better flowing or storage depends on the specific purpose of the household appliance.

To find out which instantaneous water heater is better to choose, we have compiled a review of the TOP 7 best electric instantaneous water heaters.

Water heater Zanussi 3-logic 3.5 S (shower)

Which instantaneous water heater is better to buy? We recommend that you pay your attention to the Italian company for the production of household electrical appliances - Zanussi.

Flowing electric water heater with a capacity of 3.7 liters per minute. The maximum water heating temperature is +50 0 C. Consumers will also be pleased with the adequate cost of the unit - $30 .

Water supply is carried out in a non-pressure way with one point of water intake. Mechanical control of all settings and functions. On the body there is a light indicator for turning on the device and heating water. There is also a limitation of a certain heating temperature. The tubular electric heater (TEH) consists of copper and consumes power of 3.5 kW.

The security system consists of 4 degrees of protection against ingress of water and pollution, automatic shutdown of the device without water, protection against overheating. The set includes a shower head, a durable shower hose, a water filter.

The disadvantages include: high consumption of electrical energy, non-pressure water supply, special fasteners are required, insufficiently reliable design.

Water heater Hyundai H-IWR1-3P-CS

You can also buy a good instantaneous water heater from the concern Hyundai, which produces not only cars, but also climatic equipment, as well as a variety of household electrical appliances, including instantaneous electric water heaters.

A device with a maximum water heating temperature of +85 0 C and a heat exchanger capacity of 3.5 kW. The water unit is controlled mechanically. The built-in indication of the inclusion of the heater will prevent accidental start of the device without water.

Long service life of the device will provide a reliable and durable design. Safety: 4 degrees of protection against moisture, protection against overheating.

The package includes a filter for water purification, a shower faucet and a nozzle for it, a shower hose. Low cost water heater ( $37 ) makes it available to almost every buyer.

The weak point of the model is low power (3.5 kW), a short network cable (1.5 m), there is no indicator for turning on the heating, and a rather rigid hose for the shower head.

Water heater Timberk WHEL-3 OS

The company from Scandinavia for the production of the best instantaneous water heaters - Timberk known not only to the contingent of engineers and builders, but also to ordinary homeowners.

Model with a capacity of 1.9 liters of water per minute and a fairly high power of 3.5 kW. One point of water intake (non-pressure). The electric flow unit is controlled mechanically.

This robust design is ultra-sensitive to supply water temperature. The device requires water with an outlet temperature of 15-20 0 C. In view of this, Timberk WHEL-3 OS is designed for use in the summer.

The protection system consists in the presence of a safety valve, in limiting the heating temperature, in protection against overheating of the copper heat exchanger, as well as 4 degrees of protection against moisture ingress.

The package includes a shower head-watering can and a shower hose for it, a filter for water purification. The cost of this household appliance is minimal - only $43 .

The weaknesses include low productivity (1.9 liters of water per 1 minute), non-pressure water supply, cannot be used in the winter season.

Water heater Ariston Bravo E 7023 U-F 7

The main characteristics inherent in household electrical appliances for the home from the popular Italian brand Ariston are a stylish design, an excellent basic set of functions and an inexpensive price (this model costs $64 ).

One of the best instantaneous electric water heaters has good performance - 4 liters of water per minute and high power - 7 kW. Pressure water supply (several points of water intake). On the case there is an indicator of turning on the device. The spiral heating electroelement provides the accelerated heating of water.

The safety system is equipped with a protective automatic shutdown mechanism in case of power failure, thereby preventing the danger of electric shock. Overpressure safety valve, overheat protection function.

The package includes a faucet, a shower head, a filter for water purification.

This model is not deprived of disadvantages: poor thermal insulation, installation of special electrical wiring with grounding is required.

Water heater Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital

You can buy a good instantaneous water heater for a fairly affordable price - $157 . This flowing Swedish electric water heater has a capacity of 2.8 liters of water per minute and a power of up to 5.7 kW.

The digital display located on the case will allow you to set the necessary settings. Built-in function of smooth limitation (control) of the water heating temperature (especially relevant for families with small children).

