Why is there a water heater in the apartment? Perhaps this question did not torment those who, during the period of traditional summer blackouts hot water supply travels to distant countries. 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 Gas water heaters, especially large ones, are rarely used. Therefore, let us dwell in detail on the popular electric models, defining 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 blackout periods hot water and for apartments in which various reasons At night, cold water runs out of the hot tap.

Note! If the wiring in your apartment has not changed since the times of the Soviet Union, it is better to refrain from purchasing an instantaneous water heater or completely replace the 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 water stream 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 near 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's 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 a standard 220 V socket. 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 a 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, what 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 food for the whole day warm water.

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. A thin layer of 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. Pay attention to everything 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 equipped 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 a water heater is purchased for many years. Take your time with the choice, compare prices and water heaters.

Video - Choosing a water heater

Difficulties in supplying hot water to apartment buildings in the summer, unfortunately, not uncommon. Scheduled repairs, which utility services are so generous with, take a long time and are not always effective. What to do? I don’t want to give up my usual comfort. In this regard, experts advise installing an electric instantaneous water heater - we will look at which one is better to buy in this article.

Advantages of flow devices:

• Fast water heating.
• Compactness.
• Light weight (easy to mount on the wall).
• Ease of Management.
• There is no need for draining and cleaning procedures.
• There is no inconvenience associated with running out of hot water and having to wait for it to heat up again.

Important! This is a great option for those who use heated water irregularly. For example, if you spend most of the day at work.

Are there any disadvantages?

• With regular and significant consumption of hot water, it costs a significant amount.
• If you are using a powerful device, then a thick cable is required. And if you often have power surges, it is better to purchase.
• A device with low power does not provide sufficient heating of water, especially in winter.

Important! Instantaneous water heaters with significant power are not even equipped with a cord and plug, so that the owner does not think of using a regular outlet.

Classification

All water heating devices are divided into 4 groups.

• Cumulative. The water in the tank is heated.
• Flow-through. The water that passes through the device is heated.
• Mixed. Can be used in both operating modes.
• Liquid.

Important! Externally, all water heating devices are similar. They have a rectangular or cylindrical shape, and it is possible to regulate the water temperature. A special feature of storage equipment is its impressive size. Especially if the boiler is designed for a large volume of water. Instantaneous water heaters are more compact.

But before choosing water heaters - storage or instantaneous, you need to know all their pros and cons, and study all the technical characteristics in detail.

Features of instantaneous water heater:

• Compared to a storage device, the dimensions of a flow-through water heating device are more modest.
• In appearance, the equipment resembles a small box that is mounted on the wall.
• Inside there is a tank with a heating element small size. To quickly heat running water, heating elements are made in the form of a spiral.
• An important design element is a flow sensor, which monitors the appearance of water in the device and sends a signal to turn on the heating device.
• Instantaneous water heaters are also equipped with temperature regulators.

Important! Due to poor water quality, scale forms inside the water heater, which has a detrimental effect on the equipment. The use of filters will extend the life of the water heater. In our article you will find information about which ones.

Pressure and non-pressure instantaneous water heater: connection features

There are instantaneous electric water heaters of system and individual types. The system device (also called a pressure device) cuts into the water risers. Such a heater can serve several points at once:

• Wash basin.
• Sink in the kitchen.

Important! Low-power pressure units, designed for 8-9 kW, are capable of heating a small amount of water. More powerful devices (up to 32 kW) are designed for a voltage of 380 V (three-phase).

Individual heaters are connected to cold water. They are equipped at the outlet with a flexible hose with a nozzle or tap for washing. This is a good option for a summer cottage or as a temporary measure during a hot water supply outage. Follow the link with instructions for.

Types of control

Control of flow-type heaters can be:

• Hydraulic. At the input of the device there is a flow sensor that sends a signal to turn the heating element on and off. The disadvantage of such a system is that it switches on at one power. There are devices with power control (push-button switching).
• Electronic. The operation of the device is controlled by a microprocessor. The state of the device is monitored by several sensors that maintain the set temperature.

Important! A hydraulically controlled instantaneous water heater heats the water rather weakly. The temperature increase is 20-25 degrees. This means that in summer you get water coming out with a temperature of about 40 degrees, and in winter the temperature of the water that passes through the device will be slightly above 20 degrees, since the temperature of the incoming water is very low.

