Review of geysers. The best geysers according to customer reviews

In many multi-apartment buildings, the problem of providing comfortable water procedures falls on the shoulders of the residents. This fully applies to owners of private houses. There are three ways to solve the problem - install a boiler, instantaneous electric heater or geyser. The third option is the most economical. Let's consider which geyser is better, and expert reviews will help in this matter.

Before you figure out which gas water heater to choose, let's figure out how it functions. Geyser is a wall-mounted instantaneous water heater. It is designed to quickly heat water using the energy of combustion of natural or liquefied gas.

Modern speakers are easy to use due to the partial or complete automation of many mechanisms, but in terms of operating principle and basic elements they are almost no different from their “predecessors”. The main structural components of the device are:

• pipes - for gas supply, cold water inlet and hot water outlet;
• burners - main and pilot;
• heat exchanger

When you open the hot water tap, a flow of liquid appears at the inlet pipe of the column. In response to this, the gas valve is activated. The fuel begins to flow to the main burner, which is ignited by the pilot burner. The combustion of gas releases heat, which enters a heat exchanger with a coil - a spiral-shaped pipe through which cold water flows. As a result, the liquid is heated and supplied to the water supply.

The air necessary for the combustion process comes from the room through the window. Combustion products are removed under the influence of natural or forced draft through a chimney or shaft. As soon as the water flow stops, the gas valve closes and the column turns off.

Advantages

Gas water heaters have remained in demand for several decades. Their main advantages:

1. Easy to use. This feature does not apply to older devices. But using new modifications comes down to pressing one button.
2. Economical. Heating water with a gas water heater is more profitable in terms of cost savings than using a boiler. In the latter case, energy is spent not only on achieving the desired temperature, but also on maintaining it. And gas is consumed exclusively during the period of time when hot water is needed. In addition, the cost of gas is lower than that of electricity.
3. Comfort. A gas water heater can heat a large amount of liquid in a short period of time. It can provide several water points at the same time.
4. Compact size and attractive appearance. The small size makes it easy to find a place to place the speaker. Modern models have a fashionable design, as well as various additions in the form of drawings on the front panel.
5. Durability, reliability. With proper operation and high-quality performance of the device, it can last for several decades.
6. Safety. Modern speakers are equipped with control systems that are responsible for automatic shutdown in case of various problems.

Features of choice

If there is a problem with how to choose the right gas water heater, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

• method of removing combustion products;
• power;
• ignition type;
• method of regulating water temperature.

Method for removing combustion products

The geyser can be equipped with a chimney or work without it. In the first case, combustion products are removed through the pipe by natural draft. Typically, a chimney is inserted into the heater's corrugated hose, which goes out onto the roof of the house. If the question is how to choose a gas water heater for an apartment, then in most cases such devices are not suitable, since modern houses do not have the technical ability to install a chimney.

Columns of the second type are also called turbocharged. Carbon monoxide is removed under the influence of forced pressure created by a fan. The exhaust is discharged into a vertical or horizontal pipe without natural draft, connected to the column. As a rule, it is brought outside through a hole in the wall.

Turbocharged speakers are suitable in cases where the house does not have a chimney. But they are more expensive than chimney-based devices and rely on electrical power. In addition, you need to ensure that the external outlet routes do not freeze, otherwise the coil may rupture.

Power

When figuring out which geyser is better, in the reviews of experts you can see a recommendation to pay special attention to power. It determines how much water is heated in 1 minute. The device power can fall into one of three ranges:

• 17-20 kW;
• 20-26 kW;
• 26-31 kW.

When choosing a column based on this parameter, you should take two points into account:

• number of water points in the house;
• volume of hot water required daily.

If you need to provide hot water to one point, and there are 1-2 people living in the house, then a device with low power is sufficient. An indicator of 20-26 kW is acceptable for most city apartments. The power of such a column is enough for 2-3 water points and a family of 3-4 people. If you have several bathrooms and your household loves water procedures, you should opt for a heater with high power.

Important: When choosing a column, you should take into account the gas pressure in the system. If it is insufficient, the device will not be able to operate at full capacity. There are devices with a gas reducer that maintains constant pressure.

Ignition type

Depending on how the pilot burner lights up, geysers are divided into devices with a piezoelectric element and electronic ignition. In addition, there are devices whose wick must be lit with a match, but they are rare.

In devices with a piezoelectric element, the igniter ignites as a result of exposure to an electrical discharge with a potential of several kilovolts. As a rule, ignition is carried out once a day by pressing a button on the column panel. Then the “standby” wick burns throughout the day, and the main burner lights up the moment the tap is opened. The disadvantages of such a water heater are the need for easy access to it and constant, albeit insignificant, gas consumption.

A dispenser with electronic ignition is equipped with an automatic device that emits a spark that ignites the igniter or the main burner immediately when the tap is opened. Electronic elements are powered by batteries, mains power, or a small hydraulic turbine generator built into the housing. Experts advise choosing a column with a hydraulic turbine if the water pressure in the system is not lower than 0.35 atm.

A “smart” water heater costs more than a column with a piezoelectric element. Its advantages are fully automatic operation and no need for constant burning of the wick.

Adjusting the water temperature

When thinking about how to choose a gas water heater for a private house or apartment, you should consider the method of adjusting the water temperature. There are two aspects to this issue:

• setting the desired temperature;
• maintaining a constant temperature.

The regulator, which allows you to set the water temperature, can work:

• smoothly – the selector knob turns smoothly within the range between the minimum and maximum limits;
• stepwise - you can choose one of three indicators - low, medium or high temperature;
• automatically - the degree of water heating is set using an electronic system.

One of the factors influencing the final water temperature is its pressure in the system. If it is unstable, the temperature will fluctuate. If the burner has a constant power, then you can only adjust the water parameters manually, which is very inconvenient. A more comfortable option is burners with modulating power. They adapt to changes in pressure, automatically maintaining the temperature initially selected by the user.

