With the onset of cold weather, you increasingly begin to realize how good it was in the summer. There's nothing better than a cool shower to beat the heat. But it will only save you from the cold warm water in taps, which, unfortunately, may be served either at the height of the heating season or not at all. In some cities there is no hot water all year round. A device called a “boiler” helps to find a solution in this situation. words boiler – boiler. Although it would be more correct to say that this water heater. We don’t need to delve into the correctness of the names, but we’ll try to figure out how not to freeze in the cold season.
This is what a “dry” heating element looks like
As you may have guessed, the “wet” heating element is located right in the water and accordingly, scale constantly forms on it. In turn, scale, due to low thermal conductivity, increases the time spent heating water, and accordingly, electricity consumption increases.
“wet” heating element
Significantly reduce Negative influence water on the heating element and the walls of the boiler is called special magnesium anode. It is a metal pin on which is applied a layer of up to 30 mm magnesium alloy. It is installed in most cases next to the heating element and significantly reduces the formation of corrosion on the internal tank of the boiler. This matter is best left to specialists. They will check the degree of wear and carry out all the necessary “procedures”.
Experts advise changing the magnesium anode every 15-18 months, and at the same time cleaning the tank internally, because otherwise, rust will increasingly “eat away” the metal from the inside. One day the tank may burst and all its contents will begin to pour out straight from all the cracks. Our experience using a boiler shows that replacing the anode only briefly extends the life of the device. It's all about the quality of our water, which leaves much to be desired and the anode fails to cope with the task as much as possible. But here it is still important to take into account factors, how often the boiler is used, how much heat set for heating, is it possible to turn off the device during idle hours, etc. All this together will give you more time to enjoy your purchase, we can talk about 5-7 years of continuous work.
When all the nuances have been studied, let's move on to choosing the volume of the boiler tank. It's difficult to advise anything here. It all depends entirely on the type and size of the room where you will install the water heater. Often this is a bathroom or toilet. The number of family members and how much you are willing to spend on electricity per month are important.
Recently we saw devices on sale that are designed to save energy. They have a special button, by pressing which you can reduce the power of the device. But experts note a large number of breakdowns of these models due to the fact that the device wears out faster.
It would not be superfluous to have a special water heating temperature regulator. In regular models this is a regular “wheel”, in more expensive models there are buttons indicating the current temperature.
Experienced experts suggest that it is better to make it possible to turn off the boiler if you know that you will not use it even for several hours. If the device does not have a switch, then you can install one like this, connecting it correctly and beautifully on the wall and hiding the wires.
Just heat the water and turn off the device, thus, the water heater will not turn on every time at the slightest change in water temperature (+ – 1 degree). And this will save a lot of money and service life. You can turn on the boiler at night, and you will have warm and comfortable water all day.
When leaving for a long period, it is better to drain the water through a special hole in the tap. This is not difficult to do. This will save you from possible boiler breakdown and flooding of the neighbors below.
What tank volume for the boiler to choose
When you wonder about how to choose a boiler, then not everyone can understand how large it should be. Many people advise taking a tank of 200-300 liters for large apartments. But we will allow ourselves to only partially agree with this. This volume will rarely be used to its maximum, is expensive and difficult to maintain. Therefore, we recommend choosing tanks with a volume of 80 to 150 liters. Even 80 l. quite enough to take a bath, diluted cold water, having received ideal temperature. If you only use a shower, then 2-4 family members can easily take it, if you don’t sing songs for half an hour :) And a 120-liter device can already cost twice as much as an 80-liter one. Plus, not every room will allow the installation of such units.
Boiler power
Most often on the shelves you can find models with a power of 1.5 - 2 kW. This most best option
. Regular wiring will easily handle this. But it's best to consult with an experienced installer. He will check your wires to see if they are connected. The average tank heating time is 80 l. before maximum temperature(it's very hot, believe me) from 2 to 3 hours.
