How to make a choice: instantaneous or storage water heater?

Today, almost every owner of an apartment or a private house installs a water heater. This device is able to provide the user with almost constant access to hot water. A variety of models, ease of installation, affordable prices have made boilers very popular appliances. But in addition to a boiler with a large volume of water, there are instantaneous heaters in which the principle of the column is laid. To understand and make the right choice, you should answer the main question: which water heater is better and more reliable - flow or storage?

The principle of operation of storage and instantaneous water heaters

Modern boilers may have additional functionality, but their main variety consists of two types of devices:

1. Boilers flow principle.
2. Accumulative water heaters.

Their main difference is a different principle of operation, therefore, in order to know which one to choose, it is necessary to deal with the functionality of the devices.

Flowing devices are equipped with powerful heating elements that heat water to high temperatures even at high pressure. The water flow does not stop, but directly passes through the internal components of the household appliance.

Water heaters of the cumulative principle of action are opposite. They gradually bring a certain amount of pre-collected water to the required temperature. Their main difference from flowing devices is the need to expend a certain amount of time.

Both the first and second devices have certain differences, both constructive and price. To understand which of the varieties of boilers is better, you must also familiarize yourself with other characteristics.

Productivity

What is the difference between one kind of device from another?

Instantaneous water heaters are also divided according to the principle of action. There are models powered by gas and electric energy.

Electric boilers are appreciated for their ability to quickly heat large quantities of water in a minimum amount of time. Devices work only in automatic mode, so the user does not need to constantly monitor the operation of the device. The rapid heating of the liquid is compensated by the large expenditures of electricity, since for this it is necessary to install very powerful heating elements.

The gas instantaneous water heater, following the name, uses the heat obtained from the process of decomposition of domestic gas. The device can be equipped with automation in the form of a piezoelectric element, which is triggered when the user opens the hot water tap. Also, many models are equipped with a modulation type burner, this element allows you to make the temperature of the liquid uniform, even with unstable flow.

Accumulative boilers are also divided into electric and gas. The main difference is the faster heating of large volumes of water. Gas devices are more powerful, gas burners are often installed on tanks with a volume of 150 liters or more, their power can reach up to 7 kW. An accumulative type electric boiler most often has heating elements whose power does not exceed 3 kW. Energy consumption costs the user much more than gas.

How much electricity do appliances consume?

The difference between electric storage boilers allows the user to decide which device is more profitable: with low consumption of electric energy or a very powerful device, the consumption of which can be quite large.

In storage-type boilers, it is possible to install heating elements of various capacities. In this case, the same amount of water will be heated over a different period of time. For example, a heating element with a power of 1200 watts will heat 50 liters of water in an hour and a half. But 2 TENA of "dry heating" will cope with this task in just 40 minutes.

For such devices, it is not necessary to draw a separate line, it is enough to connect to an ordinary outlet. It is also not necessary to install an additional circuit breaker.

Power consumption of flow-type devices is always more overstated. In order to bring to a certain temperature a constantly circulating flow of water, it will take at least 4-5 kW. The design of instantaneous water heaters involves the installation of several heating elements. This speeds up heating, but also increases consumption. What makes this kind of boiler more expensive.

Due to the high power on flowing devices, it is necessary to mount an additional line with a wire, the cross section of which is not less than 4 squares. It is also necessary to install an additional circuit breaker, and, if desired, the user and the residual current device.

Some features of the installation of water heaters

Flowing heaters for an apartment have a significant advantage - compact size. This allows you to install the device seamlessly. When installing a flow-type boiler, it is not necessary to fix it with anchor bolts and additional fixing elements. Also, this type of device is simply connected to a common water supply system.

A flow-type boiler is very convenient to use in the kitchen, especially with a low power heating element. This allows you to constantly provide the kitchen with warm water, and the device itself does not take up much space.

Boilers with a separate tank are inconvenient to use and install due to their large dimensions. Especially in small bathrooms, even a 50 liter tank will take up too much space. When installing the device, it should be borne in mind that in the filled state its weight becomes quite significant. Therefore, during installation, it is necessary to use anchor fasteners or retaining elements that come with the kit.

At least two people will be required to install a storage water heater. One supports the device on weight, and the second - performs installation. After installation, the water heater should be checked, connected to the network and wait for the tank to fully heat up.

