For city residents, at least once a year there comes a period when “an apartment with all the amenities” turns into an “apartment with inconveniences.”
The reason for this metamorphosis is the preventive shutdown of hot water supply. Even in hot weather, the absence of this “good of civilization” causes significant discomfort, and even if this happened in the cold season...
Not wanting to waste time on tedious running around with buckets and saucepans, many resort to a very simple solution - install a boiler. In this article we will learn how to use a water heater, get acquainted with popular brands and talk about their maintenance.
Electric storage water heaters: how to use
Large, electrically heated tanks often have more power than instantaneous tanks that heat when the kitchen or bathroom faucet is turned on.
Proper use of a storage type water heater requires:
- select the optimal water heating mode,
- Clean the tank every 12 months.
If you have a three-phase meter that operates at a day-night tariff, you need to turn on the device at night, when electricity is cheaper, and turn it off early in the morning. For the regular tariff the same principle. The tank, like a thermos, retains heat throughout the day, so you are guaranteed to have warm water until the evening when the device is turned off.
That is why it is so important to decide on the choice of tank volume: 30, 60 liters or 200. By choosing the right tank volume and planning heating periods, you will always have warm water in the right quantity and without unnecessary energy costs.
How to calculate the sufficient tank volume is shown below:
| Consumers | Number of water intake points | Water heater capacity |
| 1 | 2 | 30-50 |
| 2 | 2 | 50-80 |
| 3 | 2 | 80-100 |
| 4 | 3 | 80-120 |
| 5 | 3 | 100-150 |
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Tips for the correct selection and installation of a boiler
Savings in the case of this device begin at the installation stage. Before purchasing a storage water heater, select the optimal location for it, which would be located close to the water intake points. The reason is that every meter of pipe is a loss of heat on the way to the faucet or shower head. For a pipe with a diameter of half an inch, the heat consumption is 0.2 liters of boiling water per 1 m when the tap is opened, and the same amount when closed.
When starting to use the boiler, you first release lukewarm water. By closing the valve, you leave boiling water halfway in the pipe. It turns out that kilowatts were wasted on heating this water. The optimal place for a home with one kitchen and bathroom is to place the boiler somewhere in the middle between these rooms. Perhaps even closer to where you turn on the tap more often.
Don't be discouraged if this condition is impossible for you. For example, a heater does not fit into the design of the room or is unacceptable from a common sense point of view. Then it is quite possible to get by with additional insulation of the pipe through which heated water passes. For this purpose, for example, a polypropylene cover and special fittings are suitable.
Boiler in the bathroom
When purchasing a storage heater, focus primarily on its technical characteristics. Today there are many models, with different power and performance. Try to find one that has a low energy rating. At the same time, it must meet your needs in terms of the quantity and speed of heating water.
Attention! It is very important to carefully study all the operational and design features of the boiler and take them into account when using the device.
First start of the boiler: step by step
For the first turn-on, it is preferable to trust a professional so as not to violate the terms of warranty service. But if you have to do it yourself, it’s better to double-check several aspects before you plug the plug into the socket. Namely:
- are there any leaks anywhere?
- pipes are connected correctly,
- check valve is OK,
- the boiler is securely fixed to the wall,
- The power socket has grounding, neutral and phase corresponding to the boiler power cord.
Order? Now is the time to act! Here are six steps to start your boiler for the first time.
- Since the heater is connected to the main house water supply, you must first turn off the hot water supply to your entire premises so that water does not drain into the main house pipe.
- Next you need to release the water from the hot mixer tap that remains in the general system. After the drainage has finished, the tap must be closed.
- To fill the tank with cold water, open the cold water supply tap on the pipe with the blue ring under the boiler. Water will begin to enter the tank.
- Open the valve on the other pipe, with a red marker - it will serve to drain already hot water from the boiler. Open hot water on the mixer. During the first start-up, all air should be released from the boiler tank through the mixer.
- Connect the boiler to the mains and set the required temperature.
- If desired, you can determine whether the heating time and the set temperature correspond to the heater’s passport data.
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How best to install a boiler
Its subsequent use directly depends on the correct installation of the device. Accordingly, we begin the article with a detailed analysis of this important stage.
