It is difficult to live without hot water. Everyone has to wash dishes, take a shower, take a bath. In the absence of a centralized network and in conditions of unstable hot water supply, it makes sense to purchase an electric water heater. How to choose a suitable unit with good performance, economical consumption and affordable price? According to technical experts and consumer reviews, a fifty-liter storage boiler seems to be the best option.
In the trading network there are electrical appliances of flow and storage action.
1. Water heaters of the first type are attractive due to their inexpensive price, compact size and high heating rate. When you turn on the boiler, hot water flows almost immediately from the tap. A significant disadvantage of the flow system is the increased power consumption.
2. The storage boiler is essentially a large thermos. In the volume tank there is a dry heating element (tubular electric heater) and a thermostat that regulates the set temperature. A dense layer of thermal insulation envelops the structure from all sides and prevents its cooling. As the storage tank empties, cold water is evenly poured into it.
According to the method of water supply, storage boilers are divided into two types:
- Non-pressure.
Their work does not depend on the water pressure in the system. Storage tanks are mounted on the wall in the immediate vicinity of the intake point. Hot water is supplied by gravity or by means of a pump. In order not to interfere with the free flow of the heated stream, there is no valve at the outlet of the boiler. The temperature in the tank is maintained for a long time, although it does not reach the maximum heating. Low-power appliances have limited use: in the kitchen for washing dishes or in an outdoor shower. The main advantage is cheap cost.
- Pressure.
These are powerful boilers, from which hot water can be supplied to several mixers at once. Installed in the water supply system. According to the type of fastening, there are hinged and floor. Usually located high on the wall or under the sink. The operation of the storage water heater is controlled by adjusting the inlet water flow or changing the power of the heating element. The electronic system brings the temperature to the set value and keeps it at this level indefinitely.
Pros and cons
Advantages of storage water heaters:
- Profitability - most household appliances have an average power consumption of about 2 kW. Accordingly, the cost of electricity is not very high.
- Favorable price - the cost is largely determined by the authority of the brand. Among the goods of a domestic manufacturer, you can easily choose a quality option for 50 liters with an adequate price tag.
Disadvantages of storage structures:
1. Limited amount of heated water - a 50-liter boiler belongs to the category of medium-sized appliances (small - 10-30 liters, large - over 80 liters). A small supply is enough to wash the dishes and take a shower for a family of two or three people. But if everyone immediately needs to take a bath, then you will have to withstand a long pause to heat the next portion of water.
2. Dimensions - water heaters with a capacity of 50 liters require a lot of space in the room. Usually they are placed in the toilet or bathroom under the ceiling, less often in the kitchen under the sink.
How to choose the right water heater?
The technical description contains a large list of characteristics by which classification is made.
1. Power.
Storage water heaters with a load of 1.2 to 3 kW work stably from a conventional electrical network with a voltage of 220V. The rate of water heating and energy consumption depend on the level of performance.
According to the type of construction, they are conditionally divided into two types:
- wet / open - heating elements are immersed in water;
- dry/closed - the coil of the element is reliably isolated from moisture by a durable ceramic shell.
If you buy an electric boiler with an open heating element, you can save a lot on the family budget. Another advantage of wet elements is the rapid heating of water. The disadvantage is the increased power consumption, low level of security and limited service life (up to 5 years).
Dry heating element is characterized by increased safety and efficiency. It is easy to maintain and repair. The service life reaches 15 years. The disadvantages include increased cost and slow heating. The presence of an additional dry heating element increases productivity.
3. Anti-corrosion coating of the tank.
From the inside, the storage tank can be coated with glass porcelain or titanium sputtering. For some models, the tank is made of stainless steel. The service life of the tank and the final cost of the boiler depend on the choice of material. The cheapest type is glass ceramics. It protects well against corrosion and salt deposits. As a result of sudden temperature changes, small cracks can form on the surface. Typically, porcelain glass tanks have a warranty of no more than 1 year. To extend the operating time, it is not recommended to set the heating temperature above 60 degrees.
According to household appliance experts, storage boilers made of stainless steel or titanium enamel are the most reliable and durable. The warranty period in some models can reach 10 years. Accordingly, they have a high cost. The most expensive are titanium tanks.
A magnesium anode is used to protect the internal coating from salts. It is recommended to replace it periodically. The larger the magnesium element, the longer its service life. Stainless steel is highly resistant to damage, so the anode in such tanks is rarely changed.
4. Control system.
The presence of electronic elements affects the comfort and safety of the boiler. The thermostat controls the heating temperature of the liquid. It is desirable that in addition to the main one, an additional device is also present in the boiler. Its task is to control the overheating of water.
5. Thermal insulation.
In order to keep the heat in the tank as long as possible, it is necessary to use good thermal insulation. On average, the water temperature drops by 5-7 degrees per day. The thicker the layer of insulation on the boiler, the slower it cools down.
6. Location type.
An important selection parameter is the shape of the aggregate and its spatial orientation. A horizontal water heater builds up temperature more slowly than a vertical one. And this is despite the fact that their energy costs are equal. Differences in the heating rate are explained by the design features of the boilers. In a horizontal water heater, the heating element is located in the side part, in the vertical one it runs in the middle. On sale, square-shaped devices are often found.
7. Manufacturer.
Accumulative boilers of reputable foreign brands usually require an increased price for their big name. If the consumer is faced with the task of choosing an inexpensive and high-quality household appliance, then it is wiser to buy a model of the domestic manufacturer Termex.
Product Overview
1. Gorenje GBFU 50 EDD.
An improved design with two heating elements expands the technical possibilities of integrating the boiler into the interior of the room. The flat water heater can be mounted on the wall vertically or horizontally as desired. This is a great solution for small apartments. The body is made of structural steel covered with protective enamel. The touch screen simplifies the operation of the boiler. Electronic regulation of modes helps to minimize energy costs.
2. Ariston Pro Eco 50V.
The electric water heater of the Italian company uses a special Nanomix technology that does not allow mixing of cold and hot water. This significantly increases the performance of the unit and reduces heat loss. The quality level of the boiler is ensured by exceptional raw materials, technological production control and full compliance with international standards. The Ariston 50-liter flat water heater of the Pro Eco brand has an exquisite design. The silvery coating of the surface organically fits into the interior space and serves as a worthy decoration of the house. The Eco function is designed to purify and protect hot water from bacteria.
3. EWH 50 Royal H.
The accumulative horizontal water heater with a stainless steel tank has a maximum range of functions, as well as reliable protection against damage and high temperatures. The Electrolux boiler has the ability to operate efficiently at half power. Economy mode allows you to heat water up to 55 degrees. At this temperature, the working life of the heating element increases, the water is disinfected, and scale is practically absent. Due to its compact shape, the horizontal water heater can be placed in any room.
4. Termex Champion Slim ES 50H.
Horizontal water heater with glass-ceramic coated tank. It is characterized by a simple device and an inexpensive price. The magnesium anode provides enhanced protection of the internal surfaces of the tank from scale. The maximum heating temperature is 75°C.
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