A tank with a maximum capacity of 20 liters is suitable for the kitchen. There is absolutely no point in taking more.
Inner coating
Boiler manufacturers, in order to attract buyers, advertise two types of boilers. Or that stainless steel which costs more or enamel coating (glass ceramics), a little cheaper. But the whole point is that stainless steel seems to be better, but the technology for welding seams has not yet reached perfection, so we will still get the same corrosion and leakage at the seams over time. Their advantage is far from good. Manufacturers are developing more and more advanced stainless steel and coating systems, so carefully study the boiler model before purchasing on the Internet.
The enameled surface is also short-lived; over time, cracks may appear inside, through which water will negatively affect the metal and then wear out the parts again. The fact is that enamel “tolerates” temperature changes very poorly. The service life of such a tank is on average 3 years, it can be extended by installing operating temperature 50-60 degrees. This is quite normal value to avoid serious damage. But it should be taken into account that bacteria can accumulate inside the boiler if the water long time do not use. We recommend purchasing a boiler that is coated with silver ions. Only a few dollars more expensive, but will protect you from germs.
Boiler location type and shape
The issue of location most often arises in rooms with limited space. The most popular device models with vertical type of accommodation, because occupy space along the wall. Plus, in such a boiler, hot water takes longer to cool down. They look like a large barrel-shaped cylinder.
There are also more elongated and flat water heaters. So called "slims", which occupy much less space in the apartment. Their cost is significantly more expensive, but their heating efficiency is higher.
Boiler “slim” or flat
There is also rectangular boiler. A little more “slim”, but also designed to save space.
The horizontal type of placement of boilers also takes place. Unfortunately, such devices are ineffective in heating and the water cools faster.
Water heater installation
Most often, the device is placed either in the bathroom or in the toilet. Keep in mind that the mount and the wall must be as reliable as possible. The weight of the boiler can reach 25 kg, and if you add another 80-120 liters of water, it may turn out that not every wall can withstand such a load. Therefore, it is better to entrust the installation to specialists, the durability and warranty service water heater. The most difficult part of the whole job is the electrical wiring near the installation site. The standard cable may not be enough and will have to be extended.
Boiler maintenance
As we have already written, the internal tank deteriorates first, so you need to change it in a timely manner magnesium anode. Try to mark the approximate period for service in advance on your calendar. Also, if necessary, you need to clean the heating element from scale. If the water in your area is hard, maintenance should be done once a year. Be sure to check with the store before purchasing about this possibility. free cleaning for the period of warranty service. Try not to perform maintenance yourself, avoid purchasing homemade anodes or anodes of questionable quality and production. They can not only damage the device, but also be hazardous to health. Original anodes are always sold in original packaging and are made of very high quality.
There are craftsmen who, to prevent scale formation on the heating element, place a flask with salt on the pipe before the water enters the boiler. It is not yet clear exactly how practical this is and how it helps combat the problem, but the number of such successful reviews is constantly increasing.
Or these special ones
We recommend placing it on a pipe that fits the boiler special tap so that small rust in the water or some other small debris from the water does not get into the water heater. The filter will have to be cleaned or replaced sometimes, but this is better than repairing the device.
Popular water heater models
We have selected for you the most popular boiler models that have the largest possible number of positive feedback. It is difficult to single out a specific favorite among manufacturers. Let's just say one thing: technologies are constantly being improved and we can already talk about significant progress in the production of boilers. We do not indicate the heating time, because... this parameter depends on the time of year and the temperature you need.
Boiler BOSCH Tronic 1000 T ES 050-5 N 0 WIV-B
Manufacturer BOSCH has always been famous for the reliability and quality of materials. This 50 liter model is perfect for a small family. There are versions with a displacement of up to 100 liters. A power of 1.5 kW will not hurt your wallet too much. It is advised to choose the manufacturing country Bulgaria. Features good assembly. Good thermal insulation and the outside of the boiler does not heat up at all, which means that hot water will be stored longer. An inconvenient solution is a thermostat under the cover, which is held on by 4 screws. Regulating the temperature will not be the easiest task.
