Accumulative water heater: which company is better to select equipment for the home

Storage water heater in the interior of the kitchen

How to choose an electric storage type water heater: device structures

The main advantage of storage-type structures is efficiency: unlike flow-type heaters, they are able to provide high-quality results for a long time.

In the case of flow-through equipment, the liquid heats up very quickly, while it also quickly disappears immediately after shutdown. The operation of structures of this type is accompanied by an increased level of consumption, since the devices have high power.

Compact storage type heater

Note! In some cases, during the operation of flow-through units, the wiring does not withstand such a load.

The storage equipment makes it possible to obtain a heated liquid for a sufficiently long period of time. Heating is carried out depending on how quickly the water is cooled or consumed.This process is automated and does not require human intervention.

Scope of water heaters:

• country and private houses;
• office rooms;
• apartments;
• Beauty Salons;
• country houses and cottages;
• workshops at enterprises.

The functionality of this equipment will come in handy wherever there is a need for hot water.

There are a large number of different water heaters on the market

Arrangement of horizontal and vertical electric storage water heaters

Storage type equipment is a liquid reservoir (tank), inside which a heating element is installed. The operation of the device is based on the principle of operation of a thermos; water is heated to a temperature of 50-85 degrees Celsius. After that, the heating is turned off, and the unit itself continues to retain heat. When water is consumed (opening the tap), part of the liquid leaves the tank, and cold water enters its place, which must be heated again.

Accumulative structures can be free-flow and pressure-free, in other words, the operation of the equipment can be compared with the operation of an electric kettle.

The principle of operation of an electric water heater

The internal structure of the device includes the following structural components:

• a tank with internal placement and a capacity of 10-20 liters;
• anode made of magnesium (the element inhibits the process of rust formation);
• heating element of electric type or heating element;
• a heat-insulating layer separating the outer and inner coating (the element helps to maintain the temperature after heating);
• safety valve (reduces the pressure level when it rises);
• thermostat (a detail that sets the temperature and controls it at a certain point).

Note! The power of the heating element can reach 1.5-2.5 kW. On the shelves of modern stores, you can find models that can work in two modes: heating and standby.

Horizontal storage water heater device

Advantages and disadvantages of storage equipment

Due to the large number of advantages, heaters are consistently popular among a large number of consumers.

Equipment advantages:

• the heating element has a low power;
• it is possible to connect several points of fluid supply to one unit at once, since the device is designed for the pressure created by the water supply system and is locked at the outlet by fittings;
• due to low power, there is no need to install wiring, machines;
• the heater can be installed further than the water intake point;
• using a mixer, a certain temperature is set and the level of water pressure is fixed;
• simple and convenient operation system;
• a certain amount of heated liquid is always available;
• the design keeps the water warm for a long time.

Storage water heaters are more powerful than instantaneous

There are not many disadvantages, but they do exist. The equipment has large dimensions, this must be taken into account when purchasing and installing the device. Buying an electric storage water heater of 10 liters under a sink for washing dishes will be enough. To take a bath or shower, you will need a unit with a larger tank.

Hot water can only be used after it has been heated. Therefore, the preparation of the liquid must be carried out in advance.

Criteria and features of choosing a water heater for a summer residence: how to choose the best device

To make the right choice when buying a water heater, you should be guided by many selection criteria. Any structure during operation is exposed to certain destructive factors. These factors include:

• sharp temperature jumps;
• aggressive substances;
• high pressure.

Helpful advice! When choosing heating equipment in a store, you should ask a consultant about the presence of an anti-corrosion coating in your favorite boiler models. This type of coating effectively protects against the harmful effects of aggressive substances.

The storage water heater will harmoniously fit into the modern bathroom design

The weak points in the design of any heater are the areas where the welds are located. In these areas, leaks appear over time during operation. From this it turns out that it is preferable to buy a cylindrical version of the product, and it is better to refrain from purchasing an electric flat storage water heater with a volume of 10 liters. This moment is due to the fact that the cylindrical shape has a higher resistance to pressure. However, this does not mean that flat boilers do not benefit from other aspects.

Selecting a boiler with a tank of the appropriate volume

The optimal design is considered to be such a design of the heater, which ensures the satisfaction of all needs for hot water and at the same time remains economical. Choosing a water heater with a tank of the appropriate volume is the first step to buying a profitable appliance.

The equipment presented in stores can be completed with tanks of various sizes. The minimum size is 10 liters, large items can have a capacity of up to 150 liters.

