How to choose a flowing electric water heater: tips and acquaintance with successful models
The boiler is not able to heat the required amount of hot water or is it always needed immediately? Is the only reliable and affordable source of energy - 220 or 380 V? There is no desire, opportunity, conditions for the installation of bulky equipment? Not sure how to choose an instantaneous electric water heater? The information in the article will give answers to all questions.
Installation of flow heating of water is arranged quite simply. The basis of the engineering solution is the heat transfer zone. It contains a heating element of one type or another.
- The classic solution is a heating element, inside of which there is a wire spiral.
- A more modern heater is tubular. This is a moisture-proof inductor that has good efficiency and heats up to high temperatures.
- The most technologically advanced solution is the induction heating system. It consists of an electromagnetic coil and a core, which is heated by Foucault currents.
To allow the temperature of the liquid passing through the instrument's circuit to be adjusted by the user, heater manufacturers offer a range of control circuits. Among them, there are necessarily security systems. They prevent water from heating to boiling point or above a predetermined maximum value, idling, short circuits and other emergencies.
The flow heater has an impressive list of advantages. They make it a very convenient product for quickly, within seconds, getting hot water. For example, future owners are attracted to:
- compact size;
- no special installation requirements;
- the ability to work with any flow of water;
- clear adjustment mechanics;
- equipment that allows you to immediately select a model that meets your needs.
But an instantaneous electric water heater also has disadvantages that can create problems in the average apartment or house. For example:
- a powerful device, having a consumption of 7 kW or more, will easily overload weak wiring;
- the number of liters of water that the unit is able to heat per minute to a comfortable temperature may not be enough to meet the needs of the family;
- an incorrectly selected type of water heater can be used inefficiently.
An accurate assessment of all parameters will allow you to choose a flow heater for a house, cottage or apartment, the characteristics of which will be very attractive. Let us dwell in more detail on those features of the device that should be considered when buying.
Types of flowing electric heaters
As mentioned above, all flow type devices are built on the same basic circuit. Deciding which is better to buy an electric water heater is, first of all, according to its performance characteristics and design. On the market are:
- wall-mounted devices with vertical body orientation, with bottom piping. They can supply water to a shower through a flexible hose, to a gooseneck or to a water take-off line;
- wall-mounted heaters with lateral supply. They are optimal for location behind a partition or wall. Unregulated models work perfectly: water, when taken in an amount not exceeding the performance indicator of the device, always has an exactly set temperature;
- top-mounted appliances are optimal for the kitchen. They are easy to install under the countertop, inside the furniture set;
- tubular flow heating systems. Their connection is made directly inside the engineering systems, installation is carried out directly in the line of the pipe passage. The fluid inlet and outlet are located at the ends of the heater, and the adjustment systems are either not provided or are designed for a single heating mode setting. A separate product segment is compact water heaters manufactured in the format of a stand for a kitchen sink faucet.
The latter type of flow heater may be the best solution if the owners chose it for installation in the apartment. Such a device can be paired with a storage class boiler through a three-way mixing valve. This ensures constant availability of hot water, the possibility of intensive extraction and a constantly comfortable liquid temperature.
What to consider when choosing a device
Let us dwell in more detail on the complex of characteristics of a flowing electric heater, the choice of which will allow you to get a device that does not create trouble and provides a sufficient amount of hot water. Immediately, we note several features that allow you to better evaluate the device.
- The specified performance of a flow heater is the amount of water that it is capable of delivering in a constant flow at the maximum (indicated in the passport) temperature.
- Unregulated devices or those equipped with mechanical control systems always have a clear power consumption indicated in the characteristics of the device. At the same time, electronically controlled flow heaters use as much energy as needed to heat water to a specified temperature.
- Devices equipped with a shower head are not always suitable for giving. The nozzle has very small holes. It is suitable for washing dishes or hands, but it will be inconvenient if the water heater is placed in the shower.
Devices intended for one point of water sampling are called non-pressure. A safety valve is installed at the inlet, which provides an internal fluid pressure of 1 atmosphere. Such a water heater cannot supply water more strongly than its design allows, even if it whips from a “cold” tap with an intense stream.
Devices designed for several water sampling points are capable of withstanding pressures up to 10 atmospheres. They can be installed directly at the entrance to the apartment and pick up a performance sufficient for all household needs.
