How to choose a gas water heater?

Heaters that use natural gas to work have many advantages. This is a small size, and fast heating of water, and durability, and economic benefits. Modern columns are characterized by high performance and safe operation, but they also have many technical characteristics, so it is sometimes difficult to choose a suitable option.

All heaters can be storage or flow-through. The first option is less common, costs more and is used only in case of severe interruption of the water supply.

• Automatic. It is ignited at the time of turning on the water.
• Semi-automatic. In it the igniter is constantly lit.

• High-powered. In such models, the power will be higher than 25 kW.
• Medium-power. Their power range is represented by indicators of 20-24 kW.
• Low-power. Power parameters in such devices do not exceed 19-20 kW.

Also columns are classified according to the method of combustion. They are divided into devices with an open and closed chamber. In the first case, the air for maintaining combustion is taken from the room. The second option is represented by turbine heaters, in which there is a blower, and the combustion chamber in them is closed.

The main burner in modern columns can be ignited from:

• An electrical pulse, which is created by a piezo element after a button is pressed. This type of ignition is quite costly, because inside the heater the wick is constantly burning. Gas consumption in such a device is increased by 25%.
• Under the influence of an impulse from the battery. A spark in such a column is formed during the inclusion of the device, and as soon as the device is turned off, the burner also goes out.
• Due to the pulse caused by the work of the hydro generator. This method of ignition is found in models from Bosch. It requires the activation of an electric generator, the operation of which is activated by the flow of water.
• Electric network. This method of ignition is used very rarely and depends on the availability of an electrical outlet near the heater.

In most of the speakers that are now on sale, the heat exchanger is made of copper. The quality of such a heat exchanger is influenced by the percentage of impurities in the copper (low-quality metal will be distinguished by its gray color) and the features of soldering (dark dots indicate hand soldering, which is of lower quality). It is best to choose a model with an ultrasonic soldering copper heat exchanger.

This parameter in most manufacturers is measured in liters per minute and is directly related to the capacity of the unit. It is indicated either on the back panel of the speaker, or in its documentation. According to this parameter, you can determine how much water the selected model can heat in one minute.

In the technical characteristics of the speaker, the minimum value of water pressure, at which the device will work. This parameter is especially important for residents of old buildings, where the water pressure is low.

The problem of water supply in Russian houses is also the periodic appearance of hydraulic shocks. Apparatuses that can withstand 12 bar can tolerate such short-term pressure increases well.

Due to variations in water pressure, the operation of the speaker can be impaired, but no variations will not interfere with the functioning of the model, which has the option of power modulation. In such a speaker, if the water pressure drops, the equipment will continue to work, maintaining a stable temperature of water coming from the faucet.

At the same time, modulation is possible only in a certain range - its upper limit does not exceed the maximum power of the speaker, and the lower one is affected by the sensitivity of the internal elements of the device. If such range will be 40-100% of the speaker power, such modulation will be comfortable.

The safety of using the speaker depends on such sensors:

• Combustion. It will shut off the gas supply when the flame goes out.
• Ionization. Such a sensor will also block the gas supply in a situation where the fire has gone out.
• Flow. Ensures that the speaker turns on when the faucet is opened and turns off when the faucet is closed.
• Overheating. Thanks to this sensor, the water will not be able to scald, and on the heat exchanger itself will not collect scale.
• Water temperature. Such a sensor determines whether the water is cold or hot, which results in adjusting the strength of the flame.
• Draughts. The boiler will stop working if there is no draft.
• Reset safety .. It is triggered when the water pressure is too high.
• Low water pressure. Prevents the heater from turning on if there is insufficient water pressure.

Choosing a heater for a city apartment, the main thing is not in a hurry, but to consider all the important nuances for the right choice:

• Decide on the capacity of the heater. Conditionally, a speaker with a capacity of less than 20 kW is only suitable for supplying water to a single point of consumption. It is suitable if you are looking for a model only for the kitchen or only for the bathroom. If you need a unit to supply water to two points, look for models with a capacity of at least 20-24 kW.
• Choose the type of ignition of the device, as well as the option of removing the products of combustion. Here you should consider whether there is a chimney in your house, since many devices output the products of combustion through it. However, there are also models, the emission of combustion products of which is carried out directly to the street.
• Make sure it is safe to use the speaker.

The most in demand are these models of gas-fired boilers:

Choosing a speaker, answer these questions one by one:

1. The device from which manufacturer are you interested?
2. What is the power of the speaker you need?
3. What kind of ignition should be in the unit?
4. How will the combustion products of gas be disposed of?
5. What additional functions and safety parameters are important for you?
6. Whether the device will be suitable by design to the interior of the room?

Users are very pleased with the speakers from Bosch and Vaillant, but note that the repair of such devices is very expensive. The greatest reliability, but at the same time the highest price is noted in the columns of Mora. Among domestic manufacturers, positive reviews are made about the Neva columns. Negative reviews are most often heard about the performance of Chinese speakers. At the same time, many are dissatisfied with devices with a steel heat exchanger.

The following video of the channel on Youtube "Heating technology SPB" will tell more about some important characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing a gas water heater.