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 Heat pump water heater Objective to reduce energy consumption by using refrigeration cycle in reverse.. Back up elements DIY install, not fully DIY repair, non generic parts, except generic back up elements. ***Service manuals available for AO Smith and State models No service manual for Rheem and Steible Why does a service manual matter? How can a local guy fix it if he can't get in touch with a professional? Who can fix it when your heater stops working on Saturday morning? Is he going to guess? Or will you have the service manual on your computer? AO Smith Service manual Research says: Overall, heat pump ''succeeds in providing hot water for all scenarios tested and can maintain a high level of performance, even at low ambient temperatures.' Yes it works as promised, but claim of savings is tempered by purchase price, noise, need 10x10 space for installation, yearly maintenance, limited life of product, cost of repairs and parts, and other factors. Heat pump blows cold air into room, which lowers ambient room temperature and reduces amount of warm air needed for heat exchanger. Works against HVAC ... using energy from HVAC to heat water. Best suited for warm climate where ambient air temperature is warm. All Costs are energy, so total energy-cost equals cost of water heater, plus installation, plus expected repairs-and-parts, plus disposal-recycling cost, divided by years of tank life. These numbers are added to monthly energy cost to measure true energy cost & efficiency of a water heater. Government/industry efficiency numbers consider only energy cost per gallon of heated water. Resources: How to install meter on electric water heater Read review GE manuals Gov laboratory evaluation of heat pumps 2011 (unknown who paid for research) |
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Heat pump integrated with
refrigerator Real science at work that you can apply. Heat from refrigerator re-used in water heater Modest home has 88 cent energy bill Resources: Water heater uses refrigerator heat Low-energy home uses heat pump integrated with heat from kitchen refrigerator pg9 |
 Air
Generate- Air TapObjective: Energy savings Heat pump added to top of existing tank. 7000 BTUs consumes 2.05 KW for each hour of operation. |
 Geyser Heat Pump Promo blurb Objective: Energy savings 6000 BTU consumes 1.75 KW for each hour of operation. |
 University of South Florida water heating
systemObjective: Energy savings "Adjusted cost of hot water = $85 per year" |
 CO2 Heat Pump Water
Heater DevelopmentObjective: Reduce energy and emissions; Replace refrigerants with CO2 Read 1 2 3 |
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Bond pipes together to prevent
corrosion of tank Add copper wire between hot and cold pipes/ prevent stray current corrosion Applies to older homes with copper and galvanized pipe ,,,, not newer homes with plastic and pex pipes. Do not ground outdoor equipment to water pipes. Must be grounded to conduit, and via copper wire connected to dedicated ground rod or back to ground busbar in main breaker panel. Do not connect electric panel grounding to water pipes. in past years, this practice was approved, but no more. Always bond ground busbar to correct sized wire that is connected to ground rod. Resource: Why you need ground wire |
 Larger image with details Heat traps Make your own heat traps to stop upward flow of heat loss Save energy year To meet energy standards, all new water heaters come with factory-installed heat traps that can clog during installation and during plumbing repairs later. The problem is new heaters have short nipples, and it's hard to remove the nipple, and replace with nipple that will not clog. Remove metal top off heater and see if foam insulation can be cut back so wrench can be applied to the nipple. Precaution: Disconnect supply tubes on water heater and flush after making plumbing repairs Plumbing repairs can dislodge debris inside the line that will clog heat traps City repairs on sewer lines, or water lines, or meter can cause movement of water lines, and release debris that can clog heat traps. Resource: How to remove short nipple |
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  Factory-installed heat trap
insertsThese can be replaced using robust hose washer ... preferably the fiber-rubber type if still available. Do not use the cheap hose washer because they don't work for a water hose, so they will leak on a water heater for sure. Buy quality and buy extra because everything is on sale today. Water heaters with insert type dip tube might have heat trap washer  Resource: Read about dip tubes |
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Hot side
