The boiler is not able to heat the required amount hot water Or is it always needed immediately? Is the only reliable and affordable source of energy - 220 or 380 V? There is no desire, opportunity, conditions for the installation of bulky equipment? Don't know how to choose flow electric water heater? The information in the article will give answers to all questions.

Installation of flow heating of water is arranged quite simply. The basis of the engineering solution is the heat transfer zone. It contains a heating element of one type or another.

1. The classic solution is a heating element, inside of which there is a wire spiral.
2. A more modern heater is tubular. This is a moisture-proof inductor that has good efficiency and heats up to high temperatures.
3. The most technologically advanced solution is the system induction heating. It consists of an electromagnetic coil and a core, which is heated by Foucault currents.

To allow the temperature of the liquid passing through the instrument's circuit to be adjusted by the user, heater manufacturers offer a range of control circuits. Among them, there are necessarily security systems. They prevent the heating of water to a boiling point or above a predetermined maximum value, operation in the mode idle move, short circuits and other emergencies.

The flow heater has an impressive list of advantages. They make it a very convenient product for quickly, within seconds, getting hot water. For example, future owners are attracted to:

• compact size;
• no special installation requirements;
• the ability to work with any flow of water;
• clear adjustment mechanics;
• equipment that allows you to immediately select a model that meets your needs.

But the instantaneous electric water heater also has disadvantages that can create problems in the average apartment or house. For example:

• a powerful device, having a consumption of 7 kW or more, will easily overload weak wiring;
• the number of liters of water that the unit is able to heat per minute to a comfortable temperature may not be enough to meet the needs of the family;
• an incorrectly selected type of water heater can be used inefficiently.

An accurate assessment of all parameters will allow you to choose flow heater for a house, cottage or apartment, the characteristics of which will be very attractive. Let us dwell in more detail on those features of the device that should be considered when buying.

Types of flowing electric heaters

As mentioned above, all flow type devices are built on the same basic circuit. Deciding which is better to buy an electric water heater is, first of all, according to its performance characteristics and design. On the market are:

• appliances wall mounting with vertical body orientation, with bottom piping. They can supply water to a shower through a flexible hose, to a gooseneck or to a water take-off line;
• wall-mounted heaters with lateral supply. They are optimal for location behind a partition or wall. Unregulated models work perfectly: water, when taken in an amount not exceeding the performance indicator of the device, always has an exactly set temperature;
• top-mounted appliances are optimal for the kitchen. They are easy to install under the countertop, inside the furniture set;
• tubular flow heating systems. Their connection is made directly inside engineering systems, installation is carried out directly in the line of the pipe passage. The fluid inlet and outlet are located at the ends of the heater, and the adjustment systems are either not provided or are designed for a single heating mode setting. A separate product segment is compact water heaters manufactured in the format of a stand for a kitchen sink faucet.

The latter type of flow heater may be the best solution if the owners chose it for installation in the apartment. Such a device can be paired with a storage class boiler through a three-way mixing valve. This ensures the constant availability of hot water, the possibility of intensive extraction and constantly comfortable temperature liquids.

What to consider when choosing a device

Let us dwell in more detail on the complex of characteristics of a flowing electric heater, the choice of which will allow you to get a device that does not create trouble and provides a sufficient amount of hot water. Immediately, we note several features that allow you to better evaluate the device.

1. The specified performance of a flow heater is the amount of water that it is capable of delivering in a constant flow at the maximum (indicated in the passport) temperature.
2. Unregulated devices or those equipped with mechanical control systems always have a clear power consumption indicated in the characteristics of the device. At the same time, flow heaters with electronic control spend as much energy as it takes to heat water to a specified temperature.
3. Devices equipped with a shower head are not always suitable for giving. The nozzle has very small holes. It is suitable for washing dishes or hands, but it will be inconvenient if the water heater is placed in the shower.

Devices intended for one point of water sampling are called non-pressure. A safety valve is installed at the inlet, which provides an internal fluid pressure of 1 atmosphere. Such a water heater cannot supply water more strongly than its design allows, even if it whips from a “cold” tap with an intense stream.

Devices designed for several water sampling points are capable of withstanding pressures up to 10 atmospheres. They can be installed directly at the entrance to the apartment and pick up a performance sufficient for all household needs.

