thanks ray and Lenny this is a keeper. On Sun, 23 Mar 2008, Ray Boyce wrote:
> > Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide > > _____ > > > What is a Tankless Water <http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/#whatis> > Heater? > How do Tankless Water Heaters > <http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/#howdo> work? > Selecting a <http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/#selecting> Tankless > Water Heater > Tankless Water <http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/#install> Heater > Installation and Maintenance > Tankless Water Heater <http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/#manuf> > Manufacturers > > > > > What is a Tankless Water Heater? > > > Tankless <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Tankless-Water-Heaters/136> > Water Heaters, also called Instantaneous or Demand Water Heaters, provide > hot water only as it is needed. Traditional storage water heaters produce > standby energy losses that cost you money. We do not leave our homes heated > while vacationing. We only heat our homes when there is a demand for heat. > In the same way, a Tankless Water Heater is used only when there is a demand > for hot water. > > > How do Tankless Water Heaters work? > > > Electric Demand Water HeaterTankless > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Tankless-Water-Heaters/136> Water > Heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. Therefore, > they avoid the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters. > When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into > the unit. In an electric Tankless Water Heater an electric element heats the > water. In a gas-fired Tankless Water Heater a gas burner heats the water. As > a result, Tankless Water Heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. You > don't need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water. > Typically, Tankless Water Heaters provide hot water at a rate of 2 5 > gallons (7.6 15.2 liters) per minute. Typically, gas-fired Tankless Water > Heaters will produce higher flow rates than electric Tankless Water Heaters. > Some smaller Tankless Water Heaters, however, cannot supply enough hot water > for simultaneous, multiple uses in large households. For example, taking a > shower and running the dishwasher at the same time can stretch a Tankless > Water Heater to its limit. To overcome this problem, you can install a > whole house type Tankless Water Heater or install two or more Tankless > Water Heaters, connected in parallel for simultaneous demands of hot water. > You can also install separate Tankless Water Heaters for appliancessuch as > a clothes washer or dishwaterthat use a lot of hot water in your home. > > Other applications for Tankless Water Heaters include the following: > > * Remote BBQ or outdoor sink > * Poolhouse or pool shower > * Remote bathrooms or hot tubs > * To serve as a booster, eliminating long pipe runs, for solar water > heating systems, dishwashers and sanitation. > > Tankless Water Heater Dishwasher ApplicationTankless Water Heater Bathroom > and Kitchen Application > > For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, Tankless Water > Heaters can be 24% 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage > tank water heaters. They can be 8% 14% more energy efficient for homes > that use a lot of hot water, around 86 gallons per day. You can achieve an > even greater energy savings of 27% 50% if you install a Tankless Water > Heater at each hot water outlet. > > > Selecting a Tankless Water Heater > > > Before buying a Tankless > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Tankless-Water-Heaters/136> Water > Heater, consider the following: > > 1. Fuel Type <http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/#fuel> > 2. Location, Size and <http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/#loc> > Demand > 3. Application <http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/#app> > > 1. Fuel Type > > The first thing that you'll need to decide when selecting a Tankless Water > Heater is the fuel type. You will need to select between an Electric > Tankless Water Heater (like Eemax > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Brands/Eemax/17> Tankless Water Heaters or > Stiebel Eltron <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Brands/Stiebel-Eltron/36> > Tankless Water Heaters) or a Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heater (like Rheem > Tankless Water <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Brands/Rheem/216> Heaters). > > * Requirements for <http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/#electric> > Electric Tankless Water Heaters > * Requirements for <http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/#gas> > Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heaters > > _____ > > If you plan to purchase an Electric Tankless Water Heater, consider the > Electrical Requirements: > > · Voltage > > · Amperage > > · Circuit Breaker > > Voltage > > Many retailers sell units that will accommodate 110V, 120V, 208V, 220V, > 240V, and 277V. > > > Amperage > > Different Electric Tankless Water Heaters will have