Household gas water heater Neva: how to choose the right reliable model for home use

Among the huge variety of water heating equipment, it can be quite difficult for the average consumer to choose the right model for their home. Knowledge of the basic principle of operation of devices, technical characteristics and design features will help to deal with this difficult issue. Together with experts from the online magazine Seti.guru, we’ll look at what a Neva gas water heater is, the criteria for choosing water heating devices, and a detailed overview of the model range.

Gas water heater Neva 4511

About company

The history of the Gazapparat enterprise began in 1945, when gas deposits were discovered near Saratov. This was the impetus for the construction of a plant for the production of gas equipment. At first, gas stoves and stove burners were made here. Later they began to produce water heaters, which were constantly improved and modernized.

The speakers are a worthy competitor to imported analogues. The equipment of the Russian plant can operate in a wide variety of climatic conditions. The company's products are imported to the countries of Europe, Africa, and Asia.

When a Neva gas water heater is used, its purpose

Despite the fact that many modern houses have a centralized supply of hot water, domestic gas water heaters have not lost their relevance. Such equipment provides comfortable living conditions for many ordinary people. Instantaneous heaters allow you to use hot water for domestic needs at any time convenient for consumers and do not depend on the work of municipal utilities.

Among the huge number of imported and domestic geysers on the market, it is worth highlighting Neva brand devices. The products are manufactured at the Russian enterprise Gazapparat, are equipped with modern automation and have high build quality. All models are designed taking into account the operating characteristics of domestic gas and water mains, which ensures uninterrupted operation of the equipment.

Design

Structurally, the Neva columns are:

Flow-through. They are compact - small dimensions are achieved due to the absence of a storage tank. Such devices are suitable for small, well-ventilated rooms. The productivity of flow devices is low. If a flow column is purchased to serve several water intake points, you will have to choose a version with high power.

Flow-type devices are often chosen by apartment owners.

Cumulative. They have impressive dimensions. Tank capacity - 50–500 l. It contains a supply of heated water. Effective thermal insulation prevents it from cooling down. To use hot water, you do not need to start the device every time. Storage columns are equipped with efficient heat exchangers.

The disadvantage of such water heaters is their size - due to their large dimensions, they have to be installed in special rooms, in basements or attics. Such devices are usually purchased for private homes. If the consumer chooses the Neva 4511 storage type version, the weight of the water tank should be taken into account - a concrete base will have to be prepared.

What should the water pressure be?

Normal operation of water heaters requires a certain pressure in the water pipes:

• minimum - if it is below the set value, the launch will not occur;
• the maximum is what the heat exchanger can withstand.

The first parameter is especially important for flow-through versions: they will not turn on if the pressure is insufficient and there will be no hot water. This characteristic is especially important for residents of older houses with worn-out systems, where the pressure is often low. Such buyers need to choose options with a minimum threshold of no more than 0.15 bar.

No less important is the maximum value that the device can withstand. In the water supply system there are water hammers, leading to short-term increases in pressure. Such situations can lead to rupture of the coolant. Experts recommend buying devices that can withstand 11–12 bar.

Burner

The burner is the most important element of the water heater. In Neva equipment it is made of high-quality steel, which ensures reliability and a long service life. It is ignited by automatic ignition, which runs on batteries. Many versions have a flame modulation system, which allows you to set the desired temperature and maintain it for a long time.

Built-in safety sensors automatically extinguish the burner in the event of a malfunction of the device. Automatic ignition occurs when the tap with hot liquid is turned on. When turned off, the flame goes out.

During normal operation of the heater, the flame on the burner is blue. If yellow tints or soot appear, it should be cleaned. For this:

1. The equipment turns off and the gas supply is cut off. It is disassembled and the burner is removed.
2. A brush is used to remove soot and dust from the outer surface, and a special brush is used to clean the inside.
3. Wipe the nozzle and collector with a damp cloth. It is also important to clean the electrodes and their contacts.