Choosing an electric instantaneous water heater by power

Before going to the store, you should consult with electricians. The calculation of the average wiring in a modern house is based on the ability to connect several powerful consumers. This is a washing machine, oven, electric grill. Therefore, a small flow heater with a power of 4-6 kW can be safely used if it is turned on for a short time (up to half an hour).

If the house is old, the wiring is weak, it is recommended to make a separate input to the apartment, from which it will be powered instantaneous water heater. Ideal Solution- lead to the shield of the bus flat directly from the basement or from the central distribution point. In this case, one more problem can be solved: to provide a neutral wire, which is in modern houses, is necessary to connect the device, but is not available in old buildings.

It is recommended to make a separate entry in any case. However, realizing that no one will do serious repairs with wall chasing or opening wire laying channels without special need, it is worth carefully evaluating the capabilities of existing wiring and choosing a water heater that can work in existing conditions without accidents.

Selection by water consumption

As mentioned above, the nominal performance is indicated in the passport for the heater. The flow of water given out by the device is always diluted. Therefore, if 3 liters of selection per minute with a temperature of 55 degrees are declared, such indicators are enough for a comfortable shower.

The second factor to take into account is the difference in instrument performance over the seasons. The water in the supply pipe varies in temperature. In summer it is warmer, in winter it is very cold. For example, in summer, a water heater with a power of 8 kW will provide a selection of 3.1 liters of water with a temperature of 55 degrees (18 at the inlet). And in winter, when water is supplied at 6 degrees, the output will only be 2.3 liters of hot liquid.

To successfully choose a device, you should focus on its class and the declared performance indicators. For example, for a non-pressure device that is mounted at one sampling point (kitchen sink, bathroom, shower), a capacity of 3-4 liters will be enough (less if there is no habit of taking a shower with a good flow of water).

For a pressurized water heater with several sampling points, a minimum figure of 3 liters per minute for one consumer is taken. Each subsequent tap should add 1.5-2 liters to the recommended performance of the device.

Heating element features

The class of the heating element can be a decisive factor in determining which brand to choose a water heater. For example:

• the simplest devices use one or more heating elements. They can be anodized or copper sheathed;
• more advanced devices are equipped with ceramic tubular heaters. They are durable, expensive, efficient;
• the best heaters are glass-protected spiral blocks. They do not require maintenance, slightly change the rate of heat transfer during the formation of scale.

Spiral induction heat exchangers are the most technologically advanced solution. During their operation, very little scale is formed, since the Foucault currents, in addition to heating, cause the vibration of the central core and the current spiral. Some water heaters of the Swedish Electrolux brand are equipped with such heaters.

The material from which the heater is made

The heater housing is the last thing worth evaluating. Each buyer has a personal rating. For example:

• practical people will prefer plastic. It is easy to care for him, but over time, scratches, roughness, collecting dirt inevitably appear;
• cases covered with enamel look rational. They are durable, the surface is durable, wear-resistant, looks aesthetically pleasing;
• Anodized body parts look stylish and impressive. However, the coating may wear down to the base over time. Excellent strength indicators for the titanium layer. Such a case is an expensive solution, but it looks extremely attractive;
• all metal, polished, made of of stainless steel or alloy water heaters - the height of perfection in the eyes of some buyers. But there is one factor to consider. On a smooth mirror surface metal stains and other visual imperfections will always be visible. It will require careful, constant care.

Which company is preferred

Knowing how to choose a flowing electric water heater, one cannot but mention the companies that are leading in customer preferences. At one end of the scale are simple, inexpensive, and reliable solutions. As a bright representative, the Polaris brand can be noted. Here are classic, simple heating elements, moderate power consumption, maintainability and availability of spare parts.

At the other end of the scale are products from Electrolux. Here technological innovations are used. For example, induction heating blocks, spirals protected by glass. The price of water heaters is high, but the reliability is even higher, the products will not require maintenance or repair for many years.

Rating of the best instantaneous electric heaters

It's time to get acquainted with the best representatives of the instantaneous water heater market. In order not to repeat the same indicators: electricity consumption, performance, number of sampling points (device type) and others, they are summarized in a table. And the rating will introduce the main features of the devices.

A solution that can be considered universal. The water heater is electronically controlled, you can set the temperature threshold, there is an accelerated heating mode. Setting the desired parameters is done with convenient circular controls. The water heater belongs to the non-pressure class (one sampling point), equipped with a hose with a shower head.

