Geyser or boiler, which is better? Let's compare an electric boiler and a gas water heater. Features of instantaneous electric water heaters

Choosing what more efficient boiler indirect heating or geyser take into account several features and differences in the design and operation of water heaters. Important factors influencing the decision: space taken up, operating and water heating costs, ease of use and existing limitations.

The difference between a boiler and a gas water heater

Water heaters differ in their operating principle, internal structure and thermal efficiency. Below are the main characteristics by which the column differs from the boiler, as well as short description internal structure of each type of equipment, pros and cons.

BKN - in its internal structure it resembles electric boiler. Only instead of a heating element, a coil or tank is used as the main heating element, through which the coolant circulates.

BKN is connected to solid fuel or gas boiler. The heated coolant enters the heating element located in a storage tank filled with water for hot water supply. Heat transfer and heating occurs hot water.

The advantage of an indirect heater compared to a gas hot water heater is as follows:

• low installation and connection requirements: there is no need to obtain permission from Gorgaz, do a design and approval;
• constant maintenance of hot water and instant supply to the consumer (when using a boiler with recirculation);
• stable DHW temperature despite the number of points of water consumption and water pressure;
• simple internal organization and easy operation.

The boiler has its own weak sides:

• large footprint;
• restrictions on the volume of water supplied to the consumer;
• time required for initial DHW heating(on average 30-40 minutes);
• high price;
• seasonal operation, heating occurs only during the heating period of the building (the minus does not apply to combined boilers with a built-in heating element and operating at any time of the year).

  Read also: Indirect heating boiler with electric heating element

  As practice shows and real reviews It is better for consumers to use BKN to obtain hot water in their home. Flow-through gas water heater It is better to use in apartments.

  Speakers also have their strengths and weaknesses. Water heating occurs as follows. A burner device is located inside the water heater. A heat exchanger is installed above the burner. When gas is burned, heat is released, which heats the water that constantly circulates through the coil. The column only works when the water supply tap is open and turns off after it is closed.

  Advantages of a flow-through gas water heater over a capacitive boiler:

  • cheapness;
  • no restrictions on the volume of heated water;
  • economical gas consumption;
  • compactness.
  Despite the existing advantages, there are certain disadvantages:
  • high requirements for the location, technical conditions of the boiler room and the need for approvals and preparation of the project;
  • complex internal structure, breakdowns associated with malfunctioning mechanisms and automation are periodically observed;
  • the heating temperature depends on the pressure in the pipeline and the number of simultaneously open water taps (the problem has been somewhat solved in water heaters with modulating burners).
  BKN is a storage water heater, a water heater is a flow-through one. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The actual capabilities of a residential building become decisive in the matter of choice:
  • For a private home, it is better to install an indirect heating boiler connected to a solid fuel or gas single-circuit boiler. With correct calculations, hot water will be more than enough.
  • In apartments with central heating It will not be possible to install BKN due to existing restrictions in regulatory documents. The only option: installing a gas flow-through water heater.

  What is more economical - a boiler or a water heater?

  When clarifying this issue, they take into account not only the cost of water heaters, but also connection costs, regular maintenance, as well as costs associated with heating water:
  
  • Equipment price- a geyser will cost, depending on the model and manufacturer, from 8,000-40,000 rubles. Basically, instantaneous gas water heaters are located in the specified price category, but there are copies cheaper or more expensive.

    Read also: Which one and how to install it geyser in a private house

    
    The cost of a storage boiler depends on the displacement. A 100 liter water heater can be purchased starting from 15,000-190,000 rubles. If you decide to install a boiler instead of a gas water heater, the cost of purchasing equipment will double.

