Tankless Hot Water Heaters, Efficient, Effective, Endless.
Posts tagged exchanger
Rinnai RC98HPi
Jul 15th
Features
- Qualifies For Government Grants
- ENERGY STAR qualified
- Up to 96% thermal efficiency
- Condensing technology for greater efficiency and significant hot water energy savings
- Capacity to supply continuous hot water simultaneously to multiple plumbing demands
- Significant space savings over tank-style water heaters
- More sanitary hot water
- Long-lasting design and reduced risk of flooding
- Available in Natural Gas or Propane
- Flexible indoor installation options
- Meets Strict NOx Emission Rules
- 12-year heat exchanger limited warranty for residential installations (5 years on parts, 1 year on labor)
- Pair up with an air handler for efficient home heating
Specifications
- Dimensions: 19” W x 26” H x 10” D
- Weight: 71 lbs.
- Installation: Interior/Residential or Commercial
- Approved Gas Types: Natural Gas or Propane
- Minimum/Maximum Gas Rate (Input BTUs): 10,000 – 199,000
- Hot Water Capacity: 0.4 to 9.8 GPM (35° rise)
- Energy Factor: 0.94 (NG and LP)
- Electrical: AC 120 Volts – 60 Hz
- Connections:
- Gas Supply: ¾ inch MNPT
- Cold Water Inlet: ¾ inch MNPT
- Hot Water Outlet: ¾ inch MNPT
- Temperature Range (Min-Max)
- Residential: 98°-140° F
- Commercial: 98°-185° F (requires MCC-91-1 controller)
- Standard Digital Controller: MC-91-1US (included)
Documents
- Brochure : Rinnai Condensing Tankless Water Heater RC98HPi
- Owners Manuel: Rinnai RC98HPi
- Specifications sheet: RC98HPi Tankless Condensing
Home Depot Tankless or Rinnai
May 12th
Bosch vs Rinnai Tankless
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There has been quite the buzz regarding tankless water heaters lately. Claims of their superior energy savings and efficiency have been touted by every company pushing the units. Yes they do reduce the amount of gas or propane you use but they also provide endless hot water. If you take a 45 minute shower your more than likely using more energy than you would with a conventional tank that simply runs out of hot water after 20. Yet if you are reasonable and shower for the same duration, you have great potential to see some real energy (and money) savings with a tankless water heater.
Now that you know you want a tankless you have two options…
Option 1 – Go to your nearest Home Depot and purchase one from there, then hire a gas fitter and a plumber to install it
or
Option 2 – Look for a professional tankless installer who has the specialty to preform a stand-up job.
Being the person purchasing the system cost will obviously be a factor and I guarantee Home Depot will be the cheapest option (If cost is your only driving force you should click the link and head to Home Depot now).
For those of you that stuck around I will explain why the second choice is probably the best choice.
Firstly if you call around to a few tankless installers you will quickly realize that none of them sell Bosch tankless heaters (Bosch is the only tankless brand Home Depot sells). The reason why these companies don’t offer this brand is due to the fact they offer extended warranties and guarantees. They are on the line for the products they sell and thus they go with quality products they know will stand up and remain reliable.
Enter Rinnai.
Ask these same tankless installation companies if they sell the Rinnai brand tankless water heater and I bet you find that 99% of them do. Rinnai tankless water heaters are built to last and this is why industry professionals install this brand. Lets compare the Bosch and Rinnai tankless models and see some of the differences.
Bosch Aquastar Tankless Water Heater 1600H compared with Rinnai R75LSi Tankless
Bosch Tankless Verses a Rinnai Tankless
| Bosch 1600H | Rinnai R75LSi | |
|---|---|---|
| Tankless Weight | 33 Pounds | 50 Pounds |
| Power Input (NG) | 30,735-117,000 Btu | 15,000-180,000 Btu |
| CSA Certified | Yes | Yes |
| GPM | 0.6 – 3.5 GPM | 0.6 – 7.5 GPM |
| Energy Factor | 0.8 or 80% | 0.82 or 82% |
| Heat Exchanger | Residential Grade | Commercial Grade |
| Cost or Price | $939 + installation and Vent | $2850 or $39.95 rental |
As you can see there are some definite differences, probably the most glaring is the amount of hotwater that can be provided. The Rinnai is able to produce more than twice as much, meaning you won’t run into problems when running more than one appliance or faucet..
