How to choose an instantaneous electric water heater. How to choose a instantaneous water heater: a review of types of instantaneous water heaters and tips for buyers

To solve the problem of hot water in an apartment or private house, in the country you can heat water using electric water heaters. There are several types, and in order to decide which water heater is best for your situation, you need to know their advantages, disadvantages and operating features of each type of water heating equipment.

What types of household water heaters are there and how do they differ?

• flow type - heat the water passing through the device;
• storage type - the water in the heater tank is heated;
• flow-storage - have two operating modes;
• liquid

It’s difficult to say which water heater is better. If speak about appearance, then the main external difference is the size. Cumulative models are large, flow-through models are small. But size is not all that is needed to understand what is best for you. You need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each type of equipment.

Cumulative models

A storage water heater (also known as a boiler) has a capacity of considerable size - from 30 to 200 liters. Inside there is a heating element - heating element. It may be one or several. The heating elements can be switched on in parallel (they always work simultaneously) or in cascades (they are switched on as needed). When switched on in cascade, there are several heating modes for more efficient energy consumption.

Many more models contain a thermometer to conveniently control the water temperature and a thermostat to maintain set temperature. The desired temperature is set by turning the thermostat control knob to a certain position.

A storage water heater constantly contains a certain volume of water. It is heated using electric heaters. There are two types:

• heating element ( T ribbed E lectro N heater). Inexpensive classic solution. They are quickly and easily changed, and any specialty store has a wide selection in stock. Disadvantage - it takes a long time to heat the water.
• Spiral heating element. More powerful heaters that quickly heat large volumes of water allow you to accurately maintain the required temperature. But they are more expensive (affects the price of the water heater), and their replacement is also more difficult.

Principle of operation

Regardless of the type of heater installed, the principle of operation of a storage water heater is the same. When the set temperature is reached, the thermostat turns off the power supply and heating stops. Further, the temperature is maintained automatically. When the water cools by 1 degree or cold is added to the tank during consumption, the heating is turned on. As soon as the set temperature is reached (or rather, a degree higher than the set one), heating stops. This is how automatic storage water heaters work. They are convenient because they do not overheat (if the automation is working properly) and you always have hot water available, which is heated the way you wanted. Such equipment usually has two operating modes - with temperature maintenance or without - in manual mode.

To keep the water temperature as long as possible, insulation is used. It is placed between the walls of the tank and the body. With good thermal insulation, even with hot water, the body remains cold, maybe a little warm. It is clear that if the temperature lasts a long time, the costs of maintaining it are small. Even if you turn off the keep warm function, the water will be hot even after 24 hours.

There are very simple electric water heaters that do not have a thermostat. They are turned on/off by a toggle switch - manually. As you understand, in this case there is a possibility that the water heater will boil and fail (if you forget to turn it off).

There is one more nuance - stepwise activation of heating elements. There are usually two or more of them installed in a housing, and several heating modes are also available. One is more powerful, in which all heaters are turned on, the rest are softer - one or two heating elements can work, depending on their total number. What is this for? In summer you can use heating in a gentle mode - the water will heat up quickly, in winter they usually use all heaters - wait less. In general, you can regulate the heating rate of the boiler in this way. If you have drained all the hot water and need the next batch quickly, turn it on at full power, there is no such need - you can avoid overloading the networks by turning it on at half power.

What materials are tanks made of and features of their maintenance?

Storage water heater tanks are made of stainless and ordinary steel. Regular steel is covered with protective layers of enamel; stainless steel does not need them. From this point of view, it is easy to say which water heater is better - with a stainless steel tank. But it is also more expensive. But the service life of such equipment is much longer - the enamel, even the highest quality, flakes off over time.

To extend the service life of the enameled coating, magnesium anodes are installed in storage steel water heaters. They require periodic replacement - they “melt” during operation, and their condition is monitored by a special sensor with an indicator displayed on the front panel. The status of the indicator monitors the need to replace the anode.

How to choose and which one is better

In most cases, storage water heaters are installed in private houses or apartments multi-storey buildings where there is no centralized supply of hot water. Equipment is selected according to tank volume. If you don’t like restrictions, you can calculate it at the rate of 50 liters of hot water per family member. This should be enough. In the tank it heats up to, say, 70°. It is unrealistic to use this, you will dilute it. As a result, there will be 100-150 liters per person warm water(depends on the temperature of the water in the water supply). This does not take into account the fact that during consumption the water is also heated.

Everything is clear about the material of the tanks: there is a possibility, it is better to take a storage electric water heater with a tank made of of stainless steel. The number of operating modes is not so critical, but it is also a good option, although such models are more complex circuit, are more expensive.

Name	Tank capacity	Power	Dimensions (W*D*H)	Heating time	Tank	Min/max pressure	Control	Price
Electrolux EWH 50 Centurio DL	50 l		433*255*860 mm	70 min	stainless steel	0.7-6 Bar	electronic	190$
Ariston ABS VLS Evo PW 100	100 l	2.5 kW	506*275*1250 mm	91 min	stainless steel	0.2-6 Bar	electronic	185$
Atlantic Vertigo 30	30 l	1 kW	490*290*601 mm	46 min	enamel	0.5-6 Bar	mechanical	240$
Thermex Flat Plus IF 80 V	80 l	1.3 kW	493*270*1025 mm	80 min	stainless steel		electronic	300$
Zanussi Smalto ZWH/S 50	50 l	2 kW	470*250*860 mm	95 min	enamel	0.75-6 Bar	mechanical	180$
Gorenje OTG50SLB6	50 l	2 kW	420*445*690 mm	115 min	enamel	0.75-6 Bar	electronic	155$

About which company is better to choose. No one can objectively tell you which water heater is better - people have different needs and requests. But we can draw some conclusions from operating experience. People speak well of storage heaters from the following companies:

• Termex. If we talk about prices for water heaters with a stainless steel tank, then this company has no competitors in terms of price. It’s hard to say about the quality, reviews vary.
• Real. Good storage boilers, the main thing is that you have the consumables in your city.
• OSO. Very good, but expensive.
• Electrolux (AEG). Famous company with stable quality.

Instantaneous water heaters

The instantaneous water heater has more modest dimensions. This is a small box that is attached to the wall. Inside there is also a tank with a heating element, but their dimensions are very miniature, and heating elements usually have the form of a spiral - in order to better heat the passing water.

