Electric water heaters
The presence of hot water in a house or at an enterprise is a basic need of modern times. Therefore, to ensure constant access to heated water, one of the most effective and comfortable ways is an electric boiler. In the article below, you can learn the key features and criteria for choosing water heaters and what their cost depends on.
The principle of operation of capacitive (accumulation) and instantaneous boilers
Storage devices are equipped with a thermally insulated tank, where, through a heating element operating with a certain power, water is gradually heated and stored at a given temperature, which reduces the cost of additional heating. It has the following advantages:
- electric boilers can provide water supply to the bathroom, sink and kitchen, due to the large volume of the tank.
- stability of operation, including during water supply interruptions;
- ideal for use in residential premises, as well as for a restaurant, cafe or hotel.
Wall-mounted instantaneous electric water heaters are able to instantly heat water as it passes through the heating element. These models are lighter and have compact dimensions due to the absence of a tank. In addition to saving space, they are distinguished by:
- quick installation, since the equipment does not require additional platforms or supports;
- affordable price range compared to the floor type;
- unlimited amount of hot water with precise temperature control.
A floor-mounted instantaneous electric water heater for heating water does not differ in principle from a wall-mounted one: when cold water enters the device, the heating elements are activated, and heating is started after the water flow fixation sensor is triggered. Such an electric water heater has a higher power (up to 120 kW), which is ideal for enterprises. Advantages of using a boiler:
- due to its power, the use of several water intake points (showers, washbasins, kitchens) is ensured. That is, even when several taps in the shower are turned on simultaneously, for example, the electric boiler invariably maintains a stable pressure of hot water;
- a powerful heating element provides a stable water temperature (including with intensive consumption);
- the absence of a tank facilitates maintenance, because there is no need to regularly clean it from scale.
Which electric water heater to buy?
To determine the required type of boiler, certain factors should be taken into account:
- Electric power. If the house has a limit on electric power (up to 6 kW), then the only option is to install storage-type equipment, since less electricity is consumed at the time of heating.
- Number of users. For several people or periodic use, a flow-through electric water heater is optimal. For a large family, it is better to choose floor-standing storage devices that can provide a sufficient amount of hot water.
- Water application points. If there is a need for simultaneous use in several places, preference is given to a capacitive device, a wall-mounted instantaneous electric boiler is generally chosen for one point. However, it can also be used, for example, in a bathroom and kitchen, but it must be borne in mind that this requires a water supply with high pressure and the device must be of sufficient power.
- Installation space. For rooms with a smaller square footage, it is ideal to install a wall-mounted instantaneous Titan boiler, which has a height of 790 mm and a width of 410 mm. The floor type is suitable for a larger space (minimum parameters: 870 mm height and 355 mm width, the maximum is 1120 mm * 2300 mm and is installed in places with increased water consumption, for example, in production).
Factors affecting the cost of heaters
The price for an electric boiler is formed with the obligatory consideration of the following criteria:
- The presence of additional functions. The basic configuration of the heaters includes everything necessary for their normal and proper operation, but at the client’s request, a daily programmer, a magnesium anode against scale and for water softening, as well as a protective shutdown device can be additionally installed. All this can increase the final cost of the device.
- Capacity and volume of the tank. The tank is installed only on storage models and can be 200-500 liters in volume, which causes fluctuations in cost, due to the large size and complexity of the design. Capacity affects the heating rate, so the price of an electric boiler also changes with an increase in kW.
- Installation type. A flow-through type device is cheaper than a storage type, but these models also require powerful electrical wiring (380 V).
An incorrectly selected heater may result in a shortage of hot water, excessive purchase or maintenance costs, as well as excessive electricity consumption. Our specialists can help with advice so that you can buy an electric boiler that will not only provide comfortable use, but also optimize your budget.