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Tankless Hot Water Heaters, Efficient, Effective, Endless.
Posts tagged heat exchanger
Lime Scale…. The Energy Thief
Nov 24th
From the smallest homes and business to the very largest, everyone 
invests a substantial amount of money into heating water. The problem is lime scale buildup on the surface of water heaters, which significantly reduces heat transfer. This lime scale reduces heat transfer, decreases fuel efficiency, and will ultimately lead to equipment failure.
Water naturally contains dissolved minerals such as calcium carbonate, lime, silica, iron, and phosphate to name a few. These trace elements are essential to human health, not so much for your water heater though. With heat the minerals are able to precipitate out and build up on the surfaces.
On day one of a tank type water heater you looking at your greatest efficiency, sometimes as high as 80%. This is reduced quickly as the lime and other particles cling together and bake themselves into a hard crust. This scale builds up on the walls and blocks the heat transfer proportionally as much. With the additional heat not being transferred into the water the steel becomes brittle and can crack quite easily. 
Solutions For Lime Scaling
For a tankless water heater it is essential that you have the system flushed once a year with a de scaling solution (vinegar). This maintains the tankless heat exchanger and ensure a consistent efficiency rate. As for your conventional tank water heater, flushing is more difficult but can be done. For the most part they are designed as disposable units that are simply just replaced if broken.
Amana Furnaces Toronto
Nov 17th
Most Toronto homeowners have a gas furnace in their home which keeps them warm through the cold winter months in Toronto. An Amana brand gas furnace should be entrusted for this task. The complete line-up of Amana brand gas furnaces offer variable and multi-speed performance which provides enhanced indoor comfort by slowly ramping up to your thermostat setting rather that simply starting at full speed. This alleviates the ‘cold air-blow’ often associated with single-speed furnaces. To find the highest level of energy-efficient gas furnaces within Toronto, look for the highest AFUE rating.
Request a Free In Home Evaluation
Warranty
The Amana furnace is covered by what we believe to be one of the best warranties in the indoor home comfort industry. The heat exchanger is covered with a Lifetime Limited Warranty to the original, registered homeowner. This furnace also has a 10-Year Parts Limited Warranty on all other functional parts.
Product Features
- Patented Dual-Diameter Tubular Heat Exchanger
- Efficient & Quiet Variable-speed circulator motor
- Long life, Durable Silicon Nitride Igniter System
- Electronic Control Board with Self-Diagnostics
- Auto-Comfort Mode for Enhanced Dehumidification
- Run-Tested at Factory Prior to Shipment
Models Offered
Amana — AMVC90453BXA – 96% Two-Stage Variable (ECM)
Amana — AMVC90905DXA – 96% Two-Stage Variable (ECM)
Amana — AMVC91155DXA – 96% Two-Stage Variable (ECM)
Amana — ACV90704CXA – 93% Two-Stage Variable (CF-ECM)
Amana — ACV90905DXA – 93% Two-Stage Variable (CF-ECM)
Amana — AMV80704BXB – 80% Two-Stage Variable (ECM)
Amana — AMV80905CXB – 80% Two-Stage Variable (ECM)
Amana — AMV81155CXB – 80% Two-Stage Variable (ECM)
Request a Free In Home Evaluation
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.
Tankless Warranty Facts
Oct 4th
Tankless systems all seem to have different warranties and information regarding their heat exchangers, parts, and labour on installation. Here is a small break down of what you as a home owner can expect. 
Bosch – 12 year warranty on tankless heat exchanger and 2 years on Parts.
Navian – 15 year warranty on tankless heat exchanger and 5 years on Parts
Noritz - 10 year warranty on tankless heat exchanger and 5 years on Prats.
Rinnai – 12 year warranty on tankless heat exchanger and 5 on Parts, but also comes with 1 year on labour.
Takagi - 10 year warranty on tankless heat exchanger, 5 years on Parts, and 1 year on labour.
It pays to do your research as you can see there is a bit of a difference between the different brands and the warranties that they offer. These tankless systems are designed to last for a number of years, many years longer than your conventional tank water heater.
Also know that the company you hire to do the installation more often than not (if they are reputable) will add additional warranty on to your unit. Make sure to get a few quotes and make the warranty a priority when negotiating the price.
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
- Cheap and Reliable (2011 models and newer)
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.
Remember to check us out for pricing!
Call Toll Free 1-855-696-8265
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.
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.
Navien Tankless Error Codes
Apr 25th
Posted by administrator in General Info
23 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