Power: 1500 W
Number of heating elements: 1
Volume: 50 l
Control type: mechanical
Temperature regulator: hidden (under the cover)
Inner tank material: glass ceramics
Shape: cylindrical
Features: Magnesium anode
Dimensions: (HxWxD) 79x35x37 cm
Weight: 17.7 kg
White color
Price: $125
Another interesting model with 80 liters. from the company Ariston. The power is already greater than that of the first option - 2.5 kW. Among the shortcomings, users note that the electronics are not entirely reliable, but everything is within the scope of warranty repair. Inside the boiler there are two reservoirs isolated from each other and each has its own heating element, which allows you to heat the water as quickly as possible. It is better to entrust the installation to a specialist.
Installation type: wall-mounted, vertical
Power: 2500 W
Number of heating elements: 2
Volume: 50 l
Control type: electronic
Type of heating element (heating element): tubular
Shape: rectangular
Additional functions: thermostat, overheat protection, freeze protection, protection against turning on without water
Insulation: 32 mm – high-density polyurethane foam
Includes: safety valve, fastening, cable with plug
Dimensions: (HxWxD) 109x49x27 cm
Weight: 26 kg
White color
Price: $270
Boiler GORENJE GBF 80
Boiler company GORENJE 80 liters ideally combines price and quality. A power of 2 kW is provided by two heating elements with a power of 1 kW each. The heaters are hidden (“dry”), which means they do not have contact with water, and provide the best performance in terms of durability. Users note that the heater is capable of storing hot water for about two days after heating. A family of 4 can take a shower without any problems. Unfortunately, the kit does not include a cable for connecting to the network, but this is not a problem.
Boiler GORENJE GBF 80
Installation type: wall-mounted, vertical
Power: 2000 W
Number of heating elements: 2
Volume: 80 l
Type of heating element (heating element): hidden (“dry”)
Inner tank material: enamelled sheet steel
Shape: cylindrical
Insulation: 17mm
Features: Magnesium anode
Dimensions: (HxWxD) 80.3x45.4x46.1 cm
Weight: 30 kg
White color
Price: $190
Boiler THERMEX IF 100 V
Excellent design and at the same time a decent volume of water of 100 liters are combined with a boiler. We liked it rectangular shape and operational reliability. It’s not very powerful for such a volume (2000 kW), but I think it’s possible to wait an extra 30 minutes for heating. With this solution, you can easily run a bath and soak in the cold winter evenings. The magnesium anode inside is not the best, it will have to be serviced more often, but the model deserves attention.
Installation type: wall-mounted, vertical
Power: 2000 W
Volume: 100 l
Control type: electronic
Temperature indicator: electronic
Type of heating element (heating element): open
Inner tank material: stainless steel
Shape: rectangular
Insulation: 17mm
Features: Magnesium anode
Dimensions: (HxWxD) 124.5x49.3x27 cm
Weight: 45 kg
White color
Price: $245
Boiler THERMEX ER 80 V SilverHeat
Perhaps another boiler from the company THERMEX, to which we would like to draw your attention. There is a surprise hidden for us in the name - this is SilverHeat. Here is the heating element coated with a special alloy using silver, on which almost no scale forms. Users share their experiences and talk about the durability of the water heater. Also, bacteria do not accumulate in the boiler due to silver ions. The manufacturer claims that the heating element is almost eternal. However, the heating element may last forever, but unfortunately, no one is yet able to protect the tank from corrosion.
Installation type: wall-mounted, vertical
Power: 1500 W
Volume: 80 l
Control type: mechanical, regulator on the body
Temperature indicator: mechanical
Type of heating element (heating element): open, SilverHeat coating
Inner tank material: steel, bioglass porcelain coating
Shape: cylindrical
Insulation: 17mm
Features: magnesium anode
Dimensions: (HxWxD) 79.8x44.5x45.5 cm
Weight: 30 kg
White color
Price: $100
That's all our advice for today. As you can see, buying a boiler requires compliance with small nuances. But they pale in comparison to the fact that you will have hot water in your house or apartment. Now you know more about how to choose a boiler, which water heater is better to choose.
