Gas water heaters Astra: reviews, model overview, characteristics

Despite the fact that today housing and communal services networks are being modernized everywhere, the quality of the services they provide remains at a low level. This is especially true for hot water supply. To solve this problem once and for all, you should purchase a gas water heater. However, you first need to decide which model is best for you.

Modern manufacturers offer the mentioned devices in a wide range. They have certain operational and technical characteristics. Columns can be classified into flow-through and storage. As for the former, they are smaller in size, which allows them to be installed even in a small room. Storage gas water heaters can hold from 50 to 500 liters of water.

The design of the container has effective thermal insulation, which allows you to maintain a high water temperature for a long time, which helps save energy resources. If you still can’t decide which geyser to choose, then you can pay attention to equipment under the Astra brand, which will be discussed below. Such devices are good not only because they are manufactured in Russia, which means they have an acceptable cost, but also because they are maintainable. This indicates that in the event of a malfunction, you can figure it out yourself.

ABOUT

The manufacturer of Astra gas water heaters is Russian. This powerful enterprise is located in Nizhny Novgorod, and has been engaged in high-tech production for 60 years. More than 50% of its products are in the aviation industry, and water heaters make up only a fifth of the products produced by this giant. The dispensers produced by the plant operate only on natural gas. Combustion products are removed through a chimney. The company previously produced KG water heaters, today they are obsolete, and the plant offers Russian consumers more modern versions - economical, high efficiency, durable and safe.

Device

Astra geysers consist of the following elements:

rectangular body with knobs for adjusting fuel supply, water pressure, and a window for ignition;
copper heat exchanger;
water and gas connection fittings;
burner with a large fuel combustion chamber;
security sensors;
chimney

Such models operate by burning gas. The fuel burns in the combustion chamber, and the cold water entering the heat exchanger begins to heat up quickly. Waste released during the combustion process escapes through the chimney. Due to the fire hazard, before installing a geyser, you must obtain permission from the gas service.

Installation can only be carried out by a specialist from the appropriate service. To obtain permission to install, the following requirements must be met:

the room for the Astra water heater is non-residential, with good ventilation, the possibility of airing;
room volume – at least 8 m³;
the walls are made of heat-resistant materials;
The location of the Astra water heater provides access to it and allows for maintenance.

Installation is carried out in compliance with safety rules.

To prevent scale and contamination from fuel from accumulating, it is recommended to install filters for water and gas. Before each launch, the speakers are checked for connecting elements and traction.

Why are geysers popular?

It’s good when hot water flows from the tap “by itself” in an apartment, but some residents of apartment buildings can only dream of this. The deplorable state of housing and communal services networks forces Russians to independently solve the problem of hot water supply, choosing between a boiler and a water heater. If gas is not supplied to the house, there is no question - you have to buy a boiler; if blue fuel is available, a gas appliance is a more profitable option. The offered models differ in power and performance. The maximum value is 20 kW. By consuming gas moderately, they save their owners money. The average price is 9,000 rubles. Chimney diameter – up to 12 cm.

General description of the model range

The Astra gas water heater is economical and can quickly heat water. Natural fuel is used. Some heater options can supply hot water to 2 points at the same time. The manufacturer produces flow-through models with manual or electric ignition.

The heat exchanger of the columns is well insulated, so the water cools down slowly. On the body there are combustion control levers, gas supply, a power button and a window for ignition and flame monitoring.

The units have a simple, understandable control system. The case is made in white colors, has a rectangular shape, it is easily mounted on the wall and does not take up much space.

What are the benefits of Astra Group of Companies?

The Nizhny Novgorod enterprise offers not one or two modifications of gas-powered water heaters, but a whole model range, which includes speakers of different power and performance. All gas heaters can be divided into two groups:

Flow-through. They heat the water constantly. They are more compact and can be installed in tight spaces.
Cumulative. Heat a certain volume of water - 50-500 liters. This option is selected taking into account the needs of the family.