The burner itself is washed with soapy water and dried well. After this procedure, the column is put back together, the contacts are checked, gas is supplied, and the system is started.

We recommend an article on the topic! Technical characteristics of geysers BaltGaz.

Ignition type

Neva water heaters have the following ignition type:

1. Manual. To turn on the column, the user has to press the ignition button and bring the fire to the igniter. Old models made in the last century are equipped with this ignition method. This is an inconvenient, and most importantly, unsafe way to launch. In addition, this is an uneconomical option: the wick burns constantly, wasting gas.
2. Piezo ignition. This method of ignition, for example, is in modification 3208. The fire is activated by pressing a button. The first ignition of the wick is done manually - to do this, press two buttons at once: gas and piezo ignition. In the future, to start the device, you only need to open the tap - the igniter will ignite the main burner and a hot stream will appear at the outlet. The disadvantage of this type of ignition is the constant burning of the igniter.
3. Electric ignition. Instead of a wick, a source of electricity is used, which is powered by batteries. This method allows you to save gas. This type of ignition is available for models 4511, 5011 and 5014.

Electric ignition is the most modern and convenient way to start. Automatic ignition can be volatile or non-volatile. The first option is bad because if there is a power outage, the device will not be able to start - the user, along with the power outage, will also lose hot water. The most reliable and convenient way is to power it from batteries; the main thing is to have spare ones on hand.

Characteristics of NEVA 4511

The water heater is similar to model 4510 in terms of ignition type, color design, and the presence of an LCD display. But the power and performance are different: 21 kW and 11 l/min. In addition, the copper heat exchanger here is slightly larger than in the previous heater. It is made without tin and lead.

The manufacturer himself calls model 4511 a bestseller. However, some buyers regret the purchase. People don’t like the rapid wear of parts and possible interruptions in the operation of the column. Among the advantages, users cite compact size, reliability, and the ability to regulate the water temperature.

How to choose power

The capabilities of the water heater depend on the power - the more powerful it is, the better it heats the water. If the power is low, the device will not be able to provide hot water to several points.

Columns are usually divided into:

• low-power - 17–20 kW;
• medium - 20–26 kW;
• powerful - 26–28 kW.

Low-power versions are taken for one water intake point. If hot water is required in the kitchen and bathroom, medium power is needed. So, for 2-3 points, Neva Lux 5011 or 5014 is suitable. To provide 3-4 points, you will need a powerful version. The more powerful the modification, the higher its cost.

General description of the model range

Neva water heaters operate from natural and liquefied gas. The body of gas models is made of copper. The burner is ignited by automatic ignition, which is powered by AA batteries.

Neva models are equipped with safety sensors, which makes using the device safe and convenient. Thanks to these small devices, the gas supply is regulated, which makes the dispenser economical in fuel consumption.

Depending on the power, Neva water heaters are capable of heating from 6 to 14 liters of cold liquid in a minute to a temperature of at least 25 degrees. Many gas models are equipped with a temperature support system. Some Neva speakers have the ability to connect 2 taps at once, so hot water is used in 2 places (for example, kitchen, bathroom) at the same time. The display on the body shows the selected heating temperature.

Thanks to high-quality cladding materials, you cannot get burned on the column. Some gas equipment has a color design, there is a pattern on the heater body.

To choose a water heater, it is important to consider:

• the required volume of heating water, the power of the apparatus;
• water heating speed;
• number of water intake points;
• column mount;
• sizes, design.

The combustion chamber

produces water heaters with both types of fireboxes - closed and open. In the first case, forced draft is used, in the second - natural.

A coaxial chimney is connected to models with a closed chamber. Its design allows for the simultaneous removal of gases and the supply of combustion air. Open chambers involve the absorption of air from the room. Such modifications require a traditional chimney.

Versions with open fireboxes are installed in rooms that meet safety requirements:

• area from 8 m²;
• effective ventilation system made of heat-resistant material.

Type of combustion products removal

Atmospheric speakers are available for sale.
They discharge combustion waste directly into chimneys. The branded range of NEVA speakers is represented by VPG models from series 10 to 14, in various modifications.

