Hello Rebekah,
I have had no luck in getting the older style without AC required either.
I agree that these newer devices that require AC are better performers.
Some of these(most ?) have a built in anti-freeze protection scheeme.
It is made from a ceramic heating element(HI-WATT RES.) that will come on at a default internal temp.(typ=36 to 38deg F).
When this antifreeze circuit turns ON there is around 100 to 200W(I would have to go measure to be sure) of power consumed.
When installed in cold climates this circuit will be used.
On the older non-ac units the standing pilot light can protect against some freezing;However I would not count on this alone in cold climates.
This is something to be aware of.
Hope this helps.
Louis Segarra
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] off-grid propane tankless water heater advice
From: Luke Christy <[email protected]>
Date: Thu, September 03, 2015 2:17 pm
To: RE-wrenches <[email protected]>
Hi Rebekah,Here in the mountains of SouthernCO we work with tankless heaters a lot on off-grid systems. I know that you're trying to eliminate the phantom load of the electronically controlled heaters, but unless the application is for a seasonal cabin with a tiny PV system, I would get one of the modern electronic direct vent heaters. They work so much better than the non-electric ones, and they seem more reliable also. I've installed dozens of Rinnai and Wai-Wela (made in Japan by Paloma) tankless heaters, and as long as they are cleaned every year or two they are highly dependable. The consistency of water temperature and the quick response time is just in a different league from the old non-electric units. Many of the heaters I've installed have been in off-grid situations, and I've measured the standby consumption of Wai-Wela units at around 5W. It's not zero but it usually isn't a significant extra load and I think the advantages of the electronically-controlled units far outweigh the penalty of the standby consumption. The flexibility of the powered direct vent system is also a major advantage for ease of installation.Just my $.02-LukeNABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional™: Certification #031409-25
NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer™: Certification #ST032611-03
CoSEIA Certified PV Installer
Solar Gain Services, LLC
PO Box 531
Monte Vista, CO 81144
[email protected]
719.588.3044
www.sgsrenewables.comHi Wrenches,Any suggestions for trustworthy:-propane tankless water heater- draft-vented-battery (or hydro) ignition with no electrical hookupsIt seems to be a lot harder to find tankless water heaters which do not have a 120VAC power supply these days. It's not a big power draw, but it is a phantom load for off-grid and I'm not sure it's a great idea to manually switch the tank power supply on/off several times day?Thanks!Rebekah Hren--Tel: 336.266.8800
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ 091209-85
NC Licensed Electrical Contractor_______________________________________________
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