Advantages of Astra products:

Made in Russia. Therefore, they are inexpensive and can be easily repaired. If it breaks, you can always find a suitable spare part and fix it.
The heating container has a heat-insulating layer, so the heated water does not cool down for a long time - resources are saved.
Simple design - you can easily understand everything. Reliable device - tested by consumers. It's easy to figure out how to use the device.
There is nothing superfluous, no “functionality”, it just heats the water. This has a positive effect on the price.
Good productivity - up to 12 liters per minute. This is enough for two water intake points.
Safety. The machine turns off the device when there is no draft, when the water supply stops and when there is no flame.

Fault prevention

To ensure that your water heater operates smoothly, follow these recommendations:

Set the temperature so that hot water does not have to be diluted with cold water. The higher the temperature, the faster the heat exchanger becomes overgrown with scale.
If the water is very hard, install a hydromagnetic system in front of the column, which allows you to remove calcium and magnesium salts without any consumables.
Regularly clean the chimney and internal elements of the water heater from soot.
It is better to connect an imported modern speaker equipped with an electronic controller to the mains through a stabilizer. Foreign-made electronics are demanding on the quality of power supply and, with strong voltage drops characteristic of our power grids, quickly fail. It is also highly undesirable to turn off such speakers at night.

One can only envy the owner of a gas water heater: he always has hot water.

Modern water heaters are very convenient, because just open the water tap and the device will turn on automatically, and even adjust the temperature as needed.

But sometimes events develop according to a less favorable scenario: the user, with increasing irritation, tries an icy stream of water with his hand, but the long-awaited sound that the burner flares up cannot be heard.

You will have to postpone hygiene procedures and try to understand why the gas water heater does not light up. This article will help you find and eliminate the causes of problems.

A gas instantaneous water heater will operate successfully only if all its subsystems are in proper condition. Here is their list:

Water circuit:
This is simply a specially configured pipe (heat exchanger) through which water flows. The main condition for this component is sufficient bandwidth.
Gas burner:
will only work if the valve on the gas supply line is open.
Ignition system:
this is a device that ignites the gas coming from the burner at the right moment. If it malfunctions, the column, of course, will not be able to turn on. Some ignition systems have a pilot burner (pilot).
Smoke removal system:
there should be no insurmountable obstacles on the path of combustion products from the burner itself to the atmosphere. The main part of this system is not a component of the column - it is a vertical or horizontal chimney facing the street.
Automation:
this system includes a whole set of devices and sensors, and they all control the operation of the gas valve.

Automation can be mechanical...:

a membrane installed in the water circuit and connected to the gas valve. Reacts to changes in water pressure;
bimetallic plate. If the pilot burner suddenly goes out, the plate will cool down and cut off the gas supply.

... and electronic:

draft sensor: blocks the gas supply if there is a danger of combustion products entering the room;
flame sensor installed in columns without a pilot burner: triggered when the main burner goes out;
overheat sensor.

Disturbances in the operation of any of the listed systems manifest themselves as follows:

the burner does not light at all;
the flame flares up, but immediately goes out (the gas water heater lights up and goes out);
The igniter cannot be lit.

Let us consider in more detail the reasons causing such phenomena.

Gas equipment is a high-risk device, therefore, according to the regulations, it is carried out by the gas service. See our website for basic installation requirements.

Let's consider the operating principle of a pressure switch for a hydraulic accumulator. We will also look at the adjustment procedure.

Power, ignition system, security system are important criteria that need to be taken into account when choosing a gas water heater. This topic provides a detailed overview of the choice of gas equipment.

Model overview

Astra 8910-00.02

Ignites manually. Open combustion chamber. Specifications:

Power up to 21 kW.
Heats 12 liters of water in a minute.
Gas consumption 2.3 m3/h.
Water pressure is 0.5-0.6 bar, this is the minimum and maximum values, respectively.
Chimney D – 12 cm.
Dimensions 70x37.2x23 cm.
Weight – 15 kg.

To what temperature does the water heat up? Within 35-60 °C. In order for the column to work, it must be connected correctly, supply gas and connect water. Gas is connected via ¾ inch pipes. Water connection is through ½ inch pipes.