    Read also: Which indirect heating boiler to choose for a private home

    
    
  • Heating costs- gas consumption with an indirect heating boiler or a gas hot water heater is approximately the same. Expenses are directly related to the operating characteristics of the heaters. The maximum costs for heating water in the column and BKN occur when operating capacity is reached.
    In a flow heat generator and boiler, the most high consumption gas is observed until the water reaches required temperature. If the water heater is used exclusively for showering or taking a bath, then a gas water heater is more economical than a boiler. With frequent washing of hands and dishes and constant short-term switching on, gas costs in an instantaneous water heater become higher than in a BKN.
  • Connection costs- speaker installation process, including official paperwork and manufacturing project documentation costs a significant amount. If the house does not have a boiler and you only need a water heater to wash dishes or hands, it is better to choose a cheaper option.
    According to the most conservative estimates, the amount required to connect an instantaneous gas water heater can reach 30,000-40,000 rubles.
  
  Based on the above, some consumers decide to replace already installed column to the boiler. This can be done with virtually no material costs. First you will need to abandon the gas supply point. They will put a plug on the pipeline and seal it.

  Gas service approval is not required when installing a boiler instead of a water heater. It is enough to officially stop the supply of “blue fuel”. You will have to re-register documents in Gorgaz only if it is necessary to remove or move the pipe to which the dispenser was connected.

  Is it possible to connect a gas water heater to a boiler?

  This option is indeed possible. Connecting according to a combined scheme, provided that the work is carried out correctly, will provide certain savings and combine the advantages of instantaneous and storage water heaters. The boiler and geyser in one system are connected according to the following diagram:
  • Cold water enters the instantaneous water heater, is heated, and then sent to the boiler;
  • the already heated water in the boiler is supplied to the user.
  Savings from collaboration flow-through gas water heater and water heater with indirect heating is observed only with significant water consumption: taking a shower or bath. The solution is effective for big family.

  The connection diagram for an indirect heating boiler to a gas water heater has certain pitfalls. Placed in front of the boiler check valve, not pressed through low pressure water. For stable operation a booster pump is required. The area and technical conditions of the room may not allow installing a BKN after the water heater in an apartment.

Devices providing apartment or a private house hot water at any time, are very relevant these days. Their choice is quite extensive, and it can be difficult to determine which equipment is more profitable in a particular case. To buy the right device, it is important to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of water heater.

Types of equipment for providing hot water

According to the principle of their operation, all heating devices are divided into storage and flow-through. The former collect water and heat it over a period of time, while the latter perform heating during use. Both of these types of heaters are also divided depending on the energy carrier used into electric and gas.

As a result, we can name the following types of water heating equipment:

1. Gas flow heater (gas water heater). The water in such a device warms up while moving through the heat exchanger under the influence of the burner flame.
2. Electric storage heater (boiler). Water is first drawn into the device, and then begins to be heated by the built-in heating element.
3. Gas storage heater.
4. Electric flow heater.

The most common are the first two types, which in most cases need to be compared to select a suitable water heating device.

Geyser

pros

• A working water heater can provide a home with hot water for an unlimited period of time. As soon as the user opens the tap, he immediately receives warm water until he closes the valve.
• Modern columns have electronic controls that allow you to control the intensity of combustion, as a result of which changes in water pressure in the pipes do not affect the final temperature of the water coming from the tap.
• The speakers are small in size, so they are often purchased for a small bathroom or kitchen.
• Modern speakers are highly reliable devices. To ensure the safety of their operation, the speakers are equipped with many sensors.

Minuses

• Gas water heaters are significantly inferior to boilers in terms of efficiency.
• The power of the device may not be enough to ensure uniform supply of water to two points. For example, if the heater is low-power, hot water will flow to only one tap. Medium-power devices allow you to supply water to two taps, but the pressure will be uneven.
• For its operation, the column requires a chimney and good ventilation of the room.
• Many dispensers do not function well when gas or water pressure changes.
• When the combustion chamber is open, the oxygen content in the room decreases.
• If the water in the pipes is too cold in winter, the water heater often cannot cope with heating it.
• Due to poor water quality, geysers have to be descaled regularly.
• Installation of gas-powered equipment is quite troublesome and expensive. It requires a project and its approval, after which installation and connection must be handled by an organization that has a license for such actions.