One of necessary elements flow sensor. It monitors the appearance of water movement in the device (the tap is opened) and sends a command to turn on the heating element. When the tap closes, the flow sensor turns off the power supply.

There is also a thermostat that sets the water temperature. It may be a rotary type with a scale; there are models with an electronic display with push-button or touch controls.

Pressure and non-pressure instantaneous water heaters, their connection

There are two options for instantaneous water heaters - system and individual. System ones cut into cold and hot water risers, also called pressure ones. Several points can be provided at once - for example, a shower, sink and washbasin. There are 220 V system instantaneous water heaters with relatively low power consumption (about 8-9 kW), but they can not heat a large number of water. There are very powerful units - up to 32 kW, but they are three-phase - 380 V.

There are two broad classes of pressure flowers.

Individual instantaneous water heaters - non-pressure - are connected to cold water. At the outlet they have a flexible hose with a nozzle or, as an option, a faucet for washing. These devices are good for periods when the hot water supply is turned off or as a solution to the problem of hot water in the country.

Please note that the shut-off valve is only for supply and you can only turn off hot water using it. Connecting shut-off valves at the outlet will sooner or later lead to a rupture of the tank in which the water is heated. This happens when the automatic water shutoff does not work. But it is not intended to track water consumption, but only monitors its appearance/disappearance at the inlet. So sooner or later a failure occurs.

When connecting pressure and non-pressure options, grounding is required. In general, it is advisable to run the power supply to such connections using a separate line - high power consumption, the combination of water and electricity is an unsafe combination. Conventional wiring may not hold up. Therefore, a separate line is needed from the one on which the machine and the RCD are located.

Control type

There are two types of control for instantaneous water heaters:

• Hydraulic. When there is a flow sensor at the input (the first photo in the section), the signal from which turns the heating element on/off. The disadvantage of such a system is that it always turns on at the same power. Some models have several power modes, but they must be changed forcibly each time (by pressing buttons).
• Electronic. The operation is controlled by a microprocessor that monitors the state of the device using several sensors. These systems allow you to maintain the required temperature.

Tankless water heaters with hydraulic controls can only add a certain number of degrees to the water temperature. Exactly what depends on the power of the heating element, but on average it is about 20-25°C. This means that in summer you will get quite warm water at the output - about +40°C, and in winter it will only be slightly warmer than +20°C, since the incoming water is very cold and the device is simply not able to heat the device to higher temperatures.

More powerful models - system ones, with the Sistem prefix - have electronic control and can cope with the task of maintaining the set temperature. Their disadvantage is that they require more power and are expensive. But if you have such an opportunity, the automation will maintain a constant (set by you) temperature at any time of the year. The installation rarely operates at full power, but it is still necessary to pull the power supply line at maximum power and use it to calculate the machine and the RCD.

What are flow heaters made of?

The internal filling can be:

• Made of copper. These models have very good characteristics - they quickly heat the water. Copper has high thermal conductivity and quickly transfers heat.
• Made from stainless steel. Not a bad option, durable (if the water is not hard).
• Made of plastic. The cheapest and not the most durable. Even though special plastic is used, it is better not to buy such flow tubes.

The choice of instantaneous water heater based on this criterion is obvious. If possible, buy one with a copper “filling,” but stainless steel ones also work well.

Pulling food copper wire cross-section of at least 3.5 mm (with power consumption up to 7 kW) and 4 mm - up to 12 kW. The machine is selected based on the current consumed; the RCD is taken one step higher with a leakage current of 10 mA. With this connection method and properly functioning grounding there will be no problems.

Features of choice

When choosing an instantaneous water heater, you need to focus on several indicators:

All these parameters should be in the description. Having selected several models, you can then, based on reviews, or based on technical characteristics, decide which water heater is better. If we talk about companies, then German and Italian devices are better in quality. With Chinese ones, it depends on your luck, although many companies have moved production to China. And now most of household appliances has dual “citizenship” - usually written - the homeland of the brand and the place of production. Most of this equipment works reliably, as companies value their name and introduce strict control over product quality.

Name	Power	Dimensions	Performance	Amount of points	Control type	Operating pressure	Price
Thermex System 800	8 kW	270*95*170 mm	6 l/min	1-3	hydraulic	0.5-6 Bar	73$
Electrolux Smartfix 2.0 TS (6.5 kW)	6.5 kW	270*135*100 mm	3.7 l/min	1	hydraulic	0.7-6 Bar	45$
AEG RMC 75	7.5 kW	200*106*360 mm		1-3	electronic	0.5-10 BAR	230$
Stiebel Eltron DHM 3	3 kW	190*82*143 mm	3.7 l/min	1-3	hydraulic	6 Bar	290$
Evan B1 - 9.45	9.45 kW	260*190*705 mm	3.83 l/min	1	mechanical	0.49-5.88 Bar	240$
Electrolux NPX 8 Flow Active	8.8 kW	226*88*370 mm	4.2 l/min	1-3	electronic	0.7-6 Bar	220$

Specific models

There are instantaneous water heaters of non-standard format. The most common is a faucet with an instantaneous water heater. This is an interesting option for a summer residence, for example, but it’s difficult to say how things stand with maintainability - there are not very many users of such devices yet and the operating experience is very small.

Which water heater is better: instantaneous or storage?

Deciding which water heater to buy - a boiler (storage) or a flow-through - is, in principle, not difficult. First of all, the limiting factor is the power consumption: for storage water heaters the maximum is 3-4 kW, for instantaneous water heaters it is pointless to take less than 7-8 kW - they can only heat a very small volume of water. Not everyone has the opportunity to install such powerful equipment.

Secondly, you need to look at whether you will use the electric water heater constantly or only periodically. With occasional use, especially in summer period Instantaneous water heaters are convenient, so open type(individual, which are installed next to the sink). For example, this is a great way to heat water to a comfortable temperature if the sun is unable to cope with this task. This is also a way to solve problems in apartments when the hot water supply is turned off for repairs.

For constant and regular use, storage water heaters are more economical and convenient. Modern models They “keep” the temperature for more than a day, so the electricity consumption here will be less rather than more.

