How is a boiler different from a water heater and what is better

Not everyone has a central heating system with a constant supply of hot water, and those who have it periodically experience interruptions in its work. In all situations associated with the lack of boiling water, you have to look for the possibility of obtaining it. To solve the problem, construction stores offer electrical appliances that heat water. Considering the popular heating systems before buying, the question often arises, which is better to choose: a boiler or instantaneous water heater for daily use?

Instantaneous water heater

Accumulative and flowing water heaters have the same purpose, but different operation principle. In the second version of the heating system, the job is to pass the fluid through the heated heater. An automatic relay is installed inside the device, which turns on the element in the heater when water passes through it. The whole process is concentrated inside a flask smelted from copper. Due to this, heating occurs instantly, without making the user wait.

In addition to the heater and an automatic relay, the device is equipped with a heating level controller that allows you to independently set the desired temperature, and a protection system. The mechanism prevents possible damage from overheating. In addition, the manufacturer equips some models with the ability to control the water supply pressure.

For instantaneous water heater installation it is necessary to fulfill two conditions, without which the system will not be able to function normally. These include:

• Adequate fluid head. If the water jet is weak, the device will break quickly, and the buyer will not be able to count on a warranty repair or replacement.
• Good wiring. Electric power supply should be carried out through a working wiring system, which will help to avoid fire and voltage drops, will save boiler from breakage.

The appliance is ideal for heating small volumes of liquid for daily consumption.

Instantaneous water heater in the kitchen

Pros and Cons of a Instantaneous Water Heater

Instantaneous water heater copes with a small flow of water and heats the water at the same time as it passes through its system. To make a decision, choose a storage boiler or instant heating, it is worth evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of both systems.

Among the advantages of a flow device can be distinguished:

• heating instantly;
• modest sizes suitable for any room;
• unlimited volumes of heated fluid;
• energy saving (the heating element is triggered only when water enters the device).

Despite the significant advantages, the device has a sufficient number of disadvantages:

• significant power consumption (wiring must be of high quality and fairly new);
• a failure in the heating of water in case of power outages;
• weak jets of water for showering;
• cheap boiler options can quickly fail if they do not turn off in a timely manner;
• There is the possibility of electric shock if the room does not have the necessary protection.

New generation instantaneous heater

Features of a storage boiler

It is customary to attribute a storage boiler to a more convenient format for heating water than a instantaneous water heater.Its volumes are significantly different from the latter, thanks to the principle of operation. In the tank, from 30 l to 100 l, depending on the capacity of the tank, water enters. Inside the tank there is a heating heater, which increases the temperature of the liquid.

The device is connected to the water supply system. After filling the tank, the liquid is heated to a certain temperature, which can be set on the thermostat. Some time after the heater is turned on, the liquid in the tank is uniformly warmed up, and the heating element stops its work. This feature eliminates the possibility of system failure if the user forgets to turn off the device from the network. The storage water heater option is considered the most common for modern apartments and houses, but in order to evaluate the possibility of installing it, as in the case of a flow device, you will have to take into account the pros and cons of the system.

The storage boiler can be represented by two heating systems:

• Indirect. Water heating is carried out using a heating element or gas boiler.

Indirect storage water heater

• Straight. Such a device works directly from the central water supply system.

Accumulative water heater direct heating

The classic boiler shape resembles an oval. But recently, stylish options for a rectangle or a cube have become popular.

In many boilers, two temperature heating modes are provided at once. Moreover, low degrees are marked by a category of reduction in electricity costs. As a rule, the maximum heating temperature is 75–85 degrees, and the minimum parameters are 55. But experts do not often recommend using the latter mode, since it helps to multiply harmful bacteria and microorganisms.

Rectangular water heater on the bathroom wall

Advantages and disadvantages of a storage boiler

The water heating system in the storage tanks is not in vain widely used. Its advantages significantly overlap the disadvantages, which is why many buyers are interested in just such an option for heating the liquid.

The advantages of a storage boiler include:

• a certain amount of water that can be used in a large jet;
• the ability to set any suitable temperature;
• in some models, the manufacturer allows the possibility of setting a timer for heating water at night before waking up;
• a large selection of models on the market from different manufacturers;
• the ability to install with any quality of wiring and water pressure.

Accumulative boilers have a number of minuses, among which stand out:

• long heating period;
• large sizes and weight, which not all walls can withstand.

Which device is better to choose

Differences from the boiler instantaneous water heater types are essential for different levels of consumption, so before visiting the store it is important to weigh all the features of the devices and take them into account. The buyer will have to take into account all the differences in the systems in order to make a competent choice and not regret the purchase:

1. The size of the room and the supporting structure of the walls. The difference between the boiler and the instantaneous water heater in this case is that it will require a strong wall and sufficient space.
2. Number of intended users, family size. The flow-through version of the heater is suitable for those who do not need to take a shower, and there is a need for unlimited consumption. It allows you to get heated water in real time, without waiting.
3. High quality engineering networks. A storage device is suitable for any degree of worn wiring, it is beneficial for old houses with worn communications, and a flow device will require its high quality due to the large power consumption.
4. Necessary energy efficiency. Devices consume the same amount of electricity, so there is no difference between them. But those who have the opportunity to use gas equipment can reduce costs by installation of indirect storage water heater.