Currently, household appliance stores have a wide range of water heaters. You can purchase budget models that are made in classic design. They have a round shape, which is why they seem quite bulky. To install such devices you need a lot of space. What about those who have very small apartments? Manufacturers also took care of this by producing (80 liters) vertical flat. As a rule, its depth is about 25 cm. Therefore, it can be placed in the bathroom, toilet and even in the kitchen.
Thanks to the beautiful design, such devices will fit perfectly into the interior. The weight of flat boilers is about 30 kg. If you use special fasteners, you can install them on any walls (concrete, plaster, wood). For example, Ariston ABS VLS QH 80. Its dimensions are: 1090 × 49 × 27 cm. Without water, it weighs 28 kg. The device is assembled in Russia. Equipped with two tanks (incoming and outgoing). There are three heating elements. Maximum temperature - 80 °C. Finished in silver with gray trim (top and bottom). The control panel is electronic.
Equipment for flat water heaters
The vertical flat storage water heater (80 liters) consists of almost the same parts as the classic models:
- Frame.
- Water containers. There are two of them in flat models.
- Thermal insulation. Located between the tanks and the body. Responsible for long-term preservation of water temperature.
- A heating element. The number of heating elements can vary from one to three.
- Control Panel. It is located either on the front side or at the bottom of the water heater.
- Thermostat and thermometer. The regulator allows you to set optimal temperature. You can change it at any time. The thermostat is a fuse against overheating, and it also turns off the heating element if the tank is empty. The thermometer shows the current water temperature.
- Bends. They provide the supply of cold water and the output of already heated water.
Flaws
Even the most expensive vertical flat storage water heater (80 liters) has some disadvantages. Let's look at them:
- Heat loss. Due to its specific shape, the thermal insulation layer is quite thin. This leads to rapid cooling of the water and, as a result, to increased energy consumption.
- Jumpers between internal tanks. Most often in places where there are welds, leaks occur. This leads to the formation of rust. Unfortunately, even stainless steel containers quickly fail.
- High price. Compared to classic models, flat ones cost several thousand more. It is also worth paying attention: purchasing spare parts and repairs will also be expensive.
Advantages
Storage water heater (80 liters) vertical flat, despite some disadvantages, there are many advantages:
Storage water heaters: companies
Currently, the most popular manufacturers are:
- Electrolux- Swedish brand. It is a world leader in the production of household appliances. The products are of high quality, excellent equipment and assembly. Studying the statistics, we can say that breakdowns in Electrolux flat boilers are extremely rare. The risk of complete failure of the device is negligible. Service life - at least 10 years. For example, the EWH 80 Royal model is popular. The power of the heating element is 2 kW. Convenient control panel. There is a temperature control and a thermometer.
- Ariston- Italian brand. The company has been producing boilers for 50 years. Buyers respond quite well to the products. There are cases of breakdowns, but they are easily fixed. The Ariston storage water heater has been operating without problems for about 6 years.
- Thermex- a company that has been exclusively engaged in the production of water heaters for about 65 years. The buyer should be aware that the assembly of devices is carried out automatically. Manual labor human is not used. This significantly reduces production costs and improves quality. The manufacturer claims that the water heater will operate without breakdowns for 7 years. A popular model is the Flat RZB 80-F. The body is decorated in beautiful design. It will take about 2 hours to heat the water. Tank material - stainless steel.
Price
We continue to consider Price is a significant criterion for many. For example, you will have to pay a lot of money for Swedish quality. Electrolux flat boilers 80 l are sold on average for 12,000-15,000 rubles. The cost of Ariston water heaters is slightly lower. The ABS VLS QH 80 model can be purchased for 10,000-11,000 rubles. As for Thermex products, the price for devices with a capacity of 80 liters starts at 9,000 rubles.