Models with higher power are system-based, have electronic control and successfully cope with the task of maintaining the set temperature. The disadvantages of these water heaters include:

• Relatively high cost.
• High power consumption.

But if you have acquired such an installation, you will be able to use water at the temperature you set at any time of the year.

Which water heater to choose for an apartment: manufacturing materials

The internal filling of flow-through heaters can be:

• Copper. Copper heaters, due to the excellent thermal conductivity of the metal, quickly heat water.
• Steel. This is a reliable and fairly durable option if the water is not too hard.
• Plastic. This is the most a budget option with a short working life. Despite the fact that durable types of plastic are used for manufacturing, buying such a flow machine is a rather dubious matter.

Important! A copper wire is used to power the device. The wire cross-section is:

• For power consumption up to 7 kW - at least 3.5 mm.
• For power consumption up to 12 kW - 4 mm.

With the correct choice of power wire and good grounding, the device will operate stably.

Criterias of choice

When choosing an instantaneous electric water heater, to understand which one is better to buy, pay attention to the following indicators:

• Variability of working pressure - minimum and maximum values.
• Amount of power consumption.
• Material for making the tank and heating element.
• Degree of protection (possibility of location near the tap and shower).
• What kind of water can the device work with?
• Water heating level for 1 minute.

All these values ​​are given in the technical specifications for the device.

Important! It is also useful to look at reviews for a particular model. If we talk about the country of origin, the leaders in quality are German and Italian companies. Chinese products are “depending on your luck,” but the percentage of quality goods here is not small, since many European companies are moving their production to China. In this case, the label indicates the original homeland of the brand and the place of assembly. Most of this equipment works well, since reputable companies value their reputation and strictly control the quality of their products.

Review of popular brands

These are the most common models with an optimal balance of quality, functionality and cost. The above rating will help you choose the best instantaneous water heater for your apartment.

Timberk WHEL-7 OC

Electric instantaneous water heater, affordable, reliable and efficient:

• Power consumption - 6.5 kW (there is a three-stage regulator with which you can reduce the power).
• Productivity - 4.5 l/min.
• There is a temperature controller, a reusable water filter, and automatic switching on and off of the device.
• The body is made of plastic.

According to customer reviews, the main advantages of the water heater are:

• Fast water heating, even at medium power settings.
• Stable work.
• Compact sizes.
• Easy to install.

Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital

Compact, powerful instantaneous water heater with stylish design:

• The device is equipped with an LCD display, which displays the operating parameters of the device.
• Power consumption - 5.7 kW, productivity 2.8 l/min.
• The heating element is made of high-quality steel alloy.
• When water passes through, vibration is created, which prevents scale from forming on the heating element.
• There is protection against overheating of the device, as well as a water flow intensity controller.

The advantages of this model include:

• Beautiful design.
• Compactness.
• Stable work, long working life.

AEG RMC 75

Practical, easy to use and connect device:

• Power consumption is 7.5 kW.
• Productivity - 4-5 l/min.
• The heating element is made of copper.
• There is protection against water ingress and overheating. Can be used for multiple water intake points.

According to consumer reviews, the advantages of water heating device the following:

• Compact (the model takes up very little space).
• Efficient water heating.
• Durability.
• Good build.

How to choose a water heater for an apartment? There are two main types: storage and flow. You should choose according to the principle of operation, and also based on the number of people in the family. It is worth considering both the location and how large the tank will fit in your room. Below we will answer all the questions that concern the buyer when choosing a heater.

Everyone has their own understanding of the word “best”: this includes design, capacity, technical characteristics, cost, durability. For apartment residents, the issue of hot water becomes acute in the summer, so a boiler is needed a couple of times a year.

It’s worth starting from the heating system: there are gas and electric water heaters. Gas is a cheaper type of fuel, so it is more rational to use it. However, connecting the equipment is complex and requires the installation of a boiler pipe.

Electrical equipment is connected to a power source. If you want, you can turn off the device at night, saving resources. You can install it in a private house where there is no gas pipe.

Which water heater is better to buy: instantaneous or storage? Let us consider separately their advantages, as well as the most popular models.

Storage boiler

This device is a tank where water accumulates. The case is equipped with thermal protection, which allows you to maintain temperature and save energy. Compared to flow-through, storage consumes less electricity due to its operating principle (only 1.5-2 kW).