Protective devices

Safety during operation is one of the key parameters when choosing a gas water heater. The device should automatically turn off or not turn on at all in case of interruptions in gas, water or lack of combustion. For this purpose, it is equipped with many sensors. The main ones:

1. Ionization and combustion sensors (thermocouple). They are designed to automatically stop the gas supply to the burner when the flame goes out. First, the ionization sensor must operate, and if it fails, the combustion sensor must operate.
2. Traction sensor. It controls the presence of traction. If it is absent or a backflow of combustion products occurs (for example, due to the chimney being blocked by debris), the gas supply is blocked. This mechanism protects home residents from carbon monoxide poisoning.
3. Hydraulic valve that turns off the column when it overheats.
4. Flow sensor. It is responsible for automatically turning on/off the device when opening/closing a hot water tap.
5. Water pressure sensors. The safety valve prevents pipes from bursting under increased pressure. The low pressure sensor does not allow starting or turns off the column if no water is supplied at all.
6. Gas supply sensor. It blocks the operation of the device when the fuel supply stops. This protects against leaks.

When purchasing a speaker, it is important to ensure that it is equipped with all of the safety features listed. Otherwise, it cannot be called safe for humans.

Popular manufacturers

When answering the question of which geyser is better, experts advise considering products from brands such as Vaillant, Bosch, Electrolux,.

Water heaters from the German company Vaillant are equipped with durable and efficient copper heat exchangers. Their special feature is the aesthetic silver front panel.

The Bosch Corporation from Germany is known for the reliability of its technology. The speakers it produces under the Junkers brand have proven themselves well. They are distinguished by ease and safety of operation, as well as a laconic design.

The Swedish company Electrolux produces speakers that operate efficiently with minimal noise due to a small number of nozzles. The devices are equipped with an Intelligent control system that monitors the correct functioning of all safety mechanisms.

The Russian company Neva has been producing reliable and functional geysers with a multi-stage security system for 20 years. They are fully adapted for use in domestic gas and water supply systems.

Other popular brands of gas instantaneous water heaters are Ariston, Termaxi, Beretta, Zanussi, Mora Vega.

Operating rules

The service life of a geyser depends not only on the quality of components and assembly accuracy, but also on the correctness of its operation. Basic recommendations:

1. Installation and maintenance of equipment should be trusted to professionals.
2. The heat exchanger must be cleaned regularly.
3. You should not set the outlet water temperature above 40-60°. This leads to accelerated scale formation on the membrane, resulting in reduced column performance.
4. If the water in the system is very hard, then to protect the heater it should be additionally equipped with a system that prevents salt deposits.
5. You cannot regulate the temperature of the liquid by opening a cold water tap. Temperature selectors should be used. Otherwise, hot water will be retained in the system, steam and excess pressure will form. As a result, water may begin to leak from the heat exchanger.

A geyser is a device that can provide individual hot water supply in a house or apartment at minimal cost. When choosing a device, it is important to consider its power, safety and operating features. You should not save on buying a water heater, since high-quality automatic devices can provide comfort during water procedures for a long time.

Geysers are universal, economical and easy-to-use instantaneous water heaters. The basic principle of their operation is the combustion of gas inside the boiler, due to which the cold water passed through the column is heated to the required temperature. Both natural gas and liquefied gas in cylinders are used as fuel. With their compact size, geysers can cope with any volume of water. This type of heating is more economical than electric heating. Our rating of the best gas water heaters 2019 will help you learn more about geysers and choose the most modern and reliable model.

In order to choose a geyser that is ideal for you and your living conditions, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the configuration and simple classification of this water heating device, indispensable for many users.

Equipment geyser includes:

If it is impossible to install a gas water heater (and this may be difficult if the apartment was not “designed” for a water heater), then the only way to use hot water is.

a connector with a chimney through which harmful combustion products and an exhaust hood exit;

• heat exchanger;
• gas and water units;
• membrane type gas valve;
• back panel and batteries;
• control panel: power (outlet temperature) and water flow regulators;
• ignition block.

Ignition type– one of the criteria for selecting columns. There are:

• manual ignition type– the column is ignited with an ordinary match.
• piezo ignition - a type of ignition that has replaced manual ignition - the mechanical appearance of a spark from which the system lights up. To supply hot water, the pilot burner must be lit continuously.
• electric ignition – ignition is carried out using an electric spark. There is no constantly burning pilot wick, which saves gas consumption.

Unlike columns with a manual activation type, to work with a column equipped with an electric or piezo ignition system, you just need to open the water, and it will do the rest for you. The high level of automation captivates many users, because using a gas water heater is no more difficult than using an ordinary electric boiler.

Power– this criterion is considered based on the number of family members and the budget you are counting on. By power they are distinguished:

• low-power speakers: 17-19 kWh – the best option for a family of up to 3 people;
• medium-power speakers: 22-24 kWh - this type will be useful for a family of 3-5 people;
• high-power speakers: 28-31 kWh - the most suitable option for a large house.

• modulation – modulating burners produce the set temperature at any water pressure.
• constant power - the temperature is adjusted in accordance with the water pressure.

Smoke exhaust- There are two main types:

• turbocharged - equipped with a fan that forcibly draws combustion products through the chimney to the street. Models with a turbocharged chimney type are safer, but noisy and expensive.
• with natural smoke removal - the process of removing combustion products occurs solely due to natural draft. Thanks to this, the work is carried out completely silently.

Of course there is a number of additional criteria, according to which the choice is made. For example this:

• safety – a dispenser is considered safe if it has more than three levels of protection (the main ones: automatic blocking when the flame goes out, cutting off the gas supply in the absence of draft and protection against overheating). Modern geysers are protected from harmful gas leaks and, especially, from explosions and fires.
• design - there is a rather unpleasant stereotype that a geyser is ugly. Most manufacturers produce stylish, modern models that are very different from the geysers produced in the USSR. A small flow column can be built into a special wall cabinet with doors. There are also models with patterns or ornaments: there are many options and you are sure to find the most suitable one for you.
• control type: mechanical or electronic. Electronic speakers are controlled using buttons or, in the most modern models, a touch screen; mechanical speakers are controlled using rotary switches. The first type is more “advanced” and is equipped with internal program memory.

