Having revolutionized the world of domestic comfort, the water heater remains an indispensable element if you want to fully enjoy your bath or shower. Electric, gas, or solar, the models are now many and varied. To find the right water heater for your needs and budget, we invite you to read this guide.
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Our selection
"The Atlantic 022130 water heater will be perfect for an apartment with a low ceiling height. You can even install it in a closet because…"
"This Aquamarin electric water heater has a 50 L stainless steel silicon tank. Its heating body allows it to heat water to a temperature of…"
"The Thermor Steatite Standard 300 L is a single-phase water heater. You can transform it into a three-phase water heater with a kit. Its steatite…"
"With a power of 24 kW, the Stiebel Eltron DHB24ST is an instantaneous hydraulic water heater. It offers 3 temperatures for hot water and allows…"
The Atlantic 022130 water heater will be perfect for an apartment with a low ceiling height. You can even install it in a closet because of its small size.
See priceThe Atlantic 022130 water heater is small enough to fit in a closet. At only 57 cm in diameter and 176.5 cm in height, you can enjoy it even if your living space is quite small, especially if you live in an apartment.
Easy to connect, this 65 kg water heater offers a power of 3,000 W, which allows it to provide water very quickly. This device can hold up to 300 L of water, with a heating time of about 6 hours, enough to supply hot water to a family of more than 5 people. Very resistant, it is an IP25 rated equipment.
This Aquamarin electric water heater has a 50 L stainless steel silicon tank. Its heating body allows it to heat water to a temperature of up to 75°C.
See priceThe Aquamarin electric water heater is suitable for a family of 4 people. It has a capacity of 50 L. The heating capacity of this device reaches more than 90% thanks to a very efficient and versatile thermal insulation. With this compact water heater, you can keep domestic hot water for 48 hours after shutdown.
Very secure and resistant, this boiler is designed with a safety valve, a safety thermostat, a wall bracket and a temperature indicator. Its tank is protected with 2 layers of enamel with an anti-scale coating.
The Thermor Steatite Standard 300 L is a single-phase water heater. You can transform it into a three-phase water heater with a kit. Its steatite resistance is protected from limescale.
See priceThe Thermor Steatite Standard 300 L water heater can provide a large amount of hot water. This should make it easy to provide hot water for the whole family. In case of replacement, there is no need to drain the water. Indeed, the anti-scale soapstone resistance is inserted in a sleeve that prevents direct contact with water.
Very hygienic, the inner lining is made of vitrified enamel and the body of the heater is enamelled. Delivered with a ¾ dielectric connection, this boiler is protected from limescale and offers clean and hygienic water to the whole house both in the bathroom or in the kitchen.
With a power of 24 kW, the Stiebel Eltron DHB24ST is an instantaneous hydraulic water heater. It offers 3 temperatures for hot water and allows to save 20% of water and energy.
See priceWith a power of 24 kW, this hydraulic water heater allows to heat water according to 3 temperature settings: 35, 45 and 55 °C. The resistance heats the water until the desired temperature is reached. It can also adjust the temperature individually by mixing with cold water.
This equipment is very economical, saving up to 20% of water and electricity thanks to the hydraulic system. The other major advantage of the Stiebel Eltron DHB24ST is the convenience of maintaining the selected hot water temperature. The power switching does not cause any temperature fluctuation, which allows for a shower without cold shocks.
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Atlantic 022130 - 300 L
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Aquamarin - Electric water heater - 50 L
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Thermor Steatite Standard - 300 L
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Stiebel Eltron DHB24ST
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The Atlantic 022130 water heater will be perfect for an apartment with a low ceiling height. You can even install it in a closet because of its small size.
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This Aquamarin electric water heater has a 50 L stainless steel silicon tank. Its heating body allows it to heat water to a temperature of up to 75°C.
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The Thermor Steatite Standard 300 L is a single-phase water heater. You can transform it into a three-phase water heater with a kit. Its steatite resistance is protected from limescale.
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With a power of 24 kW, the Stiebel Eltron DHB24ST is an instantaneous hydraulic water heater. It offers 3 temperatures for hot water and allows to save 20% of water and energy.
