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Tankless Hot Water Heaters, Efficient, Effective, Endless.
Posts tagged exchanger
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.
Our Service Department – 1-855-696-8265
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.
The Cold water Sandwich
Mar 23rd
What is the cold water sandwich?
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This sandwich happens when there is warm water for a few minutes then a burst of cold and then rapidly back to warm. This occurs in homes with tankless water heaters as the residual water in the pipes going to a faucet or shower can still be hot. The user in the household will then turn the tap on and feel warm water almost instantly. A tankless water heater takes a few seconds to heat up the heat exchanger and start 
transferring that heat to the water. The result is that a small amount of cold water can make it through the heat exchanger without warming up. When this cold water reaches the end user it may not even be noticed or if the person is in the shower it may be quite evident. After a second or two the heat exchanger is working and hot water is being produced and sent though the hot water pipes bring the desired water temperature again. This does occur more frequently in electric tankless water heaters over gas powered tankless systems. Gas is at full temperature almost immediately where an electric element can take a minute to fully reach its operating temperature.
Now you know what a hot water sandwich is in reference to plumbing and tankless hot water heaters, ask your contractor or installer as there are ways to mitigate this sandwich.
Solar and a Tankless
Feb 19th
Solar And A Tankless Heater
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There is starting to become a buzz around solar hot water systems. If you have a good, knowledgeable contractor a solar water system can work quite well with a tankless hot water heater. 
Here are a few of the advantages that you can expect when combining the two systems.
1. The preheated water coming from the solar water heating system will increase the flow of hot water out of a tankless unit. The reason is due to the fact the tankless has to heat pre-warmed water reducing the necessary temperature rise. The amount of hot water a tankless can provide depends on the input temperature. The greater the temperature rise necessary the slower the water can travel through the heat exchanger and the slower the output flow. Incoming water at 45F vs. 70F vs. 100F will have very different results on the output of a tankless system.
2. The water is already warm or even hot from the solar rays before entering the tankless unit and therefore the added wait time associated with a tankless unit can be reduced or even eliminated.
3. Its important when combining a tankless and solar water heater to consider a tankless unit that recognizes incoming temperature as well as outgoing and is able to fully modulate its burner (therefore only burning the necessary amount of gas to raise the temperature to the appropriate amount).
4. With the right tankless unit and an appropriately sized solar system you may find that your tankless rarely need to run. In fact some people have found that their gas bills are now costing only a few dollars as opposed to a few hundred dollars.
These Solar systems can be a little tricky in Ontario and Toronto as we have winter and the solar system (if it fails) could experience freezing. This would rupture the thermal cells in the collector rendering it ineffective. It may be necessary to use a glycol system to prevent freezing if electricity goes out. Your contractor should be able to provide all necessary info, or fill out the contact form and we can help.
Heating Water with a Tankless in Ontario
Feb 10th
Buying a Tankless in Ontario |
So you’re thinking of getting a tankless water heater and you live in Ontario, that’s good these systems are excellent for the environment and your bottom line. Most…. Actually all of these systems are designed outside our country and thus outside our climate. You should take some extra precautions before purchasing a system.
If you take a look at the map you can extrapolate a rough estimate of ground water temperatures for Ontario. Sorry there doesn’t seem to be an accurate map of Ontario’s ground water values anywhere. I would use 35-37 Fahrenheit as a good starting point; your incoming water will never be much colder than that. The tankless water heater you choose will need to warm the water up from your starting temperature to your desired level. If the incoming water is 35 and you want hot water to be 110 your tankless needs to heat the water 75 degrees. This is quite a relatively significant increase and to produce this level of rise requires the water to pass through the heat exchangers at a slower rate.
In the summer Ontario ground water is often between 50 and 65 Fahrenheit, to reach your desired 110 degree level the water only needs to be heated 45 degrees. Sensors in the tankless measure incoming and outgoing temperature levels and adjust flow rates accordingly. Thus a system rated to provide 5 GPM (gallons per minute) with only a 40 degree temperature rise will likely only produce maybe 2 GPM in the winter when water temperatures are really low.
When you’re purchasing a new tankless for your home make sure you pay close attention to the tankless heaters specifications. Make sure that it is able to provide an adequate flow rate when your incoming water temperatures are at the lowest in the winter.
Paloma Tankless Systems
Dec 3rd
The Paloma tankless water heating system can be a good choice for large homes that are using more 
than one water source at the same time. These systems also have the added benefit of using either propane or natural gas, depending on which model you choose. However the Paloma Tankless system is a rather large unit that doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles as far as controls are concerned. Overall it is a good system, but there are other options that are slightly better. The Paloma’s warranty is still one of the best in the business at ten years on the heat exchanger and three years on all other parts.
These systems are manufactured outside of north america, so if you are looking to buy a little more local look at the Rinnai Tankless systems, which is built in the USA.