Rating of geysers - 2019-2020

5th place - Electrolux GWH 10 High Performace (from RUB 7,388)

An improved model of a budget flow-through speaker from Electrolux. This water heater has a capacity of 10 liters per minute. The dispenser is equipped with a multi-level European protection system: against switching on without water, against overheating, and against operation in the absence of traction. To avoid an accident, the flame detection function and the chimney draft sensor turn off the gas supply. The heat exchanger is made of environmentally friendly material: oxygen-free copper, lead-free. Data from the built-in thermometer is reflected on the display. The column is ignited using an electric ignition, which is powered by a battery with a charge indicator. The water heater is easy to connect and has a convenient diameter for the chimney (110 mm).

Specifications:

• Type: flow-through;
• Capacity: 10 l/min;
• Power: 20 kW;
• Water heating: +60°C;
• Inlet pressure: from 0.15 to 8 atm.;
• Control type: mechanical;
• Dimensions: 330×590×190 mm;
• Weight: 8.7 kg.

Extra options:

• open combustion chamber type;
• electric ignition;
• traction sensor (battery operated);
• gas control;
• power-on indication;
• protection against operation in the absence of traction;
• bottom eyeliner.

Pros:

• low price;
• increased level of security;
• temperature accuracy;
• there is a display;
• quick ignition at any water pressure;
• automation;
• heats water well;
• consumes little gas;
• steel body;
• stainless steel burner;
• 2 year warranty;
• appearance.

Minuses:

• temperature adjustments get lost when water pressure increases;
• work with clicks (noise)
• tight flow and temperature regulators.

4th place - Gorenje GWH 10 NNBW (from RUB 6,620)

Gorenje GWH 10 NNBW is the only model on the list with a water filter. It stands out for its decent build quality and high performance, easy to install and unpretentious to maintain. The display shows the actual water temperature. The water warms up smoothly; in case of surges in pressure or voltage, the heating temperature remains stable.

Specifications:

• Type: flow-through
• Installation type: vertical wall
• Dimensions: 327×590×180 mm
• Capacity: 10 l/min
• Power: 20 kW
• Pressure: from 0.20 to 10 atm.
• Control type: mechanical
• Display: yes

Extra options:

• open combustion chamber type;
• electric ignition;
• gas control;
• gas and water filter;
• thermometer;
• bottom eyeliner.

Pros:

• smooth heating of water;
• easy to install, does not take up much space;
• gas and water filters included;
• easy to configure;
• the column does not have to be constantly maintained;
• reliable assembly;
• the display shows thermometer data;
• good ratio of functionality and cost.

Minuses:

• noisiness;
• It is inconvenient to clean the water filter;
• The wires inside the casing are poorly secured.

3rd place - Roda JSD20-T1 (from RUB 10,800)

The “golden mean” goes to the speaker from the manufacturer Roda. Silent, safe, with electric ignition and high build quality, this model conscientiously copes with all the tasks assigned to it.

Specifications:

• Type: flow-through
• Installation type: vertical wall
• Dimensions: 330×515×140 mm
• Capacity: 10 l/min
• Power: 20 kW
• Pressure: from 0.3 to 8 atm.
• Control type: electronic
• Display: yes

Extra options:

• turbine gas water heater;
• closed combustion chamber type;
• electric ignition;
• gas control;
• protection against hypothermia and overheating;
• bottom eyeliner.

Pros:

• increased safety factor;
• electric ignition;
• maintains a stable temperature at different pressure levels;
• affordable price;
• good build quality, does not let the user down over time.

Minuses:

• very noisy;
• the diameter of the hole for removing combustion products is less than normal;
• minimum temperature – 60 degrees.

2nd place - Mora Vega 13 (from RUB 19,600)

Powerful, reliable and multifunctional Mora Vega 13 combines a maximum of useful parameters and is one of the most “advanced” models in our rating. It is also worth noting that the dispenser runs on both natural and bottled fuel.

Specifications:

• Type: flow-through
• Installation type: vertical wall
• Dimensions: 320×592×245 mm
• Capacity: 13 l/min
• Power: 22.6 kW
• Pressure: from 0.2 to 10 atm.
• Control type: electronic
• Display: yes

Extra options:

• open combustion chamber type;
• electric ignition;
• gas control (safety valve that prevents gas leakage into the room);
• gas filter;
• indication of switching on and heating;
• heating temperature limitation;
• overheat protection;
• thermometer and thermostat (preventing water from boiling);
• bottom eyeliner;
• runs on natural gas or propane-butane;
• Automatic shutdown when there is no water.

Pros:

• one of the most compact gas heaters on the market;
• easy to maintain;
• productivity with gas savings of up to 10%;
• smooth power regulator;
• high safety factor;
• operation on natural gas or propane-butane to choose from;
• durability;
• reliable build quality.

Minuses:

• high price.

1st place - Bosch WR 10-2P (RUB 10,840)

The “top” of the rating goes to the stylish, reliable, affordable, extremely safe and multifunctional geyser Bosch WR 10-2P. In different configurations it runs on two types of fuel, which makes the model universal.

Minuses:

• the regulator breaks down after 1-2 years of operation;
• the boiler is serviced under warranty only if it was installed by an authorized Bosch representative;
• monitoring sensors turn off the system in case of any failures (taking into account the fact that most Russian users always experience minor interruptions in the operation of electricity or gas pipelines, too careful monitoring slows down the operation of the system);
• control sensors often break down;
• unreliable radiator;
• Piezo ignition works intermittently.