Flow-through storage water heaters

This is a combination of the two devices described earlier. They work in two modes. If the water consumption is small, water is supplied from storage tank, if it increases, flow heating is also activated. The equipment is very convenient, but expensive. There aren't many options. This is Stiebel Eltron SHD for 30 liters and 100 liters. Price - $1500-1750.

Bulk water heaters

An excellent solution for a summer cottage or if there is no running water in the house. A tank water heater is a container with a lid in which a heating element is mounted. The container can be made of stainless steel, plastic, ordinary steel coated with enamel. The temperature is regulated by a thermostat. A shower hose is attached to the body.

There are two types of such devices - gravity and with pressure created by a small built-in pump (Alvin EVBO). Gravity-flow tankless water heaters must be hung above your head. You can take a shower, but the water flow will be weak. Models with a pump have more pressure, but the tank capacity must be decent and such a model cannot be called a camping one.

The functions here could be:

Bulk water heaters are a primordial Russian invention and the manufacturers are all Russian. There are similar electric water heaters of the following brands:

• Success;
• Alvin Evbo;
• Aquarius;
• Elbet;
• Mr. Heath Summer Resident;
• Fairy tale.

The devices operate on a 220 V network, the power is about 1-2 kW, the price is from $20 to $100, depending on the functionality and material of the tank. Which water heater is best in this category? Stainless steel with pressure, but these are just the most expensive models.

Such heaters perform one important function - heating the water. It is difficult to overestimate the need for devices for this purpose, because the problem with the availability of hot water is strongly felt in city apartments throughout the summer. It is even more difficult for residents of private houses; they simply do not have a centralized supply of warm water. But modern technologies help solve this problem with just one device, and there is no need to light a fire or heat water on a gas stove.

Today, manufacturers offer many options for water heating equipment; the equipment differs from each other in operating principles and design features. The most popular options are gas and electric water heaters. Experts advise making your choice in favor of electric models, and in areas where there is no gas supply, there is simply no alternative to such water heaters. Among electrical appliances By the way, there is also plenty to choose from; there are both storage and flow models.

Choosing between gas and electric appliances

Now there are problems with the availability of gas only in some villages, but all cities are supplied with this fuel. Therefore, apartment owners are faced with a choice between gas and electricity. The first thing worth mentioning is that the cost of electricity is higher than the cost of gas, so electric flow heaters are less economical than gas ones. But electrical equipment have their own important advantages: they do not need to equip a chimney, which is very convenient, and electrical equipment also works without fire, therefore it is safer.

In general, gas is easily flammable and even explodes, so the use of such fuel is very dangerous. Of course, modern devices are made of better quality, but gas is still not the safest substance. There are also some nuances in the use of electrical equipment; its housing must be sealed so that water does not get inside. Also, to avoid electric shock, it is better to use grounding.

Operating principle

The fact that the device actually heats water is clear, but how exactly does it all work? There is a special heating part in the body - a tube; liquid passes through it and its temperature rises to the required value. The power of such a part can be different; the temperature of the water you get at the outlet depends on this characteristic. The more powerful the device, the warmer the water.

There are models on the market with power from 3 to 27 kW. The numbers don’t say much, so it’s worth saying which device is best used in which case. So, for shower procedures, a 6-8 kW device is quite enough; it can heat the water up to 40 degrees. But in winter period this may not be enough, because the liquid supplied is a little colder, and you will need a device with a power rating of 12-15 kW. If you need not only a shower, but hot water throughout the house, then you need to focus on a water heater power of 15-20 kW. But it is worth considering that the amount of electricity consumption and, accordingly, utility bills depend on the power.

The functions of the heating part can be performed by a heating element or an insulated spiral. The main advantage of the second option is that scale from all kinds of salts does not settle on the element. But the spiral also has disadvantages; it is very afraid air jams and when they occur, it can simply burn out. To eliminate this phenomenon, it is necessary to provide the element with protection against dry running.

Connecting a device is not an easy task, and it is better to entrust it to the experts. You can find specialists in a store that sells such equipment; they know all the features of water heaters and have experience in performing similar works. By the way, the installation process is also quite expensive, because you will have to buy various Consumables, among which there is a cable.

Advantages and disadvantages of instantaneous water heater

Each device has its own positive and negative sides, and electric instantaneous water heaters are no exception. But it’s worth noting right away that the advantages of equipment of this type are much greater than the disadvantages. Unlike storage devices, the owner of a flow-through heater immediately receives water, rather than waiting for it to heat up. Accordingly, electricity is consumed only when the water is turned on, and storage systems Electricity is constantly wasted to maintain the temperature.

The main advantages of a flow-through device for heating water:

• This equipment is very easy to use. The device automatically starts working when the water is turned on, and immediately turns off when the tap is turned on;
• An instantaneous water heater provides the user with an unlimited amount of water. In this case, warm water is supplied very quickly, it can take from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes;
• No flow device required special care and regular maintenance;
• Such devices have small dimensions. The case dimensions are usually around 30 by 15 centimeters. This allows you to install the water heater almost anywhere so that it will be hidden from prying eyes and will not interfere with movement.

  Therefore, flow-through models are used even in small apartments;

• If you need hot water in small quantities, then the flow-through option will work much more economically than storage. Such a device does not require a constant connection to electricity to maintain the water temperature;
• The cost of an instantaneous electric water heater is much less than the cost of storage models;
• During the heating process, water completely retains its qualities, because the equipment does not provide for it. long-term storage in a container. This means that harmful bacteria do not multiply in the liquid, and there is no stagnation of water that adversely affects its quality.

When describing flow-through devices for heating water, it is worth mentioning the disadvantages that may sway you towards choosing storage models. So, the main disadvantages of the devices:

• Typically, such devices are equipped with low capacity, and at the output you will receive water with a temperature of 40 degrees, and this is rather warm than hot water;
• To get really hot liquid, buy the most powerful models, but be prepared for the fact that they will consume electricity much faster;
• Also, a lot of electricity is lost when water is used at high rates, for example, when running a bath, because in this case the device works for a long time. In such situations, you need to act more wisely and save electricity and water, which is not always convenient;

• Flow devices are quite demanding electrical networks, they should only have stable voltage. If your house was built a very long time ago and the quality of the wiring leaves much to be desired, then using a flow-through device will be impossible. There is also no point in buying equipment if there are regular power outages. Sometimes, to install such a device, it is necessary to lay a separate power cable or even obtain special permits;
• It is very difficult for such devices to supply water to several points of intake at once. To avoid such a problem, it is better to buy a pressure version of the device, but it will require constant pressure in the system to pump the liquid and will cost a little more.

