In summer, even in apartment buildings there are interruptions in hot water supply. If you don't want to constantly warm up the water and don't want to wash in a basin, you should buy a water heating tank. The variety of the presented models is great. There are options for apartments, private houses.
Classification of water heating tanks
Water heating equipment is divided according to several criteria. Depending on the heating method:
- Accumulative. Such devices immediately heat a large amount of water in the tank, from where it is consumed for household needs, mixing with cold water.
- Flowing. These are special devices with a heating element, connected to the cold water supply network, heating the flowing water, depending on the power of the device, the volume and speed of the outflowing liquid.
Depending on the energy source:
- Electrical. Connected to a single-phase or three-phase network.
- Gas. Using the heat of the combustible mixture for work - propane, butane or other gases.
A heating tank for storing water needs corrosion protection, so not all of them are made of iron. Tank types:
- made of high pressure plastic;
- enameled;
- glass-ceramic;
- titanium or stainless.
Plastic - the most budgetary. 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 when heated strongly. 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 installed in the equipment of leading companies.
Electrical
Electrical devices are convenient and safe to use.
Flowing electric water heaters are compact. They don't need to mix hot and cold water. They only heat it up to an acceptable temperature. The water heats up instantly. Heater power is high. Boilers with a capacity of 3.5 kW heat 3 liters. water to a temperature of 40 degrees. Instantaneous water heating boilers are good for use in places with interruptions in centralized hot water supply. Perfect for a single water draw-off point. If there are more water points, the heating may not be enough. Advantages of flow heaters:
- compactness;
- instant warm-up;
- use only when necessary, with idle time it does not turn on;
- a sudden interruption of DHW is excluded.
Minuses:
- high power is not suitable for all wiring;
- large electricity bills;
- overheating of water in the absence of a heating limiter.
Flow products can be free-flow and pressure-free. The latter distribute the flow of water to several points of analysis.
The storage boiler for the apartment is equipped with a 10-200 liter tank. Outgoing water is mixed with cold water in the mixer and is supplied to the outlet while it is already warm. When the water flows or cools down, the boiler turns on again. On average, 40-50 liters of water is spent on washing a person. A family of 3 people needs 50-80 liters to take a shower. To take a bath, heat is required to the maximum.
Electric water heating tanks over 150 liters are placed on the floor in private houses. They consume a lot of electricity.
The main advantages of storage boilers for the home:
- profitability - average power 1.5-3 kW;
- one is enough for all the water points of the house;
- durability.
Gas
Directly heated 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 bath;
- 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 similar in design to electrical ones. The energy source is a gas burner for operation on main or liquefied gas, does not require electricity.
Equipped with two types of combustion chambers - closed and open. In the second case, additional air extraction is required.
Advantages of gas storage domestic boilers:
- fuel economy;
- fast heating;
- work without electricity.
Minuses:
- cost of equipment;
- installation cost;
- relative fire hazard.
Liquefied gas models are often used in the country.
Indirect
This type of heater is used by owners of private houses. They need to supply DHW cheaply to the kitchen and to the bathrooms at the same time. The unit is expensive, but does not have its own heating system, it is connected to the central DHW system. It is recommended to be used in tandem with a single-circuit boiler. A plus is the ability to provide all the points of water intake with hot water at the same temperature. The downside is the cost, volume of the structure.
Combined
These devices combined flow and storage models. Small water heating tanks of 10-30 liters weigh only 6 kg. They work by choice in one of the modes. The number of models is limited. The price is high.
Device and technical characteristics
Boilers differ from each other in type, volume, power, installation method. However, the basic type of structure is similar. This is a metal tank of various capacities with pipes for entering and leaving water. A thermal insulation layer is installed outside the tank. Inside there is a thermal heating element (TEN) and a heating sensor (thermostat or thermostat). The heating element heats water at different rates, depending on the power and volume of the liquid. The thermostat is set to a certain temperature. When the liquid reaches the declared temperature, the heating element turns off. If the boiler is not turned off at all, it will maintain the temperature at a certain level.
Power of flowing 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-mounted in horizontal and vertical design. 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 liters, floor-standing - 120 and more. Be sure to equip with a thermostat and a sensor for determining the remaining water.
Flow-through gas boilers are compact and take up little space. Power 17-30 kW.
Life time
A boiler with a plastic tank is the cheapest, but its reliability is questionable. They serve only a couple of years without leaks and deformations. Tanks made of stainless steel and titanium prove to be the most reliable. The boiler service life of 7-10 years is a symbol of the reliability of European manufacturers. Titanium ones extend the service life by several more years. The enamel coating, if used correctly, serves no less than a metal one.
Glass-ceramics, enamel and plastic receive additional damage due to temperature extremes. 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
Heaters are inherently subject to rapid deterioration 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 heating element
A water heater of this type works in a humid environment like a boiler. Has a copper body. They are typical for many storage tanks and all flow tanks. They quickly heat water, but accumulate scale and scale on themselves. The heating capacity is reduced, and an increase in power leads to a decrease in the life of the element. The higher the temperature, the more limescale. When working with such a heating element, a water filter is required. In hard water conditions, cleaning 3-4 times a year is necessary.
Dry heating element
The steatite heating element is placed in a special flask. There is no contact with water and scale, but the price of a boiler is 1.5-2 times higher.
Large boilers and fast heating models 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-through device. If the unit is designed for use in the household and household life of a family, the small volume of the tank will be a disadvantage. It is necessary to cover the entire volume of consumption.
With a large tank and low consumption, the water will constantly heat up and waste electricity, which requires additional costs. To reduce them, additional tank insulation is needed.
Popular boiler manufacturers
Ariston
The Italian manufacturer produces reliable appliances with low electricity consumption parameters. Some models have a quick heating function. The models are comfortable, easy to operate, reliable in horizontal and vertical design. Excellent price-quality indicators, protection against bacteria. The sophisticated design will suit any interior.
Gorenje
Slovenian apartment boilers are common all over the world. High reliability, reasonable prices, unpretentiousness. There are horizontal wall models. The latest technologies are being widely introduced. Non-standard forms and methods of installation. The presence of a "sleeping" 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 coating with overpressure protection.
Perfezza
The Ukrainian brand cannot boast of a wide range of models. Inexpensive standard cylindrical heaters with wet heating elements. The enamelled finish, mechanical control has a low price and is suitable for the undemanding consumer. Temperature adjustment not possible.
Bosch
Germany is a global giant in the production of electrical products. Wide assortment, high prices, excellent quality. The products are reliable. Boilers have increased power. The assembly is carried out in Bulgaria. The tanks are well protected against corrosion.
