Bosch Tankless Approval Codes/National Listings

All Bosch Gas Tankless Water Heaters are Compliant with ASHRAE 90.1 and are CSA design certified.

All Bosch Electric Tankless Water Heaters and Electric Mini-tanks are UL and cUL approved.

Please visit:  www.bosch-climate.us for all other codes and cerifications.

Replacing Legacy Bosch Tankless Heaters

We have just started getting some calls from customers who are looking to replace some of the original Commercial Bosch Tankless Water Heaters that were introduced into the market 20 years ago.

If you are looking to replace any of the following Bosch On-Demand Water Heaters, please give us a call at 888.726.9752 so we can help you match your heater up with its current replacement model:

• Bosch WR400-1K (117,000 BTU, Pilot Light)
• Bosch WR400-3K (B) (117,000 BTU, Electronic Ignition)
• Bosch WR400-5K (117,000 BTU, Pilot Light)
• Bosch WR400-7K (117,000 BTU, Hydro Ignition)
• Bosch WR430-3KV (125,000 BTU, Electronic Ignition)
• Bosch WR125-K (125,000 BTU, Pilot Light)

Steve

Keltech Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Keltech Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Electric tankless water heaters are an alternative water heating solution compared to the traditional boiler or tank. In a Keltech tankless water heater, water is quickly heated to temperature as it passes through the copper and brass constructed heater core. Tankless water heaters are also referred to as “on-demand,” “in-line” or “booster” water heaters.

The Keltech Tankless Advantage

1. Precise Temperature Control Keltech water heating solutions can be programmed to meet a specific temperature range. If needed, Keltech can also heat water precisely to within +/- 1 degree for temperature sensitive applications. Keltech safety shower heaters and eyewash heaters quickly reach ANSI compliant tepid water temperatures.
2. Energy EfficientWater is heated only when needed. Unlike a boiler, there is no need to heat water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. That saves money, energy and water.
3. Compact SizeKeltech tankless water heating solutions are modular and take up a fraction of the space compared to a boiler.
4. Built to LastKeltech water heaters feature quality control systems and premium materials like copper and brass to meet the most demanding conditions.

Standard Water Heating Applications
Keltech’s commercial grade tankless water heaters and fluid heating solutions are built for commercial and industrial process heating applications. Keltech heaters are used in applications as varied as:

• Safety shower and emergency eyewash applications
• Large industrial process heating
• Sporadic water heating for laboratories
• Light industrial process heating
• Aircraft hot water delivery systems
• Residential systems
• De-ionized water heating solutions
• Corrosive fluid heating protection systems
• Non-flammable fluid heating applications
• Other on-demand water heating applications
• Bio-diesel vegetable oil heating at 230°F
• Removing residue and oils from machine parts
• Circuit board flux removal
• Legionella prevention
• ANSI compliant safety shower heaters and systems
• ANSI compliant emergency eyewash heaters

Tankless Water Heaters and Water Heating Solutions for Extreme Environments

Freeze ProtectionWater heating solutions can be freeze protected to perform when air temperatures get as cold as -30°F.

Explosion Proof
Keltech also manufactures Class 1 Div 2 explosion proof solutions for highly volatile or flammable areas where water or chemicals must be heated.

NEMA 4x Enclosures
Keltech also produces water heaters that can be sealed in NEMA 4x enclosures to protect the investment from corrosive conditions and hostile environments.

Specialty ApplicationsKeltech also engineers and manufactures custom built tankless water heating solutions that are capable of heating:

• De-ionized Water
• Reverse Osmosis Fluids
• Corrosive Fluids
• Non-Flammable Fluids

Determining Your Water Flow Rate for Tankless Water Heaters

Selecting tankless hot water heaters isn't very difficult. Select one based on the maximum amount of hot water to meet your peak demand.

Selecting Tankless Water Heaters

Selecting tankless hot water heaters isn't very difficult. Select one based on the maximum amount of hot water to meet your peak demand. Use the following assumptions on flow for various appliances to find the size of unit that is right for your purposes: Faucets: 1.0 gallons (3.78 liters) to 2.5 gallons (9.46 liters) per minute.

Low-flow showerheads: 1.0 gallons (3.78 liters) to 2 gallons (7.57 liters) per minute. Older standard shower heads: 2.5 gallons (9.46 liters) to 3.0 gallons (11.36 liters) per minute.