Boiler

pros

• Installation of such a heater is quite simple and can be done independently.
• The device does not require a chimney to operate, and ventilation is also not important.
• Changes in temperature or water pressure in the pipes do not in any way affect the functioning of the boiler.
• In modern boilers, the heating element does not come into direct contact with water, so scale does not form.

Minuses

• Such equipment is unable to quickly provide large volumes of hot water. Volume obtained from one boiler warm water limited, and when the water runs out, you have to wait several hours for the next portion to heat up.
• The boiler capacity may not be enough to provide hot water for the entire family.
• The dimensions of storage electric heaters are quite large. When hanging a boiler over a bathtub or toilet, users often hit their heads on it.

Comparison in the table

Boiler	Geyser
Compactness
Mostly large sizes.	More compact.
Water heating speed
Heating of water takes a long time, taking 2-3 hours or longer.	Heats water quickly, almost immediately after opening the tap.
Installation
Simple, does not require special skills.	Complex, must be performed by qualified specialists
Installation Requirements
Special requirements no, and permission is not required for installation. Pipes may be plastic. Installation can be performed on any surface with access to an outlet and water supply.	Requires centralized gas supply. Pipes must be metal. For regular models(not turbocharged) you need a chimney, as well as good supply and exhaust ventilation. The wall must be covered with heat-resistant material. You need to collect a package of documents allowing installation.
Service Features
The anode requires regular replacement (usually its service life is 2-5 years), as well as periodic cleaning internal walls and anti-scale heating element.	Every year it is necessary to clean the heat exchanger from scale, and other parts of the column from dust and carbon deposits, and also to replace the rubber seals.

What is more profitable to buy in terms of price?

To determine which heater is cheaper, you need to consider several points:

• The price of the device itself. Depending on the parameters of the model, it will vary greatly.
• Price installation work. Installing a gas heater is much more expensive than installing a boiler.
• Energy costs. For our country, the use of natural gas is more accessible and cheaper than the consumption of electricity.
• Maintenance costs. Both types of appliances need to be cleaned periodically.

Most often, the price of a geyser, taking into account the cost of installation, turns out to be more expensive than the price of a boiler, but energy costs are higher for a boiler, since gas is quite cheap in our country.

What is more economical in consumption?

To determine the efficiency of the device, you should take into account not only the power source used, but also some equipment parameters. The electricity consumption of the boiler will depend on the power of the device, and the gas consumption of the column is affected not only by its power, but also by the type of ignition (with piezo ignition, gas will be consumed constantly, and with electric ignition, only when the water tap is turned on).

To find out what is better to buy - a boiler or a water heater, watch the video of the "magazinexpert" channel.

Unstable hot water supply is a common problem. However, you can successfully protect yourself from the inconvenience that this unpleasant phenomenon causes by installing a gas or electric water heater. The variety of types and models of similar equipment on the market allows you to choose best option for a specific house. But which is better: a boiler or a geyser - an objective answer can be obtained by comparing the features of these types of water heaters.

Modern geysers are very different from the unaesthetic bulky appliances of yesteryear. Now these are devices with attractive design and compact sizes that easily fit into any interior. There are two types of geysers, differing in the type of ignition:

• automatic water dispensers - their operation begins from the moment the water tap is opened;
• semi-automatic - to start such equipment, you need to light the wick manually.

Turbocharged speakers - another step towards perfection

Columns with a turbine are a relatively new invention that eliminates the dependence of the device on the presence of draft in the chimney. This effect is achieved thanks to the built-in fan (turbine), which provides the necessary level of circulation of air masses and waste products.

Turbocharged dispensers are fully automated, which significantly increases the level of safety of this equipment. Special sensors record the following parameters:

• heat exchanger heating degree;
• water temperature;
• pressure level.

If any indicator exceeds the norm, the equipment is turned off.

