Flowing gas heater: features of a structure and a choice of the device for water heating
If private or suburban housing does not have a central hot water connection, then homeowners are trying to address this issue, independently installing autonomous water heating devices. The most popular are gas and electric instantaneous or storage water heaters. Flow models of gas appliances are considered the most popular and in most cases work from the central gas main.
Naturally, there are devices, connected to a gas cylinder with liquefied gas, but they have not gained much popularity among homeowners. Electric models are also popular, however, they exist a number of significant shortcomings, especially in terms of use in private homes. Therefore, the optimal solution for heating water in the house or apartment in the required amount is to install a gas instantaneous water heater.
Varieties of gas water heaters
Water heaters, which use natural gas as energy resources, are divided into only two types depending on the method of heating the liquid:
- accumulative gas water heaters;
- flow-type devices, running on gas.
I want to note, that the choice of model of the water heating device should be based on the following characteristics of the gas equipment:
- The amount of water consumption. If the heater will be used by several occupants of the apartment or house, then liquids, which fits in the tank of the storage device is not always enough.
- Parameters of the central water supply system of cold water supply. Experts do not recommend buying instantaneous gas water heaters, if the pressure parameters in the central water supply are very low.
- Features of installation - the capacity for water in the accumulative device has the big sizes and therefore demands the corresponding place of placement on a floor or a strong wall..
Not so long ago, gas water heaters were considered inconvenient in terms of operation, as to obtain heated water it was necessary to open the gas supply valve, bring a lighted match to the burner or press awkward buttons. But technology is not standing still and modern models of water heaters have become more functional and easy to operate.
Therefore, in the process of choosing a gas column you need to pay special attention to the method of ignition, installed in a specific device model. To date, there is everything three methods of turning on the gas water heater:
- Ignition of the column with a piezoelectric element. To bring the device into operation, the user must press a special button.
- The electric ignition system does not have a constantly burning igniter, which, albeit slowly, but consumes gas. In such a device the transition to occurs automatically, as soon as the hot water valve is open.
- Modern Hydropower ignition system. When you open the hot water valve, its flow drives a special turbine, which produces electricity, sufficient level to ignite the burner.
Features of the device and the principle of operation of the column
Instantaneous heater - compact device, which is built directly into the water main, giving, cold water and diverted heated liquid. Water, passing through the heat exchanger, heats up and arrives at consumers already hot. In modern gas appliances, the burner is turned on when you open the hot water tap, and switch off accordingly at the moment, when the valve is tightened. Thus all gas devices of heating of liquid consist of three basic elements:
- heat exchanger;
- gas burner;
- and automation unit.
When choosing a gas column should also be considered availability of additional devices, ensuring safety and economy during operation of the device:
- Heat exchanger protection system against overheating.
- Traction control device, monitoring the level of temperature indicators. When the temperature rises above normal, the gas valve closes automatically.
- Flow sensors, which control the temperature of the water flowing through the heat exchanger.
- Flame burning control system, which minimizes the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
- Safety device, which controls the presence of fire in the burner and prevents gas leaks.
- Management system, which simplifies the user's adjustment of the main parameters of the device - power, pressure and temperature.
Some models are still in the factory can be completed with shut-off valves or mixing devices for connecting the gas unit, which is very convenient.
Advantages and disadvantages of gas water heaters
The gas water heater of flowing type in comparison with other analogs has a number of indisputable advantages:
- comparative cheapness of consumed energy resources - heating water with gas is cheaper, than electricity;
- unpretentiousness to water quality, heated - on the walls of the heat exchanger, unlike heat exchangers, no scale is formed.
And given the frequent blackouts and power surges, which are typical of private homes, the use of electric water heaters becomes impractical. In addition, the mismatch of current parameters in domestic power systems significantly reduces the efficiency of electrical equipment.
if considered shortcomings of gas water heaters, then you want to pay attention to such features:
- The water pressure in the cold water supply must meet the minimum set parameters in 0,25 atmospheres. Using flow-type gas equipment to heat water on the upper floors of a high-rise building is not always the case, perhaps, due to low water pressure.
- Due to the production of exhaust gases in the process of fuel combustion, it is necessary to have a chimney and a quality ventilation system.
- It is possible to connect to the central gas supply line only if you have all the permits.
Tips for choosing a gas appliance
The purchase of a gas water heater of the instantaneous type should primarily be based on goals, with which such equipment is installed:
- for constant or periodic heating of water;
- for large or small volumes of liquid heating;
- for the kitchen or bathroom or for both rooms at the same time.
Selecting the appropriate device model, necessary get acquainted with its parameters, improve the comfort of its use:
- the level of maximum water heating temperature, bandwidth and, the main thing, equipment power;
- display, which facilitates the control of the column;
- availability of several work programs;
- availability of warranty service;
- sensors and protection devices.
It is very important to ask sales consultants about the availability of service centers and the possibility of purchasing spare parts for a specific model of the column.
Features of the gas column connection scheme
According to the wiring diagram, the gas column should be installed no further 6 m from water intake points. Therefore, in large country houses, where consumers of hot water, located at a great distance, a cascade of water heaters is installed from the gas appliance if necessary to 12 PC. Thus the scheme of distribution of hot water supply with autonomous system of heating of water by gas implies existence of the following components:
- instantaneous water heater;
- cold and hot water supply and intake pipes, respectively;
- pipe of removal of products of combustion.
If gas equipment is being replaced, rather than a new installation of a flow-type water heater, then it is advisable to mount the device, corresponding to the previous analogue. In this situation, you do not have to make changes to the existing binding scheme.
Features of installation of a flowing water heater
Before installing the instantaneous water heater, first you need to read the recommendations for its installation, in which are specified water supply system parameters and gas supply, which are suitable for connecting the device:
-
Water pressure in a cold pipeline, apparently, no less 0,25 atmosphere.
- Wall, on which the gas column is hung must not have materials, which ignite easily.
- If a closed type device is installed, the room must have a minimum area of six square meters or more, and for an open gas column 8 in accordance. A supply of fresh air is a must.
Though, that all instantaneous gas water heaters differ depending on the model of the device, scheme for their connection has a similar algorithm and is conditioned ??the presence of certain communications.
- Exhaust system device. In a city apartment it is a central ventilation riser, and in a private house a chimney.
- Installation of a gas water heater. The appliance is installed directly under the hood and connected to it by means of a corrugated pipe. Fastening of a column is carried out by self-tapping screws directly to a wall. The appliance must be positioned strictly in a vertical position.
- Insertion of a flow-type water heater into the water supply system. A tee cuts into the cold water supply pipe, through which the gas column is connected by means of a piece of pipe. Also, this stage involves the installation of related elements: filter, pressure sensors shut-off valves, etc..
- Hot water connection. Insertion into a pipe of hot water supply is carried out by analogy with supply of cold water through a tee.
All works, related to the connection of gas equipment to the gas supply line, can be carried out only by certified specialists of the relevant utility service.
Common gas heater breakdowns
If we consider the most common failures of gas instantaneous water heaters, then I want to highlight the following problems:
- leakage of the device;
- attenuation or absence of flame;
- insufficient hot water production;
- the formation of scale in the heat exchanger.
If it is a device with an electronic control unit, necessary check the power supply. If it is absent, then the breakdown is easily eliminated on their own. In case of water leakage at the joints of fittings and tees, they must be selected. All other works, related to the violation of the integrity of gas equipment, can be performed only by specialists of the warranty service or gas service.
Gas instantaneous water heater - a guarantee of comfortable living in any home. The main thing, select device, which meets all performance characteristics and safety requirements, which is not so difficult given the wide range of such products on the market of heating systems.
