As has been noted more than once, central heating is practically absent in Bulgaria. Almost every house or apartment uses boilers to heat water in summer and winter. Therefore, local hardware stores offer a large selection of devices from different brands. In addition to large international brands, there are devices on the market from Bulgarian manufacturers.
Eldom (Eldom), a company (with a name unusual to the Russian ear) has been manufacturing boilers since 1987. Production is located in Sofia and Varna. Their main competitor, Tesy, also produces various types of heaters since 1991, the factory is located in the suburbs of Shumen. Tesy offers slightly more modern devices (there are models with an electronic display and control via the Internet). On the company's website there is a convenient selection of boiler models according to specified parameters. Both manufacturers are in the same price category.
It is also worth mentioning the Bulgarian brand Diplomat, which offers boilers at slightly lower prices. This company does not have its own production in Bulgaria. In addition to Diplomat boilers, it offers a wide range of other household appliances, which, unfortunately, are not distinguished by their thoughtful design and high quality, but are sold at affordable prices.
Boiler with horizontal mounting Flow-through boiler
Types of boilers
All boilers offered on the market can be divided into two types - flow-through and volumetric. Each has its pros and cons. A flow-through boiler takes up very little space in the bathroom, heats water instantly, and the volume of water is not limited. However, it is worth mentioning that a significant part of flow-type boilers do not cope well with their task if constant heating of a large volume is required. The temperature of the water produced by such a boiler is not constant, and it is not very hot. In addition, using a flow-through boiler on an ongoing basis greatly increases your energy bill. Nevertheless, this type of boiler is well suited for heating water in the tap of a restaurant or cafe.
Large boilers with a fixed volume, as a rule, take up a lot of space - this is their main disadvantage. Manufacturers give you the opportunity to choose a boiler with vertical or horizontal mounting, taking into account the amount of free space in the bathroom. The position of the boiler does not significantly affect the water heating process. Some boiler models are equipped with an additional (third) valve and provide connection to alternative energy sources. The second disadvantage is the limited volume of hot water and long heating time. A 50-liter boiler will allow only one person to shower. 120 liters is a volume that allows two people to take a shower in turn or fill a medium-sized bath.
Cost and connection of the boiler
The cost of the boiler depends on the volume and additional functions. Prices for a flow-through boiler vary from 50 to 150 levs, depending on the manufacturer and power. A large boiler will cost from 180 to 600 levs. The device usually comes with hooks for fastening and screws for installation. In addition to the main cost, you will have to spend about 100-150 levs. (although most often local “masters” try to charge more) to pay for the connection work. As a rule, boiler installation can be ordered from the management company of your home or hotel. In general, the connection does not require any special technical skills and, if you have the necessary tools and some additional parts, any man can do it, but, of course, there are several important features regarding Bulgarian construction that are worth considering. Read about how to connect the boiler yourself in the following article.
General (industrial) boiler
Cost of hot water
The cost of hot water is directly proportional to the amount of electricity required to heat the boiler. The cost of 1 kilowatt during the day is 0.17675 levs, at night - 0.10043 levs. Since the cost of electricity is lower at night, it makes sense to set the heating power to maximum and carry out basic water procedures in the evening. As mentioned above, the volume of the boiler directly affects the size of the electricity bill. Using a flow-through boiler on an ongoing basis will cost more. Read the next article on how to pay your water bill.
It is worth noting that in many cafes in Bulgaria, even in winter, only cold water comes from the tap in common areas. In hotels and apartments, in order to attract tourists, the owners install a jacuzzi or an impressively sized bathtub, but unfortunately, due to the limited volume of the boiler, guests can only fill it halfway.
If you are lucky enough to purchase an apartment in a hotel with a common (industrial) boiler, you will never have problems with a lack of hot water, but the cost of its maintenance is usually included in the total bill for the services of the management company and is about 50 levs monthly (even if you do not live in the apartment).
Luckily, there is a less expensive way to relax in a hot bath in winter - a visit to a thermal spring. There are about 50 mineral water deposits on the territory of Bulgaria. The cost of one visit ranges from 10 to 50 levs, depending on the condition of the complex. In the article "Mineral springs of Bulgaria" you can find the thermal spring closest to you on the map.