How to choose the optimal power of the water heater

Water heater power is one of the most important criteria you should pay attention to when buying. The rate of water heating depends on it, both in flow-through and accumulative devices, and the normal operation of the device, since not every wiring is able to withstand high-power equipment. Therefore, so that when you turn on the installed water heater every time you do not knock out the stoppers, you should also find out its capacity in the store.

What determines the capacity of the water heater

This indicator determines a heating element (TEN) installed in the device - he heats the water. The principle of operation is similar to an electric kettle, i.e. the more powerful this element is, the faster the water will heat up to the temperature set by the user. The power of heating elements depends on the type of water heater: flow-through or accumulative, so it is worth considering in more detail each of them.

Instantaneous water heaters

The principle of action of flowing water heaters is laid in their name: the water heats up instantly, passing through the chamber with the heater. For such instant heating, powerful heating devices are required. Therefore, the value of the power of instantaneous water heaters is from 6 to 27 kW, depending on the performance. The temperature of the water at the outlet is 30-40 degrees, depending on the time of year. Performance 1.8-4 liters per minute. But it is not always right to choose the most powerful device: it is important to evaluate the capabilities of your wiring.

Devices with a power above 5 kW is recommended to be connected to a three-phase 380V socket.

To make the right choice, for the beginning, the buyer should decide for what purposes exactly he is going to install a water heater.

For example, on the kitchen, especially for a small family, it is appropriate to install a flow-through water heater with minimal parameters. Their performance does not exceed 3 liters per minute, the water temperature at the outlet is 30 degrees, while the power of heating elements is 3-4 kW. While For shower performance of such a device should be higher, about 6 liters per minute. And this means that the power of the device will be at least 7 kW. Not every wiring will withstand such equipment, especially in older homes. But this does not mean that it is impossible to install a 4 kW water heater in the shower, especially in all models, regardless of their performance, a shower head is already included. Here it is worth thinking about the comfort of using the device.

Accumulative water heaters

In such devices, the power of the heating element must correspond to tank sizes. For example, in compact 10-25 liter tanks, a heater with a capacity of 1.5-2.5 kW is installed, and heating of 100 liters of water will require heating element to be at least 4-5 kW.

In some modern boilers, tanks of which have a large volume, not one, but two heating elements are installed. At the same time, the user has the ability through the control system to include as one heating element, and, to speed up the work, the second.For example, the Ariston ABS VLS Evo PW model per 100 liters is equipped with this feature. Accordingly, the devices will consume more electricity.

How to calculate the available power of the water heater for your home

First of all, you need to figure out how much power your home grid is designed for. It is also worth considering the simultaneous consumption of electricity and other devices. It does not work every time to turn off all electrical equipment in the house to heat the water.

Quite often, the possibilities of apartment wiring are quite modest and do not exceed 10 kW. Therefore, in such a room it is impossible to install a powerful instantaneous water heater, because every time it will work circuit breaker. But it will be possible to use a small cumulative boiler, the heating element of which is designed for 1.2 - 2.5 kW.

Before buying such electrical equipment, you need to know the availability of kilowatts for use in your apartment or house. After, from the total number you should subtract the power of those devices that somehow will work simultaneously with the water heater. For example, a refrigerator, a free-standing freezer, a TV, a computer, a kitchen appliance (which is often turned on).The result will be power that can be used to operate a storage or flow-through device for heating water.

Popular models of storage water heaters of different capacities

Find a suitable option for instantaneous water heater is not difficult. For example, the model range of such devices of the THERMEX company of the Stream series has two colors - white and silver, with a capacity of 3.5, 5 and 7 kW.

If the instantaneous water heater is installed to supply immediately several water points, for example for the kitchen and shower at the same time, the power should be even greater. So, Ariston Fast Evo 11 C has a water heater of 19 kW, and its capacity is 11 liters per minute. A model of the German manufacturer AEG DDLT PinControl is also provided at several points of water intake - a heating element of 18 kW is installed in it. But the cost of such a device will be twice as much, since Ariston uses Chinese parts as components.

Water heater Ariston Fast Evo 11 C

How long does the storage water heater work?

Depending on the volume, it heats the water from 1 to 5 hours. For example, to heat a 15-liter tank, a 1.5-watt heater would take no more than an hour.According to the manufacturer, the water heaters THERMEX series CHAMPION for 10 and 15 liters will heat a full tank to 60 degrees in 25 and 30 minutes, respectively. Well, in order to heat 100 liters of water, the consumer will have to wait at least 2-4 hours, moreover, that the power of the heating element in such a device is higher - 2-3 kW. For example, THERMEX ROUND PLUS IR 100 V will be ready for use in 2.5 hours, it is equipped with one heater for 2 kW.

The owner of the water heater can always find approximate data regarding its own model in the instructions that come with the equipment.

How keeping the temperature saves energy

All models of storage devices are equipped with such a function. Through a mechanical or electronic control panel of the heater, the user sets the desired temperature. After turning on the heating element the water begins to heat up. As soon as it reaches the desired temperature mark, it works thermostatwhich stops the operation of the heating element. When the water flow from the tank, it again comes cold water - it is mixed with hot. In this case, the thermostat turns on the heating element again to heat the liquid.

If the water from the tank is not consumed, then with the help of automatics the water heater maintains its temperature set by the user. In the process, the heating element is switched on and off. This function does not consume a large amount of electricity, just a few kW per day. Since the tank walls have heat insulation layer, heat loss occurs very slowly: within an hour the water cools down by 1-2 degrees.

According to experts, in order to save while using storage water heaters, it is necessary to keep them in the "waiting" mode, and not disconnect them from the network each time. Since much less energy is spent on maintaining the temperature than on heating the cooled water.

Power of water heaters depends on their type. Flowing instruments consume more electricity, but they outperform boilers in terms of performance and price. Accumulative tanks for heating water require some time, but they are more economical in operation, especially if they are not turned off, and use the temperature maintenance mode.