The protection system includes protection against overheating and 4 degrees of protection of the spiral heating element from water ingress (anti-corrosion coating protects against oxidation, harmful substances and breakdowns).

The compact size of the device allows you to install it even in a small kitchen, small bathroom or use in the country.

The disadvantage of the model is low productivity (2.8 liters per 1 minute).

Water heater Stiebel Eltron DHB-E 13 SLi

A three-phase instantaneous electric water heater from the German reputable manufacturer Stiebel Eltron is associated with reliability, high quality and appropriate value. $831 .

To the question “Which instantaneous water heater is better?” the answer is unequivocal. The Stiebel Eltron DHB-E 13 SLi model has a spiral-shaped plastic heat exchanger and consumes 14 kW of power. Maximum water heating - up to +60 0 С.

Convenient and simple electronic control, built-in self-diagnosis of faults, function-indicator of turning on the device and the beginning of water heating. There is also a water temperature limiter.

The protection and safety system consists of 5 degrees of protection against ingress of water and "air", automatic protection against overheating.

The disadvantages of a water heater are its high cost, high power consumption.

Water heater AEG DDLE 18/21/24 TrermoDrive

Well-known German company AEG engaged in the production of household electrical appliances and power tools from 1887 to 1996. At this time, only a popular brand has been preserved.

Instantaneous electric water heater AEG DDLE 18/21/24 TrermoDrive with a capacity of 12.3 liters of water per minute and a maximum water heating temperature of +60 0 C. Very high power consumption - up to 24 kW. Several connected points of water intake (pressure). The average cost of an electric water heater is about $1020 .

Convenient, electronic control is carried out using a remote control. The display will show all the necessary settings: temperature (built-in thermometer), time, self-diagnosis of problems. There is an indicator for turning on the device and its heating, as well as limiting a certain heating temperature. The spiral heating electric inner element is protected by 5 degrees from water.

Additional functions: there is an ECO-mode button, automatic water consumption, a built-in shower program. This best instantaneous electric water heater is also suitable for heating solar panels(up to 60 0 C at the inlet).

The disadvantage is the rather high cost of an advanced unit.

Flow models of water heaters that allow you to instantly get hot water are popular among apartment owners. Compact equipment does not require a lot of space for placement, does not spoil the interior design of the room, which is very valuable for small-sized objects.

At the same time, instantaneous water heaters for an apartment allow you to easily survive the entire period of turning off hot water, without particularly changing the usual comfortable standard of living. Many companies are engaged in the production of this type of water heating equipment.

The devices differ in a number of technical characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing a model. It is important to understand that a powerful household appliance capable of heating flowing water at several points of water intake will significantly increase the load on the electrical wiring.

Therefore, the purchased equipment must comply with the capabilities of the electrical network installed in the apartment. In addition, they also take into account the frequency of use of the household appliance, the intensity of operation per unit of time, the method of connecting to the water supply, and the availability of space for its installation.

A flow type water heater consists of a flask in which an electric heating element (TEH) is located, and an automation unit.

The device turns on automatically when the water tap is opened. A powerful heating element starts heating the water flowing through the flask, while the heating temperature depends on the pressure force.

A variety of models of instantaneous water heaters allows the owner of the apartment to choose the right model for design and technical characteristics.

If the user needs very hot water, then reduce the pressure of the outflowing jet. When the tap is closed, the electric heating element is automatically switched off. Despite the small size, the equipment has a lot of power.

Otherwise, it would not be capable of heating fast flowing water. The automation unit limits the heating temperature, protecting the device from overheating.

In addition to the heating element, an uninsulated coil or a gas burner can be used as a heating element in instantaneous water heaters.

Types of instantaneous water heaters

All instantaneous water heaters presented to the attention of customers can be divided into two groups:

• non-pressure models installed at one point of water intake;
• pressure models capable of supplying hot water to several points at the same time.

Non-pressure instantaneous water heaters

In apartments, non-pressure instantaneous water heaters are most often installed, the power of which varies between 3-8 kW. The devices are plugged into ordinary sockets with a voltage of 220 V.