Let's sum it up

Updated: August 2019

The geyser, today, is one of the most affordable, efficient and economical water heating devices. The modern market of gas heating equipment offers a wide range of models from various manufacturers, differing in type of ignition, power, performance, efficiency, etc. Which manufacturers’ columns are highly efficient and safe, and how to choose a gas water heater - read below.

To compare several models of gas water heaters that suit your cost, you need to understand their main operating characteristics. So, the most important characteristic that determines the choice of a speaker is its power. The level of comfort that a water heater can provide depends on it. So, if you plan to use a shower, sink, sink, etc. separately from each other, then a gas water heater with a capacity of 17-18 kW will be enough for you. To share two or more water points, it is better to choose equipment designed for a power of 20-26 kW. An important role in choosing a gas water heater is played by the efficiency that the equipment can provide.

The efficiency factor for a modern gas water heater should be in the range of 84-90%.

Speakers with flame modulation can provide the greatest comfort. Such devices maintain the water temperature automatically, regardless of external factors. That is, when using a sink and shower together, the water temperature will remain unchanged.

When choosing a household gas water heating device, you must:

• Determine the planned volume of water consumed;
• Measure the gas and coolant pressure in the pipeline (the column must meet the requirements of the system);
• Measure the ventilation draft (if necessary, clean the ventilation duct);
• Consider ways to organize a chimney (applies to private houses);
• Select the size of the device based on the parameters of the space allocated for its installation. In this case, SNIPs and GOSTs should be used.

So, from the side surfaces of the speaker to the interior partitions there should be at least 15 cm, and from the front surface of the casing to the wall - at least 60 cm. It is also worth paying attention to the manufacturer of the speaker. Which manufacturers offer high-quality products?

Gas water heaters: reliability and quality rating, manufacturers

According to reviews from both specialists and users, gas equipment made in Germany is considered to be of the highest quality and reliability. In Germany today, there are quite strict rules for testing products for compliance with international norms and quality standards, which has a positive effect on the performance characteristics of gas equipment. In addition, such companies do not skimp on conducting various test drives of their equipment.

1. Gas equipment from Vaillant is in first place in the ranking. All columns of the company are equipped with a modulating burner.
2. The second place was taken by the products of the popular company Bosch. German burners received recognition thanks to high-quality automation, a comprehensive safety system, and comfortable operation (most models can be customized to your own needs and system parameters).
3. Imported gas water heaters from Ariston rightfully took third place in the ranking. Italian water heaters are distinguished by affordable prices, high performance and high-quality materials, and have a long service life.
4. Popular and cheap water heaters from Neva are characterized by high performance. Among the disadvantages of speakers from a Russian manufacturer are the need to frequently replace their power elements and the appearance of fistulas in heat exchangers in regions with hard water.
5. Chinese geysers Termaxi took last place in the ranking. The advantage of the devices is their availability and the availability of models with flame modulation.

Electrolux products are distinguished by a high level of reliability. But, if the speaker parts fail, replacing them can hit your pocket hard: original parts in Russia are not cheap.

Rating of geysers for private homes and cottages

The choice of geysers for a country house and cottage has its own characteristics related to the quality of water and gas supply. So, it is better to choose dispensers that operate with minimal water pressure and on liquefied gas (then access to fuel will not depend on the connection to the main gas pipeline).

The best geysers for a private home and cottage are:

• Gas water heater W 10 KB from Bosch, which can operate both from the main gas pipeline and on liquefied gas;
• Geyser WR 13-2B from Bosch, which can operate on liquefied gas in cylinders even at low water pressure of 0.1 bar.

A gas water heating device W 10-2 P from Bosch, which starts even at low water pressure, is also suitable for providing hot water supply and heating in a country house. You can use the most popular devices proposed above for an apartment located on high floors (the pressure on them usually leaves much to be desired).

The best geysers at an affordable price

It is not at all necessary to spend a lot of money on gas water heating equipment. The modern market offers high-quality models at affordable prices. So, you can get a high-quality geyser with a budget of 10 thousand rubles.

The highest quality geysers in the budget segment are considered to be:

• Gas water heater WR 10-2P from Bosch. For 9 thousand rubles, the user will receive a reliable water heating device with piezo ignition and overheating protection.
• An automatic gas water heater Neva 4510-M with a digital display and a multi-level ignition system will cost only 7 thousand rubles. At 25 degrees, the column can provide a flow of 11 liters of water per minute. In this case, the thermal power will be 21 kW.
• Flow-through column GWH 265 ERN from Electrolux with electric ignition and digital display. The device costs 6.6 thousand rubles. For this low cost, the user can get up to 10 liters of warm water per minute.
• The GWH 10 Fonte gas flow water heater from Zanussi is not only affordable, but also economical. The quality of the model is not inferior to popular speakers from Bosch and Ariston.

The most popular, reliable and affordable domestically produced gas water heater is Neva 4511. The water heater is equipped with automatic ignition, sensors for monitoring overheating, draft, and gas supply. The gas heater operates even at minimum pressure in the pipeline. Termaxi speakers (China) are low cost.

Classification and rating of geysers by reliability and quality (video)

A gas water heater is a popular device today that allows you to organize a heating system and hot water supply both in an apartment and a country house. A good geyser is a guarantee of safety, comfort and efficiency. Recommendations for choosing and the above review of the highest quality and most reliable instantaneous water heaters will help you choose a decent option according to your needs.

The first geysers appeared in 1895 in Germany, and in Russia they began to be actively used only in the middle of the last century. At that time, the country was experiencing a housing construction boom, and hot water supply and a private bath became mandatory attributes of a city apartment, but not all houses could be connected to the general system. It was then that in Khrushchev and early Brezhnevkas they began to install columns – instantaneous gas water heaters. There was little choice, and in terms of ease of use, the first units left much to be desired. Today, such devices have become more technologically advanced, functional and safe, and their range has grown significantly. Let's try to figure out how to choose a geyser for an apartment or a house, and we'll figure out what parameters you should definitely pay attention to.