various requirements in > amp draw. You will want to ensure that you can support the electrical > demands of your Electric Tankless Water Heater. > > > Circuit Breaker > > You must ensure that you have a circuit or circuits that will support your > Electric Tankless Water Heater. It may be necessary to put your Electric > Tankless Water Heater on its own circuit or circuits. > > > > You should consult with a qualified, licensed electrician for more > information. > > _____ > > > > If you plan to purchase a Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heater, consider the > Gas-Type and Venting Requirements: > > Gas VentingYou will first need to identify whether your gas type is Natural > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Natural-Gas-Tankless-Water-Heaters/1126/L > ist> Gas or Propane > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Propane-Tankless-Water-Heaters/72/List> . > It is imperitive that you examine your current gas line to ensure that it > will meet the requirments of your new Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heater. The > requirements of the Tankless Water Heater may exceed that of your existing > tank-style water heater. > > Next, you will need to consider venting requirements for your specific > installation scenario. There are a few important things to keep in mind when > purchasing the gas venting > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Gas-Venting/316> accessories for your > Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heater. > > Be sure that you purchase Category III stainless steel (UL1738 certified) > venting for your Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heater. "Type B" venting > accessories are not acceptable. Also, be sure to check local building code > to ensure that your specific needs will be completely met. > > Additionally, many Tankless Water Heater manufacturers offer gas venting > "kits". It is recommended that customers evaluate the needs of their > specific installation to ensure that they will be getting all of the > necessary gas venting accessories. Depending on where you will be installing > the Tankless Water Heater, a pre-made kit will probably not meet your needs. > Ensure that you measure out the vent route and consider where the discharge > will go through the wall or ceiling, consider the necessary clearances, and > consider ample access to air for combustion, then buy the appropriate gas > venting pieces. *Note: Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heaters may still require a > minimal electrical connection. Be sure to review installation requirements > for the units you are considering for purchase. > > > > 2. Location, Size, and Demand > > When deciding which Tankless Water Heater to purchase, you will also need to > consider where you will need hot water. Are you looking for a unit that will > heat the water at one bathroom sink (single point application), an entire > bathroom (multipoint application), or an entire house, apartment, or condo > (whole house application)? It is important to recognize the number of > fixtures that will require hot water. Each fixture will have its own > demands. The chart below illustrates the typical flow rates (demand) for > some standard fixtures: > > > Typical Flow Rates in Gallons per Minute (gpm) > > > Fixture Type > > Lavatory > > Bathtub > > Shower > > Kitchen Sink > > Pastry Sink > > Laundry Sink > > Dish-washer > > > Flow Rates > > 0.5 > > 2.0 4.0 > > 1.5 3.0 > > 1.0 1.5 > > 1.5 2.5 > > 2.5 3.0 > > 1.0 3.0 > > > The flow rate is especially important, since Tankless Water Heaters will > generate a temperature rise based on the flow rate demanded. > > For example, a Stiebel > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Stiebel-Eltron-Tempra-12-Electric-Tankle > ss-Water-Heater/12925/Cat/479> Eltron Tempra 12, running on 240 Volt power, > will raise the water temperature by 54°F at 1.5 gpm, 36°F at 2.25 gpm, and > 27°F at 3.0 gpm, above the ambient incoming water temperature, up to 125°F. > > A larger unit, like the Stiebel > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Stiebel-Eltron-Tempra-36-Electric-Tankle > ss-Water-Heater/12931/Cat/479> Eltron Tempra 36, running on 240 Volt power, > will raise the water temperature by 92°F at 1.5 gpm, 92°F at 2.25 gpm, and > 82°F at 3.0 gpm, above the ambient incoming water temperature, up to 125°F. > > > Temperature Rise Based on Flow Rate, Up to 125°F > > > Flow Rate > > 1.5 gpm > > 2.25 gpm > > 3.0 gpm > > > Tempra 12 > > 54°F > > 36°F > > 27°F > > > Tempra 36 > > 92°F > > 92°F > > 82°F > > > This means that if you are using a 1.5 gpm shower and a 1.5 gpm kitchen sink > simultaneously, a total demand of 3.0 gpm, the Stiebel > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Stiebel-Eltron-Tempra-12-Electric-Tankle > ss-Water-Heater/12925/Cat/479> Eltron Tempra 12 will raise the temperature > 27°F, whereas the Stiebel > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Stiebel-Eltron-Tempra-36-Electric-Tankle > ss-Water-Heater/12931/Cat/479> Eltron Tempra 36 will raise the temperature > 82°F. > > Cool (Northern) Climate, Warm (Southern) ClimateNext, you should look at > your ambient incoming water temperature. If