During installation, the equipment is connected directly to the cold water supply pipe or directly to the mixer. Non-pressure models are supplied with a faucet.

There are models equipped with a special shower head. It is possible to have both in the kit, and another, providing for the change of nozzles. This type of instantaneous water heater is designed to provide only one hot point.

The device does not require frequent and thorough maintenance. The equipment can be used for a long time. The term of use is several years.

Instantaneous water heater configuration options: hot water flows only to the tap, only to the shower head, to both devices

A hose with a shower head included in the kit is connected to the outlet in the body of the instantaneous water heater.

The fact is that a conventional shower head has more holes, as well as a completely different order of their placement. There are very few holes in the shower head supplied with the water heater, and they are all located in the center of the part in a circle.

This arrangement of holes on the complete nozzle contributes to the creation of a water flow, the strength of which is sufficient for taking a shower.

Pressure flow water heaters

Pressure-type household appliances are distinguished by greater power, as well as the connection method. This equipment must be built into the water supply system.

They are designed to serve several points of water intake at once. Hot water will be not only in the bathroom, but also in the kitchen.

A person will not notice the absence of a central hot water supply at all until he looks at the receipt for paying for electricity.

Powerful water heaters can only be connected to a three-phase network, which is available in apartments with electric stoves.

Selection of technical features: water heater power

The rate of heating of the water flowing through the tap, as well as its performance, depends on the power of the household appliance.

At the same time, the owner of the apartment may not always choose the most powerful instantaneous water heater, since his desires are limited by the electric power resources of the dwelling.

As a rule, the power of electrical wiring in a separate apartment, as well as in the entrance, does not exceed 12 kW. Meanwhile, there are “protochniks” on sale, the power of which reaches 27 kW. Therefore, when choosing water-heating equipment for an apartment, it is worth taking a closer look at models whose power of heating elements varies between 3-8 kW.

Of course, fill the bath hot water this will not work, but it will be quite possible to take a shower, wash the dishes with water heated to a comfortable temperature. Such flow-through water heaters are connected to a conventional outlet with a single-phase voltage of 220 volts.

This voltage is enough for them to work evenly.

What about those who like to soak in a warm bath and do not want to wean their habit even for a short period of DHW outages?

The answer is simple: install a water heater with a power of at least 13 kW. This appliance requires a 3-phase 380 volt socket to operate. Such sockets are provided in houses equipped with electric stoves.

Selection of equipment for water consumption

Hot water consumption depends on the number of people living in the apartment. In order to fully satisfy the needs of residents in hot water, it is necessary to select a device with sufficient performance.

This technical characteristic is measured in liters per minute and must be indicated in the product passport. The average productivity of "protochnik" (3-8 kW) is 2-6 l / min. Heating of the specified volume of water is made in 10-20 seconds.

Housing dimensions and material

Instantaneous water heaters small power are placed near the draw-off point, so you need to find a place to install the equipment.

It is not difficult to choose a model of the appropriate overall dimensions, since a variety of devices are presented in the line of manufacturers. The average dimensions of the case of "protochnik": 150x300 mm.

It is worth paying attention to the body of the product, which can be:

• metallic;
• plastic;
• combined.

"Protochnik", produced in a metal case, are less susceptible to mechanical damage, and therefore serve, as a rule, much longer than their plastic counterparts.

Availability and number of adjustments

When choosing a model of instantaneous water heater, you should look at the control system for the operation of the device, which can be hydraulic or electronic.

On advanced products, there are adjustment panels on the front side of the case. To save electricity, manufacturers produce "protochki" capable of operating in two or more modes with different power levels.

Without exception, all water heaters are equipped with a start and stop button. It is convenient if the model provides for the possibility of regulating the temperature of heating water. Typically, the temperature range is between 30 and 70 degrees Celsius. This also contributes to saving energy consumption.

Non-pressure model with hydraulic control, equipped with an on indicator and a function of accelerated heating of flowing water

Operational safety of the electric water heater

For the safe use of water heating equipment, manufacturers complete their products with built-in sensors that control the flow of water and the temperature of its heating.

