4/30/2011

Bradford White M440T6FBN 40 Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater Review

Bradford White M440T6FBN 40 Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater
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I did quite a bit of research, got seveal estimates and with most charging $800-$1000 for labor decided to do it myself. I was able to pick up the B&W M440T6FBN from a plumbing contractor locally and got a good price, (he even delivered it!) I'm pretty handy around the house but the biggest concern I had was that my HTW is in the attic but called a couple of friends over and went w/o a problem. Easy to install, pilot lite was easy to light and have no issues as all. Unit seems to have a lot of insulation, ceratinly more than the old one. Plenty of hot water and am looking for some energy savings since my last one was 21 years old!

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Bradford White offers a wide array of both natural and LP gas-powered water heaters for residential use. These durable products provide years of dependable service and are designed to give you more hot water for the money. These water heaters utilize a draft diverter and are atmospherically vented with capacities ranging from 29 to 60 gallons

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4/29/2011

Bosch 1600H NG AquaStar 4.3 GPM Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater Review

Bosch 1600H NG AquaStar 4.3 GPM Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater
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EDIT - 1/11/08 -------------------------------------------------
I've been having trouble with the Aquastar lately. It still works but doesn't like to work when the furnance is running. I assumed the furnance was drawing down the gas pressure in the line but after having the gas company out and an HVAC technician they both concluded the pressure is steady and sufficient. Contacting Bosch technical support has proven to be an exercize in patience to say the least. Each phone call (there have been 3) has taken a minimum of 50 minutes on hold. I've spoken to three different techs and have been given three different solutions. First call, very nice lady, apolgized for the wait, I told her the problems and she sent me a new control box (didn't work). The second time I called, the tech told me it was my problem and not the Aquastar. He said I had insufficient gas pressure (I didn't), said I had a vent back draft (tested, I didn't) basically he blew me off. He gave me the phone number of a local tech (wasn't local-40 miles away) that I'd have to pay for (because it was my problem) to come and diagnose my Aquastar. I decided to call back because I was very unhappy with the technical support I had just received. My intent was to make a complaint, but on my third call I talked to yet another tech who diagnosed yet another possibility. He sent me another part to replace, which still hasn't solved the problem. Which is where I'm at at the moment.
I've done some more research on the internet and it seems that Bosch Hotwater tech support is reknown for poor service. Unfortunately that's something you only find out when the unit isn't working.
I'll have to change my recommendation from a buy to a don't buy at this point based solely on customer service. Hot water is not something you can readily do without for any period of time and if you do have a problem with the Aquastar, waiting days to have it fixed is not a solution.
Another curious observation, why is there such a wait for tech support? Must be a lot of broken Aquastars out there.
END EDIT ------------------------------------------------I installed the Aquastar 1600H myself in about 3 hours. I bought it at Lowes and like the other reviewer, had to go to HomeDepot to buy the 5" class B ducting. I gave the Lowes sales ppl an ear full about that but it just went in one ear and out the other.
If you're comfortable with sweeting copper and plumbing your own gas lines its really not that difficult. My biggest problem was positioning the unit so I could vent the exhaust gases. If you don't have a straight vent stack and have to feed the exhaust into the chimney like I did, it required placing the unit really low on the wall. You are required to vent straight up for the first 12" before you can elbow the vent. Along with the minimum run vs. rise of the vent pipe, it forced me to place the unit just barely a foot off the ground. Your situation may be different but keep it in mind. Also, it requires a minimum of 3/4" inside diameter black iron gas pipe. In some cases if you're tapping into the same gas line as your furnance, you may have to install 1" gas line. This unit requires a lot of BTU's and if you choke down below 3/4" it will not run properly. So that means no yellow flexible line to make the last connection. You'll have to hard plumb the iron pipe all the way to the unit.
There are both benifits and negatives to this unit. First the benifits. Long, long, long showers. Literally, you can take a shower all day. Then the next person in line doesn't have to wait for the water to heat back up. It's ready to go. Great for a family getting ready in the morning. Second, big savings on the gas bill. My bill dropped $20 the month after I installed this unit. I figure it will pay for itself in less than two years after the tax credit.
Now for the negatives. Low hot water pressure. That takes some getting used to. The unit has a maximum 4.3 gpm, but that's really unreasonable.(Take into consideration that I'm in the Northern USA and the water in coming into the house is at 50 degrees.) At that flow rate the water doesn't heat up above 90 degrees. That makes it warm not hot. You have to turn down the flow rate to 2.3 gpm to heat the water to 120 degrees. At that flow rate / pressure, if you open two hot water spigots anywhere in the house at the same time it becomes a trickle. There is no way you could run the shower or any other appliance like the dishwasher or washing machine at the same time. If you turn the Aquastar back up to 4.3 gpm you could, but you'll be taking a warm shower not hot (in my case).
Also, at 2.3 gpm, it takes a long time for the hot water to actually get to the faucet. It probably takes 4 to 5 times longer than it used to for hot water to flow from the tap than it did with the old tank system. For example, if I'm washing my hands, by the time I'm done lathering up and rinsing, the water is just now starting to get hot. I've come to realize its not even worth turning the hot water on for short burst of hot water like that.
It takes adaptation to get use to this, like this trick I use in the morning. I turn the hot water on and brush my teeth while the water is slowly making it's way to the tap. Once it's hot, then I turn on the shower. Otherwise I have to let the shower flow for what seems like a very long time before it starts getting up to temperature.
Would I recommend this unit. It depends. If you really need the ability to run two showers or two appliances at the same time, then no way. You'll have to go with the next unit up that has a faster flow rate. There's no way this unit can handle that.
But if you think you can adapt to the low flow rate and really enjoy taking all day hot showers while saving money on your gas bill then this is the unit for you. I really enjoy the savings and long showers.
One more thing. The manual says you have to clean the unit once a year to maintain its efficiency. That means disassembling some parts in the unit. Clean them and put it back together. I haven't had to do this yet, but its just one more thing to consider before you switch to tankless hot water.