Models of turbocharged speakers are constantly being improved and supplemented with a variety of options. The most common of them: a thermometer, a display with a set of functions, heating and power indicators.

Despite the differences, the columns work on the same principle: cold running water enters special heat exchanger, made of copper and there heated by gas. To ensure that the equipment lasts a long time, you should choose only products from well-known brands.

Advantages and disadvantages of modern geysers

The main advantage of these devices is their ability to instantly heat a large number of water. And this function does not depend on the size of the devices. This is ideal for a large family that consumes large amounts of water daily.

Also, gas units of this sample compare favorably with their electric “brothers”:

• compact sizes - which allows them to be used even in small rooms;
• unlimited volumes of heated water;
• high heating rate (about 17 liters per minute);
• efficiency;
• rare preventive maintenance (during the year, it is enough to check the pressure level just once, and when the power of the device and the water heating temperature decrease, flush the heat exchanger);
• long service life.

However, there are some difficulties:

• Before installing this water heater, you must submit a package of documents to the appropriate authorities to obtain permission to install a geyser;
• After receiving an official document authorizing the installation of this equipment, it is required to invite specialists to:

1. gas pipeline connections;
2. checking and adjusting the ventilation system;
3. direct installation of the device.

• strict requirements for the installation of the device imply purchase and installation metal pipes(the column can become very hot, and such high temperatures are unacceptable when using plastic products);
• the wall on which the device will be mounted must be treated with a sufficient amount of substance to ensure its resistance to high temperatures(often a fairly thick layer is required);
• According to safety requirements, the water heating gas unit must be placed in the kitchen (where there is a ventilation system and a chimney). To minimize the burning of oxygen in a room, it should be ventilated (and done regularly).

Naturally, if a gas pipeline is not provided in the building, the use of such equipment is impossible. The only acceptable option in such conditions is an electric boiler, the advantages and disadvantages of which we will now consider.

Boiler - purpose and main characteristics

A boiler is a storage device for heating water. In practice, this means that the device’s reservoir is filled with water, which is then heated. The boiler consists of a water tank with high degree thermal insulation, water heating regulator and a special tubular heater. Specified temperature regime maintained thanks to heating elements that operate automatically. This function, as well as a sufficient level of thermal insulation of the device body significantly saves energy consumption.

Boilers are either electric or gas-powered. They have certain design differences. For example, electric models are installed directly in plumbing system. Such devices are produced with stainless steel (more reliable option) or an enameled tank, the inside of which contains a coating that prevents corrosion. Electrical equipment is capable of providing hot water to residential and industrial facilities.

Gas boilers can be divided into 2 categories:

1. Having open camera combustion and working on natural draft. Such devices should only be installed in rooms with a functioning chimney. Often the lineup This category of water heating devices is equipped with various options for the safest use.
2. Forced draft devices having closed chamber combustion.

Advantages and disadvantages of storage water heaters

Using a boiler can be a solution to the acute problem of lack of hot water in buildings without a gas pipeline. These could be non-gas-free areas of the private sector or suburban real estate where there is running water and access to electricity. Other obvious advantages of this electrical equipment:

• There is no need to collect any documents, because installing an electric boiler does not require special permits;
• You can even install it yourself, having necessary knowledge and experience;
• Plastic pipes are sufficient for installation of the device;
• no strict installation requirements, because the device operates without open flame;
• the force of water pressure does not affect its temperature, as happens in some models of geysers;
• equipment has correct form And modern design, which allows you to optimize space;
• The stores offer a variety of boiler models, equipped with convenient options, size and color scheme which can be selected for any type of interior.

Disadvantages of electric and gas storage devices:

• impressive dimensions (for a large family it is not advisable to buy a small boiler, because the tank capacity will not be able to accommodate the required volume of water);
• heating duration - about five hours (for a large tank);
• constant care and regular replacement of elements;
• mandatory installation in places accessible and convenient for frequent maintenance and cleaning the device.