Flow type electric water heater, which is suitable for an apartment where a family of two lives. The performance is enough to take a shower, for domestic needs. The device can withstand up to 10 atmospheres of water supply, can be installed at the entrance of the apartment, is powered by a single-phase 220 V network. Its design is simple, the pipe supply is standard, 0.5 inches, so even installing it yourself will not cause any difficulties.

Representative of simple, reliable solutions for small apartment or at home. With good performance for its power, the water heater offers a simple circuit setting modes with the push of a button. Installed at the entrance to the apartment, it is able to provide water analysis at several points. The convenient shape of the body allows you to install it in the bathroom, and the equipment (hose and shower head) allows you to use the device to create comfort in the country.

Representative of the market segment of the most reliable and unpretentious devices. This water heater is made in an enameled case, equipped with copper heating elements, comes with its own inlet water filter, offers one-button operation mode setting. Designed for one point of consumption (non-pressure class), this appliance will be very effective in the kitchen or in the bathroom. For installation in the bathroom, the manufacturer offers a goose faucet that comes with the device.

A product ideal for a private home. The device operates from three-phase network, has sufficient performance to provide hot water a family of 3-4 people. It can be installed at the entrance to the house, withstands up to 10 atmospheres of water pressure and offers an accelerated mode of water heating. The temperature is controlled by a single regulator on the body.

Compact, designed for use in apartments (inlet water pressure up to 6 atmospheres), this water heater will appeal to many. It is equipped with a regulator that will allow you to balance the water intake and the load on the wiring. This device will be convenient both in the kitchen and in the bathroom, where it can be mounted directly above the bathtub or washbasin. A gander crane is supplied with the device.

An excellent solution for a private house where a large family lives. This reliable unregulated device boasts a whole range of record-breaking performance. First, it is equipped with an induction heating system. Secondly, it has the maximum outlet temperature limit in its class of 60 degrees. Thirdly, it can provide good performance for its power. The device is powered by a three-phase network, can be installed at the water inlet to the house, weighs less than 4 kg.

A good and reliable solution for the bathroom. It has everything that is required from a high-quality non-pressure type instantaneous heater: medium power, sufficient performance for an intensive shower, simple mechanical operation mode switches. The device is completed as if it was specially designed for the bathroom: the manufacturer offers a goose faucet and a flexible hose with a shower head.

A unique device from the Swedish brand was developed for the kitchen. Here, the top eyeliner for mounting the device under the countertop, moderate power consumption and performance sufficient for domestic needs. In this case, the water heater is designed for several consumers. Therefore, it can be placed in such a way as to supply water to the sink and to the bathroom washbasin at the same time.

The device is very reliable. The heating element is a spiral type with a special mechanics of work: it vibrates when voltage is applied. This does not allow scale to settle, as a result, the service life of the device is very high.

Completes the rating handy device for bachelors or a family of two. This water heater will fully satisfy the needs of such a target group. There is everything for universal use. For example, you can install this device for hot water supply to a bathroom or install it at the entrance to an apartment (several consumers are allowed). Reliable copper heating elements ensure durability, and setting the outlet water temperature with a simple movement of the rotary knob is a very convenient option.

As a conclusion

There is a lot of talk about flow heaters, but always one-sidedly. The attitude to this device can be described in one phrase: “don’t like it? You just don't know how to cook it." Whatever modern views flow heaters have not been considered, each will require an integrated approach. It is enough to provide the device with a reliable power source, evaluate the water consumption and choose the appropriate model, and connect it where it will be most effective. And then the purchased heater for many years of work will never make you disappointed in yourself. You just need to go to the store and know what to look for when buying.

Hot water supply is a prerequisite for comfort. Providers of this service do not really care about their consumers, and no one will be surprised by the lack of hot water for two months. Residents apartment buildings it remains to either humbly wait, or take care of the backup heating option on your own. The magazine "Without plumbing" will tell you how to choose a flowing electric or gas water heater in an apartment, and what parameters should be guided by when buying. The given rating of reliability and functionality of devices will help you decide on the best option for you.

Instantaneous electric water heater: how to choose the best

The principle of operation of the device is simple and clear, inside the case there is a tubular or spiral heating element powered by the mains. The supplied water washes it, and warms up to a certain extent. At the outlet, the consumer receives water, the volume and temperature of which directly depends on the power of the device.

