How can the owner of a gas water heater save money?

Design and principle of operation of the product

A standard water heater is a metal box that is comparable in size to a kitchen cabinet. Inside it is the main system and mechanism that ensures the operation of the equipment. In addition, two pipes are connected to the box, which are responsible for the supply of water and gas.

The design itself consists of the following basic elements:

rear panel.
draft cap.
gas and water supply valves.
copper heat exchanger.
main burner.
pilot burner.
electronic circuit.
battery compartment.

When the water tap is opened, a valve in the mechanism is activated, through which gas is supplied to the pilot burner, which is responsible for igniting the main burner. This process directly depends on the type of equipment ignition. During the combustion of fuel, the amount of thermal energy that is necessary to heat water to a certain temperature is released. Thermal energy passes through a spiral-shaped heat exchanger, resulting in rapid heating.

After the water is heated to the desired temperature, the process of supplying it from the column to the open tap, through the outlet pipe, is carried out. The gas combustion products formed during operation are released into the atmosphere through ventilation or a chimney, which is a prerequisite for installing such a heating system.

It is also important to know that geysers presented by manufacturers on the market are of two types:

storage water heater;
a flow-type device operating from a gas supply.

Characteristics that you need to pay attention to when choosing the optimal model:

amount of hot water consumed. Using the device simultaneously by several residents may result in insufficient heated liquid accumulated in the heating tank.
use with a centralized pipeline is not recommended by experts, as there is a possibility of insufficient pressure.
installation feature. Storage tanks of the device, as a rule, are large in size (depending on the volume of liquid contained), so there is a need for a suitable location (floor or solid wall).

Advantages of instantaneous water heater

Having decided to acquire this type of device, you first need to familiarize yourself with its main characteristics, model range, leading market manufacturers, as well as the advantages inherent to the device.

Advantages of gas models:

a gas flow-through heater is a budget option. This fact is explained by the fact that gas, which serves as the main fuel, is quite cheap in price compared to similar sources such as electricity, gasoline, etc.
The power of the city gas supply system is usually enough to install such a water heater at home.
availability of several connection options - to natural and liquefied gas.
affordable pricing policy of manufacturers.
multifunctionality. With their help, you can simultaneously provide hot water not only to the kitchen, but also to the bathroom with shower.
Compact dimensions allow installation in rooms with limited space. The system does not take up much space, leaving space for more efficient use.
Fast heating is a feature that other devices used for these purposes, for example, storage columns, cannot offer. The latter are the optimal solution for those who consume large quantities of hot water, but the heating process still requires time.

The average power of flowing gas equipment is 18-19 kW, which is quite enough for the normal life of the residents of the house. In addition to the technical parameters, it is also important to mention the appearance. The modern design of the products is significantly different from previous analogues, and goes well with the elements of any interior.

Main varieties

Gas instantaneous water heaters (columns) are small in size, making it possible to install them in small rooms (in the bathroom or kitchen).
The purpose of the device is to quickly heat water passing through the heating element in the column. An important requirement for flow-through technology for stable operation is a gas pressure of 12 mbar. There are two types of gas flow heaters: with an open combustion chamber and a closed one. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. This is useful: what types of water heaters are there and how to repair them.
In a column with an open combustion chamber (atmospheric), when burning the burner, air coming from the room in which the unit is installed is used. The entry of oxygen and the exit of flue gases is carried out through the natural movement of air masses. Atmospheric instantaneous gas water heaters are equipped with a simple device without complex automation. They are considered reliable and durable in use.

In this video we will learn how to repair a gas heater:

In a water heater with a closed combustion chamber (turbocharged), air is pumped. Combustion products come out using a fan (turbine). The operation of this type of speaker depends on electricity. If the voltage is turned off, it will stop functioning.

A turbocharged column is better because during combustion it burns oxygen from the street (they have a coaxial chimney). These models have several advantages:

They use modulation types of burners with low gas consumption.
They can operate at low water pressure from 0.3 MPa.