Of course this doesn’t take into account all the benefits that you get from a professional install like:
- Proper venting, tankless systems have very specific code requirements
- Correct sizing so that you always have enough hot water
- Additional warranty and workmanship guarantees
- Maintenance guarantees, service plans, and emergency tech service.
Sure any Ontario Home Depot has the cheapest system but I hope I clarified why they’re some much cheaper. Now those of you still left reading option 2 and didn’t click on the Home Depot link you are obviously interested in a tankless. These systems can’t go in every home due to venting issues so we send out a technician to make sure everything will work and what size tankless your home would need. This is a free service, so just fill out the form below and we will call you to schedule a time for someone to come by. Typically only 15-20 minutes.
Technicians are fitting and sizing tankless water heaters in all of the greater Toronto area as well as, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Rexdale, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham, North York, Scarborough, Im sure I have missed some cities but you get the idea, if in question just send us an email.
Microwave Tankless Water Heaters….
May 11th
Microwave Tankless
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Giant microwaves to heat water instantly? Is this real? And can it actually work?
A microwave (like in a microwave oven) is generated by a magnetron at a frequency of 2.45 gigahertz, this is the 
exact frequency that targets water molecules and gets them vibrating faster and faster, thus heating up.
The principal behind a microwave tankless water heater is basically the same as your microwave oven at home just on a larger scale. Cold water will simply pass through the unit where it will be bombarded by microwaves actively exciting the molecules to the required temperature. The warm or hot water will then pass through the pluming system to the source of demand.
Effectively this is making hot water produced by electricity actually a reality. There are electric tankless water heaters, sure, but they require massive amounts of power and don’t reliably produce enough water to supply a modern home. Wanderport, a manufacturer of these systems is claiming upwards of 6-7 gallons per minute which is directly on par with conventional tankless systems.
What’s potentially so great about these systems?
First off there is no venting needed, no holes in the walls, no venting proximity restrictions; these are huge barriers that gas or propane tankless systems face. On that same note, the conventional tankless systems sometimes require home owners to upgrade supply lines as units can consume upwards of 199,000 Btu’s.
Secondly a microwave unit has an efficiency of 99% and emits no pollution. The unit also doesn’t degrade over time as a conventional tankless does with calcium deposits and buildups in the various heat exchangers that they need.
So what’s the chances of you getting a microwave water heater in your home in the near future?
According to Wanderport, quite realistic. In fact they have a product on the verge of being released. Its already won an advanced technology award from the
Toronto Construction Association.
Check out the future of water heating here.
Norits Tankless Water Heater
Mar 22nd
Norits Tankless Hot Water
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We are now starting to install the Norits tankless systems to replace the Navien that we have had some troubles with.
The Norits is a condensing tankless that is able to provide sufficient hot water for the typical 3 bedroom 3 bathroom home.
Nortis Advantages
- 0.5 GPM low flow start up requirement
- Direct ignition
- Condensing so
- Greater than 93% efficient
- Digital thermometer for accuracy
- Dual copper primary heat exchangers
- Multi-system compatibility
- PVC (636) venting capabilities
The Noritz 842 tankless water heater also uses a dual flame in its burner. This is a system that recirculates the exhaust gases back into the combustion chamber to burn off any excess fuel and particulate mater so as to increase efficiency and provide, essentially free heat.
Single Burner
Dual Burner
These energy efficient models use dual heat exchangers to increase efficiency to over 93%. Available form Norits are the N-0842MC and the N-0842MC-DV, the tankless come in either direct or power vent.
Fill out this form and see if the Norits tankless will work in your home. CLICK FOR FORM
Noritz is correctly spelled with a Z instead of an S but its a common mistake.
Navien Problems
Mar 18th
Navien Problems
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Navian was the first to come out with a condensing tankless water heater and thus they are bound to have some issues. This post is aimed at addressing some of these problems.
Issues
- Navien flow sensor issues
- Navien Control board failures
- Navien Heat exchanger cracks
The flow sensor
Early Navian models had flow sensors that would easily corrode and shut the unit down as the buildup would impair operation. There is a temporary fix where you take the two clamps off the sensor, pull it out and blow on it. The fix that Navien has made is to change the sensor over to stainless steel, you can replace the part to prevent this unexpected shut down. Also an additional fix is to install a 5 micron filter in the water inlet right before the Navian.