Turbine columns are not connected to the chimney; they take oxygen for combustion from outside and throw combustion products there. They are intended for installation on any floor of a building in houses without chimneys. The higher price is justified by the ease of their use, since chimneys are much more expensive to build.

Safety system

The basis for the safety of gas equipment is a well-thought-out emergency protection system. The manufacturer has equipped all modifications of Neva gas water heaters with sensors that monitor the operation of the device and ensure its safe operation. Protection is provided by the following elements:

• Sensors: flame; water pressure; temperature control.
• Safety valve.
• Thermal relay.

Sensors that monitor temperature changes are installed on improved versions of the Neva Lux boilers 4513 and 4514. These elements allow you to change the water temperature if water intake points are connected or disconnected.

Speaker manufacturer information

The Baltic Gas Company (BaltGaz Group) has been operating since 1995. Today the concern is the Russian market leader in the development, production and sale of gas water heaters and boilers.

The group includes two large plants: St. Petersburg Gazapparat and Armavir Gas Plant. equipment." The concern sells finished equipment and spare parts wholesale and retail to household and industrial consumers. Sales points are open in more than 1,500 settlements in the Russian Federation and neighboring countries. The number of authorized service centers is more than 400.

BaltGaz Group products combine Russian engineering experience and advanced European technologies. Gas water heaters are produced under the Neva and Neva Lux brands (NEVA and NEVA LUX). The quality of their workmanship and the level of environmental safety meet international standards, and the price is lower than that of foreign analogues.

Model overview

Let's look at the best models.

Neva 4511

Atmospheric type water heater. Power - 21 kW. Suitable for 2 water intake points, no more. This is the most compact version in the entire series, and it is the one that is most suitable for tight spaces. Approximate price - 9,000 rubles. Control is mechanical. Ignition is from batteries.

Specifications:

Neva 6014

Judging by functionality, technical characteristics and safety, this is perhaps the best speaker in the entire model line. The case is made in hi-tech style. Color: steel gray. Having a lot of advantages, it has a moderate price - about 14,000 rubles. It is full of automation, which makes use simple, convenient and safe. It is easy to install, as it has modest dimensions and light weight.

Technical specifications:

Main advantages:

• multi-stage protection system;
• digital display;
• battery level indicator;
• water cooling system near the combustion chamber.

Neva 5514

This is one of the most powerful modifications of the brand. It features a technologically advanced design and simple, intuitive controls. Easy to install, suitable for any interior. It has modest dimensions and light weight. Operation at extremely low water pressure is possible - start-up occurs at 0.1 bar. Smooth temperature control eliminates the possibility of burns.

Performance characteristics:

Advantages:

• viewing window allowing you to monitor the operation of the burner;
• automatic combustion control - when the fire goes out, the system turns off;
• 2-stage flame modulation;
• ease of repair - easy to purchase spare parts.

Neva 4510 and 4510 M

Inexpensive modification with a flat body and an aluminum heat exchanger. This is the cheapest model from Gazapparat. Russian development and Chinese components. Battery ignition. 4510 M is an improved version, this is also an automatic dispenser, but it is more compact and has a copper heat exchanger.

Model 4510 Features:

Advantages:

• low cost - about 6,000 rubles;
• accessible and inexpensive spare parts;
• small sizes;
• 2 years warranty;
• work at minimum water pressure;
• service centers in all regions.

Flaws:

• no power modulation;
• unreliable heat exchanger (4510);
• low quality components.

Transit VPG-10E

Flow type device, with an open firebox. Works on any type of gas. Approximate price - 7,300 rubles. Parameters and design features:

Heater design and cost

The manufacturer produces Neva geysers in two main colors - white and metallic. There is also the NEVA 4510 G (Glass) series. The front panel of these water heaters is made of tempered glass. It can be painted with laconic flowers or decorated with a bright, realistic image of a waterfall, a spikelet field, lilacs, or a city landscape.

