How to Choose a Water Heater

A water heater is a very necessary device for many regions at any time of the year. But how to choose it correctly? With so many options, it's hard to decide. What should you pay attention to, and which criteria are less important? Answers to these and many other questions are provided below.

Volumes

The first important criterion for choosing a water heater is its volume. Here you should focus on just a few points:

• number of people;
• number of connection points;
• duration of water procedures;
• presence of a bathtub.

With this small list of parameters, it will be much easier to understand how to choose a water heater online so that it fully meets your needs.

Up to 30 L. Such a water heater is suitable if you like a quick shower and live alone in a small space. It is also an ideal option for a dacha.

40-65 L. It will be enough for several connection points (for example, shower and sink) for a small family.

70-95 L. A water heater for those who love hot baths or for an average family of 3-4 people.

100-150 L. Suitable for large apartments where up to 6 people live. Designed for a large number of connection points.

More than 150 L. This is a solution for private houses. They have larger dimensions and, of course, consume much more electricity.

Water Heater Power

When choosing a water heater online or in a store, pay attention to its power. Standard values are as follows:

• small water heaters up to 30 L ‒ 1-1.5 kW;
• 50-80 L ‒ on average 1.6-2 kW;
• 100 L and more ‒ consume 2.1-3 kW.

It is better to find out in advance the voltage and condition of your electrical network to avoid unpleasant situations.

Heating speed is still simpler. The larger the volume of water, the longer the water heater takes to heat it. To reach a temperature of 80°C, it will take approximately 1 hour for small and 4 hours for large water heaters.

Electric Water Heater ‒ Heating Element, Anode, and Dimensions

A tubular electric heater (also known as a heating element or simply a boiler) can be dry or wet.

A dry heater is located in a special vessel and does not interact directly with water. This vessel prevents scale buildup and significantly extends the water heater's service life.

A wet heater directly contacts water, heating it. Accordingly, it collects scale faster, and there is a risk of electrical leakage (from the heater to the tank). However, such water heaters are significantly cheaper and easier to maintain.

Anode is simply a "magnet" for rust. It prevents scale from settling on the tank and requires regular replacement (approximately every 2 years). And when replacing the anode, you also perform cleaning of the tank and heating element.

It is better to determine the shape and size of the water heater in advance. Water heaters can be round (cylindrical) or rectangular. They can be mounted either on the wall or on the floor, depending on the size. Before purchasing a water heater, determine the installation location.

You should approach choosing a water heater seriously and consider all the listed criteria. But there is no need to worry — leading manufacturers of electric water heaters offer a wide variety to suit any taste. Moreover, you can always consult with a specialist to be more confident in your choice.