![[X] Close](http://www.tanklesshotwaterguide.ca/wp-content/themes/mystique2/images/close.png)
Tankless Hot Water Heaters, Efficient, Effective, Endless.
Posts tagged Condensing
Navien NR-240
Jan 6th
Navien NR-240 Tankless Water Heater Information
| Navien NR-240 |
| Input : 20,000~199,000 BTU/h |
| Thermal Efficiency : 98% |
| Energy Factor : 0.95 |
| Flow Rate |
| ㆍAt 35˚F Rise : 11 GPM |
| ㆍAt 45˚F Rise : 8.6 GPM |
| ㆍAt 77˚F Rise : 5.5 GPM |
Navien Offers Ultimate in Energy Efficiency with Hi-Tech Comfort
- Easy installation and PVC venting for Navien tankless
- 3″ SCH 40 solid PVC up to 100′
- Navien holds the industry’s highest energy efficiency rating – 98%
- Ready Link Cascade System
- Optional built-in recirculation system with buffer tank
- Advanced Eco Navien technology
- Extended lifecycle utilizing dual stainless steel heat exchangers
- Advanced remote control – NR-10DU
- Navien has the industry’s best warranty
Heat Exchanger
Navien tankless water heaters utilizes dual stainless steel heat exchangers, providing 3.8 to 4.5 times longer life-expectancy and erosion resistance over the copper heat exchangers used in other tankless brands. Navien’s heat exchangers operate with relatively low water temperature, minimizing damage from hard water conditions and maintains efficiency levels. Its always important to have your tankless flushed once every 2 years or so to remove any buildup from within the heat exchangers.
Efficiency
Because of Naviens high efficiency the tankless can be vented in PVC piping. Basically excess heat is exhausted with all the combustion gasses in conventional tank systems but a Navien uses this to further heat the water. This results in significantly lower exhaust temperatures and allows for the use of PVC exhaust vent piping.
Links and Further Info
- Official Navien Site – http://www.navienamerica.com/
- Navien Promotional PDF
- Navien Tankless Operation Manual
- Price Range – from $2400 to $4500 per unit, installation included.
Tankless Issues – The Facts and the Fiction
Nov 15th
Tankless Issues – The Facts and the Fiction
Some people are very resistant to change, I don’t know what it is but some will fight it until the end of time. A recent Toronto HVAC company posted a large article on their website outlining all the negative aspects of a tankless system and how they would never recommend it nor install one. We install both systems and you know what, they both have their positives and negatives. I hope to detail the issues a little further here and let you decide which system you want for your home.
There is no big savings – This is very subjective, here are the facts.
- A tankless will cost you more money upfront than a conventional tank system. True.
- A tankless will last longer -20 plus years.
- Unit and Installation costs are more expensive. True.
- Efficiency of a tankless remains at or just below initial claims for lifespan.
- Much higher efficiency, 82% regular tankless, 98% condensing tankless.
- A tankless does require cleaning to maintain such high efficiency (vinegar rinse).
- Tankless systems do need and use electricity.
- $375 Government grant available for new tankless.
- Conventional tanks loose 2-3% efficiency per year (scale build-up)
- Cheaper to purchase and install
- Conventional tank lifespan – 12 plus years
- Some tank systems need zero electricity
- Conventional tank heaters start at between 58% and 68% efficiency
Tankless
Conventional Tank Water Heater
Which system is better on your pocket book? It’s going to be up to you as there is a number of factors, including the price of natural gas, which will likely only rise over time.
Upfront costs are high - Yes, it will cost you more for a tankless than a conventional tank, your homes particular usage will significantly affect a breakeven point and whether a tankless is a good idea or if you should stick with a conventional tank system.
High Tankless Maintenance Costs – Your conventional tank has basically zero maintenance barring anything breaks but it loses 2-3 percent efficiency a year. You can flush a conventional tank and regain some of its efficiency with the removal of scale build-up. A tankless is usually flushed once every year or two, which consists of simply pumping vinegar through the system for 30 minutes or so. All tankless systems should have flush valves already installed and this will maintain the extremely high efficiency ratings. I wouldn’t say that a tankless has higher maintenance costs, its just that no one does it for a conventional tank.
Electricity Use - A tankless does need electricity to run sensors, a vent fan, and a starter, this is true. Some tank type water heaters need zero electricity, but if you have a power vented conventional tank system your water heater is using just as much electricity as a tankless would.
The fact of the matter is that a home really needs to be analyzed to see whether a tankless makes sense or if the home owner would continue to benefit from a conventional tank water heater. I won’t make claims on how much can or can’t be saved because any number would be a wild generalizations and any company that does, shouldn’t be trusted.
As always we do offer free consultations over the phone, or at your home. If interested give us a call or send us a quick message here
Takagi Tankless
Nov 10th
Takagi tankless water heaters were the first to enter the North American market around 1995. 
Although they had more than perfected the tankless having manufactured their systems in Japan for over 50 years prior. Takagi is committed to quality and innovation and they have done a good job with excellent reliable systems. It would not be a mistake to install a Takagi tankless in your home.