Navian Control Boards or Motherboards
These do fail relatively frequently and symptoms would be that the unit turns on, then off, then on, and then off repeatedly or possibly, fails with error code 03 (ignition failure). There are a few other issues that the board can cause but the only real solution is to power cycle the unit (un-plug and plug back in) or replace the Navien control board.
Cracking Heat Exchanger
This isn’t near as frequent as the problems listed above but it is an issue none the less. A heat exchanger should be replaced immediately; it’s a breach containment allowing exhaust gases to enter your home. The heat exchanger is under Navian warranty.
More Help
Here is some places and information you can use to find additional help.
Navien Technical Help Line – 1-800-519-8794
Navien online trouble shooting – Go HERE
Navien Warranty details – Find out more HERE (should be accurate for Canada and Ontario)
Additional Issues – Read Here
UPDATE – here is a complete list of Navien error codes – Read HERE
If all else fails post a comment and we can try and trouble-shoot any issues here.
Takagi Condensing Tankless Review
Mar 16th
Takagi Condensing Tankless
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Here is the Takagi T-H2 Condensing Tankless hot water heater, there’s a lot to cover so lets get started.
Takagi Tankless Benefits
- PVC venting
- 95% efficient
- 4.6 GPM in dead of winter
- 8.5 GPM in the summer
- Direct vent capability
Info
The T-H2 model is available as a direct vent or an Outdoor model only. Takagi’s T-H2 “2nd Generation High Efficiency Tankless” unit, is a very energy efficient tankless unit (up to 95% in thermal efficiency) in the Tankless industry. The T-H2 was apparently designed for residential and light commercial use and offers Takagi’s Easy-Link to join multiple units.
The T-H2 can provide upwards of three showers’ worth of water simultaneously in colder climates.
The T-H2 can be vented with PVC, providing 0 clearance for DV installations. PVC venting can be used in all applications and apparently Takagi says that 3″ exhaust venting is now available (previously it required a 3″ intake and a 4″ exhaust).
The primary heat exchanger is made of “Heat Resistant Alloy” HRS35 Copper, Takagi has also added a “High Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel” #316L secondary heat exchanger to recover waste heat from the vent stack before it leaves the unit to preheat the incoming ground water. This second heat exchanger and the resulting condensation that forms from the high efficiency operation, classify it as a “Condensing” Water Heater.
Download the official Takagi T-H2 Manual Here. Must have a PDF viewer.
Specifications
| Natural Gas Input | Min. 13,000BTU | Max. 199,000BTU |
| LPG Input | Min. 13,000BTU | Max. 199,000BTU |
| Gas Connection | 3/4″ NPT | |
| Water Connection | 3/4″ NPT | |
| Condensate Water Drain | 1/2″ NPT | |
| Natural Gas Pressure Inlet | Min. 5.0″WC | Max 10.5″WC |
| LP Gas Pressure Inlet | Min. 8.0″WC | Max. 14.0″WC |
| Weight | DV = 73lbs. | |
| Dimensions | 25.6″ x 18.5″ x 12.4″ | |
| Ignition | Electronic Ignition | |
| Electrical Supply | AC 120V (60 Hz) | |
| Water Pressure | Min. 15psi | Max. 150psi |
| T-H2DV Manifold Pressure | Natural: 3.15″WC | Propane:4.6″WC |
As we all know Canada can has winter, and this affects our ground water temperature. The higher the tankless has to heat ground water up the lower the output flow of hot water is. Ontario’s ground water fluctuates with the coldest temperatures occurring in February and the warmest is September. Toronto, Hamilton, Brampton, Scarborough, Mississauga for example are places that rarely see ground water temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus its safe to assume a minimum of 4.6GPM in the worst of conditions.
Download the official Takagi T-H2 specifications sheet here. Must have PDF viewer.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a condensing tankless that is relatively cheap and flexible for installation the Takagi condensing unit is definitely one that you should consider. This unit is $2575 our price and the Suggested Retail is $3920, which is considerably more.
Fill out the form below if you are at all interested in this or any other Tankless Water Heater.
