How to choose an electric boiler
The contents
Regular use of hot water in everyday life – the usual action that most people overlook. However, during the summer maintenance work, many lose their basic benefits.
In this situation, the revenue will come water heater that replaces the centralized supply of hot water. How to choose a boiler, this question will answer in detail.
Ways of heating water ↑
First of all you should decide on the optimal source for heating water. There are electric and gas boilers, as well as units with indirect water heating. From the point of view of execution speed basic function, win a gas model. Before choosing a boiler, consider the related shortcomings:
- high cost;
- additional equipment: gas pipes;
- the arrangement of the chimney;
- the complicated process of obtaining permits.
The combination of these factors negates the only advantage, therefore, is rarely willing to choose a gas boiler.
Indirect heating boiler performs only the function of a thermos. The principle of operation is based on heating the water in the coil, which is an additional element of the heating system. However, the presence of Central heating eliminates the need for additional storage of hot water. Some models are equipped with electric heater, ensure operation in the absence of centralized hot water supply. Evidence of the impracticality of the boiler with indirect heating is the lack of high demand.
Most consumers tend to choose an electric boiler. This water heater has a lot of advantages:
- reasonable pricing;
- does not require additional engineering designs;
- allows you to choose a convenient location;
- easy installation;
- safe operation.
To spoil the rosy picture are only able to high costs of energy and long heating process, if you choose an electric model with large volume tank.
Design of water tank ↑
Based on the solid popularity of the electric boiler, consider its design and specifications in more detail. The unit includes the following main elements:
- storage tank equipped with a after the installation of the two pipes for supplying cold water and hot fence.
- Ten;
- the thermostat and a thermometer;
- magnesium anode, which prevents the formation of solid scale.
Between the inner tank and the outer shell is heat insulation material, which turns an electric boiler in a thermos, long keeps heat. As insulation is used mineral wool, polyurethane or foam. The unit is complemented by the brackets.
The optimum tank volume ↑
To choose the right electric heater for the apartment, it is first necessary to determine the volume of the tank. Manufacturers offer a wide variable range:
- minimal volumes of 5 and 10 liters;
- average from 30 to 80 l;
- large tanks, containing 100, 120 and 150 l.
There are higher capacity models that it is better to choose for a complex operation. Determine the required volume on the basis of several parameters: how many family members will use the unit for what purposes it is meant the number of dots of the fence is equipped with, the existing space for the installation.
If the electric boiler will be operated exclusively for washing dishes, it is enough to choose a model with volume from 5 to 30 liters, optionally showering or bathing, start from the number of people living in the apartment people:
- the only inhabitant of the apartment is enough for 80 liters;
- for 2-3 persons, suitable up to 120 l;
- for 4 or more family members is preferable to select the unit for 150-200 l.
Specifications ↑
Having studied the technical characteristics of an electric boiler, it will be easier to choose a model, in accordance with existing requirements and conditions for installation.
Power ↑
The main element of the electric model water tank – heater, which depends on the capacity of the equipment. It is an electric spiral, clad in a metal tube, for insulation which is applied a dielectric sand. The most practical to choose a boiler equipped with a Heater capacity of from 1 to 3 kW, in exceptional cases use the option to install the heating element with power up to 6 kW. Large capacity helps accelerate the process of heating the liquid, however, the load on the electricity network increases significantly and power consumption is increased.
Some models of electric boilers are equipped with two heating elements. This is the best option to choose if there is no frequent need for quick heating of water. This will reduce the load on the grid. Another advantage – the ability to operate the equipment in case of failure of one element. However, duplicating a heating element substantially increases the cost of the electric boiler.
The designs of heating elements are different for open and closed. Open view is in direct contact with water, hence the name «wet». Of the advantages include cheapness. However, regular exposure to high temperatures causes the formation on its surface lime scale, this leads to deterioration of heat transfer. It is more subject to corrosion and has a shorter warranty period of operation.
Much more practical to choose an indoor heater for electric boiler. Due to the special protection of a metal or ceramic liner, it eliminates the contact with water, for which the people it is called «dry». The lack of direct contact with the liquid gives an electric boiler, equipped with a closed Heater advantages:
- reducing the aggressive effects of salt deposits;
- the level of security above open design ;
- increased period of operation;
- the replacement does not require draining fluid.
Additional installation of cleaning filters with magnetic or polyphosphate filling and timely change will prolong the smooth operation of an electric boiler with enclosed heating elements.
Management ↑
Electric boiler, you can choose manual or electronic control. The principle of operation of low-cost models are very simple: connected to the power supply, the thermostat reacts to the signals from the temperature sensor, after which the heating element comes into action. To control enough to turn the handle. Such electric boilers do not allow you to achieve precise temperature regulation, but are characterized by a high degree of reliability.
In an effort to improve electric boilers manufacturers offer to choose a model with electronic control. In this case, the boiler is equipped with a microprocessor and has many additional features:
- control of heating temperature with an accuracy of 1on;
- various modes of operation (inactive during the night, morning warm up, afternoon break, etc.);
- self test results information on the display.
Such innovations significantly increase the cost of the electric boiler and make it vulnerable to power surges. So before you choose a unit with electronics, be sure to install in the apartment uninterruptible power supply systems.
The Council! To increase the productive operation of an electric boiler means that the limit of heating temperature of water to 60-70 ° C.
Internal equipment ↑
To choose the right boiler means to explore all its components. An important place in electrical units is the inner coating of the storage tank. The cheapest models are equipped with containers in which the function of corrosion protection performs steklotara or enamel. A characteristic feature of such materials is when the temperature rises above 70onWith on the surface cracks appear. The warranty period producers ‘ capacity ranges from 1 to 3 years. So choose the better model of an electric boiler with storage tank in stainless steel or titanium coating. The period of operation in this case is extended to 7-10 years.
To preserve the heat electric boiler is equipped with a thermal insulating material, whereby the temperature of the water in the inoperative lowered 1onWith in 2 hours. If you choose a model with a double or triple layer of insulation, applied by German manufacturers, the loss of heat during the day is only 5onTo ensure significant energy savings.
So, in order to choose the right model of the electric boiler, noteworthy are the following:
- the volume of the tank;
- capacity and number of Heaters, their type (open or closed);
- control method (manual or electronic);
- corrosion-resistant coating of the storage tank;
- heat insulation material.
Consider the location and the best mounting option, you can choose a horizontal or vertical way. Compact design is placed above the sink or under it. If you wish to spice up the interior, electric boiler select custom colors.