Disadvantages include energy dependence and high cost. To ensure normal operation of the structure, the installation of a stabilizer and a UPS is required. If they are sufficiently equipped with automation, they may fail, as there are frequent power surges in the network.

Advantages and disadvantages

There are a large number of different types of water heating units. Everyone chooses according to their taste and capabilities.

Main advantages:

produces an unlimited volume of water compared to storage heaters;
compactness allows you to install it in a small room;
breakdowns of additional functions can be easily and inexpensively fixed;
maintenance is not labor-intensive (disassembling and cleaning will not be difficult);
using sensors, possible gas leaks are eliminated;
saving on fuel, since natural gas is much cheaper than electricity.

Different types of water heaters according to their technical design must be selected taking into account the conditions in which they will be installed. The characteristics of the room should be taken into account. To do this you need :

the presence of a chimney to remove combustion products;
take into account the volume of water for the required consumption, as well as the number of intake points;
is there free space for convenient use of the speaker;
matching the design of the equipment and the room.

It is better to invite a specialist to install the water heater. He will determine the draft and supply gas and water pipes. In addition to the positive aspects, there are also negative characteristics in the operation of a gas flow device:

installation must be carried out by a specialist;
for preventive purposes, carry out regular maintenance;
Carefully monitor the device to ensure that there are no possible leaks of explosive gas.

Despite some disadvantages, gas instantaneous water heaters are in demand among people with gas-connected housing. They are economical and can provide hot water to several water points at once.

Types of ignition

The speakers differ in the automation of the ignition processes. It is divided into two types: automatic and semi-automatic. Automatic ignition is carried out by the device independently. Only one burner is built into the design. When the hot water tap opens, the flame ignites from the spark produced by the column. The power source can be electric ignition or batteries.

New types of dispensers have a hydraulic turbine that generates electricity when water is supplied, so the operation of the dispensers does not depend on the power supply. An electronic programmable unit is built in to regulate the water temperature.

Semi-automatic water heaters have two burners. The first one burns constantly and serves as an ignition wick. The flame is ignited using piezo ignition. The second (main) ignition occurs when the tap of the water supply system is opened. Each type of speaker is equipped with a security system. If the gas or water pressure is insufficient or the exhaust gases are poorly discharged, the device turns off and refuses to work.

Equipment disadvantages

One of the significant disadvantages of this type of heating apparatus is the fire safety and explosion hazard of the fuel used during operation. In case of breakdowns, repair work must be carried out immediately. Only in this case will it be possible to avoid undesirable consequences in the form of fuel leakage, which negatively affects the human respiratory tract.

Before purchasing and installing such a water heater, you must first evaluate the supply power in the gas supply lines. If it is insufficient, then installation is absolutely not possible. In such cases, only storage type equipment can be installed.

The performance of the speaker can be significantly affected by the level of humidity in the room where it is installed. It is worth remembering that some manufacturers do not recommend installation in wet areas, and do not provide appropriate guarantees if this condition is violated.

Safety level of a household geyser

Among specialists working with gas appliances, there is an opinion that safety lies in the details. This is precisely the statement that applies to the type of equipment under consideration. Most manufacturers are trying to improve their models as much as possible by introducing various sensors and systems.

Very often on the market you can find speakers with LED screens that report on the functional status of the device, possible breakdowns and failures. They also contain a number of parts and devices that make using the water heater more convenient and safe:

modern thermostats allow you to adjust the level of heating and supply of hot liquid in the event of a change in pressure in the water supply system. That is, by reducing the pressure in the pipes, the risk of supplying boiling water, which can get burned, is eliminated. At the same time, it is also possible to adjust the flow rate of the consumed liquid and the power of the burner.
When there are changes in the gas supply, the burner is able to independently adjust the height of the flame produced. The presence of a safety valve allows you to block the fuel supply if the tap is closed, thereby minimizing the likelihood of overheating.
draft sensor - responsible for stopping the gas supply in the event of reverse draft formation or its complete absence.
timer – allows you to program the time for turning off the column.
The automatic heating system prevents the equipment from freezing when the room temperature drops.