and cold side heat trap nipples Save $2 per year energy cost Manufacturers add heat traps so they can claim greater efficiency However these heat traps can clog, especially after pipe repairs upline from water heater Water heater can make noise and whistling sounds. Recommend removing heat traps, and installing pex-lined nipple Buy: Dielectric nipples at Amazon Resources: Low hot water pressure Noisy water heater How to remove short water heater nipple |
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Pex-lined
nipples Less corrosion Prevent electrolytic deterioration when connecting copper and galvanized Buy: Dielectric nipples at Amazon Resource: How to remove short water heater nipple |
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Insert 5/8" carriage bolt
to prevent nipple from collapsing Resource: How to replace short nipple |
 Drip pan saves damage See drip pan installation |
Drip
pan Buy: Water heater drip pans at Amazon |
 Automatically
shuts off water in case of water leakSet detector in water heater drain pan Plug transformer into 120Volt outlet Lead free brass Buy: Floodstop water heater shut-off at Amazon Resources: Onsite Pro FS1NPT manual Watts automatic shut off valve sell sheet Watts automatic shut off valve manual |
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 Meter on water heaterThe Kwh meter is din rail mounted inside enclosure. Records billable power usage in Kwh. Multiply by rate you pay per Kwh to get monthly/ yearly cost of running electric water heater. Buy Bomain power meter 240 volt pass through Kwh meter 2T2502GA beige plastic enclosure 2T2500GA grey plastic enclosure Resource: Enclosures How to install electric meter on 240Volt water heater |
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 Larger imageControl water heater with z-wave How to control water heater with zwave  Wire color can be red-black or white-black or black-black etc Wire color does not matter. Add black tape near end of white wire when white wire carries voltage. Buy: GE z-wave contactor Resources: Figure volts amps and watts of water heater Select correct wire size How to check if electricity is OFF See inside main breaker box |
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 Control water heater with z-wave
or wifi switch Resources: How to control water heater with zwave switch How to control water heater with zwave contactor Wifi Resource: How to control water heater with wifi contactor |
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 Install meter on Gas water heaterRecord exact usage of BTU of gas appliances. 3/4" pipe thread connections. Use yellow teflon tape or gas-approved sealant. No excess tape or sealant inside pipe. Use black pipe or yellow flex line. Keep pipes clean during assembly. Install in vertical position with inlets pointing up as illustrated. 12.2" Tall x 8.5" Wide x 11.2" Deep No power source required Digital readout in cubic feet Remote Readable option (pulse output) using EKM-25IDS Buy: EKM gas meter Approved gas pipe sealant Yellow gas line  |
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Larger image Gas
water heater timerOr use daily or weekly plug-in timer to set schedule Plug in timers -or- Integrate with home-automation module, zwave, wifi, insteon. Gas water heater timer adjusts dial on gas control valve, rotating between ordinary thermostat setting and 'vacation' setting. The water heater is never completely off, so there is no short-cycling issue when operation resumes, plus vacation mode at 50° prevents water heater from freezing. No-tool installation. Works with older style mechanical thermostats, and newer Honeywell thermostat, fitting both propane and natural gas heaters. Buy Gas water heater timer at American Pacific $5 coupon code GENO Resource: Gas water heater timer |
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 Marathon electric Objective: long life, damp environment installation Often used as a solar collection tank, some models rated for 170°F heat Non-corroding polybutene tank, oversized element ports for easy sediment removal Fully DIY repair, DIY install, generic thermostats, non generic elements Problem is non-generic elements, and myriad of part numbers making it difficult to identify and shop best price for DIY repair. Resources: Review marathon Marathon elements Marathon thermostats |
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  Energy smart electric water heater Objective: Energy savings 4 operating modes to reduce consumption Fully DIY repair, DIY install, generic elements, non-generic thermostats Resources: Review energy smart Convert energy smart to regular water heater |