Storage water heaters have become an excellent solution to the problem of lack of hot water supply. They are installed not only in private houses, but also in apartments where there are often problems with the supply of hot water (especially in summer period, when road repairs are carried out). The optimal purchase for a family of two or three people would be an 80-liter storage water heater. This volume is enough for all household members. And in this review we will look at the most popular models of boilers of the specified capacity.
Popular water heater models
Storage boilers with a volume of 80 liters are quite common water heating equipment. They are optimal for a family of two - you can easily take a shower one after another, and also arrange dishwashing at the same time as shower procedures. They are also suitable for those living with three people. Of course, with such a number of people, a 100-liter water heater would be optimal, but you can get by with an 80-liter boiler - especially if the third person is a child who does not consume a lot of water.
As for taking a bath, for this procedure you will need a water heater of not 80, but at least 100 liters - and this is only enough for one person.
In plumbing and heating stores we can buy boilers from a variety of manufacturers. Their main differences:
- Material for making tanks - tanks from of stainless steel;
- Number of heating elements – there are modifications with two heating elements that provide rapid heating of water;
- Mounting method – vertical or horizontal;
- Control – electronic or mechanical;
- Maximum temperature varies from +60 to +90 degrees.
Let's see what we can choose from in stores.
We have before us the best storage electric water heater with a volume of 80 liters. It received the highest user ratings, becoming the leader in our review. The unit is made in a vertical flat housing and is equipped with a productive heating element with a power of 2.5 kW. Several water supply points are connected to it at once, and so that consumers do not have to wait long, the device is equipped with the function of quickly heating water. Other advantages of the water heater:
- 80 liter stainless steel tank – it is resistant to corrosion;
- Resistance to pressure up to 7 atmospheres;
- Electronic control with information display;
- Magnesium anode for additional protection from corrosion;
- Great case design.
An 80-liter boiler from Polaris does not look “pot-bellied”, taking up a minimum of space in the room where it is installed. As for users, their opinion agrees that this is the most reliable water heater that does its job with a plus.
Price for this model may seem a little overpriced, but it’s worth it - you won’t spend almost 13 thousand rubles in vain.
If you need an 80-liter storage electric water heater from a good brand, we recommend taking a closer look at this model. Thanks to its flat body, the boiler can be installed in any room where it will look extremely neat without being conspicuous. The power of the heating element used is 2.5 kW, the tank is made of steel coated with reliable and durable glass ceramics. The unit is mounted vertically, the connecting pipes approach it from below.
The control system in this 80-liter water heater is mechanical; the temperature regulator, along with the power indicators, is located on the front panel. To protect against corrosion, there is a magnesium anode inside. The boiler has received good reviews from existing users, although some complain about the weak metal of the tank. However, this may be due to a single defect.
The cost of this 80-liter water heater is about 13.5 thousand rubles - the influence of the brand is reflected.
Electric boilers with a capacity of 80 liters can be mounted not only vertically, but also horizontally, right under the ceiling. A typical representative of them is the horizontal flat model Polaris FDRS-80H. Let's consider its main characteristics and features:
- Easy temperature adjustment using the regulator on the front panel;
- Electronic indication of the current temperature;
- Maximum temperature – up to +75 degrees;
- Built-in magnesium anode for corrosion protection;
- Power consumption – 2 kW;
- Mechanical control system;
- Built-in safety valve;
- Reliable copper heating elements – 2 pcs;
- Bottom piping.
Excellent boiler with convenient fasteners and heating elements increased reliability. The cost of the unit is about 14 thousand rubles.
If you have very little money in your pocket, and you desperately need hot water, we recommend choosing and installing an inexpensive 80-liter Oasis VC-80L water heater in your home. It is made in a traditional cylindrical body, painted white. A heating element with a power of only 1.5 kW is responsible for heating water to a given temperature - this is not enough, so the water will take a little longer to heat up than in the models described above. The maximum heating temperature is up to +75 degrees.