Recommendations for choosing water heaters

Gas boilers are devices that pose a certain danger when used.
Therefore, you should approach the task of choosing them extremely responsibly. If you have planned to purchase a gas water heater, but your home does not have a chimney , then you should choose from units equipped with a closed chamber or equipped with a turbo hood. It is prohibited to install hybrid-coaxial chimneys in enclosed spaces. Their installation is usually carried out in boiler rooms or utility rooms with an effective ventilation system.

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When choosing gas equipment for heating water, attention should also be paid to its power. It is optimal to buy a device that has a power/performance ratio of less than two units.

The most important thing when choosing gas equipment is safety. Before buying the selected device, you should make sure that it has protection against overheating and dry running. You also need to check that the boiler has draft and pressure sensors.

How to choose the optimal water heater model?

The primary selection criterion is the performance of the device and the purpose of its use. As a rule, for private homes where water can be used simultaneously in the kitchen, bathroom, and shower, models with a power of 23-24 kW, flowing up to 15 l/min, are considered optimal. If you only use a shower and a kitchen tap, then a power of 17-18 kW is sufficient, providing 10-11 l/min.

Of course, the power of the equipment can be adjusted (decreasing or increasing the height of the burner flame):

manual adjustment - changing the position of the handle will allow you to adjust the thermal power. With a large flow of water, the temperature will be lower, and the opposite situation with a low flow.
automatic adjustment - the flame height is independently adjusted based on the amount of liquid flow.

Ignition type

Ignition in modern models can be carried out in several ways:

piezo ignition.
automatically from a battery spark.
automatically from a hydraulic turbine spark.

The first of the presented methods, the most outdated, involves the conversion of mechanical movement into an electrical discharge. When turned on for the first time, the user needs to press a button, which will activate the built-in piezoelectric element. The spark formed during the process will ignite the igniter and the main burner. Apart from the number of manipulations performed, this method is not economical. When ignited, the igniter burns for some time, thereby consuming gas (an increase in raw material consumption by a quarter has been recorded).

The last two methods do not require human intervention. When the tap is unscrewed, the ignition starts automatically, as well as the fan and the supply of combustible material. The only difference between them is the source of spark formation. For example, the operating life of a battery is about a year, and in the case of a hydraulic turbine, it is necessary to monitor the pressure, it should be no lower than 0.45 atm.

Popular manufacturers

An important criterion when choosing is the company’s image, its experience, production capacity, and ongoing modernization. The reliability of the finished column depends on the professionalism of the workers, and largely on the company. Let's look at the main players in the market:

Neva is a model of quality that meets European standards. When designing their models, the designers paid special attention to the safety parameter, so the product can contain many programs that make the models much more stable and reliable.

Bosch, as a rule, equips its equipment only with modern developments, which not only increase functionality, but also guarantee a high level of security.
Oasis – manufactures equipment that fully corresponds to the quality and prices set. The mechanisms of this TM are not as expensive as the previous ones, but they have the necessary set of additions.

Each of these manufacturers presents on the market models with different characteristics and parameters, which may also differ in the way combustion products are removed:

atmospheric (open chamber) - all substances are removed through the chimney.
turbocharged (closed chamber).

Ten best water heaters

According to the type of combustion chamber, all water heaters are divided into two categories: with an open chamber or atmospheric, and with a closed chamber or turbocharged.

Atmospheric ones are considered more durable, since such devices do not have complex automation. Turbocharged ones operate using electricity and turn on even with minimal gas pressure, but they are more expensive.

If you are now looking for a new gas pump, then check out our rating.

Model #1 – Zanussi GWH 6 Fonte

The column heat exchanger is made of copper. There is an LED display on the front panel that displays performance indicators. A powerful security system will protect the device from unexpected breakdowns. The maximum hot water temperature reaches 65˚C.

Technical features:

productivity – 5.6 l/min;
thermal power – 12 kW;
dimensions and weight – 300x480x136 mm; 4.4 kg;
combustion chamber – open with electric ignition from batteries;
mechanical heating control;
additionally - protection against overheating, smoke control sensors, a thermometer and a display.

