Choosing an electric storage water heater (boiler) for an apartment: types and features

Those who receive hot water centralized is familiar with the situation when due to accidents in the system it can be absent from the tap for several days, or even weeks. Especially unpleasant are such disconnections in winter. The solution to this issue can be the purchase of a storage electric water heater - boiler. Externally, they have the appearance of a cylindrical tank, which constantly contains a certain amount of water. From time to time, the water is heated by a heating element to a programmed temperature.

The volume of the water heater tank

When choosing a boiler, experts recommend that you first decide on the place of its installation. Suitable places: above the sink, on the floor, on the wall. Also decide what volume of the tank is needed. Variants of boiler models by size:

• The smallest are considered boilers for 10-15 liters. They are compact, so they are most often mounted in the niche of the kitchen cabinet, under the sink or above it, as well as in small bathrooms above the sink.
• Boilers with a volume of 30 liters will suit a family of 2 people. Models for 50 liters, 75 liters, 80 liters allow not only to take a shower, but also to provide hot water for the kitchen.
• For a family of 4 people living in a city apartment, the best option will be the purchase of a boiler for 100 liters. This volume of water is enough for taking a shower, working a couple of water intake points and a set of baths.
• Tanks for 150 liters, 200 liters and 300 liters are designed for families of 5-8 people. They are more bulky, installed on the floor and the water in them heats up more slowly.

Boiler shape and installation method

Boilers differ in design. It affects the operation of the equipment, the speed of water heating. Manufacturers offer storage boilers of these types:

• Cylindrical models are the most common and affordable. Externally, they resemble a barrel. Can be of different sizes.
• Slim-boilers are characterized by compactness and fast heating of water.
• Rectangular boilers save electricity, have a thick layer of insulation. An excellent option for installation in a niche.

On sale are storage water heaters for horizontal, vertical installation. There are universal models that can be mounted both horizontally and vertically. If there are questions about installation, it is better to contact specialists.

The material of manufacture of the boiler

In order for the accumulation tank to serve for a long time and it does not form rust, stainless steel is used for its production. It is characterized by anti-corrosion properties and a long service life: up to ten and more years. But in practice, a stainless steel water tank can leak after a couple of years of operation. The reason: the formation of corrosion in the seam area. It is impossible to repair such a tank without using a welding machine. After a while, under the influence of temperature, the chromium particles that protect the material from rust begin to evaporate, and corrosion occurs.

On sale are tanks with enamel coating. The thicker the layer of enamel and steel, the longer will be the life of the product. In technical characteristics, enamel is not inferior to stainless steel. It adheres securely to the surface, stretches with the steel when it expands, and has good heat transfer characteristics. Some manufacturers have improved the enamel formula and offer products with titanium, glass ceramic or silver ion spraying - these are truly reliable boilers.

How to choose a boiler by type of heating element

The next criterion to pay attention to when choosing a storage boiler: the electric heater. From its design depends on how long it will last. TEN can be of two types. Wet TEN has a similar principle of operation with a boilermaker. It is located inside the tank, immersed in water. Tanks with a wet TEN are cheaper, but quickly break down due to scale formation and slower to heat water. Dry TEN is placed inside the tank in a special bulb or casing and is not in contact with water. It is characterized by high heat output and long service life, but it is much more expensive.