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Bosch 1600H-NGBosch AquaStar 1600H-NG (Natural Gas)Except for the ignition system, the 1600H(hydro-ignition) is the same as the 1600P(standing pilot).The Bosch AquaStar 1600H replaces the 125HX model and is designed to vent vertically and requires a 5" type-b double wall vent. Can be vented horizontally with the addition of the AQ4. The Bosch AquaStar 1600H tankless water heaters supply one major hot water outlet at a time. They are sized for most homes and small businesses and have a 12-year manufacturer's warranty when installed professionally.Bosch 1600H-NGBosch AquaStar 1600H-NG (Natural Gas) Features:; Delivers up to 4.3 gallons per minute; No standing pilot â no electricity needed; 12-year warranty on heat exchanger â 2 years on parts; Provides ENDLESS supply of hot water; Saves up to 50% off utility costs; Compact and lightweight; Can simply hang on the wall; Modulating gas valve to control temperature; Pressure relief valve included; Vents with inexpensive and readily available 5â B Type Galvanized vent pipe "; Power Input :30,735-117,000 Btu; Minimum Flow to Activate (gpm): 0.6 gallons per minute (gpm); Flow Rates 90° F rise / 2.1 gpm 77° F rise / 2.4 gpm 65° F rise / 2.9 gpm 55° F rise / 3.4 gpm 45° F rise / 4.3 gpm; Energy Factor : .80; Thermal Efficiency : 80%; Dimensions: H: 25 ¾" W: 16 ¾" D: 8½"; Weight: 33lbs.; Modulating Gas Valve: Yes; Ignition: Hydro-generated (no electricity); Accessories: Power vent for horizontal venting Vertical Vent Kit (H/P VVT); Hydro-powered sparked ignition, no outside power required; New technology generates pilot spark from the flow of water; Like a hydro dam producing electricity, the system ignites the burners when water is flowing without the need for electricity or batteries; Uses no energy when idle; Includes a pressure relief valve; Natural gas, hydro-generated unit; 117,000 BTU/input; 0.82 efficiency rating; 0.78 energy factor

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Camco Mfg 5500W 240V Ripp Element 2963 Water Heater Repair Review

Camco Mfg 5500W 240V Ripp Element 2963 Water Heater Repair
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I use this in an electric kettle for homebrewing. It works great and boils 10+ gallons very easily and vigorously.

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5500W, 240V, Water Heater Screw In Ripple Foldback Element, Ultra Low Watt Density, 50W Per SQIN, Minimum Tank Diameter 15', Gasket Included, Fits Most Models Of American, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Craftmaster, General Electric, GS Wood, Kenmore, Lochinvar, Maytag, Mor-Flo, Reliance, Rheem, Richmond, Ruud, Sears, State, & Whirlpool Heaters, Best When Water Has High Mineral Content, Withstands Dry Firing, Heats In Lime & Sand Build Up That Would Burn Out Ordinary Elements, Highest Grade Nickel & Chromium Incoloy, UL Listed.