It is enough to connect the boiler to a regular outlet to use hot water every day. When the set temperature is reached, the heater turns off and then turns on periodically.

The downside may be that the tank volume is too large for your home. It should be calculated according to the purpose and number of people. For example:

• A volume of 40 liters is enough for washing dishes in the kitchen or for one person to take a shower.
• For the kitchen and shower, two users will need a capacity of 80 liters or more.
• A 100 liter boiler is suitable for three people.
• Four people - from 120 liters.

See the table and choose the volume wisely:

One of the disadvantages is the wait for heating. The device also requires constant maintenance by a master or user. It is necessary to check the safety of the magnesium anode, which protects the tank from corrosion. How to clean a water heater, read the previous article.

In addition, the cost of storage equipment is higher than flow-through.

Which heating element should you prefer?

For heating, a heating element is installed in the storage boiler. It comes in dry and wet types.

• Dry (closed). The element is enclosed in a flask, so it does not come into contact with the liquid.
• Wet (open). Submerged in water.

The closed type consists of a flask. It is made of steatite or magnesium silicate. The element heats the shell, and it transfers heat to the environment.

Advantages:

• Increased service life. The element does not come into contact with liquid, so it is not afraid of scale and corrosion.
• The possibility of current leakage and breakdown on the housing is eliminated.
• Low energy consumption.
• Easy replacement.

An open (wet) element has its advantages:

• High heating rate.
• Affordable price.
• Inexpensive service.

Types of storage heater

Devices also come in two types: open and closed.

Open or free-flowing are installed only on one point. For example, a sink in the kitchen or a shower in the bathroom. The method of mounting the pipes allows you to install the tank both above and below the sink.

The principle of operation is this: you open the water supply tap, a cold stream enters the tank, displacing the hot one. When heated, excess liquid flows out. To protect the operation of the equipment, a fuse is connected. This type is easy to use and install.

Closed They are connected to the water supply and operate from the pressure in the tank. To regulate it, it is established safety valve. Huge advantage closed type the possibility of using a hot stream at several points of intake.

However, if the pressure in the pipes is less than 6 atm, the equipment will not work.

To reduce the amount of water consumed, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

• Take turns showering, 40 minutes after the previous person.
• Turn off the supply while lathering.
• Today you can find special attachments on sale - aerators, which save consumption by 30%.

Instantaneous boiler

Due to the absence of a tank, the water heater has compact dimensions. Many models are equipped with a stylish design, so you can place the water heating device anywhere.

It also allows you to instantly get hot water. To determine throughput, which is suitable for your family, do this:

• Place a 10 liter bucket in the bathroom.
• Turn on the shower at normal pressure when you wash.
• Record the time it takes to fill the bucket.
• 1 minute - select 10 liters per minute pass.
• 30 seconds - 20 liters.

When installing this type of device, it is important to consider the type of network. If the device power is 12 kW, it is possible to connect to single-phase network. From 12 to 36 kW - to three-phase.

Flow devices also come in two types:

• Pressure taps are installed on the riser and turn on automatically as soon as you open the tap. Can provide multiple collection points.

• Non-pressure. Supplied complete with shower head. Good for use in the summer, for example, in the country. The temperature reaches 30 degrees. However, the nozzle clogs quickly, so it is not suitable for permanent use.

Mini-heaters have now been developed for hand washing. They are installed on taps and flow about three liters per minute.

The main advantages of flow technology:

• Compactness.
• Easy to install.
• Hot water is supplied instantly.

During operation, equipment consumes a lot of energy. To supply hot water for simple washing in the shower you will need more than 7 kW.

Model overview

To make the right choice of heater, you need to evaluate its technical characteristics. Consumer reviews told us which company to prefer. Let's start the review with storage technology.

TIMBERK SWH FE5 50

Stylish appearance, flat design will take up little space. The body is made of of stainless steel, its dimensions are 43.5 × 87.5 × 23.8 cm. The pressure model consumes only 2 kW.