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Small size and easy to install
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Sturdy and safe
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300 L capacity
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3 temperature settings
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Power of 3,000 W
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50 L stainless silicon tank
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Protected from limescale
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Saves 20% water and energy
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Capacity of 300 L
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Capable of storing hot water for 48 hours
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Provides hot water for the bathroom and kitchen
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Provides instant heat
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Each water heater is equipped with a hot water tank, the term for its reservoir. Choose the size of the tank according to your daily needs and the number of people who will use it. For a couple, a 50-liter tank is more than enough. Note that this is the minimum capacity of a water heater.
If there are many people in the family or if you want to supply the whole house with hot water (bathroom and kitchen), opt for 200-litre water heaters that will cover all your needs.
When it comes to supply, there are three types of water heaters:
In most cases, users must adjust the temperature of the water coming out of the faucet at the mixing valve. However, the most advanced water heaters incorporate three temperature levels. This way, the water in the tank stays at the desired temperature and you don't have to juggle hot and cold water taps to get the right balance.
In electric or gas heaters, you can get the instant heat option. In practice, this means that if others have used up all the hot water in the tank before you, the unit will instantly heat up the cold water coming in so you can enjoy your little comfort.
Models with an insulated tank can keep the water hot for up to 48 hours. This is a popular option for people who live alone or in pairs, as it allows them to turn on the water heater only once every couple of days.
Most water heaters have resistors or plates that heat the water inside the tank. Because the heat-liquid combination is the ideal ingredient for rust to appear, you should bet on materials that are resistant to it. Stainless silicon is recommended if you choose a water heater that is not equipped with anti-scale protection.
An essential element of our daily life, the water heater will cover our needs in domestic hot water. Also called hot water tank or cumulus, the electric water heater works most of the time with accumulation, which means that it does not heat water continuously but accumulates a quantity of hot water for the daily needs.
It consists of a heating system, a resistance, an enamel tank in a steel structure, a control thermostat and a system to prevent corrosion. The water heater works on the principle of stratification. First, cold water under pressure enters either through the side, base or top of the tank. Then it is heated by the elements.
Then it rises to the top of the tank because the density of the cold water is greater than that of the hot water. The hot and cold water do not mix, which will create "strata" or layers. It is this physical phenomenon that gives rise to the name stratification. Once the hot water in the top of the tank is used, it is replaced under pressure by cold water. And it will be the turn of the latter to be heated afterwards.
Thermostats are located at the top and bottom of the tank to keep the hot water at the right temperature. The ideal temperature is between 60 and 65 degrees Celsius. The elements in need are activated at the same time. As for the insulation around the tank, it keeps the water hot in the tank until the next use.
In short, the device heats the cold water it contains, then the water becomes lighter and rises in the tank. This is called the stratification principle.
The operation of the electric water heater is well known. It is the most common system. It can be found in most homes. There are two types of water heaters: the instantaneous water heater and the storage water heater. With the first type, you only have hot water when you need it. With the storage water heater, there is always a supply of hot water in reserve. It is recommended for households with several users. You only need to be prepared for its installation, as it takes up a lot of space unlike the instantaneous water heater.
Solar energy heats the water that is already available in the water heater tank. This installation requires solar panels to do so. This equipment covers up to 80% of a household's needs. However, it is not able to replace the electric water heater and is only used as a back-up hot water supplier. In any case, it is environmentally friendly. If its purchase price and installation costs can be high, the consumption is lower. This makes it the most economical solution.
The gas water heater can produce water instantaneously or by accumulation. So the only difference is the energy source. Here you have the advantage of reducing electricity expenses. However, the price of this gas equipment is relatively more expensive.
The electric water heater is safer in the home. This system does not need to be connected to a gas line. Therefore, no special precautions are required for its installation. It is also more energy efficient because the electrical source is entirely renewable. Thus, the electric water heater lasts longer, unlike the gas water heater. In addition, it is easier to handle, because you only need to pressurize the tank and then turn it on.
The disadvantages of the electric water heater are that it uses more electricity. With an electric water heater installed, you will have a higher electricity bill compared to a gas water heater. In addition, its heating time is slower. If there is a high demand and the hot water runs out, it will take longer to produce hot water.
