In the summer, even in apartment buildings there are interruptions with hot water. If you constantly do not want to warm water and wash in a basin, you should buy a water heating tank. The variety of models presented is great. There are options for apartments, private houses.
Classification of Water Tanks
Equipment for heating water is divided according to several criteria. Depending on the heating method:
- Cumulative. Such devices immediately heat a large amount of water in the tank, from where it is consumed for household needs, mixing with cold.
- Flowing. These are special devices with a heating element, connected to a cold water supply network, heating the flowing water, depending on the power of the device, the volume and speed of the flowing liquid.
Depending on the energy source:
- Electric. Connected to a single-phase or three-phase network.
- Gas. The heat of the combustible mixture used for work is propane, butane or other gases.
The heating water storage tank needs protection against corrosion, so not all of them are made of iron. Types of tanks:
- made of high pressure plastic;
- enameled;
- glass-ceramic;
- titanium or stainless.
Plastic - the most budget. However, they are short-lived and are subject to deformation upon contact with a high-temperature medium.
The main disadvantage of enameled products is microcracks. They form with strong heating. Therefore, it is advised to set the temperature to 60 degrees.
Titanium and stainless steel heating tanks are the most expensive and durable; they are not afraid of corrosion and deformation. They are put in the equipment of leading companies.
Electric
Electrical devices are convenient and safe to operate.
Flowing electric water heaters are compact. They do not need to mix hot water with cold water. They only heat it to an acceptable temperature. Water heats up instantly. Heater power is high. 3.5 kW boilers warm 3 l. water to a temperature of 40 degrees. Instantaneous water heating boilers are good for use in places with interruptions in the centralized supply of hot water. Great for a single point of analysis of water. If there are more water outlets, there may not be enough heating. Advantages of instantaneous heaters:
- compactness;
- instant warm-up;
- use only when necessary, when idle does not turn on;
- the sudden cessation of domestic hot water is excluded.
Minuses:
- high power is not suitable for any wiring;
- large electricity bills;
- overheating of water in the absence of a heating limiter.
Flowing products can be pressureless and pressure head. The second distribute the flow of water to several points of analysis.
The storage boiler in the apartment is equipped with a tank of 10-200 liters. The outgoing water is mixed with cold in the mixer and fed to the outlet is already warm. When the water flows or cools, the boiler switches on again. On average, 40-50 liters of water are spent on washing a person. For a shower, a family of 3 people is enough 50-80 liters. To take a bath, heating is required to a maximum.
Water-heating electric tanks of more than 150 liters are put on the floor in private houses. Consume a lot of electricity.
The main advantages of storage boilers for the home:
- profitability - the average power of 1.5-3 kW;
- one is enough for all the water outlets in the house;
- durability.
Gas
Direct flow heaters heat the water passing through the coil. Gas is connected after the supply of water pressure.
Pros:
- compact design, easily fits under a sink or bathtub;
- high power;
- the cost of raw materials is low.
Minuses:
- connection exclusively by a trained specialist,
- fire hazard
- replacement of cylinders when working with liquefied gas.
Accumulative models are close in design to electric ones. The energy source is a gas burner for operation on main or liquefied gas; it does not require electricity.
They are equipped with two types of combustion chamber - closed and open. In the second case, additional air exhaust is required.
Pros of gas storage domestic boilers:
- fuel economy;
- fast heating;
- work without electricity.
Minuses:
- cost of equipment;
- installation cost;
- relative fire hazard.
LPG models are often used in the country.
Indirect
This type of heater is used by owners of private houses. They need to supply low-cost hot water simultaneously to the kitchen and to the bathrooms. The unit is expensive, but does not have its own heating system, is connected to the central hot water system. It is recommended to be used in tandem with a single-circuit boiler. A plus is the ability to provide all points of tapping hot water with the same temperature. The downside is the cost, the volume of the structure.
Combined
These devices combined flow and storage models. Small water tanks of 10-30 l weigh only 6 kg. They work optionally in one of the modes. The number of models is limited. The price is high.
