How is a boiler different from a water heater and which is better?

Not everyone has a central heating system with a constant supply of hot water, and those who have it periodically experience interruptions in its operation. In all situations related to the lack of boiling water, you have to look for the possibility of obtaining it. To solve the problem, hardware stores offer electrical appliances that heat water. When considering popular heating systems before purchasing, the question often arises: what is better to choose: a boiler or an instantaneous water heater for daily use?

Instantaneous water heater

Storage and instantaneous water heaters have the same purpose, but different principles of operation. In the second version of the heating system, the work consists of passing liquid through a heated heating element. An automatic relay is installed inside the device, which turns on the element in the heater when water passes through it. The entire process is concentrated inside a flask made of copper. Thanks to this, heating occurs instantly, without making the user wait.

In addition to the heating element and automatic relay, the device is equipped with a heating level controller, which allows you to independently set the desired temperature, and a protection system. The mechanism prevents possible damage from overheating. In addition, the manufacturer equips some models with the ability to control water supply pressure.

To install an instantaneous water heater, two conditions must be met, without which the system will not be able to function normally. These include:

• Sufficient fluid supply pressure. If the water stream is weak, the device will quickly break down, and the buyer will not be able to count on a warranty repair or replacement.
• Good wiring. The supply of electricity must be carried out through a working wiring system, which will help avoid fire and voltage surges, and protect the boiler from breakdown.

The device is ideal for heating small volumes of liquid for daily consumption.

Instantaneous water heater in the kitchen

Pros and cons of instantaneous water heater

A tankless water heater works great with a small flow of water and heats the water the moment it passes through its system. To decide whether to choose a storage boiler or instant heating, it is worth assessing the advantages and disadvantages of both systems.

Among the advantages of a flow device are:

• heating instantly;
• modestly sized, suitable for any room;
• unlimited volumes of heated liquid;
• energy savings (the heating element is activated only when water enters the device).

Despite significant advantages, the device has a sufficient number of disadvantages:

• significant power consumption of electricity (the wiring must be of high quality and fairly new);
• failure to heat water during power outages;
• weak streams of water for showering;
• cheap boiler options can quickly fail if they are not turned off in a timely manner;
• There is a possibility of electric shock if the room does not have the necessary protection.

New generation flow heater

Economical

Electric boilers are water heaters that are much less economical than instantaneous water heaters.

There are two reasons for this.

1. Due to the limited power of instantaneous heaters, their creators have to limit the flow of water through the device. This, in particular, is achieved by using special shower heads and shower heads with a small clearance. Less water consumption means less energy consumption;

Standard watering can with reduced nozzle size.

1. More importantly, the boiler periodically turns on the heat to compensate for heat loss through the insulation. A layer of polyurethane foam about 5 cm thick protects the tank from cooling quite reliably; however, from 1 to 3 kWh per day is still spent just on heating the atmosphere around the boiler.

Features of a storage boiler

A storage boiler is usually considered a more convenient format for heating water than an instantaneous water heater. Its volumes differ significantly from the latter, due to the principle of operation. Water flows into a tank with a volume of 30 liters to 100 liters, depending on the capacity of the container. Inside the container there is a heating element that increases the temperature of the liquid.

The device is connected to the water supply system. After filling the tank, the liquid is heated to a certain temperature, which can be set on the thermostat. Some time after turning on the heating element, the liquid in the tank warms up evenly and the heating element stops working. This feature eliminates the possibility of system breakdown if the user forgets to turn off the device from the network. The storage water heater option is considered the most common for modern apartments and houses, but in order to evaluate the possibility of installing it, as in the case of a flow-through device, you will have to take into account the pros and cons of the system.

A storage type boiler can be represented by two heating systems:

• Indirect. Water is heated using a heating element or gas boiler.

Indirect storage water heater

• Straight. This device operates directly from the central water supply system.

Direct heating storage water heater

The classic shape of the boiler resembles an oval. But recently, stylish versions of a rectangle or cube have become popular.