Obviously, each type of equipment has positive sides and certain disadvantages. Therefore, you should decide which is better - a boiler or a geyser, based on local conditions and the requirements for the operation of the devices. Accurate calculations, specialist consultations and common sense- all this will help you make the right decision and provide your home with the hot water it needs for comfortable life all family.

An ordinary everyday situation - on summer time The hot water was turned off. What to choose - a gas water heater or a boiler? This question is relevant both for apartment residents and private homeowners. The issue of interest is not so much the price (although this is also important), but rather the power, operating costs, possibility of installation and potential breakdowns. In the article we will look at both options, give the pros and cons of each, and also make a selection of the most popular models.

Types of water heaters

First, let's figure out what kind of heaters exist in principle, since a boiler or a gas water heater are far from the only ones, but they are the most popular on this list. All devices are divided into two categories according to heating method:

• storage (boilers), where water is collected in a certain tank and heated there to a certain temperature (no more than 85°);
• flow-through (columns), equipped heating elements, passing through which the water instantly heats up. Temperature in in this case does not exceed 75°.

Both types operate on both electricity and gas. In addition, there are indirect heating boilers, but if assessed by popularity among consumers, this device is at the lowest level. As a rule, they choose between two main options - a water heater or a gas water heater. These devices, in terms of quality characteristics, are more consistent with household needs and meet approximately the same tasks. But which one to choose - read on.

An electric boiler creates a very high current online, which is unacceptable for apartments and houses with old wiring. The same can be said about power limitations - for example, at dachas, where the maximum allowed is 5 kW and single phase meter, the boiler will not work.

A gas boiler is also not the most popular product, therefore, if there is a centralized gas pipeline, it is much more convenient and expedient to use a water heater. In private homes where it is already connected gas pipeline, it is recommended to install double-circuit boilers, where one circuit works for heating, the second, respectively, for heating water.

So, in order to compare which is better: a gas water heater or an electric water heater, we will highlight 3 main criteria:

• ease of use;
• energy price;
• complexity of installation;
• price.

Geyser - pros and cons

Since Russia is one of the largest suppliers of blue fuel in the world, for us it is the most inexpensive energy source, which is beneficial in terms of maintenance costs.

Ease of use lies in the ability to continuously supply hot water, but it is important to choose the right power gas burner, otherwise you risk not getting the desired temperature.

Power has 3 stages:

• 17-19 kW;
• 20-24 kW;
• 26-31 kW.

When using a unit in an apartment for one point, a power of 20-24 kW is sufficient for a family of 3-5 people. For a private home, it is more profitable to have such a unit, since it has a reduced water pressure (from 0.02 MPa) and saves gas consumption.

All modern models equipped with winter-summer regulators, which allows you to save up to 50% on service fees.

At the price of the equipment - for 6000 rubles. You can buy a good speaker. For example, Zenden brand equipment will cost 49,600 rubles, Oazis and Zanussi - 5,600 rubles. etc.

Flaws:

1. For installation, it is necessary to coordinate the project with the controlling organizations, including the gas service. On average, installation, provided gas is available, will cost up to 2,000 rubles.
2. A prerequisite for operation is the presence of a chimney and high-quality ventilation.

During operation, it is important to monitor the air flow into the apartment and the operation of ventilation. It is recommended to open the windows for ventilation. This is especially true for sealed plastic windows- V winter time they are put in micro-ventilation mode.

1. The need for systematic inspection of the column and cleaning of soot. Parts made of non-ferrous metals from constant contact with flames fail and require replacement.

1. Its efficiency factor (92%) is lower than that of a boiler - 99%. Efficiency in summer is different from winter. In summer, the water heater produces 6-7 l/min, in winter 4-5 l/min. In winter when heated ice water, even operating in maximum mode, the column is not able to heat it up sufficiently.

Equipment classification

The main gradation is carried out according to the method of igniting the wick:

• Automatic

They begin to function immediately after opening the water tap;

• Semi-automatic

To turn on the unit, first manually light the wick. In such devices, the flame strength should be adjusted when the water pressure changes.