When these sensors are triggered, the heating element is turned off, which eliminates the possibility of its overheating and premature failure.

Trouble-free operation of the household appliance is also ensured by a filter and a non-return valve. The presence of a magnetic starter will ensure automatic switching on and off of the "protochnik".

Instantaneous water heater delivery set

In addition to the electric water heater itself, the kit should include wall, hanging, thrust brackets, as well as screws with plastic dowels and screws with washers.

All these fasteners will come in handy when mounting the device on the wall. Also, the manufacturer can include in the package an additional fuse, a sealing ring for the heating element unit, an interphase jumper, etc.

In any case, the household appliance must have a passport, which indicates the date of sale of the goods, from which the warranty period begins.

A cable for connecting the device to the mains is not provided in the kit. The copper cable is purchased in the required footage by the consumer on their own. It is recommended to buy a single-core electric cable with a cross section of 2.5 square centimeters, taking into account the power of the water heater. The wire is bought with a small margin, so that it is exactly enough to reach the outlet. Choose a plug with a side grounding contact.

The socket must be grounded. Check that it is connected to the electrical panel through the machine with a separate line. It is advisable to install an RCD in the shield - a device that provides a high level of electrical safety. You can use the outlet installed earlier for the washing machine to connect the water heater to the network.

To avoid crashing into water pipe, you can connect a fixed shower hose without a nozzle to the inlet. Only in this case it is necessary to follow a certain sequence of actions.

First, switch the mixer to the “shower” position, then turn on the water heater. When disconnected, all actions are performed in the reverse order. The water heater is turned off, water is drained from the dispersion shower head, and then the mixer is turned off.

This connection of the device is suitable for short-term use.

Instantaneous water heater-faucet

Outwardly, this device looks like an ordinary faucet with a small extension, in which a powerful heating element is located.

Only 2-3 seconds is enough for the cold water flowing through the design of the tap to heat up to 40-60 C. This household appliance is installed instead of a mixer tap.

By turning the knob, the user can adjust the water temperature, lowering or, conversely, raising its level. The ability of the tap-water heater to rotate allows its installation not only on single sinks, but also on double sinks.

Like any instantaneous water heater, a device in the form of a tap must be grounded, as this is required by safety regulations.

A gas burner is used as a heating element in instantaneous water heaters. Models differ in the type of ignition, which can be done in three main ways:

• ignition of gas from a piezoelectric element;
• from a hydraulic turbine;
• from the electronic unit.

In gas instantaneous water heaters, temperature control is carried out by changing the gas supply. Such "flows" in everyday life are often called a geyser.

However, it is impossible to use gas water heating equipment with an open combustion chamber in apartments, since the operation of such devices is possible only if there is a chimney. This solution is more suitable for private houses, dachas, cottages.

Models with a closed combustion chamber are installed in apartments, which can be operated without a chimney.

Gas instantaneous water heaters with a closed combustion chamber provide hot water to all water points in the apartment

Summing up all of the above, it can be noted that the choice of a flowing water heater is carried out taking into account the frequency of its use, the volume of hot water consumption, the permissible possibilities of electrical wiring, the installation location of the equipment and the number of water points.

Many users of the central hot water supply system faced problems with water supply: for technological and hygienic purposes, thermal units need to be repaired, upgraded drainage systems, flushed pipelines. Hot water shutdown can happen due to emergency. Therefore, apartment owners have to rush around with basins from time to time. The same fate befell those who live in a summer cottage or cottage in the summer. To continuously provide hot water, manufacturers offer a huge range of devices of different types. The most widely known are the flow and storage versions of water heaters, and which one is better or more profitable - we will find out in this review.

So, a household water heater is designed to provide hot water to the population if there is no centralized hot water supply in the house. The main advantages of using this technique include:

• independence from the mode of operation of the CHP;
• a convenient and economical way to quickly get heated water for domestic needs for a long time;
• the possibility of servicing several water points;
• the amount of heating of the liquid is the same;
• a huge selection of shapes that fit into the interior.