Clothes washers and dishwashers: 1 gallon (3.79 liters) to 2 gallons (7.57 liters) per minute.

Unless you know otherwise, assume that the incoming temperature is 55° F (12.78° C). You will want your water heated to 110° F (43.33° C) for most uses. To determine how much of a temperature rise you need, subtract the incoming temperature from the desired output temperature. In this example, the needed rise is 55° F (12.78° C).

List the number of hot water devices you expect to have open at any one time, and add up their flow rates. This is the desired flow rate for the heater. Selecting a tankless water heater is nearly impossible without knowing the flow rate you need.

As an example, assume the following conditions: One hot faucet open with a flow rate of 1.0 gallons (3.79 liters) per minute. One person bathing using a shower head with a flow rate of 2.5 gallons (9.46 liters) per minute. Add the two flow rates together. If the inlet water temperature is 55° F (12.78° C), the needed flow rate through the heater would need to be no greater than 3.5 gallons (13.25 liters) per minute. Faster flow rates or cooler inlet temperatures will reduce the temperature at the most distant faucet.

Replacements for Bosch Tankless Heat Exchangers

Today we sold and shipped a replacement heat exchanger for a Bosch 125VP tankless water heater.

This customer told me that he loved his Bosch water heater and has had it for -- get this -- 20 years!

He told me that he has maintained it regularly with a descaling solution and that he loves his water heater! We breifly discussed the merits of purchasing a new Bosch tankless water heater, but he told me that he is very happy with the heater he has.

Global Pro Tankless Supply can supply customers with replacement heat exchangers for many of the older model tankless water heaters. Just give us a call and we can get you a quote on any of the following legacy Bosch AquaStar heaters:

Bosch AquaStar 38B
Bosch AquaStar 125B
Bosch AquaStar 125BL
Bosch AquaStar 125BS
Bosch AquaStar 125HX
Bosch AquaStar 125X
Bosch AquaStar 250SX
Bosch AquaStar 250SXO
Bosch AquaStar 240FX
Bosch AquaStar 80VP
Bosch AquaStar 125VP
Bosch AquaStar 170VP

Steve

Installing Un-Sealed Bosch Tankless Water Heaters in Enclosed Occupied Spaces

Installation of un-sealed gas utilization equipment in bedrooms, bathrooms or any occupied rooms with doors normally kept closed is prohibited by standards set forth in the National Fuel Gas Code. These standards conform to all known building codes throughout North America and are included in your product installation manual.

Oxygen deprivation and carbon monoxide poisoning are serious health risks that can result from such installations, due largely to the lack of combustion and ventilation air present in enclosed spaces. Premature appliance failure is also a consequence of lack of combustion and ventilation air. For details pertaining to combustion and ventilation air requirements for your Bosch water heater, please refer to the product installation manual or contact a qualified service agency. Failure to properly install Bosch water heaters voids all warranties, written or implied.

If your un-sealed Bosch tankless water heater is installed in a bathroom, bedroom or enclosed occupied space, you are strongly urged you to have the unit relocated and its installation inspected by a qualified gas service agency.

Bosch 1000P/1600P/1600H Service Bulletins

Bosch has released a series of Technical Service Bulletins for the Bosch 1000P, Bosch 1600P and Bosch 1600H tankless water heaters. These Technical Service Bulletins can be extremely helpful for installers and home owners who are installing the Bosch 1000P, Bosch 1600P and Bosch 1600H gas tankless water heaters.

Some of these Service Bulletins apply only to the Bosch AquaStar 1600H. Many, however, also apply to the Bosch 260PN, 425PN and 425HN tankless water heaters. See the Models listed in the header of each Service Bulletin to determine if the bulletin applies to your specific Bosch water heater.