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4/28/2011

Bosch 1600P LP AquaStar 4.3 GPM Indoor Tankless Liquid Propane Water Heater Review

Bosch 1600P LP AquaStar 4.3 GPM Indoor Tankless Liquid Propane Water Heater
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I live in a city apt., and must provide my own hot water. I replaced a 30 gal. tank with the HX (hydro pilot) model. It took some getting use to, it would shut down if I added too much cold to cool off the hot water. 2 1/2 yrs after installation, it doesn't always want to light. I have to run the hot water for 3 - 5 seconds, turn it off and turn it on again. Most always this works, but its an agravation. Bosch won't help, as I admitted I installed it in my bathroom, which voids the warranty, and Bosch won't give any technical advice for this other problem as a result. I installed a large vent in the lower half of the bathroom door, and have had no air intake problems. I am on the top floor and was able to vent out to the roof rather easily. I also have a CM detector/alarm in the bathroom near the unit which registers neglible amounts of CM.
"The place where you install the heater must have enough ventilation. The National Fire Codes do not allow gas fired water heater installation in bathrooms, bedrooms or any occupied rooms normally kept closed." from the installation manual, obtainable on the web. This is fine, and ample warning if you get a copy of the installation manual before you purchase the unit. The claim that hot water is instantaneous is not true. It actually takes longer than a heater with a tank, which has hot water standing by. The tankless takes cold water, and starts heating it a bit after the water starts to flow, but does come up to temperature pretty rapidly. In Europe (and foreign films) you see these right above the sink in the kitchen for a good reason. My kitchen is some 45 feet away from the bathroom, so it takes a little bit to get hot water, compounded by the fact that I have to turn the water on and off to fire up the unit.
"Water Valve (Part # 8707002649): The water valve on this heater should be serviced periodically. Lubricate component 36 on page 16 with a small amount of silicon, faucet or lithium grease every two years to keep its o rings fresh and pushrod sliding smoothly. Every 3-5 years replace component 36 on page 16."
Installation manual.
Unless you are technically proficient (able to install the unit your self) you will have to hire a plumber to do this. This makes the unit more expensive to maintain than a tank unit, perhaps eating up whatever savings you might realize not keeping a tank hot 24/7.
So, unless you have extra indoor space to stick this thing, are prepared for the maintenence routine, hopefully it will last twice as long as a tank model (20 yrs vs. 10 years) and will save on the purchase/installation after the first 10 years.
Savings: It's very difficult to compare energy usage between the tank/tankless models. I couldn't find any useful charts, etc to make a reasoned comparison. Perhaps if I was an engineer of some sort. I did have to replace my 12 yr old tank model, and liked the idea of not having to turn it down when I went away, etc. Also, the longevity of the unit is attractive, as well as the hydro (125HX) pilot is cool.

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Bosch, 1 Major Appliance Or Shower At A Time, Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, 117,000 BTU Input Delivers 3.3 Gallons Per Minute At A 55 Degree Fahrenheit Rise, Drives Standing Pilot, 1/2 Gallon Flow To Activate Burners, Vertical Venting Only, Must Use 5" Double Wall B Vent Pipe, Modulating Gas Valve From 28,000 To 117,000 BTU's For Optimal Performance, 1/2" Male Nominal Pipe Thread Gas & Water Connections, Natural Gas Pressure, Minimum 7" Water Column To Maximum 14" Water Column, Water Pressure Minimum 18 PSI To Maximum 150 PSI, Warranty 12 Years On Heat Exchanger & 2 Years On Parts, No Electrical Needed, CSA Certified.

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4/27/2011

InSinkErator HOT-1 Low-Profile Instant Hot Water Dispenser Review

InSinkErator HOT-1 Low-Profile Instant Hot Water Dispenser
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The black plastic handle broke off after 2 years of use by 2 people.
Also the unit builds up pressure and hisses and steams and shoots out hot water. I was told to turn the temp. down to solve this problem but then the water is not hot enough.

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The InSinkErator low-profile instant hot water dispenser delivers easy-to-adjust temperatures, from a durable fixture that's easy to install. Powered by rugged induction motors and mounted to your sink with tough, stainless steel assemblies, InSinkErator devices are designed for years of trouble-free service. This device can dispense 40 cups per hour at 190 degrees, while including a manually resettable thermal overload protector. Other features include a gooseneck stainless steel spout, black lever handle, thermostat, and one-year in-home warranty.

