How to choose a gas water heater for an apartment or house
There is a misconception that geysers are installed only in old apartments and houses where there is no central hot water supply. Nowadays, a water heater makes it possible to comfortably survive all seasonal outages (for example, repairs of utility networks or planned pressure testing).
The choice of gas equipment must be carefully considered – the health of your loved ones and your safety will depend on it. In most cases, cheap devices are made of insufficiently high-quality materials, for this reason, if they are not maintained, problems are likely.
A geyser, like any other household appliance, is subject to certain problems. Therefore, it is necessary to know in what cases it is required for Neva 5514 geyser repair
electricity or gas?
The age-old question: what fuel should I use to heat water? In apartments, as a rule, the conversation is only about electricity and gas.
It is estimated that hot water from a gas water heater is several times cheaper than water heated by electricity. In addition, such equipment usually costs less. But expensive and complex installation (not only a gas project is required, but also its approval) prevents their mass distribution.
You can install an electric heater without any problems. But heating water will be much more expensive, and besides, the heating power itself will be greatly limited by the capabilities of the electrical wiring – it can simply knock out plugs.
Take your choice of gas equipment seriously. Firstly, the power of the device should be enough for constant comfortable use. Secondly, these characteristics will be specified during the development of the project. After its approval, simply changing the model to a more powerful one will not work – you will need to make changes and coordinate them with the gas service.
Types of geysers
Before considering the characteristics of the device in detail, you need to decide on its type. Water heaters are divided into two types: instantaneous and storage.
Flow-through geysers
Such heaters heat only flowing water, and therefore are small in size due to the lack of a container for storing it. This work is achieved through numerous sensors that control the water supply and its temperature. Therefore, as soon as it heats up to the desired temperature or the tap is turned off, the burner goes out.
Such devices are the cheapest on the market and do not require additional ventilation. But there are a number of disadvantages. Unstable temperature and low power – therefore they are suitable for small apartments, but will not be able to provide hot water to a country house.
Storage water heaters
Gas boilers are equipped with a water tank. As soon as it heats up to the required temperature, the burner turns off. As soon as the temperature drops, it turns on.
Storage heaters use fuel more economically, provide a stable water temperature, and operate even with low gas and water pressure. But if the boiler runs out of water, then you will have to wait a while for the new batch to heat up. In addition, such devices are usually large in size, so for their installation it is necessary to further strengthen the base or install it on a concrete floor.
If we add a high price to these disadvantages, then it becomes clear why such models are not popular: they are usually installed in large country houses.
Characteristics of gas water heaters
Power and performance
It is the power (kW) and productivity (l/min) of the heater that will determine whether there is enough hot water for all the taps in the apartment.
Heaters are divided into three power ranges:
- 17-19 kW – enough to take a shower or wash dishes at different times. An excellent option for one person.
- 20-24 kW – used for 2 taps, you can shower and wash dishes at the same time. The most popular option.
- more than 25 kW – used to provide hot water to a large private house.
For simplicity, it is usually assumed that one tap can flow 4 liters of water per minute. Therefore, for two mixers you will already need a heater with a capacity of at least 8 l/min. If the tap is used to draw water into the bath, then the flow rate can increase to 8 liters per minute.
It is worth considering that water is usually heated from 20 to 50 degrees Celsius. This value is indicated in the equipment passport and on the label. It is worth considering that this winter the water temperature can be 6 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is worth choosing a heater with a performance reserve (for example, 15%).
Number of mixersWater heater power (l/min)101416Kitchen and washbasin+
Kitchen and shower
+
Kitchen, bath and shower
+
Kitchen, 2 baths and shower
+
Boiler volume
If you choose a gas boiler, then you should immediately look at its volume. It is worth understanding that the larger the volume, the longer you will need to wait for it to heat up. In addition, the size and weight of the equipment also increases. We have provided approximate figures for understanding in the table.
Number of people in the familyHow many people shower after each other?Devices that consume waterWater heater volume (l)MinimumNorm1—Washing103011Sink, shower305021Sink, shower305022Sink, shower508033Sink, shower, sink8010044Sink, shower, sink, bath10012055Sink, shower, sink, bath120150
Ignition type
Previously, the burner in the column was ignited with a match or lighter. Now, in models with piezo ignition, you just need to press a button. In this case, the pilot burner burns constantly, so such devices consume more fuel.
With electric ignition, the burner ignites automatically and only when the tap is opened. Although this option is more economical, it requires batteries or a permanent connection to the mains to operate.
There is also ignition from a hydraulic turbine. When the tap is opened, the turbine starts moving and generates electricity for ignition. Such equipment is completely autonomous; there is no need for electricity, batteries, or additional fuel costs.
Water heater control
Cheap models are usually equipped with an electromechanical thermostat, which allows you to manually adjust the necessary water and gas supply parameters. This is usually done using two valves on the heater body.
More expensive devices are equipped with various types of automation that allow you to maintain the temperature set by the user depending on the water pressure and gas pressure in the system.
Combustion chamber type
There are two types: open and closed. Closed ones are easy to install and do not require additional ventilation. With an open chamber, the devices themselves are cheaper, but require expensive chimney installation.
Heat exchanger material
Heat exchangers made of copper have good heat transfer and are resistant to corrosion. But overheating is dangerous for such devices. At high temperatures, depressurization of welded seams is possible.
Stainless steel has proven itself in the fight against corrosion. Therefore, such models have high efficiency and reliability of equipment.
Another option is made with enameled steel heat exchangers. Enamel perfectly protects metal from corrosion. But with temperature changes, cracks may appear on it, which will negatively affect the efficiency of the device.
Additional features
For your safety, it’s best to purchase units with a built-in gas control system. If the flame in the water heater goes out, the automatic system will cut off the gas supply. This is especially useful if the gas heater is installed near open flames, such as in the kitchen.
Water heaters can also be equipped with various overheating protection systems or self-diagnostic features. In critical situations, the water heater will automatically shut off the fuel supply and turn itself off.
It’s important to remember that any automatic system cannot replace basic safety rules when using gas equipment.
Conclusions on the topic
Once again, please take the choice of a gas water heater very seriously. And remember that after purchasing it, it’s essential to have the equipment installed properly and have regular maintenance performed. For these purposes, it’s best to contact professional gas service providers.