Bosch 1000P, Bosch 1600P and Bosch 1600H Technical Service Bulletins:

• CT-01 Temperature fluctuation troubleshooting
• CT-03 Checking the draft
• CT-04 Checking gas pressure
• CT-05 Negative air freeze prevention
• CT-07 Lowering temperature
• CT-08 Descaling the heat exchanger
• CT-09 No spark with hot water flow (1600H Only)
• CT-10 Spark, no pilot flame (1600H Only)
• CT-11 Winterizing for seasonal use
• CT-12 Cleaning inlet filter
• CT-13 Removing and cleaning burners
• CT-14 Unlocking regulator
• CT-21 Replacing heat exchanger
• CT-22 Cleaning and replacing pilot assembly
• CT-23 Water valve rebuild
• CT-24 Replacing eco/temperature limiter
• CT-26 Replacing electro valves (1600H Only)
• CT-27 Replacing control box (1600H Only)
• CT-29 Cleaning and Replacing hydro generator (1600H Only)

Steve

Bosch 2400ES/2700ES Service Bulletins

Bosch has released a series of Technical Service Bulletins for the Bosch 2400ES and Bosch 2700ES tankless water heaters. These Technical Service Bulletins can be extremely helpful for installers and home owners who are installing the Bosch AquaStar 2400ES or Bosch AquaStar 2700ES gas tankless water heaters.

Many of these Bosch Service Bulletins also apply to the Bosch Pro 715ES, C800ES, C920ES, C920ESC tankless water heaters. See the Models listed in the header of each Service Bulletin to determine if the bulletin applies to your specific Bosch water heater.

Bosch 2400ES and Bosch 2700ES Technical Service Bulletins:

• G3-03 Measuring Gas Pressure
• G3-05 Checking and replacing temperature sensors
• G3-06 Winterizing and Freeze Prevention
• G3-07 Control Unit Diagnostics
• G3-12 Measuring and adjusting CO2
• G3-13 Descaling the heat exchanger
• G3-14 Installing Wall Thimble On Uneven Surface
• G3-15 Fan speed adjustments
• G3-22 Replacing heat exchanger
• G3-23 Cleaning and replacing ignition group
• G3-24 Replacing the control unit
• G3-26 Removing and Replacing Water valve
• G3-28 Replacing gas valve

Steve

Bosch Outdoor Tankless Water Heater Clearances

Question: The specifications for installing a Bosch outdoor tankless water heater call for a minimum 4' clearance from any doors or windows. Why is this? And, do all manufacturer's have to adhere to this same standard?

Answer: The 4 foot figure is based on code. National Fuel Gas Code says (Section 10.8.2): “A mechanical draft venting system of other than direct vent type shall terminate at least 4 ft below, 4 ft horizontally from, or 1 ft above any door, operable window, or gravity air inlet into any building.”

And, yes, all manufacturer's of outdoor tankless water heaters must adhere to this same National Fuel Gas Code.

Energy Factor vs. Thermal Efficiency for Tankless Water Heaters

Thermal Efficiency only takes into account (essentially) how effectively you're burning fuel or turning fuel into heat. The Energy Factor then also takes into account things such as standby heat losses in a tank. So a tank may sometimes burn fuel efficiently but then lose some of that heat at standby. The Energy Factor is always going to be equal to or less than the efficiency.

The term ‘Energy Factor’ characterizes the efficiency of both tank and tankless water heaters. The Energy Factor is the portion of the energy going into the water heater that gets turned into usable hot water under average conditions. It takes into account heat loss through the walls of the tank, up the flue, and in combustion. The higher the Energy Factor, the more efficient the heater.

Because tankless water heaters don’t have the losses associated with tanks, their Energy Factors are normally higher (although well-insulated, ultra-efficient tank heaters also have high Energy Factors). Energy Factors for gas tankless water heaters range from around 0.69 to 0.84, compared with 0.55 for a conventional tank and 0.86 for an ultra-efficient tank heaters.

Conventional electric tank water heaters have an Energy Factor of about 0.87 compared with 0.91 for an ultra-efficient tank and 0.98 for electric tankless heaters.

NyOil Odorless Mineral Oil for Lubricating & Cleaning

NyOil is an all-purpose crystal clear, odorless highly-refined mineral oil for lubricating, polishing, cleaning and preventing rust. Nyoil stands the test of time. Formulated nearly 100 years ago, it remains the most highly refined oil ever produced and it is a "Green" product.

Nye Oil works great on hand tools and power tools, camping equipment, firearms, fishing reels, knives, hobby trains and planes, roller blades, fitness equipment, bicycles, squeeky door hinges, locks, playground toys, garden tools, appliances, cameras and much more!

For general-purpose lubrication - in the home, office, workshop, garage or out in the field - you'll find thousands of ways to use Nye Lubricating Oil, the lubricant that's proven itself for 100 years.