No. 1. Types of gas water heaters: instantaneous and storage

Depending on the device, gas water heaters are divided into two types:

• flow-through;
• cumulative.

Wall-mounted instantaneous water heaters are popularly called geysers. They are the most widespread. Storage-type devices are practically not used in domestic spaces.

Instantaneous gas water heaters

The geyser does not have a storage tank and is intended for instant water heating. Inside the unit there is a heat exchanger through which a water tube passes. There is a gas burner under the heat exchanger. As a result of gas combustion, heat is generated, which heats the water passing through the heat exchanger. Exhaust gases are collected in a collector and discharged to the street. This is a basic diagram of how the speaker works, but the operating features of some components may differ from model to model.

In the simplest columns light the burner you will have to manually, more expensive models provide automatic ignition: as soon as someone turns on the hot water tap, the column will start working, and will turn off when the tap is closed. The water temperature can be regulated either by a simple gearbox or by sophisticated modern electronics.

From your school chemistry course, you must remember that to burn gas, you need oxygen, which is contained in the air. Simple household speakers are equipped with an open combustion chamber and receive air from the room. Combustion products are removed either through normal chimney(option for private houses), or through a horizontal pipe with a fan providing forced draft. The latter option is used in apartment buildings.

Gas water heaters are equipped multi-stage security system, therefore they cannot cause any harm, unless, of course, the installation was carried out correctly and you do not violate safety precautions.

Advantages of geysers:

Some manage to install the speaker even in rooms not connected to a gas pipeline, since there are models that allow powered by gas cylinder.

Gas water heaters also have disadvantages.:

Storage gas water heaters

Similar devices in design resemble electric boilers. The only difference lies in the source of heat: instead of electricity, gas is used here. The basis of such a unit is a storage tank where a supply of hot water is stored. A tube passes through the tank - this is a heat exchanger, inside which hot gas combustion products move. A burner is installed at the bottom of the tube, where the combustion process takes place. So that the gases, moving upward, have time to give up all their heat, the heat exchanger receives a complex design with dividers.

Tank volume ranges from 50-500 liters, but the most widespread models are 100 and 200 liters. For a family of 2-3 people, a unit with a volume of 80-150 liters is suitable. The tank receives reliable thermal insulation, so a once heated supply of water can be stored for a relatively long time - there is no need to turn on the device every time.

To the main advantages storage gas water heaters include:

• efficiency;
• availability of a constant supply of hot water;
• possibility of installation where the gas supply line is weak;
• ability to work with a large number of water intake points.

Similar units take up a lot of space, but this is not their main drawback. They are standing quite expensive, have not become widespread in our area, so their range is extremely modest. Most people opt for flow-through heaters or. Due to the low popularity of this type of unit, we will focus our attention on how to choose a geyser - a device with a flow-through type of heating.

No. 2. Gas water heater power

The power of the geyser is indicated in kW. It is directly related to productivity equipment and indicates how many liters of water per minute the column can heat. It is worth noting that the best geyser is not necessarily the most powerful device. It all depends on how many people live in the apartment, and how many of them can use hot water at the same time (or how much is installed). It is believed that one mixer is capable of flowing 6-7 l/min. It is enough to multiply this parameter by the number of taps, add a small margin and get the result. The power is indicated either on the column itself or in the technical documentation for it. For example, a column with a power of 23-24 kW allows you to heat about 14 liters of water per minute to a temperature of about 25 degrees.

Based on power, speakers are divided into several types:

• 17-20 kW – minimum power sufficient to supply one water intake point, i.e. you can either take it comfortably or wash the dishes - it will be difficult to do both at the same time. Their productivity is 9-10 l/min, no more. Option for a small family or one person;
• 20-26 kW - medium power columns, heat 15-20 l/min and are suitable for heating water to a comfortable temperature for 2-3 points of water consumption. The most popular option;
• more than 26 kW - powerful units for large families and private homes.

In pursuit of power, do not lose common sense and do not forget to take into account the water pressure indicator. There is no point in buying a column designed to heat 25 liters of water per minute if the water supply network is not capable of providing such pressure.

No. 3. Gas water heater ignition type

The type of ignition is one of the most important parameters of the column. It determines how often you will approach the device, as well as how safe and economical the process of generating a flame will be. So, one of the following can be used in geysers: ignition types:

Columns with electric ignition can be divided into two types: volatile and non-volatile. In volatile ones, the ignition system is connected to the household electrical network. If you live in a city apartment and do not experience any special problems with the supply of electricity, then this is quite a good option. Ignition in non-volatile electric speakers can be implemented in several ways:

No. 4. Combustion chamber type

To choose a gas water heater, you need to pay attention to a lot of technical details, and the type of combustion chamber is one of the most important points. There are only two options here:

• open combustion chamber;
• closed combustion chamber.

Open chamber speakers- the simplest and cheapest. They use air from the room in which the device hangs to burn gas. The intake is carried out through the holes at the bottom of the column. Such units are installed in kitchens or in separate utility rooms (an excellent option for owners of private houses). Combustion products are removed through the chimney due to natural draft. These types of devices are characterized by minimal noise during operation, but are more suitable for private homes, as they require connection to a chimney. In addition, in the room where the device will be installed, it is necessary to provide sufficient.

Columns with a closed combustion chamber get air from the street. The chimney in such units is horizontal, goes out through the wall and is represented by a coaxial pipe (pipe in a pipe). Through the inner part of the pipe, combustion products are removed to the street using a fan, and air is supplied to the column through the outer pipe. You can install such a unit in any room, it is safer, but you will have to pay more for such a speaker, and the operation of the fan depends on the availability of electricity and is accompanied by slight noise.

No. 5. Removal of combustion products

We have already partially discussed this issue above, but now we will dwell in a little more detail. Depending on the type of carbon monoxide removal, there are:

• classic, with chimney. Great for homes that already have a chimney. Otherwise, it will have to be built separately. For residents of apartment buildings, this option is in most cases impossible to implement;
• chimneyless or turbine. Combustion products are discharged through a pipe, a hole for which is made in the wall. Combustion products are drawn out due to the operation of the fan.