Condensing Tankless Explained
Mar 11th
Navian Condensing Tankless
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Navian Condensing Tankless Water Heater
To help explain “condensing technology” for a tankless water heater imagine the condensation that forms on the outside surface of a glass of ice water. This condensation is purposely created inside Navien’s condensing heat exchanger (thats the secondary heat exchanger) from the incoming cold water. This cold water works to cool the hot gases inside the unit increasing its efficiency. Navien’s stainless-steel condensing heat exchanger then traps this condensation and uses it, making the whole process incredibly efficient and economical. This condensation (or vapors and gases) would normally escape through the vents in a conventional tankless water heater. But with Navien’s technology the water heater reuses the condensation, providing one of the most efficient and economical tankless Water Heater a home owner can buy.
Thats how all the Navian condensing Tankless systems work.
Rinnai Tankless
Jan 12th
Rinnai Tankless
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If you’re searching for an endless supply of hot water for your home or business, Rinnai tankless water heaters offer you hot water on demand, 
so you are not stuck with a fixed and pre-heated supply. You can enjoy hot water when you want it and for as long as you want it, so go ahead and do the dishes, run the washing machine and take a long and luxurious bath at the same time. No more worrying about running out of hot water with a Rinnai tankless water heater.
As a Rinnai tankless owner you will enjoy up to 40% energy savings. These units are highly efficient and only heat the water when it is needed. When the demand ceases, the unit shuts down and uses zero energy-a revolutionary advantage over the big and bulky inefficient conventional tanks heaters.
Purchasing a Rinnai tankless water heater, gets you will a reliable and durable copper heat exchanger with a typical life span of 20 or more years (that is twice as long as the old tank water heater’s life span). In addition, the traditional tank water heat accumulates a buildup of rust and sediments that collect in the tank-where the water you drink and bathe is stored. With the Rinnai tankless heaters, no water is stored, so you only get fresh and clean hot water because the water is heated as it passes through the unit.
Being about the size of a small suitcase, the Rinnai tankless unit can be installed on virtually any wall on the inside or outside of your home. Rinnai offers you a line of controllers that makes it very easy to set the hot water temperatures for multiple locations in your house.
(update)
Rinnai Condensing Tankless
Rinnai has a condensing unit out in the market now. This tankless has an efficiency of around 95% and utilizes two heat exchangers to attain the high efficiency rating. Rinnai has maintained the single exhaust vent or concentric piping. This unit will get you the full $375 in available grant money from the Ontario Government. If you want to get a free quote for this Rinnai tankless Contact us Here
You can also read more on the Rinnai condensing tankless here.
First Rinnai Condensing Tankless
Oct 14th
Rinnai Condensing
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Rinnai’s condensing water heating technology offers all of the lifestyle benefits of traditional tankless water heaters which includes continuous hot water and the ability to run multiple hot water appliances at the same time coupled with even greater energy savings. Rinnai’s unique condensing design incorporates two innovative heat exchangers to achieve optimum water heating value from every cubic foot of natural gas or propane, and the units are ENERGY STAR qualified. The condensing process delivers up to 95 percent thermal efficiency, which translates to significant energy savings when compared to traditional gas tank water heaters. Available in four models, the condensing tankless water heaters are designed to meet the needs of mid to large sized homes and can be banked for even greater capacity. Like all Rinnai tankless water heaters, the condensing tankless water heaters contain commercial grade heat exchangers, making them an ideal choice for both residential and commercial applications.
In addition to the units’ lifestyle and energy saving benefits, the Rinnai condensing tankless water heaters utilize a unique concentric venting system that is specifically designed for gas appliance venting. This results in an overall safer and easier to install product. The concentric venting design is a safer option for consumers due to the use of a polypropylene inner pipe, which is designed to withstand varying flue temperature conditions that may be experienced over the life of a product. Also, since Rinnai’s concentric venting system uses just one pipe that is fit and locked into place without glues or solvents with expandable gasket seals at pipe joints, the risk of gaps is virtually eliminated, further contributing to the safety of the system; plus, installers appreciate the simplified, quicker installation afforded by the single pipe.
Find out more on the Rinnai condensing takless you can give our office a call or fill out the quick form and we will have some one call you back.