Pros and cons: comparison with cumulative models

Direct competitors to flow models are boilers with storage tanks, in which a given volume of water is heated to a specified temperature. Buyers prefer to choose an instantaneous water heater, as it has a number of advantages:

• Compactness. All attempts to make storage tanks flat and less noticeable in the interior, they lose to flow models that take up little space and will not interfere even in a tiny bathroom.
• Unlimited water. Even huge 150-liter tanks can run out, leaving you without hot water at the most inopportune moment. A good instantaneous electric water heater eliminates this risk, because it will work as long as the water will flow.
• Instant action. Hot water appears instantly after switching on. Even modern boilers with a “quick shower” function require a minimum of 30 minutes to heat up.
• Saving electricity. All consumed electricity is spent on the strictly necessary amount of heating, while the drives maintain a constant temperature even when no one uses the water supply.
• Hygiene. The device does not have containers in which water can stagnate during interruptions in use. This means that the risk of bacterial growth and the appearance of an unpleasant odor is eliminated.
• democratic value. When comparing flow and storage models of the same class and manufacturer, the latter always have a higher price.

A tempting prospect is somewhat overshadowed by significant disadvantages, which even the best electric instantaneous water heater is not without:

• Limited heating temperature. An excellent indicator would be 45-50⁰С, although some manufacturers claim heating up to 75⁰С, customer reviews do not confirm this.
• Demanding on the parameters of the electrical network. On sale you can find options with a power of up to 27 kW, but there can be no talk of installing such an energy consumer in an apartment. Residents of apartment buildings have to choose from models with a power of up to 8 kW - the in-house wiring will no longer withstand, and even good counter. The condition of the internal wiring must also be appropriate.
• Expensive for large volumes of water consumption. Powerful devices will accelerate your electricity meter to an unprecedented speed, so if there are a lot of tenants and they are not used to saving water, then the electricity bill will unpleasantly surprise you.
• Low performance. No matter how good an instantaneous water heater you buy, it will not be able to simultaneously provide normal water pressure under a rain shower, in a kitchen sink and washbasin.
• Dependence on the temperature of the supplied water. On average, they provide heating by 30-35⁰С from the original one. In the summer, when the water in the system is not icy, this is more than enough, but in winter or when icy water is supplied from a well, the owners may be in for an unpleasant surprise in the form of a barely warm shower.

note

Some models have a limit on the inlet water temperature, and if it is below 16⁰, they simply do not turn on. Only a good instantaneous water heater can be equipped with this option, so be sure to read the device's datasheet to clarify this point.

Despite the abundance of minuses, flowers remain the best backup option for hot water supply, especially for small apartments.

Selection criteria: where to look and what to buy

You should go shopping armed with knowledge and having a clear idea of ​​​​your requirements for the device. The seller will listen to what characteristics of an electric instantaneous water heater are important to you, and will advise which option is better to buy.

Type of device: do you need pressure

Depending on the performance, electrical models are classified into two main groups:

• Non-pressure. The devices are designed to provide one point of water intake, and most often they are immediately equipped with faucet, shower or kitchen faucet nozzles. The devices have low power and are plugged directly into the outlet. The best option for apartments with several risers, where it is impossible to put one water heater at all points.
• Pressure. More powerful models that can withstand water pressure from 3 to 10 bar, so they are cut directly into the pipes of the intra-apartment water supply network. This allows one water heater to provide several points, but use them on full power at the same time still not enough performance. But you will get a shower with normal pressure, and the ability to simultaneously open the tap on the washbasin and kitchen.

control mechanism

The model you choose can be controlled by one of the following mechanisms:

• Hydraulic. A simple option, which is offered in budget lines, and has only 1-2 stages of heating control. The control is carried out by a built-in lever, which, under the pressure of water, switches from the off position. If there are two adjustment steps, then when the water pressure increases, the lever switches to the second position. Such a mechanism has a certain response threshold, and at low pressure, the heating does not turn on.
• Electronic. Advanced system for best models instantaneous water heaters, in which you only need to set the desired water temperature, and smart electronics will do the rest. By setting the heating parameters, you not only save yourself from adjusting the taps, but also save electricity.