Attention! The main models are presented on the Neva geysers website. There is also an online store of the manufacturer BaltGaz, where water heaters of the NEVA 4510 G (Glass) series are sold in a different design. The front glass panel features raspberries or water drops.

The model range includes economy class speakers, as well as luxury options. The cost is affected by the characteristics of the heater. The most inexpensive is NEVA 4508 (RUR 6,500). Within 8 thousand rubles. cost 4510 and 4510 R, as well as Neva 4510 Glass and Neva 4511 Glass. The most expensive speakers are NEVA 4510T, 4511, 4511 R, 4513 R, 5514 (from 9 to 13 thousand rubles).

Attention! Previously, the series included models 4510 M, 4513 M, as well as Neva 10 and Neva 11. They are now out of production.

Service

An important advantage of the Neva and Neva Lux devices is a replaceable heat exchanger. By purchasing it for 3,500–4,000 rubles, you can extend the operation of the old device rather than buying a new one. The manufacturer equips new versions with copper heat exchangers that are resistant to corrosion, but scale and salts still remain a problem.

In order for the device to operate smoothly, it needs timely maintenance and troubleshooting:

• One common problem is a broken solenoid valve. When the user opens the tap, a click is heard - the electric ignition machine is activated, but gas does not flow to the burner. The valve, secured with screws, is easy to replace - its diameter is standard.
• The outlet temperature should be limited. Very hot water promotes the formation of scale and salts on the walls of the heating element.
• It is necessary to promptly clean the burners and heat exchanger, and clean the entire device from contamination.

Before operating the equipment, the user must read the instructions, which describe the device structure and provide a connection diagram.

Water heater repair

To troubleshoot a Neva gas water heater yourself, you need to diagnose it correctly. Over the years of operation of a water heating device, one part of the parts wears out and requires replacement, the other requires periodic maintenance. In this case, various problems arise, characterized by certain symptoms. We propose to divide all emerging problems into groups according to the following criteria:

• The burner does not light when the DHW system tap is opened;
• After working for 5-10 seconds, the unit turns off;
• the flow-through heater starts up and functions properly, but does not heat the water well;
• other problems.

Advice. Most often, in geysers, the rubber membrane of the water unit fails - it stretches, cracks or breaks. This is a consumable spare part that should always be kept in stock. A sample part is shown in the photo.

What to do if the column does not light up

When the water heater does not respond in any way to turning on the hot water, you need to perform the simplest action - check the condition of the batteries and battery compartment contacts (they may oxidize). Clean them with sandpaper, install a new set of batteries, and then try to ignite again.

Important point. The glowing display of a household appliance does not at all indicate that the batteries are fully charged, since it does not consume much energy. If the batteries are low, there may not be enough voltage to trigger the electromagnet and create a spark. According to the characteristics published on the manufacturer's official website, a set of elements is enough for approximately 250 hours of operation.

Battery compartment location - bottom view of the device

Is the power supply ok? Then continue diagnosing the gas water heater using this algorithm:

1. Make sure there is enough pressure in the pipeline to turn on the device. Perhaps someone accidentally closed the shut-off valve or control valve on the heater itself (on the right).
2. If there is a strainer on the incoming water supply, check its condition and clean it if necessary.
3. Remove the front panel of the device and open the DHW tap, observing the stem. If it does not move at normal water pressure, the reason lies in the “frog” membrane.
4. The rod has moved, released the switch button, but nothing happens? There is a problem with the electrical circuits. You need to check the microswitch and ring other wires that supply the controller and solenoid valve.

Advice. When repairing the Neva gas water heater, which involves disassembling the unit, shut off the gas line just in case.

To dismantle the front casing, you need to remove the plastic handles from the control valves and disconnect the display connector. The panel is held at the back by 2 screws located at the bottom of the device. Unscrew them and remove the casing by pulling it towards you and pulling it upward.

