How to choose the right instantaneous electric water heater?

Many homeowners are thinking about how to choose a flowing electric water heater. Such models differ in smaller sizes and almost instantaneous heating of 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.

1 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 small box, inside which is placed a tubular heating element - 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.

2 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, that is, from any tap that is in the house. Pressure water heaters cut into the 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 a planned shutdown of water in the 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. The maximum heating temperature is 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.

3 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.

4 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 temperatures. The best option is a flow heater with an enamelled body. 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.

5 Tankless Water Heater Manufacturers

Having decided on the parameters, you can proceed to the choice of a 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.

6 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.

When a model is selected, it is worth clarifying whether spare parts are on sale, it is necessary to evaluate the scope of work.