Power: how much will be enough

Power calculations are more relevant for private households, where it is possible to connect to a 380V network. Then the buyer is not limited in choice and can buy the best instantaneous water heater, based on their needs. Residents of high-rise buildings have to put up with the fact that for them the maximum limit is 8 kW, and adapt to realities. It does not make sense to use a formula for calculation, it is enough to understand the following:

• A power of 8 kW will be enough to take a normal shower, use the washbasin without any problems and kitchen sink but not at the same time.
• A 6 kW water heater will not give good pressure, so it makes sense to replace the shower head with a smaller one with small holes. The washbasin and kitchen will still be fully supplied with hot water.
• A 4 kW water heater will give you either low pressure or warm water. This is an acceptable option for non-pressure models.

Call an electrician

In any case, for the water heater, you will have to draw a separate line directly from the meter, providing for a sufficient wire cross section.

Rating of instantaneous electric water heaters

When compiling the rating, the functionality of the device, the statistics of service centers and consumer activity were taken into account. Adding to this the feedback from real consumers, we were able to decide which instantaneous water heater is better by arranging them as follows:

1. AEG RMC 75;
2. Timberk WHEL-7OSC;
3. Electrolux NPX 6 Aquatronic Digital.

AEG RMC 75

The model from the eminent brand receives a well-deserved first place due to the following parameters:

• A power of 7.5 kW is almost the upper limit for apartment residents.
• The heating element and bulb are made of copper, which increases productivity.
• Supports pressure up to 10 bar, thanks to which it can be connected to several points of water intake.
• The manufacturer took care of the built-in protection mechanism against overheating and low pressure, providing the product with the title of the best instantaneous water heater.

Timberk WHEL-7OSC

The inexpensive non-pressure model of the European brand is amazingly functional, and has the following undeniable advantages:

• The power of 6.5 kW is more than enough for heating.
• A performance of 4.5 l / min is an excellent indicator. The bath will take a long time, but there will be no problems with the rest.
• The heating temperature is up to 35⁰С from the inlet water. Even in winter you will take a normal temperature shower.

Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital

Reliable and proven water heater, which enjoys well-deserved popularity among consumers due to the following parameters:

• This pressure type model has a power of 5.7 kW.
• The electronic control system makes it possible to regulate the temperature in steps of 1⁰С.
• The heating element is made in the form of a spiral vibrating during operation. This feature prevents the formation of scale.

Flowing gas water heaters: how to choose

If the house does not have a centralized water supply, the choice of heating devices expands, since it probably has a chimney, and residents can install gas instantaneous water heaters.

Advantages: gas vs electricity

This heating option provides consumers with the following advantages:

• Profitability. Gas energy is cheaper, and payments at the end of the month will not be so frightening.
• Undemanding to water quality and longer service life.
• High performance - over 10 l / min, due to which barely warm shower you are no longer afraid.

There are no arguments in favor of an electric water heater with the possibility of installing a gas one, so if you live in such a house, consider yourself lucky.

Rating of gas models of instantaneous water heaters

All well-known brands offer such products, so you are not limited in your choice. For convenience, we have compiled a rating based on the characteristics of models and customer reviews, since it is difficult to choose a gas instantaneous water heater in terms of quality without taking into account the opinion of people who actually used it.

1. ZANUSSI GWH 10 Fonte;
2. Ariston FAST EVO ONT B 11;
3. Bosch WR 10-2R.

ZANUSSI GWH 10 Fonte

An excellent model fell in love with buyers for its compact size and stylish design. But she would not have been able to get into first place without the following characteristics:

• Productivity in 10 l/min. Quickly take a bath or take a hydromassage shower will not be a problem.
• Energy independence. Electric ignition is powered by batteries, so even turning off the light will not leave you without hot water.
• Heating water to the maximum temperature takes only 15 seconds.
• The copper heat exchanger is not susceptible to corrosion, significantly extending the life of the heater.

Ariston FAST EVO ONT B 11

A modern water heater with all the necessary options:

• Smart electronics controls the set water temperature and protects the device from overheating.
• The gas control system is an essential element of safe operation.
• The copper heat exchanger increases the intensity of heating, and gives a performance of 11 l / min.