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 Power vent, power direct vent water heater Motor pushes combustion by-product out through a flue pipe and into atmosphere. Unlike atmospheric vent heaters that utilize natural upward draft of air through flue. Resource: Troubleshoot power vent water heater  Electronic gas control valves Many water heaters today come with an electronic gas control valve Error codes help with diagnosis When errors occur in the heating sequence, the circuit board begins to tally the number of occurrences. When number of errors exceed parameter, the status light begins to blink in patterned sequence, indicating most likely causes. Resource: Troubleshoot water heater gas valve |
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 Under counter/ point of use water
heater  Can save
money by reducing amount of hot water drawn from main tankUsed to increase capacity of hot water supply Used as replacement for larger tank Used so warm water is available immediately Electric tank models are Fully DIY repair, DIY install, generic parts Tankless models: DIY install, not DIY repair, no generic parts Resources: How to install under counter How to wire tankless electric water heater |
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 DIY solar Resources: Low voltage PV photovoltaic heater High voltage PV photovoltaic heater Review Techluck Passive DIY solar heater using old water heater or solar collector Long list of DIY solar water heat ideas |
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 Solar glycolClosed loop circulates solar-heated glycol through indirect heater. Glycol is anti-freeze and will not freeze with winter temperatures The glycol cannot be mixed with potable (drinkable) water supply. The glycol heats exchange coil inside indirect heater, and transfers heat to water Back up element ensures hot water is available on cloudy, snowy days etc. FYI: the PV electric solar panel will harvest more energy from marginal sunny days than glycol solar systems, and will begin to pull energy from solar output earlier and later in the day. Otherwise on sunny days, the glycol system heats hot water as expected 65-80-119 gallon tank stores solar heat 
One back up 4500 Watt element, foam insulation, 150 psi working pressureAsk questions before buying solar Lochinvar solar storage tank Manual Parts sheet Spec sheet |
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 Indirect heaterIndirect heater receives hot water from another source, such as solar hot water system, wood-burning stove, or a boiler, The hot water from boiler is circulated through the heat exchange coil, causing potable (drinkable) water inside the indirect heater to get hot The indirect heater does not have it's own heating source, unless specified. For example, indirect heaters used for solar water heaters (shown above), typically have electric heating element for backup. Indirect heaters have separate inlet-outlet for incoming hot water from boiler or solar panels, and these connections let hot water circulate through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a single-wall or double-wall tube that is sealed and will not allow water from boiler or glycol used for solar panels to mix with the potable (drinking) water. More about indirect heater |
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High efficiency condensing heater Review high efficiency condensing heater |
  Mixing valveCommonly used to increase capacity of tank or store very hot water Useful for high volume home ... also useful for off grid home that makes batches of hot water then sips hot for several days Buy from my affiliate links: Mixing valve kit at Amazon mixing valves Resources: Advantages disadvantages mixing valve Identify and repair water heater valves |
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 Larger imageEarthquake zones Use earthquake straps to prevent water heater from falling over. Earthquake straps help prevent gas leak and fire in event of earthquake. Prevents damage to property and injury from falling tank. Protect home and investment. Local codes require straps/ restraints in some areas Buy: Earthquake straps at Amazon Resources Earthquake and other hazards information pdf See illustration of installation |
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 Low Nox water heaterbuilt with special burner to help reduce or limit the amount of nitrous oxides (Nox) released during the combustion process. Objective: Low nitrogen oxide emissions 75% less Nox than standard model while maintaining efficiency and water temps  |
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intake |
Hard-water/efficiency Tankless water heater efficiency drops > parts fail in 2 years without water- softener. De-liming does not restore efficiency. Read pdf |