As a rule, any electrical product comes with instructions, but if your skills do not allow you to do all the installation work yourself, then it makes sense to contact a specialist. An experienced person will do everything as needed.
Some stores often provide free water heater installation with the purchase of a boiler. This option is well suited for anyone interested in saving money and personal time.
The process of installing a water heater in an apartment/house begins with hanging the device on the wall. The height of the location is selected according to the personal preferences of the owners
The next step is to turn off the water supply system and connect the boiler to the water supply according to the following diagram.
During installation work, ensure that the specialist follows the following rules:
- Using American pipes, the pipes are connected to the boiler pipes.
- The drain tap should only be installed on the tee. Other options are unacceptable.
- Check for the presence of a transparent tube going to the sewer, which fits onto the relief fitting of the safety valve.
- When the pressure in the water supply system exceeds the values indicated on the safety valve, a pressure regulator must be installed on the inlet pipe.
- Shut-off valves must be closed.
Upon completion of the work, the water supply is opened, then the shut-off valve is opened in turn at the inlet, and then at the outlet of the water heater.
The next step is to open the closest hot tap. Wait until water comes out of it. This will indicate that the tank is filled with water. Now you can turn on the boiler and use it.
Connecting instantaneous water heaters is much easier. It is more important to safely connect the device to the electrical network, because the equipment has high power consumption. In this case, it is advisable to connect a separate power line to the water heater with automatic switches that will correspond to the power of the device.
READ ALSO: Connecting an instantaneous water heater in the apartment
It is important to note that the installation of any electric heater requires connecting it to a grounding line. This is an integral part of the electrical safety rules.
Rules for operating the water heater
There are three important things to know.
- The heater should not be left turned on for a long time in an unheated room at a temperature below +5 degrees. This fact must be taken into account when choosing a boiler for country premises.
- If the boiler is idle for a long time, the startup must be carried out in accordance with the rules for the first time (read the section above).
- When you turn on the normal operating mode of the tank, you must make sure that there is water in the tank; an empty heater will burn out.
Optimal operating mode of an electric boiler
There is no need to often set the temperature to 30-40 degrees. At such values, bacteria can develop inside the container, mold will appear, and with it an unpleasant odor. You will have to clean this tank more often than usual.
The optimal heating level is 55-60°C. This temperature is quite comfortable for humans and reduces the likelihood of bacteria growing on the inner walls of the tank. And to be sure that there is no infection in the tank, it is better for prevention to set the regulator to 90°C once a week for several hours.
Safety of use
The water in the boiler-plumbing system is under constant pressure. A miniature steam bomb - this is another comparison that could not be more correct, because after boiling, the heating element of the device may not be able to withstand the pressure. However, an explosion will not occur: the unit provides at least three ways to prevent this.
- Thermostat to control the heating element.
- A thermostat that does not bring the water to a point of 90 degrees: it will turn off the heating element and prevent the water from boiling. The part is part of the main thermostat. Usually triggered when the first one fails.
- Finally, when both devices fail, a valve is provided that can prevent an explosion. Such an element works to relieve pressure (water will flow out, but the structure itself remains intact).
Operating rules for different models
Depending on which heater model is selected, the mode of use may differ. As an example, here is a review of the features of using Thermex, Electrolux and Edison boilers.
How to use a Thermex water heater
Installation and first connection are carried out according to general rules.
The stylish “Italian” has the inner walls of the tank made of stainless steel or glass porcelain with an anti-corrosion coating. This is a durable and reliable device that, if taken care of, can last up to 10 years or more. And this comes with a seven-year manufacturer's warranty.
Take note of 4 points on how to use a Thermex instantaneous water heater:
- Connect to the power supply and make sure the indicators light up.
- Set the desired temperature.
- After half an hour from the start of heating, the display will show the water temperature.
- In the absence of a display, a control temperature measurement from the tap is recommended. If hot water runs, then the device is working properly.
Rules for using the Electrolux water heater
Swedish Electrolux boilers are distinguished by their reliability and durability. The tank is made of steel, inside there is the strongest glass enamel that does not rust. The operation of boilers of this brand requires a thorough check of the system condition and regular maintenance. What is important to check at least once a year:
- connections for tightness,
- the condition of the heating element and the tank for the absence of scale;
- filters;
- thermal insulation of the tank.
