Domestic boiler for water heating: types and features, how to choose

Boilers for water heating differ in principle of operation, design, power, energy carrier. Consider the types of water heaters. How to choose the right boiler for water heating? What are their features it is important to take into account and what to pay special attention to?

Types of boilers

Water heaters differ in terms of what energy carrier is used to heat water. This is electricity, sunlight, gas, solid or liquid fuel. Most often electric water heaters are installed. Their installation does not require special permits. The energy carrier is available to most people. In case of power outages, such a boiler can be connected to a generator.

Electric domestic boilers are equipped with a tubular electric heater. It can be located directly in the water or in a protective bulb. The second type of tubular electric heater in the boiler is better because no scale forms on it.

Electric water heaters differ in the volume of the tank:

• For one person, a small tank of 30-50 liters is enough.
• For two or three people - 80 liters.
• For a family of 3-4 people will need 100 liters of water.
• For 5 people and more - 120-200 liters.

The material of the water tank differs. A boiler made of stainless steel is more durable. A black steel tank, covered with enamel, is cheaper, but less durable. If scale builds up, the enamel can peel off.

Electric water heaters come in three types of construction:

• Flow-through water heaters are installed in the faucet area. Water is heated instantly the moment it passes through this device. There is no storage tank. A limited amount of water can be heated if the flow boiler is low-powered.
• Accumulation boilers are equipped with a water tank. Their advantage is that a large volume of hot water can be heated and maintained. However, it takes time for the water to heat up.
• Combination electric water heaters, which work as a flow and storage boiler.

How to choose a boiler

The capacity of this equipment should correspond to the need for the volume of hot water:

• Up to 5 kW is enough for washing hands, dishes and washing up.
• To take a shower - 8-9 kW.
• To wash dishes, take showers and take a bath at the same time you need a boiler with a capacity of up to 24 kW.

Boilers with a capacity of less than 9 kW can be connected to the mains power supply of the house. More energy-efficient models will require dedicated wiring.

Other criteria for choosing a boiler:

• It is good if the boiler has an anti-corrosion layer - titanium coating, fiberglass.
• To protect against scale formation, a magnesium anode is installed in the boiler. Some models have it initially.
• Thermal insulation of the boiler should be at least 35 mm.
• The shape of the tank - cylinder is used most often. The most compact model is a flat tank.
• It is good if the boiler has additional options: water temperature sensor, thermometer, overheating protection, hydraulic heating sensor. Some models have a remote control, protection against overfreezing, timer.

Choosing a boiler, read reviews on the Internet about the models you like. This will help to determine their advantages and disadvantages that are manifested when using the equipment.