If we take into account all the disadvantages of equipment of this type, we can conclude that instantaneous water heaters are better suited for small apartments with low hot water consumption. For a private house in which several families live, there is no point in buying such equipment; it is better to purchase a storage model with an optimal capacity. There is a choice among vertical and horizontal devices. Floor models They will better highlight the interior of the room, but they will constantly mix heated and cold water, and this will further increase the electricity consumption.

Types of instantaneous water heaters

Flow devices, in turn, are divided into two more subtypes:

1. Closed (pressure). This option allows you to simultaneously supply hot water to several points. This means that while one family member is taking a shower, the other can safely wash dishes in the kitchen. True, there are certain conditions; this requires a high pressure in the water supply system. Such equipment can work with conventional mixers, but experts recommend installing two-valve taps; this will eliminate the mixing of hot and cold liquids and will save electricity.

1. Open (non-pressure). Water heaters of this type do not require high blood pressure and connect directly to the water intake point. Open devices have a simpler operating principle and lower price.

Classification of water heaters by type of control

An important characteristic of the devices is their type of control; there are also two options for water heaters:

1. With hydraulic control type. Such control of the water heater will not be as accurate as with the use of electronic equipment, and performance levels can only be adjusted manually using a switch that is installed on the tank (there are 6 stages in total).

1. With electronic control system. Water heaters of this type are equipped with a thermostat that will monitor the temperature of the water and its heating. In such a situation, you will only have to adjust the desired temperature of the liquid. A modern electronic control system makes the use of electric water heaters more comfortable and simpler.

After studying the main characteristics of instantaneous water heaters, you will be able to determine whether you need such equipment or not. Of course, choosing a device is difficult, you will have to spend money on it, and electricity costs will increase, but the constant availability of hot water in the tap completely covers these shortcomings.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the performance of the heating element installed in the device. The fact is that small heating elements must heat water to a temperature of 40 degrees in one minute. During this time, approximately 2-3 liters of water passes through the device. To do this, the minimum power of the device must be 3 kW. True, it is better not to buy the weakest devices, they do their job poorly, the best option would be instantaneous water heater with heating element for 7-10 kW.

When choosing heating equipment, you also need to pay attention to the body of the device. It is usually made from sheet metal. In most cases, a water heating device is installed on a wall, and during use the device is exposed to high temperatures and other environmental factors. For an apartment, it is best to buy a device with protective coating enamel. Such material will not be afraid of working in aggressive conditions; even household chemicals will not damage the surface.

Expensive versions of devices are also equipped with all sorts of protective systems for the heating part, in particular, protection against scale is installed. This function is performed by the anode, which, even when working with hard water, will protect the element for 6-7 years. When this period has passed, a special sensor will light up on the control panel, indicating the need to replace the anode.

Installation and connection

There are many devices on the market that differ in design, functionality and other features, but they all have the following details:

• Device body;
• Heating element (most often a heating element);
• Terminal block;
• Special compressor;
• Equipment switch;
• Fluid temperature control system;
• Protective elements that prevent scale formation.

The procedure for installing and connecting equipment occurs in several stages:

1. Installing a water heater on a load-bearing wall.
2. Connecting the cold water supply system to a special pipe, which is equipped with a tap.
3. Connecting the water heater to the electrical network.

The device must be mounted in such a place that it is convenient to use and maintain later. There is one rule for installation: the water heater must be installed on the wall above the level of an adult’s head. If the device is installed below the water flow rate from central system, then the water heater will simply fill with liquid, overheat and fail. Also, the device must be installed perpendicular to the plane of the floor covering. If the water heater is installed incorrectly, its service life will be very short. To do everything accurately, experts advise marking the wall before installation.

After the instantaneous water heater is mounted on the wall, it must be connected to the water supply system. To do this, a water supply tap is mounted on the pipe. To eliminate leaks that may appear when the water supply system breaks, a pipe supply tap is installed on the device. This element must also be installed on the outlet pipe of the product. After the water supply to the heater is ensured, all that remains is to connect it to a 220 V household network.

Features of operation of instantaneous water heater

Flow-through devices are convenient in that they can supply water in unlimited quantities. To get warm water, just turn on the tap and wait a minute. True, most of these water heaters work with one intake point, so drawing a bath and washing dishes at the same time will not work. It is also worth considering that with high pressure the liquid temperature will not be the highest.

Installation of flow equipment is a very complex and responsible task, because the device has high power, and it is necessary to lay separate electrical wiring for it. Installation that is carried out without taking into account the recommendations can lead to loss of light in the apartment or even in the whole house. Therefore, it is still better to entrust the installation to specialists and familiarize yourself with the nuances of operating the equipment.

In order for the equipment to work for a long time and efficiently, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• To avoid large heat losses, it is better to install the water heater close to the main water intake point;
• IN multi-storey buildings the water from the central system is very hard, in such a situation it is better to purchase special filters, this will extend the life of the heating device and plumbing fixtures;
• It is prohibited to install a instantaneous water heater in rooms where the temperature drops below 0 degrees;
• If the water heater is installed in the bathroom, then this must be done so that no water gets on the surface of the housing;

• If the water pressure in the apartment is weak, you should not set the equipment to maximum temperatures; it may not turn on at all.

The equipment startup procedure also occurs in several stages:

1. First of all, you need to check the fluid level in the tap. If it is normal, then you can start the instantaneous water heater; if the level is low, you will have to wait a little longer.
2. After this, you need to check the water pressure.
3. If the water has not warmed up enough, then set the required temperature on the control panel.
4. After using warm water, you need to close the tap and turn off the water heater.

Most models are equipped with an automatic system, and the first settings are saved; the second time you just need to turn on the tap.

During operation, salt deposits appear inside the device, so experts recommend washing the filters under running water from time to time. If the contamination is too strong, you will have to use special products.