Users consider quiet operation, high-quality parts, power, build quality and small dimensions to be advantages. Many owners say the downside is the lack of batteries included with the speaker and the fact that you need to select them yourself.

This small-sized speaker is ideal for one person, and will also fit perfectly into a small kitchen or even a bathroom.

Model #2 – Oasis OR-16S steel

The column heat exchanger is made of steel. The column is powered by batteries after the user opens the hot water tap. Winter-Summer mode will save gas consumption.

Technical features:

productivity – 8 l/min;
thermal power – 16 kW;
dimensions and weight – 320x520x145 mm; 6.3 kg;
combustion chamber – open with electric ignition from batteries;
manual heating control;
additionally - protection against overheating, smoke control sensors, a display and indication system are provided.

Among the advantages, it is worth highlighting the build quality and protection system. The disadvantage is that the batteries quickly become unusable. But the problem can be solved by selecting more durable batteries.

Due to its low performance, such a column is suitable for one tenant or for a small kitchen.

Model #3 – Zanussi GWH 10 Fonte Glass La Spezia

The speaker has a modern stylish design; there is a pattern on the front panel. Can work even with minimal water and gas pressure. The column heat exchanger is made of copper.

Technical features:

productivity – 10 l/min;
thermal power – 18.5 kW;
dimensions and weight – 330x550x191 mm; 10.2 kg;
combustion chamber – open with electric ignition from batteries;
mechanical heating control;
additionally - protection against overheating, smoke control sensors, a stainless steel burner operates on liquefied and natural gas.

Users like that the speaker is easy to set up, as well as the presence of a security system. The downside is that when turned on at two points simultaneously, the water temperature drops.

The speaker has an excellent design, so it will decorate any kitchen. The water heater will completely cover the water needs of one resident, or maximum of two.

Model #4 – Gorenje GWH 10 NNBW

The column operates quietly, the heat exchanger is made of copper, and operates on liquefied and natural gas. Users like the presence of water filters that protect the heat exchanger from scale, and the fact that the column can work perfectly on several types of gas.

Technical features:

productivity – 10 l/min;
thermal power – 20 kW;
dimensions and weight – 327x590x180 mm; 9.6 kg;
combustion chamber – open with electric ignition;
manual heating control;
additionally - protection against overheating and freezing, smoke control sensors, safety valve. A water filter is provided.

Many owners do not like that the water temperature drops to 35 °C if they turn on high water pressure or if they turn on the water at several points (bathroom and kitchen). Also considered a disadvantage is the high noise level, the lack of batteries included, and the fact that the membrane filter often breaks.

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The water heater is suitable for both an apartment and a country house or cottage.

Model #5 – Oasis Glass 20RG

On the black front panel of the speaker there is an LED display and three control knobs. The heat exchanger is made of copper. The Winter-Summer mode will allow the intelligent system to analyze the water temperature and save gas consumption. It is especially beneficial if you have a meter for both gas and water.

Technical features:

productivity – 10 l/min;
thermal power – 20 kW;
dimensions and weight – 340x590x145 mm; 6.3 kg;
combustion chamber – open with electric ignition from batteries;
mechanical heating control;
additionally - protection against overheating and freezing, smoke control sensors, an RCD, and a display are provided.

The undoubted advantage of the column is its excellent security system that controls gas and water pressure, temperature, as well as build quality and seasonal mode.

Owners do not like the high noise level during operation of the device; some users say that after a while the speaker begins to gradually reduce the temperature or turns off.

The speaker is perfect for a family of two; it can be connected both in a country house and in an apartment.

Model #6 – Ariston Next Evo SFT 11 NG EXP

This column has a closed combustion chamber installed, so you should find a place for gas outlet in advance. A two-layer coaxial cable is used to remove recycled gas from the water heater. The external panel is made according to the sketches of an Italian designer.

The column heat exchanger is made of copper. A self-diagnosis system is provided and the user can adjust the water flow. For example, to fill a bathtub. Plugs into a standard outlet.

