Tankless Hot Water Heaters, Efficient, Effective, Endless.
Posts tagged heat exchanger
Rinnai RC80HPi
Jul 15th
Features
- Qualifies For Government Rebates
- ENERGY STAR qualified
- Up to 97% thermal efficiency for this Tankless
- Condensing technology for greater efficiency and significant energy savings!
- Capacity to supply continuous hot water simultaneously to multiple plumbing demands
- Significant space savings over conventional tank-style water heaters
- More sanitary hot water
- Long-lasting design and reduced flooding risk
- 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 – 157,000
- Hot Water Production: 0.4 to 8.0 GPM (35° rise)
- Energy Factor: 0.96 (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)
Documents
- Brochure : Rinnai Condensing Tankless Water Heater RC80HPi
- Owners Manuel: Rinnai RC80HPi
- Specifications sheet: RC80HPi Tankless Condensing
The Best Tankless Water Heater
Apr 28th
The best Tankless ?
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This is a controversial question as some tankless water heaters result in a much better fit than others and thus they may be considered better by some users on different situations.
We have facilitated the installation of thousands of tankless systems and ensured that additional warranty and extended service is provided on all of the installed systems. In terms or reliability the Rinnai tankless heater is by far ahead of all the competition. Service records are able to prove this statement, emergency maintenance personnel are rarely called to fix the unit.
The Rinnai R75 is one of our biggest sellers.
- 12 year heat exchanger warranty
- Max input of 180,000 BTU
- EZ connect (2 unit connection)
- 7.5 GPM
- Energy factor of 0.82
- Concentric venting
- Reliable
It should be noted that Rinnai has very particular venting requirements that make it a bit more difficult to install. The specialized vent pipe is concentric meaning that the exhaust pipe is inside the intake pipe. This means that the hole drilled in the wall is at minimum 5″ in diameter. What makes it such a great unit is its reliability, Rinnai systems rarely break down.
The Navien tankless is a big seller as well; it has the condensing aspect of the market cornered. This condensing technology brings the efficiency of the unit up into the high 90’s and makes it the most efficient tankless. Do note – There have been issues and we are servicing this tankless more than any other we have installed.
The Navien CR210A is the primary tank installed.
- Max input 175,000 BTU/h
- Energy factor of 0.95
- 7.6 GPM
- Buffer tank and circulation pump
- PVC venting
The water quality in Toronto and surrounding areas like Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon (Peel region) is considered moderately hard. Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, or York Region has hard water due to the Oak ridges moraine and deposits within it. City of Toronto, Pickering, Ajax, and all cities along the shore of Lake Ontario that rely on the lake for water have moderately hard water. This is important to know as a tankless water heater can collect deposits causing the systems efficiency to be reduced. It is important to clean your Tankless water heater on a yearly basis.
There are a number of great tankless water heater brands available in the market place currently. The new version of the Navien condensing tankless seems to have far fewer issues. Also most of the manufactures have developed and now sell condensing units.
Takagi TH-2 is a great condensing tankless
Rinnai has condensing unit available that works amazing as well — RC98 Brochure
Noritz also make a very good condensing tankless.
All of the units mentioned above have very similar stats and performance, thus its boils down to the situation. Get a few quotes and go with an installer that’s not quoting you the bottom of the barrel price, you will get what you pay for. The brand of tankless that you choose will be determined in part by you and the layout of your home with regards to venting and code requirements.
Post any questions you may have in the comments section and we will try and answer them all.
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.
Navien is the most Efficient
Jun 17th
Navien The Most Efficient
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Navien America, a subsidiary of the South Korean company Kyung Dyong Navien, is now manufacturing the most efficient tankless water heaters in the industry. These Energy Star-rated water heaters achieve energy factors (EFs) as high as 0.98 by using conventional and condensing heat exchangers to capture heat from 
flue gases as well as latent heat generated when water vapor in these gases condenses into liquid. Adding to the units’ efficiency are dual microprocessors that use data from air and gas pressure sensors to ensure a proper fuel-to-oxygen ratio for optimum combustion, even when there are long vent runs or fluctuating gas pressure.
How could we recommend anything else…. Click on the link above to fill out the form and get a price for a Navien in your home.
Navian – Making the most efficient tankless water heater in the market today.
Condensing verses Non-Condensing Tankless
Mar 27th
Condensing verses Non-Condensing
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Tankless water heaters come in two different efficiency styles, condensing and non condensing. A condensing unit will recover more than 85% of the gas that a regular tankless water heater would otherwise vent out. Navien or “Navian” makes a tankless system that is 98% efficient by employing the condensing system. The high efficiency is gained by allowing the relatively warm exhaust gases to transfer otherwise wasted heat to the incoming water preheating it before flowing through the primary heat exchanger. This adds about a 10 to 15 percent efficiency increase to a tankless water heater which in itself is already quite efficient.
Now the grants that are available from the provincial and federal government are 
different for a condensing and non condensing tankless water heater. A condensing unit will receive $600 in total grants or $300 from each government level. The non condensing unit will net you $250 from provincial and federal netting $500 total. The governments trying to reduce energy consumption and pollution emissions would naturally give more grant money to tankless water heaters that are the most efficient.
Navien Tankless Error Codes
Apr 25th
Posted by administrator in General Info
6 comments
Navien Tankless Error Codes
This is the Entire list of Error codes for the Navien tankless water heater.
These troubleshooting tips are for models 180, 210, 240.
If you have any further questions send an email or post in the comments section and we will try to answer all inquiries.
3. Check the heat exchanger, remove and clean with a solution
3. Check the igniter for spark
2. Check the igniter for spark
2. Replace the thermistor
2. Replace the thermistor
2. Check and clean the fan motor
2. Check and clean the air filter
2. Check intake air pipe
3. Check the ground wire
4. Check power supply
2. Check the GFI
2. Clean the inlet water strainer
3. Check the automatic flow adjustment valve
4. Check the heat exchanger: remove and clean with a cleaning solution
2. Replace thermistor
2. Replace thermistor
2. Check and clean the air filter
3. Check the automatic flow adjustment valve
4. Check the heat exchanger: remove and clean with a cleaning solution
2. Replace thermistor
2. Replace thermistor
2. Replace leaking parts
2. Check the water flow sensor
3. Check the cold water main
2. Replace thermistor
2. Replace thermistor
2. Fill the LPG gas
There will be error codes on both the remote control and on the computer board on the main unit.
To reset a Navien tankless water heater either unplug the unit and wait a minute to plug it back in again, or press the power button on the remote control off and then back on again.
If Nothing else works call Navien’s Tech Support at 1-800-519-8794