Expert: hard water significantly reduces the service life of a gas water heater

Column types

The energy source of the gas column is gas. When choosing equipment, first of all, you should pay attention to the technical characteristics, price and quality of the device. According to technical characteristics, gas water heaters are divided:

By power. The volume of heated water depends on it.
By the type of chimney.
By type of ignition.
By size.
For safety reasons.
For additional features.

Firm Neva is a domestic manufacturer. They produce quality products at an affordable cost. On the Internet, you can find a lot of positive reviews about this company. The assembly and accessories are at a high level. Firm Neva gives a 12-year warranty for the equipment. You will be able to service the gas water heater under warranty for 2 years.

A gas water heater is a dangerous device, so the choice must be taken very seriously. What to look for and how to choose the option that is optimal for your room, says Sergey Loktionov, a repairman for household gas equipment.

“Today, in any specialty store, you can see two types of geysers - automatic and semi-automatic,” says the expert. - The second ones in their essence resemble old Soviet-style speakers. This, of course, is not about levers and a wick that is lit from a match. Piezo ignition is built into modern semiautomatic devices - a spark is knocked out by pressing a button. By the way, the button can be left on, then the auxiliary burner will smolder constantly. It is enough just to turn on the tap to ignite the main one. This constant state of readiness is neither dangerous nor resource intensive. And the output is almost automatic mode. But the principle of operation of the automatic dispenser is different. It has built-in batteries. It is with their help that a spark is knocked out. The tap was opened - the burner ignited, closed - it went out. You don't need to light the wick like a semi-automatic, but you have to spend money on batteries. On average, they are enough for a year.

There is only a semiautomatic device in the bathroom!

Along with ease of use, there are some limitations for machines. In particular, they are not recommended for use in wet rooms, that is, they are not suitable for the bathroom.

The fact is that in such rooms steam constantly arises, which has a detrimental effect on all electrical parts of the device, in addition, the batteries will oxidize. Because of this, the device will use up its resource much earlier.

According to the expert, the machines are installed exclusively in the kitchen. And for the bathroom, semi-automatic devices with piezo ignition are more suitable. There are no electronics and batteries here, so moisture and steam are not terrible for such a column.

The more powerful the better?

One of the most important indicators that you need to pay attention to when choosing a geyser is thermal power. All units are divided into: low power columns - from 7 to 19 kW, medium - from 22 to 24 kW and high - from 28 to 30 kW.

- The volumetric flow rate of water also depends on the power. Therefore, it is easier to first decide on the flow rate, and then select the power depending on it, - advises Sergey Loktionov. - Consumption is calculated in liters of water, which the column is capable of heating to a certain temperature in one minute. On average, for a family of 1-2 people, with a small amount of water consumed, the productivity is 7 l / min. will be enough.For a house where 2-3 people live, you need 9 l / min; column with a productivity of 10-12 l / min. suitable for a family of 3-4 people; but the optimal indicator for five or more people is not less than 14-15 l / min.

When selecting the performance and power of the column, it is also necessary to take into account the water pressure in the pipe. If it is 5 liters per minute, then the column will not heat up more than this volume, it will only boil. With an overly powerful burner in the summer (when the water is already warm), it will heat up to such a high temperature that it will not be possible to use it.

According to the master, the average displacement volume of the column with a normal water pressure (and it is enough for a family of 3-4 people and two points of water intake - a bathroom and a kitchen) is 10-12 l / min, which corresponds to a power of 22-24 kW.

By the way, another option to determine the performance is to count the number of water intake points. It is estimated that one mixer is capable of handling about 6 liters per minute. If a gas water heater is selected for a small apartment where two mixers are installed - in the bathroom and in the kitchen, then in order to use them at the same time, you need a device with a capacity of at least 12 l / min. But for cottages, for example, where the mixer is located in the kitchen, two bathrooms and a shower, you will need a column with a displacement of at least 15-16 l / min. This parameter is usually indicated on a special plate on the product body or in the device passport.

