If you do not know what to choose - a geyser or a water heater, carefully read our article. It is important to consider all the nuances, so that in the future there will be no problems with operation. Let's figure out how profitable and convenient it is to connect your own water heater.
What are the heaters
Boilers are divided into two main types: flow and storage. The latter are equipped with a tank of different volumes with thermal insulation. Water accumulates in the tank and is constantly heated with the help of a heating element.
Flowing devices are equipped with a dry heater. Water flows through them, instantly reaching the desired temperature. This technique has great power.
Boilers can work from different energy sources:
- natural gas;
- electricity;
- solid fuel (indirect heating).
The most popular are gas columns and electric heaters. Which is better to choose? To understand the issue, you need to understand the principle of their work, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages.
Geysers heat water quickly with a burner. They work on the principle of a flow-through, so you will get a hot stream at any time, you just have to open the tap. Gas heaters cannot be called a new invention, but today they are especially popular. Their case is compact, has a nice design. In addition, gas is cheaper than electricity.
Electric storage appliances are most often found in apartments, houses, and enterprises. They are designed for power of 1.5-3 kW. The manufacturer took care of profitability: polyurethane foam is hidden between the two layers of the tank, which retains heat. Special sensors allow you to bring water to a certain temperature and maintain it constantly.
Recently began to produce hybrids - storage gas boilers. While they are not very popular.
In fact, the geyser is the same flow heater. So what is more profitable to purchase?
Pros and Cons of Water Heaters
Let's start the comparison with electric boilers. When the temperature in the tank reaches a certain level, a large amount of hot water is immediately available to you.
If you choose a drive in accordance with the needs of the family, then it will provide everyone with water.
Main advantages:
- Easy installation. You can do the installation yourself in accordance with the instructions. This does not require a gas supply system, only reliable wiring and a socket of suitable power.
The boiler does not require special documentation and permission for installation.
- Convenience of use. Provides multiple fence points. In this case, the flow force depends on the power of the valve, and not the pressure in the system.
- A separate piping and ventilation outlet are not required for connection.
- Long service life. Some models are equipped with dry heating elements. The spiral is in a protective flask and is not exposed to a scum, corrosion.
- High efficiency - 99%.
- Safe use with proper installation.
- Silent work. The tubular heater works almost silently.
The disadvantages of the storage boiler in a limited amount of heated fluid. If you have used up a resource, you will have to wait at least half an hour until the next portion is ready.
There can be two options for the development of events with the wrong choice of tank volume:
- The technique was chosen too roomy. Then the contents heat up longer, energy is spent on maintaining the temperature, but in fact all the contents are not used.
- Insufficient volume will result in a constant expectation of heating water.
Since the equipment is powered by electricity, when it is turned off, the contents will cool.
Another minus is the weight and size of the tank. For a family of 3-4 people you need a minimum of 80 liters. In small rooms, the placement of such a housing becomes a problem. Installation must be carried out on a solid brick wall.
The device requires constant cleaning. Hard water forms scale and corrosion. It is necessary to replace the magnesium anode, clean the heating elements and walls of plaque, use filters.
How to clean the water heater, read a separate article.
Geysers also have their adherents. Their main advantages:
- Instant water heating. Once you open the tap, the ignition is fired and heating occurs. Moreover, the flow enters in unlimited quantities until the mixer closes.
- Work does not depend on the availability of electricity.
- Profitability: gas costs less than electricity.
- Turbocharged models are equipped with mechanical turn signals. With their help, you can adjust the power of the burner.
- The compact case does not take up much space. Often has a modern and unusual design.
- The geyser does not have problems with scale from low-quality water, but still it requires periodic maintenance.
Although the column efficiency is less than 90%, in practice this is invisible.
- Some models can be used for heating water and heating.
It turns out that the operation of the column is cheaper, more convenient, more economical and more profitable. Why, then, is the main advantage of electrical equipment?
Minuses:
- The product passport indicates the volumes that the column provides to users. But it performs heating to a certain temperature, so it is important to consider the temperature of the liquid at the inlet. For example, the model provides 11 liters per minute with heating up to 25 degrees. If the input was 10 degrees, then the output will be 35 ° C. This will be enough for summer use. Otherwise, you need to choose a product of greater power.
- The complexity of the installation. It is not enough just to buy and connect the device. First, a project is prepared, which is agreed with the municipal institution. Permission is obtained, documentation is drawn up. Installation is carried out only by a specialist.
- Organization of the chimney and ventilation. Combustion products must be led outside.
- Dependence on pressure. If the pressure in the pipes decreases, the burner may not work. Ease of use is in question when the second point turns on. For example, you take a shower, and a faucet opens in the kitchen. Then your water temperature will drop.
Installation of a gas installation is possible only in the kitchen. According to the rules, it is prohibited to place it in the bathroom.
We examined the advantages and disadvantages of technology. What to choose?
Which water heater should I prefer?
In the selection process, the question of price arises: for some, value is of great importance. Since the principle of operation of the devices is different, you can proceed from their provision of hot water.
See the table:
At cost, gas equipment wins.
The complexity and installation costs must be taken into account. Compare them in the table:
Electric boiler | Gas water heater |
It is not easy to choose a mounting location, because the design is large. | The compact dimensions of the body fit easily into the kitchen. |
The weight of the filled tank is very large. We need strong mounts and a brick wall. | The column weighs a little. During installation, fire safety must be considered. |
No need to organize a chimney. | A chimney and ventilation are required to remove combustion products. |
You can connect to the network yourself. However, with high power you will have to lay a thick cable. | Connecting a gas main requires accompanying documentation and a specialist. |
You can start operation after connecting. | Commissioning and approval required. |
By comparing all the pros and cons, you will make the right choice. The speaker has advantages in a home where it is not possible to connect another heater. But if you take into account the cost of food, then its operation will cost less.