Many boilers have two temperature heating modes. Moreover, low degrees are marked by the category of reducing energy costs. As a rule, the maximum heating temperature is 75–85 degrees, and the minimum parameters are 55. But experts do not advise using the latter mode often, as it promotes the proliferation of harmful bacteria and microorganisms.

Rectangular water heater on the bathroom wall

Advantages and disadvantages of a storage boiler

It is not for nothing that the system of heating water in storage tanks has become widespread. Its advantages significantly outweigh the disadvantages, so this type of liquid heating option is suitable for many buyers.

The advantages of a storage boiler include:

• a certain volume of water that can be used in a large jet;
• the ability to set any suitable temperature;
• in some models, the manufacturer allows the possibility of setting a timer to heat water at night before waking up;
• a large selection of models from different manufacturers on the market;
• Possibility of installation with any quality of wiring and water pressure.

Storage boilers also have a number of disadvantages, among which are:

• long heating period;
• large sizes and weight, which not all walls can withstand.

Price

At the time of purchase, the price of the heaters installed in my house was:

• Flow-through Atmor - about 2000 rubles;
• Storage Atlantic with a tank of 80 liters - about 6,000 rubles.

Prices have increased slightly since then, but the trend continues today: the boiler is noticeably more expensive.

In the upper price category there are combined boilers - water heaters with a tubular heat exchanger, which allows you to connect the device to the heating network as an indirect heating boiler, and a heating element to maintain the temperature at peak load or when the heating boiler is turned off. In this category, prices start from 27 - 30 thousand rubles.

Which device is better to choose?

The differences between a boiler and a flow-type water heater are significant for different levels of consumption, so before visiting the store it is important to weigh all the features of the devices and take them into account. The buyer will have to take into account all the differences between the systems in order to make an informed choice and not regret the purchase:

1. The size of the room and the load-bearing structure of the walls. The difference between a boiler and an instantaneous water heater in this case is that it will require a strong wall and sufficient space.
2. Number of intended users, family size. The flow-through version of the heater is suitable for those who do not need to take a shower and need unlimited consumption. It allows you to receive heated water in real time, without waiting.
3. High quality engineering networks. A storage device is suitable for any degree of deterioration of wiring; it is beneficial for old houses with worn-out communications, and a flow device will require high quality due to the high power consumption of electricity.
4. Necessary energy efficiency. The appliances consume the same amount of electricity, so there is no difference between them. But those who have the opportunity to use gas equipment can reduce costs by installing an indirect storage water heater.

Installation

In the simplest version, a flow-through heater with its own gander or shower can be easily connected with your own hands directly to the mixer, without altering the liner.

Connection instructions look like this:

1. The faucet switches from gander to shower;
2. The shower head is removed;
3. The shower hose is connected to the heater inlet.

The nozzles have standard pipe thread size DN 15.

For a permanent installation of a flow-through heater, I mounted a separate faucet with a ceramic axle box on the edge of the bathtub.

Instantaneous heaters installed in a water pipe break (for example, Atmor In-Line) do not require any additional devices for installation. The only type of fittings that may be required for connection is a reducer that reduces excessively high pressure to that recommended by the manufacturer (for the notorious Atmor In-Line - no higher than 7 kgf/cm2).

Please note: the manufacturer allows the use of flexible hoses for connection, which greatly simplifies installation.

Diagram for connecting a flow-through heater to a water supply rupture.

The boiler has a separate safety valve added to the reducer.

Safety valve at the boiler inlet.

It is installed at the inlet of the heater; The relief valve can be connected to the sewer. It is strongly recommended to use rigid connections for installation.

This is how the storage water heater is connected.

It is better to connect the device with rigid connections.

There is one more subtlety in installing devices:

• Most storage heaters are wall mounted. Of course, only for capital ones. The owner of a bathroom with plasterboard walls will have to look for a boiler in a rather rare floor-mounted design;
• The flow device with its weight of 1-2 kg can be installed on any partition. To distribute the load over the maximum area of ​​the wall, I screwed my Atmor to a piece of plywood placed behind the drywall.

The heater is pulled with self-tapping screws to the plywood substrate through a sheet of plasterboard.

