So, your gas column, whose birth date is lost in the first Soviet five-year plan, finally ordered to live long. But do not rush headlong to rush into the store or to market for a new one. While your rarity lasted the last days, the gas columns made a technical leap, so now before you choose a gas column you should familiarize yourself with our small instructions.
Step 1: choose the method of ignition
The times when you had to light a column manually with matches, fortunately, have sunk into oblivion. In modern devices, the burner is ignited with electricity, which happens automatically, as soon as the hot water tap is opened( such models are called "gas guns").A spark can be generated in one of three ways:
- using a piezoelectric mechanism;
- from the charge of batteries or batteries;
- from the mains voltage.
There is another way that Bosch was the first to implement in its columns. It consists in the use of an electric generator, which is driven by a stream of heated water. To do this, a small turbine is installed in the pipe through which water flows.
The choice of the ignition system depends on the specific conditions. If in the place where the water heater will be installed, there is an electrical outlet - it makes sense to purchase equipment with the ability to connect to the electrical network. Otherwise - take a column with batteries. As for devices with piezoelectric ignition, they can not boast of economy. In such water heaters, a gas wick burns all the time, and this leads to waste of gas.
Step 2: Select the type of burner
In simple and affordable models, manufacturers install gas burners with constant power. When operating such equipment, the water temperature must be adjusted manually, which is not very convenient.
The best gas columns heat water with the help of variable-capacity burners. This is a more modern version of the burner, it automatically adjusts its power depending on the strength of the water flow. To use a column with such a burner is much more convenient. Because the pressure in the water supply system depends on the flow of water throughout the house and is constantly changing. With a variable-capacity burner, you do not need to worry about adjusting the temperature of the water every minute.
More recently manufacturers of gas columns have pleased consumers with the next development. An improved burner model is called modulation. Now it takes into account not only the change in the strength of the flow of water, but also its temperature at the entrance to the heater, which, too, is constantly changing.
Step 3: power selection
The power of household gas columns can be from 17 to 30 kW.But in order to choose a water heater, you do not need to calculate the required power in these quantities. The power of the equipment can be judged from the following data:
- column performance( water volume per unit of time);
- difference in temperature at the outlet and inlet of the gas column.
The last parameter is denoted by Dt. If, for example, Dt = 30 is indicated in the product passport, then the water heater will heat the water flow by 30 degrees.
Now you just need to determine the water flow for the apartment. To do this, you can take a bucket of water, turn on the water in normal mode and mark the time for which this bucket will fill. Next, translate the result into a specific flow rate per minute or per second, depending on which units are indicated in the column's passport.
Step 4: additional nuances
After you understand the main technical characteristics and looked at a couple of models, do not forget to clarify the following:
- maximum permissible water pressure for which the column is designed;
- required gas pressure in the gas supply system;
- pipe diameters at the inlet and outlet of the gas column.
For safety reasons, we believe that it is better to buy a gas column with a flame monitoring function. In the event that the burner suddenly extinguishes( for example, due to a sudden pressure jump in the gas pipe), the gas supply in such a column will be automatically shut off.
In addition to flame monitoring, some types of protection can be used in some models:
- Gas leakage protection. It works if the flame is extinguished or if the draft is lost in the chimney;
- overheating protection;
- protection against excess pressure in the water supply system;
- protection against water shortage.
Step 5: choose a worthy manufacturer
Obviously, a gas water heater is an equipment that you must take into account with responsibility. Neglect of product quality or its safe operation can lead to very serious consequences. In order to be sure of the reliability of the purchased equipment, it is necessary to give preference to those manufacturing companies that are already well known and have been present on the market for many years. We can recommend such brands:
Neva 4510 Suite
In the production of this model, both domestic and imported components are used. The water heater can be connected not only to a centralized gas supply system, but also to a source of liquefied gas. Therefore, the Neva 4510 is an excellent option for installation in a cottage, where cylinders with this type of fuel are often used.
At a flow rate of 10 liters / minute, the column heats the water by 25 degrees. It is allowed to operate the unit at a very low pressure in the water supply system - 0.1 bar.
Ariston FAST 11 P
In various modifications of this water heater, a piezoelectric or electric type of ignition is used. Provides an "advanced" security system, disabling the column at the slightest chance of an accident.
At a flow rate of 11 liters per minute, the column heats the water by 25 degrees. The minimum allowable pressure in the water supply system is 0,23 bar.
Electrolux GWH 285 ERN NanoPro
If for you the determining factor is how quietly the column works, then it is better to choose an Electrolux gas column. Gas burners in the water heaters of this company have fewer nozzles, so their operation is accompanied by much less noise than similar models of competing companies. Safe use of equipment is provided with the help of a special Intelligent control system that monitors the health of all component systems.
The power of the unit provides water heating by 25 degrees at a flow rate of 11 l / min.
The last thing I would like to warn: for folk "craftsmen" it will not be difficult to fake even the most expensive water heater. In order not to fall for the bait of scammers, do not hesitate to ask the seller to show you the certificates for the chosen model. And, of course, do not forget about the warranty, for new equipment it must be provided without fail.
Successful purchase to you!
