Gas columns are called flow-through gas water heaters. For the first time in Russia, they began to be used around the middle of the last century, when not all new buildings were provided with centralized hot water supply. These devices do not lose their relevance today. How to choose a gas water heater for a private house or apartment and which 6 flow-through gas water heaters can be called the best in their categories, read on.
CONTENT
- 1 What characteristics to look for when buying a gas water heater?
- 2 Rating of the best gas water heaters
- 3 FAQ
What characteristics to look for when buying a gas water heater?
Power
This parameter determines how much heat the geyser can give off and how much water it can heat up. Devices with a capacity in the region of 17-20 kW are suitable only for an apartment with one tenant, because they are heated in forces water only for one point of intake: take a shower with such a column while someone is washing dishes in the kitchen, it is forbidden. Columns for 20-26 kW are already able to simultaneously serve 2-3 consumers. At the same time, they are relatively inexpensive and are among the most popular options on the market. Finally, water heaters with a capacity of more than 26 kW are able to cover the needs of even a large apartment or house in hot water, so that all family members can enjoy the comfort at the same time.
Performance
This parameter is a direct consequence of the previous one. The larger it is, the more hot water per minute the gas water heater will be able to deliver. For example, in order to calmly take a shower, you need about 10 liters of water per minute, and 5 liters per minute is quite enough for washing dishes.
Ignition type
The gas column can be ignited manually or automatically. The manual method, with the help of a burning match, is the oldest and most inconvenient, especially if access to the burner is difficult. Ignition with a button, with the help of a piezoelectric element, is much more practical, but you can't call it especially modern and comfortable.
Electric ignition does not require a person to manually light the column each time. This type of device starts heating water automatically when you open the tap, and stops working when the water supply stops. Such geysers can operate from the mains (which is not very convenient, because without electricity the heater will not work either), from batteries (they are often used as a spare option for devices that are powered from the mains) and from a hydrogenerator (the most expensive, but also the most convenient option is a small turbine, which itself produces the required column electricity).
Combustion chamber type
The combustion chamber of the gas column can be open or closed. In the first case, gas is burned using air from the same room in which the heater is located, and the combustion products are emitted through the chimney. Placing such a device in a city apartment is quite problematic. And in a private house, it is advisable to assign a separate room to such a column.
A closed-type combustion chamber receives the necessary air through a horizontal coaxial chimney and through it throws combustion products into the street. You can equip such a system in an ordinary apartment, you just need to make a hole in the wall for the chimney. Columns with closed combustion chambers work more efficiently than analogs, but they require connection to the mains for forced ventilation.
Heat exchanger type
In the column heat exchanger, the water is actually heated by the burner. This is an important structural element, the quality of which determines the reliability and durability of the entire water heater. The heat exchanger can be made of copper or stainless steel. Copper is more expensive, but it conducts heat better and does not corrode. Heat exchangers made of it are thinner, smaller and lighter than steel. Stainless steel is cheaper, more durable and, if properly used, can serve the owners for many years.
Burner type
It is possible to regulate the flame in all burners, but not every column is capable of doing this on its own. If the pressure in the water supply drops, which is not uncommon, especially in old houses, then the flame will remain the same and the water from the tap will flow overheated until you fix the flame by hand. Therefore, the best option to buy is a gas water heater with a modulating burner. With such a device, it is enough to set the desired outlet water temperature once, and then the heater will already regulate the fire itself, depending on the pressure and temperature of the inlet water.
Safety system
Gas water heaters are equipped with a wide range of security systems. A modern water heater will not work without water in the system, with insufficient pressure or lack of draft in the chimney. It will not allow the heat exchanger to burn out, water - to overheat, and carbon monoxide - to go into the room. The more protection systems a speaker has, the better. You cannot save on security.
Rating of the best gas water heaters
The best gas water heater for home
1. Electrolux GWH 14 NanoPlus 2.0
Gas water heater at the price of 13 790 rubles. The capacity reaches 14 liters per minute - this is the result of a very solid heat output of 28 kilowatts and a copper heat exchanger. At the outlet, it can give out a pressure from 0.20 to 8 atmospheres.
