The time has passed when, for a trip to the country, you had to give up the benefits of civilization. Now you can equip a country house with the latest technology - including ensuring the constant availability of hot water. How to choose a flow or storage water heater for a summer residence, read below.
Boiler requirements
A water heater for a summer residence is always useful: bathing, washing hands after working in the garden, washing dishes, washing - these processes become easier when there is hot water. Especially if you have children.
Which water heater is better to buy at the cottage? To find the answer, decide on the requirements for technology. What tasks should she perform?
- Principle of operation. What kind of energy does the device work from? It can be electricity, gas, solid fuel. In the latter case, you can arrange heating in the room. How to make an indirect heating boiler, read in a separate article.
- Water volume. How many people will use water, in what volumes? Having calculated this, you can rationally choose the technique.
- The complexity of installation and operation. Is there enough room in the room to accommodate a large tank? If not, it is better to choose a flow device. Consider whether it will be possible to install the boiler yourself.
How to choose a water heater
Consider all types of boilers to make the right choice.
Type of instalation
Depending on the design of the walls and the area of the room, you can give preference:
- To the wall. Rational placement - the tank does not occupy usable space in the room. However, the capacity will not be too large, especially if the wall structure does not withstand the load.
- Outdoor. The device will provide you with large reserves of water. Volume starts at 200 liters. To accommodate the unit you will need a large room or a separate room.
Principle of operation
Electric heaters are divided into several types depending on the working conditions. For houses and apartments are most often used:
- Bulk.
- Flowing.
Indirect heating devices are also suitable for giving. Their device is quite simple: the upper part of the tank is used for water, the furnace is organized in the lower part.
The disadvantages of the technique are:
- High fire hazard.
- Big dimensions.
- The need to constantly fuel up.
Solar collectors are an excellent way out in the summer season. They do not spend electricity at all, use sunlight as a quality. How to make a solar water heater, read in a previous publication.
We will dwell on the choice between a storage and flow-through boiler, since these are the most common models. Installation can be carried out independently, and the choice in the stores is huge.
Storage water boiler
The electric device consists of a tank and a heater. Water accumulates in the tank, reaches a certain temperature, which is constantly maintained. It provides several sampling points, so you can simultaneously get the pressure in the shower and in the tap.
What to consider when choosing:
- Performance. If you are rarely in the country, 10 liters will be enough. If you often spend time there - 50 liters. For family and frequent use - from 90 liters. Consider the heating rate (30 minutes per 10 liters), as well as the energy consumption.
Important! In the absence of water in the winter, the water from the heater must be drained, with a rare visit - warm up. Read how to drain the water heater yourself.
- Choosing power products, make sure that the wiring in the house is normal. Old wiring and sockets may not withstand a powerful device.
- Pressure or non-pressure models? If there is no permanent water supply, then buy non-pressure. Its work does not depend on the pressure in the line, which means that the heating and pressure of the water will be constant. Minus - the device can provide only one point: a tap or shower.
- Body shape. The cylindrical housing takes up a lot of space. To save space, choose a flat vertical or horizontal tank. If desired, the equipment can be hidden in a niche, a closet.
- Type of heating element. Consider the water quality in the region. If it is very tough - give preference to a dry heater. The spiral is placed in a protective flask and is not exposed to scale.
- Body material. The most reliable is the stainless steel tank. But if you do not plan to use the boiler often, you can take an enameled tank. Manufacturers promise uninterrupted work for 7 years.
The choice of manufacturer is yours. The most popular brands are Termex, Ariston, and Electrolux. Although most models are made in China.
Instantaneous water heater
The device also consists of a housing and a heater. But water does not accumulate in it, but passes through the heater. What are the pros and cons of the groomers?
Benefits:
- Fast heating. Within 30 seconds, the passing stream heats up. You get hot water only by opening the faucet. This is convenient for intermittent use: no need to drain the water, worry about stagnation or corrosion.
- Compact body. The boiler for several points has small dimensions, can accommodate in the kitchen or in the bathroom. Equipment at one point of the fence is mounted directly on the crane, in the nightstand, a niche. Flowing water heaters for showers already come with nozzles.
- The amount of water is not limited by the volume of the tank. It all depends on how you calculate the performance of the device. Read the article: "How to choose the volume of a water heater."
- The cost is much lower than storage technology.
Of disadvantages can distinguish:
- Great power. Since heaters consume from 5 kW, immediately take care of the organization of wiring and an outlet with grounding. Although during a non-working time, the flowman does not consume electricity, it draws a lot during heating.
- The quality of the head depends on the pressure in the pipeline.
- There will be no hot water when the electricity is off.
By type of installation you can choose:
- Stationary device. It has the greatest power, so it can provide several points of the fence. The principle of operation allows you to fill the bath without any problems.
- Heater tap. This is a holistic design that is suitable for washing hands and dishes. By opening the faucet, you will get a hot stream.
- Attachment on the crane. The principle of operation is similar to the previous one, but the power is much less.
It is worth considering how to provide a heater with a stream of water. If the water supply system is not laid, then it will be necessary to install a circulation pump, and also compare its power with the capacity of the boiler.
Installation Recommendations
To successfully complete the installation, follow these recommendations:
- Prepare wiring, arrange grounding. Install a cleaning filter if necessary.
- Check if the wall can withstand the weight of the storage tank with water. Install reliable mounts, they are included.
- It’s better to place the equipment closer to the fence point. So you reduce heat loss.
- Connection of cold and hot water is carried out exactly according to the instructions.
- Make sure that the water is connected, only then start the work.
- Adjust the values on the control panel.
Approach the choice of a boiler rationally, weigh the pros and cons. After all, technology should bring maximum benefits, not problems and high costs.