The estimated cost of this 80-liter water heater is a little more than 6 thousand rubles, which makes it one of the most affordable. But for such cheapness you will have to pay for the coating of the internal tank, which is far from the most reliable - here it is made of enamel, but the same magnesium anode comes to its aid (you will have to change it a little more often). None special functions or interesting features The device does not have one - this is a typical budget model for budget-conscious users.
Flat electric storage water heater for 80 liters from trademark Timberk will appeal to those who are not used to saving on household appliances. The unit is characterized by good appearance and not the thickest case - its thickness is only 27 cm. It is equipped with check and safety valves, an overheating protection system, a magnesium anode and a stainless steel tank.
The Timberk SWH FSM4 80 H water heater with a capacity of 80 liters can operate in several modes, ensuring economical energy consumption. Its main feature is uniform heating of water throughout the entire volume. A durable and corrosion-resistant copper heating element is responsible for heating. In addition to the stainless steel tank, the boiler has a built-in additional measure protection against corrosion is an oversized magnesium anode.
Price storage water heater for 80 liters from Timberk it bites a little - you will have to pay almost 20 thousand rubles for it. Reviews about the model are exclusively positive.
Simple, reliable and not the most expensive - this is how this model can be briefly described. The water heater holds 80 liters, heating water to a temperature of +75 degrees, and it is adjustable at your discretion. The heating time is 185 minutes (up to the maximum temperature mark). The design already includes two valves - non-return and safety valves. The ubiquitous magnesium anode is responsible for corrosion protection.
The water heater tank is made of ordinary steel coated with enamel - not the most reliable option, but there were no special complaints from users. But it contains copper heating elements, which are characterized by increased reliability. The number of heating elements is 2 pieces, which ensures more uniform heating. The maximum water pressure in the tank is 6 atmospheres. The device itself is made in a rounded rectangular body, and is somewhat pot-bellied.
If you want to purchase an inexpensive 80-liter water heater from a well-known manufacturer, we recommend that you take a closer look at this model. For literally 6.5-7 thousand rubles you get a boiler that will supply you with the required amount of hot water around the clock. The device is made in a traditional “barrel-shaped” case, covered with white enamel. The internal tank is also covered with enamel, but this time protective. Features and characteristics of the model:
- Simple mechanical control;
- The pressure in the tank is up to 8 atmospheres;
- Built-in mechanical thermometer;
- Power – 1.5 kW;
- RCD included.
The water heater is also equipped with a built-in safety valve. The maximum water heating temperature is +75 degrees, 80 liters of water warm up in almost 4 hours.
Before us is another interesting water heater with an 80-liter tank, made in a rounded rectangular body, covered with traditional white enamel. A special feature of the unit is the use of dry heating elements. They are more reliable, since the heater itself is isolated from the water by a metal tube. The power of the heating elements used is 0.8 and 1.2 kW (2 kW in total). The time for heating water to the maximum temperature (this is +75 degrees) is 184 minutes.
Despite the fairly decent cost of almost 13 thousand rubles, the water heater is built on the basis of a steel tank with an enamel protective coating. But the steel itself is very strong and resists corrosion well. And the magnesium anode, which has become familiar, helps her in this. Boiler controlled mechanical system controls and can be mounted in both vertical and horizontal positions.
This water heater is very popular; it is often found in store windows. Holding 80 liters of water, it heats it up in about 3.5 hours. The tank of the unit is made of stainless steel, which indicates almost 100% resistance to corrosion. The power of the heating element used is 2 kW, it is possible to reduce it stepwise to 1.3 kW. The control here is electronic, there is a display showing the achieved temperature. There are already check valves and safety valves on board.
