The problem of hot water supply in Russia is especially acute. Most often, the reason for this is the systematic shutdown of the supply of hot water or its absence in principle. A storage water heater helps to solve the problem, which you can choose based on your usage and other characteristics:
- simple installation and maintenance of the storage device;
- the ability to connect multiple users at once, if desired;
- constant access to hot water in the right amount.
When choosing a suitable water heater, you should be guided by the technical parameters of the model:
- The tank volume should be calculated based on the number of people who will use the appliance for a shower. It is worth considering the dimensions of the bathroom: the larger the volume of the tank, the more space it will take.
- Depending on the size of the room where the unit will be installed, you can choose a model according to the installation method. Today, there are floor and wall mounted water heaters, horizontal and vertical. Gas models have only vertical layout.
- By the method of heating, gas-heated appliances or electric heaters are popular. The latter option is more common, although less economical in energy consumption.
- The presence of sensors and simple controls, at least in the minimum configuration (adjustment of the heating temperature). Additionally, the device can be equipped with a timer, adjustable heating rate, in gas models - draft and combustion control.
- Two points need to be paid attention to: the material from which the tank is made, and the type of heating element. The glass-ceramic coating protects the tank from corrosion, but reacts sensitively to temperature differences leading to microcracks. On a stainless steel coated with a layer of titanium enamel, they give a guarantee of 7 - 10 years.
- There are two types of heating element in electric storage models: wet or dry. A wet heater is similar to a boiler - scale will inevitably form. In regions with hard water, you should not choose models with such a heating element, it is better to refuse. Dry heater does not have contact with water, scale forms on the protective casing, the process of its formation is slower. As a result, preventive maintenance is required no more than once every two years, and the period of use of the device significantly increases.
The availability of a water heater with high-quality fasteners, a grounded electrical power cord will also be a plus. Before buying, you should familiarize yourself with the warranty conditions and the possibility of service after the warranty period.
Content
Gas storage water heaters
The selection of gas equipment for heating water is logical if there is a permanent connection to the source of this cheap fuel. Accumulative devices include a gas boiler that preheats water in advance. Depending on the required volume, gas heaters from 50 to 300 liters can be found.
Water in such equipment is heated using a heat exchanger (coil). It is located at the bottom of the device or evenly distributed along its length. Heated by a gas burner. The process itself is periodic - the burner automatically starts when a portion of cold water arrives and turns off when it reaches the required temperature.
There are several types of gas storage water heaters:
- with wall mounting;
- with floor installation;
- with electric ignition;
- with piezo ignition;
- with an open camera;
- with a closed camera.
Electric storage water heaters
Electric storage water heaters are used mainly in urban apartments. It is in high demand due to obvious advantages:
- when the tank is already filled, it gives out water of the required temperature;
- electric water heater is economical in energy consumption;
- the temperature of the hot water decreases smoothly as the tank is empty;
- the supply pressure depends only on the pressure inside the pipe with cold water, so the number of storeys does not affect the flow rate.
Today, manufacturers offer hundreds of electrical models: from simple and inexpensive to luxury with a huge set of additional features.
Indirect heating boilers
Installation of an electric or gas water heating system can "fly into a pretty penny", or even be impossible due to the peculiarities of the room or the location of the house. But if there is a gas boiler, a working counter-oven or stove, it is recommended to take a closer look at the latest indirect heating boilers.
The latter are a container that accumulates hot water supplied from an external heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is made of heat-conducting steel, so it can easily be installed over any heat source. Due to the structural features of the heat exchanger, the water quickly heats up to the desired temperature and begins to be automatically supplied to the storage tank, from which the consumer consumes hot water at his discretion. Additional thermal insulation from solid and heat-resistant foam will not allow water to cool quickly, which is a big plus in the cold season.
Advantages of indirect heating boilers
The power of the above boilers remains as high as possible. If you buy a small version with a capacity of up to 50 liters, then with a sufficiently high gas pressure it will be able to accumulate up to 300 liters of hot water with a temperature of 50 ° C and above. You won’t have to wait your turn in the bathroom, as you had to do with respect to obsolete gas columns with atmospheric burners.