Condensing water heater New WH standards Two water heaters |
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High-efficiency & innovative Gas Ordinary gas water heater 69% efficiency. Tankless 79%. Electric 99%. 'High efficiency' gas 90- 96%. High efficiency not same as energy savings. Aircraft carrier may be efficient but small ship is cheaper. Read more |
Objective: High-demand 121 Gal per hour recovery <> compare with regular gas 41 Gal per hour recovery |
 Bradford
White efficiencyObjective: Ultra-high efficiency, air quality, integration with technology and exterior heat sources Digital control located at top |
 Rheem
Power Vent electronic gas heaterObjective: PV electronic control Adjust temperature remotely Self cleaning |
 AO
Smith Vertex "peak demand" Gas heaterObjective: High demand Burner & blower at top deliver unlimited hot water Diagnostic LCD |
 AO
Smith "Next-hybrid"Objective: efficiency & high demand Uses secondary heat exchanger & buffer tank Multiple modes |
 Bradford
White high recoveryObjective: high demand and conventional draft 76,000 BTU per hour so more hot water is available |
 AO Smith EffexObjective: Powered Anode 40,000 BTU sealed system recycles hot combustion gas. Resettable FVIR Read power anode rods |
 American
high efficiency gasObjective: efficiency & easy installation Pressurized combustion 24V Electronic control Powered anode rod - Read |
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 Zenith
copper-linedObjective: anti-microbial & long tank life 99.99% pure copper Self-cleaning |
 SuperStor
oil fired water heaterObjective: Low energy cost |
 Phoenix evolution Objective: Combine all home heating into one appliance Hot water, hydro air Hot water baseboard heat Solar assisted |
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| http://zenithwaterheater.com/copperlined.htm http://www.htproducts.com/phoenixevolution.html |
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| More Customer options |  Immersion heater Objective: now guests can stay in the barn Put 120V electric heater in bucket of water > makes 150° hot water |
 Insinkerator
Hot Water Dispenser Objective: save water, save energy Point of use hot water Kohler Sunbeam Franke KitchenAid Panasonic Others |
 Pot heaterObjective: Fill pot and have hot water at any sink 12" tall heater heats plugs into 115V outlet Dispenses 2-3 liters hot water into cup or sink Use switch or timer |
 Objective: Savings OWB: outdoor wood-fired boiler Check local air quality rules |
| NRG Biogeyser | ||||
| Solar: Solar water heat is efficient use of solar energy Solar tanks are made for higher temps. Regular water heater can be damaged by 180° F solar temps. Tempering valve needed. Check manual |
 AO Smith Cirrex solar assisted electric
heaterObjective: Solar heating Energy star > 30% tax credit Claim: "70% water heating is free" |
 Rheem Solar series productsObjective: Solar heating Slim solar panels provide free and natural way to heat water Electric back up |
 State "sandblaster" commercial self cleaningObjective: Long-term value Less sediment means more energy efficiency Gold elements = long life |
 Kenmore
tabletopObjective: utility /appearance Easy access control > set temperature higher on wash day > 2" foam insulation. Dual power option |
| Lochinvar
solar storage tank Objective: Store solar heat Back up 4500 Watt element, foam insulation, 150 psi working pressure |
 Bock
solar tankObjective: Store solar heat Optional electric element back-up |
 Triangle tube indirect multi-energy
tankObjective: Integration with solar, geothermal Heat exchange coil 2" foam insulation |
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| Solar
water heaters |
 José
Alano solar collector from water bottlesObjective: Recycling, innovation, solar heating Brazilian from Brazil |
 Gull Sun CoilObjective: Absorb solar heat from all directions Locate 6' diameter collector in hard-to-fit areas 5 gal per minute flow rate |
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| Timers
and controls Protect electronics from electrical surge |
 American
Pacific Gas Water Heater TimerObjective: Save energy Do-it-yourself gas water heater timer |
Bradford
White ICON gas water heater timer Objective: Save energy Gas valve communicates with timer and other features. Gas water heater timer |
Compare 16 electric and 2 gas water heater
timersObjective: Save money Do-it-yourself timers save $15-20 per month |
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 Honeywell Gas Valve Gas valve communicates with electronic control at top of heater Read pdf |
 Intelli-Vent electronic gas valve Self-diagnostic gas valve. Brand-specific gas valves control increasingly complicated water heaters. See error codes/ set temp |