Bosch WR 10-2R

The German brand needs no introduction, as does its gas water heater model. The undeniable advantages were the following parameters:

• Operates at an inlet pressure of 0.1 bar. Weak pressure water is no longer a hindrance to its heating.
• The maximum inlet pressure is 12 bar. The water heater is not afraid of water hammer when the water is turned on and night pressure increases in the system.
• Productivity is 10 l/min at a temperature of 60⁰С. rain shower will operate at a comfortable temperature.

Now you know exactly which instantaneous water heater is better to buy for an apartment, based on your own capabilities and needs. For those who have not yet decided on the type of device, it will be useful, with comparative analysis storage and flow types.

Many homeowners are thinking about how to choose a flowing electric water heater. Such models are smaller in size and practically instant heating water. In contrast, the boiler is a larger installation. With this device, you can avoid the inconvenience of turning off hot water during maintenance work.

What is an electric flow heater?

A flow heater differs from a conventional boiler primarily in the absence of a drive. The water heats up only at the time of use. You can regulate the temperature of water heating by changing the pressure in the right direction. In addition, flow heaters consume less electricity, because they do not spend it on maintaining the temperature. Thanks to its characteristics, instantaneous water heater allows you to save space, energy and time.

The water heater is a box small size, inside which a tubular heating element is placed - a heating element. The water heater works in the following way: water enters the device, and then into the compartment where the heating device is placed. Washing it, the water gradually heats up, and then enters the hot taps.

At the same time, the water temperature cannot be higher than the temperature of the heating device, so scalding hot water will not have to be expected.

Expensive devices have a control panel with various sensors and timers. Inexpensive models are equipped with a thermostat that allows you to set the heating temperature. Some devices do not have a control system - they work only in automatic mode.

To install an electric instantaneous water heater, a wire is required that goes separately from the shield. You also need a switch that can operate in automatic mode. The wire must be of a strictly defined section.

The flow storage requires a sufficiently powerful network to operate. Otherwise, you will have to choose a device whose power does not exceed 8 kW.

Types of flow type heaters

Before choosing a flowing electric water heater, you should find out the varieties of this device. This will determine which heater to choose for use.

The flow type electric water heater can be of the following types:

• pressure;
• non-pressure.

Pressure, or system, can be used in different conditions, i.e. from any tap that is in the house. Pressure water heaters are cut into pipes of hot and cold water. Such devices have only an outlet and an inlet for water. The device is controlled by water pressure. System heaters are convenient to use during planned shutdown water in summer.

Non-pressure are characterized by low power (up to 8 kW) and energy consumption. They work from only one water intake point. Such heaters are suitable for shower or use in the country. Maximum temperature heating - 30°C, which makes them useless for use in winter.

All year round, such water heating devices are used only in warm countries, where temperature fluctuations are not so significant.

The cost of such devices is usually low. The set may include shower heads and faucets. If the water intake point is far from the heater, then it is better to install another one close to it - this will significantly save money.

Heater power calculation and selection criteria

Having decided on the type of device, select the optimal power. To do this, you need a table that indicates all the necessary parameters depending on the type of daily needs: flow rate and volume of water, required temperature, etc. Calculation according to such a table can be difficult, therefore it is recommended to use a simpler method: just look at the heater power in the documents and divide this figure by 2. The result will be a flow rate of water heated to 30 degrees.

For clarity, you can use an example. If the power of the flowing heater you like is 16 kW, then the water flow will be 16/2, that is, 8 m / min. That is, for the soul, this value is sufficient. Thus, a lot of hot water can be obtained only if the indicator is more than 8kW.

If hot water is needed not only for the shower, but also at other points, then when choosing a heater, you need to take into account the indicators in the most powerful of them. If you plan to simultaneously use water at these points, then the heater power must be increased by at least 1.5 times.

Heater Selection Criteria

Before buying a flow heater, you need to decide for what purposes it will be used and where it will be installed.

If you need a water heater for seasonal use in the country, then a device with a power of 3.5 kW will suffice. For permanent use, a heater with a power of 5 kW or more is more suitable, capable of heating even cold water in winter.

When choosing a heater, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the material from which the body is made. The device is constantly exposed to high temperature. The best option- the flowing heater with the enameled case. Such a device will withstand the temperature and exposure to aggressive substances contained in the water.

A copper case is also a good option, because it has a durable case and protection of the heating element from scale. In conditions of work in hard water, such protection will last more than 5 years. A light will signal that it is time to replace the protection. Such devices with a copper case are very expensive.