The water heater is designed for vertical installation with bottom supply. It will be the best purchase for both a house and an apartment. It is easy to operate, has a long service life, and there is no doubt about the reliability of its internal tank, which holds 80 liters of tap water - it will last a long time and without leaks. The cost of the model on the domestic market is approximately 13-13.5 thousand rubles.
We have before us a rather advanced water heater, designed for the same 80 liters of water. It has good technical characteristics, the only disappointment is the lack of a stainless steel tank - here it is made of ordinary steel and covered with protective enamel. The magnesium anode is responsible for corrosion resistance. Interesting features of the model:
- The maximum heating temperature is +85 degrees - this is a noticeably higher figure than in other water heaters;
- Dry heating element - it is resistant to corrosion and does not form a noticeable amount of scale. Its power is 1.8 kW;
- Built-in frost protection – relevant for country houses used extremely rarely, for example, for weekend living or for rental;
In many regions this has long become a habit. If there is no hot water all summer or even several weeks, the solution is obvious. You need to buy a boiler. Electric water heater provides additional comfort and allows you not to depend on public hot water supply systems.
The boiler maintains the required water temperature, while having a certain supply. On the Ukrainian market big choice boilers. But in order to choose the right boiler, you need to take into account many nuances.
What is a boiler
The water heater itself is a tank in which cold water It is heated to a predetermined temperature using an electric heating element - heating element.
There are two types of heating element: wet heating element - immersed in water, dry heating element - has no contact with water. Experts believe that the second option better than the first, since scale does not form on it, which means it will last longer. Dry heating element is located in special flasks and does not come into direct contact with water. Typically, dry heating element is recommended to be used when the water contains a lot of salts. In this case, the wet heating element will fail much earlier.
The type of heating element is not the only thing that affects how much a boiler costs. A dry heating element will cost more than a wet heating element. There are other parameters that cause the difference in price between different types boiler costs up to several thousand hryvnia.
The boiler can be round or rectangular, narrow or wide. In general, rectangular models are more convenient. Narrow boiler - suitable for a niche or cabinet. In this case, a narrow boiler can be either rectangular or oval-round. Before you buy a boiler, you need to figure out where you will install it. Depending on this, you will have to choose a boiler.
How does a boiler work?
Once in the tank, the water is heated to the set temperature, after which the thermostat turns off the heater. The desired temperature can be set. In the most inexpensive and simple models, it is not installed on the panel exact value in degrees - limited to symbolic images meaning gradation from “cold” to “hot”. If the boiler is more expensive, then often electronic system control already allows you to set the temperature with an accuracy of 1-2 degrees. Devices with the ability to program the heating temperature depending on time will cost even more.
If you have not used water for a long time, for example, you left for several days, and the boiler was not turned off, then it will independently heat the water when the temperature drops. To prevent the boiler from working independently and to avoid unnecessary energy consumption, it is better to turn off the water heater before leaving.
If the water cools down completely during your absence, then when you turn on the boiler, it will heat up for a couple of hours. Important role The volume of the water heater also plays a role here.
Volume and good wiring - important point, which must be taken into account before installing the boiler. Often, when choosing the volume of a water heater, they are based on the number of people living in the living space.
Boiler volumes vary from 10 liters (the smallest), they are often installed in the kitchen to wash dishes - up to 120. A boiler with a capacity of 1.5 - 2 kW - these are the models most often bought by Ukrainians, given that many high-rise buildings do not have very reliable system electricity supply A boiler with a power of 1.5 kW and a volume of 80 liters will heat cold water in 3 hours. A 2 kW boiler will heat 80 liters in 2 hours. A 2 kWe boiler will heat a 50-liter tank in 1 hour.
Returning to the price: the larger the tank volume, the more expensive the boiler. Hence the question, do you need a boiler with a tank volume of 120 liters if you live together?
There are models that have two heating elements installed. This is a kind of insurance in situations where there are problems with using significant electrical power when simultaneous work boiler and, for example, washing machine or heater. Turning on another powerful consumer can lead to the circuit breaker being turned off. To prevent plugs from being knocked out due to high load, you can turn the boiler on in an economical mode when one heating element is running. The water will heat up slowly, but there will be no overload.
