Home

Know the different systems to have hot water

We are trying to choose a hot water production system to install in our new apartment but we have not finished making a decision. While my wife prefers a practical and modern electric heater, I prefer a powerful gas heater, however, we are still analyzing the pros and cons of boilers. Apparently, it will take another week to decide. Fortunately, we can follow some basic recommendations that will help us make the best decision, allowing us to make the right choice.

When it comes to choosing a new hot water production system that works efficiently and properly in your home, given so many options, it is normal for you to have your doubts about which is the best model for your needs. The first thing you have to do is learn the differences between each system, as well as what your specific needs are, the place where the device will be installed and the type of home you have, whether it is a single-family home or a residential building.

In principle, we must know the main difference between a boiler, a gas heater and an electric water heater. On the one hand, the boilers work to feed the heating of your home in general, while, on the other hand, the electric water heaters and gas heaters only have the function of heating water for different uses, such as taking a shower, washing clothes or the dishes, among others. In the same way, there is a big difference between thermoses and water heaters, although both work exclusively to produce hot water and that is that thermoses are powered by electricity, while heaters use gas to heat water.

Next, the operation of each of the hot water production systems is explained in more detail, so that you can make a decision according to your needs.

the boilers

In the first place, we will mention the boilers, of which there are different systems. Some models generate hot water instantly in a similar way to water heaters, while other models work by previously heating a quantity of water that is stored in a tank inside and then feeding said hot water to the entire system that involves radiators, underfloor heating, in addition to producing domestic hot water.

In general, boilers are classified into three main types: instantaneous mixed boilers, which generate water according to the user’s needs and which are currently the most common models in homes and those most similar to water heaters. On the other hand, there are mixed boilers with accumulator, which incorporate a practical accumulator that heats the water to be able to have it available at any time you need it, so they have a similar operation to that of electric water heaters, at the same time that obtains benefits similar to the instant mixed ones.

In third place are the models that are only heating, since they do not heat water by themselves, so if you want them to fulfill that function, you will need to incorporate an additional accumulator, purchased independently. Regarding its dimensions, traditionally the boilers measure approximately 80 cm high and 40 cm wide, however, this characteristic may vary depending on the manufacturer.

heaters

Now, as for the heaters, they are devices that are responsible for generating hot water served thanks to a system that, by means of gas combustion, heats the cold water that comes from the network and passes through a coil that is heated, raising the water’s temperature. In general, they are devices that work in a similar way to boilers, but unlike them, they do not store water inside. The main feature of these models is that they continuously heat an unlimited amount of water as long as the tap is open. However, you have to pay attention to the number of liters per minute of hot water that the heater produces, since each model offers a different limit.

You can choose models that produce between 5 to 15 liters of water per minute, and you can also find more powerful heaters, with approximately 18 to 24 liters per minute. It is important to know the number of people who live in your house and the number of hot water distribution points you have, such as bathrooms and kitchen, in order to calculate the estimated number of liters per minute that you need in your home so everyone can enjoy hot water.

The electric thermos

Finally, electric water heaters work by heating, through an electrical resistance, a certain amount of water that is accumulated inside an internal tank waiting for whoever needs hot water. Unlike other water heating systems, with electric water heaters you will have to wait a certain time while the resistance heats the water, so it is not a practical model if you need hot water instantly, unless it is previously available. stored and heated. Unlike the two previous models, some electric water heaters can be installed both vertically and horizontally, which adds a point in versatility to these models.

Of the three most used systems for heating water, electric water heaters are the least energy efficient, since, by using an electrical resistance with high consumption to carry out their task, they can consume up to approximately 2,500 watts, depending on the capacity of the thermos. In addition, these devices work with an approximate recovery time of 1 to 2 hours, so it is recommended to choose the capacity of the electric water heater very well, since you will have to wait that amount of time each time the tank is emptied. In addition, in the market you can find models with a capacity from 50 liters to more than 300 liters, taking into account that for a family of four, a 100-liter thermos is the ideal option. here you can finda list of the best electric water heaters.

In conclusion, knowing how each device works, you will be able to have an idea of ​​the ideal water heater system for you, which will depend directly on your needs, since each model has its pros and cons. Think carefully about where you are going to install it, as well as the energy resource you want to use, before choosing between a boiler, a heater or an electric water heater, so that you do not have to make any modifications or unnecessary work at the last minute.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *