Gas water heaters Astra - customer reviews

Despite the fact that today housing and communal services networks are being modernized everywhere, the quality of the services they provide remains at a low level. This is especially true for hot water supply. To solve this problem once and for all, you should purchase a gas water heater. However, you first need to decide which model is best for you.

Modern manufacturers offer the mentioned devices in a wide range. They have certain operational and technical characteristics. Columns can be classified into flow-through and storage. As for the former, they are smaller in size, which allows them to be installed even in a small room. Storage gas water heaters can hold from 50 to 500 liters of water.

The design of the container has effective thermal insulation, which allows you to maintain a high water temperature for a long time, which helps save energy resources. If you still can’t decide which geyser to choose, then you can pay attention to equipment under the Astra brand, which will be discussed below. Such devices are good not only because they are manufactured in Russia, which means they have an acceptable cost, but also because they are maintainable. This indicates that in the event of a malfunction, you can figure it out yourself.

Reviews of Astra brand geysers

If you want to save twice as much, you should purchase a domestically produced water heater. These are precisely the Astra geysers. Consumers choose them for their affordable price, but this advantage cannot be called the only one. The units operate on liquefied and natural gas. Buyers also like the high level of security that the manufacturer has taken care of. After all, if the pilot burner goes out, the supply of water for heating will stop, this also applies to the automatic supply of gas.

Such water heaters act as the optimal solution for domestic use. Buyers also like the ease of operation and maintenance. You won't have to spend money on this. The appearance of the structure is attractive, the body has a modern and stylish design. Any geyser from the manufacturer can fit into the interior of the room. Astra geysers, according to buyers, are offered for sale in a wide range. That is why you can choose the most optimal option that will meet the requirements and preferences of the consumer.

Geyser Astra 8910-10

Philip
In my opinion, this is the simplest speaker that can be found on sale. The price of the Astra 8910-10 geyser is so low that the purchase will not put a dent in the buyer’s pocket. In its simplicity, it resembles old Soviet speakers. Many experts praise this model, so I bought it without hesitation. What can you say about her? It heats the water perfectly, you can even make the temperature very high. The control is carried out by two handles, but we almost never touch them, except in winter, when the water from the tap becomes colder and the temperature at the outlet of the column drops.

Advantages:

Simple design, so you can repair it yourself;
Extremely affordable price, perfectly combined with reliability;
Ignition is carried out without popping noises, and due to the constantly burning fuse, there is no need to buy batteries (by the way, batteries cost more than this fuse can consume in six months of operation).

Flaws:

When you open the tap, hot water flows first, then the temperature stabilizes. Therefore, out of habit, you can get burned;
The controls are not very convenient, despite the fact that there are only two knobs - an association arises with ancient Soviet speakers;
It makes quite a loud noise, fortunately the noise does not penetrate into the bedroom where the child sleeps.

Technical characteristics of VPG 8910-00.02

If you are interested in Astra geysers, then you should consider several models at once so that you have the opportunity to make the right choice. Among others, the VPG 8910-00.02 model, which is manufactured in Russia, is presented on the market. Its power can reach 21 kW. The design is equipped with an open combustion chamber and manual ignition.

The hot water supply capacity is 12 l/min. The supplied water can have a temperature that varies from 35 to 60 °C. During operation, the column consumes natural gas in a volume equal to 2.3 m3/h. The maximum water pressure can be 6 bar. The lowest operating water pressure is equivalent to 0.5 bar.

Gas connection is carried out using communications that have the following parameters: 3/4 inch. Hot and cold water connections are made using pipes with a diameter of 1/2 inch. The chimney diameter reaches 120 mm. If you are considering Astra geysers, then you should definitely be interested in their dimensions. As for the model described in the section, its dimensions are 700x372x230 mm. The equipment weighs 15 kg.

Main characteristics

A gas water heater for running water is a technical solution based on the needs, conditions and capabilities of the consumer. The issue of hot water supply is relevant at all times. The Astra gas water heater is a worthy offer that meets the needs of the population. The device, even with a small power of 12-15 kW, is capable of heating water to 60-65 degrees, while gas consumption is moderate. A device with higher power, with a capacity of up to 12 l/min, is capable of serving two water connection points simultaneously.

It should be remembered that the installation of the Astra geyser must be carried out in full accordance with the instructions, taking into account the necessary technical parameters of its use.