You can adjust the traction yourself. The thermostat is located at the bottom. Very durable frame - can withstand any load. The power supply is protected by a special system. The fitting is adjusted using screws. A pressure regulator is provided. The presence of traction is easily checked. Quick removal of combustion products. Compared to other analogues, they are reliable and safe.

VPG 8910-08.02

Differs from the previous modification:

Lower power – 18 kW.
Lower productivity – 10 l/min.
Lower fuel consumption – 2 m3/h.

All other parameters are the same as for 8910-00.02. The design is also similar - open chamber, manual ignition, etc.

VPG 8910-15

The 18 kW device differs from previous models by electronic ignition - it is powered by batteries. This is a more comfortable solution that eliminates the need for the owner to have matches or a lighter on hand. The parameters are the same as the previous model 8910-08.02. It differs only in the larger diameter of the chimney - it is 13.5 cm. Warranty - 2 years.

VPG 8910-16

Power – 21 kW. Ignites via electric ignition. Heats water at a speed of 12 l/hour. Gas consumption 2.3 m3/h. Chimney D is 13.5 cm. The water heater weighs 15 kg.

Astra 15

This is a modification of low power - only 13 kW. Heats 12 liters in a minute. Open combustion chamber type. Ignites manually. The minimum maintained temperature is 35 degrees. Consumes 2.2 cubic meters of gas per hour. 1.2 inch pipe – for cold water. 12 cm – d of the chimney. Weighs 15 kg. The device has earned mostly positive reviews. Reliability is attractive - this is reflected in the high quality of the parts used and high productivity. The system can withstand a pressure of 7 bar. There is a thermostat - it is at the bottom of the device. Estimated cost 8,500 rubles.

Astra 16

18 kW – power. High productivity - 14 liters per minute. 11 cm – chimney diameter. 5 bar is the maximum pressure the system can withstand. Consumes 2.1 m3/hour. Weight – 14 kg. Manual ignition. Open combustion chamber. This modification also earned a lot of positive reviews. Consumers note the high performance of the device. Disadvantage: increased gas consumption. But the system quickly increases the temperature. Cons: limited pressure parameters that the valve can withstand. There are burner breakdowns.

Repair and service

The main malfunctions of the VPG-23 column include:

1. The main burner does not light up:

low water pressure;
deformation or rupture of the membrane - replace the membrane;
Venturi nozzle is clogged - clean the nozzle;
the rod has come off the plate - replace the rod with the plate;
misalignment of the gas part in relation to the water part - align with three screws;
the rod does not move well in the oil seal - lubricate the rod and check the tightness of the nut. If you loosen the nut more than necessary, water may leak from under the seal.

2. When the water intake stops, the main burner does not go out:

Contaminants have gotten under the safety valve - clean the seat and valve;
the cone spring is weakened - replace the spring;
the rod does not move well in the oil seal - lubricate the rod and check the tightness of the nut. When the pilot flame is present, the solenoid valve is not held open:

3. Violation of the electrical circuit between the thermocouple and the electromagnet (break or short circuit). The following reasons are possible:

lack of contact between the thermocouple and electromagnet terminals - clean the terminals with sandpaper;
violation of the insulation of the copper wire of the thermocouple and short circuit it with the tube - in this case, the thermocouple is replaced;
violation of the insulation of the turns of the electromagnet coil, shorting them to each other or to the core - in this case the valve is replaced;
disruption of the magnetic circuit between the armature and the core of the electromagnet coil due to oxidation, dirt, grease film, etc. It is necessary to clean the surfaces using a piece of rough cloth. Cleaning surfaces with files, sandpaper, etc. is not allowed.

4. Insufficient heating of the thermocouple:

the working end of the thermocouple is smoked - remove soot from the hot junction of the thermocouple;
the igniter nozzle is clogged - clean the nozzle;
The thermocouple is incorrectly installed relative to the igniter - install the thermocouple relative to the igniter so as to ensure sufficient heating.

The design of the container has effective thermal insulation, which allows you to maintain a high water temperature for a long time, which helps save energy resources

If you still can’t decide which geyser to choose, then you can pay attention to equipment under the Astra brand, which will be discussed below. Such devices are good not only because they are manufactured in Russia, which means they have an acceptable cost, but also because they are maintainable

This indicates that in the event of a malfunction, you can figure it out yourself.