Features:

• Odorless - No other product on the market can make this claim


• Colorless - non-staining and no unsightly messes


• Will not gum - does not form sludge like other mineral-oil products


• Wide serviceable temperature range - excellent for lubricating machinery that must operate at both high and low temperatures.


• Nyoil resists cold, lubricating to temperatures as low as 25 degress F below 0.


• Nyoil withstands heat, lubricating to temperatures over 220 degress F.


• Non-hazardous - non-toxic, additive-free and environmentally friendly lubricant


• Includes snap-on cap to prevent dripping. 4 oz bottle

Steve

Ariston Replacement Parts

[UPDATED 12/14/2018]

GlobalTowne.com sells user replaceable spare parts for the Ariston Line of mini-tank electric water heaters. Be sure to buy the correct parts -- one set of parts works for the Ariston GL2.5 and GL4 models while another set of parts works for the Ariston GL6+ model.

For the Ariston GL2.5 and Ariston GL4 electric mini-tank water heaters we sell the replacement for the sacrificial Anode Rod (#574305). This part can be used for the Ariston GL2.5, Ariston GL4, Airston GL2.5Ti, and Ariston GL4Ti mini-tank water heaters as well as for the now obsolete Ariston models P10S and P15S.

For the Ariston GL6+ electric mini-tank water heater we sell the replacement for the sacrificial Anode Rod (#570241). This slightly longer part can also be used for the Bosch Pro Ariston GL8Ti mini-tank water heater.

We also sell the Ariston GLKIT which contains the sacrificial anode rod for the Ariston GL2.5/GL4 Series (#574305) as well as the heating element (#994103) and the GL gasket (#994147). The Ariston GL Kit can be used for the Ariston GL2.5, Ariston GL4, Ariston GL2.5Ti, and Ariston GL4Ti mini-tank water heaters.




We also sell the Ariston GL6+ KIT which contains the sacrificial anode rod for the Ariston GL6 Plus Series (#570241) as well as the heating element (#994104) and the GL gasket (#994147). The Ariston GL6+ Kit can be used for the Ariston GL6+, Ariston GL4 and Ariston Pro GL8Ti mini-tank water heaters.

The replacement Thermostat #65105602 can be used for the Ariston GL2.5/GL4 and also the older Ariston models P10S/P15S.  Old part number was 994062.

[UPDATED 12/14/2018]

The Ariston GL2.5/GL4 Thermostat #65105602 has been discontinued. However, Bosch has just released a Bosch Ariston GL2.5/GL4 Thermostat Retrofit Kit #7738006446 that comes with new plastic face pieces, heating element, anode rod, gasket and bolts and thermostat that will turn the older GL6 Plus into a new Bosch Tronic 3000T ES8. See our updated blog entry.

The replacement Thermostat #65150322 is for the Ariston GL6+.  Old part number was 994102.

[UPDATED 12/14/2018]

The Ariston GL6 Plus Thermostat #65150322 has been discontinued. However, Bosch has just released a Bosch Ariston GL6+ Thermostat Retrofit Kit #7738006447 that comes with new plastic face pieces, heating element, anode rod, gasket and bolts and thermostat that will turn the older GL6 Plus into a new Bosch Tronic 3000T ES8. See our updated blog entry.

Lastly, there is a kit called the ARKIT that contains the anode, gasket and element for the older Ariston models P10S and P15S. Call us at 888.726.9752 to order the ARKIT for these older Ariston Models.

Steve

Indoor 2700ES/2400ES Installations with Outdoor Piping

The Bosch 2700ES and Bosch 2400ES tankless water heaters can be installed indoors and vented out the side-wall using the AQ3ES Vent Kit or up through the roof using the ES VVT Vent Kit.

These two high efficiency Bosch Tankless Water Heaters can also be installed outdoors using the AQOK Vent Kit.

One question we often get asked by customers who want to vent out through the side wall is whether or not they can use additional 3" stainless steel venting parts on the outside of their homes. Most often these customers want to vent out the side wall and then use a 3" 90 degree elbow to then add vertical vent pipe to bring the venting termination point higher up the side of their home.

