A comfortable life is not possible without hot water. If you have a large family, a standard water heater may not be enough. We will tell you how to choose a floor boiler for a house or apartment. What features are worth paying attention to and what to consider when buying.
Varieties and features of floor models
Most often, users install a flow or storage boiler. It can be mounted on the wall, built into the sink, in the cabinet. For a family of 3-4 people, a tank of 80-100 liters will be enough. In addition, you can choose the shape of the case: flat or round. But if you need to provide more people with hot water, the walls will not withstand the severity of a water heater. In this case, floor models are chosen.
Such water heaters can hold from 130 to 1000 liters. For household use, usually use no more than 200 liters. The rest will come in handy for commercial purposes.
Device and construction
When installing the tank, it should be borne in mind that the water supply is not from the bottom, as in suspended models, but from the side. The control panel is displayed on the front panel, and nozzles are attached to the rear.
In order for the case to stand stably, it has three legs: either are already attached, or they are included in the kit, and you need to fix them yourself.
According to the type of heating, gas and electric storage boilers are distinguished. There are also models of indirect heating, where the fuel is firewood, diesel.
The most popular are indirect and electric water heaters. Consider their structure and principle of operation.
Electric storage boiler
The basis of the design is the tank. Heating is carried out due to the heating element, temperature sensors monitor its strength, and the magnesium anode protects against corrosion. Inside the case is a stainless steel tank. Top it is covered with thermal insulation, which does not allow to lose temperature.
Manufacturers claim that such models last at least 20 years.
Most often, boilers are installed in catering places, sports complexes, sanatoriums, and families from 6 people. To accommodate such a large object, you need a separate room (basement, attic).
Interestingly, with all dimensions, the device economically consumes electricity. For example, a 500 liter product has a capacity of 5 kW. At the first start, you will have to wait 5-6 hours until the entire volume of water warms up. Further, the system maintains the set temperature.
Benefits:
- The stores offer a wide selection of models.
- Installation permission is not required.
Among the minuses, it is possible to distinguish the impossibility of the device when the power is turned off.
Indirect Water Heaters
An indirect boiler is a stainless steel tank. The case is made of heat-insulating materials. Inside the structure is a heat exchanger in the form of a spiral made of copper or brass. Inside the spiral is hollow, a fluid moves in it, which carries heat.
The difference between indirect and electric heater in the method of heating water. The indirect one works from the heating system - a double-circuit boiler is connected to it, with which heat is exchanged.
Wiring diagram:
The boiler can be combined. In summer, the room does not need heating, so it is replaced by a heater. In this case, an additional magnesium anode and associated sensors are located.
It works in two ways:
- Hydraulic. Two pumps are connected to the system: one for the heating system and one for the heating system. The design comes out very efficient, the work is regulated by sensors.
- Electronic. Modes and settings are changed using a relay.
Benefits:
- Does not create a load on the electrical network.
- It has high performance.
- Hot water flows immediately when the mixer is opened.
- Combination of heating options (can work from electric and solar energy).
- Work does not depend on water quality.
Disadvantages:
- The design together with the boiler takes up a lot of space.
- For installation you will need a separate room.
- Installation is made by professional masters.
Popular models of floor heaters
Now that you know the features of the operation of boilers, it remains to consider individual models and their manufacturers.
Drazice OKCE 250S / 2.2kW
Combined heater is convenient to use in winter and summer. Powered by heating and electricity. The main advantage of the Dražice brand equipment is the manufacture of the tank and flange from steel, which prevents galvanic corrosion. The inner walls are covered with enamel, which in combination with a magnesium anode extends the life of the equipment.
A 2.2 kW heating element in a protective flask made of steel is attached to the flange cover, which protects it from scale. Below the housing is a service hatch. With it, you can conveniently maintain and clean the container.
The volume of the drive is 250 liters. 65 mm polyurethane insulation allows maintaining the set temperature. The maximum power of the device during operation of the heat exchanger is 32 kW.
Water is supplied through the upper part of the housing. The control panel is equipped with a power indicator and a temperature controller from +3 to +80 degrees. Case dimensions: 58.4 × 150.8 × 58.4 cm, weight - 113 kg.
Price - from 43 000 rubles.
Protherm FS B500S
The official importer of Proterm equipment in Russia is the company Vailant Group Rus.
Indirect heating boiler is designed for 500 liters. He prepares hot water with the help of floor-standing cast-iron boilers. The inner surface of the product is covered with high-quality enamel, and the steel heat exchanger is located at the bottom. The device is capable of providing up to 59.21 liters of hot water per minute.
A magnesium anode is installed inside, which prevents corrosion of the tank. Polyurethane thermal insulation reduces heat loss to a minimum. Below is a service hatch. Case dimensions: 177.5x65x65 cm.
Cost - from 87 000 rubles.
Ariston Ti Tronic Industrial 300 STI
Ariston products are one of the most popular in Russia. Model Ti Tronic Industrial 300 STI is a 3 kW electric water heater. The tank capacity is 300 liters. Pressure type of work can provide several points of a fence.
Mechanical temperature control will help set the indicator to 75 degrees. The panel has an indication of turning on and heating. Inside the tank is covered with titanium enamel. One open type heating element, overheating protection, a magnesium anode, and a safety valve against overpressure were installed.
Included are legs for a stable installation. Dimensions: 182 × 62.5 × 56 cm, weight - 71 kg.
Price - from 44 000 rubles.
Thermex ER 150 V (combi)
Storage device combined type. The design involves the use of an electric heater and an alternative heat source. In terms of performance, Termex models are the best in their class.
The inner tank is coated with bio-glass porcelain. It allows you to maintain freshness and purity of water, protects the device from corrosion. The volume of the tank is 150 liters. In the summer, you can include a heater with a capacity of 1.5 kW. The mechanical temperature controller allows you to set the range from +3 to +74 degrees.
Additionally, the case is equipped with handles for easy carrying. Dimensions: 50 × 132.5 × 56.2 cm, weight - 62.6 kg.
Cost - from 20,000 rubles.
Baxi UBVT 200 DC
The steel body of the Baksi boiler inside received a titanium enamel coating. It holds up to 200 liters. The coil is also coated with enamel to avoid galvanic corrosion. The inspection hatch below is equipped with a window, so you can visually monitor the condition of the parts and determine the time of their descaling.
There is a built-in magnesium anode and thermometer. Thermal insulation made of polyurethane. The heat exchanger capacity reaches 36 kW. The maximum heating temperature is +65 degrees.
Case dimensions: 61 × 142.3 × 61 cm, weight - 90 kg.
Price - from 69 000 rubles.
We presented the pros and cons of different types of floor equipment, as well as the most interesting models. Make a choice based on the needs of the institution or your family, calculate the required capacity and displacement.