Choosing a water heater with a tank of the appropriate size is the first step to buying an economical appliance

The kitchen belongs to the category of premises that need hot water every day, which is spent on kitchen work and washing dirty dishes. This may require an average of 10-25 liters. To fill a bathtub with standard dimensions, you need about 50-70 liters. The use of a shower stall for water procedures is accompanied by less water consumption. A reservoir with a capacity of 30-50 liters is sufficient for taking a shower.

For a family of two, in a tank electric storage water heater 80 liters will be sufficient. In houses with a large number of people, it is necessary to install equipment with a capacity of 120 liters.

Helpful advice! Equipment for 120 liters is able to provide a large family with water, but subject to economical consumption. In order not to experience a shortage of hot water, it is recommended to purchase a unit for 150 liters.

Horizontal storage water heater

Corrosion protection for heater tank

Almost any heating device has a special protective layer. It prevents corrosion that can seriously damage equipment. Protection is not the only function of such a coating, it carries additional benefits, making heater designs attractive and harmonious in the interiors of bathrooms or bathrooms.

There are several types of tanks:

• stainless;
• titanium;
• enameled.

On the inside, the walls of any tank in the heater are constantly in contact with the liquid, the effect of water provokes the appearance of rust. By using a stainless steel coating, this unpleasant moment can be avoided, which will extend the service life of the equipment.

Special protective coating ensures long service life

On sale you can find tanks with anti-corrosion coating. In most cases, this can be glass porcelain or titanium sputtering.

The coating option in the form of glass ceramics is the most budgetary way to solve the problem with corrosion. However, there are some disadvantages here. Sharp temperature changes negatively affect the glass-ceramic surface - it becomes covered with small cracks. The maximum warranty period in this case is only 5 years.

What type of control is better to stay on

The electronic type of control is characterized by a number of advantages: it is convenient in operation, has a modern and neat appearance. But is there any expediency in purchasing such equipment? After all, the price of a flat electric storage water heater of 30 liters with an electronic control option is much higher than that of a unit with similar capabilities, which is mechanically adjusted.

An example of a water heater control panel

Helpful advice! If in the territory where you live, there are constant problems with the power grid, for example, sudden power surges, power outages, then you should not purchase equipment that has a complex electronic filling. Any of these changes can be the last for the heater, which can permanently fail.

In most cases, the owners of heating structures do not face the problem of constant adjustment of the unit. The optimal parameters are set once, they take into account the preferences of a person and can be used daily without additional correction. The task of controlling the parameters is assigned to relay.

The disadvantage of electronic control is that the breakdown of at least one element in its complex system leads to the failure of the entire heater. While the mechanical type of control is less prone to breakdowns, as it has a simple structure.

Water heaters with electronic control option are significantly higher in price

Selection of heating devices by power level

All storage-type boilers that use electrical energy to heat a liquid have one or a pair of heating elements. These structural elements can have different capacities.

Small tanks up to 15 liters in size are equipped with one heating element, the power of this element is 1 kW. In electric storage water heaters 50 liters, a heating element with a capacity of 1.5 kW is installed. Large structures with a tank of about 100 liters are equipped with a heating element, the power level of which is 2-2.5 kW.

Classic versions of heating elements have the form of a copper tube, it has a curved shape and this shape is specific for each boiler model. A nichrome thread is placed inside the tube; it serves as a conductor for electric current. This type of heating element is called "wet". Water heating is carried out due to its contact with a copper tube.

Floor standing water heater with a large tank

Important! Over time, due to impurities in the water, the surface of the thermoelement is covered with scale. The same happens with the inner surface of the tank. To avoid premature damage, you should regularly clean the heating element and the inner walls of the water tank. This should be done at least once a year.

Heating element as one of the most important criteria for choosing equipment

Heating elements are called heating elements in boilers. This abbreviation has a literal interpretation: tubular heating element. Taking into account the design features, it turns out that it is not entirely correct to use this abbreviation to describe a "dry" heating element, as is customary to do.

A standard tubular type heating element is created in the following sequence:

1. A nichrome thread is placed in the central part of a copper or steel tube.
2. The remaining space is filled with heat-resistant powder.
3. The rolling procedure is in progress. As a result, the tube passes through the holes, each of which becomes smaller and smaller.