Despite the fact that the equipment is a budget option, it is equipped with a complete security system. So, the column automatically turns off in the following cases:

lack of traction;
interruption of water supply;
lack of flame.

The product range is quite diverse. Depending on performance and individual preferences, it is possible to provide a relatively inexpensive, uninterrupted supply of hot water at the optimal temperature. Despite the fact that this gas installation is significantly lower in cost than well-known branded equipment, it is a worthy competitor in terms of functionality and design.

Technical characteristics of the column brand VPG 8910-08.02

In order to make the right choice, you need to consider several models. Among others, the VPG 8910-08.02 variant is presented on the market, the power of which reaches 18 kW. The design has an open combustion chamber and manual ignition. The productivity of this model is slightly less and is 10 l/min. The temperature of the supplied water remains at the same level, but the fuel consumption will be slightly lower and amount to 2 m3/h. The minimum and maximum operating water pressure remains the same. The connection is made with the same parameters. The diameter of the chimney remains the same. The design body has identical parameters.

Repair of geyser VPG 21 "ASTRA"

Home / Useful articles / Repair of geyser VPG 21 “ASTRA”

The Astra speaker sold quite briskly in the late nineties and early two thousand. A gas water heater was produced in Nizhny Novgorod

The speaker is quite powerful. Gives boiling water easily. I won’t rip off the description from the passport. I would like to tell you about the problems that I most often encounter when repairing these water heaters.

The column, with minor modifications, borrowed the water block from the notorious so-called “Stalinist” column KGI-56. The size of the water block membrane is the same (the membranes are interchangeable). The bottom of the water block is different. In Astra, the water pipes to the block are connected from the side, while in KGI-56 it is from the bottom or from the rear wall. The failures on the block are the same - leaks from the rod seal, deformation or rupture of the membrane (the main burner does not ignite). It is not the design of the water block itself that has gone downhill, but the material from which it is made. On the Astra HSV it is made of aluminum alloy, which is much worse than brass or bronze. Over time, especially if there have been leaks in the water block, silumin is very strongly oxidized and it becomes impossible to disassemble the block to replace the membrane. It’s good if you can unscrew the tubes from the block to replace the entire block. By the way, the price of a block for this rarity is also steep - about 1000 rubles.

The gas block with two levers is the same as that of the KGI, but modified. This geyser has a safety automatic, consisting of a thermocouple and an electromagnetic valve. There are both failures of thermocouples and valves. Gas is supplied to the column igniter from the gas block, and the air for combustion of the igniter is taken from the top of the column. This was not done by accident. If there is no draft in the chimney, then carbon monoxide enters the room at the top of the column. The air intake for the igniter is also located there. If there is no draft, the oxygen required for combustion is no longer supplied to the igniter, and it goes out. Accordingly, the thermocouple cools down and the gas valve closes. This is how protection against lack of traction is implemented in this column. I have never seen this on any other mass-installed speakers.

Another bottleneck of this column is the tubes going to the heat exchanger. The tubes are connected to the heat exchanger using union nuts. Gaskets gradually shrink due to temperature changes and begin to leak. Since the tubes are copper and the union nuts are steel, this connection boils very quickly so that nothing can be used to unscrew it. We also came across tubes that began to leak over time (through corrosion).

Problems with heat exchangers are rare. The walls of the combustion chamber are made of heat-insulating material.

Let's summarize. A quite common dispenser with poor maintainability of the water part. Because of this, many craftsmen simply do not like to repair them. The gas part and heat exchanger usually do not cause problems.

Technical characteristics of the geyser brand VPG 8910-16

The power of this equipment reaches 21 kW. Electric ignition is carried out from batteries. The hot water output is slightly higher, it is 12 l/min. Natural gas consumption remains the same as the first of the models described above, this parameter reaches 2.3 m3/h. The chimney diameter is 135 mm. The equipment weighs 15 kg.

Troubleshooting

Astra geysers may have any malfunctions. Let's consider what methods can be used to eliminate them.

If the device breaks down, you first need to turn off the gas supply. You can remove the speaker from the wall, or you can not remove it. It will be enough to remove its front part. To do this, you need to unscrew the side bolts with a screwdriver.

Gas water heaters have good burners. Most often the economizer breaks down. It needs to be checked first.