Popular models

Atmor Basic 5

This instantaneous water heater is the most affordable option. Despite the low cost, users do not complain about the quality and efficiency of the device. The heater is equipped with two heating elements of 2 kW and 3 kW, and two keys for adjusting the indicators. With a total power of 5 kW, the device passes up to 3 liters of water per minute. There are special models for the kitchen or shower, and there is also a universal option. Such a device weighs only 2 kilograms and costs 2,500 rubles.

Stiebel Eltron DS 60 E

This model is capable of supplying heated liquid to only one water intake point and is equipped with an electronic control system. Most parts that come into direct contact with water are made from high quality copper. There is a regulator on the front panel that helps you set the water temperature. The weight of the model is a little more than 2 kilograms, and the cost is within 6,500 rubles.

AEG BS 60 E

This version of the device can serve only one water intake point, but is also equipped with electronic control. The temperature of the supplied liquid is controlled by a built-in microprocessor. The heating element is protected by a heat-resistant plastic flask. The weight of the device reaches 2.4 kilograms, and such a water heater costs about 8,500 rubles.

Powerful and versatile Stiebel Eltron SHD 100 S

The design of this water heater has its own characteristics; it can supply water to one or several water intake points at once. When you need a little hot water, the water heater works as a storage heater with a power of 3.5 kW. When the water flow is high, the device operates as a flow-through device with a power rating of 21 kW. The water heater weighs about 40 kilograms, and its purchase will cost 100,000 rubles.

Video

The presence of hot water supply is one of the main and integral attributes comfortable life. Its temporary shutdown can bring a lot of inconvenience to modern citizens. In addition, not all holiday villages and villages are equipped hot water. To eliminate this circumstance, an electric instantaneous water heater (direct-flow, non-pressure) from Electrolux, Ariston, Termex and other manufacturers is often used. Such a boiler operates in automatic mode, the main condition is the presence of a source of water and power supply.

What is an instantaneous water heater

An achievement of modern science and technology - an instantaneous electric water heater that allows you to use hot water for domestic needs all year round, is a small-sized device with a heating element. The latter is a heating element (tubular electric heater) or an open spiral. An open spiral is used in very compact devices in the form of faucet attachments, because... There is simply nowhere to put a heating element there. Heating occurs in a copper flask.

Externally, the device is a relatively small plastic case, which is connected to a source of electricity and a water supply system. There is only one outlet for hot water. Depending on the purpose and performance, such a device can provide water with constant temperature one or more water points. Moreover, some models are equipped with a mechanical control system, others with an electronic one. An undoubted advantage is the ability to regulate power and water heating, especially with an electronically controlled boiler.

How does it work

Having decided to install a structure that would provide the opportunity to use a hot shower in any season of the year, first familiarize yourself with the principle of its operation. An electric running water heater comes into operation when the tap is opened, i.e. the appearance of a stream of water. Next, the water is instantly heated to the optimal temperature, after which it is simply maintained at the same level. There are no storage tanks of different sizes in the boiler.

Due to the fact that a water heater of this type is a high-power electrical appliance, it requires a separate installation electrical wiring. In addition, the device must be grounded. As a protection system against overheating and burns, special devices are used - limiter regulators. In some models, they are triggered when the water heating temperature exceeds 65-70 degrees.

Types of instantaneous water heaters

A flow-through boiler can be either pressure or non-pressure type. The first is otherwise called a water heater closed type- it is connected to the gap water pipe. It has great power and can provide water supply to several water collection points. Connecting a non-pressure (open) water heater is carried out like with simple household appliances, i.e. by diverting a water pipe or flexible hose. Supplies only one point. The advantage is low cost and low power, which will save on energy consumption. Kinds:

• nozzle on kitchen faucet;
• faucet with electric water heating;
• a separate device mounted next to the shower/sink.

Pressure

Regardless of the technical characteristics, any instantaneous water heater, including a budget model, is a completely economical device in terms of water consumption. The fact is that the user, standing in the bathtub or shower stall, does not have to wait long for the water to flow at the required temperature. The pressure device, ideal for kitchens, is always under mains pressure. One of the popular options for such a heater:

• model name: Thermex System 800;
• price: 3330 rubles;
• characteristics: mechanical control, power consumption 8 kW (220 V), dimensions (WxHxD) 270x170x95 mm;
• pros: cheap;
• Cons: poor build quality and materials.

If you are looking for a more powerful device, then take a closer look at one of the Stiebel water heater models:

• Model name: Stiebel Eltron DHC-E 12;
• price: RUB 25,878;
• characteristics: productivity 5 liters of water per minute, mechanical control, power consumption 10 kW (220 V), dimensions (WxHxD) 200x360x104 mm;
• pros: there is an overheating protection system;
• cons: expensive.

Non-pressure

The non-pressure heater has the same principle of operation as the pressure heater, it’s just that a special mixer acts as a safety group. When closed, it shuts off the water at the inlet, and when heated, it discharges excess water. You can find devices from different manufacturers on sale, so be sure to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option you are interested in. Here is one of inexpensive models:

• Model name: Timberk WHE 3.5 XTR H1;
• price: 2354 rub.;
• characteristics: mechanical control, power consumption 3.5 kW (220 V), dimensions (WxHxD) 124x210x82 mm, capacity 2.45 l/min., weight 800 g;
• pros: it is cheap, there is an overheating protection system;
• cons: low performance.

Among other non-pressure heaters, pay attention to this type of device:

• model name: Electrolux NP4 Aquatronic;
• price: 5166 rub.;
• characteristics: power consumption 4 kW (220 V), dimensions (WxHxD) 191x141x85 mm, capacity 2 l/min, weight 1.42 kg;
• pros: acceptable sizes, good value for money.
• cons: low power.

For shower

Purchasing a product such as a instantaneous water heater in St. Petersburg, Moscow or another city in the country is not a problem today; it’s more difficult to decide on suitable option and optimal power. Depending on the build quality and operating conditions, the purchase made can last about 5-7 years. To answer the question of which instantaneous water heater is best to buy for an apartment for showering, check out several popular devices. Compare all parameters, including approximate power consumption. An inexpensive purchase could be:

• Model name: Atmor Basic 5;
• price: RUB 1,778;
• characteristics: mechanical control, power consumption 5 kW (220 V), productivity 3 l/min., set consists of shower head, socket plug, hose;
• advantages: low cost, compactness;
• Cons: short shower hose length.