Gas codes do not allow vent pipe to run along the outside of the house in cold climates due to condensation problems and interference with draft. The heaters are designed for sidewall termination only (not sidewall penetration with vent continuing outside).

The likely outcome of installing in cold climates with additional outdoor piping will be significant condensation leading to heater damage, particularly to the gas valve. Theoretically, adding extra condensate drains would help reduce the chances for this type of damage, but Bosch does not recommend rigging up extra drains for what would be an improper install in the first place.

You may consider building an insulated exterior chase to run vertical vent pipe through. Consult your local Gas Code to see if this is allowed. When heaters are not installed according to Gas Codes then they are generally not covered by a warranty.

Here is the proper way to exhaust the Bosch AquaStar 2700ES or 2400ES tankless water heaters:



The following diagram shows both the exhaust and intake air (combustion air):



Steve

Mini-Tank Heating ~ Ariston GL2.5, GL4, GL6+

The Ariston mini tanks, GL2.5, GL4 and GL 6 are just that, tank water heaters.

They do not heat up water as the water flow through the heater, that would be a TANKLESS or inline water heater. We do get calls asking if the mini tanks can be used for showers or inline applications, they usually cannot be.

One question is how long does it take to recharge these heaters. the formula for heating water is :

kw/h=weight x change in temperature x specific heat/3413 (btu's / kw).

To figure weight, use 8.3 pounds per gallon. Most ground water is about 55 - 60 degrees, and the desired temperature is usually about 122. Our change is temperature is about 70 degrees. The specific heat or water is 1.

So the kw required to heat 2.5 gallons to 122 degrees in one hour would be 425 watts or .425 kw.

Since the GL2.5 ( and GL4 and GL 6) utilizes a 1500 watt element, it would take about 22 minutes to heat the mini-tank to you 122 degrees F.

We can also figure out the GL4 and GL6 using the same formula.

The GL4 would take about 35 minutes to heat up to 122 degrees F.

The GL6 would take about an hour to heat up to 122 degrees F.

If the inlet water temperature is 70 degrees the times to heat up the tanks are:

Ariston GL2.5 = 15 minutes

Ariston GL4 = 20 minutes

Ariston GL6+ = 30 minutes

All figures are rounded and approximate and the heating elements can be +/- 7% in wattage in the actual tanks as well as voltage fluctuations can affect heat up times.

The ARISTON mini-tanks are best suited for sinks for hand washing and also can be used to provide "instant" hot water water to a shower while waiting for the hot water to arrive from the main hot water source like a tankless heater located in a basement.

Visit us at  http://www.globaltowne.com/.

ENERGY STAR Rating for Tankless Water Heaters

By heating water only when it's needed, ENERGY STAR qualified gas tankless water heaters cut water heating expenses by 30%, while also providing continuous hot water delivery. Gas tankless models are a great choice for new construction and major remodeling, but are also popular as a replacement for gas storage water heaters.

Save Money and More with ENERGY STAR Qualified Whole-Home Gas Tankless Water Heaters

ENERGY STAR qualified gas tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, plus a whole lot more. Consider a qualified tankless water heater for your home and enjoy these benefits:

Save energy and money. You don't use hot water 24-hours a day. Yet a standard tank-type water heater consumes energy round the clock to keep the water in its tank hot. By heating water only when you need it, ENERGY STAR qualified tankless water heaters save the typical family more than $100 per year on gas bills compared to a standard storage model. Larger families can save even more.

Continuous hot water. Tankless water heaters provide a continuous flow of hot water, so there's no need to suffer through a cold shower if you're the last one out of bed. Unlike with a conventional tank-type water heater, the hot water is always there when you need it.

Space-saving design. A qualified tankless model saves you an extra closet's worth of space compared to a tank-type water heater. Gas tankless water heaters are small and wall-mounted, unlike bulky tank-type water heaters. Models designed for outdoor installation free up even more space and add versatility to your basement, garage, or utility room.

Fewer worries. Tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of 20 years, much longer than any conventional tank-type water heater. And with a tankless model, the risk of tank leaks and water damage is a thing of the past.

The Bosch 2700ES-NG (natural gas) and Bosch 2700ES-LP (propane) tankless water heaters are ENERGY STAR rated.

The Bosch 2400ES-NG (natural gas) and Bosch 2400ES-LP (propane) tankless water heaters are ENERGY STAR rated.