Tankless Water Heater Manufacturers

Having decided on the parameters, you can proceed to the choice specific model. Instantaneous water heaters are produced by the following manufacturers:

1. Electrolux is a well-known Swedish manufacturer that produces several lines of flow heaters. Instrument performance may vary. All models have a high-quality anti-scale heating element. Models of the high price segment are equipped with an intelligent control system.
2. Kospel. A distinctive feature of the water heaters of the Polish company Kospel is a stylish design, thanks to which the devices always harmoniously fit into the interior. The heating element is made of high quality copper. Kospel manufactures mainly flow type pressure heaters. There are two lines of non-pressure heaters. Service cost is quite low.
3. Thermex. The bulb of the heating element in the heaters of this company is made of high quality copper.

When choosing a brand, it is also necessary to take into account the purpose of the device. If a flow heater is purchased for use in the country, you should take a closer look at the models of the Electrolux or ATMOR brands. Appliances with low power (from 3.5 to 5 kW) will perfectly cope with the heating of water for the kitchen or shower in the country. This does not require major wiring repairs. The cost of heaters of such brands ranges from 1.5 to 2 thousand rubles, but in any case they are available even to buyers with a very limited budget.

The most comfortable models for home

For home use, Thermex appliances are suitable. They are not so expensive, within 7 thousand rubles, they are equipped with a temperature controller. For reliable operation of the heater, it would be advisable to upgrade the wiring.

When choosing a heater for active use throughout the year, you should not choose the cheapest option.

All expensive models have only one requirement - operating conditions. Wiring in the house must withstand at least 20kW. The network is needed at 380 V, so before you connect the water heater, you have to make a serious wiring repair. It is not recommended to mount the heater yourself.

When choosing a flow-type water heater, first of all, you need to find out the capabilities of the power supply and clarify whether additional equipment is needed to install the device.

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Competent choice of instantaneous water heaters

For modern man, who highly appreciates the comfort of life, the problem of providing hot water to his home (if there is no centralized hot water supply in it, annual preventive maintenance of utilities is practiced or there are regular interruptions in the supply of water) is very relevant. In many cases, it can be solved by the purchase and installation of special equipment - a water heater. However, his right choice- one more problem.

Exist Various types heaters classified according to the type of energy source they use (gas, electric), according to the principle of water heating (accumulative, flow), according to power, volume, etc. At the same time, a flowing water heater (the so-called column) is of particular interest to consumers, which does not limit the residents of the house in the amount of liquid used and thereby provides more high level comfort.

Pros and cons of flow devices

The choice by many Russians of flow-through water heating equipment, in which the heating of the liquid is carried out when passing through the water heater, is due to the undoubted advantages of this type of apparatus:

Unlike accumulative devices, when using which heated water inevitably ends after a certain time (depending on the volume of the tank) and cold water begins to flow, an instantaneous water heater provides an unlimited uninterrupted supply of hot water.

Scheme of using the instantaneous water heater: When operating the water heater, it is necessary: ​​close the valve - "2", open the valves - "1", "3", "4"; when the water heater is not in use: close taps - "3", "4", open taps - "1", "2".

A tankless water heater is much smaller than a storage water heater because it does not need a reservoir to store the liquid.

Compared with these significant advantages, the disadvantages of flow heaters do not look so significant:

1. Sufficiently large one-time power consumption.
2. If several points of water intake are connected to the flow device at once (for example, taps in the bathroom and in the kitchen), then the water temperature will depend on the number of simultaneously operating points. Thus, if both taps are used at the same time, residents will either have to be content with less heated water, or increase the capacity of the water heater.

In general, it should be noted that the choice of a water heater should be based on an analysis of the following factors:

• to which communications there is the possibility of a more convenient and economical connection: to an electrical network or a gas pipeline;
• what space does the living room have for installing a water heater (if there is free space, it is possible to use a large storage device, if there is a shortage of them, a compact flow heater is needed);
• Is it possible to use more power indoors.

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Features of electric instantaneous water heaters

The electric instantaneous heater produces water heating with constant use of electricity. The principle of its operation is as follows: inside a small special chamber a thermal element is located - a tubular electric heater, or a heating element, which is a metal (most often copper) tube filled with a special heat-conducting electrical insulator and equipped with a conductive thread in the center.