Another popular and sought-after representative of this category of instantaneous water heaters is:

• model name: Delsot PEVN 5;
• price: 2541 rub.;
• characteristics: power consumption 5 kW (220 V), productivity 3 l/min., set consists of shower head, hose, dimensions (WxHxD) 206x307x65 mm;
• pros: low cost, easy connection;
• cons: does not heat water well.

With mechanical control

Correct the operation of the heater, i.e. You can change the degree of water heating using regulators located on a special panel. The control can be mechanical or electronic. The first is often called hydraulic. A faucet attachment for heating water or a separate standard device with such control is always turned on at maximum power - even if there are several heating modes. It is necessary to change the degree of heating manually, i.e. switching modes after switching on. Here's one option:

• Model name: AEG DDLT 24 PinControl;
• price: RUB 37,100;
• characteristics: power consumption 24 kW (380 V), productivity 12.3 l/min., Maximum temperature water heating +60°C, dimensions (WxHxD) 226x485x93 mm, weight 3.3 kg;
• pros: high power;
• cons: high cost.

Check out another option - the Kospel three-phase electric water heater:

• model name: Kospel KDH 21 Luxus;
• price: RUB 11,354;
• characteristics: power consumption 21 kW (380 V), productivity 10.1 l/min., dimensions (WxHxD) 245x440x120 mm, weight 5.1 kg;
• pros: high power;
• cons: high cost.

Electronically controlled

Instantaneous water heaters equipped with electronic controls have become quite widespread today. They stand out for their high power and higher cost. This is due to the fact that installations of this type have heating elements with multi-stage power control. In addition, these devices have several sensors and a microprocessor that processes data and regulates the operation of the heaters. A striking example serves:

• Model name: Stiebel Eltron HDB-E 12 Si;
• price: RUB 19,285;
• characteristics: power consumption 11 kW (380 V), productivity 5.4 l/min., dimensions (WxHxD) 225x470x117 mm, weight 3.6 kg, there is an overheating protection system;
• pros: good power, pressure;
• cons: high cost.

If some of the characteristics do not suit you, then check out another option:

• Model name: Stiebel Eltron DHC-E 8;
• price: RUB 25,838;
• characteristics: power consumption 6 kW (380 V), productivity 3 l/min., dimensions (WxHxD) 200x362x105 mm, there is an overheating protection system;
• advantages: temperature limitation to 60°C;
• cons: high cost.

How to choose an instantaneous water heater

When choosing, first of all, you need to correctly select the optimal power of the installation. In this case, it is easier to focus on the number of taps that should be simultaneously supplied with hot water. If there are three such points in the living space, then the power of the device should be from 13 kW or more, if there are 2 - in the range of 8-12 kW, and if there is 1 - up to 8 kW. Select control type: hydraulic or electronic. The first one is cheaper, the second one has more power and modern “stuffing”.

Pay attention to the performance of the device, i.e. water consumption. The average value for a shower is 5 l/min, a washbasin and sink with mixer is 2-4 l/min, and a bath with a mixer is 3.5 l/min. When choosing, make sure you match both the power and performance values. This is the only way a instantaneous water heater will provide you with water heated to the desired temperature. Otherwise, you will have to make sure that more than one tap is not opened at the same time.

To ensure that your purchase, regardless of cost and high/low power, turns out to be optimal, do some kind of monitoring of prices, promotions, discounts, sales for this or that electric running water heater with a heating element, compare the characteristics of several models, which can be ordered from the catalog in the online store with delivered by mail or purchased at your local hardware store.

Video

They have such significant advantages over storage ones as compact sizes and instant water heating. But connecting them requires a separate electric cable and a circuit breaker on the shield.

Therefore, the installation of flow-through heaters is limited in apartments of multi-storey buildings of old buildings - here you can install a heater with a power of no more than 3.5 kW.

Calculation of required power

The power of a water heater can be determined by knowing the exact list of purposes for its use. For this You can use the table, which shows the approximate volume of water required for various needs:

Purpose of use		Water flow, (l/min)	Required volume of water, (l) for storage water heater
Hand washing
Kitchen sink
Taking a shower
Taking a bath

The power of an instantaneous electric water heater is calculated using the formula:

P=G*∆t/14.3 where:

• P - heater power, kW;
• G - flow rate (flow), l/min;
• ∆t - required temperature increase, º C; ∆t = T- tin;
• T - desired (required) outlet temperature, º C;
• tin - cold water temperature, º C; (winter) +5º C, (summer) +15º C.

This indicator can be determined by a more simplified method - simply divide in half the power of the water heater you like. The result is a fairly accurate water flow (in l/min) when heating it by 20-30º C. For clarification, here is an example: a 16 kW water heater will provide a water flow of 8 l/min, which is quite enough for taking a shower.

If hot water is needed at several points, not just for the shower, then you need to focus on the capacity of the largest water intake point. If it is necessary to use these points at the same time, then the power of the selected instantaneous water heater must be increased by at least one and a half times.

Based on these calculations, it becomes clear that you can get a lot of hot water at once with a small instantaneous water heater if its performance is at least 8 kW.

This is only possible in new houses and houses with installed electric stoves. More powerful instantaneous electric water heaters (from 12 to 36 kW) are installed in country houses and cottages with specially designed and installed electrical equipment to provide the required electrical power. In this regard, single-phase and three-phase instantaneous water heaters are produced.

Pressure and non-pressure instantaneous water heaters

Flow-type water heaters are also divided into pressure and non-pressure. Pressure electric heaters(they are also called “system”) allow you to use water from any tap installed in the house. They are embedded in hot and cold water pipes. This is convenient during the period when the centralized hot water supply is turned off. Switching on and off of such a water heater occurs automatically; it reacts to the flow of water.

The set of non-pressure flow-through heaters, which are available with power from 3.5 to 8 kW, includes shower and kitchen attachments. They work only at one water intake point. It is convenient to use such heaters in the summer at the dacha.

The cost of non-pressure instantaneous water heaters is low, and in most cases they are all equipped with a kitchen faucet or shower head. And if the water intake points are remote from the water heater, it is profitable to buy them for each water intake point separately - this will significantly save electricity on heating water in the pipes. That is why such water heaters are often purchased for summer cottages.