Information on this blog entry was pulled from the ENERGY STAR web site maintained by the US Environmental Protection Agency / US Department of Energy.

Bosch TSTAT2 Remote Control for Bosch 2700ES / 2400ES / 2400E / 2400EO

The Bosch TSTAT2 Remote Control for Bosch AquaStar 2700ES / 2400ES / 2400E / 2400EO / 250SX / 250SXO / 635ES Tankless Water heaters gives you the ability to remotely adjust the temperature of your Bosch Tankless Water Heater to a safe and comfortable level.

The TSTAT2 remote is particularly useful if you own a jacuzzi or hot tub that requires a hotter water temperature than you normally desire for regular shower use. Most people who own hot tubs want to fill them at a temperature that is higher than that normally used for comfortable showers. The TSTAT2 remote allows you to remotely raise the temperature when filling a hot tub and then drop the temperature back to a "normal" temperature -- usually between 105 and 112 degrees fahrenheit.

Please note that the electrical control of the Bosch AquaStar 2700ES / 2400ES / 2400E / 2400EO / 250SX / 250SXO / 635ES must be removed and opened in order to install the wireless receiver circuit board to enable the use of the TSTAT2 Wireless Remote Control.

The Bosch 2700ES and Bosch 2400ES tankless water heaters have been redesigned to make the installation of the wireless receiver circuit board much easier.

With the touch of a button, you can ensure an optimized heating output to suit everyone's needs!

Steve

FXHOOD for Bosch 125FX Tankless Water Heater

 The FXHOOOD is required by Bosch whenever a customer installs the Bosch AquaStar 125FX Tankless Water Heater. It is also required for the older 240FX model.

The FX Hood is a horizontal vent terminator with built-in freeze protection for the Bosch AquaStar 125FX and 240FX models as well as the Takagi T-K1 Tankless Water Heater. The FX Hood will prevent cold air from freezing the heat exchanger on the Bosch AquaStar Tankless Water Heaters. The back draft preventer (FX Hood) should be used with all electronic ignition gas tankless water heaters where the outside temperature can fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Bosch FXHOOD is doubled-piped so it can be installed next to combustible materials. The face plate is 12 inches by 12 inches and the pipe is 8 inches in diameter with the inner pipe being 4 inches in diameter.

Steve

Ariston GL6+ Used for a Shower?

A common question we get is whether or not the Ariston GL6+ mini-tank electric water heater can be used for a single shower stall.

Here is our answer:

The GL 6 is a TANK heater and holds about 6 gallons of hot water. A standard shower uses between 2 and 2.5 gpm of water. This will mean that you can get a 2-3 minute shower if the water is kept on.

Also, since it is a tank (albeit a mini-tank), as you start to use the hot water, the tank will be back-filled with ambient temperature water, thus cooling it down. The GL6+ is designed for sinks for hand and dish washing or to be used inline with a tankless water heater to give instant hot water while waiting for the hot water to arrive from the main water source.

We do not think that the Ariston Gl6+ mini-tank will work well for a single stall shower for most people.

Our PowerStar AE12 heater will work for a low flow shower with input water temps of 60 or more. This heater is a 50 amp heater and requires 220/240 volts.

Virgo Water Filtration, Conditioning & Softening Systems

GlobalTowne is the exclusive online reseller of the Virgo Water Systems line of Water Filtration, Water Conditioning & Water Softening systems.

Virgo Water Systems provide whole house, chemical-free water purification systems that filter and condition your water, providing years of maintenance free water that is both clean smelling and pleasant tasting. Virgo Water Systems deliver water that is pure as nature intended.

All Virgo Water Systems feature a Limited Lifetime Warranty and are available in multiple sizes to accommodate any application.

The Virgo Crystal Water Filtration and Conditioning System is our top-of-the-line offering. Its five phase system offers the ultimate in crystal clean water. The Virgo Crystal is maintenance free and chemical free. It comes in a fiberglass tank with a welded stainless steel cover. It is available with 1", 1.25", 1.5" or 2" diameter brass connections.

The Virgo Clear Whole-House, Chemical Free Water Filtration System delivers clean smelling and pleasant tasting water to every room in the house. Its single phase system uses a premium grade acid-washed granular activated carbon filter that is perfect for homes with unpleasant smelling or tasting water. It comes in a fiberglass tank with a welded stainless steel cover. It is available with 1", 1.25", 1.5" or 2" diameter brass connections.

