How to choose a geyser: selection guidelines and rating of the best models

The choice of gas equipment must be approached from the point of view of safety and reliability.Buying a cheap water heater can have fatal consequences for its owner. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the basic requirements for servicing gas equipment. Do you agree?

We will tell you how to choose a geyser in order to purchase the ideal unit. Our proposed article describes all the criteria that can influence the choice of gas wall-mounted equipment. We present popular models among consumers from proven manufacturers.

Gas water heater device

The general operating principle and design are typical for all models of instantaneous gas water heaters. Propane enters the column through a pipe. A valve is installed in the pipe to regulate the gas supply.

Water is supplied to the adjacent pipe in the gas water heater. A control valve and sensor are installed in the pipe. When the sensor is triggered, gas flows through the pipe into the burner. The gas ignites in the burner.

In old Soviet models, the gas had to be ignited manually. Modern ones use three methods of igniting gas:

1. From a piezoelectric element.
2. From batteries.
3. From a hydro generator.

Piezo ignition involves pressing a button every time you use a gas water heater (if you use gas sparingly).This is inconvenient, but more reliable than using automatic ignition, where the gas is ignited by a spark supplied by candles.

The membrane in the block rises under the pressure of water and puts pressure on the rod, which turns on the gas. If there is draft, the gas burner turns on.Water passes through the tank and heats up.

What elements should you pay attention to?

When choosing a column, you should give preference to models with a copper heat exchanger. It can be covered with solder, but should not be made of thin tin. Most often, models from Chinese manufacturers have tin heat exchangers. The service life of such speakers does not exceed three years.

Regardless of the ignition method, an automatic gas water heater begins to work when water passes through the water block. If problems arise with the spark supply, then the reason, first of all, should be looked for in the block (+)

Low cost is achieved due to the cheap quality of the metal, which burns out over time. This leads to the need to purchase a new gas water heater.

Another important characteristic of the heat exchanger is the internal diameter of the tubes. The wider the tube, the less often it is necessary to clean the heat exchanger from scale and small debris from old water pipes.

This is what a low-quality heat exchanger looks like, which is installed on cheap models of instantaneous water heaters. Inside it is clear that the metal is not made of copper and is an alloy of unknown origin

Another important detail is the water block of the column. This element must be made of metal. There are models made of plastic.

This is what a high-quality heat exchanger looks like, one that will last more than five years. Visually you can see that it is made of copper and has sufficient thickness. Some manufacturers coat this element with solder or other coating.

Since the block contains membrane and mesh filter that need to be changed, then frequent unscrewing spoils the plastic thread and leads to the need to completely replace the water block.

What parameters should you use when choosing?

Before choosing the best option geyser for apartment or a private home, you need to decide on the volume of water that comes from the tap. You need to determine how many liters per minute flows out of the tap. To do this, the easiest way is to use a water meter if it is installed on a pipe in the apartment.

To do this, you need to record the readings on the meter. Next, you need to note the time and open the tap at full power, draining the water for exactly one minute. After this, you need to close the tap and record the readings on the meter again. Then it is necessary to subtract the primary indicators from the final indicators. The resulting number will help you choose the model you need in terms of performance.

If the resulting value is less than 10 liters, then there is no point in buying models with a capacity of 13-15 or more liters. If the house has old pipes in which the pressure often decreases, then a model with a reduced threshold is needed, otherwise the water heater will turn off when the water pressure decreases.

For regulation of water and gas supply

According to the method of controlling the water temperature, geysers are divided into manual and automatic. Models with a manual setting method are cheaper than models with an automatic one.

Manual regulation implies the presence of two valves on the body of the geyser. An increase in gas supply leads to more intense combustion and heating of water. If increasing the gas supply is not enough for optimal heating, it is possible to reduce the pressure of water entering the column.

The disadvantage of these models is the lack of flame modulation in the heating pad.When two water intake points are used simultaneously, the water temperature will change. This is uncomfortable, especially if a person is taking a bath at this time

Models with electronic ignition maintain the temperature set by the user. This is achieved by modulating the flame in the burner, depending on the pressure of the water used. The maximum deviation from the set temperature range is from 1 to 3 degrees Celsius.

It is very important that the water is heated smoothly when turned on, without sudden jumps. If the burner first heats up very much and then lowers the temperature, you will have to wait for the water temperature to normalize. This increases water consumption.

Guidelines for gas ignition method

Speakers that are lit by a piezoelectric element are more reliable than their automatic counterparts. Models with a piezoelectric element allow you to manually control the gas supply to the column, unlike automatic igniters. These models have the ability to leave the flame on the pilot burner in normal mode.

