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Gas water heaters: is it better than the electric or not??

Like electric, they can be either flow-through or storage, but in any case – are built into a regular DHW system, i.e. e. are pressurized. Here we will not look at the many design features of such heaters. They are not much different from boilers that are used for heating. Most of the gas water heaters on the market are equipped with an open combustion chamber and are “traditional” convection , in addition – flow. The Reason of Prosta.

Storage water heaters

Most of the potential market for these heaters are long-designed and built homes that have central heating, gas supply, no shared hot water system and a working chimney.

In fact, the new equipment is proposed to replace the previously installed gas heaters, which also used an open combustion chamber. In general, there is not much point in making any power rearrangements, and there is hardly any room to install the storage tank.

Of course, this does not mean that there are no models with a closed combustion chamber or storage tanks. There are fewer of them. As for condensing boilers, their use only for domestic water heating is unlikely to pay off – too expensive. There are such heaters, but they are designed for industrial use.

FLOW-THROUGH GAS WATER HEATERS

The usual range of maximum output in the domestic sector is from 15 to 30 kW. For several extraction points this is sufficient, t.e. According to the requirements of the apartment or a small house, these models cover with reserve.

Such heaters are usually classified primarily by the way of outlet column. The simplest is the one with piezo ignition from the button.

A little more expensive, but more convenient – heaters with the electric ignition. It is automatic, and the power source is usually a couple of batteries. There are also motors which do not need batteries: they have a small hydrogen generator which generates the necessary electrical energy using the energy of the water flow.

It is noteworthy that all three of these types of heaters with open combustion chamber are energetically independent. For models with a closed chamber and built-in fan we need a power connection from the mains.

STORAGE GAS WATER HEATERS

As usual, their most important parameter – the volume of the tank, which can be 50-300 liters, for small models the installation is usually wall mounted, of course, the larger – floor standing. Maximum thermal capacity – in the region of 5-10 kW.

While flow heaters are mainly used in apartments, it makes sense to install them in detached houses, in the countryside.

Relatively low dissemination can be explained by the fact that it is difficult to find a country house, where heating and DHW need to be implemented separately for each other. It is easier to organize a combined system with heating from one boiler. Although the options may be different, and in the countryside are sometimes found at home with a centralized heating system. Or, alternatively, if water pumping points are far from the household boiler room, it will be easier to put such a heater closer to them.

Advantages and disadvantages of flowing and storage gas heaters are similar to electric heaters, only, of course, the question of electric power is not.

COMBINATION HEATERS

Although these models are not covered in the reviews in this issue, they are worth mentioning. Such water heaters, also called indirect water heaters, get their energy from external sources. They consist of a tank with internal tubular coils through which the heat transfer medium for the heating system flows.

Normally, the water is heated by the stationary heating system, i.e.e. boiler of any type or heat pump. Most of these boilers also have a heating coil that turns on at a high flow rate of hot water or when the system starts after a break.

There are also more interesting solutions. We need energy to heat water, which means that we have to pay for it in the end. The easiest way to save money is to use solar collectors.

Heating water from the sun is the cheapest, the costs will be only for the circulation of water between the boiler and collectors although in some schemes and the pump is not needed and the operation of electronics.

It is considered that one panel of the solar collector with an area of about 2 m2 The water heater is not enough to get the required amount of hot water in an average room for one or two people. The rest can be obtained either from the heating system or from the heating element. There are many options here.

With solar collectors are available as a “solo” system, not related to the heating system, and a combined heating system. The main drawback – a relatively high initial cost of these systems, but later they pay off.

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John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

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Comments: 3
  1. Everly

    Can someone clarify whether gas water heaters are superior to electric ones? I’m considering buying a new water heater and would like to understand the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a gas water heater over an electric option. Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
  2. Sage

    As a reader, I’m curious to know whether gas water heaters are better than electric ones. Are gas water heaters more efficient, cost-effective, or environmentally friendly compared to their electric counterparts? What are the key benefits and drawbacks of using a gas water heater instead of an electric one? Your insights would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
  3. Zachary Brooks

    Gas water heaters are often considered as a reliable and cost-effective option. However, determining whether it is better than electric water heaters depends on various factors like energy prices in your area, installation costs, and personal preferences. Are you looking for a more environmentally friendly solution or trying to minimize upfront costs? It would be helpful to consider these aspects to make an informed decision.

    Reply
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