Most popular models

The store offers a lot of models of water heaters and boilers, but among all the offers there are the best models, according to experts and buyers. Among water heaters and boilers, there are 5 models suitable for different categories of consumers.

Electrolux EWH 100 Royal

An expensive boiler model is equipped with many different protection options. The storage system can collect and heat 100 liters. The device is equipped with several directions of water output, has a built-in display and allows mechanical control of built-in functions. As protection, the boiler is equipped with a safety and check valve, an RCD system, protection against switching on without water and the possibility of overheating. The device has a stylish narrow shape and modern design.

Device parameters:

• capacity 100 l;
• liquid heating period 160 minutes;
• heating element power 2 kW;
• maximum temperature of heated water 75°C;
• the pressure at the exit points is adjustable 0.7-6 atm;
• weight 21 kg;
• external parameters 493x1210x290 mm.

The average price reaches 18,290 rubles.

Electrolux EWH 100 Royal

Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital

A good model in all respects, it is characterized by build quality and high power. An electric heating element in the form of a spiral is installed inside the device. The system is equipped with an electronic display, control system and built-in overheating protection. Water supply is carried out from above.

Main characteristics:

• heating rate 2.8 l/min;
• energy consumption 5.7 kW;
• the pressure created at the exit is 7 atm;
• weight 1.69 kg;
• size 191x141x85 mm.

The average price in the store is 7,550 rubles.

Electrolux NPX6 Aquatronic Digital

Thermex Flat Plus IF 50V

The storage system has an ideal combination of price and quality. The built-in container allows you to collect and heat 50 liters. The manufacturer has provided the boiler with an electronic display and the possibility of electronic control. There are heating and power-on indicators on the tank. The user can set an accelerated heating mode or set a limit on the temperature set. The device has built-in overheating protection, an RCD and a check valve, and a self-cleaning system is provided. The boiler has a modern super-flat shape.

Boiler indicators:

• capacity 50 l;
• consumed electricity 2 kW;
• heating time 80 minutes;
• external data 887x250x436 mm;
• outlet pressure 05, – 6 atm.;
• heating degrees up to 75°C;
• weight 16 kg.

The price in stores is 13,600 rubles.

Thermex Flat Plus IF 50V

Hyundai H-IWR1-3P-CS

The electric flow device has been noted by many customers as a reliable and convenient water heating system. Fashionable design and compact dimensions allow it to be installed in almost any room. The device is equipped with mechanical temperature control and a heating indicator. The device includes a faucet, a shower head and a hose for connecting to it. After purchasing the device, you can easily install it, connect it to the water supply and start using it immediately.

Main characteristics:

• heating up to 85°C;
• heating volume 2.3 l/min;
• water pressure 0.7 – 6 atm;
• current consumption 3.5 kW;
• dimensions 258x153x95 mm;
• weight 1.3 kg.

The average cost in stores is 2,600 rubles.

Hyundai H-IWR1-3P-CS

Zanussi 3-logic 3.5 S

A Zanussi brand boiler is considered the best option for those who care about price-quality ratio. The device has built-in protection against use without water and exceeding permissible heating temperatures. The manufacturer included a water filter, a shower head and a hose for connecting it. The system has a low cost and a good volume of water heating per minute.

Main parameters:

• heating rate 3.7 l/min;
• electrical consumption 3.5 kW;
• water outlet pressure 0.7 – 6 atm;
• external data 270x135x100 mm;
• weight 1.5 kg.

The average price in the store is 2300 rubles.

Zanussi 3-logic 3.5 S

heating element

The heating element in the boiler is conventional heating elements. They can be of two types:

submersible or wet

dry

It is optimal if the submersible heating element is made of copper. It is very resistant to corrosion.

And with timely care and proper operation, the service life of such a heating element can reach the service life of the water heater itself - at least 7-10 years!

The power of the heating element reaches 2.0-2.5 kW. The advantage of a submersible heating element is that it comes into direct contact with water, due to which it warms it up faster.