This allows you to avoid re-igniting the column each time you use it. The flame is maintained in the pilot burner and ignites the main heating element when the sensor detects water flow.

The location of the ignition button differs in speakers from different manufacturers. In some models, in addition to pressing the button, you have to move the slider

Water heaters that receive a spark from a battery-powered igniter cannot be installed in rooms with high humidity. Condensation forms inside the plastic battery case. Over time, metal parts become damp and need to be completely replaced.

It is advisable to change the batteries themselves as needed. With constant use of the device, the frequency of replacement increases.It is better to use high-quality batteries, they last for a year or more

Columns fired by a hydrogenerator are noisy. They make a small whistle, reminiscent of the wind. In expensive models, this problem is solved by soundproofing the case. These water heaters also turn on when the hot tap opens. Visually, the hydrogenerator does not stand out, as it is installed in the water heater housing.

According to the method of removal of combustion products

Flow-through gas heaters require combustion products to be removed. The safest way to remove carbon monoxide is a chimney with a pipe outlet to the street.

The more powerful geyser model, the wider the diameter of the chimney pipe. If a water heater is purchased to replace a failed device, then you need to measure the diameter of the installed pipe so that there is no need to dismantle the old one.

On the Russian market you can find models of instantaneous gas water heaters without a chimney. Placing them in a confined space is hazardous to health. It is highly undesirable to install them in rooms without ventilation holes in the walls.

Their installation in the bathroom is prohibited, as there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. A distinctive feature of these models is low power. WITH rules for installing speakers The article we recommend will familiarize you with it.

According to the method of oxygen supply

In budget models of geysers there is no bottom cover on the body, or there are ventilation holes on the body of the device.

The disadvantage of this device is that combustion waste partially enters the apartment through these openings. In addition to carbon monoxide, propane may leak

In expensive models, a different oxygen supply device is used.It is a pipe that comes out of the column at its bottom. Additionally, the speaker body is closed with a bottom and top cover, which prevents carbon dioxide from entering the apartment. The effect is achieved through convection.

How to determine the required power?

Low power water heaters (17-19 kW) are designed for systems with small water pressure and servicing only one point of consumption. They are installed in houses with old pipes.

There is no point in purchasing a more powerful column if the system flows less than 10 liters of water per minute. It's a waste of money

If the apartment has good water pressure (10-14 liters per minute), then you can choose a gas water heater for two hot water supply points. Medium power water heaters (20-24 kW) may react poorly when the pressure in the system decreases if it is not enough to turn on the automatic gas ignition system.

High power geysers (28-31 kW) are not intended for apartments. They are used in private country houses. Some manufacturers produce modular columns that are specifically designed to work as a single water heating system.

Ratings of the best speakers

All categories contain the top three models with similar characteristics. Rating of geysers, the most reliable in operation, is presented in the article. The information we collect and systematize is based on the opinions of users.

The comparison of water heaters is made based on three criteria:

1. For one water supply point.
2. For two water supply points.
3. Original design.

In the rating of geysers, places are distributed according to the deterioration of consumer properties, according to user reviews.

The best speakers for one water supply point

This rating includes models with prices up to 20,000 rubles. All models are equipped with a gas leakage protection function. They also additionally have a frost protection mode, which prevents damage to the device during a long period of absence of heating.

Low-power unit - Mora Vega 10

The model has low power and is intended for installation in an apartment. The heat exchanger is made of copper, with sufficient wall thickness. European build quality guarantees a long service life.

When a breakdown occurs, it is difficult to obtain spare parts, but they rarely occur. The device operates at a pressure of 0.20. The power of this model is 17.3 kW

Ignition occurs automatically from batteries. The gas supply is adjusted mechanically until the desired temperature is achieved. Chimney diameter - 110 mm. The model is produced in the Czech Republic.

Equipment for a small family Bosch W 10 KB

The water heater has low power and is intended for installation in an apartment. The heat exchanger is made of copper, with sufficient wall thickness.

Recently, the company has been reducing the cost of production, which affects the quality of parts. The device operates at a pressure of 0.20. The power of this model is 17.4 kW

Ignition occurs automatically from batteries. The gas supply is adjusted mechanically until the desired temperature is achieved. Chimney diameter - 110 mm. The model is produced in Portugal.

The undisputed leader - Gorenje GWH 10 NNBW

This model has low power and is intended for installation in an apartment. The heat exchanger is made of copper, with sufficient wall thickness.

