Which water heater is more economical?
✔️ What are the disadvantages of flow-through water heaters?
Flow-through water heaters are very powerful and consume from 7 to 30 kW of electricity during operation – not every wiring can withstand this. For example, to take a shower consuming 10 liters per minute you need 15-20 kWh.
✔️ What are the disadvantages of storage boilers?
Dimensions – the greater the consumption of hot water, the larger the volume of the boiler is needed. Tanks are more susceptible to corrosion, require service maintenance.
✔️ How much electricity does it take to heat water?
Approximate electricity consumption in obtaining hot water – 0.1 kW per 1 liter, taking into account all kinds of losses. There are calculators on the Internet for more precise calculation.
✔️ Where can I get acquainted with the size and capacity of water heaters?
In the section of electric boilers there is a handy filter for dimensions and power consumption.
Modern people try to make their lives as comfortable as possible, so the problem of hot water at some point may become relevant for everyone. storage water heater or flow-through water heaterSome people are luckier: they encounter this problem only when the boiler rooms are closed for preventive maintenance. Others need to take care of the availability of hot water themselves throughout the year.
In such situations, the purchase of a water heater can be a solution. But here is another problem: there are two types of water heaters – bulk storage boilers and seductively compact flow-through water heaters with instantaneous heating? The use of which of them in the home will entail less money?
The right choice can be made only when you clearly understand what is necessary and possible under specific conditions.
To do this, you need to give answers to a number of questions:
- How much hot water will the family consume on average per day? Example calculation in this article.
- What is the allowable size of the water heater? Where can it be installed and what are the maximum dimensions?
- What is the situation with the electrical wiring? What is the possible power limit?
- What will the appliance and the water it heats be used for?
- How much money are you willing to spend to buy the necessary equipment?
- Next, it is recommended to compare these two types of storage and flow water heaters.
Their differences:
Dimensions. If there is not much space for this device in the house or apartment, only a flow heater will do. It is more compact, so it is easier to attach it somewhere. In addition, do not need a bulk device for those whose hot water is turned off infrequently. Inexpedient 80-liter heater when there is no water for several weeks a year. You can use the filter by width, depth and height in the section of storage boilers.
Cost and range. Flow heaters are usually cheaper, but their range is not as wide. Although this is also a plus – it is easier to choose.
Energy consumption. This indicator is of most concern to those who are trying to save money. The power consumption of the storage device – 2-3 kW, and flow-through – from 7 to 30 kW. Therefore, it may seem that the first option is more economical. However, everything is not so simple. The flow-through heater will instantly heat the volume of water for which the storage will take a few hours. If the boiler will run all the time, you will have to include additional energy expenditures for heating. Therefore, flow-through is slightly more economical.
Wiring method. For the flow heater to be safe, it needs a special three-phase wire with grounding and a fuse-automatic device, does not hurt and RCD. Of course, this will entail additional costs. There are models with single-phase connection, but this requires powerful wiring, which is usually laid during the repair.
Operating conditions. Constant contact with hot water can lead to the appearance of rust on the walls of the boiler tank. From this it will quickly fall into disrepair. Heating elements will be covered with scale. Therefore, when buying a water heater, you need to look at what material the device is made of. Champions of durability are tanks made of quality stainless steel. However, their price is quite high. Tanks coated with titanium or zirconium enamel are also durable, but will cost less than stainless steel. Extend the life of the equipment allows a large amount of magnesium anode, as its presence reduces electrochemical corrosion. Avoid problems associated with pressure surges in the network, will help to have a thermostat, so it is advisable to buy a model equipped with it.
Conclusion on the choice of tankless or conventional water heater
Convenience and comfort. With flow heaters hot water will always be, but the pressure will be small. Accumulation heater will give a good pressure, but hot water will be a limited amount of time. In addition, if one spends a lot of time in the shower, the other will have to wait for about 5-6 hours until the boiler heats water again, or be content with a lukewarm rain.
Savings. Electricity costs, as mentioned above, are almost the same. Losses occur in the wiring at high load in the case of flow heaters, and in the case of storage devices during temperature maintenance. However, these factors are not very significant. But it is better to save water with a flowing water heater. But the reception of water procedures should not last long, although who knows how much free space you have=) You can save the most on these parameters: the use of water heaters often – rarely, long – not long.
Tankless water heaters have more advantages: smaller size, lower cost, fast heating, saving water, no need to heat water in advance. But technically it is difficult to provide them with the necessary conditions, so the range of storage boilers is much wider.
If still interested in the classic storage boilers, we advise to read the article how to choose it and read the ratings of manufacturers. And if you plan to connect it yourself, it is useful to read about the sequence of installation, or use the services of our master.