 Programmable water heater timer on wallDo-it-yourself water heater timer made from off-the-shelf parts Costs about $80 |
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Optional
ways to control water heater temperature How to adjust temperature Ordinary timer controls temperature Hybernator Aqua Smart Mixing valve Whirlpool Energy Smart Honeywell-Aube CT241 Off-peak water heater ideas |
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| Tweaks and
choices |
 Buy:Motorized shut off valve Leak detection and inlet water shut off |
 Off-peak water heaterDo-it-yourself Wire water heater so one element is turned off during peak electric prices |
 9+ ways to save with water heater Do-it-yourself Simple efficiency steps with your gas and electric water heater |
 Add tempering tank Do-it-yourself Pre-heat incoming cold water with tank located in naturally warm area |
 Objective: Warn of anode rod depletion before tank rusts and ruptures, plus leak detection Anode rod options |
 Defender FVIR heatersObjective: Advanced flammable vapor protection Read forum discussion |
How to install gas water heaterSave money by knowing how to install and maintain water heater |
 Power
anode rodObjective: Long life for metal tank. Anode rod options |
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 Clean sediment from tank Objective: Maintain efficiency |
 Anode rodsObjective: Lengthen life of water heater tank |
 Do it yourself water heater repairs and
informationObjective: Save money |
 Troubleshoot electric water heater:Objective: Save money |
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 NPT
- NPSH thread Use element port to connect solar collector. NPSH thread to NPT. National fire |
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| Avoid tankless hype |
 Troubleshoot Rheem tankless Read side-by-side test results Read hidden cost of tankless |
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Water heater manufacturers, brands, sellers, resources/ 2020Find age of your water heater |
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New water heater ideas
& sellers
American
water heaterAmerican Standard AO Smith water heaters Amtrol indirect-boiler Andrews UK Apollo Water heater AquaMax systems AquaSense Aquatherm combo Atwood mobile products Bock water heaters Bradford White water heaters Buderus solar tanks Chromagen Craftmaster water heaters Dana/AE Anderson Dux hot water systems Everhot water heaters Everlast (HTP) stainless steel heater GE/ Rheem water heaters Giant Factories GSW Water heating Hamilton storage Hatco booster heater HTP water heating Hubbell water heaters ISE hot water dispenser John Wood Kenmore/Sears water heater* Laars/Bradford White Lochinvar water heaters |
New water heater ideas
& sellers (cont) Marathon/ Rheem Maytag/ Nibe water heaters Phoenix (HTP) Quik water heater Reco heaters Reliance water heaters Rheem water heating Richmond/ Rheem Ruud water heaters Scout gas heaters/ State State water heaters Stiebel-Eltron-USA Suburban RV heaters Techtanium Indirect tanks** Triangle Tube Indirect US Boilers Vanguard Water Heaters Vaughn manufacturing Vulcan Weil-McLain water heaters Whirlpool water heaters Wolf solar tanks Zenith water heaters |
Appliance
magazine :
620,000 -
650,000 water heaters are shipped each
month in US readWater heater shipments increased in April read -Water heater self-help forums 1 2 3 4  -Water heater reference chart ** Indirect water heaters receive heat from external source including boiler, solar collector, wood/coal burning, and geothermal |
 Water heater market profile 2009- pdf 3.8 Mb file  List of company identifications- pdf 228 Kb List of Industrial manufacturers: Elect-mech.com |
More
facts-n-figures Battelle Report- pdf 7.8 Mb file Tankless gas, storage gas, storage electric compared for: > Carbon footprint > Efficiencies > Life-span with and without water softener 
21 Kb file Carbon footprint |
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Tools DEWALT Black and Decker Stanley SKIL Makita Porter-Cable Bosch Irwin Hand tools Klein hand tools Fluke electrical testing Dremel hobby tools Campbell Hausfeld air powered Tekton automotive Powerbuilt automotive Saws and saw blades |
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Resource: Compare box timers DPDT timers Intermatic Control water heater w/ Z-wave |
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Resource: Control centers: + manuals and parts All control centers and parts Including Z-wave |
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Resource: Compare programmable timers Compare countdown timers Delay timers Modules Din rail Twin Woods |
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