Recently, the company has been reducing the cost of production, which affects the quality of parts.The heat exchanger tubes have a small diameter, so it is necessary to install filtration at the water inlet to the column

The device operates at a pressure of 0.20. The power of this model is 20 kW. Ignition occurs automatically using batteries. The gas supply is adjusted mechanically until the desired temperature is obtained on the screen. Chimney diameter 110 mm. The model is produced in Portugal.

The best speakers for two water supply points

All presented models are in the price category up to 25,000 rubles, and also work perfectly on natural and liquefied gas. All water heaters are equipped with gas leakage protection. There is an automatic system that turns off the gas supply when the device overheats.

About why, besides overheating the speaker goes out and what should be done in this case, you will learn from the article we propose.

Medium power equipment Mora Vega 13

This water heater has medium power and is designed for installation in apartments and private houses. Can run on liquefied gas. The heat exchanger is made of copper, with sufficient wall thickness.

European build quality guarantees a long service life. When a breakdown occurs, it is difficult to obtain spare parts, but they rarely occur. The device operates at a pressure of 0.30. The power of this model is 22.60 kW

Ignition occurs automatically, using batteries, but there are options with piezo ignition. The gas supply is adjusted mechanically until the desired temperature is achieved. Chimney diameter - 113 mm. The model is produced in the Czech Republic.

Budget representative - Bosch WRD 13-2G

The water heater has an average power and is intended for installation in apartments and private houses. The heat exchanger is made of copper, with sufficient wall thickness.

Recently, the company has been reducing the cost of production, which affects the quality of parts. The model does not have a top or bottom cover. The device operates at a pressure of 0.35. The power of this model is 22.60 kW

Ignition occurs automatically, using batteries. The gas supply is adjusted mechanically until the desired temperature is achieved. Chimney diameter - 113 mm. The model is produced in Portugal.

Popular option - Beretta Idrabagno Aqua 14i

This model has medium power and is intended for installation in apartments and private houses. The heat exchanger is made of copper, with sufficient wall thickness.

Supplied included water filter. The device operates at a pressure of 0.20. The power of this model is 21.80 kW (+)

Ignition occurs from batteries. The gas supply is adjusted mechanically until the desired temperature is achieved. Chimney diameter 113 mm. The model is made in Italy.

Speakers with the most original design

In addition to technical characteristics, consumers often choose equipment based on appearance. It is important for buyers how the device will fit into the interior of the room where it is planned to be installed.

This list contains models with the most striking and memorable designs.

Zanussi GWH 10 with interesting decor

This model has more than 10 types of front panel designs covered with a thin layer of glass. Regardless of design, all speakers have the same technical characteristics.

This is due to the low cost of the water heater. The warranty period is 2 years. The device operates at a pressure of 0.15. The power of this model is 18.5 kW. The water heater copes with providing one water intake point

The water heater burner is ignited by batteries.The gas supply is adjusted mechanically until the desired temperature is obtained on the screen. Chimney diameter - 110 mm. The manufacturer is located in Italy, and assembly takes place in China.

Oasis 20 VG/ OG/ EG/ MG/ ZG

This model has 5 types of front panel design. Regardless of design, all speakers have the same technical characteristics. The heat exchanger is made of copper, but the wall thickness is small.

The water heater operates for no more than three years and often breaks down before the end of the warranty period. The device operates at a pressure of 0.15 and copes with providing one water intake point. The power of this model is 20 kW

The water heater burner is ignited by batteries. The gas supply is adjusted mechanically until the desired temperature is obtained on the screen. Chimney diameter -110 mm. The manufacturer is located in Germany, and assembly takes place in China.

Custom design Atlan 1-10 LT

This model has 15 types of front panel designs. Regardless of design, all speakers have the same technical characteristics. The heat exchanger is made of copper, but the wall thickness is small.

The quality of the water heater is very low. Its service life often does not exceed the warranty. The device operates at a pressure of 0.20. The power of this model is 20 kW and copes with providing one water intake point (+)

The water heater burner is ignited by batteries. The gas supply is adjusted mechanically until the desired temperature is obtained on the screen. Chimney diameter - 110 mm. The manufacturer is located in China, assembly takes place there.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video shows common breakdowns of gas water heaters:

What are the dangers of installing a geyser yourself:

After choosing a water heater, you need to order installation at the manufacturer’s service center. Only in this case is the guarantee for the geyser valid. This practice applies to all major suppliers.

Saving on installation leads to waste on repairs, which you will have to pay for yourself. The column must be registered with the gas service, since it must be inspected by specialists once a year.

Tell us about how you chose a gas water heater, what criterion was decisive in choosing equipment. Perhaps you have some useful advice for site visitors planning to buy a gas wall-mounted boiler? Please write comments in the block below.