It cannot be strengthened by opening a “cold” tap. If there is a sharp decrease in water pressure, you must immediately reduce the flame in the wick or turn it off completely. Otherwise, the column may burn out or even explode from overheating.

In automatic analogues, its adjustment and shutdown occurs without human intervention.

• Turbocharged

A fan (turbine) is attached to the combustion bunker to enhance air movement. It also expels exhaust air along with combustion products. With this improvement, the operation of the unit does not depend on the presence of draft in the chimney pipe.

This model appeared on the market quite recently. It operates in automatic mode, ensuring safety and reliability. To monitor the work process, sensors are placed on the body, indicating water pressure, its temperature and heat exchanger parameters. At the slightest imbalance, the unit instantly turns off automatically.

VIDEO: How to choose a geyser

Electric boiler - advantages and disadvantages

When understanding whether a boiler or a flow-through device is better, you need to understand that the work of the former is structured in a completely different way. Its design includes a reservoir of a certain volume, into which water is collected and heated by built-in heating elements (tubular electric heaters). On average, it takes at least 2 hours to heat the water, during which the temperature reaches 60°. Such equipment is convenient in that heating is carried out automatically, even if there is no water intake.

Among the main advantages we highlight:

• simple installation that you can do yourself;
• no additional devices(chimney or ventilation);
• does not depend on water pressure;
• cost of equipment.

Most models can be repaired. Subject to certain conditions, in particular, replacement of the magnesium anode, the service life is at least 8 years.

Flaws:

• long time for heating - realizing that it is more profitable to immediately heat water for the whole family, you need to choose a tank according to flow rate. For example, for a family of 4 people you need a boiler with a tank volume of 80 liters or more;
• big size- a large tank is difficult to place in small apartment. As a rule, they are installed in the bathroom and the fastening must be provided in such a way that a person does not touch it.

VIDEO: How to choose a boiler

Gas water heater

This heating device combines a column and an electric boiler. This is where all its pros and cons follow.

On the one hand, it is easy to install and contains large stock hot water, on the other hand, the use of natural gas imposes strict obligations for approval by licensing authorities and difficult installation. A chimney and ventilation are required for its operation.

Comparative characteristics

Comparison factors		Geyser
	Large object requiring at least square meter free space	Compact dimensions
Difficulty in installation	Do-it-yourself installation	For legal installation, it is necessary to collect a package of documents and approve the project. After receiving official permission, the installation is carried out by qualified craftsmen with a certain category of clearance.
Installation Requirements	Availability of proper electrical wiring and sufficient permitted power	Availability of chimney and ventilation. Connection only via metal pipes. The wall where the equipment is mounted is covered with heat-resistant material at least 1 cm thick
Warm-up time	For getting comfortable temperature and the volume for the whole family requires 3-4 hours	Instant water heating
Water temperature at several points	Does not change - water comes out at the same temperature at all points	When drawing water from even two points, the temperature at the latter will be significantly lower
Which is more economical?	On average, heating water consumes 3 kW of energy per hour	Modern equipment consumes about 2.3 cubic meters liquefied gas
Maintenance	Requires water filtration, removal lime deposits from the heating element, cleaning the tank. If there is a magnesium anode, maintenance is reduced only to its regular replacement	Regularly checking gas pressure

As you can see, there is no clear answer as to which is more profitable and which is better: a boiler or a water heater. Both devices have both advantages and disadvantages. The main disadvantage of a storage water heater is its size, despite the fact that for connection you only need an outlet and pipe routing. A gas appliance has a minus in the complexity of installation, but in the future there is a minimum of hassle and lower operating costs.

When choosing an electric boiler, be sure to install a magnesium anode. It neutralizes the effects limescale on the heating element and significantly extends its service life.

What models are popular on the market

Our article would not be complete if we did not provide examples of models that are popular among users. Statistics were carried out based on data from online stores.