Boilers are also capable of not only accumulating hot water, but also heating. In the latter case, it is enough to buy a version not with two, but with four outputs, two of which will be designed for circulation of the coolant. If a collector heating system is installed in the house, it will be enough to buy the above boiler, install additional circulation pumps, as all the rooms on the second or even on the third floor of the house can stably receive hot coolant.
In the summer, boilers will also be in demand, as they will be able to heat water in normal mode with the help of additional heating elements. Let the electricity consumption in the latter case be increased, but if we take into account the fact that the summer in our climate is short and the mother gas boiler will turn on again in early autumn, then the cost of hot water will still be minimal. In any case, it will be cheaper than the water that is supplied for the apartment from a centralized heating system.
How to choose a storage water heater
You need to choose a storage water heater based on which type of fuel is more affordable, more profitable and more convenient. Gas is cheaper than electricity, but you need to remember that the installation of a gas apparatus requires a special project and the presence of a chimney. In addition, gas water heaters cannot be installed in bathrooms according to fire safety rules.
If you want to save money, you should choose an indirect water heater, which will provide hot water supply through the heating system all winter. Well, in order not to be left without hot water in the summer, you can purchase a combined model. During its operation, you can manually select the mode: in winter from heating, in summer from electricity or gas.
For a summer residence or a country house, for heating the pool, you can choose a solid fuel unit that runs on wood or coal.
The best models
Here we look at the top five models of water heaters that have positively proven themselves in user reviews.
Timberk SWH RED1 100 V
The case is made in white-gray color of enameled steel that performs protective functions. The heater has an impressive power of 1500 watts, is protected by a corrosion-resistant coating. A mechanical thermostat provides accurate readings that are displayed on a convenient scale. Inside the device is covered with silver-containing spraying, which not only disinfects water, but also makes it useful. There is additional protection against leaks and pressure drops.
Timberk SWH FSM3 30 VH
Inexpensive and practical solution for those who have problems with hot water regularly (or it is completely absent). There is an energy-saving system, so you can use this model uninterruptedly. Built-in 3 power modes that are easily adjustable on a mechanical control panel. All internal elements are made of stainless steel, which will ensure a long service life. The kit includes durable anchor bolts, a grounded power cord. If you have not yet decided which company you want to buy a heater, this is a universal and win-win option.
Polaris FDRS-30V
A great option for a small apartment or for a house. It has a neutral design that will successfully fit into any interior. Equipped with protective systems to turn off the heating and completely shut off in the absence of water in the tank. Using a magnesium anode, the tank is sealed at the joints, and significantly less scale is formed. A convenient display shows the temperature of the water, there is a power regulator and a high-speed heating function.
Polaris PS-30V
Budget small-sized model, which has sufficient power to provide a family of 3-4 people with hot water. Made in a simple but elegant white case with enamel coating. It has a convenient mechanical control panel and a built-in thermometer. Provides protection against excessive overheating, triggered in cases of emergency interruption of water supply to the tank.
Polaris Stream IDF 80V / H Slim
Roomy model with the possibility of both vertical and horizontal installation. Inside, this model has an original structure: two flasks are connected without the use of nozzles, which ensures a longer service life without leaks. Also, it became possible to quickly heat the water and simple equipment service. With a volume of 80 liters, the case has compact dimensions, which makes it possible to install the model in almost any room. The display shows the thermometer, operating mode and the operation of additional functions.
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| Title | Timberk SWH RED1 100 V | Timberk SWH FSM3 30 VH | Polaris FDRS-30V | Polaris PS-30V | Polaris Stream IDF 80V / H Slim |
| Volume of the tank | 100 l | 30 l | 30 l | 30 l | 30 l |
| Power consumption | 1.5 kW (220 V) | 2.5 kW (220 V) | 2 kW (220 V) | 1.5 kW (220 V) | 2.5 kW (220 V) |
| Control | mechanical | mechanical | mechanical | mechanical | electronic |
| Protection | from switching on without water, from overheating | from overheating | from overheating | from overheating | from overheating |
| Price | from 8700 rub. | from 9500 rub. | from 11750 rub. | from 5600 rub. | from 17000 rub. |
