Electric Boiler

Various devices can ensure the constant availability of warm water in the house or apartment. One of them is a water heater, which operates on an electrical network. Such a device has its own advantages over other types of water heaters, as well as there are some features that are important to know before buying such equipment.

Electric boilers are called storage devices that heat water. They are produced by many manufacturers in a wide range, differing in capacity, power, method of installation, design and other parameters.

The main part of each boiler is a heating element, because it heats the water, which is recruited by the incoming pipe inside the tank. The work of the heating element is controlled by the thermostat, which is located next to it. Thanks to this control the water is heated to a predetermined level, and then the heating element is turned off. As soon as the water cools down a little, the thermostat detects a drop in temperature and gives a signal to turn on the heating element.

Between the tank and the body of the boiler there is a layer of thermal insulation for longer preservation of the temperature of heated water. Most often, this insulation is represented by a layer of mineral wool or polystyrene. On top of the body there is a control panel for the device. The water heated inside the device rises to its upper part, from where it is taken through the outlet pipe when you turn on the hot water tap.

Depending on its design, the boiler can be vertical or horizontal. Given the peculiarities of installation of an electric boiler, such devices are divided into freestanding (among them there are floor and wall-mounted models) and built-in. Depending on the tank material boilers can be steel (they are covered inside with enamel or other coatings) or made of stainless steel.

This type of mounting is mainly used for oversized boilers with small volume. It is advised to install the device on a solid wall, made of stone or concrete. Fasteners are selected taking into account the weight of the device itself and the maximum volume of water it can draw.

Boilers with this installation are usually represented by devices with a large capacity (over 150 liters). They have special legs at the bottom, on which this boiler stands. The height of the legs can often be adjusted, which helps in case the floor is uneven.

When selecting the volume of the boiler tank, it is first important to estimate the amount of water that on average your family will use on a daily basis. You need to consider not only the number of people, but also the number of boilers, as well as the number of water outlets. To calculate correctly, you should know what one person spends the water heated by the boiler and in what amount:

• Washing hands takes from 1 to 3 liters of hot water per day.
• An average of 5 to 8 liters of lukewarm water is used daily to wash your hands.
• Washing dishes at an average temperature of +50ºC takes on average 14 to 17 liters of water heated to +60ºC from the boiler.
• Taking a shower requires 17 to 25 liters of hot water.
• A bathtub at 40 degrees Celsius takes 85 to 120 litres of water heated in the boiler.

Such heating devices are most often chosen for installation in the kitchen to get hot water for kitchen needs. Water in them heats up quickly enough, but also ends quickly. However, for daily dishwashing, such a volume is quite enough.

Apparatuses of such capacity are most often purchased for an apartment in which one person lives. If the boiler for 50 liters buys a family, it is mainly as a separate heater for the kitchen, and a more voluminous model is purchased for the bathroom.

This is the most popular volume of electric boiler, chosen for apartments with 1-2 tenants. The water from such a device is enough for household needs and showering for two people or for one bath.

Boilers of this capacity are in demand by families of 2-3 people. Heated with a similar device enough water for morning hygiene procedures, the daily evening shower and washing dishes. However, only one of the household members can take a bath, and the rest of the opportunity to lie in the tub will have to wait for a while.

Devices of this volume are usually of interest to a large family with at least 4 people. The water, which will be heated by such a device, will be quite enough for washing, household needs, as well as showering and bathing.

The device of such a large capacity is usually chosen for the hot water supply of a private house. Such boilers are rarely bought, because a large volume of water is heated for a long time, and the consumption of electricity by such a device is quite large. This boiler is chosen only in cases where there is a constant need for large amounts of warm water.

Boilers of this type are very popular for apartments with a minimum of space. Since they are not barrel-shaped, and have a flat rectangular body, such devices take up less space and can be installed in a small bathroom or toilet.

The presence of recirculation allows you to get hot water from the faucet at once. The ability to connect a recirculation line is present in some models of boilers (for example, in combination boilers). In such boilers the circulation of hot water will be forced by the additionally installed pump. In addition, their functioning requires the installation of an expansion tank, as well as a safety valve.

The heating element inside an electric water heater is a tubular part. In most devices this element is immersed in water, so it is called "wet" or open. The heat from such a heating element passes directly into the water without any losses, and boilers with an open heating element are cheaper.

However, they have a significant disadvantage - on this part over time begins to be deposited salt, which affects the heat transfer and increases the risk of burnout. If the device does not have a magnesium anode, the "wet" heating element is actively affected by electrochemical corrosion.

Some modern boilers use a ceramic or metal sleeve to protect the heating element. The element is placed in it and there is no contact between the heating element and the water, so such a part is called a closed or "dry" heater. The service life of such a part is much longer, and if it is necessary to replace the heating element, there is no need to drain the water from the boiler.

Devices with a "dry" heating element are more durable, but cost much more than devices with a traditional open heating element.