The latter is made of nichrome and has a certain resistance, which allows you to transfer the required specific power to the surface of the heater. When the device is connected to the network, the heating element heats up and transmits thermal energy fluid passing through the water heater.

As noted above, the main advantage of this type of heaters is their compact size. In addition, they are environmentally friendly. The main disadvantage is that they require a lot of power (6-27 kW), respectively, special electrical equipment in the room (devices more powerful than 5 kW are not even supplied with a cord and plug so that users do not plug such a water heater into a household electrical outlet).

The choice of heaters of this type mainly depends on their performance, which is determined by 2 factors:

• incoming water temperature;
• the power of the device itself.

Most heaters of this type are equipped with a system automatic start at the start of the drawdown. The flow device is quite capricious: it needs a strong and constant pressure of water, which is associated with the peculiarities of its device. In case of insufficient pressure, there is a high risk that the heating element will burn out, and the manufacturer will rightfully refuse the buyer in warranty repairs.

Therefore, experts strongly do not recommend installing flow devices in country houses, not connected to the centralized water supply system, and on the upper floors of urban buildings located in areas of long-standing development, where water pressure is usually unstable. This problem can be solved in them by installing pressure-boosting pumps that are mounted in the supply line.

Optimal comfortable conditions are created when using a water heater whose power exceeds 5 kW. When choosing equipment, you need to remember that there are devices for both single-phase (no more than 12 kW) and 3-phase networks (from 12 to 36 kW). For a correct comparison of speakers from different manufacturers, it is advisable to pay attention to what power appears in the description of the device - consumed or useful. These 2 quantities are interconnected by the efficiency of the apparatus (coefficient of performance). It is recommended to compare equipment by useful power, which is provided at the outlet of the dispenser.

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What else to consider when choosing an electric heater

Flowing electric heaters are divided into 2 large groups:

1. System (pressure), with a capacity of 4.5 kW and above. In such models, only the inlet and outlet for the liquid are provided. They cut into hot and cold water pipes for wiring to the entire living space. This is very convenient, because during periods when hot water is turned off, it becomes possible not only to take a shower, but also to use hot water from any tap in the apartment. Such a water heater turns on and off automatically when the water is started and the tap is turned off, respectively.
2. Non-pressure with a power of 3.5 to 8 kW, equipped with its own kitchen or shower head, which is included in the device. Such water heaters work exclusively at one point of water intake and are most often used in the country. For devices of this type, it is impossible to use other fittings than the one that was sold complete with a heater.

Small flow heaters with a power of 3-6 kW, equipped with shower heads, experts recommend using only in the summer. In winter, consumers often complain that the water heater, which worked perfectly in the summer, now suddenly stops heating water normally. And the reason is that in summer the temperature of unheated water was about +18°С.

And a small water heater with a capacity of 3.5 kW with a delta of 25 ° C, giving 3 liters per minute, easily warmed the water to a comfortable 40 ° C for washing. And in winter, the incoming water is much colder (average 5°C). And it turns out: 5 ° С + 25 ° С = 30 ° С. Under water of this temperature, a person naturally feels uncomfortable.

And the equipment itself has nothing to do with it, nothing has broken in it, it functions as usual. It’s just that small flow heaters were developed for warm countries (mainly Africa, Asia, Latin America), where there are no large differences between winter and summer temperatures, and incoming water all year round about +15°С.

Given the low cost of such equipment, its compact size and configuration features, it is reasonable to buy a small flow heater for each water intake point separately. This ensures energy savings in heating water in the pipes leading it to the water intake points, if the taps are significantly removed from the heater.

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Geysers

All instantaneous gas water heaters have the same design, the main elements of which are a burner used to heat water, and automation that provides safe work. The main indicator characterizing geysers, is the power (as for electrical appliances).

The higher the capacity of the unit, the greater productivity he possesses. For example, when heating cold water from 10 ° C to 35 ° C, a 17.4 kW gas water heater is able to provide 10 liters of hot liquid per minute, and a column with a capacity of 27.8 kW, under similar conditions, allows you to get 16 liters of heated water in a minute. In more detail, the dependence of the heating rate and volume of water on the power of the column is given in the following table:

In this regard, gas columns are divided into 3 groups:

• low power (17-19 kW);
• medium power (22-24 kW);
• high power (28-30 kW).