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Intermatic EH40 240-Volt Electronic Water Heater Timer Review

Intermatic EH40 240-Volt Electronic Water Heater Timer
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Ever take one of those energy self-audits? Mine had high marks for the easy things- insulation, updated windows, weather stripping, etc. But my water heater- I cannot install the 'tankless', because I have no chimney. It has always been electric, but keeping 55 gallons hot all 24 hours is not efficient. So I ordered the Intermatic, and once installed outside the breaker panel, found it to be as easy to operate as a setback thermostat.
You can set it to heat up prior to morning showers, then (on weekdays) turn the power off, and heat up again in time for evening meals, cleaning, etc. Weekends can be an entirely different schedule. There is even a 'shutoff' feature to bypass the schedule while you take vacation. Instructions are clear, and programmed from the front.
I feel this is saving money (and more still when we get Time-of-Day pricing).

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Switches - Timers, Counters & Panel MetersType: Electronic Time SwitchesContact Rating: 30@240VAC

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4/26/2011

Factory-Reconditioned PowerStar AE125-RE Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater Review

Factory-Reconditioned PowerStar AE125-RE Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater
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We bought this water heater for our guest house. After major rewiring and plumbing changes and drywall repair from the rewiring and plumbing, we were finally ready to install. The installation went well and at first it seemed the system was working. However, after a short period of time, the water was not staying hot. It fluctuated in temperature when taking a shower and trying to do dishes in the kitchen sink, it actually went cold. We thought something was wrong so we called CPO (where we bought it) to see about getting this unit replaced, and they referred us to Bosch. After troubleshooting with Bosch on the phone, changing settings, water flow, etc., over a period of a few hours, we were not getting the improvement we had hoped for. To get hot water, the water pressure had to be turned so low that you could not reasonably expect to take a bath...it took forever to fill the tub. We continued to try different settings for a couple of days, but we had guests coming and needed hot water (which we had tried to explain to Bosch) so we went to the big orange store and bought an identical unit for $649. That one worked much better and proved to us that something was wrong with the first unit. Trying to return the unit to CPO, they required an incident number from Bosch. Called Bosch to get an incident number (why didn't we get one in the first place?) and had to call back several times due to long waits on the phone. They will not give an incident number unless they determine the unit is defective. If the board needs to be replaced, they will replace that, but will not give us an incident number to return the unit. So now we have a paper weight that cost $400. CPO will take it back, but not without charging a restocking fee and shipping. Why would we want them to restock this and sell it to someone else? Our only recourse at this time is to get back on the phone with Bosch and try to have them determine whether or not this item is defective. Never mind that they would have us go without hot water the whole time. This has been frustrating and expensive. Also, even though we have one that works, it is not really robust enough for a whole house water heater. Better as a point of service heater, but then you better make sure you have a big enough electrical service in your house to manage everything else you need to use. We have 200 amps, but if we needed two of these units, we'd have to upgrade our service in order to accommodate the huge amount of power these things need up front. Don't buy one of these unless they get the technology more stable.

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This is a factory reconditioned water heater. Reconditioned generally means that the water heater has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the water heater back to like new condition. Some water heaters may contain cosmetic blemishes. Includes AE125 Whole House Electric Tankless Water Heater - AE125-RE

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4/25/2011

Waste King H710-U-SN Coronado Hot Water Faucet with Tank, Satin Nickel Review

Waste King H710-U-SN Coronado Hot Water Faucet with Tank, Satin Nickel
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I bought the satin nickel unit last week and installed it this week. Shipping was a respectable couple of days and everything arrived as described. The unit works very well, operates with zero noise and has not given me any problems to date. I have installed $400 units sold at Home Depot and I would never pay 3 times as much for those units compared to the Quick and Hot. The faucet is sturdy, of a high quality and does not look out of place in high priced kitchen. Great buy at less then $150.
Pros: Faucet is well constructed, multiple finishes available, adjustable temperature dial, 1 year warranty, price
Cons: Water drains back into the unit after use resulting in a 1-2 second delay at each use, the connections are all 1/4" copper tube pressure fittings (will leak if not sealed correctly), saddle tap valve is not included.


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Waste King Coronado Hot Only Water Dispenser and Tank. Satin Nickel finish. Single lever handle: Allows for fast and easy operation. 1/4 turn ceramic disk cartridge: Will provide years of trouble free performance. Solid brass faucet. Fast and easy installation features Quick Connect connection fittings. Energy efficient and inexpensive to maintain. All mounting hardware (included).

