Choosing the right hot water tank:
Domestic hot water represents approx. 12.8% of the energy bill of a house (source Ademe).
Choosing the right water heater is therefore important for your comfort... but also for your wallet!
It will be determined according to their domestic water consumption habits, the number of people in the household, the number of rooms equipped with a water point, their region and of course their budget...
The electric water heater:
The operation of an electric water heater is simple: the cold water in the tank is heated using a resistance. Connected to the water network, it distributes hot water to the various water points; kitchen, laundry room, bathrooms.
It works most of the time with accumulation, that is to say that it does not heat the water continuously but accumulates a quantity of hot water for daily needs. It consists of an enamel tank in a steel structure, a heating system, a resistance, a regulation thermostat and a system intended to prevent corrosion.
In this studio realized a few years ago, the electric balloon is hidden in the cupboard located above the bathroom. We took advantage of a ceiling height of more than 3 meters.
The lifespan of a water heater depends, among other things, on the type of water in the region in which you are (more or less aggressive, scaling, etc.). Indeed, the quality of the water can vary according to the regions, but also according to the seasons or exceptional climatic events.
The most common and cheapest model of water heater is the one whose resistance is immersed in water. It's the armored water heater. The resistance is very resistant to corrosion, but very little to limestone. It is preferable to combine it with a water softener, especially in regions where the water is very calcareous.
It is advisable to descale the tank every two years. High scale deposits can increase energy consumption!
Le soapstone water heater is equipped with a resistance called steatite protected by a sheath. The resistance is not in direct contact with water and the deposit of limestone is therefore very low. Its use is recommended in regions where the water is very calcareous. It requires less maintenance than the armored water heater.
The water can also attack the steel of the tank which quickly corrodes and ends up being pierced. A ACI water heater hybrid, in addition to having a steatite resistance, contains, in the center of the tank, a titanium anode covered with magnesium. Thanks to the action of a direct current, magnesium is permanently projected onto the walls, where it creates a protective barrier. This barrier is then held in place by the chemical action of the titanium anode. This hybrid ACI technology durably protects water heaters against aggressive water. The water heater thus has a longer lifespan than conventional water heaters. However, the anode, which protects the tank from corrosion, must be replaced every 5 to 10 years.
The extra-flat ball:
The principle of the extra-flat tanks is the same as that of the classic storage water heater but it is easier to integrate into small surfaces. This is its main advantage! I very often install them in small Parisian apartments!
Here, the balloon has been placed vertically above a suspended toilet bowl.
he can be installed vertically, But also to the horizontal which can be practical in some cases!
I placed one in the upper part of the kitchen cabinets of this small apartment, where it is less convenient to store things! The cupboard is completely removable so that the ball can be repaired or changed if necessary.
Such a water heater relies on continuous charging of the tank. It is therefore not necessary to opt for an electricity supply with the option of peak hours/off-peak hours, nor to install a day/night contactor.
Some models are connected. They can be controlled remotely, which allows energy savings of up to 10%.
The thermodynamic water heater:
It is a device that incorporates a heat pump in addition to an electrical resistance.
The heat pump recovers heat from the air to heat the domestic water. This solution is particularly economical, the air being free and infinitely renewable!
In addition, this equipment consumes little electricity: you can save up to 75% energy saving compared to a conventional electric balloon. These days...it's interesting!
A thermodynamic water heater can be installed in an apartment or in a house...
If we are in an apartment, you can opt for a model that extracts the air from the outside. The installation of an outdoor air model can be done in any room that is not considered a living room; an entrance, a laundry room, a bathroom, for example.
There is also a split model, but it will be necessary to place the heat pump outside, which may be less simple. The tank can be placed in a room such as a laundry room, a bathroom, a hallway, etc.
In co-ownership, it is necessary, as in the case of air conditioning, to have the agreement of the co-ownership before undertaking this type of work.
In the case of'a detached house, it's easier ; You can choose any water heater configuration: on ambient air, on outside air or split. Be careful though; Models that extract ambient air must be placed in an unheated room, but at a temperature of at least 5°C (a basement or a garage, for example) and whose volume is equal to or greater than 20m3 to ensure proper operation of the heat pump.
The thermodynamic water heater is economical and ecological. It meets the RT 2012 for new housing. It does not release any greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It may be eligible for the energy transition tax credit as part of a renovation (note: inquire before purchase, conditions may change).
It is a little more expensive than an electric water heater. The fan in the water heater can be noisy on some models. If the device is installed near a bedroom, the noise may disturb the occupants.
It should be noted that water heaters also exist with other energy sources: gas or solar energy.