Peculiarities:

• The electronic panel is controlled by a microprocessor. Touch buttons and a rotary thermostat ensure convenient use.
• The universal Touch Handle allows you not only to turn the device on and off, but also to adjust the temperature.
• LED display allows you to track readings.
• Turning off the heating is accompanied by a sound signal.
• Built-in diagnostics allow you to quickly identify a breakdown and display a fault code on the screen.
• The panel is locked. Now children will not be able to accidentally change the settings.
• You can control the equipment using the remote control.
• Power Proof feature allows you to install three temperature conditions to save energy.
• 3D Logic security system, which includes: DROP Defense - protection against increased pressure and leakage; SHOCK Defense - RCD is included with the boiler; HOT Defense - protection against overheating.

The tank capacity is 50 liters. It can heat water up to a maximum of 75°C. Weight is 13.4 kg.

Cost - from 11,000 rubles.

THERMEX FLAT PLUS IF 50V

Excellent technology in terms of price-quality ratio. The Flat Plus series features a flat and compact shape. Case dimensions: 88.7x43.6x23.5 cm. Tank volume is 50 liters. Can serve multiple locations.

Electronic control includes an indication on the panel as well as a display. Heating duration is 1 hour 25 minutes. Power consumption - 2 kW. To protect against leaks, it is provided check valve, the system is also protected from overheating.

Price - from 9,000 rubles.

ELECTROLUX EWH 100 ROYAL

This model is the most technologically advanced, according to users. Universal housing: vertical and horizontal placement. The inner flask is made of Inox+Technology stainless steel. Dimensions: 49.3x121x29 cm, capacity - 100 liters.

The maximum temperature - 75 degrees - is reached in 234 minutes. A special Bacteria-stop technology system is provided for water purification. The additional “Anti-freeze” mode provides for maintaining a constant temperature. Protection against switching on without water and overheating is provided.

Among the shortcomings are the weak fasteners that come with the kit.

Cost - from 12,000 rubles.

STIEBEL ELTRON SHZ 100 LCD

This is a premium model. Energy-saving heater with dimensions 51x105x51 cm. The body is made of stainless steel and coated with proprietary “Anticor” enamel. Its thickness is 0.4 mm, the enamel does not lose its properties under the influence of temperatures. Volume - 100 l.

Copper heating elements do not become covered with scale for a long time. A titanium anode is installed nearby. It does not break down and therefore does not require replacement or maintenance.

The electronic control panel includes an LCD display and the following functions:

• Night mode.
• Boiler function. It heats up once (up to 82 degrees) and turns off automatically.
• A check valve and a safety valve are installed.

Power is 4 kW.

Price - from 89,000 rubles.

AEG MP 8

One of the most compact flow-type heaters. Productivity is 4.1 l/min. Power -8 kW, operating pressure - from 0.6 to 10 kW. Dimensions: 21.2x36x9.3 cm.

The copper heating element is in a flask, so it is not afraid of scale. A protective relay reduces power if the heating element suddenly exceeds the temperature. A flow sensor in the housing records the amount of water, and the heating is adjusted accordingly. This saves energy.

Cost - from 19,000 rubles.

POLARIS Mercury 5.3 Od

The interesting design and small body of the model could be ideal for your home. But the boiler can only be used in the summer, since the heating temperature is insufficient for winter. The set includes a hose and shower head.

LED indicators on the panel allow you to determine the water temperature. Equipment productivity - 4 l/min. Power - 5.3 kW. For protection, a valve and a temperature relay are provided.

Weight is only 3.1 kg.

Price - from 8,000 rubles.

ELECTROLUX Smartfix 6.5 T

Model for wall mounting measuring only 13.5x27x10 cm. Will fit perfectly into the design of almost any room. Flow rate is 4 l/min, designed for one point. The built-in protection sensor prevents overheating of the product. Copper heating element eliminates the formation of scale.

This model is equipped with a tap (T). You should pay attention to the letters at the end of the name. For example, S indicates that a shower is included, and ST indicates a shower and faucet. The electromechanical panel allows you to select one of three power modes: 3, 3.5 kW, 6.5 kW.

Cost - from 4,000 rubles.

CLAGE CEX 9 ELECTRONIC

Closed flow technology. You can get hot stream instantly, immediately after opening the tap. The LCD display displays not only the specified parameters, but also error codes, because the system provides self-diagnosis.

• Twin Temperature Control - adjust readings from 20 to 55 degrees.
• Top and bottom connections - installation possible even under the sink.
• Thanks to the Multiple Power System function, you can independently regulate the power: 6.6-8.8 kW.

Case dimensions: 18x29.4x11 cm.