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Reliance 9000507-045 Lower Electric Thermostat Review

Reliance 9000507-045 Lower Electric Thermostat
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This was the original replacement part for my Reliance water heater lower thermostat. I replaced both the upper (different part number) and the lower. Now, the water heater is working like new again.

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ELECTRIC LOWER THERMOSTAT THERMOSTAT 240 volt through 440/480 volt Double element Clamshell

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4/24/2011

Bradford White Water Heater Exhaust Blower (117524-00, 110519-00) Fasco # W3 Review

Bradford White Water Heater Exhaust Blower (117524-00, 110519-00) Fasco # W3
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This was a direct replacement for the draft induction blower that failed on my Bradford-White water heater.
Easy to replace...a few screws and an electrical connector.

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Reference: Bradford # 239-39785-00; Fasco # 7021-12180; 117366-00, 117524-00, JB1N070N

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4/23/2011

Rinnai RC98HPi Indoor Natural Gas Condensing Tankless Water Heater, 9.8 GPM Review

Rinnai RC98HPi Indoor Natural Gas Condensing Tankless Water Heater, 9.8 GPM
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After much discussion, research, and general concern about the higher cost of tankless water heaters(at least initially) I purchased this unit. It has to be installed by a plumber that has been certified by Rinnai- or the warranty is voided. But after seeing how it was installed-I would leave it up to the professionals. There is a lot of various discussion about the pro's and con's of tankless systems on the internet-but I for one am very happy with this unit. I think you are only as good as your installer- because improper installation is the root cause of customer issues(according to the master plumber that installed mine). But this is what I am most happy about, 1) the sticker on the unit states that the annual operating expenses are $196, 2) I can actually fill my large corner tub-for the first time. Also Rinnai has a very good warranty, the plumber also pointed out the since these units are compartmentalized, if something does fail, years down the road- you are dealing with replacing a single component-not the whole system. Please do you homework- I not only qualified for the 30% energy credit on the unit, but also am getting a rebate from my state and utility company. Common sense still prevails-since you have unlimited hot water-taking longer showers than you used too, will diminish your savings. Also the plumber installed 2 shut off valves, where once a year, using 2 gallons on vinegar, 2 hoses(like on your washing machine), a bucket, and a inexpensive pump, you will want to cycle the vinegar through the system for approx. 45 minutes to take off the lime scale(hard water deposits). Not really a lot of maintenance required. Also for those with small children there is an optional remote where you can set the temperature for their baths, then easily readjust it for yours. I am not affiliated with Rinnai in anyway ,but really do think this unit is a good long-term investment. Also, get several estimates, because there was quite a large price discrepancy on the bids I received. I ended up going with a Silver rated Dealer(by Rinnai)that had the best estimate-and he did a really professional job(Rinnai has dealer locator on their website).

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Rinnai's condensing tankless water heaters deliver more efficiency than ever before. Available in four models, suitable for mid- to large-sized home, Rinnai's condensing tankless water heaters offer all the same benefits builders and homeowners have come to expect from Rinnai.Natural Gas and Propane Models AvailableMeets California and Texas NOx Emissions StandardsEnergy Factor of 0.94 for Both Gas TypesCompatible with Full Line of Rinnai Digital ControllersTemperature Range with Controllers: Residential (98°F - 140°F) Commercial (98°F - 185°F )12-Year Warranty on Heat Exchanger, 5 Year Parts, 1 Year Labor for Residential InstallationsDimensionsWidth: 18.5 InchesHeight: 26.4 InchesDepth: 10.1 InchesWeight71 PoundsInstallationIndoor, Residential and CommercialHot Water Capacity0.4 to 7.6 GPM (50° F rise) and 0.4 to 9.8 GPM (35° F rise)Approved Gas TypesNatural Gas or PropaneMinimum/Maximum Gas Rate (Input BTUs)Natural Gas: 9,500 - 199,000 BTUPropane: 10,300 - 199,000 BTUEnergy FactorNatural Gas: 0.94Propane: 0.94Thermal EfficiencyNatural Gas: 96%Propane: 96%ElectricalAC 120 Volts, 60 HzElectrical ConsumptionNormal: 80 WattsStandby: 2 WattsAnti-Frost Protection: 220 WattsGas ConnectionGas Supply: ¾ Inch MNPTCold Water Inlet: ¾ Inch MNPTHot Water Outlet: ¾ Inch MNPTTemperature SettingsResidential: 98°F - 140°FCommercial: 98°F - 185°F (commercial controller must be purchased separately)