Since a gravity heater cannot provide a large amount of water, the holes in the shower heads of the heaters are specially made very small to ensure a stronger stream. If the water is very hard, it is necessary to rinse the nozzles more often with a descaling solution, otherwise the holes may become clogged and overheating of the device will be inevitable.
Most non-pressure instantaneous water heaters with low power are structurally designed for use in countries with warm climates, where average annual temperature fluctuations are small.

Therefore, in winter in the middle zone they will be ineffective, since they can heat water to no more than 30º C.

Review of brands and manufacturers. Price comparison

In the market of electric water heaters, instantaneous heaters are represented by the following manufacturers:

1. Electrolux and Timberk (Sweden);
2. AEG, Clage (Germany);
3. Thermex (Italy);
4. Redring (England);
5. Kospel (Poland).

Let's compare the characteristics and prices of some well-known brands

Instantaneous electric water heaters Electrolux

Electrolux produces several series of heaters of varying performance, which are equipped with additional functions.

Swedish brand water heaters equipped with an efficient heating coil element, reliably protected from scale. Expensive models are equipped with a highly intelligent control system.

Brand		power, kWt	Price, rub
MULTYTRONIC	Electronic control, with color and black LCD displays
ELITEC	Electronic control
SENSOMATIC	Touch control
MINIFIX	Hydraulic control

Instantaneous electric water heaters Thermex

The heating element of Thermex devices is equipped with a special ceramic filler, and the flask is made of high quality copper. Water heaters of this class produced by the company - optimal ratio in terms of price and quality.

Brand		power, kWt	Price, rub
STREAM	Gravity, combi
EDISSON	System, 220 V

Instantaneous electric water heaters Kospel
The Polish company produces mainly system models, but also several brands of non-pressure heaters - the STREAM and EPJ series (small with mixing fittings). Components in contact with water are made of high-quality brass and copper. Kospel instantaneous water heaters have a nice design, are modern, and their service is low-cost.

Brand		power, kWt	Price, rub
ERR	High power system
EPVE	System with electronic control and LCD display
EPPV	System with electronic power control
EPV	System with hydraulic power control

Let's sum it up

Having decided on the power of the electric heater, before ordering in an online store or going to a specialized store, it will be useful to:

1. Check with your service provider about network capabilities., to which the house is connected, and what additional electrical equipment will be needed to connect the selected instantaneous electric heater.
2. Determine the complexity of installing the device and understand whether it is possible to cope with it yourself or whether it is necessary to invite specialist electricians and plumbers, find out the cost installation work and installation.
3. Before choosing an electric instantaneous water heater It’s worth asking about warranties, availability of replacement parts, and their cost. and find out where the service centers closest to your home are located.

This will help save time, effort and money.

To consolidate the information received, I suggest watching the video:

Why is there a water heater in the apartment? Perhaps this question did not torment those who travel to distant countries during the traditional summer hot water outages. But the majority of residents of our country who managed to purchase a heater managed to appreciate the benefits of a hot shower at any time of the year and day.

To do this, it’s not enough to go to the store and compare prices. It is worth knowing that the devices operate on gas and electricity, differ in volume, performance, type of installation and position, material and many other parameters. IN modern apartments rarely used gas water heaters, especially large volumes. Therefore, let us dwell in detail on the popular electric models, identifying the best options for various conditions. "How does it happen? , You can read in our article.”

Flow devices are compact and inexpensive. This heater fits perfectly in a cabinet under the kitchen sink and does not take up much space on the bathroom wall. Installation takes minimal time. With this “helper” you won’t have to wash dishes and hands in cold water. The jet, passing through the heating element, has an output temperature of 35-40 degrees, sufficient for a comfortable shower.

But along with all the advantages of these silent units, there is significant drawback– high energy consumption. Therefore, flow-through models are more suitable for economical seasonal use during periods when hot water is turned off and for apartments in which, for various reasons, cold water runs out of the hot water tap at night.

Note! If the wiring in your apartment has not changed since Soviet Union, it is better to refrain from purchasing a instantaneous water heater or make complete replacement electrical cables.

Instantaneous water heaters are produced in two versions - single- and three-phase. The models also differ in the principle of operation - pressure and non-pressure.

1. Single-phase devices are more popular, the power is usually from 4 to 8 kW, less often 12 kW.
2. Three-phase The equipment is considered professional, costs several times more and is rarely installed in apartments. Such water heaters differ from single-phase ones not only in power, design, functionality, but also in the ability to simultaneously service several water points.

Pressure

Pressure water heaters flow type are very simple and do not require special care/maintenance. They heat the stream of water almost instantly, starting to work as soon as the tap opens. Such products are installed directly into the water riser.

Popular manufacturers of quality water heaters:StiebelEltron,Vaillant,Siemens,AEG,Unitherm,Clage, Timberk.

Video - Review of Timberk Watermaster instantaneous water heaters

Gravity

Non-pressure instantaneous water heaters are installed next to the water source and can be equipped with a shower and spout. The big advantage of a pressureless tank is mobility. Such a device can be quickly installed if necessary and removed when the need for hot water supply disappears. But it is worth knowing that non-pressure water heaters have very low power. Those. the output of heated water will be no more than 1-3 liters per second, or the water will not warm up enough. Another drawback lies in the design - over time, the heat transfer of the heating element may decrease.

To take a shower comfortably, you should purchase a heater with a power of 8 kW or more, but such devices require high-quality wiring and mandatory grounding.

Instructions for Atmor Basic 5 kW

Video - Features of choosing instantaneous water heaters

A little about performance

Productivity as the number of heated volumes of water per unit of time is always indicated by manufacturers. However, for models of a low price category this figure may be underestimated, because the incoming water t = 20°C is taken into account, while in Russian apartments the flow temperature in the pipes rarely rises above 15 degrees. Large companies, on the contrary, underestimate the performance indicator, taking into account the minimum temperature of the incoming water (only 10°C).

Therefore, it is worth purchasing high-quality products from well-known brands, avoiding shelves with cheap products, even if the latter have fabulous performance indicators in the description.

