Interruptions in the supply of hot water is a common occurrence for residents of apartment buildings. Such problems usually arise in the summer, when utilities carry out scheduled inspections and repairs of water supply systems. Therefore, for a comfortable stay and compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards, people install boilers for hot water in their apartments. These units can be purchased at any plumbing store. However, a small problem arises: instantaneous or storage water heater, which one to choose? After all, boilers are divided into several categories, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. To answer this question, you need to know the principle of operation of the boiler and have at least a minimal understanding of the design features. Let's figure out which model is better to choose.
General information
In fact, a boiler is a container designed for water and supplemented with heating elements. According to the connection method, such units are divided into floor and wall. The first category is usually used in private houses, the second - in city apartments. According to the principle of operation, water heaters are classified as flow and storage. The advantages of accumulative models include:
- Ease of installation.
- Distribution of hot water to several points.
- Low power consumption.
The disadvantages include a limited supply of hot water. For example, for the needs of a family of 4, the water heater will have to be heated several times.
Flowing water heaters do not have a storage tank, respectively, they are able to provide residents with an almost unlimited amount of hot water. In addition, such products have compact dimensions, so they are not striking. However, flow models consume more electricity (due to the rapid heating of water), and provide hot water to only one point in the apartment. Which water heater will be better: instantaneous or storage?
In addition, boilers are divided into heaters of direct and indirect action. Electricity, gas, and even solar energy can be used as a power source. Consider the most common types of water heaters.
Electric storage, direct heating
Such a water heater organically fits into the interior of a bathroom or other room. It is intended for connection in apartments or private houses of the small area. The water heater can be installed independently, permits are not required for this. Usually it is a round or rectangular container, powered by the city power supply and decorated with a special casing. The water tank is made of enameled or stainless steel.
Heating elements are installed at the bottom of the structure. Depending on the model, the heater can be equipped with one or two heating elements. Branch pipes are installed for cold water inlet and hot water outlet. The temperature is controlled by a thermostat. The maximum temperature for most models is 75 degrees. Please note that the heater maintains the set temperature automatically.
Experts recommend setting the heating temperature to 50-55 degrees. This mode will save electricity and provide a family of 3-4 people with the necessary amount of hot water. Please note that to protect the tank from corrosion, the heater includes a magnesium anode in the circuit. This element is recommended to be changed every 2-3 years.
Gas storage, direct heating
Gas boilers work on the same principle as electric models. It also uses a storage tank made of steel, pipes for supplying and distributing water. Only instead of electric heating elements, a gas burner is placed in the lower part of the water heater. The electronic unit monitors the operation of the burner. Such models are more economical than electrical counterparts in terms of resource consumption. In addition, they are better suited for installation in country houses due to the large volume of storage capacity. However, connection difficulties arise here: the water heater must be combined with a chimney. This requires obtaining special permission from the supervisory authorities.
Accumulative indirect heating
A distinctive feature of an indirect water heater is the absence of its own heating elements. Although some models are equipped with a built-in heating element to maintain the temperature. Models are optimally suited for country houses with a large number of water loss points. If desired, even a heated towel rail can be provided with hot water. The number of water intake points is determined by the capacity of the storage tank (up to 1,000 liters). Among the advantages of indirect heaters are:
- No additional load on the home electrical network.
- High performance.
- The ability to change the used coolant.
Given these features, indirect water heaters are often installed complete with a double-circuit heating system. Then the heat generator can switch between the boiler and the heating system, ensuring the optimum temperature.
By design, indirect heaters are of two types:
- "Barrel in a barrel". Two containers of different diameters are used here. The coolant is poured into the large one, hot water is prepared for the needs of the residents in the smaller one.
- Coil. Here, a copper spiral is used as a heating element, inside which a coolant circulates.
If you think about which indirect type water heater is better, then the “Barrel in a barrel” scheme will win. The weak point of the coil is the formation of scale on the surface. Accordingly, periodically it is necessary to clean the spiral from formations.
Instantaneous water heaters
A flowing water heater is a compact design that can easily fit under the sink. According to the principle of operation, they are electric and gas. Such models do not store a supply of hot water, but they instantly heat the water coming from the main. The disadvantage of electric instantaneous heaters is the high power consumption. For example, to provide the bathroom with the necessary amount of water, a product with a capacity of about 25 kW is required. When connecting more economical gas models, a chimney must be installed, which is not suitable for all consumers. The average productivity of gas flow boilers is 15 liters of water per minute. In order for the boiler to heat up the water better and faster, you can reduce the pressure in the supply line.
Subtleties of choice
To choose the right storage water heater, you need to take into account not only the connection point, but also the needs of the people living in the apartment. For example, if your family has lovers to soak in a filled bath, then you will need a model with a capacity of about 250 liters. For washing dishes in the kitchen and cooking, a water heater with a volume of 25 liters is enough. To just take a shower, a 50-liter boiler is suitable.
Which water heater is right for you is up to you. In any case, with the installation of a boiler (accumulative, direct, indirect or flow), you will no longer depend on the whims of utilities.