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Rinnai RC80HPi Indoor Natural Gas Condensing Tankless Water Heater, 8.1 GPM Review

Rinnai RC80HPi Indoor Natural Gas Condensing Tankless Water Heater, 8.1 GPM
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This is the second tankless unit I've installed (the first was a Rheem unit bought at HD) and by far the easier of the two to install. The main differences between this and the Rheem - with a condensing unit you need to plumb in a condensing pump. The Rheem unit has an external keypad that has to be wired while the Rinnai's control unit is built into the face. And the most significant is the plastic duct in the Rinnai rather than the stainless steel for the Rheem. This unit conveniently comes with a full-size paper diagram to determine placement of the unit which is a plus. Everything is fairly straight forward - however the installation manual really isn't written for a consumer while the Rheem unit is written with step-by-step instructions that are easier to understand. The Rinnai manual boils down to safety verbiage and a schematic-like diagram. If I hadn't already installed one I think it would have been more difficult to do so, but I already understood the context from the previous install - this pushed my rating downward. This unit is normally installed by Rinnai crews via their system of certified installers - so I'm assuming the manual is written with them in mind rather than a casual consumer - something to keep in mind.
The default thermostat setting will probably be too low for most US residents - I upped it to 120 degrees. Due to some extra piping the hot water takes longer to get to the spigot - the only thing my wife complains about. Otherwise it's hot and continuous, just as advertised. There are only two of us in a 2400 sq ft home with 2 full baths. In the summer my gas bill is around $33 and fairly consistent (most of the bill is made up of the regular monthly minimum charges). After installation my bills went to $27 so having the unit has decreased by gas usage. My previous water heater was a 50 gallon tanked unit that was installed in the mid 90s (so about 15 years old). I replaced it due to leaking. The hardest part of the install was getting through the block wall and really, it wasn't that bad.
One thing to consider is your exhaust pipe run - the units that require stainless steel can make this part of the install quite expensive. Due to the plastic piping that can be used with condensing units, you can save quite a lot of the costs by going this route (more expensive unit but cheaper ducting). If you have a long run from the unit placement to an outside wall,this can be significant.

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* Qualifies For Federal Tax Credit * ENERGY STAR qualified * Up to 95% thermal efficiency * Condensing technology for greater efficiency and significant 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(email for LP availability * Flexible indoor installation options * Meets California and Texas 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

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4/22/2011

InSinkErator W152 Electric Undercounter Water Heater, 2-1/2-Gallon Review

InSinkErator W152 Electric Undercounter Water Heater, 2-1/2-Gallon
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The company shipped the heater quickly, well packaged via UPS. Easy to intall, my wife did it!. We had another one from a different maker that developed a leak after about three years. We have very acid water and I am hopeing the bronze tank in the in-sink-erator heater will last longer. Won't know for at least three years. Unit does the job, lots of hot water at our kitchen sink and dishwasher.

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W152 The electric storage water heater fits almost anywhere -- under a sink or in a cabinet. If you only need hot water at one location, a conventional water heating installation can be quite costly. You need space for a bulky water heater and its required plumbing -- including two long pipe runs for hot and cold water. And you waste money every time you have to run the water until it reaches the desired temperature. An InSinkErator compact water heater is a much better solution. It efficiently heats water at the point-of-use, so there's no wait and no waste. And it can be installed anywhere you have a standard electrical outlet. You'll find that for restrooms, wet bars, food serving areas, offices and service stations -- virtually anywhere hot water is called for -- an InSinkErator compact water heater quickly becomes indispensable. Features: -2-1/2 gallon storage tank -Bronze, long-life storage tank. Nothing to corrode or wear out -Screw-in copper heating element can be easily replaced -Tank is insulated with expanded polystyrene, then jacketed in steel for maximum heat retention, minimum standby heat loss -Super fast recovery rate for better service -Drain provided for easy maintenance -Easy to install. Fits almost anywhere -- under sinks,in cabinets, etc -Adjustable temperature range of 110to 170F -Operates on ordinary house current (110-120 volts) -Comes with 3 1/2 foot cord and grounded plug -Tank Construction: Bronze -Tank Volume: W-152: 2 1/2 U.S. gallons; W-154: 4 U.S. gallons -Voltage: 120 v -Heating Capacity: 1500 watts -Element Type: Replaceable cartridge type -Temperature Range: 110-170F -Operating Pressure: 150 psi (max) -Thermostat Type: Resetable -First Hour Rating (80 F RISE): W-152: 8.6 gal.; W-154: 10.4 gal -Water Connections: 1/2'' NPT female -Pressure Relief Connection: 3/4'' NPT female -Overall Dimensions:: 13.5'' H x 10.4'' D x 10.7'' WProduct Specs Manual

