Instantaneous or storage water heater - which is better?

Content:

Types of water heaters
Flow-through - types, principle of operation, pros and cons
Accumulative - principle of operation, pros and cons
Comparison of heaters by main characteristics
Output

The presence of hot water in the tap is a common thing for a long time. It is worse when we notice its absence, that is, we immediately feel incredible discomfort. Therefore, we often think about the question of how to provide warm water in a house, apartment or in the country.

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

In houses where there is no central heating supply, 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 which water heater to choose as an alternative to central water heating?

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

Types of water heaters

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

Flowing, from the name it is clear that in this case the water is heated on the go. This type of heater provides the fastest water heating, but its temperature depends on many factors (inlet water temperature, device power).
Accumulative - water is collected in a tank (container) in which standing water is heated and maintained at a given temperature.

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

Instantaneous water heaters are quite popular. They are easy to install and are small-sized units. This type is divided into types:

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

Electric, work from inclusion to the mains. The installation contains a built-in heating element, which heats metal pipes to a high temperature and instantly heats up the water flowing in them. The temperature of the tap water depends on the inlet temperature. The season is of great importance. In summer the water will be hotter, in winter colder. For a high-quality heating system, the power of the installation itself matters, and then the price.

Pros:

Small-sized.
Heat the water instantly.
Uninterrupted hot water supply.
Easy installation of electrical (only cold water flow connection and electrical connection).
Gas installations are low-cost and powerful.

Minuses:

Low power electric heaters are not able to provide the desired water temperature. In the summer, it is perfectly normal to maintain the required water temperature for domestic use. But in winter, when the water at the inlet is low, it warms up weaker.
The installation of a gas appliance requires the supervision of a special service and access to the chimney.
For efficient operation of gas, a strong pressure of water is required.

Both types of water heaters work "on the go" and, accordingly, do not provide tanks. They are usually installed on each crane separately. There are powerful models that are able to provide hot water from the tap, even with a strong pressure and regardless of the season.

See also:

Accumulative - principle of operation, pros and cons

Such a water heating device works in a cumulative way. Provides a tank (different in volume) that holds water. Heating element serves as a heating device. For operation, it is necessary to connect the cold water pipe to the device and connect it to the power grid.

Water is drawn into the tank, heated and maintained at a given temperature. Used as needed. It is automatically filled and ensures a constant supply of a certain volume of water at the desired temperature.

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

Direct heating boilers - heating occurs due to the heating element, which requires a connection to the mains.
Indirect heating boilers - mainly operate from central heating supply. And in the summer, when the heating is off, the water is heated using a heating element.

Pros:

The ability to connect more than one taps. Depending on the volume of the boiler.
Low power.
Efficiency of gas types of installations.
Can be used simultaneously as a heating source

Minuses:

Dimensional tanks.
It takes a lot of time to heat water.

Comparison of heaters by main characteristics

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 a storage water heater and a running water heater? To choose the right device, it is worth analyzing your requirements for it and technical capabilities. Consider the main differences that more clearly characterize both types of water heaters.

Performance

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

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

Flowing, heats the water instantly, but we are talking about very powerful modern devices. Indeed, for effective lightning-fast heating of water, a fair amount of power is required. Basically, low-power devices are not able to quickly heat a strong flow of water, especially when the water inlet is low.

Electricity costs

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

The flow-through consumes electricity only when the tap is opened. However, the costs will be many times greater, albeit in a short time.

In summary, both systems have approximately the same costs.

Installation, assembly, dimensions

To install the storage device, you should choose the right place for mounting, namely the wall. Not recommended for plasterboard or wood flooring. The best place is a load-bearing wall made of brick or concrete.To connect to the power supply network, just plug it into the socket.

Installation of a flow-through model does not require special and costly installation. But, the essential point is the correct connection to the mains.

It is recommended to use the services of a specialist in this area. Indeed, to install an electric flow heater, you should lay a separate RCD line and install grounding.

Operational comfort

If necessary, a storage water heater will provide water heating to a temperature of 95 degrees. Or, on the contrary, it is possible to set a low border, if necessary, summer water.

The flow-through can mainly provide the average water temperature. Only high power models can output water up to 75 degrees. Most of its temperature will not exceed 55 degrees. And then, provided it is used for one tap. If one more point is attached, then with the simultaneous use of water, its temperature will be halved.

Care and service life

The storage device will last 5 years on average. In some cases, the operational period can be up to 10 years. But the stated 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 the heating element. Its service life is 10 years or more.

Safe operation

The storage device should be put into operation and further used according to the instructions for it.

The flow-through type is somewhat whimsical. Has a high power, usually with a three phase system. Therefore, it requires separate wiring and grounding in order to avoid negative consequences.

Output

Each of these types of devices are worthy options. Depending on the needs, scope - one or another option will be appropriate. You do not 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 efficient and powerful enough to be used as the main and permanent source of warm water.

Flowing, it is ideal for a summer cottage or other premises where water costs are insignificant and inconsistent compared to normal bit use.

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