Water heaters: the ally of your comfort
The water heater is an indispensable element in a household, providing hot water. It cannot be dissociated from the comfort of living in a home.
Electric, thermodynamic, solar or gas, the range of choices is wide and suits all budgets. Find out everything you need to know about this appliance here.
What is a water heater used for?
This appliance is mainly used to produce domestic hot water. It allows you to enjoy the comfort of hot water, whether for showering or cooking.
Its operating principle is simple: cold water is heated in a tank by a resistance, gas burners or renewable energy. It is then stored in a tank so that you have a reserve of domestic water and can use hot water at any time.
The different types of water heaters
Before buying this type of appliance, it is important to know the different models that exist in order to be able to choose the one that best suits our needs
There are 4 main water heating systems
Electric water heater
The electric water heater is a device that must be connected to an electric current to heat water from a resistance. It can operate either instantaneously or by accumulation.
The instantaneous water heater only produces hot water on demand, i.e. only when you need it. It is ideal for small homes or for people whose hot water needs are very low (couples, singles, etc.). The advantage of this type of model is that it is inexpensive, takes up less space and is easy to maintain.
The storage model has an electric hot water tank to store a quantity of hot water at the right temperature. It allows the whole house to be supplied with hot water. This appliance is ideal for large families. It has the advantage of being able to access hot water at any time.
Gas water heaters
The gas water heater works with gas burners. It must be connected to a butane/propane gas cylinder or connected to the public natural gas network
It also operates in two ways: instantaneous and storage. It should be noted that this model of water heater can be interesting insofar as it allows for a good water supply.
Thermodynamic water heaters
This type of appliance combines a heat pump and a hot water tank. The energy that makes it work is that of the air that is recovered by the heat pump and used to heat the water
However, the air temperature must be 5°C for the thermodynamic system to work. Otherwise, the system must use an electric resistance.
Solar water heater
This type of device uses the energy of the sun to produce hot water. It is a photovoltaic system installed on the roof of the house that heats the water in a tank thanks to green and renewable energy. This type of device limits energy consumption.
Why choose an electric model?
The advantages of the electric water heater are numerous and make it the best choice for obtaining domestic hot water. It is adaptable to all types of housing and to varying needs in terms of consumption
Depending on how the appliance works, you can have instant hot water for your occasional needs. In this way, you can manage your hot water consumption and save on your electricity bill.
If you choose the storage model, you can have hot water all day long and even in the event of a power failure, you have a reserve of heated water. In addition, with this type of appliance, you have several capacities ranging from 50 to 300 litres of water.
Moreover, the electric water heater is easy to install. All you have to do is connect it to a water supply and a piping system for the hot water discharge and plug it into a power outlet
It does not require much maintenance, but does require some periodic checks to ensure that it is working properly.
Finally, it is sold at competitive prices on the market and is accessible to all budgets.
Installation of a water heater
Whatever type of water heater you choose, it is always advisable to call on a professional for the installation of a water heater.
Only he will be able to install your electric tank in the proper manner, according to its dimensions and size: vertical or horizontal water heater, according to the standards to be respected (distance between the water heater and a water point, flow rate and water temperature test, etc.)
It is also important to have it serviced by a professional who will be able to maintain your hot water tank correctly. A well-maintained electric water heater limits heat loss and energy consumption and maximises the longevity of the appliance.
What to do in case of a breakdown?
Smelly water, reduced water flow, annoying noises in the hot water tank when you turn it on, or water that takes too long to heat up – these are common signs of a broken water heater.
Before considering replacing your heater, call in a professional to carry out a repair. They will be able to carry out the necessary repairs and maintenance to get your water heater back in working order.
This may involve replacing a part of your appliance, maintaining your water heater or simply adjusting the water temperature. After a diagnosis, the professional will be able to solve your problem in no time.