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4/21/2011

TEKTON by MIT 1828 Drive by 1-1/2-Inch Water Heater Socket, 1/2-Inch Review

TEKTON by MIT 1828 Drive by 1-1/2-Inch Water Heater Socket, 1/2-Inch
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For years I have been borrowing my Dad's old fashion thin metal socket that is used with a screw driver to turn it. I usually ended up cutting my hand when it slipped and took 30 minutes to get the thing removed since there was no way to get torque.
I never saw one of these REAL sockets made just for this project in the store but saw them on here and decided to give it a try. I turned off the water heater breaker, drained the unit and then attached this heavy duty socket to my socket wrench. Well the old saying " The right tool for the right job" not only held true, but now my Dad wants to borrow this from me. I had the water heater element removed in less than 30 seconds, not 30 minutes like the old one. ( came out like butter out of tub, in other words with ease )
1000% recommend this item, it truly paid for itself the first use and it is very sturdy. I can't see it ever breaking, it is heavy duty and expect it to last forever.

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MIT 1/2"-DRIVE X 1-1/2"-WATER HEATER SOCKET features: Drop Forged Chrome Vanadium Steel, Heat-Treated and Chrome Plated, Notches in Socket Lock onto Ratchets or Extensions, Special Size Needed to Replace Heating Elements in Most Electric Water Heaters, Do-It-Yourself and Save on Costly Professional Repairs

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Factory-Reconditioned AquaStar 1600H-NG-RE (Hydro) Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Review

Factory-Reconditioned AquaStar 1600H-NG-RE (Hydro) Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
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I selected the Bosch Aquastar 1600H for several reasons. It was the correct size for my 3 bed 1 bath ranch home where all of the plumbing is centrally located. I liked the fact that there was no standing pilot light OR plug for an igniter on the system. But the biggest selling point was that it used standard 4" Class B vent pipe for the flue. Most of the tankless water heaters that cost $900 to $2000 stab you in the pocket book again by using 3" stainless steel flue pipe that costs a fortune. In fact, a lot of them have optional kits that start around $300 for the basic pieces with you needing to buy additional pieces just to install you heater.
Now, the negative. First off, understand that I am a contractor by profession and that while installing this water heater was pretty straight forward; diagnosing issues with it is a whole different ball of wax. This was the first time that I had ever installed a tankless water heater and I was putting it in my own home. After changing my plumbing lines around, switching out the black pipe to ¾" for the gas line, running a new flue and hooking everything up, I was having problems getting it to function correctly. More specifically, the heater would not heat the water to a desired temperature and if the furnace or the stove/oven was running, the temperature would drop even more. After checking the manual and getting online to find out how to make a manometer ([...]), I found that the natural gas pressure was set incorrectly for my house. It was measuring around 5 WC (inches water column) and while it didn't really come out and say it, I found that this heater works best on at least 6 ½ WC. While the pressure was fine for my stove, the furnace and my old water heater, it just wasn't enough for this new water heater. The manual says to have the gas company come out to test and adjust the pressure, however, I just did it myself and set it to 7 ¼ WC. I will say that while this heater saves natural gas by not constantly heating the water in a tank, it does use A LOT more to heat your water when it is in demand. Another thing I found out, if installing this water heater in a climate where the temperature can drop below freezing, MAKE SURE that you install it in an area where there is good air flow with a decent ambient temperature. The reason being is that tankless water heaters like this Bosch Aquastar work on a capillary system to heat the water. If cold air comes down the flue, it can freeze the water in the heat exchanger and bust the pipes within it or just not function as your water line for your hot water will not flow.
However, after that, I will say that I have continuously enjoyed an endless supply of hot water. With two teenagers in the house, I can tell you that it used to be frustrating to have to wait an hour to take a shower if they had used the shower beforehand. This is the reason that I went with a tankless water heater to begin with. I also am happy to report that my gas bill was and has continued to be cut in HALF. I have been using this system for 7 months now and I can't wait to see my bills for the winter.


