How to choose electric water boilers: overview of decisive factors + recommendations for selection

Interruptions in hot water supply are one of the “good old traditions” of domestic utilities.Many apartment owners solve the problem radically - they refuse the service and install their own electric storage water heaters (boilers).

There is a problem: it is not always possible to buy a model that is suitable for a particular family. We will tell you how to choose electric water boilers that meet your needs and operating conditions. Taking into account our advice, you will easily purchase the necessary unit.

Why an electrical device?

Residents of high-rise buildings have to pay for a service, the quality of which usually leaves much to be desired. In some small towns there is no centralized hot water supply at all, and owners of private houses always need to take care of the hot water supply themselves.

Manufacturers of household appliances produce not only electrical, but also gas water heaters. Electricity is an expensive pleasure, and yet, if we are talking about a boiler, then it is better to choose an electrical appliance.

In private homes, gas instantaneous water heaters are often found (popularly called water heaters). They were popular back in the last century and are still in demand, but are gradually losing ground to electrical appliances. No matter what kind of automation the gas water heater is equipped with, an electric boiler is easier to operate and safer.

An electric instantaneous water heater is much easier to install and connect than a gas one. Another plus: to install it, you do not need to go through bureaucratic procedures to obtain permission

When it comes to storage devices, the choice is not that great. If it is assumed that the DHW system should be turned on only during the heating season, you can install indirect heating boiler. If hot water is needed not only in winter, but also in the warm season, there is simply no alternative to electrical appliances.

The advantage of electrical appliances is their compactness and convenient design. Even a capacious boiler can be installed so that it does not interfere in the bathroom, toilet or combined toilet

Although the cost of electricity is steadily rising, electric boilers they still successfully compete with centralized hot water supply (which is also expensive). Their installation is beneficial because the owners always know exactly what they are paying for and, if necessary, can find ways to save without losing the quality of the hot water supply.

Features of choosing the right model

The electric boiler is an autonomous system that provides sanitary water preparation. The device can be installed by any owner of a private house or apartment. It is connected to the water supply and electrical network. Installation is relatively simple and you can do it yourself.

Although it is not recommended to place devices above plumbing fixtures, this is quite possible if you take care of high-strength fasteners. Electric boilers are often mounted above toilets

The design of an electric boiler consists of several components: housing, heater, thermostat, tank.

Although the design of all electric boilers is approximately the same, they can still differ significantly. Let's figure out what features of the models to pay attention to in order to assemble the ideal hot water supply system.

Criterion 1: dimensions and method of fastening

First you need to decide where the boiler will be placed. Devices of the same capacity may differ in size and location of the container.

To avoid mistakes, you need to choose the location of the device, measure the height and width of the free space. It is also advisable to determine where the fasteners will be and water pipes. Based on this data, a scaled plan is drawn up.

There are two types of horizontal structures - with a side and bottom location of the heating element. Models of the first type are preferable, because mixing of water occurs naturally in them

The boiler can be located on the floor or on the wall. Mounted models are much more convenient and more popular among buyers.They do not take up any usable space, and this is a valuable quality when it comes to a standard bathroom, where you have to save every square centimeter.

Usually bathrooms are not large, so it is very difficult to allocate space on the floor for a boiler. The alternative is obvious - placing the device on the wall

Depending on the type of storage tank, the following types of boilers are distinguished:

1. Vertical. In such tanks, layers of hot and cold water are mixed naturally, in accordance with physical laws: cold liquid from below, and hot liquid from above. Thanks to this, it retains its temperature longer. Therefore, most buyers choose vertical electric boilers.
2. Horizontal. Models of this type are chosen if there is no space to install a vertical electric boiler. The water in them heats up faster, but its temperature at the water point does not always meet expectations, because cold and hot layers of liquid mix. If the heating element is located in the side part, problems are also possible due to slow heating.

Some manufacturers produce models that can be mounted horizontally or vertically, depending on the wishes of customers. Such electric boilers are called universal.

Flat models look attractive and do not clutter up the space. They are as practical and roomy as cylindrical ones. However, some manufacturers reduce the thickness of the devices due to a layer of thermal insulation, and such tanks hold the temperature worse

It is most convenient to place the boiler next to the toilet, but not strictly above it. If the fastening elements fail and the device falls, the plumbing has no chance: it will crumble into fragments.

The weight of the boiler itself is 15-20 kg (depending on the model). To this should be added the weight of the water filling the tank. This is still about 80-120 kg. It is better that the boiler does not touch any fragile devices when falling.

Criterion 2: required tank volume

The dimensions of the electric boiler largely depend on the volume of the tank. This indicator also determines how often the device will turn on and how much electricity it will consume. If the tank is too small, it will empty quickly and there will be problems filling the bath.

Boiler tanks are made of enameled and stainless steel. Both materials are durable, tolerate high temperatures well, but have their drawbacks. When choosing, it is better to focus on the warranty periods specified by the manufacturer

To determine the desired volume, you need to consider several factors:

• number of people in the family;
• frequency of bathing;
• time intervals between bathing different family members;
• number of hot water points.

Analyzing the situation with hot water will help identify the needs of the family and rationally use energy. So, for two people you don’t need a large boiler of 100-120 liters. They simply won't be able to use as much hot water. But the 50-liter model is what you need.

Models with 80-100 liters are in greatest demand. This volume of hot water is enough for an average family of 3-4 people

The 50 liter model will not meet the needs of four people, because... the water will not have time to warm up to the required temperature. You will have to buy a larger boiler - from 80 to 120 liters (depending on water consumption and the expected bathing schedule).