Installation
Theoretically, you can install the boiler correctly - connect it to the electrical network and connect it to the water pipe - yourself. But it’s better to contact a specialist. It often happens that the person who bought the boiler has the right to warranty service and free installation. The first thing you need to determine is the location for the boiler. Most often, it is installed on the wall of the bathroom or toilet. But here great importance has the weight of the device - after all, even an empty boiler often weighs about 25 kg. Add to this 50, 80 or even 120 kg of water. It is important to know that not every interior wall can support the weight of the boiler. When installing a water heater, it is advisable to use special steel anchors.
To properly install the boiler, professionals advise installing a separate socket. After all, an outlet is usually designed for a voltage of 220 V and a current of 10 A. If we multiply these values, we get 2,200 W or 2.2 kW: this is the output of a standard outlet. There are also 16 A sockets, their output can reach 3,520 W or 3.5 kW. If the outlet is 10-amp, in this case we can talk about the permissible power of about 2 kW. Hence, the power of the heating element in the boiler is approximately equal, be it 50- or 150-liter.
Installation costs about 600 UAH - plus 300-500 UAH for consumables.
- A 15-20 liter boiler without water is 10-13 kg, add the weight of water (15-20 kg) and the result is 25-30 kg of load on the wall;
- a 50 liter boiler weighs 17-20 kg empty and about 70 kg full;
- an 80-liter model weighing 20-22 kg can easily put 100 kg of additional load on the wall when fully filled with water;
- larger models with a volume of 120-150 l provide an even greater load - up to 150-180 kg.
If you have opted for a 100-liter boiler or larger, it is better to provide floor support for it. This could be a shelving unit, supports, or a cabinet with stops. Due to such support, most of the load will go to the stand, which will provide insurance for the fasteners.
Self-installation
First of all, you need to read the instructions. The installation of a water heater is always described there. Then you need to install a safety valve. This valve is installed on the cold water supply line (where cold water enters the boiler), cuts off the water supply when the boiler is filled and releases excess pressure when the water boils, which protects the boiler from exploding.
Installation of the valve is mandatory; during operation of the boiler, it may drip a little - this is normal operation. Carefully monitor the valve, clean its moving part from dirt and scale. This is the basis for the safety of the entire boiler system.
Be sure to pay attention to the electrical connection of the boiler. In an old apartment, you may even have to move the wiring from the meter to the boiler outlet. The boiler wire itself in 99% of cases should be 3-wire - taking into account grounding, which also needs to be checked in the outlet.
If you have old wiring and you are not sure about it, then it would be better to invite an electrician to make a separate line for the water heater or replace the wiring completely.
Problems in use
The boiler works on the principle of an electric kettle. That is, it tends to suffer from scale on the heating element. In Ukraine, hard water flows in taps, and this greatly reduces the service life of the device. To combat this problem, softening filters are often installed.
Another problem with boilers is corrosion. To combat it they use anti-corrosion protection in the form of a magnesium anode rod. Such a rod takes the entire blow upon itself, gradually collapsing.
Any boiler is equipped with an “anti-corrosion anode”. This anode serves as a “magnet” for rust and active chemical elements, thus it protects the boiler tank and must be replaced after 1-2 years and, in fact, is consumables. Along with replacing the anode, it is advisable to clean the heating element from scale and flush the boiler tank. But even so, in order for the water heater to last longer, it is necessary every six months to invite a specialist who can assess the condition of the anode rod and heating element and clean them.
Sometimes the master decides to replace the heating element. This service is relatively inexpensive, in the range of 300-350 UAH. Compared to buying a new boiler, it is much cheaper. Often, having bought a water heater, people do not think about the need for prevention and maintenance. This saves both money and time. After all, buying a new boiler costs a pretty penny.