you live in a cold climate, like > New York, your incoming water temperature will likely be much lower than if > you live in a warm climate, like Florida. Your best bet is to find out how > much temperature rise you will need in order for your hot water to reach the > desired heat. If the ambient incoming water temperature for your shower is > 65°F, you are using a 2.0 gpm shower, and you want to raise that temperature > to 115°F, you will want to look for a Tankless Water Heater that will > provide at least a 50°F temperature rise at 2.0 gpm (115°F - 65°F = 50°F). > However, if you anticipate additional simultaneous demand, such as the hot > water from a sink being used while someone is showering, you will need to > add the sink's gpm to the shower's gpm in order to determine your overall > gpm demand and then find the temperature rise necessary to meet your overall > needs. > > > Incoming Water > 60° F > Incoming Water > > http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/../PlusSign.jpg > > 2 gpm Shower > 2 gpm > Shower > > http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/../PlusSign.jpg > > Desired Output Water Temperature > 110° F > Desired Output Water Temperature > > http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/../Arrow.jpg > > Tankless Water Heater that produces a 50°F temperature rise at 2 gpm > You will need a Tankless Water Heater that produces a 50°F temperature rise > at 2 gpm > > > > 3. Application > > You may have a specific application in mind for your Tankless Water Heater. > Here are a few examples of the different models and their functionality for > a specific application: > > Single Point Application > A single point application is one where only one fixture will require an > Electric Tankless Water Heater. Here are some examples of Single Point > Electric Tankless Water Heaters: > > Eemax > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Electric-Point-of-Use-Tankless-Water-Heat > ers/474/List?attribute_value_string|Brand=Eemax> Single Point Electric > Tankless Water Heaters > Stiebel > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Electric-Point-of-Use-Tankless-Water-Heat > ers/474/List?attribute_value_string|Brand=Stiebel+Eltron> Eltron Point of > Use Electric Tankless Water Heaters > Chronomite > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Electric-Point-of-Use-Tankless-Water-Heat > ers/474/List?attribute_value_string|Brand=Chronomite> Instant-Flow SR > Electric Tankless Water Heaters > > Eemax Flow Controlled > The "Flow Controlled" range of water heaters from Eemax are ideally suited > to serve two points, like two sinks, in close proximity. Here is an example > of Flow Controlled Electric Tankless Water Heaters: > > Eemax > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Search.aspx?search=Eemax+Flow+Controlled> > Flow Controlled Electric Tankless Water Heaters > > Thermostatic > The Thermostatic Tankless Water Heater serves as a booster for temperature > loss from long pipe runs, dishwashers and sanitation. Thermostatic units are > good for applications where precise temperature control is essential; such > as schools, hospitals and laboratories. Here are some examples of > Thermostatic Electric Tankless Water Heaters: > > Eemax <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Search.aspx?search=Eemax+Thermostatic> > Thermostatic Electric Tankless Water Heaters > Stiebel > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Stiebel-Eltron-DHC-E-8-Electric-Tankless > -Water-Heater/10355/Cat/474> Eltron DHC-E 8 Electric Tankless Water Heater > Stiebel > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Stiebel-Eltron-DHC-E-10-Electric-Tankles > s-Water-Heater/10358/Cat/474> Eltron DHC-E 10 Electric Tankless Water > Heater > > Eemax Series Two > Eemax Series Two units are ideally suited for residential showers, entire > bathrooms, smaller houses, condos, summer cabins and apartments. They will > also accommodate industrial boosters, higher flow rate applications such as > wash down stations and higher flow rate accurate temperature control > applications such as photo labs. Here is an example of Eemax Series Two > Electric Tankless Water Heaters: > > Eemax <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Search.aspx?search=Eemax+Series+Two> > Series Two Electric Tankless Water Heaters > > Whole House Indoor Use > Larger Whole House units are designed to serve an entire house, apartment, > condo, or cabin, where multiple points of use will exist. Here are some > examples of Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heaters for Indoor use: > > Eemax > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Search.aspx?search=Eemax+EX280T2T+Series+Thre > e> EX280T2T Series Three Electric Tankless Water Heater > Stiebel > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Search.aspx?search=Stiebel+Eltron+Tempra> > Eltron Tempra Series Electric Tankless Water Heaters > Rheem <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Search.aspx?search=Rheem+Indoor> > Indoor Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heaters > > Whole House Outdoor Use > Larger Whole House units are designed to serve an entire house, apartment, > condo, or cabin, where