It is an electric water heater coupled with a heat pump which is more economical and ecological. The thermodynamic water heater can provide all your hot water needs. The thermodynamic water heater can operate at temperatures as low as -15°C. In addition, it contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions. Interestingly, the thermodynamic water heater can save up to 70% on your annual energy bills.
However, you should keep in mind that a thermodynamic water heater also has its drawbacks. It emits annoying noises that can disturb those around you. It lasts less long (7 years on average) than its electric counterpart. On the other hand, you cannot install it everywhere in your room, because it requires frequent monitoring.
It is better to choose a thermodynamic water heater with which you can obtain hot water more easily without having to carry out regular maintenance. However, you should choose an electric water heater because it is very simple and straightforward to install.
To have hot water at all times
Water heaters are systems for producing domestic hot water. They are essential for your comfort. They use gas, electricity or solar energy to heat water that is stored in a tank. The hot water is then distributed from the different drawing points in your home. Your hot water needs will therefore be completely met.
To save space
Water heaters are currently available in different types and shapes. For example, you can find flat water heaters. They can therefore be placed anywhere, according to your needs and the layout of your space. In addition, water heaters are perfectly silent appliances that will not disturb your sleep.
To save energy
You can find solar water heaters on the market. These models use the sun's energy to heat the water that is stored in the tank. Often used as a backup system, they save you money because they consume less than electric and gas models, and you won't have to store fuel at home or use it for other purposes.
To save on the EDF bill
Modern water heaters are predisposed to be energy efficient. You can increase your savings on the electricity bill by plugging in your water heater at night. This way, you benefit from the off-peak rate. Solar water heaters, for example, can reduce your electricity bill by up to 50% and you can turn off the boiler during the summer.
To enhance the value of your property
Installing a water heater in your home, especially those using renewable energy, increases its value. It's an investment in comfort and that's what everyone wants. So, if you ever want to sell, your property will fetch a much higher price than a house without a water heater.
Lower the thermostat.
Many manufacturers set the thermostats on their water heaters at 60°C, but the body's normal temperature tolerance is about 42°C. Remember to set the temperature before you get under the water. Lowering the temperature will reduce the risk of scalding, and it will also slow down mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes.
Fix leaky faucets.
A
leaky faucet may seem like a minor nuisance, but it can waste water and money in a very short
time.
Fix any leaky faucet immediately.
Drain the tank.
Drain
your water heater every year or so. Draining helps remove sediment that can impede heat transfer and ultimately reduce the efficiency of the unit. While this is a relatively easy procedure, always be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, read the owner's manual carefully.
Insulate the pipes.
In
addition to insulating the tank itself, consider adding insulation to the hot and cold water pipes connected to the unit. This will prevent fire hazards and help conserve heat, so your system doesn't have to work too hard.
Install a timer.
Don
't waste electricity, install a timer to your traditional water heater. That way, it will only turn on when you use it. If the water heater you purchased does not have a timer, consider installing one.
The volume of the water heater is an important selection criterion. For a couple or a family of two, the capacity varies from 50 to 160 L. On average, an adult consumes 50 L of water per day, 80 L for the most demanding. An adult living with a child will need 75 to 105 L of hot water. If you are two adults, you will need between 100 and 160 L of water.
Generally, the life span of a water heater is 10 years. However, some models may reach the end of their life sooner than expected, for various reasons: the appliance is becoming too energy-consuming, it no longer heats your water as it used to, you installed it more than ten years ago... You will be able to fix the breakdowns, leaks and minor failures yourself.
The life span of a water heater is entirely dependent on the frequency of maintenance, the quality of the materials and inner mechanisms, the brand, but also the technology used. To avoid the risk of premature ageing, it is recommended to always check the water hardness and to clean your equipment regularly.
A connected water heater works in the same way as other types of connected thermal devices. It communicates wirelessly with your smartphone, PC or tablet via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection technology. Install the specific app dedicated to it and control the water heater remotely. Wherever you are, you no longer need to intervene on its casing to start it, stop it, adjust the temperature, etc.
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