Heating element device: 1 - ceramic insulator; 2 - fastening union; 3 - contact rod; 4 - heating coil; 5 - periclase; 6 - tubular shell; 7 - sealant; L is the length of the heating element along the tubular sheath (cm); Lk is the length of the cold zone contact rod (cm); La - active length (cm); Lh - nozzle length (mm)

As a result, the final form of ten is obtained - nichrome, which is separated from the shell by an insulating layer of heat-resistant powder. The resulting product has a tightly compressed structure. Subsequently, it is cut into pieces of the appropriate length and bent into a spiral shape. "Dry" ten has a completely different structure.

Distinctive features of "dry" heating element from "wet"

According to statistics, about 90% of consumers decide to buy an inexpensive electric storage-type water heater. The remaining 10% are purchased by flow models. In electrical equipment, the heating element plays an important role.

"Dry" ten is a spiral. It is surrounded by hollow tubes made of ceramic.

Types of heating elements for water heaters: a - "dry" heating element; b - "wet" ten

Due to this, the heating element acquires special properties:

1. Ceramics are characterized by inertness and passivity, due to which the reaction with hardness salts is almost completely excluded. The scale formation process is blocked. In some cases, heating elements can be destroyed by a deep reaction. The use of ceramics for the manufacture of parts eliminates the likelihood of such an outcome.
2. Unlike conventional heating elements, the dry type heating element has an increased surface area. Optimal conditions are created for effective temperature reduction, and on a large scale, which blocks reactions with hardness salts.
3. Due to the passivity of ceramics, the service life of the equipment is extended. The water tank is less corrosive than copper filling.

The surface of the "dry" type heating element has an increased area

Note! When steam gets under the insulating coating of a copper part, water particles decompose into oxygen and hydrogen. As a result, the ten is torn apart. Ceramic elements are less vulnerable, since the spiral is reliably protected by the material from the ingress of liquid inside.

Storage water heater: which company is better? Comparative characteristics of brands

According to consumer reviews, electric storage water heaters with floor-standing type of placement are the safest. Unlike flow-through models, storage boilers have a more massive and heavy design.

Most manufacturers produce cylindrical equipment, in other words, the design has a circular cross-section. Some brands make water heaters in the shape of a parallelepiped with right angles. Most of them provide both horizontal and vertical mounting types.

Electric water heaters are represented by a large number of models with different characteristics and device

For ease of installation, boilers have additional equipment. Special mounting brackets are included with the products. There may be two, sometimes three. These elements are fixed with pins or dowels, firmly fixed in the wall.

There are several types of walls that can be indoors:

• internal (walls separating one room from another);
• load-bearing (walls supporting the bulk of the building);
• fake (walls and partitions made of plasterboard or other materials).

Experts recommend installing the heater on the strongest load-bearing walls. Fake partitions are not intended for these purposes at all and will collapse under the weight of the device. On the inner walls, it is even possible to install a flat electric storage water heater of 100 liters, but provided that a through hairpin is used.

Scheme of water separation of a gravity electric water heater into two mixers: 1 - gravity water heater; 2 - mixer with an open hot water tap; 3 - hot water supply valve; 4 - valve for water drainage for conservation; 5 - tee; 6 - hot water flow switch; 7 - comb for 4 connectors; 8 - gander with a slot on the spout; 9 - mixer tapin the "open" position; 10 - hot water supply pipe; 11 - cold water supply pipe; 12 - input of the cold water main

Review of the best electric storage water heaters

The home appliance market is extensive and diverse, storage water heaters are represented by many brands.

The following brands are recognized as the best of them:

• Electrolux - consumer reviews indicate the good quality of the product, which is definitely worth your attention. Cases of purchasing equipment with defects that cannot be eliminated are extremely rare;
• Termex - according to consumers, boilers of this brand are of good quality, excellent performance and a significant period of effective service. The minimum period of trouble-free operation is 7 years;
• Ariston - the owners of heating devices from this manufacturer are satisfied with the quality of the products, their reliability and long service life. Breakdowns are extremely rare. Structural malfunctions in most cases are minor and can be easily eliminated even without the help of a service center.

Floor-standing model of a heat pump water heater

Helpful advice! There is only one way to extend the service life of the equipment, as well as to eliminate the likelihood of breakdowns: follow the recommendations contained in the manufacturer's instructions.

Average prices for products from the best manufacturers:

Features of electric storage water heaters Electrolux

The Swedish company Electrolux produces heating equipment equipped with dry heating elements. The owners of such structures do not have to worry about the presence of scale on the tank or heating element. The products of this brand can become an acceptable substitute for electric storage water heaters produced by Ariston, 15 liters, 30 liters, etc., which are equipped exclusively with "wet" heating elements.