Depending on the fuel used in the design, the devices are divided into 3 types:

To answer the question of which water heater is better for a city apartment or a private building - flow or storage, consider the mechanism of operation and the main components of the two devices.

The device and mechanism of operation of flow heaters

This type of water heater is a complex design without 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.

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

Budget models are equipped thermostat, with which you can adjust the heating of the heating element. Premium appliances are equipped with 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.

A warning! Do not use the device without proper grounding.

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.

Note! Pressure electric water heaters of the flowing variety heat water at several draw-off points, and non-pressure ones - only one. At the same time, for equipment with a power of more than 3 kW, they use not a conventional network, but a three-phase system.

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.

The device and mechanism of operation of storage water heaters

The boiler is the most popular heating technique. The system consists of a thermally insulated tank with a heat source, which is installed inside or under the structure. Due to the low power, the design is suitable for country houses and apartments with insufficiently powerful electrical wiring.

The main components of the device:

• frame;
• thermal insulation;
• electric heating elements;
• cold water supply pipe;
• flow suppressor;
• electronic control unit or thermostat;
• temperature controller;
• hot water outlet pipe;
• control panel (depending on configuration).

The unit has Control block. Thanks to it, the heating temperature is set. The fluid reservoir is calculated based on how many people will use it and how often. The lower threshold per family member is 50-80 liters.

As in the case of flowing, there are electric and gas storage water heaters. Many manufacturers are represented on the plumbing market, so it is sometimes difficult to deal with the presented assortment. To figure out which boiler is suitable for a summer residence or a city apartment - gas or electric, and what are their differences, we will consider further.

Water heater gas accumulative

Accumulative electric water heaters are universal due to low power (from 1 kW to 6 kW). No special power cable is required for connection. Gas units of a similar level have a power of 4-6 kW. For comparison: to heat 150 liters of water, a gas device will take 1 hour, electric water heater- 2-3 hours.

Note! Prices on gas boilers and the cost of their installation is higher than for electrical devices. But the cost of domestic gas is less than electricity.

Advantages and disadvantages of both types of water heaters

What is preferable - instantaneous or storage water heater? To answer, consider the pros and cons of the two types of technology.

An analysis of the main pros and cons of two types of water heaters showed that all devices have both positive characteristics, as well as negative ones.

Comparison of devices by main characteristics

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

Popular models from well-known manufacturers

European brands Ariston, Electrolux, Indesit, Bosch, Valliant are the most reliable products according to customer reviews. The devices are adapted to the Russian parameters of water composition, pressure and other criteria. The working elements are made of stainless steel or nickel-plated steel and are equipped with high quality parts that protected with anti-corrosion coating. The heaters are manufactured with increased fire safety requirements and serve for more than 10 years. Consider the most popular models.

Flow water heaters

Storage boilers

When choosing between instantaneous and storage water heaters, buyers pay attention to the different opinions of people. About these devices respond like this.

I bought an electric flow-through water heater from the Swedish company Electrolux, model Smartfix 3.5, for a country house. The installation is simple: I screwed in the hose from the alluvial station, connected the second one from the mixer and installed the panel on the wall. From the shield I ran a socket and made a ground. The main advantages include good functionality, ease of use. The disadvantages are that equipment must be removed for the winter, otherwise the remaining liquid breaks the glass flask inside the device at a temperature of 0 0 C.
Eugene, 34 years old, Moscow

I bought an Ariston storage water heater four years ago, model ABS Silver Protection 80V. Very bribed that it is electric, and the volume of 80 liters. The tank coating is anti-corrosion and cleansing, so maintenance is easy. The power cord is equipped with a safety shutdown system. Cons of the device - takes up a lot of space, high cost, pluses - easy control and the presence of a thermostat.
Anna, 47 years old, Rostov-on-Don

Summing up, we can say that the storage heater is suitable in cases where hot water is required regularly and at full power. Devices can have 2 heating elements with the function of accelerated heating of the liquid. For a private building or a country house, an instantaneous water heater is definitely preferable.