An open combustion chamber and electric ignition make the water heater the best choice for a private house, where the device will be provided with a normal chimney. For safety, a multi-level European-type security control system is provided, which includes gas control, protection against switching on without water, against overheating and against operation in the absence of traction.
Price: ₽ 13 790
Electrolux GWH 14 NanoPlus 2.0
The best gas water heater with low pressure operation
2. Bosch WR 10-2P23
Inexpensive gas water heater from a well-known German brand, which can be bought for only 10,000 rubles. Thermal power is 17.40 kilowatts, which gives a capacity of up to 10 liters per minute at a maximum water temperature of +60 degrees Celsius. The working pressure can be from 0.10 to 12 atmospheres.
A copper heat exchanger, an open combustion chamber, mechanical control and piezo ignition make it possible to call this water heater not the most modern, but reliable and non-volatile. Overheating protection is provided. The declared service life is an impressive 15 years, which makes the column an excellent investment.
Price: ₽ 10 080
Bosch WR 10-2P23
The best flowing gas water heater with a closed chamber
3. Neva 4510T
A gas water heater, for which they ask for less than 9,000 rubles, is ideal for installation in an apartment building thanks to a closed combustion chamber. The water heater does not need a separate room for installation and a coaxial chimney is sufficient through a hole in the wall. Productivity with a power of 17.90 kilowatts reaches 10 liters per minute, so it is enough for both washing dishes and taking a shower.
It is possible to work not only on the main line, but also on liquefied gas from cylinders. Electric ignition provides ease of use. There is a limitation of the heating temperature and protection against overheating.
Price: ₽ 8 790
Neva 4510T
The best flowing gas water heater with an open chamber
4. BaltGaz Classic 10
Classic gas water heater from a leading Russian manufacturer of gas equipment. They ask for about 8,300 rubles for a water heater. Its thermal power is 17.90 kW, which allows the device to reach a productivity of 10 liters per minute. It is possible to work on liquefied gas.
The combustion chamber is open here, so a full-fledged chimney is required for the water heater to work. The function of electric ignition is provided, there is a built-in display and a thermometer with a limitation of the heating temperature. Inexpensive and practical option for a private house.
Price: ₽ 8 300
BaltGaz Classic 10
The best reliable gas water heater
5. Wert 10EG Red Glass
Unlike most analogs, enclosed in simple white cases, this gas water heater for 5,800 rubles is decorated with a pretty photo image and will look great in a modern kitchen. The thermal power of the device is 20 kilowatts, which gives a productivity of 10 liters of hot water per minute. The device can operate with a pressure ranging from 0.20 to 8 atmospheres.
The heater is made according to the classical scheme: with mechanical control and an open combustion chamber. Fortunately, the column is equipped with electric ignition, a gas control system and a thermometer with limited heating temperature. Affordable but very reliable water heater.
Price: ₽ 5 856
Wert 10EG Red Glass
The best gas water heater for an apartment
6. Hyundai H-GW2-ARW-UI308
With all the availability of this gas water heater, for which they ask for only about 8,000 rubles, it is able to surprise with its pleasant appearance and rich functionality. The thermal power of the device is 20 kilowatts, which provides a productivity of 10 liters of hot water per minute.
The water heater is equipped with a copper heat exchanger, LED display, electronic ignition and flame control function. The proprietary 4D-Guard integrated safety system includes a draft sensor, a heating temperature limiter, a safety valve and an ionization rod.
Price: ₽ 8 000
Hyundai H-GW2-ARW-UI308
FAQ
Can I put a gas water heater in the bathroom?
No, sanitary standards prohibit the installation of any gas distribution equipment in the bathroom.
How to clean a radiator in a gas water heater?
You can use a regular vacuum cleaner or compressor. Using a regular knife or a hacksaw blade will take longer, but more accurately.