Takagi has a few popular tankless models and here in Ontario you would probably be installing one of these systems.
- The T-H2 – Green, 2nd generation condensing tankless, 4.6 GPM (40 degree ground water temp) and can be vented with PVC piping. It’s a great system that meets the NRCan audit program requirements for high efficiency and qualifies for a $375 Government grant.
- Takagi T-K3 – Low flow activation rate, link up to 4 units in conjunction for increased hot water flow, extra long vent pipe applications (50 feet with 5 elbows). Expect around 4.1 GPM at a 40 degree temperature rise. Does qualify for NRCan audit rebates of 300$ plus.
- T-K4 Takagi is a new tankless that can be installed indoors and out, designed for easy venting and lots of hot water production. The T-K4 can produce up to 8 GPM, impressive for a tankless water heater. Built in power venting system.
Give us a call for a Request a Free Quote on a Takagi tankless for your home. Or you can fill out this Quick Form and we can contact you regarding a new tankless.
ecoENERGY Grants and Rebates
Nov 2nd
The ecoENERGY Retrofit for residential homes is creating jobs and helping Ontario residents save money. These changes help to reduce energy bills now and in the
future. BUT you need to act quickly, funding for the grant program is limited and everyones evaluations and retrofits need to be completed before March 31, 2012 or you will missout.
This ecoENERGY retrofit program has a specific section for tankless water heaters as they’re very high efficiency systems compared to what has conventionally been installed in homes. In Ontario you can expect a $375 rebate from the Government if you decided to switch over to a high efficiency tankless.
Several tankless brands are able to deliver the required efficiency and all bring in the full rebate value. If your interested you can read more about the different tankless brands and their specifications below.
Eligibility for the ecoENERGY retrofit program in Ontario
New ecoENERGY Participants – If you or the previous owner of your home didn’t have and energy audit completed between April 1 2007 and June 5 2011 than you are considered a new applicant. All you need to do is sign up and have the initial audit of your home completed – FIND OUT MORE
Past ecoENERGY Participants – If you or the previous owner of your home participated in the program between April 1 2007 and June 5 2011 and the maximum amount of $5000 wasn’t submitted then you can submit another application for upgrades completed on or after June 6 2011.
Popular Items on the Ontario Grant Table
- Furnaces — high-efficiency gas/oil furnace, up to $790
- Central air conditioners — replacement air conditioner $250
- Hot water heaters — high-efficiency gas water heater $375
- Hot water heaters — condensing tankless water heater $375
- Boilers — high-efficiency gas or oil boiler upgrade $750
- HRV — in home heat recovery ventilator $375
- Solar Thermal— installation of solar hot water system $1,250
- Heat pumps — air-source heat pump that doubles as air conditioner $500
- Geothermal — energy-efficient ground or water source heat pumps, up to $4,375
Ontario homeowners also can take advantage of these upgrades
- Attic or roof — insulation up to $750
- Exterior wall — insulation up to $1,875
- Basement — insulation up to $1,250
- Crawl space — insulation up to $1,000
Interested in an Energy Audit and dont know where to start? Start Here and know information is always free!
If your interested in a tankless than you want to Start Here
Servicing areas in and around Hamilton, Brampton, Georgetown, Etobicoke, Toronto, Brantford, Barrie, Vaughan, Maple, Nobleton, Bolton, Rexdale, Unionville, Newmarket, Bradford, King, Port Union.
Navien Tankless NR180 NR210 NR240
Oct 19th
With Navien Condensing Technology, you’re purchasing the most efficient home water heating system with “Ultra Condensing Efficiency”. Their systems offers substantial savings and produces less emmissions than a conventional water heater. Plus, the installation and venting processes are easy, cost effective, and Navien’s products are high in quality and performance.
The 3 primary Navien models
NR-180
NR-210
NR-240
These three are Natural gas systems, but you should note that they come in propane versions as well. In fact as propane burns hotter than natural gas the propane versions are a bit more efficient.
Navien tankless water heaters utilizes dual stainless steel heat exchangers, providing a longer life-expectancy and more resistance to erosion than copper heat exchangers. All tankless systems are designed to be cleaned and de-scaled, improving life span and durability.
Hot Water Flow Chart.
This chart shows the corrected values for hotwater production of each Navien water heater in relation to ground water temperature. Here in Ontario, Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, and the surrounding cities we should assume a ground water temperature of 35F.
Intelligent Remote Control For the Navien Tankless
NR-10DU (Included with every Navien Tankless Water Heater)
. Temperature adjustment in 1¡ÆF increments between 98-120¡ÆF
. Touch activated backlight function
. Easy-to-Use button type control
. Built-in recirculation timer for water and energy savings
. Key-pad lock button prevents inadvertent temperature changes
. Advanced water heater diagnosis capability and error feedback
Endless Hot Water Supply
Navien’s (and all tankless systems) offer an unlimited supply of hot water to meet a home’s unending demand
for hot water. With body showeres becoming much more common place now, it is imperative that you install a tankless. These new shower systems can
run a conventional tank type water heater dry in very short period.