Unscrew the two bolts located at the edges of the device. Check your contacts. They may not work well due to contamination. If the contacts do not work, they must be replaced. After this, the economizer should work or you will have to replace it.

Try to unscrew everything carefully, without touching the pressure measuring fittings.

If the gas heater does not light up, then there may be no draft in the ventilation passage. Turn off the unit and hold a burning match to the chimney. The flame should go into it.

Prepare your repair tools. You can remove scale using regular vinegar.

The hydraulic group in the Astra column may break. It needs to be disconnected and the valves inspected. They must hold firmly. For small shifts, parts must be replaced. When purchasing such parts, be sure to indicate the model of the gas water heater.

Why should you choose Astra geysers: reviews

Among the main advantages of the equipment described in the article, consumers highlight:

lack of unnecessary functionality;
reliability;
the ability to easily configure the operation of the equipment;
high productivity;
simple device;
ease of use.

The equipment, according to consumers, is repairable. All spare parts can be found in service workshops. And the column itself is quite cheap. Buyers especially like large combustion chambers, so the power of some models reaches 20 kW.

The traction control of the 8910 model is carried out independently. The thermostat in this version is located below. The smoke exhaust path is quite wide, but the column regulator is located under the central fitting. The frame of the structure, according to property owners who purchased such equipment for themselves, is very durable, so it can withstand any load.

The power supply has a protection system. Using special screws, you can easily adjust the fitting. The Astra geyser, the operating instructions for which is supplied, has, according to consumers, economical fuel consumption. The design has a high-quality pressure regulator. Traction can be checked very simply. Removal of combustion products occurs quickly. In terms of safety, the speaker outperforms other models.

Features of Astra geysers

The Heat Exchanger enterprise has been operating in the domestic market for more than 50 years, which has allowed it to take a leading position and outstrip most competitors in terms of volume and quality. The Astra geyser is a simple system for heating water for the purpose of its subsequent use in hot water supply at home.

Currently, several models of Astra geysers are produced, each of which has its own features and characteristics. The only similarity among them is the system controls, which are located on the front face of the unit.

Attention! Another feature that is present in all installations from this company is a safety system: if the burner goes out, the water supply stops.

Main characteristics

Speaker manufacturer. This enterprise has been producing high-tech products for 60 years. The plant produces dispensers that use only natural gas as fuel, and the combustion products are released through a chimney.

Modern models of geyser are economical, have high efficiency, and do not harm the environment. The devices are more profitable than boilers for heating water, as their productivity is higher. They don't use too much fuel, so it doesn't cost much to the consumer. The average cost of the device is 9,000 rubles.

Astra geysers help solve the issue of hot water supply. Even the low power model can heat enough water for the whole family. More advanced devices, which have a capacity of up to 12 liters per minute, are capable of simultaneously servicing two water connection points.

Despite the fact that this water heater is a budget option, it contains elements that ensure complete safety. For example, in some cases the device turns off automatically.

This is possible if:

No traction;
The water supply has stopped;
There is no flame.

Good technical characteristics and a wide range of products make the water heaters an ideal option for providing homes with hot water.

Interesting! The cost of the Astra gas water heater is much lower than equipment from well-known world brands, but its functionality and design make the device a worthy competitor.

Design and principle of operation

The design of the column is extremely simple, as is the operating principle. The burner is ignited using a solenoid valve and wires; the fire heats the water, which is supplied through special tubes for the cold liquid entering and then the hot liquid exiting.

Power adjustment is made using a gas tap and special levers. All structural elements are of a mechanical type, so the components are of low cost, which means that in the event of a breakdown, repairs will not hit the family budget. According to functionality, all components of the structure are divided into gas and water.

Pros and cons of technology

A domestic water heater has many advantages:

Has an affordable price;
Safe and reliable;
Features a classic design;
Dimensions allow it to fit even in a small room;
Uses gas economically;
Easy to install and easy to use;
It is not difficult to configure the operation of the equipment;
Heats up a sufficient amount of water in a minute;
In the event of a breakdown, it is not difficult to find spare parts.

Although the devices are relatively cheap, you should not purchase the most affordable model. After all, a low price indicates the use of low-quality components. Because of this, some devices often leak during operation. Although replacement elements can be purchased at any store, if breakdowns occur frequently, then the question will arise as to whether it is worth using cheap equipment and regularly spending money on equipment.