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This is a factory reconditioned water heater. Reconditioned generally means that the water heater has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the water heater back to like new condition. Some water heaters may contain cosmetic blemishes. Includes 1600H (Hydro) Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater - 1600H-NG-RE

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4/20/2011

Thermwell Products Wtr Heater Blanket Sp57-11C Water Heater Accessories Review

Thermwell Products Wtr Heater Blanket Sp57-11C Water Heater Accessories
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I got this product through Amazon because my local Home Depots don't sell them here in Austin. The product is just as described, it's basically fiberglass insulation with vinyl on either side. It is NOT sealed together, the way a down blanket is, it's more of a loose sandwich. It's easy to cut with sharp scissors, and you'll need to cut no matter what size water heater you have. Couple of things to note:
- I chose this model because it had the highest R-value (R10) in the description of any blanket/jacket I'd seen. The R-value was mysteriously missing from the product packaging, so now I doubt it was that high. You'd think they would capitalize on being 30% more efficient than the next model..
- I thought, since there is no warning to the contrary, that this was the kind of fiberglass you can handle with your bare hands without getting itchy. It's not, so wear gloves
For the money, I say get one, it can't hurt. Even though my water heater was cool to the touch while on, I can tell it's getting toasty under the blanket.


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Frost King, 3' x 48' x 75' Vinyl Faced Fiberglass Water Heater Insulation Blanket, R Value 10.0, Fits Up To 60 Gallon Tank, Plastic Tape, For Gas, Oil Or Electric Water Heaters.

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4/19/2011

Watts 500800 Premier Hot Water Recirculation Pump, Blue Review

Watts 500800 Premier Hot Water Recirculation Pump, Blue
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I don't know why few stores carry this and few people are aware of this great product, including those sales persons in home improvement stores. It gives instant warm water to all the rooms in your house, it saves 10,000 gallons water a year (really, I measured and calculated) and it is so easy to install.
Doubt about if it really works? Try this: go to the farthest faucet in your house and open the hot water. Once the water becomes hot, close it, but not fully, leaving a very small stream. Now go to other faucets and open hot water, you bet, instant hot water! It'll keep this way as long as you keep that small stream flowing.
The problem is that small stream goes wasted. How about recycle it into the hot water heater? Sure, but how? The hot and cold water lines have the same pressure, therefore water cannot go from the hot line into the cold line. What if I add a pump into the hot line? Exactly, that's what this Watts product does. Problem solved.
For a practical and fine product, Watts also add a temperature sensor, so the recirculation only happens when the hot line becomes not so warm. This, plus the stream is really small, adds very small extra energy cost to the heater.
The pump is very small, only 25 watts, using less electricity than a lighting bulb. There is also a 24-hr timer (in 15-minutes increments), allowing you to shut the entire system off during the periods when you do not use warm water, such as sleep and work times. This reduces even further the already very small added energy cost. BTW, the pump is thoroughly quiet, no audible noise at all.
An alternative product is the Laing Autocirc. It is a single piece can all be installed under a sink, could be a better choice for some people. The downside is you need (to add) a AC socket there to power the pump. The upside is the pump does not operate continuously like the Watts; it is controlled by the temperature sensor and thus turns on only when water becomes not so warm. Might save some more Watts than the Watts. Both are available in Home Depot stores.
I cannot think of a single reason not to install such a system into any house. Instant hot water without any side effect or significantly added extra energy cost and saving tons of water each and every year. I wish I have done this long ago and this product will be more widely spread.
PS, a tip: before you start the installation, go to Rite Aid or alike store and buy a pack of Hose Washers for $0.99 (e.g. Plumb Craft by Waxman, 74-114, 6 pieces). After you unplugged the hose from the heater and before you plug it to the pump, you should remove the old washer and use 1 or, if the old one is very thick, 2 of the new washers (I had to use 2). The old washer was usually hardened by the high temperature; if you don't replace it, it will leak water. The menu does not mention this, so I learned this the hard way. BTW, hey Watts: for a $200 product, such washers should have been included.

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Whole House Hot Water Recirculating Pump, Recirculating Pump Mounts To The Hot Water Outlet On The Water Heater & The Sensor Valve Mounts Under The Furthest Lavatory In The House Run, Turns Plumbing Into A Re-Circulating Loop, Every Faucet Will Have Hot Water Instantly, On/Off Timer On Pump Activates The Pump When You Need Hot Water, Saves Over 10,000 Gallons A Year In Wasted Water, 120V Pump Motor With 10' Grounded Plug, Easy To Install.

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