Price - from 21,000 rubles.

After weighing all the pros and cons, you can understand whether you need a boiler. Pay attention to the characteristics, installation method and operating principle.

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• Repair
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• Device
• Cleaning

Competent selection of instantaneous water heaters

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

Exist Various types heaters classified by the type of energy source they use (gas, electric), by the principle of water heating (storage, flow-through), by power, volume, etc. At the same time, instantaneous water heater (the so-called column), which does not limit the residents of the house in the amount of liquid used and thus provides more high level comfort.

Pros and cons of flow-through devices

The choice by many Russians of instantaneous water heating equipment, in which the liquid is heated as it passes through a water heater, is due to the undoubted advantages of devices of this type:

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

Scheme for using an instantaneous water heater: When operating the water heater, it is necessary to: close the tap - “2”, open the taps - “1”, “3”, “4”; when you are not using the water heater: close taps - “3”, “4”, open taps – “1”, “2”.

A domestic instantaneous water heater is much smaller in size compared to a storage water heater because it does not require a tank to store liquid.

Compared to these significant advantages, the disadvantages of flow-through heaters do not seem so significant:

1. Quite a large one-time power consumption.
2. If several water intake points are connected to a flow-through device (for example, taps in the bathroom and 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 settle for less heated water or increase the power of the water heater.

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

• to which communications there is a possibility of a more convenient and economical connection: to the electrical network or gas pipeline;
• what kind of space is available in the living space 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 space, a compact instantaneous heater is needed);
• Is it possible to use more power indoors?

Return to contents

Features of electric instantaneous water heaters

An electric instantaneous heater heats water using constant electricity. The principle of its operation is as follows: inside a small special chamber there is a thermal element - a tubular electric heater, or heating element, which is a metal (usually 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 makes it possible to transmit the necessary power density onto the surface of the heater. When the device is connected to the network, the heating element heats up and transmits thermal energy liquid passing through the water heater.

As noted above, the main advantage of heaters of this type is their compact size. In addition, they are environmentally friendly. The main disadvantage is that they require high power (6-27 kW), and therefore, special electrical equipment in the room (manufacturers do not even include a cord and plug for devices more powerful than 5 kW, 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;
• power of the device itself.

Most heaters of this type are equipped with a system automatic switching on at the start of water collection. The flow device is quite capricious: it requires strong and constant water pressure, which is due to the features of its design. If the pressure is insufficient, there is a high risk that the heating element will burn out, and the manufacturer has every right to refuse warranty repairs to the buyer.

Therefore, experts strongly do not recommend installing flow devices in country houses not connected to the system centralized water supply, and on the upper floors of city buildings located in areas of long-standing development, where water pressure is usually unstable. Decide this problem they can be installed by installing pressure-increasing 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). To correctly compare speakers from different manufacturers, it is advisable to pay attention to what power appears in the device description - consumed or useful. These 2 quantities are related to each other by the efficiency of the device (efficiency factor). It is recommended to compare equipment based on the useful power provided at the output of the column.

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What else should you consider when choosing an electric heater?

Flow-through electric heaters are divided into 2 large groups:

1. System (pressure) with a power of 4.5 kW and above. Such models provide only an inlet and outlet for liquid. They crash into pipes that are hot and cold water 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 you turn on the water and turn off the tap, respectively.
2. Non-pressure with a power of 3.5 to 8 kW, equipped with its own kitchen or shower head included in the device. Such water heaters operate exclusively at one water intake point and are most often used in the country. Devices of this type cannot be used with fittings other than those that were sold complete with the heater.

Experts recommend using small flow-through heaters with a power of 3-6 kW, equipped with shower heads, only in the summer. In winter, consumers often receive complaints that a water heater that worked excellently in the summer now suddenly stops heating water normally. And the reason is that in summer the temperature of unheated water was about +18°C.

And a small water heater with a power 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 (on average 5°C). And it turns out: 5°C+25°C=30°C. Under water at this temperature, a person naturally feels uncomfortable.

And the equipment itself has nothing to do with it, nothing is broken in it, it functions as usual. Just 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 the incoming water all year round approximately +15°C.