Most popular models

The store offers a lot of models of water heaters and boilers, but among all the offers there are better models, according to experts and buyers. Among water heaters and boilers, 5 models stand out that are suitable for different categories of consumers.

Electrolux EWH 100 Royal

The expensive boiler model is equipped with many different protection options. The storage system can accumulate and heat 100 liters. The device is equipped with several directions of water outlet, has a built-in display and allows you to mechanically control the built-in functions. As a protection, the boiler is equipped with a safety and non-return valve, an RCD system, protection against switching on without water and the possibility of overheating. The device has a stylish narrow shape and modern design.

Instrument Parameters:

• capacity is 100 l;
• fluid heating period 160 min .;
• heating element power 2 kW;
• maximum temperature of heated water 75 ° С;
• pressure at the exit points is regulated by 0.7-6 atm .;
• weight 21 kg;
• external parameters 493x1210x290 mm.

The average price reaches 18,290 rubles.

Electrolux EWH 100 Royal

Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital

A good model in all respects is characterized by build quality, high power. An electric heating element in the form of a spiral is installed inside the device. The system is equipped with an electronic display, a control system and built-in protection against overheating. Water is supplied from above.

Main characteristics:

• heating rate of 2.8 l / min .;
• power consumption 5.7 kW;
• pressure created at the exit of 7 atm .;
• weight 1.69 kg;
• size 191x141x85 mm.

The average cost in the store is 7550 rubles.

Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital

Thermex Flat Plus IF 50V

The storage system has the ideal combination of price and quality. Built-in capacity allows you to fill and heat 50 liters. On the boiler, the manufacturer provided an electronic display and the possibility of electronic control. On a tank indicators of heating and inclusion are located. The user can set the mode of accelerated heating or set a limit on the temperature set. The device has built-in overheat protection, RCD and a non-return valve, a self-cleaning system is provided. The boiler has a modern super-flat shape.

Boiler Performance:

• capacity is 50 l;
• consumed electricity 2 kW;
• heating time 80 min .;
• external data 887x250x436 mm;
• outlet pressure 05, - 6 atm .;
• degrees of heating up to 75 ° C;
• weight is 16 kg.

The price in stores is 13,600 rubles.

Thermex Flat Plus IF 50V

Hyundai H-IWR1-3P-CS

An electric flow-through device has been recognized by many customers as a reliable and convenient water heating system. Fashionable design and compact dimensions allow you to fix it in almost any room. The device is equipped with a mechanical ability to control temperature and a heating indicator. The device comes with a faucet, shower head and hose for connecting to it. After purchase, the device can be easily installed, connected to the water supply and immediately start using it.

Key Features

• heating to 85 ° C;
• heating volume 2.3 l / min .;
• water pressure 0.7 - 6 atm .;
• current consumption 3,5 kW;
• dimensions 258x153x95 mm;
• weight 1.3 kg.

The size of the cost in stores on average corresponds to 2600 rubles.

Hyundai H-IWR1-3P-CS

Zanussi 3-logic 3,5 S

Zanussi brand boiler is considered the best option for those who value value for money. The device has built-in protection against use without water and exceeding permissible heating temperatures. The manufacturer included a water filter, a shower head and a hose for connecting it to the kit. The system has a low cost and a good amount of heating water per minute.

Main parameters:

• heating rate 3.7 l / min .;
• electric consumption of 3.5 kW;
• pressure at the water outlet 0.7 - 6 atm .;
• external data 270x135x100 mm;
• weight 1.5 kg.

The average price in the store is 2300 rubles.

Zanussi 3-logic 3,5 S

Instruction: how to transfer the water heater in boiler mode

The first installation of a water heater system is usually carried out by specialists.But, in the process of operation, users have to start the device themselves again. In this case, the owner of the device will require to transfer the water heater in boiler mode. In order to correctly fulfill all conditions and maintain the operability of the device, the following instructions should be followed:

1. Stop the flow of water from the hot riser using constipation.
2. Fill the boiler with water. To do this, open first, open the hot water outlet and mixer, then direct the flow of cold water into the tank. The process must be performed in such a sequence as to displace excess air accumulated in the device.
3. Once the flow of water has become uniform, it must be shut off.
4. Connect the unit to the network.
5. Set the settings.
6. Wait for the required heating time.
7. Start using.

It is better to choose a water heater or boiler, a system of direct or indirect heating, each user must decide for himself. Each type of device is suitable for certain operating conditions. The premises, the number of users, the quality of communications and even the method of operation will be significant when purchasing a particular category of goods. Depending on the cost, you can choose a simpler option or equipped with technical innovations, convenient additions.