To check the limit switch, you need to disconnect the connector and test it using a multimeter or lamp tester. When the button is pressed, the circuit should be open. As for the wiring, it rarely fails, unless you come across a broken wire, which is easily fixed.

To replace the membrane in the Neva 4511 dispenser, remove and disassemble the water unit along with the gas unit, following the instructions:

1. Close the cold water and gas supply, unscrew both supply pipes with an open-end wrench. Also disconnect the copper pipe leading to the heat exchanger.
2. Disconnect the controller and microswitch connectors.
3. The entire water-gas block is attached with 2 screws to the flange of the burner device. Unscrew them with a Phillips screwdriver and remove the assembly.
4. Disassemble the “frog” and replace the membrane, and with it the small o-ring shown in the photo.

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Note. Replacement can be done without dismantling the entire unit, but performing the operation in this position is extremely inconvenient. The described disassembly technology is also suitable for other models of geysers - Neva Lux 4510, 5611 and so on.

How to change the membrane of an instantaneous water heater, see in the next video:

There is a spark - no ignition

When sparking is noticeable at the glow plug, but the burner is inactive, you need to check the following points:

• whether the spark electrode has moved relative to the nozzle;
• whether the traction or overheating sensor that opens the solenoid valve circuit has failed;
• whether a high-voltage wire penetrates the housing;
• whether the spark has weakened due to a clogged spark plug or discharged batteries.

The electrode should be located directly above the nozzle of one of the burner sections at a distance of no more than 5 mm from it. Violation of the position of the candle is corrected by simply bending it. Sometimes it is enough to clean the end of the electrode from soot to increase the spark power.

The operation of the traction and overheating sensors is checked by directly closing their contacts. Place jumpers on each device one by one, including the water on the mixer. If a flame appears, replace the faulty sensor.

After starting the burner goes out

If the flame in the column lights up regularly along with the appearance of water withdrawal, and after 5-10 seconds goes out, then the reasons may be as follows:

• the ionization sensor does not work (does not detect fuel combustion);
• there is no draft in the chimney, which causes the corresponding sensor to overheat and open the electrical circuit;
• Maximum heating is set at low water consumption, which is why its temperature quickly reaches 90 ° C and the overheating sensor is triggered.

The last 2 faults do not depend on the water heater and are eliminated by the user individually. Sometimes the damping effect is created by an overstretched membrane: at the first moment after water is supplied, it moves the rod, and when the pressure in the pipe normalizes, it releases again.

The flame sensor fails for three reasons:

1. The electrode is coated with a thick layer of soot and requires cleaning.
2. The “nose” of the device has bent downwards due to prolonged exposure to temperature and needs to be slightly bent upwards, as demonstrated in the video.
3. The device has broken down and needs to be replaced.

The opposite situation also happens: the hot water tap is turned off, but the burner continues to work. There is a jamming of the rod here, which can be eliminated by disassembling and cleaning the water-gas block.

How to eliminate low heat

There are two reasons for this phenomenon: clogging of the burner nozzles and deposits in the heat exchanger tubes. In the first case, the blue color of the flame changes noticeably to yellow or reddish, and the gas burner device begins to smoke. To fix it, it is advisable to call a gas service technician, but if necessary, you can do it yourself:

1. Turn off the gas supply.
2. Dismantle the burner by unscrewing the clamping nut on the gas pipeline and the 4 screws shown below, not in the photo.
3. Blow dust off the assembly using an accessible method, and then wash with a weak soap solution.
4. Dry the device and reassemble the column in reverse order.

If the burner operates properly, but the water does not heat up, then you need to flush the heat exchanger. The manufacturer provides simplified dismantling of the element: drain the water from the column, unscrew the two connecting nuts on the tubes (shown in the photo with green arrows) and the 2 mounting screws on top. After this, immerse the heat exchanger in a bucket of citric acid solution (100 grams per 1 liter of water) and wait until it eats away the scale. After thorough washing and drying, reinstall the element.

Advice. When reassembling the heat exchanger, it is advisable to change the rubber gaskets located inside the union nuts.