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

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Gas water heaters

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

The higher the power of the unit, the greater productivity it has. For example, when heating cold water from 10°C to 35°C, a gas water heater with a power of 17.4 kW is capable of providing 10 liters of hot liquid per minute, and a column with a power of 27.8 kW, under similar conditions, can produce 16 liters of heated water in a minute. The dependence of the heating rate and water volume on the power of the column is given in more detail in the following table:

In this regard, geysers are divided into 3 groups:

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

Regular is a real headache for many of our compatriots. Worn out networks and frequent repairs mean that even in the middle of winter you can be left without hot water.

That's why it's so popular electrical Reviews about them are very diverse, and therefore we decided to analyze the most common ones, drawing final conclusions about the advantages and disadvantages of this type of equipment.

Principle of operation

Judging by the reviews, fans of “flow tanks” are especially impressed by their ability to instantly heat water. I came home, plugged the plug into the socket... and immediately you can wash yourself or wash the dishes! Agree, with accumulative models in this regard it is much more difficult.

The fact is that such heaters have a powerful heating element installed, which can immediately heat the water passing through it even under conditions of decent pressure (in theory).

Among other things, flow-type devices consume a relatively small amount of electricity, since they operate for strictly the required time. If we talk about accumulative varieties, then they spend a lot of energy maintaining a given water temperature.

Other notes

In general, the power range of “flow generators” ranges from 5 to 27 kW. Reviews show that for taking a shower and washing dishes, a device with a “modest” 8 kW is most often enough. Such an electric instantaneous water heater, the price of which starts from 2-3 thousand rubles, is available to almost everyone. But if you intend to splash around in the bathtub, which is filled from such a water heater, you will need a 380 V network and specialists who will run it.

Moreover, you should not skimp on the latter: wiring for such a powerful consumer should be done only by qualified electricians with normal experience, and not by “Uncle Vasya” from the next door, who once screwed in light bulbs in one of the many state-owned enterprises.

So for what purposes can electric instantaneous water heaters be used? Reviews from people who actually use them point to several areas of application.

• If sources of hot water supply in the city are constantly unavailable, and the wiring allows the connection of such powerful consumers.
• As a backup for short-term hot water outages.
• In the case when you will use a water heater to provide hot water to the builders of a country house.

In the latter case, an electric instantaneous water heater, the price of which is low, may well serve as an excellent disposable “hot water bottle” that you wouldn’t mind sending to a landfill after construction is completed. Considering that in the evening and morning (when the need for hot water arises) the network at the facility under construction is free, the wiring must withstand.

Reviews in this case are positive, since the speed of heating water for domestic needs is extremely important to builders.

The aesthetic side of the issue

What else are good about instantaneous electric water heaters? Reviews indicate that their other attractive feature is their compactness: such a device can be placed somewhere in the corner of the bathroom or kitchen, and it will be completely invisible. Compare this to a huge storage boiler tank!

Oddly enough, but this is where the main wave of enthusiasm ends. The fact is that the very principle of their operation makes instantaneous electric water heaters unacceptable for many houses and apartments in our country. Reviews from people say that, at best, before you start using them, you will need to completely change the wiring, which not everyone can afford.

The fact is that for the most primitive model you need at least 5 kW, and if you want to wash not under a weak stream of water, but under a normal shower, it would be better to provide at least 10 kW. It goes without saying that not every new cottage community has such an electrical network.

In most villages, people do not even think about buying instantaneous heaters, since the local network does not support more than 3 kW.

Consumers unanimously say that they should not buy cheap Chinese models, the electronic components of which rarely withstand use for more than a year. If it fails, you can expect a lot of not very pleasant surprises, including rinsing with boiling water.

Combined solutions

It is advisable to buy an electric one complete with a rechargeable water tank. The pages of the Internet are full of sad stories that tell of a sudden shutdown of water right in the middle of a “bath day.” If you have at least a small reserve of water in such a tank, then you will be able to wash off the foam. Of course, it will not be very pleasant to complete the procedures with complete absence hot water, but in any case this is better than “soap runs” around the apartment.

Thus, an electric instantaneous water heater is ideal for a summer residence. Of course, if you have the opportunity to make a separate tap from the meter, and also change the wiring to copper (if it has not been changed for a long time). Reviews indicate that these devices are extremely useful, they consume relatively little electricity, and therefore are simply irreplaceable in some situations.

A huge advantage is the fact that scale on the heating element of such equipment simply does not have time to be deposited, so maintenance These water heaters are almost unnecessary.