From a security point of view

First you need to make sure that all the necessary conditions for the functioning of the gas water heater are met: effective supply ventilation, a properly working hood, a properly arranged chimney, and appropriate draft. This should be checked by specialists. The connection of the gas water heater must be entrusted to a master licensed to carry out such work. It is also necessary to pay attention to the protective devices built into the device.

- Now in all columns there is protection for overturning thrust, that is, a thrust sensor, - says Sergey Loktionov. - If the thrust is bad or even reverse, he turns off the column. It is good when there is also an overheating sensor. It is triggered in the event of a decrease in the water pressure. Semi-automatic devices have a thermocouple, which, proceeding from a burning wick, keeps the valve open. As soon as the wick goes out (blew out, the gas was turned off, and the person is not at home), then the thermocouple is no longer in the flame, it turns off the gas valve, the gas is shut off.

How long will it last?

The service life of the gas water heater depends primarily on the quality of the water. This, according to the master, is the most important thing that affects its durability. The harder the water, the faster the internal parts of the appliance wear out. Scale remains on the column heat exchanger parts and makes them unusable. Therefore, in the private sector, if water comes from a well without preparation, as in a central water supply network, it is recommended to purchase the cheapest gas water heater: there is no point in buying a more expensive option. The unit will still have to be changed pretty soon.

As for manufacturers, now there are a lot of them on the market - these are Chinese speakers, which occupy most of it, both European and domestic. In any case, the unit must be selected with such parameters that correspond to the exact room where it will be used. And, if the choice is made correctly, and all the connection conditions are met, then at the time of launch it will be immediately clear whether the device is working properly or not. The average service life of a gas water heater, if properly operated, is about 12-15 years.

power, kWt	When heated to 25 ° C from the original entering temperature
19	Up to 11.5 l / min.
24	Up to 14 l / min.
28	Up to 16 l / min.

Modern columns are equipped with sensors that turn off the gas supply in the event of a malfunction.But it is important to correctly calculate the power of the unit for your room.

Irina Marchenko

Advantages and disadvantages

Based on the technical characteristics and reviews about the Neva-4511 gas column, the following advantages can be distinguished:

Modern speaker design.
Acceptable price.
Ease of use.
Small size.
Works practically silently.
The column is equipped with a temperature indicator.
Inexpensive spare parts.
It is convenient to turn the column on and off.
A high-quality security system that meets all the requirements.
Temperature level and water flow can be adjusted.
Availability of service centers. Service and repair is available to everyone.

But the Neva-4511 column also has some disadvantages:

Low efficiency. Foreign manufacturers produce models with a higher efficiency value.
The bandwidth is low. If one tap is turned on in the house, then it is undesirable to turn on the other, since hot water will flow in the first.
The leaving water temperature cannot be controlled. If the water temperature at the inlet rises, then too hot water will flow from the tap.
If the water is of poor quality, then the heat exchanger will quickly become dirty.
To install the column, a dry wall with high-quality thermal insulation is required.
Periodic battery replacement is required.
Not everyone has a gas water heater for a long time. Since the service life is affected by the observance of all the rules of use, as well as the quality of the equipment assembly.

Device overview from: 6011

An excellent example of the aforementioned equipment is model 6011, which you can purchase for 12,400 rubles. This is a device with an automatic temperature maintenance function. The accuracy is achieved within 1 ° C.

The equipment is supplemented with a digital panel with mechanical buttons, thanks to which it is possible to control the device. The water temperature is shown on the display, with which you can see the fault code, if any. This geyser "Neva", reviews of which you can read below, has a self-diagnosis function. In addition, the manufacturer has implemented a security system that ensures a long service life.

Column ignition

The column can be kindled in different ways:

The most convenient and popular is electronic ignition. Columns with such ignition are slightly more expensive than others. But they are more reliable and economical. Most often, batteries are used as a battery.

In piezo ignition it is necessary to press the button on the panel to ignite the gas. In new models, this method is sometimes used.

In modern models, manual ignition is rarely found. Such columns are practically not produced.

Columns with microturbine ignition are quite expensive. In such models, the current is generated by a hydrodynamic generator that controls the water flow. These columns are easy to use. After opening the tap with water, the gas is ignited automatically. This results in significant gas savings.