The absolute leader in the water heating devices market. The reservoir consists of two communicating sections, the inner part is covered with enamel with silver ions. 2 heating elements operate alternately, which ensures savings in energy consumption. Equipped with an audible error indicator and a high degree of protection. Cost - 8260 rub.

According to statistics, THERMEX produces the most reliable equipment in the middle price category. The warranty period is also the highest - 10 years. Interior The tank is treated with anti-corrosion enamel. Equipped with an indicator panel The cost of a tank with a volume of 80 liters is 9600 rubles.

The tank is made of stainless steel and has high-quality thermal insulation. Bottom connection water. Power - 2 kW, Maximum temperature heating 75°. 7 year warranty on tank, 2 years on structural elements. Cost 24,000 rubles for 100 liters.

Equipped with electronic ignition AA batteries. Performance and heating controls are provided. The burner is made of stainless steel, the heat exchanger is copper. Operation at minimum pressure is possible. Cost 5200 rub.

The Russian manufacturer has developed equipment that optimally meets the needs - automatic ignition as soon as the pressure is sufficient, energy efficiency and the absence of a constant flame in the pilot burner. Cost 8500 rub.

Another sample Russian manufacturer with more than compact dimensions. And although its productivity is low - 9 liters per minute with a power of 17.9 kW, affordable price at 7000 rub. makes it one of the most popular on our market.

VIDEO: What to choose - boiler or geyser

Every year, installing an individual source of hot water supply in private houses and apartments is becoming more and more important. The era of centralized hot water supply is gradually becoming a thing of the past, because sometimes it may be more profitable to have your own water heater. This allows you to control costs for public utilities and save money at your discretion. The only question is: what equipment to choose for heating water? The purpose of the article is to give a detailed answer to this question, to determine which is better - a gas water heater or a boiler, revealing all the pros and cons of various water heating units.

Types of household appliances for DHW needs

On this moment There are 2 types of water heaters that differ in operating principles: instantaneous and storage. Both use two energy sources: natural gas and electricity. Let's collect them all in one list:

• geysers for water;
• electric storage water heaters(boilers);
• gas storage heaters;
• electric flow installations.

The first 2 types of water heating devices are the most popular; they constantly compete with each other, despite the difference in the energy carriers used. Geysers are devices that directly heat running water in a heat exchanger with a burner flame. Hot water is supplied almost instantly, you just need to open the tap.

Electric boilers work differently: a tank filled cold water, gradually warms up with built-in heating elements. It makes sense to turn on hot water when the container has heated up to at least a temperature of 40 ºС, which will take 2-3 hours. If the temperature has reached the set temperature, but there is no water draw, the device maintains it at a certain level, turning the heating elements on and off.

Less commonly, storage gas heaters are used to supply hot water. This product appeared on our market relatively recently and has not yet gained much popularity. A household gas boiler is a kind of hybrid between a gas water heater and an electric boiler. From the latter he took the principle of operation, and from the column - a method of heating water and natural gas as a source of thermal energy.

And finally, instantaneous electric heaters operating on the principle of a gas water heater, only using electricity instead of natural gas. For this reason they got their name - electric speakers.

Despite the fact that they appeared on the market a long time ago, to this day they are truly exotic, as they are very rarely found in private homes. The reason lies in too high electrical power apparatus, such a device is not installed in every home. Therefore, we can consider these heaters only for informational purposes. Now, to make a comparison, we will analyze each type of equipment separately.

Gas water heaters: pros and cons

The biggest and main advantage of units of this type is the ability to provide the house with hot water for an unlimited time. The burner of the device begins to heat the water almost immediately after opening the tap and will do this until the valve closes. This feature of geysers makes them the undoubted leader among all units in terms of comfort.

The only condition: the thermal power of the burner must be enough for all consumers. Modern turbocharged units are equipped with systems electronic control combustion intensity, as a result of which changes in water pressure have virtually no effect on its final temperature. But if thermal power geyser is initially selected incorrectly, then at high flow rates barely warm water will flow from all mixers.