Note! Despite the high manufacturability and the absence of problems with scale, the devices still suffer from the sludge formed by the magnesium anode. Buying a boiler without this element does not solve the problem, since any flow-through water heater installed at neighbors will become a source of threat to such a structure.

Cylindrical water heater in the interior of the bathroom

Laying of electrochemical corrosion circuits is carried out at a decent distance due to the fact that the level of electrical resistance of hardness salts and water is low. The simplest models lack temperature control. This disadvantage is compensated for by the fact that the power level is predetermined and calculated. Therefore, there is no need for temperature control.

Review of popular models produced by Electrolux

According to statistics, flat electric storage water heaters of 30 liters and smaller volume are bought much less often than designs for 50, 80 or 100 liters.

Review of quality models:

• The storage boiler EWH SL with a capacity of 50 liters contains a tank made of mild steel. Since it is susceptible to corrosion damage, the manufacturer covered the tank with glass-ceramic for protection. The equipment is capable of efficiently serving one water intake point. The power level of the heating element, which is 1.5 kW, eliminates the need to install a separate power cable. Simplicity, ergonomics and convenient mechanical type control facilitate operation. The product is equipped with an anti-corrosion magnesium anode with increased weight;

The Electrolux EWH 80 Royal water heater has the function of accelerated heating and a thermometer

• the EWH 80 Royal has a stainless steel storage tank. The design of the product is based on an unusual concept. Teng with a capacity of 2 kW, provided that there is good wiring, will be able to cope with the maintenance of one water intake point without connecting a power cable.The design has the function of accelerated heating and thermometer;
• EWH AXIOmatic for 100 liters with a power of 1.5 kW is able to provide two points with full water heating at once. The design has a glass-ceramic protective coating, is characterized by a mechanical type of control and extended functionality (function of accelerated heating, thermometer, economy mode (operation at half power), protection against scale and overheating).

Characteristics of electric storage water heaters Thermex

Termex is considered one of the best domestic brands. The constructions produced by this manufacturer are fully adapted to the domestic operating conditions. The company specializes in the production of electric storage units, bypassing gas boilers.

Termex is one of the best domestic manufacturers

Note! Recently, the manufacturer began to produce heating equipment of an indirect type, similar to the principle of operation of boilers. The process of heating the liquid is carried out either from a built-in heating element, powered by electricity, or from a boiler located on the outside.

The capabilities of a standard coil provide a power of 1.5 kW. The heat exchanger installed in the equipment of the new generation is able to cover this figure by almost ten times. In other words, an indirect heater is considered to be the same boiler, which, when connected to a domestic boiler, can deliver water temperatures up to 70 ° C. This makes it possible to transfer heat to the circuit serving the shower.

Related article:

Flat storage electric water heater of 50 liters. Features and prices of various models. Disadvantages and advantages. How to choose a boiler yourself.

The range of Termeks water heaters includes devices with the possibility of horizontal placement. In some cases, such designs become an ideal solution when it is required to install a heater under the sink, which does not allow the installation of any other equipment.

Review of popular models of heaters from the manufacturer Termex

Review of quality devices:

• The Flat Plus IF 50V boiler model has a stainless steel tank. The design is electronically controlled. With a power of 2 kW, the product does an excellent job of servicing one water intake point. In order to increase the comfort of operation, the manufacturer added an additional branch pipe to the equipment for heating water, designed for the drain system and the self-cleaning system. The device has advanced functionality, including the ability to perform heating in an accelerated mode, as well as functions such as limiting temperature conditions, a thermometer, a check valve and protection against possible overheating;

Water heater tank Termeks Flat Plus IF 50V is made of stainless steel

• Flat RZB 80-F - is considered an unusual model of a storage type heater. It has an interesting design. The stainless steel tank is designed to serve one or two water intake points. The liquid is heated to the optimum temperature in a couple of hours. Power ranges from 1.3-2 kW;
• modification of the heater Round RZL 100-VS has a cylindrical tank, it is made of stainless steel. The product is equipped with a hydraulic control type, supports a power of 2 kW. There is a check valve, an accelerated heating function, a thermometer.

Note! Modern storage-type heating devices from the Termeks company are suitable for installation in apartments and country houses, including country houses.

Diagram of connecting a water heater to the water supply

Features of storage electric water heaters Ariston

Ariston's range of electric water heaters have standard parameters in terms of tank size. The product line includes models designed for displacement from 10 to 100 liters.