Boiler operation

The convenience of using a water heater allows you to enjoy hot water in the house without additional expenses, both monetary and temporary.

Before choosing a device, you need to know exactly what purpose it will be used, as well as the pros and cons of products. For example, in order to provide the kitchen with warm water, it is not necessary to install an 80 liter storage tank. A fairly simple flow model with a capacity of not more than 5 kW.

The advantages of using a flow column:

1. Easy installation and compact dimensions. The small size allows you to install the boiler anywhere in the room, where it will look harmonious and not attract too much attention. For example, in the utility room, if equipped with a house.
2. No need to wait until the water temperature rises to the desired level. It is enough to open the hot water tap, the automation will do the rest on its own.
3. A variety of power devices, which allows you to choose the right water heater for a certain type of housing. Also, many flow-through models are available with a temperature controller, which saves energy, for example, when washing dishes.

Features of operation of storage heaters:

1. Low power consumption. It is caused by the installation of one or several low-power heating elements. After heating the water, the device turns off until the temperature drops to a certain level.
2. A storage boiler is enough to connect to the network. Sophisticated automation and several sensors independently monitor the heating of the liquid.
3. Devices are available with tanks of various sizes. This allows you to have a certain supply of water constantly.
4. It does not require the installation of a separate line and the installation of additional protection elements.

Instrument Life and Maintenance Frequency

It should be remembered that the life of the device directly depends on the quality of its handling. To extend its life, it is mandatory to carry out maintenance and periodic external examinations.

Both types of water heaters are affected by the quality of the fluid that enters the device system. Increased rigidity, the presence of impurities and pollutants, as well as active chemical elements leads to a quick failure of the heating element. Modern boilers are equipped with additional filtering elements that extend the life of the device.

Increased fluid stiffness is the first enemy for flow-type devices. To soften the water a little, use additional magnetic blocks. It should be remembered that the frequent switching on and off of the device leads to a quick failure of the heating element. It must be allowed to cool for a while.

Storage-type boilers are very susceptible to deposits, therefore they should be cleaned at least once a year. It is not worthwhile to constantly bring the temperature of the water in the tank to the maximum level, but the boiler must be completely heated at least once a month. This will get rid of scale and other harmful deposits at least partially.

Safety of use of heaters of two varieties

Devices whose operation requires the use of gas or electricity require additional precautions.

On flow-through boilers, it is mandatory to draw a separate line in which a wire with a cross section of at least 4 mm2 should be used. Also, in addition to the wire, it is worth installing additional circuit breakers. Separately, you can mount a residual current circuit breaker or replace it with a differential circuit breaker, which includes the principle of operation of an ordinary circuit breaker and an RCD.

For the storage water heater, it is not necessary to use additional electrical devices. But for greater security when leaving the room, the device should be disconnected from the industrial network. When installing the heater, special attention should be paid to the quality of the fasteners, since the boiler, when fully loaded, has a solid weight.

For which housing storage and flow heaters are suitable

Low-speed flowing devices are most often used in kitchens, this is due to their low cost and compactness. In addition, time is saved, since the user does not have to wait until the tank heats up. Very often, flow-type heaters can be seen in restaurants, cafes, and bars. At low power, such devices are economical and have a long service life.

Accumulative boilers are simply irreplaceable, for example, in large families. A variety of these products allows you to choose a device with an affordable price policy.Very often, storage heaters are installed in production, in entertainment complexes, in shopping centers. The boiler provides constant access to hot water, does not require frequent technical inspections, economically consumes electricity.

Device pricing policy

So what is better to choose: instantaneous or storage water heater? It remains to understand only the price. Regardless of the type of device, the power of the heating element has the greatest influence on its price. In proportion to the power, the cost of the heater rises (or falls).

Prices for flow-through devices are diverse. The minimum cost of such a heater is $ 60. For $ 500, the user receives a fully equipped device with the latest generation of installed automation, as well as a maximum warranty period.

A storage boiler, the volume of which is 50 liters, can be purchased for $ 70. If you choose a more expensive device, then for $ 800 some well-known companies produce boilers up to 200 liters. There is also a long warranty period for such products, the inner surface of the tank is based on the most durable metals, and the fluid is heated in 40 minutes.