Safety

Everyone knows that any gas equipment is dangerous. Therefore, for safe use, the gas water heater is equipped with various control sensors. If the fire goes out, the ionisation sensor automatically shuts off the gas supply.

With the help of a heating sensor, the temperature regime of the entire device and heating elements is monitored.

If the ionization sensor stops working, then the additional thermal sensor starts working.

At the moment when the water is drawn, it is necessary to turn on or off the gas supply. For this, a water pressure sensor is used. In modern models, they began to install a temperature change control sensor. In this model of the gas water heater, such sensors are not used.

To control the supply of gas or water to the column, a gas and water pressure sensor is used.

If the pressure rises in the system, the safety valves automatically shut off the gas and water supply.

How to ignite an electronic ignition device

Before turning on the column, it is necessary to ensure that there is an inflow of fresh air in the room, since oxygen is burned during operation. All Neva devices are manufactured regulated for a specific type and pressure of gas - natural G20, liquefied G30 with the corresponding pressure of 1.3 kPa and 2.9 kPa.

For example, consider how to light a Neva 4511 and Lux 5611 gas column with electronic ignition from 1.5V LR20 batteries (see also the article - why the Neva column does not light up here). These devices have continuous hydraulic flame modulation. The front panel is equipped with a viewing window, gas and water adjustment knobs, and a digital display.

To turn on, install the batteries in the battery compartment, first make sure that the contacts of the batteries and the battery compartment are not oxidized.

Neva Lux 4511

Open the shut-off valves upstream of the device. Then turn the tumblers to the minimum position. If the ignition occurs for the first time, or after a long period of inactivity of the device, it is necessary to remove air from the system. To do this, it is required to open and close the valve with water several times to continue ignition, since spark discharges last about seven seconds. After switching on, being careful not to get close to the viewing window, you need to make sure that the flame burns even, blue, without the yellow edges that appear if the burner is clogged.

The jet is adjusted with a handle, if the water supply has a low pressure, it should be set to the minimum position, while at the outlet of the device you will receive a small, medium amount of water. If the pressure inside the line is high and you need a lot of water, the regulator should be set to the maximum value. If, at a low head, you set the maximum value, then the column will go out, it can also go out if the valve is opened for a small flow. In order for it to light up again, you need to turn the regulator to the minimum position or increase the pressure of the jet.

The temperature can be adjusted with the gas control knob - the maximum position increases its flow rate and temperature of the outlet stream, the minimum - vice versa. In addition, the temperature of the outgoing jet can be adjusted by changing its flow rate with a hot water valve - opening it more strongly, the temperature will decrease, screwing it on, it will increase.

But it should be remembered that the resulting temperature is limited by the power of the device; at high flow rates, especially in winter, it may have an insufficient temperature.

When the jet control toggle switch is set to the minimum position, and the gas regulator to the maximum, the heat exchanger will overheat, the column will go out, as the overheating sensor is triggered. To turn on the device again, you need to close the hot water tap, then open it again. Reduce gas consumption or increase water consumption using toggle switches. Overheating of the heat exchanger leads to the formation of scale, noise during operation. This reduces the productivity of the device, reduces the outflow flow, therefore it is not recommended to dilute the hot stream with a cold one, as the service life of the device decreases. From user experience, the temperature should not be set higher than 60 degrees.

To turn off the unit, it is enough to close the tap, make sure that the main burner has gone out. If it turns off for a long time, close the shut-off gas, water valve.

Possible speaker malfunctions and how they can be eliminated

If you have a minor breakdown, then you can fix it yourself. Here is some of them:

After a short operation, the water heating device turns off. Low thrust is the reason.To do this, it is enough to clean the chimney. And it also does not hurt to check the connection of the gas outlet pipe. In the event of a malfunction, the connection must be sealed;
If water comes out with a temperature over 90 °. To eliminate such a problem, you need to lower the gas consumption, and, on the contrary, increase the water consumption. In this way, the desired inlet temperature can be achieved;
If the column does not start when you open the tap. To do this, you need to replace the batteries or check their installation;
Carbon build-up on the flame detector. It is necessary to clean it;
If the water pressure in the system is weak, then you should contact the utility service;
If there is not enough water, you need to adjust the flow rate;
If scale appears in the heat exchanger or filters are clogged, then it is necessary to clean it;
It is necessary to fully open the taps at the water inlet and outlet if they are partially open;
If, after opening the tap, the column does not start, but there is a spark. In this case, open the gas supply valve;
When you turn it on for the first time or after a long downtime, air often appears in the communications. To solve this problem, you can open the tap for a few seconds, then close and reopen it. This procedure can be carried out several times;
If no spark enters the gas stream. With such a problem, it is necessary to adjust the distance between the burner and the spark plug electrode.

Before using the Neva-4511 geyser, you must carefully study the attached instructions. It describes in detail all possible problems and how to fix them. In more difficult situations, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

The Neva-4511 column is an excellent inexpensive option that is produced in Russia. In addition, it has many positive aspects. For a small family, such a column is perfect.

Gas water heater Neva 5514 and Neva 4511

Gas water heater Neva. Today it is perhaps one of the most popular brands of instantaneous water heaters on the Russian market. It is worth noting this well-deserved success. The homeland of origin is Russia. The production of domestic gas instantaneous water heaters of the NEVA series is carried out by the "Armavir Gas Equipment Plant".

The plant is part of the concern of enterprises BaltGaz Group. The group specializes in the production of gas instantaneous water heaters, wall-hung boilers, Unigar atmospheric burners, as well as the manufacture of 8-liter and 11-liter heat exchangers. "Armavir Gas Equipment Plant" is considered one of the largest producers of gas equipment not only in Russia, but also in the CIS countries

The Neva gas water heater is designed to ensure uninterrupted supply of hot water both to apartments and to country houses. Water heaters Neva are capable of serving 2 points of draw-off at the same time. All serial columns are equipped with a copper heat exchanger manufactured using soldering in an oxygen-free environment using innovative technology.

The Neva gas water heater is equipped with 6 security systems. The column turns off automatically in any unforeseen circumstances. Such as the lack of water pressure or gas supply, poor draft or reaching water heating of the order of 90 ° C. The manufacturer sets the service life of the column at least 12 years.

Currently, the Neva Geyser is represented by a wide range of models: NEVA-4510 M, 4610, 4011, 4511, 5111, 5514, 5611, 6011, 6014. Today we will consider two of the most popular models from the NEVA family of water heaters.

Geyser Neva Neva Lux 5514 Characteristics:

Advantages of the model:

There is a flame sensor that monitors the operation of the pilot and main burners;
electronic control provides ignition and gas supply
There is a plug for draining water from the heat exchanger, preventing the column from freezing;
The presence of a safety valve to protect the water heater from high water pressure;
The first thermostat ensures that the column is turned off in the absence of draft in the chimney;
The second thermostat turns off the device when the water in the heat exchanger overheats more than 90 ° C.
Gas is supplied to the main burner only in the presence of a flame, which corresponds to the ionization sensor;
The gas supply is blocked to the main burner when the water flow stops.
Easy to operate with one handle

Gas water heater Neva 4511 Characteristics:

Advantages of the model:

One of the smallest in the range, fits perfectly into small spaces
The presence of an ionization sensor ensures that the gas is blocked in the event of an unexpected flame break.
No permanent ignition flame
The gas will automatically light up as soon as you open the tap with water.
Automatic ignition from batteries, display, water-cooled combustion chamber.
Standard chimney diameter 120 mm - fits most air ducts.
Affordable price in economy class
gas control system
thrust sensor
ability to work at low water pressure

Gas water heater Neva - Scheme:

Sales of NEVA water heaters are accompanied by a wide network of service centers throughout the country, which characterizes the manufacturer as responsible for its products. The geyser Neva has no problems with the supply of spare parts.

A distinctive feature of all models is affordability in the price range, ease of use, and laconic design. BaltGaz Group's modern production methods place products on a par with well-known brands.

Dear ladies and gentlemen, if you have experience of owning Neva water heaters, positive or negative, we ask you to leave a short review. Perhaps your review will help in choosing a future owner.