multiple points of use will exist. Here are some > examples of Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heaters for Outdoor use: > > Rheem <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Search.aspx?search=Rheem+Outdoor> > Outdoor Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heaters > > > Tankless Water Heater Installation and Maintenance > > > Proper installation and maintenance of your Tankless > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Tankless-Water-Heaters/136> Water Heater > can optimize its energy efficiency. > > Proper installation depends on many factors. These factors include climate > and local building code requirements. You should have a qualified, licensed > plumbing and heating contractor install your Tankless Water Heater. > > Do the following when selecting a contractor: > > * Request cost estimates in writing > * Ask for references > * Check the company with your local Better Business Bureau > * Confirm the company will obtain a local permit, if necessary, and > understands local building codes > > Be sure you contractor first consults the manufacturers installation and > instruction materials. Manufacturers usually provide the necessary > installation and instruction manuals with the product. Your contractor > should also contact your municipality for information about obtaining a > permit, if necessary, and about local water heater installation codes. > > Many Tankless Water Heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. > They also have easily replaceable parts that extend their life by many more > years. In contrast, storage water heaters last 10 15 years. > > You should consult the manufacturer's website or literature, such as the > manual, for detailed warranty information. > > Periodic water heater maintenance can significantly extend your water > heater's life and minimize loss of efficiency. Read your owner's manual for > specific maintenance recommendations. > > > Tankless Water Heater Manufacturers > > > There are many manufacturers of Tankless > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Tankless-Water-Heaters/136> Water > Heaters, including those below: > > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Brands/Eemax/17> Eemax Tankless Water > HeatersEemax Tankless Water Heaters > > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Brands/Stiebel-Eltron/36> Stiebel Eltron > Tankless Water HeatersStiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heaters > > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Brands/Chronomite/72> Chronomite Tankless > Water HeatersChronomite Tankless Water Heaters > > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Brands/Rheem/216> Rheem Tankless Water > HeatersRheem Tankless Water Heaters > > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Brands/Bosch/267> Bosch Tankless Water > HeatersBosch Tankless Water Heaters > > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Brands/Bradford-White/200> Bradford White > Electric Water HeatersBradford White Electric Water Heaters > > _____ > > You may also want to review Gas Venting accessories for your Gas-Fired > Tankless Water Heater: > > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Brands/ProTech-Systems/213> ProTech Systems > Gas VentingProTech Systems Gas Venting > > > > Tankless > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/videos/Tankless-Water-Heater-Buying-Guide/1> > Water Heater Buying Guide Video > > > > Related Products: Access > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Access-Doors/606> Doors, Kitchen > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Kitchen-Faucets/593> Faucets, Kitchen > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Kitchen-Sinks-Accessories/585> Sinks, > Bathroom <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Bathroom-Faucets/991> Faucets, > Bathroom <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Bathroom-Sinks-Accessories/989> > Sinks, Bathtubs <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Bathtubs/46> , Interior > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Interior-Lighting/477> Lighting, > Exterior <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Exterior-Lighting/482> > Lighting, Sump <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Sump-Pumps/687> Pumps, > Circulator <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Circulator-Pumps/534> Pumps, > Condensate <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Condensate-Pumps/284/List> > Pumps, Power <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Power-Tools/1048> Tools, > Hand <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Hand-Tools/527> Tools, Safety > <http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Cat/Safety-Equipment/629> Equipment > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ To listen to the show archives go to link http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29 Or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ Visit the archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following address for more information: http://www.jaws-users.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! 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