The room in which the speaker is located must be well ventilated. If they were installed, you will have to equip them with a ventilation valve.

No. 6. Column heat exchanger type

The durability and wear resistance of the column is directly related to the material used to make the heat exchanger:

It turns out that stainless steel and purified copper are the preferred options.

No. 7. Water and gas pressure

For each column, the data sheet specifies two main water pressure parameters: the minimum at which the unit will turn on, and the maximum - the pressure that the heat exchanger can withstand without losing its integrity. It is advisable to clarify all the parameters of your water supply network before choosing a gas water heater. For city apartments where speakers are used (and these are mostly Stalinist, i.e. old housing stock with worn-out communications) it is better to choose a unit that can work with minimal water pressure. Therefore, pay attention to those devices that can heat water at a pressure of as low as 0.15 bar.

High pressure can be destructive to the column, and water hammer, alas, is not uncommon. Buy units that can withstand a short-term increase in network pressure up to 11-12 bar.

Also, do not forget to specify with which gas pressure the column can work. In domestic gas pipelines, the gas pressure is lower than in European ones (13 mbar versus 20 mbar), so when buying a dispenser from a European manufacturer, you need to inquire for which market it was produced, and whether it has a gas reducer installed in order to maintain constant pressure.

No. 8. Burner type and power modulation

Burners in geysers can be of two types:

• with constant power. The simplest option, the main advantage of which is its low cost. When changing the water pressure, you will have to manually change the temperature on the column, and you can get tortured. If you do not change the temperature, the water can flow at a scalding temperature. Let's say your neighbor turned on the water or someone flushed the water. The water pressure has decreased, but the flame strength has remained the same, so the reduced amount of water that will flow through the heat exchanger will heat up to uncomfortably high temperatures;
• with modulated power. Everything here is much more modern. You just need to enter the desired water temperature, and the flame power will be adjusted depending on the water pressure. This is the preferred option. Of course, water temperature control is present on all water dispensers, but conventional devices cannot adapt to changes in gas pressure and pressure, and units with modulated power will produce water with clearly required parameters under almost any conditions. Such speakers are more expensive, but they are not only more comfortable to use, but also more economical.

Of course, the preferred option would be a burner with modulating power.

No. 9. Gas water heater security system

Many people are still afraid to use geysers. Data on real estate sales show that apartments with similar equipment are 15% cheaper than similar ones, but without gas water heaters, and 70% of buyers do not even consider buying such housing. If you approach the selection and operation of a gas water heater wisely, then all risks can be minimized. It is important that the column automatically turns off when there is no supply of water, gas or the necessary draft, and does not allow carbon monoxide poisoning. For this purpose, modern units are literally stuffed with all kinds of security systems:

No. 10. The best manufacturers of geysers

It is difficult to argue with the well-known fact that they produce high-quality, reliable and durable equipment. When safety and comfort are at stake, it’s better to overpay a little, but sleep peacefully, so we recommend pay attention to gas water heaters from such manufacturers:

Finally, we note that there is no need to be afraid of geysers - you just need to learn how to choose them correctly and ensure compliance with the operating rules.

It is no secret that not only owners of private houses, but also owners of apartments in high-rise buildings have recently increasingly installed their own independent heating and hot water supply systems. About - in a separate publication, and this article will be devoted to questions of how to choose a gas water heater so as not to have problems providing your household with hot water.

Probably everyone knows common Since ancient times, the expression: “my home is my fortress.” You can, of course, put a variety of meanings into it. But if you look from an everyday point of view, from the position of a caring and economical owner, then this can be perceived as a desire for the greatest possible autonomy, for independence from public utilities with their unpredictable quirks in the form of changes in the conditions for the provision of services, tariff increases, supply failures, preventive maintenance, accidents and the like.

But even before the speech will do about the problems, in fact, of choosing these devices, you need to, at least briefly, familiarize yourself with their basic structure. This is necessary, first of all, in order to try to dispel a number of fairly common prejudices that were formed in the collective consciousness regarding speakers quite a long time ago are firmly entrenched there and are very difficult to “neutralize.”

The design of a geyser and its advantages

In order not to make mistakes when choosing such a heating device, it is necessary to at least approximately understand its structure. Although The range of modern geysers is quite large; their operation uses the same principles of both internal structure and functionality.

The diagram shows the approximate structure of a typical modern flow-through gas heater. Of course, specific models from different manufacturers may have their own characteristics, but only in matters of layout or ease of use.

1 – fume hood, closed with metal walls, a volume from which gas combustion products are removed in one way or another. It can be completely sealed or connected to the atmosphere (in conventional, chimney or chimneyless columns).

2 – copper heat exchanger. A pipe system with a “jacket” that receives the direct impact of the flame of gas burners. This is where the heating of running water takes place.

3 – ignition sensor. Provides a control signal to open the common gas solenoid valve only if the ignition wick is operating.

4 – ignition wick. There may be different principles of operation - this will be discussed below.

5 - gas burner, more precisely, several lines of gas burners, providing their uniform heating of water in the heat exchanger.

6 – water unit, which includes, among other things, a fitting for connecting a cold water main (pos. 9), a screw water flow regulator (pos. 9, not for all models), and a drain valve (pos. 10, also optional, not on all speakers).

The main element of a water node is always so-called "frog".

In essence, it is a working cylinder, the volume of which is divided into two parts using an elastic membrane.

Both halves of the “frog” are connected to each other by a fitting of a certain diameter. The point is that when water is opened through the column, due to the pressure difference in the two parts of this “frog”, the membrane bends upward and pushes the rod, which is connected to the spring-loaded gas valve, opening it. As soon as the water flow is stopped (the water tap is closed), the pressure under the membrane drops, the valve returns to its original position, and the gas burner, accordingly, immediately goes out.

11 - in this diagram - a unit with microswitches (optional).