Navien Venting Benefits
The high effciency of Navien’s Condensing Tankless Water Heater results in lower exhaust
temperatures, allowing for the use of 3” PVC venting.
• PVC venting offers a significant cost savings when compared with other venting materials.
• PVC venting is lightweight and easily slides together, reducing installation time
and makes it easy to run long distances.
See the Full Navien Brochure
Tankless Systems in Toronto Winter
Jan 13th
Problems can arise with a tankless water heater in a Toronto winter as the high efficient models (condensing tankless systems) emit a lot of moisture in their exhaust. When the temperature is extremely cold this moisture can freeze and start to plug up the exhaust vent causing your tankless to shut down. Its important to periodically take a quick look at the exhaust vent of your tankless (and furnace/dryer for that matter) just to make sure there isn’t any buildup.
Tankless Issue
- Ice buildup in exhaust vent
- Buildup blocks flow and potentially causes a dangerous carbon monoxide flow into your home
- Tankless should shut down and produce an error code when the exhaust is blocked
Resolution
- If the tankless was just running the warm exhaust gasses should have melted the buildup enough for you to pull it free.
- A blow dryer can work wonders at melting the buildup, but be cautious as the dripping water and electricity can be very dangerous
- Call a service technician if all else fails
This condition is rare and can occur with your dryer or furnace so its important that you as a home owner in Toronto experiencing winter are aware of it.
Dont Like Tankless? Or Cant Install One? You Can Still Have High Efficiency
Nov 11th
In a lot of instances a tankless is unable to be installed due to venting restrictions, or maybe your not interested in a tankless but still want greater efficiency…. does this mean you have to stick with your old style inefficient tank type water heater?
Nope, there is a solutions….. Envirosense.
GSW makes a conventional style tank type system that is 90% efficient.
The Envirosense Power Vent is a 50-gallon, 76,000 BTU gas water heater, equipped with a fully submerged, spiral-shaped condensing heat exchanger. This design provides much greater heat transfer surface than a standard straight flue tube, resulting in 90% thermal efficiency and higher hot water output than standard water heaters. With a 22” diameter, Envirosense Power Vent can be installed in less space than a 75-gallon unit and delivers greater recovery and lower operating costs. The Envirosense Power Vent is so advanced, it can deliver “endless hot water for showers” … a continuous flow of over 3 gallons per minute
If you are not keen on a tankless water heater you can still have unlimited hot water with this GSW high efficiency tank. This qualifies for Government Grants and Rebates
Noritz NRC111
Nov 9th
The Noritz NRC111 is a condensing tankless water heater. This is the only condensing tankless that Noritz makes and it produces 11.1 gallons of hot water per minute.
The Noritz NRC111 utilizes a dual heat exchanger, which is made from a fusion of stainless steel and copper exchangers. The 100% stainless steel component captures the residual heat from the exhaust temperature to preheat the incoming water before it runs through the main copper heat exchanger. This results in dramatic reduction of carbon dioxide and increases the tankless heater’s efficiency level to over 93%! Another benefit of this technology is lower exhaust temperatures, which means less costly PVC can be used for its venting. A PVC adapter is built into the Noritz heater for easy installation.
Specifications
Condensing technology – The most advanced Noritz unit, over 93% efficiency
Combi-system set-up - Open loop system functionality for both potable water heating and space heating combination system.
Safety lock out - Default max. 120 degrees (refer to owner’s manual for higher temp).
Dual flame burner – Minimizes temperature fluctuations.
Fully modulating – Automatically adjusts burner level accordingly.
Dual heat exchanger – 100% stainless steel corrosion resistant heat exchanger fused with a commercial grade copper heat exchanger.
Turbo Flow – Up to 11.1 GPM @ 35 degree temperature rise (8.4 GPM @ 45 degree rise).
Quick Connect – Doubles output by connecting 2 identical tankless units with a single cable.
Multi System - Up to 24 units can be linked and operated by a single system controller.
Direct ignition – No standby pilot light.
Thermal fuse – Automatic overheat protection system.
Resin coated PC board – Increases tankless durability and protection from elements.
Automatic air regulator – Monitors the Noritz tankless internal temperature/maximizes burner efficiency.
Neutralizer included - Built-in neutralizing system for condensation.
Request a Home Evaluation – See if a Noritz tankless can be installed in your home.
Noritz Tankless
Nov 9th
Noritz vision is to fundamentally change the way hot water is viewed within North America. A transition that can reduce the negative environmental effects caused by manufacturing and using inefficient water heating appliances. Yet, comfort will not be sacrificed as technology is making water heating over 90% efficient.
Models
Noritz has a number of tankless water heaters, but only a select few are really capable of being used in Canada and Ontario for that matter. These below are the most popular tankless models currently.
- NR66
- NR71
- NR83
- NR98
- NR111
- NRC111
The NRC111 is Noritz condensing tankless coming in around the 92% efficiency range.