Which models are the most purchased?

Consumers are happy to express their emotions about domestic technology, mentally accustomed to scolding everything that is made in Russia. When discussing Nizhny Novgorod gas water heaters, you need to be objective and take into account the realities of domestic consumption. Any equipment is prone to wear and tear and cannot operate at full capacity for a long time: breakdowns and malfunctions are common for equipment that deals with different types of resources. The GC models received the greatest recognition among consumers:

Astra 8910-10 has become the number 1 choice for its extreme simplicity and low cost. Estimated cost 5,000 rubles.
JSD20-10A. Consumers are attracted by electronic ignition and the absence of an ever-burning wick.

Results of the work done

The gas shut-off valve performs its function correctly and is completely sealed. The faucet operates smoothly, which allows you to easily and, most importantly, accurately regulate the flow of gas to the burner to ensure the desired hot water temperature.

If you do not use a gas water heater for a long time, it is advisable to still perform a test run once a month. This will eliminate many problems associated with downtime and will allow you to start the equipment without problems if necessary.

Alexander Krivitsky, rmnt.ru

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If your water heater breaks down

Before you begin repairing gas water heaters, regardless of the type of breakdown, you need to shut off the gas supply. The device itself does not need to be removed - all structural parts are accessible without dismantling. But the “facade” - the front cover of the heater, needs to be removed by unscrewing the side bolts with a screwdriver. First you need to inspect the heat exchanger - it is located behind the electrode, fixed with four bolts. It is not recommended to unscrew the heat exchanger.

When repairing device components, the main thing is not to touch the fitting - this element is needed to measure water pressure. If you accidentally damage the fitting, you will need to replace the head. The main malfunctions of gas water heaters:

Contacts are dirty. Contacts that have become unusable must be replaced with new ones.
The heat exchanger is damaged. Correcting the situation is replacement.

Basic Rules

First of all, you need to remember that any devices that use gas have an increased level of danger.

The same applies to operation. Therefore, they are subject to handling rules similar to other household gas appliances.

So, if you suddenly smell gas:

You must immediately turn off the gas supply.
In order to quickly reduce the gas concentration, it is necessary to open the windows and ventilate the room.
Until the house/apartment is completely ventilated, you should not use any electrical appliances or light a fire.
After this you need to call the gas service.

It is important to know: installation and connection can only be carried out by certified specialists, in accordance with the design documentation approved by the gas industry. Most often, a user manual comes with the device itself. So, if you have an open type geyser installed, then:

So, if you have an open type geyser installed, then:

Most often, a user manual comes with the device itself. So, if you have an open type geyser installed, then:

You cannot light a fire in the burner or use it if there is backdraft in the chimney or if there is no backdraft at all.
Without first studying the instructions, it is prohibited to use the “scientific poke” method to turn on the device or ignite the gas.
There must be a constant flow of air in the room where such a unit was installed.
It is strictly forbidden to make any changes to the design of the gas water heater.
To prevent burns, you should avoid touching the parts of the front panel located next to the inspection slot, as well as the chimney elements.

Note:

It is better to turn on an open-type geyser at low heating power and not use mixers to produce hot water. The reason is that in the case of strong heating of the heat exchanger, an intensive process of salt deposition occurs.

If the column does not light up

The most common problem that happens with a gas water heater is that the heater does not light up. The cause of the problem may be a lack of traction. Before turning on the column, you need to check the draft in the ventilation hole - light a match and bring it to the chimney outlet. If everything is in order, then the flame seems to be drawn into the hole - there is draft, and you can turn on the device. If the flame does not stop, the chimney needs to be cleaned. You can do this yourself, but if you lack the skills, it is better to entrust it to a specialist.

Another common malfunction that occurs with gas-powered water heaters is extinguishing after ignition. If the wick goes out, you need to adjust the cold water supply.

Checking traction

It is also worth noting that modern versions of atmospheric speakers often already have automatic safety systems (most Astra, Bosh and Vaillant models). They prevent the column from starting if there is no traction, and will also turn it off if it disappears during operation.