12 – gas block with gas hose connection fitting (pos. 13). This is where the spring-loaded gas valve is located, connected by a rod (rod) to the water unit.

14 – in this column – the electronics unit that controls the operation of the water heater. In inexpensive simple speakers it may simply be absent. Pos. 8 – compartment for batteries (batteries) necessary to generate an ignition pulse on the igniter.

15 – connection fitting to the hot water distribution line.

16 – mechanical regulator that switches operating modes, controls the levels of water flow and gas supply. In modern speakers it can be completely replaced by an electronics unit, with control signals transmitted through push-button or touch control panels.

17 and 18 – cascade of column operation sensors. The specific “filling” may be different - this will be mentioned below in the article.

As already mentioned, any model may have its own distinctive features, but the basic principle of the structure still remains the same.

The diagram for connecting the column to the water supply pipes, regardless of its model, is the same for everyone - it is shown in the figure.

So, when you open the water at the hot water tap, water from the cold main begins to flow through the column. The pressure of the water flow opens the gas supply valve, which causes the burners to ignite (more on the ignition mechanism below). The energy of the combustion gas is converted into heating water - and water flows at the required temperature from the “hot” taps on the mixers.

This is one of the main advantages of a geyser - it works exclusively at the moment when hot water is required, the rest of the time being in “standby mode” or in the off state. The owners of the house (apartment) use hot water only when needed, and at the same time do not depend on work in any way.

The second main advantage is, of course, operating costs. So far, no other energy carriers can match the cost of natural gas.

The speaker, of course, also has disadvantages, and considerable ones.

• It will not be possible to install it on your own - coordination with the relevant organizations, drawing up and approval of projects is required (unless, of course, the house was previously equipped with such water heaters).
• The operation of the dispenser, even in its most modern version, still requires all residents to comply with certain safety rules.
• A stock of heated water is not created, unlike an electric or gas boiler.
• The initial installation of the column may involve very large-scale work to ensure the removal of combustion products or to create forced ventilation.

It should be noted that the designers of geysers managed to solve most of the “old problems” of gas instantaneous water heaters. Nevertheless, a certain number of people still have some kind of bias towards them. Therefore, in the next section of the article we will try to take a closer look at modern ones precisely in the light of persistent myths about their danger or inconvenience.

Video: general structure of a typical gas water heater

Modern geysers – should we be afraid?

An interesting feature of geysers is that, willingly or unwillingly, they can even change demand, and therefore prices, in the secondary housing market. Realtors won’t let you lie - very often one of the main issues during the initial consideration of proposals is connecting the house to a centralized hot water supply and, accordingly, the presence or absence of gas water heating systems.

It is characteristic that there is no unity of views on this issue. Of course, people, exhausted since childhood by the old Soviet ones, with their whims, noise, unsightly appearance, with constant “pressure” from elders about strict rules of use and the danger of violating them, do not want to hear about purchasing an apartment with gas water heaters.

However, there is also the opposite category - people who are already familiar with the fickleness of public utilities, with inflated tariffs and payment by meters for hot water (moreover, in order to wait for the first drops of hot water, it is often necessary to pour at least 3 ÷ 5 minutes of cold water, since the circuits circulation in many multi-storey houses are simply cut off). And such experienced clients, on the contrary, will be more satisfied with housing with a speaker. However, many people prefer to combine both possibilities - this is the most reasonable approach.

What are the main “myths” about geysers that continue to live, scaring away potential buyers of such equipment?

1. The column is very difficult to operate; it requires independent ignition with matches and constant monitoring.

Let's figure it out.

Well, firstly, any technique requires control, regardless of complexity. No one blames the gas stove with its open flame for this, or the faucet in the bathroom, which also needs to be monitored so that it does not leak over time.

Secondly, lighting with matches can only be found on those very “rarities” of the Soviet installation. Perhaps they are still produced somewhere, however, all, without exception, modern models worthy of mention are fired up differently.

— The simplest, “imperfect” modern speakers are equipped with piezo ignition. Before use, it is necessary to light the igniter wick by pressing the corresponding button, while turning the control handle to the appropriate position. Even this scheme is considered “outdated”, is used less and less and is giving way to other principles of ignition.

— Electric ignition is popular. At the moment the water starts, a sensor is triggered, which gives a signal to the electric igniter. At the same time, a channel for limited gas supply to the torch opens and a spark is generated to ignite it. The energy for sparking comes either from installed batteries (usually 1.5 or 3 volts) or from the power supply.

— Another modern method is the “HidroPower” system. A hydraulic turbine is built into the cold water supply pipe into the column. At a certain liquid pressure (usually about 0.3 - 0. 5 bar) the turbine induces an electrical charge sufficient to produce a spark for ignition of the igniter torch, which then it will transfer the fire to a common gas burner.

All this takes a long time to read - but in fact, the process of automatically igniting the flame when water is turned on occurs within just a few seconds.

So, in modern water heaters, no special human intervention is required (except for first opening the gas tap): turn on the hot water and use it.

By the way, you can immediately give an answer to a possible problem - why do you need an ignition burner (torch) at all? Surely it’s impossible to immediately ignite the main one?

It is forbidden! Until the torch warms up the sensor, the gas start solenoid valve will not operate. The very small amount that is taken at the moment of starting on the wick does not pose any danger to people - it will easily escape into the ventilation. But if suddenly the column accidentally goes out, the sensor has cooled down, then the gas supply will be blocked - the solenoid valve will close the line completely.

2. It is a very common belief that the column is a very explosive device.

What could explode there? If we are talking about gas, then it is no more dangerous in this regard than a regular gas stove. In the same way, provided that there is no leak, ventilation is normal, there is no place for an explosive concentration of gas to come from.

If we talk about the likelihood of an explosion of an overheated volume of water, then a boiler in this regard is probably even more dangerous. In the column, with its flow principle of operation, there are much fewer such conditions for an explosion. Moreover, in any (even the oldest and most imperfect) there are always at least two lines of “defense”, about which at same mentioned: an electromagnetic valve, which will not allow the burner to ignite independently, and a “frog” water valve, which shuts off the gas in the absence of water flow.

