Which water heater is better: instantaneous or storage?

Disruptions in the supply of hot water is a common occurrence for residents of apartment buildings. Such problems usually arise in the summer, when public utilities conduct scheduled inspections and repairs of water supply systems. Therefore, for a comfortable stay and compliance with sanitary standards, people install hot water boilers in apartments. These units can be purchased at any plumbing store. However, a small problem arises: instantaneous or storage water heater, which one to choose? After all, boilers are divided into several categories, each variety has its advantages and disadvantages. To answer this question, you need to know the principle of the boiler and have at least a minimal idea of ​​the design features. Let's figure out which model is better to choose.

General information

In fact, a boiler is a tank designed for water and supplemented by heating elements. By the method of connection, such units are divided into floor and wall. The first category is usually used in private homes, the second - in city apartments. According to the principle of action, water heaters are classified as flow and storage. Among the advantages of accumulative models can be identified:

1. Easy installation.
2. Distribution of hot water to several points.
3. Low power consumption.

Disadvantages include a limited supply of hot water. For example, for the needs of a family of 4 people, the water heater will have to be heated several times.

Instantaneous water heaters do not have a storage tank, respectively, are able to provide residents with an almost unlimited amount of hot water. In addition, such products have compact dimensions, so they are not striking. However, flow models consume more electricity (due to the rapid heating of water), and provide hot water with only one point in the apartment. Which water heater will be better: instantaneous or storage?

In addition, boilers are divided into direct and indirect heaters. As a power source, electricity, gas, and even solar energy can be used. Consider the most common types of water heaters.

Electric storage, direct heating

Such a water heater organically fits into the interior of a bathroom or other room. Designed to connect in apartments or private houses of a small area. The water heater can be installed independently, permits are not required for this. Usually it is a round or rectangular tank, powered by the city power grid and decorated with a special casing. The water tank is made of enameled or stainless steel.

In the lower part of the structure, heating elements are installed. Depending on the model, the heater can be equipped with one or two heating elements. For receipt of cold and return of hot water pipes are installed. Temperature control is set using a thermostat. The maximum temperature for most models is 75 degrees. Please note that the heater maintains the set temperature in automatic mode.

Experts recommend setting a heating temperature of 50-55 degrees. This mode will save energy and provide a family of 3-4 people with the necessary amount of hot water. Please note that to protect the tank from corrosion, the heater includes a magnesium anode in the circuit. This item is recommended to be replaced every 2-3 years.

Gas storage, direct heating

Gas boilers work on the same principle as electric models. It also uses a storage tank made of steel, pipes for the supply and distribution of water. Only instead of electric heating elements a gas burner is located in the lower part of the water heater. The burner is monitored by the electronic unit. Such models are more economical than electrical counterparts in terms of resource consumption. In addition, they are better suited for installation in country houses due to the large volume of storage capacity. However, there are difficulties with the connection: the water heater must be combined with a chimney. This requires special permission from supervisory authorities.

Cumulative Indirect Heating

A distinctive feature of an indirect water heater is the lack of its own heating elements. Although some models are equipped with a built-in heating element, to maintain the temperature regime. Models are optimally suited for country houses with a large number of water discharge points. If desired, even a heated towel rail can be provided with hot water. The number of water intake points is determined by the capacity of the storage tank (up to 1,000 liters). Among the advantages of indirect heaters are:

• No additional load on the home electrical network.
• High performance.
• An opportunity to change the used heat carrier.

Given these features, indirect water heaters are often installed complete with a dual-circuit heating system. Then the heat generator can switch between the boiler and the heating system, ensuring the optimum temperature.

By design, indirect heaters are of two types:

1. "Barrel in a barrel." Two containers of different diameters are used here. The coolant is poured into a large one, while hot water is prepared in a smaller one for the needs of residents.
2. Coil. Here, a copper spiral is used as a heating element, inside of which a coolant circulates.

If you think about which indirect type water heater is better, then the “Barrel in a Barrel” scheme will win. The weak point of the coil is the formation of scale on the surface. Accordingly, it is periodically necessary to clean the spiral of formations.

Instantaneous water heaters

Instantaneous water heater is a compact design that can easily fit under the sink. According to the principle of action, they are electric and gas. Such models do not store a supply of hot water, but instantly heat the water coming from the main. The disadvantage of electric flow heaters is the high power consumption. For example, to provide the necessary amount of water to a bathroom, a product with a capacity of about 25 kW will be required. When connecting more economical gas models, a chimney is necessarily installed, which is not suitable for all consumers. The average productivity of gas flowing boilers is 15 liters of water per minute. In order for the boiler to heat water better and faster, it is possible to reduce the pressure in the supply line.

Subtleties of choice

In order to choose the right storage water heater, you need to consider not only the connection point, but also the needs of the people living in the apartment. For example, if your family has amateurs to soak in a full bath, then you need a model with a capacity of about 250 liters. For washing dishes in the kitchen and cooking, a 25-liter water heater is enough. To just take a shower, a 50 liter boiler is suitable.

Which of the water heaters suits you is up to you. In any case, with the installation of a boiler (accumulative, direct, indirect or flowing), you will no longer depend on the whims of utilities.