Instantaneous or storage water heater - which is better?

In apartment buildings, this function is more or less adjusted to the central supply of hot water. But, often there are so-called prevention or accidents, in which you have to get out of the situation as best you can.

In homes where there is no central heating, this issue is even more relevant. So, in a private house or in the country you have to install an individual water heater. In all such situations, the question remains what kind of water heater to choose as an alternative to the central water heating?

Many people know that there are modern and affordable devices for water heating: flow and storage subspecies. It remains to find out under what conditions which water heater is better flowing or accumulative?

Types of water heaters

Depending on the principle of operation of the installation, water heaters are distinguished:

• Flowing, it is clear from the name that in this case water is heated on the move. This type of heater provides the most rapid heating of water, but its temperature depends on many factors( inlet water temperature, device power).
• Accumulative, - water is collected in a tank( capacity) in which the standing water is heated and its set temperature is maintained.

Flow-through - types, principle of operation, pros and cons

Flow-through water heaters are quite popular. Easy to install and are small installations. This type is divided into types:

Gas, water heating occurs due to the combustion of natural gas. The device provides a metal radiator that heats up from a gas burner and heats the water to a predetermined temperature.

Electrical, working from switching on to the power grid. Installation contains in itself the built-in TENA which heats metal pipes to high temperature and instantly heats up the water flowing in them. The temperature of the tap water depends on the inlet temperature. Of great importance is the time of year. In the summer the water will be hotter, in the winter - colder. For a high-quality heating system, the power of the installation itself, and then the price, matters.

Pros:

1. Compact.
2. Instantly heat water.
3. Uninterrupted supply of hot water.
4. Easy installation of electrical( just connecting the flow of cold water and electrical connection).
5. Gas installations are low cost and powerful.

Cons:

1. Electric heaters of minor power are not able to provide the temperature of the water of the desired level. In the summer, it perfectly perfectly maintains the necessary temperature for domestic water. But in winter, when the water at the entrance of low temperature, it warms less.
2. The installation of a gas appliance requires the supervision of a special service and access to the chimney.
3. A strong water pressure is required for efficient gas operation.

Both types of water heaters work “on the move” and, accordingly, do not provide for tanks. Usually installed on each crane separately. There are powerful models that are able to provide hot tap water, even under conditions of strong pressure, regardless of the season.

Cumulative - principle of operation, pros and cons

Such a heating device works in a cumulative way. Provides tank( different in volume) that holds water. The heating device serves TENA.For operation, it is necessary to connect the cold water pipe to the device and turn it on.

The water is drawn into the tank, heated and maintained at the set temperature. Used as needed. Automatically filled and ensures that there is always a certain amount of water at the right temperature.

There are the following varieties of this type of water heaters:

• Direct heating boilers - heating is carried out by heating elements, which requires connection to the mains.
• Indirect heating boilers - mainly powered by central heating. And in the summer, when the heating is turned off, the water is heated by heating elements.

Pros:

1. Ability to connect more than one water outlet. Depending on the volume of the boiler.
2. Low power.
3. Profitability of gas types of installations.
4. Can simultaneously be used as a source of heating.

Cons:

1. Overall tanks.
2. A great deal of time for heating water.

Comparison of heaters on the main characteristics of

All water heaters differ in types, have their pros and cons. Among the reviews, both types have good recommendations. But still, what is the difference between the storage water heater and the flow water heater? To choose the right device is to analyze their requirements for it and technical capabilities. Consider the main differences that more accurately characterize both types of water heaters.

Performance

The most important factor when choosing this type of installation. After all, how efficiently and in what quantity each water can heat each of them depends on our choice. Of course, it matters where it is planned to install it. In particular, for a country house, where hot water consumption is only periodic, and at the level of elementary domestic needs, there is no need to install a powerful and capacious system.

Cumulative, allows you to collect the required amount of water and heat it to the maximum allowed temperature. It does not matter here: head, inlet water temperature and the like.

Flowing, heats the water instantly, but we are talking about very powerful modern devices. Indeed, for effective lightning-fast water heating requires a hefty power. In general, small-capacity devices are not able to quickly heat a strong stream of water, especially when the water at the inlet is low.

Electricity Costs

Accumulative type of heating system uses electricity diminished, but constantly. After all, the process of heating and maintaining proper water temperature is continuous.

Flow through electricity only when opening a tap. However, the costs will be many times greater, albeit in a short time.

To sum up, both systems have approximately the same costs.

Installation, installation, dimensions

To install the cumulative, you must choose the right place for mounting, namely the wall. It is not recommended to install on a drywall or hardwood floor. The best place - a bearing wall of brick or concrete. To connect to the power supply network is enough to plug into the outlet.

Installing a flow model does not require special and costly installation. But, the essential point is the correct electrical connection.

It is recommended to use the services of a specialist in this field. After all, to install an electric flow heater, you should lay a separate line of the RCD and install the ground.

Comfort in operation

If necessary, a storage water heater will provide heating of water to a temperature of 95 degrees. Or vice versa, it is possible to establish a low border, if necessary, summer water.

Flow through can basically provide average water temperature. Only high power models can produce water at an output of up to 75 degrees. In most of its temperature will not exceed 55 degrees. And that, under condition of its use for one crane. If another point is connected, then while using water simultaneously, its temperature will decrease twice.

Care and service life

The storage device will last an average of 5 years. In some cases, the operational period can reach 10 years. But the declared terms of work are possible only under the condition of periodic preventive cleaning of debris and scale.

Flowing does not require special attention to care, except for periodic reading of heating elements. The term of its operation is 10 or more years.

Safe operation

The storage device should be put into operation and subsequently used according to its instructions.

Flow through type a little whimsical. It has high power, usually with a three phase system. It therefore requires separate wiring and grounding, in order to avoid negative consequences.

Conclusion

Each of these device types are worthy options. Depending on the needs, scope of application - one option or another would be appropriate. No need to understand for a long time to understand the basic principles of each of them. It can be noted with confidence that storage systems are quite effective and powerful for use as the main and permanent source of warm water.

Flowing, it is an ideal option for giving or other premises, where water consumption is insignificant and inconstant as compared with the usual bit usage.

In any case, for the right choice, you need to focus on your own needs and capabilities. And using these data, you can easily select an effective water heater for your room.