Flow-storage water heaters for apartments

Flow-storage devices are perfect for use in apartments. Water heaters are connected to a regular shower hose And standard socket 220 V. Even a housewife can handle the installation. The power of compact water heaters is small (about 2.5 kW), but in just half an hour a sufficient amount of heated water will accumulate in the tank, which is enough to take a shower.

Popular manufacturers:"Etalon" and "Termex".

Price range: 5-7 thousand rubles.

Table. Characteristics of ETALON MK 15 Combi

Storage water heaters or boilers - devices that not only heat, but also maintain the temperature of water for a long time. You can use heated water even if the heater is unplugged. One water heater is enough to service all the plumbing. appliances in the apartment.

Boilers are much more convenient to use than flow-through devices, but they take up more space and installation is a lot important nuances. Such a device cannot be simply removed from the wall and hidden in a closet when needed. alternative source hot water will disappear.

How to choose tank volume

The tank volume acceptable for an apartment ranges from 50 to 100 liters. This supply of water is enough for a family of two to four adults and small child. If periods of hot water shutdown are short-term and you plan to use hot water only for domestic needs, it is worth installing a more compact 30-liter boiler.

To calculate the approximate daily volume of water consumed, it is best to check the readings of water meters, checking the readings at intervals of 24 hours. Approximate volume required water for 1 day for 1 person is 230-300 liters. Since the water in the boiler is heated to 75-85 degrees, after which it is diluted with a cold stream, the output is 2 times more warm water than was heated by the device. Based on this, it will be enough for one user to turn on a 50-liter heater twice a day to provide himself with warm water for the whole day.

Consumer	Cumulative		Flow-through
	Capacity	Popular models	Performance	Popular models
2 adults	30 liters	ELECTROLUX EWH 30 Centurio Digital H (2000 W, horizontal, RUB 10,600). ELECTROLUX EWH 30 Quantum Slim (1500 W, vertical, 5100 rub.). TIMBERK SWH FSM5 30 V (2000 W, vertical, 12,000 rub.).	3-4 liters per minute	AEG MP 6 (RUB 16,500, 6 kW).
2 adults + 1 child	30-50 liters	THERMEX FLAT DIAMOND TOUCH ID 50 V (1300 W, vertical, RUB 12,500). TIMBERK SWH FSM5 50 V (2000 W, vertical, RUB 14,100).	4 liters per minute	Stiebel Eltron DHC 8 (RUB 18,300, 8 kW).
4 adults	50-80 liters	GORENJE OTG80SLSIMBB6 (2000 W, vertical, RUB 13,100). BAXI SV 580 (vertical, 1200 W, 7300 rub.).	5 liters per minute	Stiebel Eltron DHF 12 C1 (12 kW, 27900).
5-6 adults	100-120 liters	ARISTON ABS PRO R 100 V (1500 W, vertical, 7000 rub.). THERMEX FLAT DIAMOND TOUCH ID 100 V (RUB 18,400, vertical, 1300 W).	7 liters per minute	Stiebel Eltron DHF 21 C (21 kW, RUB 25,900).

Mounting method

Boilers are mounted on the wall in a vertical or horizontal position, installed in niches, under kitchen sinks or on the floor. The latter type of installation is typical only for large-sized models with a volume of 150 liters and above. Horizontal boilers are more convenient and compact, but are more expensive than vertical ones.

The hidden location of the heater under the sink is very convenient, but most often boilers are hung on the wall in the toilet or bathroom, next to the water supply. This is due to the design of devices that differ in the type of liner (upper or lower).

Tank

Boiler tanks are made of steel (including stainless steel), less often - copper (very expensive devices), as well as with coatings of bioglass porcelain, glass ceramics, enamel, titanium enamel. A new product is a coating with silver ions AG+ from the Ariston company, which not only protects the metal from corrosion, but also has a pronounced antibacterial effect.

When purchasing a tank, it is important to pay attention to the quality of its thermal insulation. Best materials– polyurethane and polyurethane foam. The thicker the insulation (optimally 35 mm), the longer water will remain hot in the tank, the less electricity will be consumed. The low weight of a volumetric device will indicate low quality thermal insulation. Such models are cheap and suitable for rare short-term use in cases of seasonal or emergency power outages. energy.

The low weight of the device will additionally indicate the unsatisfactory quality (small thickness) of the internal tank. Thin layer the enamel will quickly crack. When choosing, you should compare several models of the same displacement, pay attention to their weight and make sure that better-quality products weigh > 10% more.

Heating element and its power

A heating element is a heating element that is made of carbon or alloy steel, copper, etc. Heating elements can be dry (built into a sealed flask) or wet (in contact with water, heating it). The heating element must have space for attaching the magnesium anode.

Straight heating elements are often installed in vertical boilers, while long curved ones are installed in horizontal ones. It is better to choose a heating element with the longest length. Because short heating element is different high temperature surface heating and rapid scale formation.

Fastening is carried out either with a ¼ nut or a flange (diameter 42-72 mm, M4, 5, 6 or 8 thread).

Conclusion: for installation in an apartment, it is better to choose a water heater with a 2 kW heating element, large area surfaces made of copper or “dry” (with a steatite flask).

Service

Boilers require periodic maintenance:

• cleaning the internal tank and heating elements from scale;
• replacing the magnesium anode.

Depending on the water quality, maintenance is recommended once every 1-2 years.

1. Assess your budget and frequency of use of the device. Expensive equipment lasts longer, but there is no need to spend a huge amount on a water heater that will be used 2-3 days a year.
2. Consider where you will install the water heater. Measure the wall with a tape measure and check whether it can support the weight of the device. The dimensions of water heaters are indicated in the instructions. The position and type of wiring are selected based on the free space in the room. Flat horizontal devices are aesthetically pleasing and compact, while vertical cylinder-shaped devices are cheaper. The volume of the water heater should be selected based on the number of users.
3. Please pay attention to all technical specifications. Check the power of the heating element, the material used to make the parts, the thickness of the thermal insulation (for boilers), the type of coating, heating time, etc.
4. The interface should be clear and control should be convenient. The best water heaters are equipped with remote control and have an electronic panel on the body.
5. Buy equipment from well-known brands with a long warranty period. Don't forget to find out about service center, installation and cost of spare parts.

We remind you that the water heater is purchased at long years. Take your time with the choice, compare prices and water heaters.

Video - Choosing a water heater