Technical features:

productivity – 11 l/min;
thermal power – 19.58 kW;
dimensions and weight – 330x550x167 mm; 12 kg;
combustion chamber – closed with a built-in fan;
electric ignition with connection to an outlet;
manual heating control;
additionally - smoke control sensors, protection against overheating and freezing, there is a display and a thermometer, a self-diagnosis mode, it works on liquefied and natural gas.

Users like the high level of safety, such as anti-gas leakage, anti-freeze and gas pressure control.

The disadvantage may be a non-standard hood, but this problem can be solved by a high-quality installation and a hose for removing combustion products.

A column of this type will cover the needs of two people, in economy mode - three. It can only be installed in the kitchen if there is constant ventilation.

Model #7 – Bosch WR 13-2B

The water heater operates quietly, but with high water pressure the noise level increases. The heat exchanger is made of copper. The front panel has a stylish design.

Technical features:

productivity – 13 l/min;
thermal power – 22.6 kW;
dimensions and weight – 350x655x220 mm; 13 kg;
combustion chamber – open with electric ignition from batteries;
mechanical heating control;
additionally - smoke control sensors, stainless steel burner, runs on liquefied and natural gas.

Among the advantages, it is worth highlighting excellent performance and a good security system.

Many users don’t like the fact that there are no batteries included, but high-quality ones last about 7-8 months and are expensive.

The speaker is suitable for a family of three. It can be installed both in an apartment and in a private house.

Model #8 – BaltGaz Comfort 13

The column is assembled from domestic parts, the heat exchanger is made of copper. It can operate on both liquefied and natural gas.

Technical features:

productivity – 13 l/min;
thermal power – 26 kW;
dimensions and weight – 350x650x239 mm; 12 kg;
combustion chamber – open with water cooling and electric ignition from batteries;
manual heating control;
additionally - overheating protection, smoke control sensors, heating temperature limitation. A display and thermometer are provided.

The advantages of this model are low price, high performance and a well-thought-out security system.

Users do not like the poor quality of the control knobs on the front panel, frequent display glitches, and the fact that the column does not turn on if there is not enough water pressure. That is why it is not suitable for residents of the upper floors, starting from the fifth.

Perfect for a family of 4 people. It can be installed for residents of private houses or the first floors of high-rise buildings.

Model #9 – Ariston Fast Evo 14C

The heat exchanger of this column is made of copper and has a power indicator. If such a column is installed in an old house, then you need to monitor the condition of the chimney as often as possible.

Technical features:

productivity – 14 l/min;
thermal power – 24 kW;
dimensions and weight – 370x580x230 mm; 10.2 kg;
combustion chamber – open with electric ignition from batteries;
mechanical heating control;
additionally - smoke control sensors, overheating protection, there is a display and a thermometer, it works on liquefied and natural gas.

Users like the build quality, the presence of a thermometer and a security system. A significant disadvantage is that the water temperature drops if you turn on the water at several points (shower and kitchen); there is no real-time temperature sensor. Also, many owners do not like long ignition times, but this can be avoided by spending a little more time on the initial setup of the device.

The water heater is suitable for a family of 3-4 people.

Model #10 – Bosch WRD 15-2G

The speaker has an excellent protection system and a small LED display. The heat exchanger is made of copper and runs on natural and liquefied gas.

Technical features:

productivity – 15 l/min;
thermal power – 26.2 kW;
dimensions and weight – 425x655x220 mm; 15.5 kg;
combustion chamber – open with electric ignition, operates on batteries;
manual heating control;
additionally - smoke control sensors, a stainless steel burner operates on liquefied and natural gas.

A significant advantage is considered to be high performance and thermal power.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting that seals and gaskets quickly become unusable, but they can be replaced with new ones. Also, some owners have problems with the heat exchanger, as scale appears due to poor quality water and lack of proper cleaning.

The water heater is suitable for a family of 3-4 people. It is better to install it in a country house or in an apartment on the lower floors, since the column does not turn on at minimum pressure.

The rating included both time-tested speakers and already beloved new products in different price categories. Therefore, everyone will find a model to suit their taste.