Most electric boilers have a capacity of up to 2 kW, and you can see on sale and devices with a capacity of 1 kW, and models with a capacity of 6 kW. The higher this parameter will be, the faster the water will be heated inside the tank. Also, the power affects the price of the boiler - the more powerful the device, the more expensive it will cost.

It is important that the capacity of the device corresponded to its capacity, then the device will have time to heat water to the desired temperature. Often the power can be selected on the thermostat of the device, and experts advise to set it at an average level. Then the water heating will be optimal, and the service life of the boiler will increase.

The largest part of any boiler is the storage tank. This is where cold water is drawn in and then heated. Due to the increased electrochemical activity of water when it is heated, it constantly aggressively affects the walls of the tank. To protect the tank from rapid destruction, different coating options are used.

The most popular type of protection against corrosion of the tank is enameled and vitrified coating. Tanks with such treatment are inexpensive and sufficiently resistant to corrosion, but very sensitive to strong temperature changes. Therefore, a boiler with such a tank should be used carefully, not heating water in it more than 60 degrees Celsius.

The cost of the electric boiler is influenced by various factors, including the capacity of the device, its capacity, the quality of parts and the manufacturer. The most affordable boilers of Turkish and Chinese manufacturers, but their durability is questionable. You can buy such a boiler for 4-6 thousand rubles.

Heaters from Italy or Germany are considered of higher quality and more reliable. They have a thicker insulating layer, so they are more dimensional, but the water in them during the day after turning off the device cools down only by 5-60ºC. Prices for such boilers start from 12-20 thousand rubles.

The most popular models of electric water heaters are:

• Thermex CHAMPION ER 50V - a storage unit for 50 liters, the tank of which is protected from bacteria thanks to a special coating with silver. The heater is mounted on the wall, has a capacity of 1500 W and heats water to +45º C in 105 minutes. The pluses of this boiler can be called rapid water heating, affordable cost, multi-stage protection, simplicity of design. Among the disadvantages of the device are low functionality and the need for regular replacement of the anode. The average price of such a heater - 6000 rubles.
• Ariston ABS PRO R 50V - vertical water heater for 50 liters with a capacity of 1500 W, the maximum temperature of water heating +75 º C, simple operation and design. Steel tank of the wall heater is covered with enamel and silver coating. The device is protected from overheating, equipped with a safety valve and thermometer. Its average cost is 7000 rubles.
• Thermex FLAT PLUS IF 50V - wall-mounted vertical heater with a power of 2000 watts for 50 liters. Heats water up to +60 º C for 80 minutes, the maximum can heat water up to +75 º C. It has an accelerated heating option, has a non-return valve, additional self-cleaning spigot, and is protected against overheating. The pluses of the device are called stainless steel tank, compact flat body and electronic control. The average price of such a boiler - 12000 rubles.
• Electrolux EWH 80 Royal - vertical wall-mounted boiler for 80 liters with a capacity of 2 kW. The maximum heats water up to +75ºC. The pluses of the model can be called the tank of stainless steel, the function of accelerated heating, an attractive design. The average cost of such a boiler - 14000 rubles.
• Timberk SWH RS1 80V - quality heating wall-mounted device for 80 liters with a capacity of 2 kW. This boiler is characterized by high reliability and simple operation, and its tank is made of stainless steel. The disadvantage of the device can be called an external plastic coating of the tank, which heats up during use. The average price of such a device - 12000 rubles.
• Ariston ABS PRO ECO 80 V SLIM is a narrow wall-mounted storage heater with a capacity of 1500 watts and 80 liters, which has a water purification function. The tank in this boiler is coated with silver ions, and the water is heated to +60ºС in 186 minutes. The maximum temperature of water heating is +80ºC. The average price of this boiler - 10000 rubles.
• Stiebel ELTRON SHZ 100 LCD is an economical heater of German quality for 100 liters with a capacity of 6 kW. It is distinguished by a low power consumption, the presence of an electronic control display, adaptation to the consumption of electricity at two rates, as well as DC anode and a 10-year warranty on the tank. The disadvantage of the device is only its cost, which exceeds 100 thousand rubles.
• Electrolux EWH 100 AXIOmatic - high-quality vertical storage device with a capacity of 1.5 kW, heating 100 liters of water. Its advantages are the glass ceramic coating of the tank, accelerated heating function, mode of operation with half power, protection against overheating, as well as water disinfection. In this boiler water can be heated to 75 º C. The average price is 16000 rubles.

To buy the best heater for your family, you should:

1. Determine the desired volume of the device, taking into account the water consumption of each family member.
2. Decide where the boiler will be installed, as well as what the dimensions of the device should be.
3. Choose a manufacturer whose products are in an acceptable price category for you.
4. Decide on the type of heating element, its power, as well as the tank coating and insulation material.
5. Choose an appliance of a suitable shape and color to fit the boiler into the interior.