If you light Astra geysers, this process will be accompanied by an unpleasant sound. Some products have poorly configured automation systems responsible for controlling and maintaining temperature conditions.

For many, the lack of additional functions and the primitiveness of the mechanism are disappointing. But, if you use new technologies and add built-in functionality, the cost of the devices will increase significantly, and the manufacturer does not have such a goal.

Repair of Astra brand geyser

Repair of the Astra geyser begins with shutting off the gas. The column does not need to be removed. The front part can be dismantled using a screwdriver, but first you need to unscrew the bolts located on the sides. The first thing you need to check is the economizer; it is located behind the electrode. Removing the latter will be quite difficult. It is fixed with 4 bolts. You should not touch the heat exchanger.

When you repair individual components, it is important not to touch the fitting; it is used to measure pressure. If this part is damaged, the head will have to be replaced. In order to remove the economizer, you only need to unscrew the two side bolts. The consumer may well carry out the repairs with his own hands. The Astra geyser has contacts in its design that often become dirty. If they become unusable, they need to be replaced. If the economizer does not work after replacement, then it will also have to be changed. These faults are among the main ones for Astra speakers.

If you are faced with a problem when the Astra gas water heater does not light up, this may indicate a lack of draft in the ventilation passage. You can check the traction very simply. The gas water heater is turned off, and a burning match should be brought to the chimney outlet. If the flame is carried into the chimney, then everything is in order - you can connect the column. Otherwise, the chimney should be cleaned. However, it is better to entrust this matter to a special master.

The Astra geyser, the malfunctions of which you should consider when operating this equipment, sometimes goes out immediately after ignition. In this case, you should adjust the supply of cold water to the column. Do not try to dilute hot and cold water, as this may cause the flame to die out.

Breakdowns of Astra geysers and how to fix them

First, in order to repair the Astra gas water heater, the gas in the pipe is shut off. The speaker itself does not need to be removed from the wall. The front part of the device is removed using a screwdriver, unscrew the bolts on the sides. First, the economizer, which is located behind the electrode, is checked. The electrode is also not easy to remove. It is mounted in the Astra column with four bolts. We do not touch the heat exchanger.

Everything unscrews very neatly. This is done in order not to touch the fitting, which is used to measure the pressure in the device. If you suddenly touch or damage the pressure measuring fitting, you will have to change the head. But the economizer is very easy to remove. To do this, you only have to unscrew the two bolts on the sides of the column.

Geyser Astra in the bathroom

You also need to check and pay attention to the contacts; they often become dirty. If the contacts become unusable, they should be replaced with new ones. If after replacement the economizer does not work, then it will have to be completely replaced. These are the main malfunctions of the Astra geyser. The same repair mechanism and main malfunctions of the Astra 8910 geyser.

The first breakdown is when the Astra gas water heater does not light up. What to do? The most common problem with this is that there may be a lack of draft in the ventilation passage. Checking the draft in the chimney is very simple. You must first turn off the gas water heater and bring a burning match to the chimney outlet.

If the flame enters the chimney, then everything is in order, and you can reconnect the outlet to the chimney. Cleaning a chimney with your own hands is easy; if you doubt your own abilities, it is better to call a special specialist.

Does the Astra gas water heater not light up, or does it go out immediately? In this situation, you need to adjust the supply of cold water to the column. The main thing is not to try to dilute cold and hot water together, this can lead to a sudden extinguishing of the flame.

Astra - geyser

In the future, the question arises: how to set up and install a gas water heater? To do this you need to have the following tool with you:

Pipe wrench.
Two types of adjustable wrench.
Phillips and flathead screwdrivers.
Set of paronite and rubber gaskets.
A regular rubber hose 1-2 inches, with a metal clamp attached to it.
Regular descaling agent (ordinary vinegar will do).
A container for draining liquid in the column.

Also, the hydraulic group in Astra geysers often fails. It's easy to take off, but putting it on is problematic. Once you have disconnected the hydraulic group, you need to inspect the valves. Such valves must stand firmly.

If there are the slightest shifts and lack of density, then the parts need to be changed. You need to buy parts for the hydraulic group and know the model of the gas water heater. The solenoid valve of the Astra gas water heater also often fails. It often becomes clogged with soot and requires urgent cleaning to prevent an explosion.

Geyser Astra in the kitchen