A long service life of the device will be ensured if these conditions are met, as well as when the magnesium anode is replaced. If necessary, the service center will clean and replace key parts.
Operating rules for the Edison water heater
This is a joint creation of Thermex with the UK company Edisson. Boilers have a long warranty period from the manufacturer - 10 years. Due to the fact that there are no technically complex parts in the device, it is simple and reliable in operation.
Features of using this heater include regularly checking the pressure inside the tank. Soft water promotes smooth operation of the device. Therefore, before using a water heater, it is better to install water filters to exclude:
- scale formation on the internal walls of the housing and in the anode rod,
- depreciation of equipment.
Note: Rating of boilers with dry heating elements: 6 best
How to carry out preventive work?
Preventive maintenance – timely cleaning of the water heater and carrying out other necessary technical actions. Such measures will help extend the life of the device.
The most common problems that require constant monitoring include:
- Corrosion is one of the most common and dangerous problems. In order to protect the tank from corrosive plaque, anodes are installed. When interacting with water and the elements it contains, they cause corrosion. Anodes have a certain service life and at the end of this period they should be replaced.
- Another problem with electrical appliances is scale. If there is a large accumulation of plaque in the boiler, the water heater begins to function worse. Firstly, it starts to consume more electricity. Secondly, a large number of bacteria multiply quickly in such sediments. They significantly reduce water quality. A problem may be indicated by a knocking sound in the device during operation. It is better not to use the boiler until the problem is fixed, otherwise it will fail completely. To protect the device from scale formation, which is caused by hard water, use special water softeners or elements to remove calcium and magnesium bicarbonates. Magnetic polarizers are also very popular, which absorb calcium and magnesium salts contained in hard water before it enters the tank.
- Stray currents are another problem that affects the stable operation of the device. In addition, they can be dangerous to humans, so the device must be properly grounded. To protect against stray currents, you can create a grounding loop.
House grounding diagram on earth
Every user of electric boilers should know that the device requires regular disassembly and cleaning of consumable parts.
You can watch the video on how to do grounding correctly.
Care and maintenance features
It is important to carefully care for water heaters in order to increase their service life and protect yourself from emergency and dangerous situations. Manufacturers recommend regular boiler maintenance.
- Clean at least once a year if the water is hard (more than 8 mEq/l) and once every 1.5-2 years if the water hardness is optimal (4-8 mEq/l).
- Replace the magnesium anode every 24 months or as needed. When replacing the anode, check the tank for corrosion.
During operation, it is important to avoid:
- long shutdown of the tank,
- its complete devastation,
- maximum heating temperature.
You should also pay attention to the quality of the water. Household filters for the water supply system can ensure that the water is free of sediments and impurities that affect the longevity of the heater.
The serviceability of the electronics will be ensured by an uninterruptible power supply, which will protect against lightning influences or voltage surges in the electrical network. It is necessary to pay special attention to the safety of contact with electricity in rooms with high humidity. The socket must be grounded and reliably protected, and the power cord must be in working order and reliably insulated.
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Basic rules for using a boiler
A good quality boiler can last up to 15 years if used properly.
The basic rules for boiler maintenance are as follows:
- Before starting to operate the device, you should carefully read the instructions from the manufacturer. Each device has its own operating characteristics.
- An electric water heater is a sensitive device, so it should be maintained regularly.
- When heating water, you cannot turn the temperature to maximum. This operating mode may reduce the functionality of the heating element. At maximum performance, the device will operate for no more than 6 months. When the water temperature is set to maximum, there is a high risk of getting burned if a pipe or hose leaks.
- You should not turn off the boiler if you plan to stop using it for a short time, for example, a day or two. Energy savings will be minimal, and the wear and tear on equipment will not justify it.
- If you will not use the heater for a long time, disconnect it from the power supply, but do not drain the water. Otherwise, the tank will quickly become covered with rust. Before further use, you should first drain the water, rinse the tank, fill it with new water and turn it on at full power. The temperature is maintained for at least 2 hours.
Boiler operation