However, you should not rely on the fact that automation will give you a 100% guarantee of safety. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to check traction yourself. For this purpose, professionals use special measuring devices that evaluate the presence and strength of air movement (draft).

But an ordinary person is unlikely to have such devices at home. Therefore, the usual “old-fashioned” methods are used:

The first method involves removing the front part of the device and, taking a small strip of paper, bringing it to the chimney. If there is traction, then the paper will be pulled inward a little.
The second option is simpler and does not require any manipulations with the device itself. It will be enough to light a match and then bring it directly to the viewing window, which is located on the front panel. In the case when the flame is drawn into it, this will mean the presence of draft.

Good to know:

quite common situations when the chimney works properly, but there is no draft. This may occur due to the fact that there is no air flow into the room, which is why there is no draft (air movement). To check this, you can close the windows and doors during normal operation of the chimney and check the draft.

Typical breakdowns

It happens that in the devices in question the hydraulic unit breaks down. It is easy to dismantle, but difficult to put back in place. After disconnecting the hydraulic group, you must immediately check the valves - they must be securely fastened. If the valves move, or the tightness of the connection is compromised, they must be replaced immediately. When purchasing elements of a hydraulic unit, it is important to know the modification of the hydraulic unit.

Also, the solenoid valve may break down in the main body. This is a small problem, but if it is not addressed in a timely manner, the consequences can be very serious. The valve may deteriorate due to clogging with combustion products - you need to urgently clean it of soot, otherwise there is a risk of explosion.

Capabilities of domestic dispensers running on Astra gas

Who, if not a manufacturer from our country, is more interested in creating affordable equipment, the operating parameters of which will best suit the conditions of use. The quality of network gas, water pressure, uniform ventilation rules during the installation of equipment that runs on gas, government regulations and compliance with operating rights are easier to keep in mind for local equipment manufacturers. The Astra gas water heater occupies a serious position in the Russian market and is in great demand among consumers.

What tools are needed?

To connect, configure, repair or service the device, a screwdriver alone is not enough; you need a set of tools:

Adjustable wrench – 2 types.
Pipe wrench.
Gaskets – paronite and rubber.
Screwdrivers – Phillips and flat head.
1-2 inch rubber hose and metal clamp.
Special composition - remove scale.
Bucket - drain water.

How to use?

The purchase has been made, and the connection has been made by employees of the appropriate service. To turn on the column, first of all, you need to check the draft by applying a strip of paper (2-5 cm wide and 20 cm long) to the side holes on the body. If from a distance of 15 cm the paper is attracted to the holes, then everything is fine.

Then you need to open the taps - first the gas tap, then the water tap. After this, you need to act accordingly with the model type. For devices with manual ignition, turn the pilot burner control knob to the left to the “Open” position. Then you need to light a match and bring it closer to the ignition wick located on the front panel of the device, while simultaneously pressing and holding the solenoid valve button.

The time you hold the button can be very different and range from 3 to 60 seconds. You can set a certain pressing duration for your own device experimentally.

After these steps, you should not quickly open the hot water, turn the gas supply adjustment knob to the main burner, setting the required position with a specific outlet temperature. If everything is done correctly, the main burner will light up.

For models with electronic ignition, the switching procedure is even easier: you need to turn the taps of the gas pipeline and water meter unit in front of the device, and then simply turn on the hot water - the column will start on its own.

Adjustment is performed using 2 knobs. The gas flow control knob affects the outlet temperature, and the water flow control knob naturally changes the water consumption.

To turn off a device with manual ignition, you need to move the handles, first of all, of the key burner, and then of the ignition burner to the right to the “Closed” position. Then you need to make sure that the two burners go out. Now you can close the hot water tap and, finally, the general gas pipeline tap.

For automated models, it is enough to close the taps.

From reviews of Astra gas water heaters, we conclude that the units are quite good and easy to operate and repair. Malfunctions are infrequent and spare parts are easy to find on the market. The ease of use is very popular with the older generation, which is not chasing newfangled functionality. And the price looks very nice when compared with foreign similarities. At the same time, the unpresentable but attractive design makes it possible to fit such a device into any design.