Choosing an electric instantaneous water heater by power
Before going to the store, you should consult with electricians. The calculation of the average wiring in a modern house is based on the ability to connect several powerful consumers. This is a washing machine, oven, electric grill. Therefore, a small flow heater with a power of 4-6 kW can be safely used if it is turned on for a short time (up to half an hour).
If the house is old, the wiring is weak, it is recommended to make a separate input to the apartment, from which the instantaneous water heater will be powered. The ideal solution is to lead to the tire flat shield directly from the basement or from the central distribution point. At the same time, one more problem can be solved: to provide a neutral wire, which is in modern houses, is necessary to connect the device, but is not available in old buildings.
It is recommended to make a separate entry in any case. However, realizing that no one will do serious repairs with wall chasing or opening wire laying channels without special need, it is worth carefully evaluating the capabilities of existing wiring and choosing a water heater that can work in existing conditions without accidents.
Selection by water consumption
As mentioned above, the nominal performance is indicated in the passport for the heater. The flow of water given out by the device is always diluted. Therefore, if 3 liters of selection per minute with a temperature of 55 degrees are declared, such indicators are enough for a comfortable shower.
The second factor to take into account is the difference in instrument performance over the seasons. The water in the supply pipe varies in temperature. In summer it is warmer, in winter it is very cold. For example, in summer, a water heater with a power of 8 kW will provide a selection of 3.1 liters of water with a temperature of 55 degrees (18 at the inlet). And in winter, when water is supplied at 6 degrees, the output will only be 2.3 liters of hot liquid.
To successfully choose a device, you should focus on its class and the declared performance indicators. For example, for a non-pressure device that is mounted at one sampling point (kitchen sink, bathroom, shower), a capacity of 3-4 liters will be enough (less if there is no habit of taking a shower with a good flow of water).
For a pressurized water heater with several sampling points, a minimum figure of 3 liters per minute for one consumer is taken. Each subsequent tap should add 1.5-2 liters to the recommended performance of the device.
Heating element features
The class of the heating element can be a decisive factor in determining which brand to choose a water heater. For example:
- the simplest devices use one or more heating elements. They can be anodized or copper sheathed;
- more advanced devices are equipped with ceramic tubular heaters. They are durable, expensive, efficient;
- the best heaters are glass-protected spiral blocks. They do not require maintenance, slightly change the rate of heat transfer during the formation of scale.
Spiral induction heat exchangers are the most technologically advanced solution. During their operation, very little scale is formed, since the Foucault currents, in addition to heating, cause the vibration of the central core and the current spiral. Some water heaters of the Swedish Electrolux brand are equipped with such heaters.
The material from which the heater is made
The heater housing is the last thing worth evaluating. Each buyer has a personal rating. For example:
- practical people will prefer plastic. It is easy to care for him, but over time, scratches, roughness, collecting dirt inevitably appear;
- cases covered with enamel look rational. They are durable, the surface is durable, wear-resistant, looks aesthetically pleasing;
- Anodized body parts look stylish and impressive. However, the coating may wear down to the base over time. Excellent strength indicators for the titanium layer. Such a case is an expensive solution, but it looks extremely attractive;
- all-metal, polished, stainless steel or alloy water heaters are the height of perfection in the eyes of some buyers. But there is one factor to consider. On the smooth mirror surface of the metal, stains and other visual imperfections will constantly be visible. It will require careful, constant care.
Which company is preferred
Knowing how to choose a flowing electric water heater, one cannot but mention the companies that are leading in customer preferences. At one end of the scale are simple, inexpensive, and reliable solutions. As a bright representative, the Polaris brand can be noted. Here are classic, simple heating elements, moderate power consumption, maintainability and availability of spare parts.
At the other end of the scale are products from Electrolux. Here technological innovations are used. For example, induction heating blocks, spirals protected by glass. The price of water heaters is high, but the reliability is even higher, the products will not require maintenance or repair for many years.
Rating of the best instantaneous electric heaters
It's time to get acquainted with the best representatives of the instantaneous water heater market. In order not to repeat the same indicators: electricity consumption, performance, number of sampling points (device type) and others, they are summarized in a table. And the rating will introduce the main features of the devices.