3. The fear is somewhat similar to the second point: there may not be an explosion, but a gas leak will lead to poisoning and a sad outcome.

You can refute it by citing all the same arguments that were presented two paragraphs above. And we can only add once again: the degrees of protection of a conventional gas stove are much lower, and the likelihood of a gas leak from the stove or oven into the living space is much higher. Nevertheless, for some reason, they are more afraid of gas water heaters in this regard, although this is completely illogical.

4. Another very persistent, but completely incomprehensible prejudice is that a gas water heater will completely ruin the interior of the kitchen.

Probably, only someone who can’t get the image of an old, rust-covered ancient pump with metal pipes leading to it in his imagination, can say this only.

Blaming modern geysers for being unsightly is the same as making similar complaints about refrigerators, microwaves, hoods, ovens, etc. Gas water heaters fit perfectly into the kitchen decor, take up very little space, and sometimes stand out against the general interior background just by the presence of a chimney pipe. (and even then - not always).

Prices for the range of heating boilers

Heating boilers

What else to consider when choosing a column

So, we come to a common opinion: there is no need to be afraid of geysers, they should become reliable and safe helpers in the household. This means that we should take a closer look at the criteria that should be taken into account when choosing this device in a store.

TOP 5 best geysers for apartments

Gas water heater power

Under this parameter lies the ability of the geyser to heat a certain amount of water per unit of time to the required temperature. In general, the entire variety of these devices can be divided into three classes:

Low power geysers. The rating does not exceed 19 kW, and such a water heater is capable of serving only one point of consumption at a time.

Medium power speakers include devices rated from 20 to 28 kW. Usually they are already enough to simultaneously draw heated water in two places.

The most powerful are geysers that produce 29 kW or more. Their performance is even enough to take a bath in one place with simultaneous, for example, washing dishes in the kitchen, or with simultaneous using hot water in three places is quite enough for any “everyday” situation, even in a large country mansion.

It may be objected that kilowatts, although they are indicated in the product passport and on the information plate on the case, still mean little to the average user. It’s difficult to argue with this, so we’ll try to explain this meaning more clearly.

The main purpose of the column is to raise the water temperature from the initial value ( TVx) to what is necessary for domestic use ( TN). The difference between these two values ​​(delta) will show what our water heater is capable of.

ΔТ = Тн - Твх

The “delta” itself is not interesting - you need to know how much water the column can heat for such a difference per unit of time. (usually measured in liters per minute).

How to determine the required power?

It can be taken as a statement that for the normal functioning of a kitchen sink, about 4 liters of heated water per minute are required. For taking a shower, 6 liters is usually enough. (These values ​​have been tested in practice, and, by the way, they are what are used to guide the development of special economizer devices in the form of aerators or special fittings, which, even if desired, do not allow the use of larger volumes, thereby helping to save water).

The power of the required water heater can be calculated using the formula:

М = ΔТ × Σv/14.3

M – required power,

ΔT– heating value (see above)

Σ v– total volume of simultaneous consumption;

14,3 – coefficient taking into account the heat capacity of water.

Let's assume that a column is selected that allows simultaneous use of a shower and sink in the kitchen. The total volume will be Σ v= 4 + 6 = 10 l/min.

Magnitude ΔT– depends, of course, on the inlet water temperature. If we assume that water comes from a water supply with a temperature of about 10 - 15 ° WITH, then a rise of 25 degrees should be quite acceptable - the output will be about 40 ° WITH, which is enough for both taking a shower and washing dishes.

In total we get:

M = 25 × 10 / 14.3 = 17.4 kW

It is clear that this value is the lower acceptable limit. It is recommended to add another 15 - 20% reserve to it, and then round up to whole numbers. We get 21 kW. The speaker you purchase must have this power. Of course, all models of water heaters have their own gradations and capacities, but you need to buy one so that the value is not lower.

Perhaps this may seem too complicated. In addition, the initial temperature value may be different, for example, in winter, the water may have about 5 degrees at the inlet. In order not to force readers to “suffer” with formulas, it is better to provide a table in which the power of the column will be linked to the inlet temperature and the overall performance of the device, provided that it supplies water to the mixer at 40 ° WITH:

Usually both power and ΔT are the basic values ​​of the water heater and must be indicated in the technical documentation.

And the most accurate calculation using the same formula will be possible with the proposed online calculator.

Using it is easy.

• First, the temperature that is planned to be obtained at the output of their column is indicated. At the discretion of the future owner - for some, 40 degrees is enough, but maybe someone wants it cooler or, conversely, hotter.
• The next step is to indicate the temperature of the water supplied to the column. Here you can proceed either from existing circumstances. For example, from some sources - wells, boreholes, storage tanks, water is supplied, regardless of the time of year, always at approximately the same temperature. And you can calculate it for the most unfavorable conditions, when the water in winter is so cold that it is not far from the freezing line.
• Next, you need to indicate (check the boxes) those hot water collection points that, according to the owners, can be used simultaneously without interfering with one another. Of course, if you supply water to all plumbing fixtures at once, then you probably won’t find such a powerful device.

But this is all decided at home, so to speak, by administrative methods. And it’s difficult to imagine a situation where one family member, for example, is washing dishes in the kitchen, a second one is standing in the shower at the same time, a third is taking a bath, etc. And the calculator, by the way, will help you fully imagine what can be used at the same time.

• All other values ​​- the average statistical consumption at points of consumption and the heat capacity of water - have already been entered into the calculation program.
• All that remains is to press the “CALCULATE…” button - and the answer will be given, expressed in kilowatts of the required thermal power of the column. In addition to the calculated value, another one will be shown - taking into account the 15% power reserve, since “driving” the water heater to the limit of its operating capabilities is far from the best solution.