To heat a tank with a volume of 80-100 liters for a tubular heating element it will take more than 2 hours. However, in some cases, such heating elements are less practical.

If your water is hard and has additional impurities, this leads to scale formation. Which ultimately causes the boiler to fail.

Dry heating elements are made in the form of metal tubes coated with high-quality enamel, into which the heating elements themselves are installed.

The advantages of dry models are that they do not come into contact with water and scale does not accumulate on them. This allows you to operate the device for a longer time.

In addition, it does not make noise when heating water. Always try to choose models with two or more heating elements of different power. For example 1 and 1.5 kW.

As practice shows, if a failure occurs, it is usually only one heating element. At the same time, the second one continues to work and will allow you to continue using the boiler.

Replacing dry heating elements does not require draining the water, unlike submersible models.

Instructions: how to switch the water heater to boiler mode

The first installation of a water heater system is usually carried out by specialists. But, during operation, users have to restart the device themselves. In this case, the owner of the device will need to switch the water heater to boiler mode. To correctly fulfill all conditions and maintain the functionality of the device, you should adhere to the following instructions:

1. Stop the flow of water from the hot riser using a stopper.
2. Fill the boiler with water. To do this, you need to open it first, open the hot water outlet and the mixer, then direct the flow of cold water into the tank. The process must be performed in such a sequence as to displace the excess air accumulated in the device.
3. As soon as the flow of water has become uniform, it needs to be turned off.
4. Connect the unit to the network.
5. Set the settings.
6. Wait for the required heating time.
7. Start using it.

What is better to choose a water heater or a boiler, a direct or indirect heating system, each user must decide for himself. Each type of device is suitable for certain operating conditions. The premises, the number of users, the quality of communications and even the method of operation will be significant when purchasing a particular category of product. Depending on the cost, you can choose a simpler option or one equipped with technical innovations and convenient additions.

Specifications

Electric boilers have the following characteristics, which are related to the power, the material used in the manufacture of factors related to control and safety.

Equipment power

The power of heating elements and their quantity affects the heating rate of the coolant. The average units have 2-3 elements, with a total power of up to 3 kW. They heat 150 liters of liquid in 3-4 hours. In some models, some elements can be turned off, which has a beneficial effect on savings.

Storage tank coating

The optimal, but more expensive solution is a coating based on stainless steel or titanium. The service life is calculated in decades, due to the fact that if the coating is damaged, the base is resistant to corrosion and destruction.

Enamel or porcelain glass coatings are cheaper, but less resistant to destruction. The service life is rarely longer than 3 years.

Characteristics

In order to increase the service life, the equipment is equipped with magnesium anodes. They reduce the acidity of the aquatic environment and make it less aggressive. Installed in titanium models, magnesium anodes do not need to be changed. In other cases, they require annual replacement.

Volume of the tank

The element is located inside, under the thermal insulation layer. The volume may vary over a wide range. It all depends on the model: from 10 to 450 liters. The optimal volume for use in a private home is about 150 liters.

Electromechanical component

For heating in houses, they use models designed for connection to a 200-240 V electrical network, with a current of up to 40 A, so when connecting, it is important to use wires of the appropriate cross-section and connect to the network through automatic machines

Temperature stability

Which is better - a water heater or a boiler - in terms of output temperature stability? Agree that its fluctuations are quite unpleasant when trying to wash dishes and especially take a shower.

I noticed another unpleasant moment in the operation of the flow-through heater. In winter, the temperature of the water inside the water supply located within the heated room differs markedly from the temperature in the water supply main. As a result, after a few minutes of taking a shower, the water suddenly cools down.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the gas flow-through heater (gas water heater). In it, the water temperature is regulated automatically - a bimetallic or digital thermostat. The thermostat is activated when the outlet water temperature drops and increases the burner flame.

However, the rather low accuracy of adjustment and the large inertia of temperature changes make trying to take a shower a constant struggle with the lever or taps of the mixer. As the water pressure increases, the burner ignites and quickly heats the water to an uncomfortably high temperature; when reduced, the water cools just as quickly to ice cold.

Geyser.