Choosing the best model

Now you know what an electric instantaneous water heater is. How to choose the most optimal model that will fully meet your needs?

Of course, for this you need to analyze your requirements, since without this you will waste your own money. Firstly, why do you need a “flow-through”? If you need to supply your home with hot water for a short time, then take a look at models from ELECTROLUX or ATMOR in the lower and middle price categories.

They cost between 1600-2500 thousand rubles, which makes them affordable even for buyers with a very limited budget. The power of such models ranges from 2.5 to 5 kW, which allows them to be used in most apartments and rural houses without the need for major wiring upgrades.

In addition, in this price category you can even find a relatively good electric instantaneous water heater with a shower. However, customer reviews immediately warn that you shouldn’t delude yourself too much: the jet pressure is so-so, and when you try to increase it, the water temperature drops significantly. There is little pleasure from washing with cool water.

Would you like a bath?

Thus, if you want to have something more substantial, you will need a normal instantaneous electric water heater for the shower. Models from THERMEX have proven themselves to be excellent. Their cost is approximately 6-7 thousand rubles, which is not so much. As a rule, they are equipped with a mechanical temperature controller; their power is in the range of 5-8 kW.

In this case, all buyers already say that it is highly desirable to buy a more reliable one. In addition, consumers are advised to use the services of a professional electrician, since for such power it is highly advisable to make a separate outlet from the meter in order to avoid all sorts of troubles.

The most powerful varieties

Finally, instantaneous heaters for a constant and unlimited supply of hot water to the entire house - we strongly (!) do not recommend saving on such a purchase. The list of well-established manufacturers is wide: Bosh, ELECTROLUX, THERMEX, LG... They have one thing in common - they are demanding in terms of operating conditions.

Despite the power of 10-15 kW, the wiring must withstand all 20 kW. The network needs 380 V. In addition, self-installation We strongly do not recommend this type of technique, as the consequences can be tragic. In village conditions wooden houses It is generally undesirable to use such powerful equipment, since it poorly correlates with the fire safety requirements of the relevant authorities.

In this case, it is better to purchase a more or less voluminous storage boiler, which is much safer in this regard.

In what cases is it not advisable to buy flow-through heaters?

Having dealt with all the positive aspects and recommendations from manufacturers, let's discuss those situations in which the use of flow-through heaters is not only pointless, but also simply dangerous.

Firstly, it is better not to buy them if you need hot water regularly and in significant quantities, but even the meter in your apartment is designed for a maximum of 10-16 A. This happens quite often in our country. You can install a maximum 3 kW heater (!), which, even in the most optimistic case, can only provide you with warm water for washing dishes.

We said that flow-through models are not too sensitive to hard water. This is true, but if cloudy water with impurities often flows from your tap, it would be better to buy a regular boiler. In this case, even a filter will not save the situation: reviews indicate that flow-through heaters extremely quickly become clogged with tiny organic impurities, after which they heating elements fail. It is impossible to replace them.

A little more about wiring...

In addition, if your home has at least one joint between aluminum and copper wiring(which in itself is very bad), and even being located close to the place where you are going to connect the “flow-through”, the idea of ​​​​buying it is not very good. In this case, there is a high probability of formation of a galvanic couple and destruction of the wire, which will almost certainly lead to a fire.

Buyers of flow-through heaters confirm that during their operation, cheap Chinese sockets can heat up to such an extent that they begin to melt. What this entails, you can guess for yourself. So before installing such equipment, be sure to change not only the wires, but also other accessories, since it is not recommended to joke with such things.

Instead of a conclusion

In general, reviews of instantaneous electric water heaters are quite similar. As a rule, buyers are attracted by the ability to heat water almost instantly; they really like their compactness and extremely low cost.

But almost all of them agree that in most cases you have to pay a tidy sum for a complete replacement of the wiring and installation of more powerful machines. In addition, there is no water reserve (you can buy an additional hydraulic accumulator), which is very important for rural areas and small towns, where water supply outages are not so rare.

However, instantaneous water heaters electric ones, whose price (reviews are also quite good) are so low, fully deserve their share of the market as small and compact sources of hot water in case it suddenly disappears from the tap.

In addition, no one will forbid you to combine two types of heaters: install flow model, which is quite enough for washing dishes, and for the bathroom, get a large boiler, which will additionally act as a water tank.