An important advantage of gas flow heaters– small dimensions, allowing you to squeeze the device into the smallest kitchen. This is why speakers are so popular among apartment residents small area. In addition, the product is quite reliable (if you do not take into account Chinese products) and repairable. Due to the fact that water supply networks in the post-Soviet space leave much to be desired, the gas water heater periodically requires maintenance and cleaning.

Now about the disadvantages:

• Installation of gas-using equipment is a troublesome task and requires investment. You need to complete the project, get it approved, and then install and connect the heater, which only a licensed organization has the right to do;
• any gas water heater requires a chimney and supply and exhaust ventilation for its operation;
• for stable operation of the device you need a certain pressure of water and gas;
• In terms of efficiency, the column is inferior to a boiler; its efficiency is a maximum of 92% versus 98-99% for electrical appliances.

Another delicate moment. In many cities, the inlet water temperature is very low in winter. A gas flow installation, even the most powerful, is not able to heat up to normal temperature such water at normal flow rates. That is, when operating at maximum, the column will not produce the promised 10 l/min of hot water, but only 5.

Advantages and disadvantages of an electric boiler

The storage electric water heater has many advantages, which determines its high popularity:

• simple installation that does not require approvals or the involvement of specialized organizations;
• no chimney or ventilation required;
• independence from pressure water supply network and its temperature;
• high efficiency (efficiency up to 99%);
• the ability to simultaneously provide a large flow of hot water;
• The heating elements of a modern boiler do not come into direct contact with water and are not covered with scale.

The two main disadvantages of the unit are the limited volume of water dispensed and the need to wait for the next portion to heat up for several hours (from 1.5 to 5). An incorrectly selected tank capacity will lead to the same consequences as an incorrectly selected power column - cold water will run out of the tap.

The volume of space occupied by a boiler is quite significant compared to a gas one. flow apparatus. And, although there are tanks with a flat configuration, for an ordinary family of 3-4 people you will need a capacity of at least 80 liters, which in an apartment significant drawback. Because of this, the boiler in small bathrooms is suspended above the bathtub, often hitting the head against it.

Winner selection

Before resolving the dispute - boiler or water heater, let's say a few words about storage gas heaters. They are promising because heating of the entire volume of water in the tank occurs twice as fast as that of its electric “brother.” It is also independent of water pressure and is able to immediately provide high flow rates for hot water supply. The disadvantages are inherited from the column: the need for permits, the complexity of installation and the need for a chimney and ventilation.

The question - which is better to choose - is not worth it at all when there is no gas supply in the house or an insufficient electricity limit; we consider the situation from other points of view. So, in the “ease of use” category, the gas water heater definitely wins; it allows you to get what you want almost immediately. On the other hand, installation of gas-using equipment will cost a pretty penny. Because installing a boiler will cost less and will be completed much earlier, it wins in the “cost and speed of installation” category.

Which heater will win in the “economical operation” category depends on the location of the user. It is clear that it will be more profitable for Russians to use natural gas, because in the Russian Federation it is much cheaper than electricity and the boiler will always be an outsider. But residents of Ukraine and Belarus have something to think about, for example, a multi-tariff electricity meter. Thanks to him, the storage heater can be in first place.

In the “reliability and service” category, friendship wins. And with tap water, rich in salts and impurities, which equally successfully attack the magnesium anode of the boiler and the water unit with the heat exchanger of the gas water heater. The anode “lives” from 2 to 5 years, during which time scale grows in the heat exchanger and dissipates rubber seals, so the question of which is more economical to maintain remains open.

Conclusion

The correct choice of this or that equipment depends on many factors. It is impossible to clearly give preference to electric or gas appliances. And for those people who have boilers with a good power reserve installed in their home, we can recommend an alternative - indirect heating boilers. These thermal units combine a lot of advantages and have almost no disadvantages.