Model | Prod., l/min | power, kWt | Heater type | Selection points | Control |
3,9 | 8 | tubular | 1 | electronic | |
4,1 | 8 | copper heater | Some | Mechanics | |
Polaris Mercury 5.3OD | 4 | 5,3 | heating element | some | regime |
4 | 6,5 | copper tubular | 1 | regime | |
7,3 | 12 (380V) | heating element | some | regime | |
Timberk WHEL-7OC PRIMALUX | 4,5 | 6,5 | heating element | 1 | Mechanics |
Electrolux SP 21 ELITEC | 10,7 | 21 (380V) | spiral heater | some | ungovernable |
5 | 7 | heating element | 1 | Mechanics | |
2,8 | 5,7 | spiral block | some | Mechanics | |
4 | 7,5 | copper heater | some | Mechanics |
A solution that can be considered universal. The water heater is electronically controlled, you can set the temperature threshold, there is an accelerated heating mode. Setting the desired parameters is done with convenient circular controls. The water heater belongs to the non-pressure class (one sampling point), equipped with a hose with a shower head.
Flow type electric water heater, which is suitable for an apartment where a family of two lives. The performance is enough to take a shower, for domestic needs. The device can withstand up to 10 atmospheres of water supply, can be installed at the entrance of the apartment, is powered by a single-phase 220 V network. Its design is simple, the pipe supply is standard, 0.5 inches, so even installing it yourself will not cause any difficulties.
Representative of simple, reliable solutions for a small apartment or house. Possessing good performance for its power, the water heater offers a simple scheme for setting modes by pressing one button. Installed at the entrance to the apartment, it is able to provide water analysis at several points. The convenient shape of the body allows you to install it in the bathroom, and the equipment (hose and shower head) allows you to use the device to create comfort in the country.
Representative of the market segment of the most reliable and unpretentious devices. This water heater is made in an enameled case, equipped with copper heating elements, comes with its own inlet water filter, offers one-button operation mode setting. Designed for one point of consumption (non-pressure class), this appliance will be very effective in the kitchen or in the bathroom. For installation in the bathroom, the manufacturer offers a goose faucet that comes with the device.
A product ideal for a private home. The device operates from a three-phase network, has sufficient performance to provide hot water to a family of 3-4 people. It can be installed at the entrance to the house, withstands up to 10 atmospheres of water pressure and offers an accelerated mode of water heating. The temperature is controlled by a single regulator on the body.
Compact, designed for use in apartments (inlet water pressure up to 6 atmospheres), this water heater will appeal to many. It is equipped with a regulator that will allow you to balance the water intake and the load on the wiring. This device will be convenient both in the kitchen and in the bathroom, where it can be mounted directly above the bathtub or washbasin. A gander crane is supplied with the device.
An excellent solution for a private house where a large family lives. This reliable unregulated device boasts a whole range of record-breaking performance. First, it is equipped with an induction heating system. Secondly, it has the maximum outlet temperature limit in its class of 60 degrees. Thirdly, it can provide good performance for its power. The device is powered by a three-phase network, can be installed at the water inlet to the house, weighs less than 4 kg.
A good and reliable solution for the bathroom. It has everything that is required from a high-quality non-pressure type instantaneous heater: medium power, sufficient performance for an intensive shower, simple mechanical operation mode switches. The device is completed as if it was specially designed for the bathroom: the manufacturer offers a goose faucet and a flexible hose with a shower head.
A unique device from the Swedish brand was developed for the kitchen. Here, the top eyeliner for mounting the device under the countertop, moderate power consumption and performance sufficient for domestic needs. In this case, the water heater is designed for several consumers. Therefore, it can be placed in such a way as to supply water to the sink and to the bathroom washbasin at the same time.
The device is very reliable. The heating element is a spiral type with a special mechanics of work: it vibrates when voltage is applied. This does not allow scale to settle, as a result, the service life of the device is very high.
The rating is completed by a convenient device for bachelors or a family of two. This water heater will fully satisfy the needs of such a target group. There is everything for universal use. For example, you can install this device for hot water supply to a bathroom or install it at the entrance to an apartment (several consumers are allowed). Reliable copper heating elements ensure durability, and setting the outlet water temperature with a simple movement of the rotary knob is a very convenient option.
As a conclusion
There is a lot of talk about flow heaters, but always one-sidedly. The attitude to this device can be described in one phrase: “don’t like it? You just don't know how to cook it." Whatever modern types of flow heaters are considered, each will require an integrated approach. It is enough to provide the device with a reliable power source, evaluate the water consumption and choose the appropriate model, and connect it where it will be most effective. And then the purchased heater for many years of work will never make you disappointed in yourself. You just need to go to the store and know what to look for when buying.