Features of operation

There are a number of provisions and rules according to which the use of gas equipment is permitted. Let's consider the basic requirements for open-type speakers:

Do not start work in the absence of draft in the chimney or in the presence of reverse draft;
It is not allowed to turn on and ignite without studying the operating instructions;
For normal operation, natural ventilation is necessary (window, vent);
It is prohibited to independently change the design of the equipment.

Dispensers with an open combustion chamber are most at risk of gas leakage. If you smell it, then:

Close the valve;
Open the windows and ventilate the room;
Do not light a fire until the room is completely ventilated;
Contact the repair service.

Before starting the appliance, check the presence of draft in the chimney.

How to properly check

There are two “folk” ways of checking:

Take a piece of paper and hold it near the chimney or ventilation. If the leaf tightens, it means the shaft is working properly. If it falls, you need to clean the hole.
Light a match and bring it to the viewing window. Does the flame deviate to the side? Then you can start the column. If it burns smoothly, check the chimney.

It also happens that everything is in order with the mine, but there is no traction. The room may not be ventilated, so there is no air flow for combustion.

How to turn on the water heater

Before turning on any equipment, there must be water in the heat exchanger. Therefore, you should first open the water valve.

Electric models:

Insert batteries into the battery compartment;
In some cases, you need to turn the power or temperature switch;
Open the gas valve;
Turn on the mixer on the hot position, which will ignite.

Semi-automatic devices:

Start the fuel supply;
Set the power and hold the piezo ignition button until the wick ignites;
When you turn on the water, the burner will light up.

It is not difficult to launch modern technology. What about an old-style product?

Ignition of an obsolete type column

A device with manual ignition is considered obsolete. The design provides for constant burning of the wick and manual shutdown. Ignition occurs from a burning match, less often - using piezo ignition. These include: “Iskra KGI-56”, series L, GVA, VPG. They are equipped with a turn signal or lever to regulate the temperature.

The operating principle is the same as that of modern models. The only difference is in the features of turning on the heating. If this is your first time launching, then you should know that:

There must be a constant flow of air in the room with the column

This is important to keep the flame burning. Therefore, in kitchen doors there is a gap of 5 cm at the bottom

If plastic windows are installed, a ventilation valve is required; It is necessary to regularly check for traction; Check the condition of the gas valve. Open it and coat the joints with soapy water. If bubbles appear, there is a leak.

For ignition, it is more convenient to use long matches that can easily reach the igniter.

Launch of KGI-56

Turn the fuel and water valves. Now turn the left control all the way to the left. Hold down the solenoid valve button if the product has one. Continuing to press the button, ignite the igniter with a match. After that:

Open the hot water faucet;
To light the burner, turn the other knob to the left.

Done, you can go take a shower.

Switching on devices of type L, GVA, VPG

Start as with other types by supplying gas and water. Move the knob on the panel to the first position. Press the valve release button and hold a match to the igniter. Hold the button for another 10 seconds. Just as in the first case, turn on the tap and quickly turn the regulator to the maximum level. After ignition, you can start using it.

You can turn off the equipment by turning the lever until the wick goes out. It is advisable to do this at night and before leaving home.

Use your water heater correctly for long service life and your own safety. Once a year, carry out preventive inspections of the product, clean the parts from scale.

Unfortunately, the domestic housing and communal services system still leaves much to be desired and does not fully provide for the consumer, so people have to rely on their own strength and install additional devices in heating and water supply systems. For example, purchase geysers.

Technical characteristics of Ariston heaters

The main characteristics of Ariston instantaneous gas water heaters are:

default backdraft sensors;
highly functional overheat protection system (automatic);
system gas control;
temperature sensors with high sensitivity.

These characteristics give the owner the opportunity not to worry about safety even if the device is not turned off during a long absence. If a dangerous situation arises, the protective system will work automatically.

The main difficulty when using the speaker is the correct initial setting. Each unit has its own preset parameters, which the manufacturer compiles from average characteristics. Individual settings are performed independently. To do this, you should carefully study the instructions.