Boiler for water heating: types and features, which one to choose for the apartment

Boilers of different types and models are similar in that they increase the temperature of water due to the internal heating element - a heating element. Let's consider what types of such equipment and what water heater is better to choose for the apartment.

Types and features of boilers

Electric water heaters differ in the principle of operation and method of heating the liquid.

Flow-through boilers

Flow-through boilers heat water at the moment when it passes through a heating element - a tube, on the circumference of which there are heating elements. They are more powerful than storage water heaters. Energy consumption is from 7 to 20 kW. The flow-through water heater is activated only when water passes through it. Therefore, the energy consumption of a flow and storage water heater is about the same.

Advantages of flow-through boilers:

• compact size;
• The water is heated instantly;
• There are models with a crane, which is convenient for installing an additional source of water, for example, in the toilet.

To the disadvantages include the fact that the water temperature depends on the head. The more powerful the flow of liquid, the less it will heat up. However, this is a feature of boilers with hydraulic control. Electronic flow-through water heaters are programmed at the desired temperature. They heat water to this figure, regardless of the strength of the head.

Accumulation boilers

Accumulation boilers have a tank in which the liquid is heated and consumed as needed. When hot water is used, an appropriate amount of cold water enters the tank. The boiler has a temperature sensor, which activates the heating element when the indicator falls below the set value. Thanks to this, hot water in the apartment will be constantly. The insulation of the body keeps the liquid warm for up to several days.

Accumulation boilers are installed in apartments much more often than flow-through models. Their power from 1 to 3.5 kW. They are designed for conventional wiring in the apartment with a section of 2.5 kW. The minimum volume of storage capacity - 15 liters. For the apartment usually choose a tank of 60-80 liters.

What boiler to choose for the apartment

Type of water heater choose depending on which one is more convenient. For someone it is easier if the boiler is storage and there is always hot water. Even if there will be a power outage, it will keep the liquid warm for a while. If there is little space in the apartment, you can install a flow-through water heater.

Choosing a boiler, pay attention to such factors:

• If water heaters are installed separately in the bathroom and kitchen, their capacity can be 15-30 liters, depending on the number of users. If one water heater for all water sources, you need a capacity of 60-80 liters. For a large family will need a capacity of 100 liters.
• It is better to choose a boiler with a closed type of heating element. It is placed in the body. This prevents the formation of limescale on it.
• The inner coating of the stainless steel body is more durable, if there is no water in the included boiler, it will not crack. Enameled capacity requires careful handling, it may appear microcracks.

The boiler control system is of two types. On the body of the water heater with a mechanical setting there is a rotary knob, with which the user sets the temperature of heating. This is a reliable mechanism that rarely breaks down. The electronic control system of the boiler allows you to fine-tune the temperature of heating. However, such models are more expensive and electronics are more likely to fail.