This model is worth purchasing if there are 1-2 people in the house. But there are nuances.To fill a full bath, 50 liters of hot water may not be enough, especially if two people are bathing with a small time difference. A larger model will be needed

Any recommendations for determining the desired tank volume can only be general. Each specific family has its own traditions associated with hygiene procedures, and you should focus only on them.

Criterion 3: power and type of heating element

Power is the most important criterion for choosing any electrical appliance. Theoretically, this is what should be taken into account first.

In practice, boiler buyers choose between heaters with a power of 1.5 to 2 kW. There is a difference in the speed at which water heats up. It is noticeable, but not critical: the tank warms up in 1-3 hours.

The heating time depends not only on the heating element, but also on other factors: device model, tank volume, set temperature. As for energy consumption, an 80-liter boiler does not consume much more than a 50-liter one, because... both types of devices are equipped with the same heating elements with a power of 1.5 kW

Heaters come in two types:

1. Wet. They work on the same principle as electric kettles and boilers. The heating elements are located in the water and heat it directly. This has a positive effect on the heating rate, but due to contact with liquid, scale (limescale) appears on the surface of the devices, which causes the device to fail faster and needs replacement.
2. Dry. Such heating elements are isolated from water with a special flask. This reduces the risk of electric shock, and there is no scale on the heaters. Dry heating elements are much more durable than wet ones, but they also cost accordingly.

Due to the high power, a short circuit is possible when the boiler is turned on, so a separate copper cable is laid when installing it.It is better to choose a wire with a cross section of 2.5 mm. Also required install RCD (most often the device is included in the standard boiler model).

In storage water heaters with a dry heating element, the main working element does not come into direct contact with water. Mineral sediment does not form on its surface, as a result, the equipment works better and longer

Criterion 4: model design - options

In some cases, the shape of the model is of fundamental importance. Not only the aesthetics of the interior, but also its functionality depends on the design. You need to choose a boiler that will not clutter up the entire space of the room.

In addition to shape and size, pay attention to color. It does not play a fundamental role for the functionality and ease of use of the device, but it is important from an aesthetic point of view

Manufacturers produce models of the following shapes:

• Cylindrical. The usual “pot-bellied” boilers, which are preferred by most buyers.
• Rectangular. Models convenient for installation in built-in cabinets and niches.
• Narrow. These are designs in which the width and thickness are reduced by increasing the length of the tank. They look very attractive and modern, saving space.

When buying flat, trendy models, pay attention to the brand. Unscrupulous boiler manufacturers reduce the thermal insulation layer, which does not have the best effect on the performance characteristics of the devices.

Criterion 5: Manufacturer's warranty

Buying and installing a boiler is an expensive, but quite affordable pleasure. You have to spend time and effort choosing, searching for the right model, laying the wiring, connecting to the water supply.

It's a hassle, and it would be a shame if selected boiler It will start leaking in a couple of years.To prevent this from happening, you should refuse to purchase a device without a manufacturer’s warranty.

If for some reason the seller does not issue a warranty card, it is better to refuse to purchase the boiler. There is a possibility that it is simply defective, and the problems will have to be corrected at your own expense.

The following points need to be carefully monitored:

• manufacturer's warranty on the tank and the boiler itself (these may be different periods, you should know them);
• installers have a license (incorrect installation will lead to problems);
• timing of preventive maintenance (boilers need to be regularly serviced, the heating elements must be cleaned, otherwise the heater will quickly burn out and the tank may leak).

You should carefully study the technical documentation for the model you like, ask the sellers, find out the location of the service center that provides warranty service.

The price difference between electric boilers is usually 10-20%. This is not the money for which it is worth risking comfort and creating problems for yourself due to low-quality equipment.

A few recommendations from experts

Experienced installers who have been installing boilers for a long time recommend paying attention to the following nuances:

• Boiler reducer. The operation of water heaters largely depends on the water pressure in the system. Even if it is normal, it is worth installing a high-quality gearbox. As the pressure increases, leaks may occur from under the safety valve. A boiler explosion is possible, which will result in renovations in the bathroom and flooding of neighbors.
• Equipment. Make sure that the cable included in the kit is long enough to connect the boiler correctly. Sometimes it is better to buy the wire separately. You should also make sure that there is a pressure reducer, safety valve. If not available, purchase more.
• Insulating sleeves. These items are usually included in all installation kits. They must be used to prevent the appearance of “stray” currents.
• Mounts for mounted models. Boilers are mounted on special brackets. They must be extremely reliable. If the fasteners included in the model kit are in doubt, it is better not to take risks and purchase high-quality brackets or anchors yourself.

Many of our compatriots, out of habit, try to do everything on their own. This also applies to the installation of water heaters.

If you have skills in working with plumbing and electrical networks, you can install connect the boiler with your own hands. If not, then you shouldn’t experiment; it’s better to pay plumbers.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

We offer a selection of useful video instructions, thanks to which you can better understand the features of choosing electric boilers.

Video #1. Useful tips for choosing the right boiler model:

Video #2. The main guidelines that determine the choice of heating equipment model:

Video #3. A detailed explanation of the operating principles of dry and wet heating elements:

Video #4. Video review of Atlantic models:

Video #5. Recommendations for economical operation of the Ariston boiler:

Ideally, an electric boiler should be selected and installed during the bathroom renovation process. If this is done later, there will be extra pipes and cables that will be difficult to disguise.

If there are no options and the water heater was purchased after the completion of repair work, then it is better to mount it closer to the water supply points. This will help save on materials and have less impact on the bathroom interior.

Tell us about how you selected a storage water heater for your own apartment/dacha/country house. Share the criteria that influenced your choice. Please write comments in the block below, ask questions, post photos on the topic of the article.