The Virgo Water Softener is designed to help protect plumbing and appliances from hard water damage. It allows you to clean with less soap and reduces spotted dishes and glassware. It includes an 18" x 40" brine tank. Its all resin tanks are covered with a stainless steel welded jacket.

The Virgo Scale Stopper is designed to help protect plumbing and appliances from lime-scale damage. It comes in a fiberglass tank with a welded stainless steel cover. It comes with inlet/outlet with bypass and sweat brass connectors. Its maintenance free design requires no power to operate.

The Virgo Scale Terminator is designed to help protect plumbing and appliances from lime-scale damage. A must for tankless water heaters! The Virgo Scale Terminator is a lower-cost option for the Virgo Scale Stopper. The Virgo Scale Terminator features a Fiberglass tank with plastic NPT inlet/outlet. Its maintenance free design requires no power to operate.

The Virgo Water Systems lineup of Water Filtration, Water Conditioning and Water Softening Systems provides the best way for you to provide clean, good smelling water to your entire family.

Steve

Electric Tankless Heaters

Globaltowne sells Electric Tankless Water Heaters for both whole house and point of use!

Electric tankless heaters seem to cause some confusion in the market place due to their high amperage (current draw) and limited 120 volt heaters.  All tankless heaters are not direct drop in replacements for tank heaters.  Tankless usually require an infrastructure change to accommodate the requirements for tankless heaters.

First off, water is a very difficult material to heat.  It takes twice the amount of heat to heat water than oil and 10 times the amount of heat to heat water over metals.  Tank heaters have smaller amount of heat input than tankless as they use a time factor to get the water up to temperature.  the first time a tank heater is turned on, it can take up to 2-6 hours to get to temperature depending on tank size and heat input and insulation on the tank.  Once installed and turned on the tank is constantly trying to keep the water at temperature.  The formula for knowing how to heat water is:

kilowatts/hour = (mass x temperature change) / 3413 (btu's per KW)

If we look at a standard 50 gallon tank for example, the formula is:

10 = (415 x 80)/3413

10 kw will heat the tank in 1 hour.

Now, 10 kw requires 41 amps running on 240 volts.

Common breaker sizes are 30 amps, so a tank heater usually has 6 or 7.5 kw input to stay under the 30 amp breaker size. which will increase the time to heat the tank.

Tankless heaters have to heat the water as it passes through the heater, thus much more heat input is required.  Our whole house heater has a heat input rating of 27 kw.  At this heat input  the heater will raise the temperature 45 degrees at a flow rate of 4.0 gpm.  If the flow rate is reduced to 2.5 gpm the heat rise will be about 65 degrees.  This heater has three 9 kw heating modules and thus each module requires 40 amps to operate.  This means that a total of 120 amps ( 240 volts) is required to operate the heater.  This is significant power requirements. the difference is the time factor has been removed from the tank equation.  

Amps are defined by the wattage divided by the voltage.  Lower amps mean smaller breaker sizes and smaller wire sizes.  This reduces costs and panel sizes.  This is why electrical appliances such as ovens, dryers and water heaters utilize 220-240 volts in lieu of 120 volts (1/2 the amps) for their power requirements.

Will tankless save on electricity?   The answer is Yes.

In electrical terms, a tank heater can use between 60,000 watts to 75,000 watts per day to keep water hot.  Our 27,000 watt heater will use about 27,000 watts per day.  That is a significant reduction.  A tank heater can be on up to 10 hours a day keeping water hot.  A 6kw heater times 10 hours is 60kw or 60,000 watts.  The tankless heater is NOT on except when hot water is called for.  A normal usage for a home is about an hour per day.  Of course, when you are not home, there will be NO usage with a tankless heater.  Most home owners do not turn off their tank water heater and are thus using power even when no one is home.

I use an electric tankless heater and it works great, we have set the temperature at 108 and it is more than hot enough and the showers can be endless.  We did have to install a new panel to handle the breakers and increased amperes required.  

In summary, it is simple physics as to why a tankless heater has such large KW and amp requirements, water is just difficult to heat and it needs a "muscle car' to do it with an on-demand or tankless heater.  Save money and install an electric tankless heater.