The manufacturer offers products with all types of tank coatings:

• stainless steel;
• enamel;
• titanium.

Titanium coated products have the highest cost. The manufacturer has a patented technology for creating an enamel coating, silver ions are added to it. The presence of silver particles inhibits bacterial growth. The water intake procedure is carried out from the quarter located at the very top, because of which the liquid can stagnate at the bottom. To prevent bacterial contamination of the water, silver ions are provided.

The Ariston company offers more than two hundred models of high quality water heaters

Despite the fact that Ariston does not pay enough attention to advertising its products, this manufacturer offers more than two hundred high-quality models of water heaters. The assortment includes high-volume, electrically powered devices for floor-standing installations. They are convenient, although they occupy a useful area on the floor, but such a device cannot fall off the wall and injure a person.

Review of the best models of heaters from Ariston

According to consumers, these models are the best in the line of Ariston water heaters:

• heater ABS VLS QH 80 is designed to service one or two water intake points. The container, designed for 80 liters of liquid, is coated with finely dispersed enamel. Teng with a capacity of 2.5 kW requires special connection conditions. Installation required RCD and three-phase connection. The front side of the case is equipped with a display with an electronic type of control, which has a rotary design. The functionality is supplemented by a thermometer, a fuse that protects against overheating, an option for accelerated heating and self-diagnostics;

Ariston storage water heater control panel

• ABS PRO R 50V - the tank of the device is made of steel with an enamel coating. It is coated with antibacterial dusting in the form of silver particles. The model has a simple control system and the same simple design. The power consumption is 1.5 kW. The unit is reliably protected from overheating, equipped with a thermometer and a safety valve, the main function of which is to relieve pressure;
• Heater model ABS PRO ECO INOX PW 100V has a tank made of stainless steel. The power consumption level reaches 2.5 kW. The functionality is represented by the options "Eco", "Extra / Double Power" and protection against overheating.

Note! The Extra / Double Power function includes enhanced and accelerated modes of operation.

Storage water heater hidden in the cabinet

Overview of prices for flat electric storage water heaters 100 liters, 80 and 50 liters

Having familiarized yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of some companies engaged in the production of heating equipment for the home, you can proceed to one of the final criteria for choosing devices - price comparison.

Prices for equipment with an average tank volume:

The efficiency of a water heater is calculated not only by its affordability, but also by its ability to economically consume electrical energy. Conventionally, some modifications of devices manufactured by the Electrolux and Ariston trademarks can be classified as energy-saving units. This conclusion is made on the basis of the presence in the models of a function that allows the heater to work at half its power. At the same time, do not forget that none of the presented models has a real energy saving function.

Review of prices for electric storage water heaters 30 liters, 10 and 15 liters

The popular and high-quality models of heaters with a tank of 30 liters include the RZL modification from the manufacturer Termeks. The construction is characterized by an unusual elongated design. Such a case can be installed almost anywhere in an apartment or house, including small niches. The power of the heating element is 2 kW; a magnesium anode is installed.

Helpful advice! The protective anode must be replaced regularly. The frequency with which such replacement should be carried out is indicated by the manufacturer.

Compact flat water heater with a small tank volume

With an average price of 6500 rubles. this unit has a decent set of features. The package contains an RCD. The water heater can operate in accelerated heating mode. The control is carried out by means of hydraulic control. Among the shortcomings, the short length of the cord is noted, there is no display indication system. The effective service life is 7 years.

Prices for equipment with a small tank volume:

The table shows the average price of flat electric storage water heaters 15 liters, 10 and 30 liters.

Heating equipment operating instructions

Any type of equipment has its own service life, which is indicated by the manufacturer. During this period, the water heater is suitable for operation and its operation may be accompanied by only minor breakdowns. However, this service life can only be guaranteed if the unit is used in accordance with the instructions.

Additional terms of use:

• high temperatures contribute to equipment wear. In order for the heating element and tank lining to last as long as possible, frequent use of the water heater at maximum temperature conditions should be avoided;
• annually, and preferably twice a year, service should be performed (preventive cleaning of the reservoir with the liquid and all its contents);

Boiler overheating protection circuit diagram

• if voltage surges are observed, it is recommended to install a stabilizer.

The environment has the strongest effect on water heaters. It can have an aggressive effect that can cause serious damage even in units with high ratings and high cost. Therefore, the most important selection criterion remains the guarantee and the price, and the ideal device will be the one that meets your needs and the requirements of the operating conditions (water hardness, voltage, and others).