Device and specifications
Boilers differ from each other by type, volume, power, installation method. However, the basic type of structure is similar. This is a metal tank of various capacities, having tubes for entering and exiting water. Outside the tank, a thermal insulation layer is installed. Inside - a thermo-heating element (TEN) and a heating sensor (thermostat or thermostat). TEN heats water at different speeds, depending on the power and volume of the liquid. The temperature controller is set to a specific temperature. When the liquid reaches the declared temperature, the heater is turned off. If the boiler is not turned off at all, it will maintain the temperature at a certain level.
The power of instantaneous electric heaters is 3–27 kW. For a single-phase network, no more than 8 kW is chosen. For a three-phase network, more powerful models are suitable - with them there is enough water for everything. Storage heaters are not so powerful - only 1.5-3 kW with a tank of 50-200 liters.
Tanks are divided into wall in horizontal and vertical versions. Over 150 liters are installed on the floor. A family of 4-6 people needs a tank of 80-150 liters. Accumulative gas in the wall version - 10-100 l, floor - 120 or more. Be sure to equip a temperature controller and a sensor for determining the remaining water.
Flowing gas boilers are compact, take up little space. Power 17-30 kW.
Life time
A boiler with a plastic tank is the cheapest, but its reliability is doubtful. Without leaks and deformations, they serve only a couple of years. The most reliable tanks are stainless steel and titanium. A boiler life of 7-10 years is a symbol of the reliability of European manufacturers. Titanium extends the service life by a few more years. Enameled coating, when used correctly, is no less than metallic.
Glass ceramics, enamel and plastic receive additional damage due to temperature changes. Welds are the first to rust. Therefore, new models are equipped with anode protection, where the tank itself acts as a cathode.
Boiler heating elements
In essence, heaters are subject to rapid destruction and contamination. To heat water, several types of heaters are used - wet, directly located in the tank and in contact with water, and dry, sealed in an airtight shell.
Wet TEN
This type of water heater works in a humid environment like a boiler. It has a copper case. Characteristic of many storage tanks and all flow-through. They quickly heat water, but accumulate scale and scale on themselves. The heating ability decreases, and an increase in power leads to a decrease in the shelf life of the element. The higher the temperature, the more limescale. When working with such a heating element, a water filter is required. In conditions with hard water, cleaning is necessary 3-4 times a year.
Dry heater
Steatite heater is placed in a special flask. There is no contact with water and scale, but the price of the boiler is 1.5-2 times higher.
Large boilers and models with fast heating are equipped with two heating elements.
Features of choice
With periodic shutdowns of hot water and using it exclusively in the kitchen, you can choose a flow unit. If the unit is designed for use in economic and household life of a family, a small tank will be a disadvantage. It is necessary to cover the entire volume of consumption.
When using a large tank and low consumption, the water will constantly be heated and waste electricity, which requires additional costs. To reduce them, additional thermal insulation of the tank is needed.
Popular boiler manufacturers
Ariston
The Italian manufacturer produces reliable equipment with small parameters of electricity consumption. Some models have a quick heating function. The models are comfortable, easy to operate, reliable in horizontal and vertical versions. Excellent price-performance indicators, protection against bacteria. Exquisite design is suitable for any interior.
Gorenje
Slovenian apartment boilers are spread all over the world. High reliability, reasonable prices, unpretentiousness. There are horizontal wall models. The latest technology is widely implemented. Non-standard forms and installation methods. The presence of a "sleep" mode.
Atlantic
The French brand has existed since 1968. Water heaters of all sizes - from 40 to 200 liters. A variety of models with dry and wet heating elements at affordable prices. Lots of features. The best tank cover with overpressure protection.
Perfezza
The Ukrainian brand cannot boast a wide range. Inexpensive standard cylindrical heaters with wet heating elements. Enameled coating, mechanical control is low in price and is suitable for undemanding consumers. Temperature adjustment not possible.
Bosch
Germany is a global giant in electrical products. A wide range, high prices, excellent quality. Reliable products. Boilers have high power. Assembly is carried out in Bulgaria. Tanks are well protected against corrosion.
