How to choose a flow type water heater?

Everyone needs to create the most comfortable conditions for living. However, without basic amenities, such as 24-hour access to hot water, this can not even be discussed. Provide the latter is capable of a water heater of flow type. Let's see what the main points deserve attention when choosing the equipment of this plan.

Design

Structurally, gas water heaters of flow type consist of the following elements:

• Detectors for the presence of traction and overheating of the system.
• The regulator of receipt of fuel.
• Gas-burner.
• Inlet and outlet nozzles for water supply.
• Exit to the chimney.
• Chamber for combustion products.
• Heat exchanger.

Compared to other common systems, any water heater of the flow type has rather modest dimensions, due to the lack of a container for hot water and the use of a gas burner of small dimensions. Successful installation of such units can be easily performed in small rooms that have natural ventilation.

Performance

This parameter is usually indicated in the technical documentation of the equipment in measuring units l / min or in kW. Determine the required indicator allows counting the number of points of water intake. In other words, the output holes of the mixers.

It is generally believed that one tap for water supply flows about 6-7 liters of fluid per minute. Selecting a water heater type Polaris or another popular model in an apartment where one mixer is installed in the kitchen and bathroom, it is enough to use simple calculation. To freely use hot water in both rooms, installation of the unit with a capacity of no more than 13 l / minute is required.

Based on this example, you can quickly select an efficient water heater of flow type, based on the power parameters marked in the table on the case.

Water pressure

If we talk about the selection of a gas heater according to this criterion, attention should be paid to several points: the maximum water pressure for which the heat exchanger is designed and the minimum pressure required to turn on the device.

The first indicator is important only for the reason that in the centralized water supply systems there are often sharp changes. The latter can cause water hammers, which affect the design of the water heater. The choice of the unit with an insufficiently strong heat exchanger is fraught with its rupture and damage to the elements, which are the conductors of the coolant. A sufficient level of maximum pressure is considered to be about 11-12 bar.

Selecting a flow-through water heater, it is important to correlate the stable pressure in the centralized water supply system with its minimum level necessary to activate the unit. Give importance to this point is especially important to the owners of apartments in the houses of old buildings, where it is often necessary to put up with worn out communications. In this case, it will be best if the domestic gas water heater of the flow type has the property of starting at a pressure of not more than 0.15 bar.

Type of ignition

Separate models of gas water heaters of flow type differ in different ways of ignition of the burner:

1. Budget units - usually have a manual ignition, which is made by placing a burning match to the palm tree. This method is very convenient, given the fact that the operation of the device with a round-the-clock lit wick can not be called economical.
2. Piezo ignition - is provided by activation of the electromechanical palm integrated into the system. Such a solution does not provide any obvious advantages over the previous version. However, in this case, the burner is ignited faster. And just press the button for this.
3. The most advanced models have the function of electric ignition. Here, non-volatile and volatile components are used. In the latter case, when the room is de-energized, the flow-through type water heater "Termix" or any other unit functioning according to this principle will simply stop working.

Power Modulation

Such a complete set of gas water heaters is used to automatically control the intensity of flame burning, proceeding from the pressure of water entering the unit. A very convenient feature that makes it possible to enjoy the operation of the device, regardless of the pressure drop in the centralized water supply system with increasing number of users.

Installing a water heater of the flow-through type "Electrolux", which possesses this structural element, it is possible to significantly reduce the gas consumption and significantly increase the level of comfort during operation of the unit, without looking back at the number of active water intake points in the room.

Type of heat exchanger

The heat exchangers of domestic water heaters are classified according to the material of the manufacturer:

1. Steel structures - differ in corrosion resistance. However, they have a fairly high price. Steel parts are heavy, but also more reliable.
2. Heat exchangers from highly purified copper - have the qualities typical for steel analogues. At the same time, the level of heat transfer is much higher. Therefore, the construction of copper has an increased efficiency.
3. Conventional copper - the presence of impurities in the structure of the metal leads to uneven heating of the surfaces, which causes the appearance of small cracks. To avoid a rapid breakdown, manufacturers of budget-funded units cover the heat exchanger elements with heat-resistant compounds. However, such a decision does not bring any tangible benefit. After all, the parts still burn through for several years of continuous operation.

Method for removal of combustion products

Depending on the implementation of certain solutions for the removal of carbon monoxide, several types of water heaters of flow type are distinguished.

The first one is traditional, with a chimney. It looks unacceptable for sale in urban apartments. Since in most cases there is no possibility to remove the chimney to the roof.

The second one is parapet, where the removal of carbon monoxide from the system takes place through a pipe, the end of which is extracted outside through a specially prepared hole in the wall. In addition to the increased cost, this type of equipment is dependent on electric power, since the exhaust gas is removed due to the operation of the fan built into the body of the water heating unit.

Elements of safety

If a water heater "EVPZ-15" of flow type is installed or another high-performance model, the presence of the following components is considered to be a prerequisite for safe operation of the system:

• The ionization detector - automatically turns off the unit when the flame suddenly fades.
• Pressure Relief Valve - bleeds excess gas in case of exceeding the permissible head in the pipes.
• Throttle level controller - locks the water heater in case of insufficient thrust in the smoke channel.
• The low water pressure detector - does not allow the system to be activated at low head of liquid in the water supply system.
• Overheating sensor - switches off the water heater when the water is heated to the limit value.

Installing a flow type water heater

The installation of such systems requires preparation. To begin with, it is worth developing and agreeing on the corresponding project. Then ensure that the gas pipe is connected to the installation site. In the end, you need to take care of installing the gas meter.

The "Polaris" water heater of the flow type is installed, as well as other popular models, in several consecutive stages:

1. Marking places for drilling holes for fasteners.
2. The design is hung on hooks, set on plastic dowels.
3. The water heater is connected to the chimney by means of a special corrugated pipe.
4. The unit is connected to the gas supply network by a certified hose. All connections are checked for leaks.
5. Hot and cold water is supplied. Pipes are connected to the contacts with the corresponding red and blue symbols.
6. Cranes are opened and the connection is checked.
7. The unit is adjusted according to the recommendations in the attached instructions.

Advantages and disadvantages

What makes the consumer prefer gas-fired water heaters? On the first place there are insignificant dimensions of devices of this category. Other arguments in favor of such systems are round the clock access to hot water, affordable cost, ease of transportation, assembly, installation and maintenance.

The only drawback of such water heaters can be considered the need for adequate conditions for smoke removal.

Eventually

Water heaters of the flow type look extremely attractive for the domestic consumer, since they allow to eliminate numerous factors of discomfort that are characteristic for the operation of other common systems.

Going for a purchase, it is extremely important to know the possibilities of the communications available in the house. It is also worthwhile to inquire about the power consumed by the selected water heater, then to find out the approximate amount of water that can provide the unit for individual needs or for all at the same time.

Of particular importance is the complexity of installing equipment under existing conditions. Sometimes with editing it is possible to consult independently, thus reducing the total costs. However, in most cases it is necessary to resort to the help of specialists.

The main criteria that should be based on the choice of such units: reliability and durability, affordable cost, functionality and ease of management, as well as an increased level of safety during operation.